Dimension Heroes

    Up in the trees, gentle spider legs pushed down on the snow covered branches. Airachnid looked down, optics focused on the blue femme. A bit of snow fell, brushing Arcee's shoulder. She moved her helm, firing at the spider. Airachnid leaped about, shooting webs that bonded with the snow. The other Autobots looked back at their smallest member. Right as Wildrider fired at Bulkhead. The two undead mechs tore the Autobots away from the two dueling femmes.

    Arcee chased after the spider, blasters out and tearing through branches. Wood and snow fell, crushed unver the blue femme's feet. Up above, Airachnid fired her own energy blasts. Other claws gripped onto the falling materials) “I wished you stayed in that pod!” Arcee snarled. “Two blue targets, not enough time to deal with both.” Airachnid mused. “Two?” Arcee asked. “Nothing you need to know.” Airachnid whispered. (She leaped from a tree, drilling towards the Autobot. Arcee backed up, watching snow move. Right then, an arm smacked her to a tree. Arcee moved before another leg could drill into her. Blue armor shined in the snow, servos shifted to blasters, shooting the spider. Airachnid danced in the air, twisting to keep attacking.

    Dead End stood on a cliff, overseeing the two femmes and ran. His gun out as he vanished, reappearing and kicking Arcee away) “Airachnid, enough games! Remember your mission!” Dead End hissed. (His gun pointed at the Autobot, who remained in the snow. Airachnid stared before moving closer to the fatalist) “I thought you wouldn't care.” Airachnid hummed. “Breakdown is still our brother.” Dead End growled. (Purple energy emitted from his gun, which he aimed at the spider. A sly smirk came to his lips) “Don't worry Dead End, I know of the deal. It'll be over soon.” Airachnid hummed. (She moved away; tiny holes left in the snow. Dead End looked back at the motorcycle) “You think things are going to go your way Airachnid? It doesn't matter, I'll let my brother deal with you.” Dead End snarled. (He grabbed Arcee and both vanished as the fighting continued.

    Heavy winter winds hit black armor. Motormaster's frame glowed a deep purple. Yellow optics noticed two figures moving towards him. His second oldest brother, with a struggling femme) “Wrong blue you idiot!” Motormaster snapped. (Dead End stepped back, letting Arcee fire shots at the duo. Her armor shifted to a motorcycle and tried to drive off. Dead End stepped back, watching his older brother rush after the Autobot.

    “So, you think this is a good place to start?” Swindle asked. “Yeah, you know most like to come here and try to take the chairs.” Brawl giggled. “You know that's me Brawl. Mechs would like to take what scrap they can get, no matter the price.” Swindle snickered. (The three mechs of Prologue slipped into a storage room while the voices continued)

    “This is great, now we're stuck here.” Daybreak huffed. “I hope Diode and Airstrike haven't gotten their attention.” Skillet added. “I'm sure if nothing happens, then they'll go away.” Slenderwave whispered. (The trio let silence flood the room, their armor tense. Swindle and Brawl still chatting.

    Airstrike and Diode kept running before slipping into a small room. Both heard pounding footsteps behind them before they went quiet. The red jet slouched against a wall. Diode closed a door and locked it) “What a day.” Airstrike said. “Yeah, I was never used to running.” Diode added. “When was the last time you ran?” Airstirke asked. “Who knows, when Skillet and I killed the king of the Rock Lords. Armor was stuck so I couldn't transform.” Diode replied. “Rock Lords? You'll need to tell me more about them.” Airstrike requested. “Sure, they were a weird race, but still viewed our planet as land to conquer.” Diode said. “Was it the first war after Unicron vanished?” Airstrike asked. (The old war vetern nodded) “At least they were sentient rocks, rather than our own species.” Diode stopped. (He came up to a window and saw Vortex and Blast Off tearing more of the place apart)

    “Darn it.” Airstrike growled. “We'd better get out of here before more trouble comes in.” Diode said. “Why run when we can beat them?” Airstrike snarled. “I'm trying to keep us alive.” Diode explained. (The red mech kept his optics focused on the two Combaticons before stomping away. Diode sighed, rubbing his helm) “No matter what I can do, the rage still burns bright in the both of us.” Diode thought. (He followed after the other.

    Further in a hallway, Shadowspawn leaped across fallen stands in an extra storage room. His armor tense while the monster Stompsquatch followed behind. Both looked around; the ninja mech's ears twitched. The pounding of footsteps and whispers of voices, yet faint) “More prey.” Shadowspawn smirked. (He ran ahead as Stompsquatch ran after him) “Hey! Don't forget me!” Stompsquatch yelled.

    (Slenderwave looked up, armor relaxing) “Great, we're not alone.” Slenderwave said. “Who else is here?” Daybreak asked. “Stompsquatch yelling.” Slenderwave answered. “Atroticons, what we wanted right now.” Daybreak groaned. “Remain silent; for we also have the Combaticons to deal with.” Skillet chimed. (Slenderwave came up to a wall and nodded) “Chatting over profits when they'll get the Enigma.” Slenderwave groaned.

    (The two combat members kept walking. Swindle kicked down a chair) “Nothing! I swore we heard noises. Oh well, must've been my imagination in this empty city!” Swindle ranted. “I know, its been too long since we killed anyone.” Brawl replied. “Lets see if the others are lucky.” Swindle said. (He and the tank walked up the steps towards the exit. Silence returned into the room.

    Skillet opened the door, finding everything barren again. He began to run, the duo following until Daybreak stopped. The blue Seeker noticed something past the trophies. Something was there waiting for them. His armor tensed, getting closer towards this mysterious object. It shined, a flickering flame for a moth to come close to. He didn't notice the lime green.

    The stands dragged across the ground. Skillet grabbed onto Slender as they turned. Daybreak got tangled up in the steel) “Run!” Daybreak screamed. (Construction vehicles broke through the walls, transforming into the Decepticon team. Each member got out their weapons, shooting upon the injured three. Slenderwave rose a barrier of sound, absorbing the blasts. Skillet broke through the tangled steel while under the barrier. Bonecrusher gripped his drill, tunneling underneath the stadium's field. The orange music mech looked down right as the Constructicon attacked him. Slenderwave's force field stopped, leaving him to crash into the ground. He got up, glaring at the other and shooting out a concentrated sound blast.

    Skillet ripped out Daybreak before Hook could hack the Seeker in two. The larger war mech kicked the medic away, his back shooting at Long Haul while the others fired. Daybreak's gun came to life as he fired towards Scavenger's excavating claw. It moved back, hitting Scrapper. The leader glared at his brother) “Watch where you aim that!” Scrapper yelled “Oh sorry! I forgot you were there.” Scavenger lied. “Shut it and fight!” Scrapper declared. “I'm ready to mix mix mix!” Mixmaster laughed.

    (He transformed, firing out globs of green towards the trio, catching them. The green armored mechs came closer, till a cluster shot from an above angle knocked them away. Hook looked towards the glass stands, finding Diode and Airstrike gripping their guns) “Think you can snipe us down and win? Too bad!” Hook said. (He grabbed onto his alt mode's hook, throwing it towards the glass stands. It spun, grabbing onto a beam and Long Haul grabbed his brother, both pulling and tearing it off with ease.

    Airstrike grabbed Diode, shoving through more glass and transformed. The red mech threw the aged mech towards the Constructicons. Diode crashed into Hook, ramming his cannon at Mixmaster's chest. Both Constructicons hit the ground; Skillet glared at Scrapper, who threw him at a wall.

    Slenderwave's played loud, jabbing his fists at Bonecrusher. The Constructicon smirked, jabbing at the music mech before noticing a shadow. Airstrike crashed right into the mech, keeping him pinned. Scavenger's armor tensed, but he transformed. His claw began to scrape at Airstrike's alt mode. Daybreak stood up, aiming towards Scavenger as he began to pull.

    Scrapper turned his helm from Skillet. Seeing the Seeker's intentions and roundhouse kicking the leader of Prologue. He transformed towards Daybreak, ramming into the Seeker and grabbed one of his wings. Sword gleamed right as it severed one of Daybreak's wings. Soon the other came off under extreme pressure. Daybreak fell to the ground, Scrapper's sword aimed at his chest) “It's clear you don't have the Enigma, Constructicons! Time to clear out this trash heap as Devastator!” Scrapper yelled. (The wounded Seeker froze, watching as the other Constructicons trampled over his teammates. Scavenger ripped Airstrike away from his position. Bonecrusher driving past the air mech and towards the rest of his brothers.

    The blue Seeker reached the top, finding himself on a platform with thick railings. He looked around the interior of the main section of the structure. Empty seats all across the bottom, the ground below for players remained stable. The others came up, all stared at where they were. Airstrike came close to a flagpole that had thick lights deactivated. “What events did this stadium host?” Airstrike asked. “Races, this place got a lot of attention for hosting a controversial event.” Daybreak explained. “What event and why?” Skillet asked. “Seeker races, they used to be popular, till mechs in them attacked the crowds or property. It was difficult to tell who had weapons or not.” Daybreak answered. “Did you used to go to the races?” Slenderwave asked. “Yep, documented them, most focused on one mech who I used to know.” Daybreak sighed. “Who was this fellow?” Diode asked. (The Seeker leaned back on the railings, flipping through images till showing one to the group.

    In the photo were seven mechs, three fliers and four grounders. Two bulky grounder mechs with thick tires. Next to them were two other grounders, one looking like from Iacon and another with a love of music. A purple Seeker was above the fancy mech. On the other side were two others. Both fliers, a tall blue one, and a short black armored one. A smile came to Daybreak's face) “Day?” Slenderwave asked. “I remember the good days with them.” Daybreak replied. “What're these guys names?” Diode asked. “The two bulky grounders are Smokestack and Hoss, their brothers. The Seeker is Thruster, he was the fastest mech in Vos!” Daybreak grinned. “How about those two fliers? Did they come from Furglace?” Skillet asked. “Oxidation and Starclash? Yes; Oxi had a short temper, not good considering Starclash is much taller and can taunt him. Those two would always compete against each other.” Daybreak sighed. (His wings drooped as Slenderwave looked at the screen) “And who are the last two?” Slenderwave asked. “The music one is Pressure Bar and the other was Deadline. I took this photo during the war. They were my good friends in the mess. Thruster helped when Starscream thought about executing me.” Daybreak explained. “What happened to them?” Diode asked. “I don't know, it all happened so fast.” Daybreak paused. (He got out his camera, flipping through the images till stopping on a video. The group huddled together; seeing the interior of a Decepticon base. Daybreak started it, the camera shaking as a mech came in. One more bulky and having weapons on his shoulders)

    “Stay in your quarters! Don't try to escape when you can hide in here!” The mech yelled. (He slammed the door shut, leaving Daybreak to adjust his camera and keep recording. The mech turned the camera towards his face) “What's going on now? I hope it isn't the Autobots coming towards us.” Daybreak paused. (There was a loud roar, one sounding like seven mechs screaming before the camera stopped)

    “So, when did this happen?” Slenderwave asked. “It was a few days after my friends went missing.” Daybreak answered. “Day, show me that image again.” Airstrike requested. (The Seeker nodded, returning to the group photo. Airstrike pointed at the green mech) “Deadline?” Diode asked. “I saw him when I was recovering from my long stasis.” Airstrike sighed. “Anything else about that?” Slenderwave asked. “Yeah, I woke up inside of Shockwave's lab. I saw him staring at me, he was afraid. Before I could try to talk, two mechs attacked and dragged him off.” Airstrike answered. “Did you hear any noises?” Daybreak asked. “The ground shook, the same roar, before the capsule I was in closed off and moved to a safer location.” Airstrike answered. “It couldn't be.” Daybreak paused. “We can talk about the past another time, for now, its best we look for the Enigma.” Slenderwave spoke. (Daybreak nodded, not noticing the reflection of a figure above them. Blue and purple, focused on the green and white grounder) “Deadline...” The femme whispered.

    (The group split to different stairways. Skillet, Daybreak, and Slenderwave went down. Airstrike and Diode took the steps going up towards the food court. On ground level the two grounders and Seeker stepped onto the large seats) “This place, its not too bad compared to the rest of the city.” Slenderwave stated. “Getting anything?” Skillet asked. “No, the tablet isn't helping us here.” Daybreak frowned. “If I do remember, the trophies are further in this room.” Skillet said. (The three kept walking, going towards the race track. A figure in the darkness hid, staring at the soft blue armored Seeker.

    The two bulky members of the team arrived to a food court. Chairs and tables placed down, looking more like closed hours. Airstrike walked past a few chairs, seeing some images of the history of the building) “Wished we could've been here on brighter days.” Airstrike sighed. “When we find the Enigma, those days will come sooner.” Diode spoke. (He came up to an image, then getting out his gun) “Huh?” Airstrike asked. “Never expected to see you two here, right Stompsquatch and Shadowspawn?” Diode huffed. (Airstrike turned, finding two mechs. One of a strange creature, the other a bulky wolf. Both transformed, getting out their weapons)

    “How nice to lead us to a potential path to the Enigma!” Shadowspawn grinned. “Yeah, if we don't find it, we'll still enjoy tearing you to pieces!” Stompsquatch laughed. “I'll enjoy tearing you apart.” Airstrike growled. “Don't let your rage get to you.” Diode soothed. (Both fired upon the duo.

    Stompsquatch rolled behind a few tables as they flew up. Shadowspawn stepped onto a few before diving down at Airstrike. The large red mech growled, throwing the ninja wolf off him. Diode transformed and fired a few blasts at the blue mech. Stompsquatch threw a table at Diode, the metal breaking apart upon the blast. He transformed into a short beast, claws and teeth ready as a motor blast fired from the cannon on his back. Diode drove away when the blast destroyed a former restaurant.

    The blue beast stomped over to the tank, lifting up Diode and throwing him towards white and red armor. Airstrike shoved the ninja wolf away, letting the former general crush the Atroticon. Stompsquatch stared; Diode transformed and threw the wolf back at the other member) “Want some more?!” Airstrike yelled. “No, we go back to the others!” Diode ordered. (The war mech paused, glaring at his teammate before giving off a faint nod. Both bolted towards a different way out. Stompsquatch came up to his comrade) “We must go after them!” Shadowspawn snarled. (The monsterbot nodded and the two followed.

    (The three came closer to the city) “Unity, the city that began this whole mess.” Airstrike grumbled. “It could hold some clues on where to go next.” Skillet mused. “Oh no.” Slenderwave paused. “What?” Airstrike asked. “Another group is on the road with us!” Slenderwave declared. (He reflected his mirrors, showing a black armored truck alongside cars) “Stunticons.” Airstrike groaned. “Their faster than us.” Slenderwave replied. “Then we have one choice.” Skillet sighed. (He transformed, turning while Slenderwave and Airstrike stopped. They watched as the Stunticons came closer.

    Motormaster transformed, glaring at Skillet) “So, you decide to come to our turf.” Motormaster snarled. “We didn't come here to cause any trouble.” Skillet replied. “You must have the tablet that leads to the Enigma!” Motormaster growled. “None of us know nor can we assure it.” Skillet said. (The other Stunticons transformed, surrounding the three) “None of you look all that interesting.” Drag Strip said. “Surrender, their's five of us and three of you.” Wildrider grinned. “We'll all end up dead before the Enigma's found.” Dead End sighed. “How about that? When we win, you give us your tablet and get buried in a shallow grave.” Motormaster smirked. “Don't make assumptions when you know nothing of your opponents.” Airstrike warned. “Right, Stunticons, get cracking!” Motormaster ordered.

    (The mechs got out their guns and began firing at the mechs. Parts of Slenderwave's armor opened up to reveal discs emanating a loud sound. The blasts discharged from the noises. Airstrike got out his displacement blaster, firing at Wildrider as the blast split. Hitting the other members. Skillet watched as Motormaster ran up to him with his sword. The green mech got out his large frying pan and clashing against his weapon. The Stunticons kept fighting, Airstrike huffed before letting missiles come from his sides. They crashed into Breakdown, who fired a barrage of EMP missiles. Slenderwave froze as the pulse hit his armor, stopping the music.

    Daybreak zoomed his camera ahead on the road. He noticed the violence and tapped onto Diode's armor) “Their getting attacked!” Daybreak declared. “On it.” Diode said. (He moved faster, the Seeker putting his camera away. There was a faint rumble in the ground. The Seeker turned his helm) “Oh no.” Daybreak gasped. (Six different vehicles drove and flew past the duo, heading for the battle) “Must've been Autobots.” Diode mused. “Coral red and green.” Daybreak added.

    (The fighting mechs turned their helms. They saw the Torch Bearers rushing towards them. The three members rushed past the Stunticons. Motormaster fired electricity from his sword towards the fire truck) “Get off our roads!” Motormaster yelled. (The femmes transformed, gripping their weapons while the Stunticons fired back)

   “You must have the map to the Enigma!” Pyra Magna snarled. “If we did, then we won't share it to the likes of you.” Motormaster retorted. “When we get the Enigma and become queen, you will bow to us and never again step close to any ordinary mech or femme.” Pyra Magna said. “We'll have roads all over the place, an endless race to prove we're the champions of the Combiners.” Motormaster said. “Then hand over your tablets before we hurt you.” Skyburst soothed. “When I die.” Dead End sighed. “Then we'll tear it from your cold husks Decepticons!” Stormclash yelled. (They began to clash.

    Diode drove away from the road, Daybreak's camera out again) “Fighting, more of the same.” Daybreak sighed. (He took a few photos of the two teams) “When you have something that can grant your wishes, everyone will want to abuse it.” Diode said. “I hope we won't go crazy like a victim of the Hate Plague.” Daybreak sighed. “Skillet has a plan, keep your shoulders up, we're almost at Unity.” Diode spoke. (The blue Seeker smiled, returning to taking pictures.

    Soon, the duo arrived to the city. Ruins, more so than any other part of the warzone. Daybeak stepped off his friend's alt mode. Diode transformed, hearing silence) “Better stay quiet, there's no telling what happens here.” Daybreak whispered. (The elder mech nodded, following the Seeker.

    Deeper in the city, parts of rubble clattered. Red armor appeared from nowhere, forming Airstrike. He looked around before raising a servo to let other two come up to him. Slenderwave moved his body, letting the EMP effects die down. They stood inside of an abandoned shop. Skillet subspaced any Energon cubes or packets he could find. Slenderwave leaned close to a window, listening for any noises. Airstrike adjusted his weapon)

    “Could this be where the Enigma is?” Airstrike asked. “I hope so.” Slenderwave replied. “So much Energon abandoned, it'll feed us for a few weeks.” Skillet elated. “I hope Daybreak and Diode made it past those two insane teams.” Airstrike groaned. “Their not stable, almost all teams have lost their processors. Our own people sealed us in this part of Cybertron. Trapped here to let us go insane for an artifact.” Slenderwave sighed. “Unity, this city is where it all began, the truth of the Enigma, left us to tear each other apart.” Airstrike vented. (He slid down on the broken steel, watching Skillet muttering to himself about what to make.

    Further into the ruins, Daybreak kept pressing buttons on his camera. Diode gripped his gun, looking around at the same shapes and status of everything) “Used to be a city, till the corruption of everyone.” Diode sighed. (He rubbed his helm, armor weary from his drive) “Diode, we're not alone.” Daybreak whispered. (The elder green mech came up to him. A noise of tank treads and tires rolled across the roads. Both Seeker and grounder hid behind a fallen building. Sillouettes of the Combaticons moved across the road)

    “I heard voices here.” Brawl spoke. “Your always hearing things.” Swindle chided. “Hey, I'm hoping for another Combiner team to kill!” Brawl yelled. “Which means less competition, more tablets to use and hope that they'll lead us to the Enigma.” Vortex added. “Its been a fruitless strategy, but the sole one we can make without leaving our base of operations.” Onslaught said. “Lets go for the highway, I saw some Combiners fighting!” Blast Off yelled. “Right away!” Brawl yelled. (He drove off, making the others follow. Soon, it became quiet again.

    Slenderwave lowered his gun) “The noises, the mechs that were there, they left.” Slenderwave said. “It should be safe to go out there and look for the others.” Airstrike chimed. “Good, I got enough Energon, now to get going.” Skillet ordered. (They left, stepping over the broken buildings and deceased Cybertronians. Victims of the declaration of war.

“I swore they were going to find us.” Daybreak exhaled. (The two kept walking across the streets, seeing blast marks and broken windows. Tank shells or thieves did that. Daybreak clenched his fists, letting Diode come up to him) “I know what happened at Vos, the thieves.” Diode paused. “Don't remind me.” Daybreak growled. (He walked up a rock and stopped.

    Right below was the three mechs of their team. Slenderwave looked up upon the giddy call of the blue Seeker. He leaped, his heels igniting as he landed. Airstrike hugged the mech) “I knew you would be alright!” Airstrike chuckled. “Hey, I'm not ready to die, not when the photos need to taken.” Daybreak sighed. “Did anything happen while we hid?” Skillet asked. “Combaticons, their heading for the fighting at the highway.” Diode explained. “So three Combiners, everyone, we need to lay low. We have no idea on who else can be roaming this place.” Skillet spoke. “I managed to read the tablet again, it says we need to head for Unity Stadium.” Daybreak explained. “Then that's where we'll go next.” Skillet ordered. “Yes captain Skillet.” Slenderwave said.

There was almost silence within the red heli jet. Airstrike followed the smaller blue Seeker. Skillet looked outside while Slenderwave and Diode checked on their weapons. The leader listened to the faint rumble of Airstrike's systems. His frame relaxed, the sound lulling him to rest. It took a lot of time to think about what to do. The movements of the team, so much to loose. Diode patted his friend's shoulder.

“Thinking too deep again?” Diode asked. (The larger green mech nodded) “I'm unsure what we are going to do next.” Skillet sighed. “For tonight or after the war?” Diode asked. “After the war.” Skillet exhaled. “It depends on who gets the Enigma. What a Combiner will do with the core and become the ruler of us.” Diode added. “Autobots, Decepticons, or neutral, and none are a step closer.” Skillet said. “We'll continue looking, remember what you said. When we get the Enigma, we will bring forth a new Golden Age, like what we remembered.” Diode answered. “I hope so, Slenderwave and I never got to witness it.” Airstrike chimed. “Anything to report?” Skillet asked. “A city is up ahead, we're right above a highway.” Airstrike explained. (He then shook as a force hit his frame. Diode walked up to a window and glared) “Their back.” Diode snarled. (The mech pushed open a door and got out his Nucleon Shock Cannon) “Who are?” Slenderwave asked. “Dang Firefly, go back to the den you crawled in!” Diode yelled. (He pulled the trigger, sending out large blasts of energy swirling with electricity.

    The wyvern roared as he dodged the large blasts. One hit his tail as he fired out a large blob of fire gel at Airstrike's tail fin. The glob of fire exploded into fire. Cherry stones bouncing around the interior as Skillet pulled Diode back) “Brace for impact!” Airstrike yelled. (The three mechs huddled close as they felt a brutal force at the front of the red jet.

   Firefly roared, wings spreading wide as he swooped over the ship. More flame globs formed on his tongue. He lifted his head to the sound of jets; his optics widened. Daybreak was flying by, Aerialbots chasing him before shooting the wyvern. Fireflight yelled as Firefly moved away. Daybreak flew further away, the other four jets went after him.

    Skillet pulled Diode and Slenderwave out of Airstrike as he transformed. The leader watched as the flying mechs fought. He looked down at Airstrike) “We need to leave before they attack us!” Skillet ordered. “I'll stay and help Daybreak get away.” Diode spoke. (He gripped his cannon, aiming up at the sky. The other members nodded, all transforming while Airstrike flew above Slenderwave. The mech's red armor still damaged after the crash.

    Daybreak kept flying around, his wings started to burn. Autobots and the one Atroticon still on his tail. Right then, a blast from Diode's cannon hit right into the Atroticon. The winged Autobots froze while Daybreak fled from the fighting. Diode transformed and followed after the blue Seeker. Firefly snarled, trying to follow but the Aerialbots kept him at bay.

    The aged heavy assault tank drove, his thick treads breaking the destroyed concrete. He sighed, seeing Daybreak up close to him before transforming. The Seeker then walked) “Thanks for saving me there Diode.” Daybreak smiled. “We should be far enough from them. Now I know why these parts are dangerous.” Diode sighed. “I did get the photos of the fight, I swore I was going to break my camera.” Daybreak exhaled. “Your more concerned with that over your own Spark sometimes.” Diode huffed. “Its not my fault my dang boss shoved us into this. He knew I had bills to pay and that I was in a Combiner team with you guys.” Daybreak growled. “You told me you were with the Decepticons before, right?” Diode asked. “Yep, of course my boss had me in that situation again. Almost got killed because Starscream thought I was a spy. It feels difficult being a Seeker sometimes.” Daybreak replied. “That's what war does, makes you worry for your own steel plating. Its why I stood away from the fighting. You know how much Skillet wants peace.” Diode explained. “True, I'm sorry I dragged you guys into this. I hope we can get out of this unscathed.” Daybreak spoke.

Black and red opened again to the sight of a dull light, one unused for a long time. Knock Out sat up, looking around; the room was still bland. Yet he noticed the present lying on a table. The medic came up to it, picking it up. He lost his Energon Prod, his Energon supplies, and the worst of all, the painting supplies for his finish. Knock Out sighed, subspacing the box while kicking the desk and hearing the faint thud. Black and red glanced at the door. The lights were green, someone left it unlocked. Knock Out smirked, poking a few buttons as the door opened, letting him enter a hallway.

    After wandering the long halls, voices started to become louder. Knock Out crept towards them, hiding behind a wall. His Spark pulsed faster; his saw and drill the only weapons on him, everything else disabled. He glanced inside, finding the Autobots talking. Ratchet was at the Ground Bridge controls, looking up at a map of America)

   “We know the Stunticons have ended up on Earth, but we don't know their intentions.” Optimus stated. “Remember when Motormaster almost killed Knock Out?” Bulkhead added. “Yeah.” Smokescreen paused. “What if that former Decepticon has something to do with this whole mess?” Bulkhead asked. “That doesn't help answer why Motormaster took Airachnid.” Arcee replied. “Was she an old friend of his that I never knew about?” Wheeljack added. “This whole thing is confusing. We know Airachnid's disappearance is one piece of the puzzle. Knock Out is another one, I'll talk with him later, for now, look at this.” Ratchet said.

    (The Autobots looked at the computer screen, finding a signal deep in Alaska. The kids moved closer to the computer) “Alaska must be the new Decepticon hangout, even the undead go there!” Miko chuckled. “It'll be nice to party with Motormaster and his merry gang again.” Wheeljack said. “Ratchet, prepare the Ground Bridge!” Optimus ordered. (The Autobot medic nodded, typing in the controls.) “So we're all going?” Smokescreen asked. “Except for Ratchet, he'll need to interrogate Knock Out.” Optimus answered. (The white armored Autobot nodded, following the others towards the Ground Bridge tunnel) “Optimus, the Ground Bridge is ready!” Ratchet declared.

    (He pulled down the handle, letting a bright green swirl come to life at the end of the tunnel. The Autobots transformed and drove inside. Right as they entered, another car's engine roared. The three humans and Ratchet stared as an Aston Martin drove past them. Knock Out entered the portal right as it vanished.

    Snow kicked up underneath the medic's tires. Knock Out moved further away from the path the Autobots were making. Another blizzard was approaching, and he had to find shelter fast) “Breakdown, I hope your out there.” Knock Out whispered (He drove past large trees; his best friend had to be out there.

    Optimus and his group transformed near a cliff. They noticed a few figures standing on a frozen lake. Three of Stunticons, and Airachnid. Arcee's servo shifted to a blaster, Optimus lowered the femme's arm as they watched) “I'm glad you arrived.” Motormaster smiled. “We're ready to go!” Wildrider grinned. “Where's Dead End?” Drag Strip asked. “Still looking for him, shouldn't have gotten too far from us.” Motormaster huffed.

    (A com beeped in Optimus' helm; the Prime moved away and accepted it) “What is it Ratchet?” Optimus whispered. “Optimus, Knock Out escaped and is in the same location as you!” Ratchet explained. “They must be after him.” Optimus paused. “I'll try to find his signal for you.” Ratchet said. (The com ended right as an explosion roared behind him. Optimus came back, noticing his Autobots fighting the Decepticons.

    Breakdown walked up to an opening in the mountain, seeing flashing lights in the distance. He gulped, not hearing the roar of a nearby engine) “Breakdown!” Knock Out yelled. (He kept driving, entering into the mountain. There was a bright flash behind him and red energy blasts flew past him.

    The medic transformed and got his saw and drill out. He turned, glaring at a dark red figure with a golden faceplate) “Thanks for helping me.” Dead End thanked. “Get out of our lives!” Knock Out yelled. “Fine, once we're all dead.” Dead End said. (He got out his gun and fired at the medic. Knock Out moved away, letting the blast crash into a wall. The cherry red medic snarled, noticing the mech vanishing, not noticing him reappearing. Dead End showed no emotion as he shot Knock Out's back. Energy blasts keep pushing the Aston Martin down. The medic turned, cutting the gun with his saw, then drilling at Dead End's arm. The Stunticon yelled, teleporting away as a purple flame exiting from his body. Knock Out's body tensed, moving around with his saw and drill.

    Dead End returned, now standing on a cliff of the red colored cave. His golden faceplates looked down at the medic) “Come out you coward!” Knock Out yelled. “You should've died Knock Out, died when the chaos happened.” Dead End said. (The medic turned, glaring at the fatalist) “I know Breakdown never wanted to see any of you again.” Knock Out said. “Siblings can't understand reality when their too young and naive.” Dead End said. (He jumped down, coming up to the cherry red medic. Knock Out rose his drill, it spun again as Dead End fired at him.

    Golden faceplates noticed a smirk growing on his opponent's face) “You should've apologized to me.” Someone said. (The Stunticon turned right as a hammer hit him. Dead End hit the ground, optics widening) “Breakdown!” Knock Out grinned. “Looking for me, brother?” Breakdown asked. (The Stunticon got out his gun again, trying to shoot as the medic sliced through it with his saw again) “Sorry, not on the doctor's orders!” Knock Out smirked. (The Stunticon teleported, heading for a tunnel) “You know the others will be here, ready to kill you.” Dead End stated. (He vanished, leaving the two former Decepticons in the cave.

The group continued moving across the vast desert. Daybreak took a few photos of the tablet before nodding. “I already have a lead!” Daybreak smiled. “I'll tell the others, just point where I need to go.” Airstrike replied. (The Seeker got up and pointed towards the distance. A row of mountains divided the split battlefield) “Past the mountains!” Daybreak answered. “It'll take forever for the others to go by.” Airstrike sighed. (Daybreak nodded) “I'll alert them to this news; I'm sure we can all fit in you.” Daybreak said. (He opened up Airstrike's door and waved down at the others, beginning a com)

    “What's up Daybreak?” Skillet asked. “We've got to get over these mountains! Airstrike will land somewhere that you can get in!” Daybreak replied. (The main tank stopped, transforming as Diode and Slenderwave followed their leader's movements) “Skillet, what's going on?” Diode asked. “Airstrike needs to transport us across that terrain.” Skillet said. (They watched as the red helicopter like vehicle landed onto the ground. Daybreak stepped out, smiling at his team)

    “Already know where we're going, so you should get in. I'll swoop across for the rest of the way.” Daybreak explained. (He got out the tablet, giving it to his leader. Skillet nodded, subspacing it) “Thank you Daybreak, be careful out there, for we have yet to explore past those mountains.” Skillet warned. (The Seeker nodded, transforming as the other three grounders stepped into Airstrike. Red armor lifted up as a blue jet followed. It would be an easy way to pass through the steel mountaintops.

    Within the mountains, tablets lied on a cold steel floor. Hun-Gree looked upon them; then at his weary team) “So you went to all these locations and found nothing?” Hun-Gree yelled. “Listen Hun-Gree, we did all we could, but none lead to the Enigma!” Shadow Spawn huffed. “Nyxy, Wildfire, are you sure you're translating them right?” Stomp Squatch asked. “Yes, remember, we have our limitations to what we can do.” Wildfire snarled. “We still have luck, no one can find them then. Everyone's sure what the true map is.” Nyx added. “Fine, then we must keep searching.” Hun-Gree growled. “We have yet to explore the other side of these mountains.” Stomp Squatch said. “And there is a whole city and highway, good enough to attract attention to ensure more tablets.” Shadow Spawn smirked. “True, I could scout ahead and see what we'll find.” Firefly added. “Go on then! Make sure to inform us if anything happens.” Hun-Gree ordered. (The dragon mech nodded, walking out of the cave and transforming. He flapped his wings before flying away.

A flame grew within a cave. Badger sighed, sitting down next to Daffodil. The femme Vehicon slept, huddling close to the fire. Badger looked at his partner. He did so much, yet it would mean more time to survive. Help wouldn't come to them, it sank his Spark.

     Daffodil started to open her optics. The fire was glowing against her face. “You got some firewood.” Daffodil stated. “I also tried to contact the Nemesis again, no reply. We're still on our own.” Badger sighed. (The femme Vehicon held his servo) “I hope someone hears our cries.” Daffodil said. (She huddled close to him) “So do I.” Badger sighed. (Daffodil rested her helm to his neck) “At least we're together.” Daffodil hummed. “Yep, the Vehicon Defense, keep a partner close and pray you make it.” Badger chuckled. (Both watched the fire continue to burn. The flame of their hope against the darkness of the outside.

    Further out in the snow, Vehicons rested by trees away from a road. Dreadwing stood in place, watching his soldiers trying their best to repair themselves. His cannon was in his grip, a finger on the trigger in case any tried to sneak up on him. The fight was sudden, left his group injured. It all felt strange but familiar. Dreadwing closed his optics, starting to piece together forgotten memories.

     A damaged blue Seeker huddled close to a piece of a broken bridge. He held his cannon, aiming at any Autobot who got close. It was war, where no one knew if they would live. The sun was setting in the city, but the night wouldn't deter him. Dreadwing lied down, feeling the cold of the ground meet his warm armor. There were faint voices nearby. The Seeker noticed lights getting closer. He aimed his cannon at them until he noticed the Decepticon symbols on their chests. Must be a attempt by a rescue team. The mechs came up to him, one of them knelt down, revealing bright yellow optics)

    “You're alive.” The mech stated. “We know Breakdown, got to get out of here!” Another growled. “I know, please don't do that.” Breakdown whimpered. (Dreadwing got up, snarling at the self-repaired wound on his torso. One mech came up to him, another with yellow optics, now having a golden faceplate. Much like the previous one that he saw. The mech nodded before turning to the tallest of the group) “Autobot reinforcements are coming.” A mech said. “Are you sure you can handle it Dead End?” Breakdown muttered. “Yes, I'll teleport and you assist in getting the only survivor out of this dying city.” Dead End said. (Within a blink of an eye, he vanished in a bright light. Two other mechs came up to the Seeker, both with yellow and black armor. They lifted him, starting to walk away from the chaos. Dreadwing looked at the team, trying to find words to say. For right now, he knew there were two. Breakdown and Dead End. Everything turned to black as the memories mixed with reality.

    He looked at the frost coating the sky. Dead End, one of Breakdown's siblings, but didn't he die? A figure came up to him) “Sir?” Someone asked. (Dreadwing turned to face a femme Vehicon. Her armor was tense as she stared at his golden faceplates) “Yes?” Dreadwing asked. “I need to talk to you, somewhere that the others can't see us.” The Vehicon requested. (The SIC nodded, watching as the soldier pushed away some trees.

    Both stepped onto a cliff, finding a vast forest and waterfall beyond their optics. Dreadwing starred as the Vehicon came up to him) “And what is this about?” Dreadwing asked. “I saw you at the Battle of Ika, you defeated the Autobots before they could kill me or my friends. The way you fought, I felt something inside of me open up. After that fight, I tried to make things that would appear to you. All fell through, except for what you wear.” The femme Vehicon explained. (Dreadwing looked at the bracelet before back at the femme) “It was you.” Dreadwing stated. “Yes, I made it because I love you.” The Vehicon whispered. She hugged the SIC, her armor trembling as she waited for him to reject her. It was stupid, everyone knew how foolish she was for attempting this, but it was her one chance to try.

Ruins beyond one's optics. It survived the first war, the eternal war as many claimed it to be. But, the ashes of the first disappeared. All the Energon, frames, everything that could be salvaged was gone. All when one takes their first step into the desolate land. The part of Cybertron which was kept away from anyone, for others inhabited it. Those who had their own war within. The ruins barely survived the war, now facing the brutal force of not one, but many mechs.

    A Combiner crashed into the remains of a building. All of it's components damaged beyond repair. He spat Energon, looking up at who the victor was. A demonic Combiner grinned, their armor shifting to many mechs who bore no scars. Among the members was a thin femme. She ran up to the panicked figures and smirked. “It will be over soon.” Nyx purred. (One of the mechs tried reaching for his gun. The green femme dug her claws into the mech, sending the former limb into a panic. The others tried to fight, yet, it was too much from the other members. Their frames turned grey, already loosing the game.

   A red wolf mech scoffed. “This is getting easier than I remembered.” Wildfire snarled. (The leader of the team walked up to the deceased leader, picking up a tablet, his visor inspected it. His mouthplate retracted) “We're getting a step closer.” Hun-Gree said. (The femme streched, holding up a tablet) “I wonder if you're correct on that.” Nyx said. “Don't taunt me, we've been in this war since it started. We can't turn back, not now.” Hun-Gree snarled. (Wildfire looked around, his ears twitched)

    “More are coming.” Wildfire said. (Nyx moved her fingers around at the taller mech. “Thanks Wildfire.” was shown in sign language. A mech grinned, wearing blue and yellow armor) “More to chew up!” Stompsquatch cheered. “We aren't here just for fighting, we've gotten what we need and have to leave.” Hun-Gree stated. (The other two members nodded, noticing a few shadows from the distance.

    Weaker mechs, those that lacked any of their raw strength, but, the white ninja wolf mech got out his blade) “It would be easy to snuff their Sparks out.” Shadow Spawn snarled. “No, we leave now.” Hun-Gree ordered. (They transformed into various creatures and vehicles, using great speed to leave.

    A new group appeared after the previous left. The five transformed, with the largest mech kneeling down. Servos clenched on the ground) “You did well.” Skillet sighed. “They're always one step ahead of us.” Daybreak huffed. (The blue Seeker looked at the others, a camera around his neck. The red air mech knelt down at another body) “That's the third we found dead this week. They really want those tablets.” Airstrike huffed. “Of course they do, we all want what the tablets will lead us to!” Diode yelled.

    (The orange mech looked up at Diode, the larger green tank) “Diode, there isn't much we can do. Atroticus can kill us with ease. They're toying with us at this point.” Slenderwave explained. (He lowered his helm. Daybreak rested a servo to Slenderwave) “We still have one tablet left to translate. For now, lets head back before they may have second thoughts.” Daybreak said. (Skillet and others nodded and left. The bodies were covered in the Sea of Rust.

    They returned to a run down second story building. A few lights were still intact with various signs of what they used to be. Diode opened a rusty door, letting the others enter. He slipped in, keeping an optic to the outside. When everything was silent, he stepped back to the main dining room. Daybreak held a tablet, the other members, except for Skillet huddled close. The leader of the team looked at the photographer)

    “Daybreak, where's our next location?” Skillet asked. “Not far from here. It's the last one we have.” Daybreak sighed. “Skillet, we need to rest. We can't go all the time or that will leave us vulnerable.” Slenderwave replied. “Are you questioning orders?” Diode asked. “They're suggestions to make sure we live longer.” Slenderwave answered. (Daybreak stepped between them) “Calm down you two, we don't want this place to get even more messy.” Daybreak sighed. (Both Slenderwave and Diode stepped back. The blue Seeker sighed.