The Monster of Kaon (Transformers Si): Interlude: Those left behind-2

Author Notes: Just like the previous interlude. These events take place in the future in the context of Maximus's current situation.

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Optimus sat on the ground, staring at the children who had walked into their lives just a few days ago, and yet, made themselves just as much a part of their team as his comrades.

Watching his comrades help the young organics with their school work of all things, He felt something stir within him.

For a split second, the scene was replaced with another, similar one. Of a place far away on a planet far away. Of a time when everything seemed right in the universe.

A gentle hand on his shoulder brought him out of his thoughts.

He did not even need to look up to know who it was.

"…Maximus would be disappointed in me, for what I did."

"Yes, he would. But, I think he would be much more disgusted at Megatron for what he did. Personally, I consider his death to be too quick and easy, but that is my hatred speaking. In the end, we were never as close despite his status. Not like he was with you."

Optimus looked downcast as he thought back to that moment. When the Space Bridge exploded and consumed Megatron.

His bright purple optics turned back to red for a split second, showing that his destructive personality had retreated at the last moment, giving him a single moment of clarity before he was consumed in the blast.

Even before that, when his mind was consumed by the madness of artificial Dark Energon, he never truly went all out against Optimus, just like how he never truly wished for the eradication of the Autobots, at least, when he was rational and his madness was not the one in control.

It was this reason why, despite being locked in a war for millions of years spanning the entire galaxy, the body count on both sides is surprisingly low for a war of such a scale. Because, no matter the cause, it was an undeniable fact that the older generations of both sides once called each other brothers and sisters, thus making it extremely painful for them to kill each other in such a way.

And yet, it is also undeniable that there are some among their ranks that happily indulged in this war, especially among those of the younger generation who only knew war since their birth.

With a suppressed sigh, Optimus looked towards his spark-mate who looked at him with a sad smile.

In the end, no matter what Ratchet, Elita-1, or the others said, Optimus knew the truth.

He was responsible for the death of someone he considered his brother. Even if he was led astray by grief and rage, he did not deserve the fate that befell him.

For eons, Optimus contemplated his choices, wondering if he did the right thing all those millennia ago when he opposed Megatron, or Megatronus as he was once called, during the execution of Sentinel and his entourage.

Was it truly worth it? To turn against his grieving comrades and brother for someone as monstrous as Sentinel Prime?

But, no matter how much he contemplated it, Optimus would always arrive at the same conclusion.

His decision was not wrong.

While his thirst for revenge was just as powerful as Megatron in those days, he would never allow himself to succumb to his darkness and abandon the principles which the Ascenticons were born upon. Even if it meant going against his former comrades.

There is no doubt in his mind, that he would be despised by Maximus when, if, he ever returned to them, for what he did, just as he would be at the Decepticons for twisting his ideals into what they are today.

But, in the end, the only thing that matters, is that both Autobots and Decepticons chose their paths, and the only thing that they can do is follow it to the end.

"Where are the others?"

"I send them to check out that anomaly that Ratchet picked up an hour ago. They should be done with the surveillance-"

"Moonracer to base!! We need backup now!"

Instantly, the Autobots became alert as Elita grew worried.

"This is Ratchet. What is going on, Moonracer?"

"We found the source of the anomaly. Starscream activated two Stasis pods. We are currently being attacked by the two of the inhabitants while Starscream and Soundwave are watching the show!"

"Just two bots? Why are you having difficulty handling only two bots??"

"it's Skyquake and Dreadwing!"

The look of horror on Elita-1's face was mirrored by Ratchet, Optimus, Ironhide, and the rest of the older generation.

Immediately, Ratchet opened a Ground Bridge as Optimus activated his combat mode.

"Bulkhead, Arcee, Bumblebee, and Cliffjumper. You will remain the base and guard the Bridge along with Ratchet. Ironhide, Elita-1, you are with me. Jetfire…I know it is asking a lot-"

The last prime was interrupted by the old warrior who had a grim and bitter look on his face.

"It's ok, Optimus. I am with you. It's about time I had a spark-to-spark with my old partners."

Optimus nodded at his old friend and transformed into his alt-mode alongside his comrades.

Elita-1 took on the form of an Alfa Romeo 8c, a famous car from Earth from the year 2010.

Ironhide used a GMC Topkick in a pickup truck configuration as his Alt-mode.

Jetfire, on the other hand, took on the form of an F-22 Raptor, much to Fowler's chagrin.

The moment the Ground Bridge opened, they went into it at full speed.

And were immediately shot at the moment they came through.

Jetfire flew high into the sky, evading the shots, only for Skyquake to scan Fowler's jet that was flying nearby and transform, following Jetfire into the sky while Dreadwing also scanned Fowler's jet but refrained from transforming, choosing to watch his brother's back by keeping the rest of the Autobots occupied.

"Hello, traitor! I've been waiting a long time to get even with you."

"Hello to you too, Skyquake. I wish we met under better circumstances."

"Yeah, right. As if that would ever happen."

As the two flew in the air, shooting at each other while trading barbs, the battle on the ground was no less intense. Especially when Soundwave decided to join in on the fight, making it even harder for the Autobots.

"Ladies, let's take things up a notch."

"Hell yeah, let's go girls."

Team Elita, a team that originated as a security team under Sentinel and evolved into the most elite Autobot team, roared as one as their unique T-cogs activated in sync.

With a few seconds, Team Elita merged to form one of the most fearsome Combiners known to the Cybertronian rate.

The Shield of Solus, Orthia.

"An impressive sight, as always. Unfortunately, you are all traitors. That means I will have to bring you down."

"Try it, if you can. Dreadwing."

Optimus made to go help out Orthia with the battle, but his way was blocked when Soundwave fell out of the sky in front of him. His manipulators turned into bladed weapons with Laserbeak detached from him.

"Soundwave."

"…"

The silence was something that Optimus had already expected. After all, he was there when Soundwave took his vow of silence in response to the 'death' of Maximus.

With a sigh, he silently signaled to his old friend, Ironhide who leaped out from behind Soundwave, hoping to ambush him.

But, Soundwave was not acknowledged by Megatron for nothing.

Without turning back, Soundwave reached out behind him and plucked out the heavy Autobot from the air as if he weighed nothing and tossed him straight at Optimus who caught his friend.

With a sigh, Optimus brought out his blades.

This was going to be a taxing battle, both physically and mentally.

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Ironhide:



Jetfire: