When All Lights Go Out II (TFP)

Chapter 7

"Not even Mech are foolish to face a group of Cybertronian warriors," Optimus commented as he observed Mech's retreat. "However, Bulkhead is not out of danger. He might have assisted Breakdown, but he is unlikely to receive mercy or respect for his actions, no matter how honourable the choice was."

Knowing that, the autobots sped through the abandoned town as quickly as they could. It was unknown if it was Megatron who had arrived, or if Starscream was sent to assist Breakdown. It did not matter. They all knew the stakes at this time, and they were not able to fly over the buildings, so they could only move between the buildings as quickly as they could without causing damage to the land and buildings. Being abandoned, it was unknown how stable the buildings were.

They did know if the decepticons did decide to turn and fight them, it could turn into quite the disaster for the area. But the autobots would have to defend themselves and protect Bulkhead, as he likely would have damage to his body from Mech shooting at him. And now they had to deal with the decepticons on top of that, which was simply adding to the problem they were facing. They could only face it head on at this time.

"We are almost there. I count at least half a dozen decepticons, so it's a small squadron," Bumblebee stated while taking notice of the scanners. They all hear the sound of metal clangs and punches as they get closer. "Bulkhead's bringing the hurt!"

"But he still needs our help!" Arcee snapped back at Bumblebee, speeding around a building and spotting the ground of decepticons. He saw Bulkhead was swinging Breakdown around and had thrown him at the vehicons and Starscream. "Looks like Starscream was sent here. He isn't dead after all."

Optimus made no comment as he transformed and armed his canon. Arcee and Bumblebee transform with their weapons ready, and Ratchet transformed last, arming his swords ready to fight. They run towards Bulkhead, and the autobots began to shoot at the decepticons as Bulkhead was ready to fight the entire squad on his own, but now that Bulkhead had his backup, the decepticons were thrown off.

However, Starscream stared at Optimus in surprise as his optics glance at Optimus's abdomen. "What in the name of..." Starscream ducked as a blaster fire flew over his head and he huffed loudly. "Well, well, well. It seems something has happened to the young sparkling since we last met, huh? I will be sure to inform Lord Megatron of this news. He will be delighted!" He chuckled before he turned and gestured to the decepticons. "Retreat!"

They watch as Starscream and the vehicons transform before they flew away, knowing that they would be destroyed, even though Starscream would certainly try and annoy Optimus to see how agile he is while carrying. They don't manage to shoot any of the decepticons down as they fly away, but that was okay. They chased the decepticons away from Bulkhead and Breakdown, so they still achieved what they wanted.

Optimus looked at Breakdown, and he saw that the decepticon has really gone through a lot. Bulkhead was banged up too. Though Breakdown ignored the autobots as he stood on his feet, and swung his fist at Bulkhead as he ran by the autobot before he transformed and sped away, leaving the autobots on their own, and the autobots were able to see the damage around them, as there were vehicles and helicopters burning on the ground, along with bodies of Mech's soldiers.

Though even though that Mech and the decepticons were gone, Optimus was certainly not pleased that Bulkhead had decided to take them on, on his own. He would have welcomed Bulkhead to join them no problem, but Bulkhead clearly was not thinking properly, which could have resulted badly. Now Bulkhead needed medical treatment, and Optimus would have to wait a little longer before attempting to see in Azura's dream.

"Bulkhead..." The wrecker flinched hearing his leader's disappointed tone. "Engaging the enemy on your own was even more foolish this time." Bulkhead sighed a little, glancing towards the burning cars nearby without a word. Optimus looked at the damage around them before his expression softened a little. "But I am honoured you saw fit to rescue your rival. You have truly risen above yourself."