Chapter Text
There was stunned silence as they all just took in what they had just heard and seen, so thing Low Lope built was a mini Energon harvester in case Dark Energon needed to be removed from organics or any Dark Energon crystals that shot up out of the ground, Ratchet wished that he had known about the Energon Harvester true purpose then he could have helped Raf better, hopefully when they meet them, he could ask Low Lope for a one and ask Medlife if he could teach him some of the medical and first aid knowledge with him since he doesn’t know about organic biology and medicine, it would have helped so much.
Mount Hood 7:50pm.
There was no time for subtly or scouting they were running out of time, Unicron was awaking in a few hours so they needed to find the catacombs fast and get down there at the right moment for Fire Comet to use his power but it needed to be perfect. Unsurprisingly yet also luckily the mountain was baren from humans, nobody was there most likely due to the unusual natural disasters only they and the other Cybertronians on earth know what’s really happening, all except for sigmas 17 who have been kept in the dark: unaware of how bad the war is or of its very existence. All they know is that Cybertron is no longer their home and that’s what Fire Comet intends for they to stay blind to the war just as they are blind to Cybertron’s cruelty like the old saying goes ignorance is bliss. Brainstorm drove closer and closer to the bottom of Mount Hood meanwhile in the back Fire Comet and the other Maximals were putting on the Armor, Solus was right it did adjust to their different frames even in beast mode: Armor seemed to clip and shrink onto their bodies sealing them in the ancient metal protecting their sparks and bodies from both the Dark energon but also from Unicron’s influence that way he couldn’t attempt to corrupt them and have them attack each other, the crystals were safely tucked into the backpacks that Fu Pan, Noble Fang and Medlife since it was decided that they should carry them because they had larger sized Beast Modes. Once the catacombs had been located it would be go time. Just then Fu Pan noticed that Asgore had sat himself on the lounge sitting area tucked in the right corner, his legs pressed close to his chest, chin on his knees and a far off look in his eyes as he frowned, Fu knew that kind of look, after all he and those from Group Z had that look on their own faces for years after Quark was murdered then watching Ambulon getting killed Infront of them: the look of Guilt.
Walking over to Asgore’s seat then Fu sat down next to him before he wouldn’t know what to say since the guilt he and the others felt lasted for so long in that horrible place even when Rung and Brainstorm told them it was never their fault after they rescued them, back then they were children and even today now that they were adults the pain still remains but slowly come to terms that it was those monsters who took their lives not them and that nether Quark nor Ambulon would ever want them to hold onto a guilt that was never theirs. Fu gently brushed his tail onto Asgore’s head startling him a little and turned his face to look at Fu pan who gave him a soft understanding smile he began to stroking the mech’s head “Asgore none of this was your fault, Unicron got into your head when you were at a young age and then manipulated you when you were at a very vulnerable emotional state” Fu said but all Asgore could do was sigh as he turned to look out the window saying that it was still his actions and his own rage that gave Unicron control to consume that dark poison but what was worse is that he convinced others to eat it too and he dishonored so many warriors by raising their remains to kill Optimus and Ratchet even if his body was known a puppet for the Chaos Bringer like how he gave Orion to the Council.
Optimus couldn’t help the feel of guilt he has for his brother and for playing into the council’s hands. What Fu Pan said was true, Unicron only targeted Megatron because he was infected with Dark energon that latched itself to his rage and anger…. Which took control after Optimus stole his dream.
It was then Fu Pan told Asgore one of the Scars Group Z held in their spark “For a long time and even now me, Rose Quick, Five Comet, Medlife and Light Sight blamed ourselves for the murder of Quark and a medic named Ambulon and sometimes we still do” Asgore looked up at him confused because Fu Pan and the his Amicas didn’t seem like the types of bots to blame themselves Fu went on telling him even as he shook “When we over heard the monsters that they caught on to Quark’s plan and killed him using the spark extractor, for thirteen hundred Vons we blamed ourselves thinking if he didn’t try to rescue us he would still be alive and we felt the same thing When Ambulon was murdered by Pharma. He saw Medlife healing me and heard us talking later on he confronted Pharma calling him and those other bots monsters and was going to expose the project to the other scientists who didn’t know about it but was cut through the middle with his chainsaw…..We saw it happen outside our cage, Light Sight was in tears saying that we were bad and cause anyone who tried to help us to die at one point he even tried to claw his spark out” Asgore let go of his legs and rested them on the floor and stared at Fu Pan saying “But they knew what might happen to them, it wasn’t your fault! They died for a noble cause of wanting to save sparks that never asked or wanted agony. They would never want you to feel guilty about it” He then lowered his eyes now understanding what Fu was trying to tell him, Fu Pan, Light Sight, Fire Comet and Medlife fully knew the pain the guilt of being the cause of another’s death even when it was out of your hands yet Asgore couldn’t help but ask him how he and the others overcame it? “We haven’t, like the many scars we carry those ones are locked into our memories and hearts” Fu said feeling the tears run down his checks remembering those moments of hearing about Quark’s murder at the monster’s evil device then to the split apart face of Ambulon “it’s what you do with your scars: either you allow them to form chains onto both your mind and heart giving them control or” he looks up at the mech who became their uncle and friend smiling and said “you use those scars to tech you how to be better than the ones who gave them to you and slowly realize that you never took their lives. Then use all you have learnt from them to help those who have scars, so they know that they aren’t alone, it’s the very reason I want to be a trauma therapist because I can look into another’s eyes and tell them: you are not alone” those simple words Asgore cried as he embraced Fu Pan as he hugs him back.
“WE FOUND IT!” Brainstorm shouted from the front seat as the Mobile Base was parked behind a large group of trees out of the view of any possible humans but Snowgate have binocular vision because he’s an owl and Snowy owls have excellent eyesight; they can see a small mouse from over 300 feet away so he could see the catacomb entrance on the side of Mount Hood: a large steal door which looked like the stone of the mountain, it had ancient Cybertronian carvings all over it depicting the Thirteen Primes battle with Uniron and there were words on it but he couldn’t read them from where he was, Fire Comet nodded turning around to face his team “Ok, Maximals head out, remain in Beast Mode” he said then they left the bus leaving Brainstorm and Rung since they would be detected by Unicron, so they stayed inside the Mobile Bus to monitor for any sign of Dark Energon or to scare humans away from the area. When the Maximals at the entrance the writing was writing in old Cybertronian it read as followed: ‘One became two, One Pure of light and one Pure of dark, banished away by thirteen warriors made by Purest Light, tombed away in a world’s deepest core, to lock forever more once by thirteen shards, enter below but only of the Purest light’s thirteenth lights, without that light or called by Purest light your path is blocked’ Fire Comet walked up to it and hesitantly put his hand on the entrance, as soon as he did blue lines on it slowly glowed, lining each carving, all of the optics glowed then suddenly the middle split and opened revealing a straight corridor torches on the wall lit up with fire coloured the deepest blue lighting the safe pat. The path to below Unicron’s spark……..”So, Are we going to see some bunch of cats A Combing the place? Cause it’s better to them than Combing the Beaches like beachcombers” Bellabatta Said causing everyone to groan with Fire Comet shooting her an ‘Are you serious?’ expression before sighing “Let’s just go, Maximals Maximize!” he said leading them in with the Door cloaking itself from seeing eyes.
Medix snorted at the really bad pun even Bulkhead was trying to hold back his But Bumblebee was just really amazed that Fire Comet came up with such an awesome rally cry so fast and on the spot! It took him what felt like forever to come up with the Bee Team’s Rally cry…some of them he wasn’t proud of.
Following the torches they led the Maximals deep below the earth’s core then dipped down, along the walls it told the story of Primus and Unicron from their beginning, the creation of the thirteen Prime and the aftermath of the battle against him and of how he became the earth, the only sounds they heard was the crackling of the flames on the torches, the clipping of hooves on the metal mixed stone and the pittering of the other Maximals feet.it feels to them way to easy, Linkup tilts his head to the side “Uh, why aren’t there any Teracons? Wouldn’t they be trying to stop us?” he asked understandably confused Rosie Quick was also wondering the same thing. Where was the defences? Noble Fang suspects that this catacomb keeps them safe from Unicron’s sight and if their calculations are correct, it means that Optimus and possibly Asgore’s old body is distracting them, but because their Beast modes protect them from detection so the Teracons can’t detect them or seen see them, which is why Unicron hasn’t noticed that they are here, to them they are invisible. Low Lope frowned then said really annoyed as they continued walking “Well that’s just plain being rude.”
Bulkhead chuckled at Low Lope viewing being ignored by Teracons and Unicron as them being rude “Oh yeah, that would be something Jackie would say that” Ratchet shakes his head sighing muttering something about how he’s really starting to see Wheeljack in his kid but Optimus Prime was glad he was giving his son and his team a distraction as they headed to complete their mission.
From above Unicron’s Spark pulsed in time with a heat beat while below nobody could see as crystals were being jabbed into the base that led right up into Unicron’s very spark. Now they had to wait, until it was time. A few minutes pass slowly, did Optimus and Megatron not make it? Just then Fu’s, Noble’s and Low Lope’s ears began to twitch they heard heavy footsteps of two Cybertronians “Fire Comet now!” Rose Quick shouted to him, with a nod he transformed into his bot mode suddenly Unicron stirred only now more restless almost like he was confused? Of course Optimus Prime was the physical reincarnated form of Herms but it was Fire Comet who inherited those abilities and powers from him, slowly transformed into his Demi prime form (a term Brainstorm came up based on a term from earth Greek and Roman mythology were the heroes were sometime referred to as Demigods if they were the children of the Greek god) he walked forward then rose up off the ground and closed his optics to steady his mind preparing for the power he will need to use unaware that Unicron as becoming fearful as he sensed Thirteen’s presence right in front of him and below him, what was happening?! Was this some sort off trick from Primus?! He could see an image of the Thirteenth Prime here but no powers besides the Matrix of Leadership yet below he felt his power but not the Matrix! In an attempt to stop Thirteen, he tried to use his puppet to kill him but, in that moment, the good part of Megatron managed knock out the puppet who was controlling the body before yelling so loud that his body says it too "Megatron is commanded by NO ONE!” for that split second he was in control holding back but suddenly Unicron was inside Megatron and while he could have killed that part of Megatron he didn’t “Rest assured” he said as he grabbed the good part by his throat and lifted him up “as soon as the disciple of Primus is died, the Matrix destroyed I will end you, then find where The Thirteen’s power came from and destroy it as well” then threw him against one of the stone wells that cover the mindscape. The second Unicron’s back was turned the good part fled to hide and prayed that Fire Comet and the others were safe.
As soon as he heard those words echo from above Fire Comet knew it was time Opening his optics, the glowing-coloured parts of his body connected to the Crystals powering them then he began to speak in a loud voice “I call upon this blessed power” the light shining from him brighten the light building in all thirteen crystals then as Optimus says “Not while I still function, Unicron!” Fire Comet spoke the words “Granted from forgotten time” once more Optimus spoke “The power of the Matrix shall” it switched back to Fire Comet “With in this light all are one” then as if they were one voice they spoke as one “Light our darkest hour!” within a flash both Optimus and Fire Comet released bursts of raw power into Unicron but while it was happening something left Optimus’s or should they Orion Pax’s body after the Matrix was drained but it wasn’t the only thing drained.
After Unicron had been sealed Fire Comet returned to his normal form yet retaining all his memories but the second he was back on the ground his legs wobbled a bit before he groaned and fell to the ground with a soft thud! Immediately the Maximals rushed other to their brother yet that term was only half true for he was more than that even though he never saw it or believed he was one: he is their leader. Fu Pan carefully lifted him up until the upper half of him was resting against his left side so Medlife could take a look at him while in Beast Mode couldn’t risk the Autobots possibly finding them even though they were far below them, Medlife carefully looked over Fire Comet and made several notes on his condition: his breathing was slow but not laboured, any movements he had was difficult as if he was trying to stay awake and a growling from his stomach, ok he was fine but close to passing out “Understandable, after all that was a lot of energy even with the Matrix’s help” Asgore said nuzzling the side of his nephew’s face then Noble Fang said “He was very strong but we need to get him back to the Mobile Base to rest. He had done a lot” everyone agreed Fire Comet needed to get to safety. From Medlife’s back the same rope and blanket he used when he saved Ayana, Fire Comet was gently placed onto of the blanket as the saddle was placed on Medlife’s back and soon Fire Comet was secured to Medlife’s side, as they walked back down the catacomb the touches went out as they passed them suddenly Fire Comet opened his optics for a few minutes asking what was happening? “Don’t worry brother, we’re getting out mission complete and had been accomplished” Light Sight said before everything went black.
The rescue bot, former Recruits and Cody were panicking when everything became black! What happened?! Is Fire Comet alright?! Had he Die..?! “CALM DOWN!” Ratchet yelled as he pinches the bridge of his nose Medix nodded and explained that Fire Comet had simply passed out from exhaustion so the scene went black “Don’t worry he’ll be fine, after all we are seeing his memories, it makes sense we’d see his mind blacking out” he reassured the others as their attention goes back to the memories.
Five minutes later……..
Fire Comet’s vision was blurry as he opened his optics slowly and once the blurriness faded the first thing he saw was Medlife who was in his bot mode kneeling next to his side taking the IV needle out of his left arm, Rung in his human cloakor form standing next to him “Your awake, how are you feeling” he asked Fire Comet as the scene reveals that Fire Comet was tucked in one of the bunk beds inside the Mobile Base, a light blanket was draped over him and fell off his chest as Fire Comet sat up in the bed rubbing the side of his head “I feel a….tired, lightheaded but alright.. What happened?” He said rubbing his head. Medlife told him that he passed out just as they were leaving the catacombs but said that he and Optimus had locked Unicron away for good when he saw the first sign of worry in his leader’s face which morphed into one of calm and relief once he was told their mission was a success, he did ask how long he was out for and Medlife said “It’s only been five minutes and the IV fluids of Energon definitely helped restore your energy but a good meal will give you a needed boost” Rung nodded and the two of them Helped Fire Comet onto his feet, with Medlife’s help they made their way to the kitchen area.
As soon as the three of them were in the kitchen were all the members of the Maximals were having dinner Fu Pan waved them over showing that he and Rose Quick had saved them some seats. The moment Medlife, Rung and Fire Comet had taken their seats that Low Lope handed Fire Comet a Falafel Poke Bowl with a fork in it, the second it was in front of him he started eating he was starving but could anyone blame him? He had to use a lot of power and energy so it made him really tired and hungry. as they ate they took those minutes to a low their bodies to calm down the weight of everything lifting away causing them just how tired they were suddenly Low Lope thought of something they needed to do now, smiling he used his fork to tap on his cup of iced green tea to get everyone’s attention they looked at him as Low Lope cleared his throat “Ya know we don’t have to go back to Griffin Rock just yet” Light Sight tilled his head to the side saying that they guess? “and it’s only 37 hours from New Orleans even less time with the Ground Bridge” confused Fu Pan asked him what the jackalope was trying to say? Then Low Lope revealed what he was thinking “Let’s spend a few days there to have a break before heading back!” he said his excitement in his voice surprising everybody “Plus by the time we get there it will be Mardi Gras~~~” he spoke that part in a sing song tone. They all thought about it and well yes, they had done a lot over the past few days, New Orleans had so much culture and museums, historic places, they did pack a lot of clothing including semi formal attire so they would have something to wear to Mardi Gras, the Heatwave is on auto pilot so the Rescue Bots won’t be suspicious on his absence and besides Fire Comet needed time to recover from using all that energy but they weren’t sure.
Fire Comet chewed he falafel that was in his mouth thinking about what Low Lope had been talking about then his thoughts turned to his tired body (Hotshot looked at the mech wondering if Fire Comet had even been their teacher yet also could see just how exhausted he looked and must feel) swallowing he said “You know what” everyone turned to him suddenly lifting his head up a big grin on his face as he was saying “frag it, we are going on a vacation! Brainstorm set autopilot to New Orleans” Brainstorm smiled as he got out of his seat, putting his bowl into the sink and headed up to the driver’s seat to put the location into the ground bridge. After everything had been washed, they all sat in one of the lounge areas and started mapping out which museums to go since there were so many, which landmarks as well as historical sites they wanted to see and were definitely going on the bayou boat tour! But were also going to try out the different foods and drinks.
Wedge was confused “Sooo, besides going to this Mardi Gras they are going to be spending their vacation learning? Basically, school work?” he asked. He wasn’t the only one Blades, Arcee, Bumblebee and Hotshot were just as confused but Boulder said that people have different ways of relaxing on holidays or vacations some like to do nothing while others like to be active or those like the Maximals vacation relaxing is learning about the culture of the place they are staying at. Hoist agreed and so did Medix “I wouldn’t mind going to some of those museums they sound fun especially that Pharmacy Museum” Perceptor said that all those museums seem to have real charm and that he wouldn’t mind seeing them, Bulkhead softly laughed then as he rubbed the back of his head said “I wouldn’t mind seeing those historic sites and learn about how they were able to last so long through time and I’m sure Miko would just love the bayou tour” Optimus nodded saying that he would have joined him to see those sites then for some reason he sighed “It was a shame that we never got to fully see earth’s many wonders since we were fighting the war, having to hide away” his gaze was on the group of young bots as they laughed and talked “at least they could experience it and maybe with those devices we can see the places they had been without needing to stay on the outside” they all looked at the Prime but knew what he meant. Then Whirl said that the Maximals will be so lucky to see at least some of the public Museums and that hopefully none of them are getting robbed remembering when ‘Heatwave’ took them to one and she ended up catching a robber who was trying to steal a statue! Blades shook his head “Ok, I might want to go to one of them just so long as I don’t get shrunk down to Minimized size or have to face exhibits that come to life” Chase sighs and Boulder face palmed while everyone except for Cody (who was chuckling) looked confused and a collective “Huh?!”
So Cody had to explain that Blades tended to believe what was fake in movies happened in real life and that he had Bing watched a movie series were exhibits came to life at night, his cleared up the confusion and a relived Hoist who as a youngling student had a phobia of dinobots and was terrified of a T rex Skellington and if he had been told that but not have it mentioned to just be a movie he would have been freaking out at the museum thinking that T rex Skellington as going to came to life any moment. Then they herd from the memory
“Mech, Blades that’s what the bronze upper Rescue Bot is called wouldn’t be able to handle the scary museums, he tends to watch scary movies and freak out once he had the suit help him hunt zombie hamsters one time cause he watched this old horror movie from the 1980s about Zombie hamsters” Fire Comet said in a confused tone and the other Maximals are just as confused then Linkup said “But that was just a bunch of regular hamsters put on a scale model and edited to make them look like Zombies then they edited in the people” then Light Sight added in “It was so bad that I burst into tears of laughter the second I saw the Zombie Hamsters and I wasn’t scared at all!” Linky, Fire Comet, Light Sight and Low Lope thought the same thing “That bot is so weird”
Blades’s face was nothing but dark blue when he heard that, Hoist, Whirl, Wedge, Bulkhead and Hotshot burst into laughter even Bee tried to hold his in, Perceptor, Ratchet and Medix just stared at him while Optimus and Arcee were just confused on why Blades was scared by a movie but on the inside Arcee was just so proud that Light Sight was slowly getting braver even though it didn’t seem like much but was a small step of bravery for him.
Optimus wondered when was the last time team Prime relax hmm, maybe they should have a trip to Jasper or Japan not for recon but for a little vacation, maybe even see their old human friends. How have they been since the last time they had seen them?