Chapter 13

                                    

                                          
It was nearly sunrise, hours having passed since Melody was taken. Bulkhead, Arcee and Bumblebee, after spending most of the night bonding with their new charges, returned them to the land so they could cover for Melody's absence for as long as they can. 
Optimus was in emotional turmoil, more so than the first time Melody had been a prisoner. Maybe it was because she had given herself up willingly, or because she held a piece of the Allspark and Megatron would take advantage. Regardless of the reason, his heart was heavier then it had ever been, fear and longing weighing it down. 
The Automers wanted to do something to help, but they knew not much could be done to make their leader feel any better. The only thing that could help was the assurance that Melody was safe and unharmed. Unharmed, they were sure of since Megatron would need her alive, but safe, that was something they highly doubted. 
After all, no one's safe when in the presence of Megatron. 
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Melody didn't feel safe. She didn't feel safe at all. If anything, she felt more trapped than when she'd arrived. The air she breathed was very little, and the ground below seemed colder, nearly enough to freeze her entire being. 
A few times, she'd almost wished for her fragment to shine again, to give her some warmth in this grave situation. But knowing that the Deceptimers were waiting for it to do so, she retracted her pleas. So badly did she try not to give up. She still kept a small bit of strength in her soul. Yet the constant reply of his kiss, how evil and possessing it was, slowly snatched that strength away piece by piece. 
"O-Optimus... Optimus..." The name of her beloved Mer fell off Melody's tongue in hoarse, near-muted whispers. How broken she looked, limp and unmoving minus the quivering from the chill and sobs. So much happened to her in so little time; the base destroyed, being targeted for her shard, left on the beach, making a sacrifice, and having the unwanted affections of a bloody warlord. 
Too much. It was too much.
"Melody."
A voice called to her, buried deep in her memory. Inside her mind, an image appeared. One of herself, but much younger, and her parents on the sandy shores together. Young Melody sat on her mother's lap while fiddling with a seashell, her father wrapping an arm around his wife's shoulders. Melody's mother leaned down to her ear. 
"Remember, Melody. Just as the ocean is filled with water, your heart is filled with love and strength. No matter what happens, never allow anyone or anything to take it all away." 
"Mother." It was a memory Melody had not thought about much lately, since she was just barely old enough to remember it. Yet the words had always stuck with her, especially since her parents deaths. Her eyes opened slightly more, a sharp intake of air entering her lungs. "Never let anyone... take it all away."
As she spoke, the memory playing again in her head, a new wave of power suddenly swept through her. Encouraging her to sit up, which she did, slowly but surely. On her knees, she panted, her strength starting to rebuild itself on her love. Her love for her friends, for the sea, for Optimus, was far greater than anything, and nothing would annihilate it. 
She could not submit to darkness now. She would not submit.
"Mother, Father... I won't let him break me." 
Melody sat there, embracing her returned faith and resistance. But then her hand started to feel warm. Looking down and opening her clutched fingers, she saw the familiar blue hue that surrounded her fragment. It got a little brighter when she lifted it, her hands directed to the passage that led out of the cave. 
Her eyes widened. "The Allspark..."
"Finally."
Melody jumped. Megatron was right there, wickedly grinning while staring at the glowing crystal in her hand. Melody blocked his view of it and held it to her chest protectively, which roused a laugh from him. "Suppose you were right, dearest Melody. The fragment only responds to you. Now, I can use it to track the Allspark. Deceptimers!"
Melody covered her ears from his shout, the echo painfully loud. In seconds, the entire Deceptimer team lined by their leader, awaiting instructions. Megatron plucked the girl from the ledge, smirking down at her. Melody managed a weak glare back. 
He spoke to his soldiers without looking at them. "It's time." He plunged into the water with the other Mers close behind, their hunt for the Allspark beginning. 
Melody gripped the fragment, begging it to stop glowing, though it would not. She couldn't let Megatron find the Allspark first, or it would mean the end of the Automers forever. If destiny was on their side, then they'd find and stop the Deceptimers before that happens, and Melody would be freed. 
"Optimus, everyone, I'm holding faith in you!"
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"Optimus! Optimus!"
Ratchet's frantic cries drew everyone's attention to him as he, Smokescreen and Wheeljack came hurdling to the hideout. Optimus was quick to rush to the medic's side, praying that his news was of good tidings. "What is it, Ratchet?"
"We-we saw them! The Deceptimers, and Melody!"
Optimus' eyes went wide. "She's alright?"
"Yes! They were all swimming further out into the sea at great speed, so I think they're on the hunt for the Allspark!"
"Melody's shard must've reacted like she told us." Arcee said. Optimus turned to his team. "Are all of you able to fight?"
"Yes, sir!"
"You know it, boss!"
"Even if not, I'd still be going!"
Optimus nodded. "Head out!" All Automers dived, following Ratchet to where he'd seen the Deceptimers going. 
The Automer leader knew this would be their biggest battle ever. Not just for Melody's rescue, but also to find their very own source of life. The very power that created them. Power that could decide the fate of the war. 
This would be the last stand.