Transformers: Prime: The Son of Megatron

Chapter 19: Sins of the Past

Bulkhead sat alone in the dimly lit hangar, his large frame hunched over. The weight of guilt pressed heavily upon him, weighing down his spark. He replayed the events of that fateful day in his mind, each detail etched into his memory like a scar. The battle for Iacon had been fierce, and the Wreckers had fought valiantly to defend their home planet of Cybertron from the relentless onslaught of the Decepticons.

But there was one moment, one critical moment, that haunted Bulkhead's every thought. It was the moment when he had been forced to make a choice, a choice that would forever change the course of his life and haunt his conscience. In the midst of the chaos, Bulkhead had been unable to save his former friend and pupil, Breakdown.

His optics dimmed as he remembered the sight of the fallen building, the debris that had trapped Breakdown beneath its weight. Bulkhead had rushed to the scene, desperately wanting to reach the injured Wrecker and Autobot rookie, but the devastation around him had been too great. Time had slipped through his servos, and Breakdown had been left, wounded and alone, with no hope of rescue.

The guilt clawed at Bulkhead's spark, tearing him apart from the inside. He had always been the gentle giant, the one who valued life and fought for the innocent. But in that moment, he had failed. He had failed to save a life, regardless of the faction the mech belonged to. Breakdown had been just a youngling, barely out of his teenage years, and he hadn't deserved such a cruel fate.

Lost in his torment, Bulkhead failed to notice the approaching figures until they were right beside him. Wheeljack and Perceptor, his fellow Wreckers, stood silently, their optics filled with understanding and compassion. They had sensed their comrade's inner turmoil and had come to offer their support.

Wheeljack, always the brash and fearless warrior, spoke first. "Bulkhead, we know what you're going through. But you can't blame yourself for what happened. We were all caught in the middle of a war, and sacrifices had to be made. It wasn't your fault." Bulkhead's vocalizer crackled as he responded, his voice filled with pain. "I know, Wheeljack, but Breakdown...He was just a kid. He didn't deserve to be left there, to die alone."

Perceptor, the meticulous and logical scientist, stepped forward, his optics bright with wisdom. "Bulkhead, the burden of loss is never easy to bear, but you mustn't let it consume you. Breakdown's death was a tragedy, yes, but it won't be in vain. Every life we save, every battle we win, honors his memory. We fight on, not just for ourselves, but for those who can no longer fight."

The words struck a chord within Bulkhead, piercing through his guilt and offering a glimmer of hope. Perceptor's wisdom resonated deep within his spark, reminding him of the purpose behind their struggle. He realized that while he couldn't change the past, he had the power to shape the future.

Tears welled up in Bulkhead's optics as he nodded, his voice filled with determination. "You're right, Perceptor. Breakdown's death won't be in vain. I'll honor his memory by fighting even harder, by protecting those who can't protect themselves."

Wheeljack placed a reassuring servo on Bulkhead's shoulder, a rare gesture of comfort from the often-mischievous mech. "That's the spirit, Bulkhead. We're in this together, and we won't let guilt or regret hold us back. We'll fight for a better future, for Cybertron and all its inhabitants."

As the Wreckers stood united, a newfound resolve filled their sparks. They knew the road ahead would be arduous, filled with pain and sacrifice, but they also knew that as long as they had each other, they could overcome any obstacle. Together, they would forge a path of redemption, honoring the fallen and fighting for a brighter tomorrow.

And so, as the hangar's lights flickered, casting long shadows across the room, the Wreckers stood as a testament to the resilience of the Autobots. They were warriors, burdened by their past but fueled by the hope of a better future. And with each passing cycle, their strength would grow, a beacon of light in the darkest of times. The desolate landscape of Cybertron sprawled before them as the Wreckers pressed on toward their hidden base, the weight of their mission heavy on their sparks. Perceptor, the Autobot scientist renowned for his keen intellect and precision as a Wrecker sniper, led the group. Wheeljack, a formidable Autobot known for his expertise in explosives and his deadly proficiency with dual katanas, followed close behind. Bulkhead, a powerhouse of a Wrecker whose brawn and mighty mace struck fear into the sparks of their enemies, brought up the rear.