A New Dawn - Transformers Prime (4)

Chapter Twenty-One

[Amanda]

Both human sized and full sized Cybertronians began to race at me, and I readied myself to defend against whichever one reached me first.

  But I never got the chance.

  A ground bridge opened on my left and I peeled my eyes away for a second to see several figures race through, making my jaw drop.

  Ultra Magnus led the charge, tackling the full sized Cybertronian closest to him. Arcee and Bumblebee were close on his heels, their guns blazing as they entered the fray. Bulkhead and Wheeljack immediately dived at nearby Cybertronians, true Wrecker style, and Smokescreen punched the one he ended up closest to. Jack and Miko emerged last, their own weapons firing at the human sized Cybertronians.

  I snapped out of my shock a moment later, regaining myself enough to meet the two human sized Cybertronians that reached me. Smashing my fist into one of their faces sent it stumbling back, while the other slashed me with its blade. I grimaced as I felt pain flare up on my shoulder, but I paid it no more attention, swinging my foot at that Cybertronian's torso. With both of them backed off, I sent two blasts of silver dust through their chests, feeling their sparks go out as I scanned the battle field again. The Autobots were fending off against the regular sized Cybertronians, while Jack and Miko met with Finn, handing him a gun as they embarked upon the human sized enemies. That left me to deal with the one who started this problem. Luckily, I didn't have to go far to find her.

  Temepst blindsided me, her foot coming out of nowhere to slam into my stomach, knocking me off my feet and causing me to gasp for breath. As I got to my feet, rubbing my stomach painfully, she stalked toward me, rage on her face.

  "You are a nuisance," She spat.

  "You wanted a challenge," I wheezed, each breath hurting but I ignored it. "Careful what you wish for."

  Her eyes narrowed and she launched at me again, but this time I sidestepped, dodging her blow. Her claws came slicing at me, and I ducked away again. This time I retaliated, sending a blast of silver dust at her. She raised her forearms to block it, and once the silver clear, gold outlined her figure.

  "I am done holding back," She growled, previous charisma gone. "You will fall the way your predecessors have before."

  My stomach twisted as I felt a surge in Valilorna's presence. The ground swayed under my feet and Tempest held her arms out, her markings glowing gold and emitting golden dust. My vision flashed gold, and suddenly, I couldn't hear the battle around me. Everything had frozen, the Autobots mid-movement, Tempest's Cybertronians held in place, even Finn, Miko, and Jack were stopped in time. My eyes went back to Tempest, who still had her arms out, but was now blocked by a golden figure.

  "You know how to make an entrance," I said, forming orbs of silver dust in my palms. "I'll give you that."

  Valilorna smiled pleasantly at me, as though proud of herself. "Why thank you, darling." She looked around at the battle, her smile widening. "You are making it difficult for Tempest to dispose of you. I am impressed."

  "Underestimating me? You of all beings should know better. And here I thought you knew me so well. What happened to us being kindred spirits?" I mocked.

  But her smile never faltered. "Oh, I did not underestimate you. But I am surprised at how willing you are to invoke war." She paused, thinking for a moment. "No, I am not surprised. I have felt your anger, your frustration, your inner battles. You are just as ruthless as I am. At least, you will be one day."

  My heart pounded with nerves. Why am I nervous? I should be scared scrapless, but nervous? Why? Is she right? Am I guilty? Why does it feel like I've been caught?

  "Get to the point," I sighed, trying to expel my thoughts. "You know I hate your rambling."

  She cocked her head to the side. "As you wish, darling. You will fall to me. They always do."

  Her chilling smile was the last thing I saw before a massive blast of gold dust slammed into me.

[Finn]

  The entire field flashed gold, and I spun around, eyes search for Amanda, who had been facing Tempest nearby. Last time I had glanced over, my girlfriend had the upper hand and was completely winning. Now, Tempest towered over her as she tried to get to her feet, her clothes smoking with wisps of gold dust.

  "Jack, Miko!" I called over my shoulder, hoisting my gun. They both shot at the human sized Cybertronian they'd been fighting and turned at my voice. "With me!"

  We all ran forward, and as we approached the scene, I aimed my gun at Tempest. Skidding to a stop a few feet away, I opened fire on the queen Con, Miko and Jack following my lead. Not a single bullet ended up hitting her, because a wall of gold dust eerily similar to Amanda's powers covered Tempest, but it did the trick. Amanda sent a blast of silver at the Con, sending her stumbling back. Tempest took a look around, saw that she was losing, and turned her outraged expression on Amanda.

  "Next time, little champion," She spat, before yelling. "Cháos Férnontas, fall back!"

  The Cybertronians around used all moved away from their fights, and the sound of jetpacks filled the air as the human sized ones lifted away while the regular ones transformed into jets and took off. By the time the dust cleared, we were the only ones left in the field. No one moved for a long moment before I looked over at Amanda, who was hunched over. I rushed towards her, crouching beside her and reaching out to hold her shoulders.

  "I'm fine," She waved my concern away, coughing and wincing painfully. When my worry didn't waver, she gripped my arms, eyes going over me. "Are you okay?"

  I gave her a half smile. "I could ask you the same thing."

  She snorted, but the corners of her lips quirked up. She began to stand and I held her up as she did, her body off balance. Rubbing her ribs, she shook her head.

  "That hurt," She admitted, sounding almost defeated.

  "I can imagine," I said, taking on her weight as she leant on me. "Can you walk?"

  She gave me a look. "Finn, you were just kidnapped by evil incarnated. You are not offering to carry me back."

  I smiled sheepishly. "Points for trying to be chivalrous?"

  Amanda looked like she was about to say something else when her eyes landed on the group in front of us. Ultra Magnus stood in front of the Autobots, with the others close behind. Miko and Jack were with Bulkhead and Arcee respectively, all looking like they were waiting for us. I glanced back at my girlfriend, seeing the situation weigh down on her, her previous relief and light heartedness disappearing, which made me frown. I didn't say anything though, knowing how she hated being put on the spot.

  "I see Ratchet called in the cavalry," Amanda said, faking a light tone.

  "He contacted us just in time, it seems,"Ultra Magnus said. "We should return to the base; there is much that needs tobe discussed."