11.Nov.06

Reconciliation

By: Spectre the Hechidnat

Chapter 5: Primus’ Paladin

With a grunt of exertion, Depth Charge and Dinobot propped Primal Prime up inside the extra large CR Chamber Rattrap had set out in Axalon Tower's medical center. Once this was done, they stepped back and closed the hatch, sighing as the activation lights came on and the chamber began to hum. Their task finished, the pair traveled to the main control room to meet with Blackarachnia and Cheetor.

"Well, we are effectively slagged,” Cheetor commented once the functioning Maximals were seated.

Blackarachnia nodded. "Though I would have phrased it more eloquently, Cheetor's right. More than half our group is currently being repaired, and I doubt all four of us together can handle Nemesis Prime, let alone the whole group of Predacons and Vehicons."

Suddenly, the alarms went off, and Axalon Tower's Sentinel 2 System came online. "Warning: nine enemy signatures approaching base. Engaging autoguns; external shield nonfunctional."

Looking around at his compatriots, Depth Charge gave a sigh. "As Rhinox used to say, that's just DANDY."


Cackling maniacally, Tarantulas opened fire with his entire arsenal. Missiles, bullets, and laser pulses flew to strike Axalon Tower, shaking the structure and disrupting return fire from the autoguns. "Nothing is more satisfying than blasting Maximal property to slag!"

"Much as I hate to admit it spider, you've got a definite point!" Rampage said, howling as he transformed into tank mode. One by one, three different sizes of missile flew out to slam into the tower. What few blasts he took proved ineffective against him.

Flying in a trio overhead, Jetstorm laughed to Obsidian and Waspinator. "Aerial bombardment! Does it get any better than this?"

"Waspinator happy that he not the one getting shot this time!"

Groaning, Obsidian spoke in a tone of boredom and discontent. "Generals of my reputation have no business getting involved in this."

"Don't worry, my partner; I'm sure that we will find some way to return to glory," Strika called up from below, pummeling the structure with laser pulses.

Oddly, it was Nemesis Prime who stood on the sidelines, watching without interest. Quickstrike, standing nearest to him, called back to him as he unleashed venom blast after venom blast. "What's the matter with you, tin horn?"

"Pouring fire into a building is not worth my time nor my energy," the Decepticon/Predacon giant replied.

"I hope that the Royalty shall be merciful, for you sake!" Scavenger screamed.

At that instant, the Transmetal 2s and Depth Charge emerged from Axalon Tower, weapons blazing. Blackarachnia targeted Tarantulas and Strika, while Cheetor went after Obsidian and Waspinator. Depth Charge attacked Rampage and Jetstorm, while it fell to Dinobot to take on Quickstrike and Scavenger.

"Time to settle accounts, X!" Depth Charge roared.

"You and what fleet, old friend?" Rampage hollered back.

Jetstorm laughed hysterically as he fired on Depth Charge. "And they say I've got issues!"

Scavenger yelled in exhilaration as he attacked Dinobot. "Burn, traitor, burn!"

"Fire is a better fate for you, insect!"

"This is more fun than shooting Autobots in a museum!" Quickstrike shouted.

Hovering above Cheetor, Waspinator retained a sense of caution. His new Transmetal form had not given him much confidence, so he still did his best to avoid being shot. "Waspinator will scrap you this time, Maximal!"

"Give it your best shot, bug for brains!" Cheetor shot back.

"Your bravado is pathetically predictable," Obsidian replied.

Colossal and imposing, Strika stomped towards Blackarachnia. "May the Pit take me before I am driven off by you again, small one."

Detecting imminent victory, Tarantulas called back to Nemesis Prime. "Get in here and help you ungrateful wretch!"

In reply, Nemesis Prime lifted his weapon and fired at Axalon Tower. Every single autogun was destroyed, leaving the base without defense. He then stalked towards the battle, unhurried and confident. Driven back against the building, the four Maximals readied for a final stand.

Without warning, a pair of missiles flew into the midst of the 'Cons, exploding and sending them hurtling backwards. Before anyone could react, a loud howl rang through the air. Down from the sky swooped the figure of a winged wolf, its front legs a massive set of talons. Blackarachnia could not hold back an exclamation of confusion.

"Silverbolt?"

Upon landing, the figure was shown to not be Silverbolt at all. Though virtually identical to the Maximal knight, the being had crimson eyes and red-edged feathers. Glancing at the Maximals, the figure then turned to face Nemesis Prime.

"Windrazor, Maximize!"

Upon assuming Robot Mode, the newcomer's resemblance to Silverbolt became even more obvious. The difference was once again in coloring. Windrazor's mask-like ridge, surrounding his eyes, was dark purple as opposed to Silverbolt's black one. The intruder's eyes were also maroon, as opposed to the golden orbs of the Axalon crew member. Finally, belted at Windrazor's side was an Energon katana sword.

Meeting the gaze of his challenger, Nemesis Prime spoke quietly. "I don't know who you are, but you will rue the day you interfered with me!"

On signal from the Optimus Prime look-alike, his comrades opened fire with laser weapons. All combatants watched in astonishment as Windrazor drew his sword so quickly that it looked to have materialized in his hand. Moving the weapon until it was a blur, Windrazor deflected the oncoming attacks with impossible speed.

As the 'Cons ceased firing, Windrazor leapt into action. Spreading his huge wings, he flew forward, his sword moving so rapidly it was invisible. Waspinator fled before the attacker came close, fleeing in sheer terror. Rampage roared in pain as the blade cut into his torso, forcing him to turn and stagger away as rapidly as he could. Quickstrike and Scavenger suffered similar attacks, and fled after their giant ally. The trio of Vehicons followed Waspinator's example, departing before they could take damage. Windrazor did not put his weapon to Tarantulas, instead firing a missile to send him flying.

Flapping into the air in front of Nemesis Prime, Windrazor went into berserker mode. His blade flashed repeatedly as he struck at the Predacon with more fury than any of the Maximals had ever seen. To their shock, Nemesis Prime staggered under the onslaught, unprepared for the skill and ferocity of his attacker. Struggling, he managed to swing his laser cannon, knocking Windrazor away. Transforming into Beast Mode, the dark-furred mammoth charged out of sight.

Quiet since his Transformation, the winged warrior sheathed his sword. Turning to look at the Maximals, he bowed. "It was an honor to see you in action, heroes of the Beast Wars. Unfortunately, I cannot stay longer; I have a duty to attend to. Shokaract's folly escapes me, and I shall not allow it to be so for long."

With that, he flew off, leaving the four Maximals confused and with unanswered questions.

Click here for part 6