Hope's Return

Homecoming

The wind howled as Hope darted among the clouds, her spark racing. the link with Sideswipe burned hotter with every mile she got closer to him. She could feel her rage echoed through the link with Sunstreaker. Someone was tormenting their sibling and the anger pushed her to her limits. 

The gleaming towers of Crown City rose higher in the sunlight but her attention was caught by an explosion near the water. Narrowing her optics, she zoomed in on a large statue located off shore. Sunstreaker leaned closer to her audio receptors and pointed towards the suspension bridge. 

"Looks like Bee's on his way too. Ready to join the party?"

Hope snorted smoke and shot higher into the clouds. As angry as she was, it wouldn't do for the humans to spot a dragon flying overhead. Narrowing her optics once more, she spotted Knockout's shiny finish glinting off the side of the tower. Next to him was Strongarm and Sideswipe. Electricity thrummed up the tower and surrounded them causing fire to burn through the bond again. 

A blinding pulse spiraled up and around her, encircling them with power. Gnashing her teeth together, she roared towards the tower, all pretense of stealth forgotten in her fury. Along with her, Sunstreaker braced for battle.

As she darted alongside the tower, Sunstreaker leapt off her back and landed next to his twin. Nodding to him in silent communication, she turned to the rouge Decepticons standing at the base of the tower and snarling, launched herself at them.

Still standing where she had left him, Sunstreaker made quick work of the chains holding Bee's team captive. For a moment he stared at his twin before punching him in the face plate.

"Slag it Sunny! What the pit was that for?!"

"For not telling me you were back on Earth! Now are you going to hang around here all day or help our little sister?!"

Flashing a grin at his brother, Sideswipe grabbed him by the arm and jumped, hauling Sunstreaker along. 

"Sweet Solus Prime, there really are two of them. Primus, I am so slagged."

"So...you're more concerned about the lambo twins when Hope is down below fighting who knows what?"

Strongarm's attention fell on the flashy mech next to her.

"Yes...no...ugh! Come on flashy paint, we have a job to do!"

Following the twin's actions, she jumped onto a moose type Decepticon and started punching.

"The name's Knockout police truck and..." Watching the fray below he gave a sigh of exasperation. Praying to Primus to have mercy on his paint job, he grabbed his taser rod and shocked a red crab shelled rough bot that had been creeping up on him.

"Just had to go for a visit didn't I? Could've gone earlier and avoided getting captured but no...I decided to wait and now I'm saving your shiny aft!"

The last of his words drifted to Hope as he struck a rouge that was about to leap on her back. She rolled her optics good naturally and dove back in the fight. She had been making quick work of the remaining rouges when she was blinded by a bright light. A portal had opened and a large figure strode out. Instantly she was struck by a wave of pain and rage. Clenching her helm, Hope flew up into the clouds, seeking relief from the sudden onslaught.

Blinking rapidly, she gathered herself and plunged back towards the battle. As she was about to engage the new enemy, her attention was caught by a familiar red and blue figure. The long unused bond snapped open and for a second joy shone through. 

"Optimus!"

He was there before her and time so briefly stood still. Altering her path, she flew towards her lost mate, failing to see the bolt of power heading towards her. Puzzled, she watched as the love in Optimus's optics turned to horror seconds before she felt the piercing pain strike her chest.

Her brother's voices echoed in the bond as she hit the ground, the roar of battle all around her as her body forcefully transformed. A gentle servo touched her jaw and she leaned slightly into it before gazing up at the mech she loved. Raising a shaky servo, she touched his face plate and smiled.

"I always knew I'd find you again."

Her energy spent, she leaned into his servo. The sky was getting darker and all she wanted was to rest. The panicked voices grew softer until finally the darkness over took her and all was silent. 

To be continued in Book 3 of the Return Saga.      Cybertron's Hope