Setting Sun (Transformers Prime Fan-fic)

Darkness Rising Pt. 2 (Pt. 2)

[Iris' POV]

Once the bridge was closed, I quickly monitor the bots as they near the area where Cliffjumper's life signal appeared. I was standing by the human-sized computers, waiting for the command to open the bridge. Despite the success I was starting to get with my remote-controlled console, it still wasn't ready for the field. So they were still relying on us to get them in and out of bad situations. The kids were watching Ratchet as he explained what just happened to the bots as they disappeared. I slightly tilt my head to listen in on the conversation, knowing where this is going.

"W-What's a ground bridge?" Raf asks, and I smirk. The smart one always asks the right questions. Ratchet huffs while trying to think of an easy way to describe it. "It's a scaled-down version of space bridge technology. Since we don't currently posses the means or energon required for intergalactic travel..." Ratchet turns to look at the children as Jack moves closer to the rails.

"You're stuck here, on Earth."

It's a statement, not a question, and Ratchet is quick to agree in a rather harsh way. "With the likes of you, yes." I turn to look at him with the 'be nice' gaze. Ratchet meets my eyes and scowls. He always was a grump until he warms up to you. I only shake my head and turn back to the computers. I zone them out and focus on the four life signs I had on my monitor. It seems like they were moving deeper into wherever they were. Optimus was ahead, as usual. They were moving slow, which means they must be under heavy fire. 'Primus, let them be safe...' I shake my head in confusion. 'Primus? When have I ever said that?' Slightly slapping my cheeks, I refocus. I can't let myself get distracted with the bots in a mine-

'Wait, mine?'

I hear a canon blast, and whip around in shock. 

There was nothing to be seen. Ratchet was leaning in close to Miko, who retaliates by moving closer to him. She says something, but suddenly I can't hear her. Another cannon blast rings in my ears, and I whip around. Something wasn't right. No one near me is shooting, none of the bots are in the base. I close my eyes and rub my temples. 'What's happening to me?'

The shooting only grows louder, then the ground beneath me suddenly begins quaking. 

My eyes fly open and I find myself smack in the center of a firefight. With a gasp, I stumble back as a ped nearly crushes me. It was smaller than normal, and I look up to see Arcee had just landed after decapitating a drone. I try to move out of the way as a massive drill begins barreling towards the bots-

But it drives right through me as if I wasn't there.

I struggle to even out my breathing as I pat my chest spastically. 'What the hell is going on?!' I turn around, watching as the fight continues and the Autobots press forward towards a large opening. I hear Optimus shout, "Maximum overdrive!" And everyone shifts into their alt modes. They barrel through the tunnel, and I rush after them. "Wait!"

In moments, I am by them once more in the blink of an eye. I feel nausea sink in as I try to get my bearings. It felt just like going through the bridge for the first time. Once I regain my senses, Arcee is shouting something from much higher up, and I see a large red mass covered in purple liquid drop from where she was at. Laughter echoes through the chasm, and I lift my eyes to spot Starscream walking just a few stories above Arcee.

"I'd... around... I'm squeamish." I could only make out a few words before he drops something that I could easily make out as a grenade. Bulkhead shouts, "The joint's gonna blow!" which only confirms my suspicions. Before I can react, I am suddenly pulled back into the missle silo as a hand grabs my arm. With a start, I move back, shaking the hand off. I turn to spot Jack looking at me in concern. "Woah, easy there! Didn't mean to scare you, Ms. Iris." 

I shake my head and rush past him to Ratceht. "Ratchet! Are the coms working?" The medical officer turns to me with irritation. "Unfortunately, no. The bots are somewhere deep in the mines where our communications is being hindered." Sudden static floods our ears, and I can make out part of Optimus Prime's booming voice. "Ratch *bzzzzz* use the *bzzzzz* and *bzzzzz*" I close my eyes and try to focus, begging whatever supernatural power that made me able to see what was happening in the mine to do so again.

And it did.

The bots were in their alt modes, speeding through the tunnel back to the area they arrived in. With a gasp, I'm yanked back to the silo by a pair of arms, but I throw them off and rush to a computer. "Iris?! What are you-" Ratchet yells as I take over control of the ground bridge. I input the arrival coordinates and activate it immediately. There is almost no moment of silence after the bridge roars to life before the first bot comes barreling through at full speed. Each transform and skid to a stop, making room as Optimus barely makes it out enough for me to close the portal on the explosion that was directly behind him. He transforms and flips over on one hand, sliding to a stop just before the railings I was now leaning against.

My head was pounding, but I was holding those yellow rails with a death grip until I knew for sure everyone was alright... And I wasn't hallucinating everything I just witnessed.

Ratchet gives me a side eye, but I shake my head and gesture to the bots. He narrows his optics but agrees the bots are more important right now. "Cutting it close. How about Cliff?" Everyone looks away, and I feel my heart sink. So he really is gone... I take a deep breath in, holding myself steady on two legs. I feel my left leg throb in remembrance of the wound I got from him all those years ago. The scar was still there, and now it was one of the few memories I would always have of him.

I wipe the tears away before they fall as Arcee suddenly grows dizzy. I had missed something important apparently, because now Ratchet was scrapping some purple goo off the back of her servo. She mentioned Cliff being covered in it, which is exactly what I saw as well. "Go take a decontamination bath, now!" Ratchet orders. Bumblebee helps her up, and they slowly make their way to the decontamination chamber. As she enters, I turn to Ratchet. Just as I start to leave the rails, the headache returns and slams against my skull with full force. I stumble, clutching my forehead in agony. Dizziness overtakes me and I crash against the walkway. I hear heavy footsteps, or pedsteps I should say, but I must have hit my head because it was difficult to keep my eyes open. I hear voices, and I can tell one of them is Optimus, but I can't get anything out of my mouth. My conscience slips away just as I feel a cool metal servo slip underneath me.

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[A/N]

What? I'm actually updating this?! BLASPHEMY!

No, in reality, I've had a lot happen since I started this story, the NCIS story, and working on my Minecraft stories (which I hope to one day turn into comics and animations). Family issues, job searching, buying my first car (yay!) and other things. I'm currently working basically four jobs, so my time to write has dropped dramatically. However, this weekend I have A LOT of free time on my hands, so I'll try to get at least once chapter in each story out soon!

Anyways, please comment something if you are reading these. I have seen many people save them, but comments and constructive criticism is what I would love to see. I'm not even asking for faves, just a little help with comments and such when you see mistakes. I'm not perfect, nor a professional, so I won't be offended if you say "Hey, spelling error here!" I will actually appreciate it because I do want to one day publish a book!

So, consider this helping the next Harry Potter! lol

Anyways, thanks for reading!~