Transformers: Prime: Smokescreen's Destiny

Chapter 27: Dark Energon Dilemma

Smokescreen's spark ached with the weight of his failure as he gazed mournfully at the spot where Mayhem had vanished. The echo of his friend's name lingered in the air like a haunting refrain, a constant reminder of what could have been.

"Tinker..." he whispered, his voice heavy with regret.

Knockout's words cut through the somber atmosphere, his tone tinged with a hint of resignation. "I'm sorry, Smokescreen. But I'm afraid that Tinker is too far gone."

Smokescreen's optics dimmed with sadness, but his resolve remained unyielding. "But I should've been able to save him," he insisted, his voice tinged with determination. "I know that I can still reach him. I have to try."

Knockout shook his head, his expression firm. "Forget about it, kid. Tinker is gone, and he is Mayhem now. There's no saving him."

Dreadwing offered his support, his tone gentle yet firm. "Knockout is right, Smokescreen. Tinker is no more. We must accept that."

As Smokescreen wrestled with his grief and frustration, Megatron intervened, his voice commanding yet tinged with a hint of sympathy. "We will find the Emberstone again someday," he assured. "But for now, we must return to the Nemesis."

With a heavy heart, Smokescreen reluctantly accepted the reality of the situation. "I wish I had found a solution," he lamented.

Knockout offered a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "We all do, Smokey," he replied. "But sometimes, we must accept that not everyone can be saved or redeemed."

With one last glance at the spot where Mayhem had vanished, Smokescreen turned and followed his comrades back to the Nemesis, his mind consumed with thoughts of what could have been and the relentless pursuit of redemption.

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Meanwhile, at the Autobot base...

In the dimly illuminated command center of the Autobot base, the air was thick with concern as Optimus Prime convened with his trusted allies. Arcee, Ratchet, Bulkhead, Wheeljack, and the ever-silent Bumblebee stood before their leader, their expressions weighted with worry.

"Autobots. We must find a way to reach Smokescreen," Optimus Prime began, his voice carrying the weight of responsibility. "He has strayed from our path because Megatron persuaded him to join his side, but I believe there is still a chance for Smokescreen to return to our side."

Arcee spoke up, her voice tinged with remorse. "I should never have been so hard on him," she admitted, her gaze downturned. "Especially after what happened with Jack and the Star Saber. I let my anger cloud my judgment."

Bulkhead nodded in agreement, his tone heavy with regret. "Yeah, me too," he confessed, his gaze softening with memories. "Smokescreen has proved himself time and again. Remember when he helped me take down Cylas? Kid's got potential."

Ratchet, his gruff voice reflecting his concern, chimed in next. "I've been tough on him as well," he admitted, his optics flickering with guilt. "But he's a skilled young bot and a valuable member of this team. We can't afford to lose him to the Decepticons forever."

As the others shared their regrets and hopes for Smokescreen's return, Wheeljack remained silent, his expression thoughtful. Though he had never been harsh with Smokescreen, he understood the gravity of the situation and the importance of bringing their wayward comrade back into the fold.

Optimus Prime regarded his team with a sense of pride, his voice steady with determination. "Bumblebee, your loyalty and bravery are unmatched. If anyone can reach Smokescreen, it is you."