Through Ash and Dust (ROTB)

Chapter 57

As Optimus neared the top of the mountain, the key ignited and a beam of energy filled the sky. The portal was now beginning to open, so they now have lost that time. But there was still more than enough time to battle Scourge and stop him. With Saphira travelling with Mirage to find the point of entry, Optimus focused on Scourge. He desired to kill the terrorcon for taking Bumblebee, and threatening Saphira the way that he had done. But the desire to stop Unicron was far stronger at this time, and this small chance was all they needed.

As he reached the top of the mountain, Optimus narrowed his optics as he glared at Scourge. The terrorcon turned with a sneer on his face as their optics lock. They might not have known each other for very long, but the anger was there and simmering. While Scourge was simply doing his job, Optimus was here to protect the universe. No matter the cost, Optimus knew what had to be done. Just as Optimus Primal knew what had to be done.

Optimus looked at the bridge as Scourge seemed to summon multiple terrorcon warriors, and he could see the warriors pushing out of the metal of the bridge like it was liquid. Optimus at least knew this fight wouldn't be quick, and Scourge was going to do everything that he could to stop them. Though he did count the number of terrorcons on the battlefield, and there seemed to be hundreds. And Scourge probably could summon a lot more if he wanted to, but he probably felt this was enough.

Primal walked up beside Optimus and growled, looking at the fight that they were about the face. They all at least knew that the warriors that Scourge has summoned were much weaker than the three terrorcons standing on the bridge. Primal had hesitating facing Scourge before, but now he knew there was no way he would turn away now. He tightened his clenched fists, ready to fight the terrorcons.

"Maximals!"

"Autobots!"

"Roll out!"

The maximals and autobots ran down the slope of the mountain into the shallow valley, though it was clear this probably was a dormant volcano. Primal roared loudly as he ran down the slope and Optimus followed them quickly. The terrorcons quickly gathered and began to shoot at them, and both Battle Trap and Nightbird jump down from the bridge to join the fight. Scourge remained where he was at this time, likely to protect the key himself, but his optics were watching the fight.

Arming his sword, Optimus eyed the army in front of them, ready to fight them. Nightbird flew around shooting at the autobots and maximals, and irritating them at the same time. Though Nightbird noticed that Mirage wasn't present with them and she looked around for a moment, even though she could not see him. She continued to shoot to act like she was focused on the fight, but she was searching to locate where the bot was. It was strange that only one was missing, though Nightbird did assume he would be with the human.

"Rhinox! Cheetor!" Optimus glanced at Primal as the maximal shouted at the two maximals. He said nothing and assumed he would be giving an order. "Maximize!"

The autobots didn't have time to think much as they witness Rhinox transforming suddenly, followed by Cheetor. They had not expected that, and assumed they would have remained in their animal forms. But they seemed to have another form for fighting, which was similar to their full forms. Both Rhinox and Cheetor had their own weapons ready to fight, and Primal was the last to transform, arming himself with his own blade for the fight. It was a welcome, unexpected surprise to the autobots, and none of them questioned it at all.

As they began to engage with the terrorcons, Arcee leaped into the air and kicked Nightbird to the ground, making the terrorcon hiss and glare at the femme angrily, even though Nightbird had been looking around for Mirage and Saphira. But now the two femmes were engaged with each other, even though Nightbird would still keep an eye out as she fought Arcee, though Arcee would find the other terrorcons joining the fight and she would have to fight them as well.