Phoenix

Epilogue

Andromeda and Surefire left the base that day with gifts and well wishings from the Autobots. Ratchet was the last to go back inside after watching them leave.

Andromeda the True.

It became Ratchet's secret title for her. He didn't know when their paths would cross again, if ever, but from that day on it was how he remembered her.

Surefire the Loyal.

Andromeda had always known it, but his readiness to follow her into the unknown made it ever clearer. He would follow her to the ends of the universe, and beyond.

Ratchet the Just.

It was the only word Surefire could find to describe the noble mech. He had only known him for a little while, but it was clear. A medic who had rose to greatness from the very passion of his spark. Something Andromeda seemed to understand better than any of them.

They were all heroes in this story.

xxx

Andromeda and her faithful Lieutenant traveled across the nation, finding refuge under the looming peaks of the Rocky Mountains. There, they lived independently. In need of nothing but each other's company. (And, occasionally, Energon from a nearby deposit)

They were never summoned to the Autobots' aid, and neither of them minded.

For the long time that she lived, Andromeda was content. Not only because she was no longer bound to the violence of the war, but more because she had found love once again.

Love, that saved her life.

Love, that healed her wounds.

Love, that mended her broken spark.

xxx

And so Andromeda lived a long life with a happy end. And while her beloved sparkmate was too late to return to her, he somehow knew he was forgiven.

And now, the legacy of Andromeda the True lives on in the hearts of those she touched. To hope, even when chances seem small. To forgive, even when robbed of all she had.

To love, no matter what.