Sorry for no update yesterday! I was moving out of my home

Warnings: None I think?

Thank you, stay safe, and enjoy the chapter! :3

• ───────────────── •

      Everyone seemed stunned by the Decepticon commanders' proposal. It was Predaking who spoke first. He stepped forward to stand side by side with his self-appointed mother.

      "Mother, what are you saying?"

      "Listen to me and listen to me well, son." (Y/n) turned to the Predacon. "They wanted this. They wanted you to die. Even the one you call father. If you still choose to be by their side after this, then...well I cannot choose their side anymore. And if the Autobots wont have me, then..."

      "I would need some time to consider your proposal, (Y/n)." Optimus Prime spoke up. "For now, I would like to get my commander to some medical assistance."

      "Of course." She nods. "See to it."

      Optimus and Rayne seemed to exchange a few words before Optimus picked up both of the injured mechs and flew out of the cave. Rayne, now alone with the Decepticon commander and Predacon, turned to them.

      "Predaking, was it? Do you share her view?"

      "I'm...not sure what I share." Predaking responded, seemingly shell shocked.

      Rayne turned to (Y/n). "Why do you wish to betray the Decepticons?"

      "Like I said, I have been lied to, manipulated and hurt. Starscream is a conniving fool, Knockout is a good for nothing backstabber, Soundwave is a mindless follower, Shockwave is...Shockwave and that in itself is dangerous, and Megatron..." (Y/n) saw so many memories appear of her and Megatron. "...he is the root of it all."

      "Do you not love him anymore?" Rayne asked.

      (Y/n) took some time to think on it. "I do, but I cannot bring myself to trust him or any of his officers anymore. My position in the Decepticon ranks means nothing. My history with the Decepticons and each of its members means nothing. Megatron wants to do terrible things, and I see that now. I cannot bring myself to, in good conscious, continue to support the Decepticon cause."

      Rayne took a moment to process everything. But when she did, a smile appeared on her face. But before she could say anything, Predaking spoke up. "But mother, what about Bishop? Would you abandon him?"

      "I would never abandon him." She responded.

      "Bishop? Who is that?" Rayne asked.

      "Why, Commander (Y/n)'s and Lord Megatron's son." Predaking responded.

      Rayne stopped. Her long lost friend had...a son? That they managed to keep hidden? How the hell? Optimus Prime came back into the cave shortly after, and landed next to his sparkmate. He looked between the three. No new wounds, that was good.

      "Rayne, have you deduced (Y/n)'s place within the Autobot ranks?" Optimus asked.

      "I believe she's sincere in her reasonings, but I had no idea a child was mixed into this whole mess." Rayne informed Optimus.

      Optimus turned to (Y/n) in shock, though nobody could read it on his faceplate. "You have a sparkling?"

      (Y/n) shifted uncomfortably, now all the attention was on her. "Yes, with Megatron. His name is Bishop."

      Optimus thought for a moment. "Do you plan to leave the Nemesis?"

      "No." She shook her head. "My cooperation would be to destroy them from the inside. Leaving would put myself and Bishop at risk, and if they find your base again, I worry what they would do to my baby..."

      Optimus nodded. "Rayne, I would entrust communication with our newfound companion to you."

      "Newfound companion? Does this mean?" (Y/n) slowly had a smile creep onto her face.

      "Yes, we will cooperate with you in defeating the Decepticons. If you gain any knowledge or info whatsoever, relay the information back to Rayne." Optimus decided definitively. "For now, it is best if we part ways. Until we meet again."

      Rayne gave (Y/n) one last smile before hopping on Optimus' back and flying out of the cave. She turned to Predaking. "I'm putting a lot of trust in you."

      Predaking thought for a moment. "What if they discover you?"

      "Then I will deal with it accordingly. You just focus on protecting your brother if that comes to fruition." (Y/n) began to walk past him and called for a groundbridge.

      "And how do you know I agree with you?"

      "It's written all over your faceplate. The betrayal. I feel it too. Together, we'll ruin them." (Y/n)'s eyes narrowed at the thought.

      Predaking said nothing, but he did nod. That was enough for (Y/n).

• ───────────────── •

      (Y/n) and Predaking had returned. They told a story about how the Autobots managed to get away with the help of Optimus and his new form. (Y/n) had only been there for the ending. Megatron believed every single word of it.

      "Do not despair, Predaking." Megatron spoke. "For I vow to you, that the Autobots will pay dearly for the outrage against your kind."

      (Y/n) didn't miss how Starscream and Knockout gave each other a smirk. Predaking didn't miss it either, and it only angered him further.

      "Shockwave! Report!" Megatron commanded into his comm.

      "It is true my liege, project Predacon has been rendered null and void. At least, I haven't been able to uncover any beast forms. However there is something you must behold for yourself." Shockwave spoke over the comm.

      Another groundbridge trip, and (Y/n) was back in the same cave with Megatron and Starscream. What she saw before her, didn't make sense in her head. It seemed to be a bunch of gunmetal gray spikes intertwining with each other into one huge ball.

      "What is this?" (Y/n) asked.

      "Yes, I would like to know too." Starscream spoke up.

      Shockwave approached them. "Pure Cybertronian cyber matter. Not unlike that which existed on our primeval home world."

      "Or that which engendered my citadel here on Earth." Megatron spoke up. "Te result of the explosion?"

      "Indeed." Shockwave nodded. "Yet the cybernucleic acid alone could not account for these cyber forms. All possible logic points to the presence of one unexpected variable. Synthetic energon."

      (Y/n) was mentally taking this all down. Shockwave led the three of them inside the ball of cyber matter. The three of them looked around to take in everything. Shockwave spoke again as they looked around.

      "Simply put, this combination of elements could allow us to cyberform entire worlds."

      Starscream groaned. "Why do I feel a Shockwave plan coming on?"

      Shockwave then grabbed Starscream's arm and tugged him closer. "Do not think for a moment, Starscream, that it has gone unnoticed that you left me at the hands of the Autobots."

      (Y/n) narrowed her eyes but did nothing to stop Shockwave. Whatever happened to Starscream, he deserved.

      "Master! Would you allow one commander to harm a subordinate?!" Starscream looked to Megatron, then when he didn't answer he tried (Y/n). "Commander (Y/n)?!"

      "I'm thinking." (Y/n) glared at Starscream.

      Shockwave then took that opportunity to throw Starscream forward and hold him against one of the lower cyber matter spikes. "I am tempted to force you to share my perception of things."

      "No!" Starscream whimpered. "I only did what I thought was best for the mission! But, I do feel compelled to add that it was my very error in judgement that made this happy accident possible!"

      Shockwave dragged his helm away from the deadly spikes.

      "If I recollect, you were seeking to purge your laboratory of sensitive materials before the Autobots arrived, were you not?" Starscream continued to whimper.

      "Your argument..." Shockwave took a moment to decide. "...is logical."

      He let Starscream go and he staggered back behind Megatron. (Y/n) was disappointed. Megatron finally spoke up. "Exemplary teamwork. Now tell me, Shockwave, why does this cyber matter resemble chaos?"

      "The basic elements are apparently unstable." Shockwave responded. "I will turn my attention to correcting that."

      Megatron sighed. "Nevertheless, should we use this cyber matter to restore Cybertron, or cyberform Earth, we would require a large mechanism would we not? Then we will focus all our remaining resources upon this successful reconstruction of the Omega Locke."

      (Y/n) perked up at that. That was definitely something to tell the Autobots the next chance she got.

• ───────────────── •

      In the Autobot base, Optimus pulled Rayne aside once more as Ratchet worked on Ultra Magnus' servo. "Are you certain letting her join our ranks was a good idea?"

      "I'm sure, Optimus. It can't be good over there, and she seemed genuinely just...tired." Rayne explained herself.

      "Or are you bound by a bias?" Optimus asked.

      "I am not bound by a bias. She seemed to really want our help." Rayne furrowed her eyebrows.

      "I would just be cautious. Reveal nothing of our information to her. Do you understand me?" Optimus said firmly.

      Rayne's smile fell. "...yeah, I understand."

      Optimus nodded then returned to watching over Ultra Magnus' procedure. Rayne didn't like that he talked to her like one of his soldiers. She was more than that. She only shrugged and looked away, not letting it bother her too much. If she knew (Y/n) still, then she was desperate for some sort of help.

      The humans had returned and had been informed of what had happened, but not that the Decepticon commander had joined their ranks. Optimus was going to make an announcement about it in a moment. Everyone was watching on as Ratchet attempted to repair Ultra Magnus' servo. Finally, Ratchet turned to his comrades. "I've done all I can do, considering the limitations of my equipment, and less than ideal spare parts."

      Ratchet moved to the side to allow everyone to get a good look at Ultra Magnus' new servo. It was basically a claw that you would find in a claw machine. Rayne tried not to wince at the sight.

      "It remains uncertain if Ultra Magnus' new appendage will be fit for battle." Ratchet informed. "Though it should prove functional. After the requisite amount of therapy."

      "That is all we can hope for, old friend." Optimus spoke, without an ounce of emotion. "In light of the recent battle, I would like to make an announcement."

      Everyone's attention turned to Optimus Prime. He stood tall as always, backstruts straight and shoulder plates back as he began to deliver the news that someone would be joining them.

      "Rayne and I have made negotiations with one of the Decepticons, and they have agreed to help us from within the Decepticon ranks."

      "What? Who?" Arcee spoke up.

      "The Decepticon commander herself, (Y/n)." Optimus confirmed.

      "You can't be serious. Are you sure just Rayne didn't make any negotiations?" Arcee spoke angrily. "We can't trust her, she's literally Megatron's sparkmate!"

      "But she needs our help." Rayne stepped forward. "She seemed...lost. Like she didn't know what to do anymore. She needed our help and who are we if we don't help her?"

      "More like who are you if you don't help her?" Arcee sassed Rayne. "Look, all I'm saying is, how can we trust her?"

      Rayne looked to her mother for some back up, but was met with nothing. Then she looked to Optimus and was met with nothing. Not even June or Jack dared to chime in. Rayne realized that only she believed in (Y/n)'s ability to change. "Well if you weren't so sure, Optimus, why did you agree to this?"

      "While I believe she has some capacity for change, I am afraid that once she gets her usage of us, she will toss us away and go back into hiding." Optimus explained. "I do not know what her intentions truly are. Nobody here knows."

      Rayne just scoffed and looked away. She knew (Y/n) better than anyone else. She'd finally come around and they were all willing to turn her away? Ridiculous! Optimus continued his announcement. "While all the prototypes seemed to be destroyed in the explosion, we know of one beast type who remains."

      "And let me guess, he's on our side too?" Arcee asked.

      Optimus gave her a look.

      "Are you serious?" The femme deadpanned.

• ───────────────── •

      Back on the Nemesis, (Y/n) was holding Bishop while Megatron and Predaking were talking. It had been a week since she began to betray the Decepticons, with Predaking following her every step. Bishop was babbling about something or other, and (Y/n) was bouncing him on her hip. Megatron took one look at them, smiled and turned to Predaking. (Y/n)'s heart hurt at the prospect of betraying the one she loves and her former friends, but she needed to do what was right. For Bishop, and for her.

      "Predaking," Megatron started. "We will soon plot our strike against the Autobots, to punish them for the massacre of your kind."

      Predaking took a deep breath, preparing to play his role. "While I fully intend to exact my revenge, project Predacon was merely a squadron, not an army."

      "I see." Megatron nodded.

      "Father, if you truly aspire to restore our home world, then I have every faith that you will ressurect the entirety of the Predacon race from the remains which lie there, so that I may lead them against any and all of our shared enemies." Predaking spoke with pride, playing his role well.

      Megatron seemed speechless. (Y/n) couldn't help but smirk. But she mustn't get cocky. She still had a long way to go.

• ───────────────── •

      "We salvaged much of the wreckage of the Omega Locke, but the damage was quite severe." Shockwave informed Megatron and (Y/n). "I would urge the selective use of Earth technology, retro-fitting its operations will be more efficient than rebuilding from scratch."

      "Then do provide (Y/n) with your wishlist." Megatron commanded. "Since Shockwave must turn his attention to the stabilization of our cyber matter, you will be in charge of acquisitions, dear."

      (Y/n) nodded and watched as Megatron and Shockwave left the room. Now was her chance to meet up with Rayne as she would be out, and relay the information learned. But before any orders were given, a loud beep rang throughout the room. It caught everyone's attention, and after a moment Shockwave turned to (Y/n) and Megatron.

      "Lord Megatron, I have determined that the synthetic energon is the source of the instability, simply because it is incomplete." Shockwave explained.

      "Then make haste and complete it, we will not only require enough cyber matter to rebuild one planet, but to remake a second." Megatron commanded, then turned to leave, servo on (Y/n)'s back to lead her out.

      "Master." Shockwave called. "Excuse my imputence, but what is the logic behind ruling two worlds?"

      "It has taken me quite some time to fully comprehend, that Earth and Cybertron have always been linked - two halves of one whole. Primus and Unicron." Megatron explained.

      (Y/n) remembered helping the Autobots when Unicron made his appearance. She thought that was going to be the last time she would ever help them. How wrong she was.

      "And to rule one, would be to never truly rule either." Megatron added.

      This sent a shiver down (Y/n)'s spine. There were many reasons why this situation was dire, and this was one of them. She had to find a way to the Autobots quickly.

• ───────────────── •

      (Y/n) had managed to successfully steal twenty tons of control rods one night, with the help of some Vehicons, but no Autobots showed. Disappointed, she opted to go on the next run, but Soundwave accompanied her. This was going to be tricky, but she had a plan in mind. The Vehicons carried the component out, while Soundwave watched from above and made sure no Autobots came through.

      However, a groundbridge opened up on the other end of the fence that circled the base they were stealing from. (Y/n) put a hand to her comm and spoke to Soundwave. "You go ahead and grab the Vehicons a groundbridge, I'll keep the Autobots at bay."

      Whipping out her scythe, she watched as Optimus (with Rayne on his back) rode through the groundbridge, along with Arcee, Bumblebee and Wheeljack. Optimus transformed and threw Rayne at (Y/n). Taking out her sword, Rayne clashed harshly with (Y/n)'s scythe, making the dust around them fly up slightly.

      "Learn anything?" Rayne asked, gaze hard and blade shaky against (Y/n)'s own.

      "They took the Omega Locke. They're planning to rebuild it," (Y/n) shoved Rayne back and went to attack. "But I don't know when it will be operational."

      Rayne moved her body sideways to allow the blade of (Y/n)'s scythe to glide right past her. She then used her blade to basically make the same attack (Y/n) did. "Is that what you're stealing parts for?"

      "Yes," (Y/n) answered, moving out of the way before the sword hit her. "they're planning to cyberform Earth and rebuild Cybertron."

      Rayne's blade missing, she went back up for another slash at (Y/n). "What are they even rebuilding it with?"

      "As far as I know," (Y/n) dodged again. "Synthetic energon. But the formula is incomplete."

      Rayne swiped her sword low and (Y/n) jumped over it, sending herself flying into Rayne and pinning her to the ground, her scythe held up high. "I fear they may try to use any means necessary to get this done."

      "That's not new." Rayne spoke before a huge boom went off in the distance.

      Looking up, (Y/n) was immediately taken aback by Soundwave falling out of the sky and crashing into the ground. Rayne was quick to switch their places and hold (Y/n) against the ground. She held the butt of her sword up, mumbled a 'sorry,' and then (Y/n)'s vision went black.