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Breakdown looked down at his conjunx endura. Knock Out had finally fallen into recharge after being up two days. He placed a servo on the smaller mech's helm, his thumb brushing against the porcelain white cheek. Knock Out moaned a bit, shifting under the touch."Breakdown?" Knock Out whispered, his optics onlining."It's fine babe," Breakdown said, using the human term he had come to like so much. "Go back to recharge."Knock Out closed his optics, slipping back into recharge. Breakdown sighed, gazing upon his mate. Knock Out had been working so hard lately with trying to keep up all the repairs of the vehicons and commanders from battle. The most recents were done thanks to his twin in the last battle for an energon mine. Breakdown pulled out a datapad, turning it on. A holopicture appeared, earning a soft smile.It showed Megatron and another mech smiling together, each holding a sparkling. The other mech held his twin, Bulkhead while his sire held him. The mech was named Starwalk, a seeker half-breed that got banned from Vos for having groundling in him. He was silver and green with some blue highlights. Starwalk had died at the servos of the Council in front of his sire just before war was declared. Starwalk had gone with his sire and Orion Pax to meet with the High Council. But some guards had taken Starwalk prisoner and executed him in front of Megatron after Orion Pax was declared the new Prime.It became a bloodbath after that. Megatron had started killing members of the Council except for Alpha Trion. The hidden Decepticons like Soundwave and even Starscream, the Prince of Vos, had joined in the slaughter. After everything that happened, Bulkhead still joined the Wreckers for the Autobots and then Optimus Prime's team to go to Earth. Breakdown had tried to join the Wreckers as well to try to stop his sire's madness from the loss of his soulmate, but he was denied when others found he was the son of Megatron. Luckily, they didn't know about Bulkhead. That would have been a lot worse.Breakdown joined up with his sire, which made Bulkhead upset at him. Later he had met Knock Out and immediately hit it off with the racer. It wasn't until before they reached Earth that they joined together as sparkmates. The war wasn't ending anytime soon, and it was calm enough. They both felt it was the right time, despite being together for centuries previously.Breakdown shut off the datapad, ending his trip down memory lane. It hurt him to remember his carrier. He had a hard time remembering him now, and what it was like before the war had started. But he hoped that his carrier was still watching from the Allspark. The large mech got up, heading for the bridge to go see his sire to give him the medical report Knock Out had drew up when he was finished."Breakdown," Megatron greeted, turning to see his son with a smile."Hey sire. Here's that report," said Breakdown, passing along a datapad."Thank you," said Megatron. "How is your sparkmate doing?""He's finally in recharge," said Breakdown."That is good to hear. He is our only medic," said Megatron."Sire, I know you hate hearing it, but I think we do need to make a truce with Optimus," said Breakdown. "Our race is dying, and this war is going nowhere. No one is winning and we just keep dying.""No," Megatron said, optics flashing. "Even if the war ends, it will be just like it was before your carrier got killed. I will not allow us to become slaves again.""How do you know that will happen? Optimus isn't like the other Primes or the Council," Breakdown said. "Even I have seen that. And so had Bulkhead.""I said no. You are dismissed," Megatron growled.Breakdown huffed. He knew his sire wouldn't listen to reason anymore. He had changed a lot since partaking in the Dark Energon. The mech left, heading to the groundbridge and punching in coordinates. He needed to go for a drive.He transformed down, his tires squealing before he shot off through the groundbridge and into the desert, sand flying everywhere. It really pissed him off that his sire wouldn't listen.~~~000The alarms beeped and lights flashed. Bulkhead jumped from his light recharge at the monitor, silencing the alarms. He rubbed his face before looking at the screen, shaking off any tiredness he had been feeling."Huh," Bulkhead hummed."What is it?" Ratchet asked from his makeshift medical bay."Breakdown's signal popped up near the base," said Bulkhead."What is he doing all the way out here?" Ratchet pondered."I guess I'll go find out," Bulkhead said, heading for the groundbridge. "I'll be back Doc."Ratchet looked back at the monitor, seeing the way Breakdown's signal was moving. It was even stranger because Knock Out wasn't there with him. Those two were nearly inseparable. So where was Knock Out?Bulkhead sped off, following the signal. He spotted Breakdown in no time, the mech finally stopping and in his bipedal mode. Bulkhead transformed, alerting the unsuspecting Decepticon to his presence."What are you doing out here Breakdown?" Bulkhead asked."Not a whole lot," said Breakdown. "Sire is being stubborn as always. So, I needed to cool off.""Without Knock Out?" Bulkhead asked."No. He's in recharge. He exhausted himself the past two days working thanks to your handy work," said Breakdown, his single optic narrowing at his twin."Sorry," Bulkhead said, looking a bit sheepish as he rubbed the back of his helm."I don't get why sire won't just end this war," said Breakdown. "He doesn't even seem like the same mech since carrier was killed.""I agree there," said Bulkhead, now standing next to Breakdown. "Carrier didn't even deserve to be killed for not fitting in.""What do you mean?" Breakdown asked."You didn't know? The High Council couldn't fit carrier in with the caste system since he got banished from Vos. He didn't even work well in the mines or as a gladiator," said Bulkhead. "I've heard a lot of bots getting killed for not fitting in with their plans. Carrier was one of them. They were looking for him for a while before sire went to propose his idea with the boss.""Those slaggers," Breakdown growled. "They were truly disgusting mechs.""Not all of them," Bulkhead reminded."Right. Alpha was okay. But the rest are lucky they were killed long ago," said Breakdown."We'll find a way to end all of this," Bulkhead said, putting a servo on Breakdown's shoulder. "There has to be a way.""Yeah," Breakdown said. "I should get back to Knock Out.""Alright," said Bulkhead. Breakdown turned to leave, walking away. "Breakdown.""Yeah?" the mech asked, turning back around.Bulkhead pulled him in for a hug. Breakdown was shocked. This was the first time in a long time they hadn't been fighting each other."I still love you brother," said Bulkhead. "And for what it is worth, I am sorry.""There's no need to apologize, Bulk," said Breakdown. "I love you too, brother. See you later, ya big lug.""See ya," Bulkhead said.Bulkhead nodded, letting his brother go back to the warship with one final goodbye. He called Ratchet for a bridge back to the base after watching Breakdown leave through his groundbridge."So?" Ratchet asked."What?" Bulkhead asked."What did he want?" Ratchet clarified."He was just driving around," said Bulkhead. "Nothing more to it. But he left.""I see," Ratchet said."I'm going to recharge," said Bulkhead. "I'll see you later Doc."Bulkhead headed to his room to get some much-needed recharge. He laid down on his berth, sighing. He wasn't expecting to see Breakdown be so... nice. They had been fighting with each other for so long, he forgot how it was like not to fight with his family anymore. The large mech settled into recharge with a smile.
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Breakdown smiled, snuggling into Knock Out's frame. Their night had been pleasurable, enjoying each other's company, just like they have been for the past couple weeks since there's been no fighting since Dreadwing arrived. Knock Out suddenly bolted up, rushing to the washracks. He purged on the floor near the drain. Breakdown got up, going to his mate."Babe? You okay?" Breakdown asked, kneeling next to his mate."Yeah," Knock Out reassured. "I'm fine.""You don't look fine," said Breakdown. "We should get you to the medibay.""No. I'm fine here," said Knock Out."Fine. But I'm still scanning you babe," said Breakdown. "I'll take care of this later. Let's get you to the berth."Breakdown had no problem picking up his mate and carrying him over. Knock Out pouted a bit as Breakdown reached over for a portable scanner they kept nearby at all times. He tapped a few buttons, letting the light wash over his mate.It beeped at him with the results. Breakdown pulled them up so they both could see. Knock Out's optics widened, his mouth dropping open."Is that?" Breakdown trailed off."A new spark," Knock Out said."Yeah," Breakdown breathed. "You're sparked.""It's best we keep this to ourselves," said Knock Out."What about when it is time to deliver? It is impossible to hide a sparkling for long," said Breakdown. "War isn't exactly the time for sparklings.""Well, we aren't terminating it," said Knock Out."I don't want it terminated anyways. I'm just concerned about it," said Breakdown."I'll try to stay here as much as possible," said Knock Out, putting a servo on his chest. "If anyone asks, I got sick. I don't want Megatron finding out and ordering me to terminate. I know he's your sire, but he isn't like he used to be.""I don't blame you for hiding it from him," said Breakdown. "It'll be our little secret."Knock Out nodded. He stared at the results again, his servo never leaving his chest. He still couldn't believe he was sparked. He had always wanted to start a family with Breakdown, but the idea was put on hold because of the war. That's why they waited so long before even bonding. There was no guarantee that the other would survive."I know what you're thinking," said Breakdown, sliding into the berth with his mate. "It'll be okay. I'll protect you both, no matter what. I promise.""I know," said Knock Out. "I love you.""I love you too," said Breakdown. "If anything, we ask the Autobots for help. Optimus won't turn down a sparkling.""True," Knock Out said. "They would be safer over there if it came down to it.""Try to get some recharge," said Breakdown."Alright," said Knock Out, curling up next to his mate.~~~next dayDreadwing walked into the medibay, his optics scanning the area. He spotted Breakdown, the only one he could trust to bring on this mission with him."Breakdown, I require your assistance," Dreadwing said."Uh, sure. What's up?" Breakdown asked."I have been assigned a mission by Lord Megatron to terminate Airachnid," said Dreadwing. "I require backup to complete the mission.""Alright," Breakdown said. He turned to the back room. "Knock Out, I'm needed out on a mission!""You're leaving?" Knock Out asked, poking his head out."Yeah. Dreadwing needs me to be his backup," said Breakdown. "I'll be back really soon. I promise.""Alright," Knock Out said. Breakdown walked over and gave him a deep kiss."I love you," Breakdown said."I love you too," said Knock Out. "Stay safe.""Always am," said Breakdown, giving him a wink.Dreadwing and Breakdown headed to the bridge for Soundwave to bridge them out. Airachnid was already waiting for them next to the console."Sire, what's up?" Breakdown asked, keeping the real mission a secret."Soundwave has detected an unconfirmed energon spike," said Megatron. "I need you three to go and check it out.""All three of us?" Airachnid asked."Yes. With the humans known as MECH increasing their activity, it is best to not go alone. Just look at what they did to Breakdown," said Megatron. "I would rather not risk losing my trusted officers.""We will not let you down, Lord Megatron," said Dreadwing, giving a slight bow."See to it that you don't," Megatron said. "Soundwave."The lithe mech opened up the groundbridge to the coordinates. Airachnid went first at Dreadwing's gesture, winking at him."So kind," Airachnid commented.They went through and into the night air of a forest. Airachnid noticed the silence from Dreadwing, finding it a bit odd as they walked through the trees."Am I the only one considers this to be overkill on Lord Megatron's part?" Airachnid asked, moving from beside them to in front to lead the way. "I mean, dispatching two of his most proficient warriors to track down one unconfirmed energon spike.""Sire knows me and Dreadwing here will get the job done," Breakdown said, a bit irritated already at the femme."Actually, I was referring to Dreadwing and myself," Airachnid teased.Breakdown took a few steps towards Airachnid, growling at the femme."Breakdown, remain on task. This must be a unified effort," Dreadwing said."Indeed Breakdown. I know we've never seen eyes to eye," Airachnid said, emphasizing on the eye in reference to the missing one on Breakdown, "but that doesn't mean we can't patch things up. Knock Out sure doesn't seem to mind. Then again, he doesn't see much too.""That's it!" Breakdown snarled, charging at Airachnid."Don't!" Dreadwing warned.Airachnid transformed into her hunter mode, firing at Breakdown. A web stuck to his face, effectively blinding him. He tried to pull the web off, but it was too strong. Airachnid jumped in the trees as Dreadwing attacked her with his gun. She shot webbing at the seeker Elite as well but missed twice. On the third shot, the webbing stuck Dreadwing to a tree just as his last shot hit the tree Airachnid was in, shaking it.The dark femme fell out of the tree, landing hard on the ground. She felt a pain in one of her legs, looking up to see it fall in front of her, energon leaking from the wound. Breakdown came up, finally freeing himself of the web. His shoulder cannon came out, firing at Airachnid, who gracefully dodged once more as she retreated up and away.Breakdown kept firing, forgetting that Dreadwing was even there."Breakdown, don't be a fool. Release me," Dreadwing ordered, trying to free himself as well. But he was left unheard.Breakdown was blinded by his rage. He followed the energon trail leaking from the femme. He heard her, giving chase. He found her on the ground, moaning in pain and energon splattered around her from the bleeding wound. Airachnid backed up as Breakdown came closer."Heh, easy prey," Breakdown smirked, transforming his hammer and raising it above his helm to finish the job.As his hammer lowered, it stopped short. Breakdown looked up to see a line of webbing above him, sticking to his weapon. He tried to pull free, but it wasn't coming loose. He realized his mistake, fear racing through his spark. Airachnid smirked up at him, further confirming what she was up to, even while injured."I'll make sure to pay Knock Out a visit when I'm done here," Airachnid said. "I promise to make it a fun visit."Before Breakdown was able to reply, Airachnid struck out with one of her appendages. Breakdown's scream echoed through the still night before it went silent, the birds that were spooked flying away.Dreadwing still couldn't break free. He activated his com link to Breakdown."Breakdown, what is your status?" Dreadwing asked, getting silence. "Breakdown!"Dreadwing tugged harder. He pulled away, getting one servo free. He grabbed his sword, cutting away the rest. He picked up his discarded gun, replacing it back on his back. He raced to where he heard the scream, hoping to find Breakdown was okay. His spark filled with dread the closer he got.When he arrived, there was no sign of Breakdown or Airachnid. But there was a lot of energon. Too much energon. It splattered on the rocks, the trees, and it seeped into the dirt. Dreadwing's optics caught sight of a piece of metal. He put his sword away, reaching down to pick it up. Breakdown's optic patch."Soundwave, I require a groundbridge," Dreadwing said into his com link softly.He headed into the portal as it showed up, not seeing Airachnid watching from above."Hmmm... so MECH was here," said Airachnid. "I guess I didn't have to kill poor Breakdown. Oh well."Airachnid shot off into the night, not planning on returning to the Decepticons again.
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"RATCHET!"The medic looked up when he heard Miko's terrified shriek coming from down the hallway. He sprinted towards where she was at, knowing she and Bulkhead were in the training room. He went inside, seeing Bulkhead on the ground and crying out in pain."What happened?!" Ratchet demanded."I don't know. One minute he was fine, the next he was screaming and grabbing his chest," said Miko. "Is he having like a heart attack or something? What's wrong with him?"Ratchet did a quick scan of the mech. He stayed by him until the attack was over. Bulkhead's systems were overheated, steam coming from cracks in his armor. Miko went over to Bulkhead's helm, fear and worry shining in her eyes. Ratchet helped Bulkhead to sit up, steadying him."Bulkhead, what happened?" Ratchet asked."Breakdown," Bulkhead whispered, reaching through his bond."Breakdown?" Ratchet questioned."I... can't feel him," Bulkhead said. "He's gone."It was no secret to Team Prime that Breakdown was Bulkhead's brother. Ratchet gave Bulkhead a sympathetic look. Bulkhead just stared off at the floor between his legs, optics brimming with tears. The last time he ever saw or spoke to Breakdown was that day in the desert."Let's get you to the medibay," said Ratchet. "I want to keep an optic on you."Ratchet heaved Bulkhead up, helping him to the medibay. Miko followed closely. She remembered Bulkhead telling her about his brother, but she didn't know what he meant by he was gone and couldn't feel him."Ratch... is he going to be okay?" Miko asked."He'll be fine physically once he's recovered," said Ratchet. "Mentally is a different story. The breaking of a bond is always hard.""Bond?" Miko asked."Yes. Our race has a bond that is made. There are various types. Breakdown was Bulkhead's brother, so they share a brotherly bond. With bonds, you can feel everything from the other. For those who are bonded as mates, if one dies, most the time the other follows," Ratchet explained. "When... Breakdown died, the bond broke. That's the pain Bulkhead is feeling. Bonds are personal and strong.""So Breakdown is dead now?" Miko clarified."Yes," said Ratchet. "How, I am unsure of. Bulkhead is going to need you Miko.""I'll be with him," said Miko.~~~000"Dreadwing! Where is my son?!" Megatron demanded the moment the seeker walked through the groundbridge."I apologize Lord Megatron," said Dreadwing. "Breakdown and I got separated. I do not know what happened to him. All I found was this."Dreadwing presented the silver mech with the patch. Megatron's body still shook in pain as he reached for it, optics softening. His gaze suddenly hardened, denta clenching together as he growled. He threw the patch at the door with a shout of rage."I'll kill that femme myself!" Megatron vowed."I'm sorry we failed," Dreadwing said."Leave me," Megatron said.Dreadwing bowed before he took his leave, scooping up the patch on his way. Megatron breathed in deeply, optics closed. He finally collapsed to his knees, Soundwave immediately going to his side. He reached down, touching his friend's arm."Soundwave... find that traitor," Megatron ordered, his voice breaking.Soundwave nodded, getting started on looking for Airachnid's life signal. He knew better than to disobey. But he stayed next to his friend the entire time. He knew that Megatron changed after losing Starwalk. He was afraid that losing Breakdown as well would change him more, making it harder for the old Megatron to return.~~~000Dreadwing headed for the medibay, knowing that he would find Knock Out there. No doubt, just like Megatron, Knock Out already knew about Breakdown. But he still left to go see the medic. He slowly entered, immediately finding Knock Out clinging to a berth with one servo and the other on his chest."Knock Out?" Dreadwing asked, approaching the mech and kneeling next to him. "I am so sorry.""H-How?" Knock Out asked."I don't think-" Dreadwing started."HOW?!" Knock Out demanded, turning to look at the seeker with tear filled optics."Airachnid. We were to kill her, but she must have caught on. I was... incapacitated and unable to help him," said Dreadwing. "This is all that was left."Knock Out looked down at Dreadwing's servo. He saw the patch he had made for him to cover where he was missing his optic after MECH took it. Knock Out broke down again, shakily grabbing the patch and holding it to his chest. He sobbed, curling over. Dreadwing sat down, bringing Knock Out close to him. He knew the pain of a bond breaking. He had felt it when he lost Skyquake. And right now, Knock Out needed someone.