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A radio was singing the latest pop song on the windowsill of an ice cream shop, serenading the customers and workers inside. But then the distinct sound of the weather alert interrupted the tunes, grabbing everyone's attention.Then the weather report began."The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center has announced that there will be moderate risk of severe thunderstorms in the area until 5:00 pm. At 2:48 p.m. severe thunderstorms with 60 miles per hour winds and plum size hail about 10 miles west of Sweetwater City. It is currently moving eastward towards the area. There is still a tornado watch in effect until 6:30 p.m., stay alert for any weather changes. Please stay tuned to NOAA weather radio, commercial radio, televisions, and internet sources for latest in severe weather sources."The weather alert finished with the final three beeps before the radio resumed its usual peppy tune.As customers and workers exchanged worried looks with one another, multiple vehicles passed by the ice cream shop bearing the Autobot symbols.Optimus Prime was leading the Autobots to where the last reported sighting of the Decepticons. Bumblebee drove up to Optimus's side and honked his horn."Hey Optimus, what do you think Megatron is scheming this time?" asked Bumblebee."Whatever it is, it cannot be good." said Optimus.A grumble escaped Ratchet."Honestly, couldn't they reschedule for another day? We're missing the latest episode of 'Of boats and love'!" said Ratchet. "I want to know if Maddison will take Sierra as her boat."A chuckle escaped Optimus."I know how you feel my old friend, but I'm sure we'll be back before the day is over." said Optimus."Yeah." said Ratchet.As the group made their way down the road, Ratchet noticed how some of the humans were behaving.Anxious, agitated, restless, and looking around as if to find some monster hiding in the area.But everywhere they went, it was like picture of a perfect day. The sun was shining, a few clouds in the area, and gentle breezes. This did nothing to quell the ever growing fear that the humans were showing."Is it just me, or are the humans acting strange?" asked Ratchet."Strange, how?" asked Bumblebee."They're scared of something, but there doesn't seem to be anything I can see that is causing that." He said."Hm, maybe they heard the news of the Decepticons being near?" He asked."Maybe you're right, but-" Ratchet watched as the humans closed up shops frantically. "I don't know, something about this seems more than just 'Cons."Optimus hummed."Don't worry old friend. Once we stop the Decepticons, we'll look into what is scaring the humans." said Optimus. "It could just be the Decepticons' antics agitating them."Ratchet takes one last look at the humans before grumbling.
"Yeah, it could be it." said Ratchet.As they took their exit into the highway, back in the ice cream shop the last worker slammed their key into the lock and locked the door. The worker sprinted to where the last car was and dove inside. With a Click! the car drove off the parking lot, the tires screeching from the high speeds.Inside of the ice cream shop the old analog clock struck 2:39 p.m. and the ticking echoed throughout the silent shop.Time began to march towards disaster.
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A metal factory worker was frantically trying to put the key into the lock. But their nerves got the better of them, making them miss the lock each time. After what seemed to be an eternity, they were able to put the key in the lock and lock it.Megatron watched from afar as the metal factory worker jumped into their car and sped off after the group of cars left the factory.A scoff grabbed his attention, and he was met with his ever scowling second in command, Starscream."Finally, you acknowledge me you old fool!" said Starscream."Don't you dare start Starscream." said Megatron."Hmph! While you were off daydreaming, I at least got all the preparations done. Be happy that the Decepticons at least has someone with a working CPU." He said."Starscream, you better pick your next few words carefully." He said."Soundwave can back me up on this! Right Soundwave?"The two were met with silence."Soundwave! Back me up here-"Starscream was cut off by the Decepticons staring up at the clouds."Okay, that's weird." said Starscream."Is this your doing Starscream?" asked Megatron.Starscream waved his hands."No! Even if I could give the orders of, 'stare at the sky like you're watching a show'. Why would they ever follow such an idiotic order?" asked Starscream."With your history, everything that comes out of your mouth is idiotic." said Megatron.Starscream fumed while Megatron walked up to Soundwave. Starscream hurriedly followed behind him."Soundwave, what are you doing?" asked Megatron."Atmosphere: Energized and clouds to the west have turned black." said Soundwave.Soundwaved pointed at the fast-moving black clouds, one had a small funnel shape"Humans: Appear to be agitated over something. Possibility: The weather." said Soundwave.Megatron rolled his optics."So? The humans scurry away at everything this mudball throws at them. Even harmless rain sends them running into their shelters." said Megatron."The Weather: Something is different." said Soundwave."Different?" He asked.Megatron glanced at Starscream."Starscream, how does the air feel?" asked Megatron.Starscream hummed and closed his optics. His wings twitched for a bit before a look of disgust crossed his face. He opened his optics with a shudder."Ugh, it's like the entire air is filled with electricity!" said Starscream.Megatron scratched his chin then watched the group.Thundercracker, Skywarp, Blitzwing, and even Astrotrain looked disgusted with their subtle wing twitches."So, are we in the midst of a forming thunderstorm?" asked Megatron.Starscream shook his head as his wings went flat on his back."No, there's... There's something weird about the weather." said Starscream."How so?" asked Megatron."It's like, a thunderstorm but at the time it's not? I can't describe this feeling." He said."Then, be more specific!" He said.Starscream rolled his optics."Really?" asked Starscream."Just do it." said Megatron."Fine, fine! This thunderstorm of sorts feels more like a bomb than a regular storm." He said."A bomb?" he asked."Yeah, a bomb that is growing stronger with every moment and all it needs is that tipping point. Something to light the fuse."This gave Megatron a pause."Hey, uh, don't mean to interrupt but uh, can we not do aerial combat today?" asked Thundercracker."Yeah! The sky feels weird!" said Astrotrain."I really don't want fly in this weather!" said Blitzwing.Megatron sighed."Well, considering everything that Starscream and our fliers can feel as well as the oddity of the weather. We are all doing grounded combat until this pass." said Megatron.The Decepticons cheered, even Starscream couldn't help but smirk."Glad to see our mighty leader sees reason." said Starscream."Why I oughta-!"Megatron was cut off by Skywarp's shouting."Guys! Guys! Look at that cloud!" said Skywarp.They all looked up to where Skywarp was pointing at.It was a dark cloud with a dim green glow."Is that normal?" asked Megatron."I have no idea." said Starscream."Starscream, you've been on Earth before with that giant shuttle friend of yours. You must have seen something like that before!" He said."Megatron, I have seen snow, rain, thunderstorms, and even a giant wave. But this? I really have no idea what is happening." He said.Soundwave turned to face Megatron."Megatron: What are your orders?" asked Soundwave."Bah! I'm not letting strange weather scare us away from getting what we need. We're going to stay here, get our metal, and leave before the Autobots can stop us!" shouted Megatron.A chorus of concern yet agreeable murmurs rang throughout the group of Decepticons."Everyone, back to work! Starscream, I'm not done with your little insults." said Megatron.Megatron walked away with Starscream following him. As the Decepticons worked on getting the metal from the now abandoned metal factory, Megatron pulled Starscream aside."So, is the weather really how you describe it?" asked Megatron."Yes, mighty Megatron, why else do I have instruments in my own wings?" said Starscream."I'm now starting to wonder if the humans seem to know something that we don't." He said."What do you mean?" He asked."The metal factory workers, they were leaving before we got here. They were scared about something, but I do not think they were scared about us.""You think it's something to do with the weird weather?""I believe so. So, for now we must focus on our task before stranger occurrences happen but do not think this is over Starscream."Megatron grabbed Starscream's hand and dragged him back to the others."Tch! You know I'm right." said Starscream.Megatro groaned at Starscream's comment, all the while the last metal factory worker finally caught up with the group of cars.The car radio that was once rambling about the news was interrupted by the National Weather Emergency Alert.Then, the weather report began."The National Weather Service in Sweetwater has issued a Tornado Warning for Central Jackson County, until 5:30 p.m. At 3:05 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Bayville moving eastward to Sweetwater City."Hazards: a tornado and tennis ball sized hail. Source: Weather spotters reported a funnel cloud. Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter, mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely. Locations impacted will include Bayville, Sweetwater City, and Sulpher Springs."Take cover now. Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, avoid windows. If in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. A Tornado Watch remains in effect for 11:00 p.m."The final few beeps echoed before returning to the regular news and the digital clock struck 3:07 p.m.It wasn't long until the group of cars disappeared over the horizon.
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A large blue truck with a parabolic antenna on its flatbed was parked on the side of the road. The antenna was pointing right at the funnel cloud while a man with brown hair and glasses read the data on his tablet."Looks like we're going to get a big tornado according to these readings." said the man with glasses.Another man with messy black hair was looking through his binoculars."Really?" asked the man with black hair."Yes, John, I'd suggest we get inside the truck and be ready to move." said the man with glasses. "Because it could form at any moment.""Alright Charles, just let me-" John was cut off by what he saw in the binoculars. "Hold on, is that the Autobots?"Charles looked up at John."What?" asked Charles."Yeah! The Autobots are going down the road right now!" said John.Charles set down the tablet on the flatbed and walked up to John."You can't be serious, are they really driving down the road in this weather?" asked Charles."Nope, not kidding ya, look!" said John.He handed Charles the binoculars and he peered through them. To his surprise, the Autobots were driving down the road towards the metal factory."What are they doing?" asked Charles."My best guess, they're going to be fighting the Decepticons. I mean, we saw those 'Cons running around there when we got here." said John.Charles rubbed his temples."This is bad, they need to get out of there!" said Charles."I'm not sure how we're going to warn them about this. I mean, they're going to fight." said John."Yeah, but this storm is not a joke, and they could really get hurt." He said."I know, but I'm sure they'll leave at the sound of the tornado sirens. I mean, don't most wars have an air raid siren to warn of an upcoming attack?" He said."True.""Plus, they're giant war robots. I'm sure they have the armor to tank anything that tornado hits them."John mumbled, "Hopefully" under his breath.Charles put the binoculars down."Yeah, you're right. Let's hope they leave at the first sign of trouble." said Charles."Yep! Now, let's start packing then move out!" said John.As Charles and John started to pack up the equipment, the Autobot transformed right in front of the Decepticons with their weapons ready."Megatron! Put down the metal!" said Optimus Prime.Megatron smirked."Ah, Optimus Prime. I should have known you'd be here with your infernal crew." said Megatron.Bumblebee huffed."As if we leave Optimus alone to fight you guys." said Bumblebee."How charming, even the little bug has something to say but it's nothing important as usual!" said Starscream.Bumblebee gritted his teeth and began to march towards Starscream."Why I ought-a-!"Bumblebee was caught off by Ratchet grabbing his hand and pulling him back."Don't let him get to you Bumblebee." said Ratchet.Megatron couldn't help but laugh."Riled up by a few words? My, quite the army!" said Megatron."That's enough out of you Megatron! Autobots!" said Optimus."Likewise, Decepticons!" He bellowed.Before anyone could declare an order a powerful bolt of lightning streaked across the sky, illuminating the black clouds. Then a monstrous thunderclap drowned out their words with a deafening BOOOOOOOMM!!!As the thunder ebbed into a rumble, the two armies were frozen at the sound.Megatron looked around to find Starscream hugging his midsection with his wings flat against his back, Soundwave on the floor in his tape deck form, both Blitzwing and Thundercracker hugging each other with their optics closed, and Skywarp holding onto a terrified Astrotrain.Optimus looked around as well to find Bumblebee hugging him, Ratchet frozen as Ironhide hugged him, and Jazz on the ground with Prowl clinging onto him for dear life.No one dared to say a word as the lightning continued to streak across the sky and thunder rumbling.Then, Skywarp finally found the courage to speak up."Is it supposed to be this loud?" asked Skywarp.Starscream slowly shook his head."N-No." said Starscream.Megatron steeled himself as he cleared his throat."I'm-I'm not going to let a little weather nor the Autobots stop us from getting our metal!" said Megatron. "We've fought in thunderstorms before!""Megatron, this feels like a bad omen I don't think we should stay." said Starscream."If we leave now, then our drill will not be completed Starscream!" He said.This got Optimus's attention."Drill?" asked Optimus."Great job, oh mighty leader, now they know of our plans!" said Starscream.Megatron let out a scoff then glared at Optimus."It doesn't matter that you know of our plans, because we-!"Megatron stopped himself as he remembered Starscream was hugging him. He promptly shoved him off and resumed his speech."We will not let you stop us! Decepticons! Attack!" said Megatron."Same to you Megatron, Autobots! Roll out!" said Optimus.Soundwave jumped into the air and transformed right back to his robot form ready to fight, while Starscream sat up with a scowl.Bumblebee jumped off Optimus and ready his gun while Ratchet had a bit of trouble getting Ironhide to let go.As the two armies peeled themselves off each other and readied their weapons, in the distance the blue truck was speeding off with the antenna still trained on the funnel cloud.John looked at the rear-view mirror then at Charles who was watching the live radar feed on his tablet."Keep your eyes on the road John, I don't want to be in a car accident in the middle of a tornado." said Charles."Right, right. Sorry, just wanted to know how we're doing with the big Ol' grim reaper in the sky." said John."Right now, things are holding steady, but data is still flowing in. I'm going to give the Doppler Radar a little more time." He said."Ugh, hate it when that happens." He said."By the way, how is the Autobots and Decepticons?""Let's see..."John trailed off to take a quick peek through the window. He saw the two armies duking it out, lasers were flying, and punches were thrown."Fighting as usual." said John."Really? Even after that big thunderclap and giant funnel cloud above them?" asked Charles."Eh, what can you do? They have a long-standing beef and I'm sure they're not going to let a literal death cloud stop them." He said, focusing on the road."I really hope they leave before the tornado touches down; I mean, with these readings it could be strong enough to damage buildings." He said."Agree."As John sat back in his seat, the tablet updated with new data.What Charles saw made his blood run cold."John, I want you to drive and don't stop until we're far as two to even three miles away." said Charles.John pursed his lips."Charles, what's wrong? Why do you sound like we're about to meet the end of the world?" asked John."John, there are three funnel clouds that can form into tornadoes." said Charles."What?" He asked."I just got the data update, and I see it on the radar!" He said."We only saw one funnel cloud! Where are the other two?""My best guess, the clouds are hiding them. The one that we see is the one that peeking through that cloud curtain.""That means we were too close to a potential trio of tornadoes!""Yeah, and that's why I want you to drive!""Okay, I'm going to go as fast as I can."As John hit the gas, a thought crossed his mind."Oh shoot! The Autobots and Decepticons! They're still back there!" said John."I really hope they stop fighting for one moment before they're mincemeat!" said Charles."Charles, tell me now, are they in range of the funnel clouds?" He asked."Yes." He said quietly."Oh, this isn't good! Do you have any idea when these things will form?"Charles shook his head."No, I wish I knew but I don't!" said Charles.John let out a groan."Okay, okay, let's have faith in them. They're going to stop before the tornadoes form and get out of there, or the funnel clouds do nothing and they're fine!" said John.He let out a joyless laugh."They're going to be just fine! Absolutely fine!" said John.John laughed but trailed off into silent grimace, Charles knitted his brows."Yeah, let's have faith in them. Right now, let's update Oliver on the latest data we collected. Everyone is waiting for that weather update." said Charles."Yeah, let's do that." said John.As they continued to drive, they took one last glance at the raging battle over the horizon. They exchange worried glances before focusing on the road.On the truck's digital clock, it struck 3:13 p.m. just as the battle disappeared over the horizon with the storm still looming above.
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TICK! TOCK! TICK! TOCK!
The grandfather clock's counting echoed throughout the living room, drowning out the TV's chatter. Spike bounced his leg as he tried to focus on the TV, but the grandfather clock's insistent ticking did little to calm his anxiety.Sparkplug entered the living room with two cans of soda. He saw his son staring intently at the TV, with a sigh he sat down next to Spike."Any new updates?" asked Sparkplug.This jolted Spike out his stupor then after a few moments he shook his head."No, they're still fighting." said Spike."Still? Even after everything?" asked Sparkplug."Yeah, and the weather is getting worse." He said.Sparkplug placed the two sodas down on the coffee table then patted Spike's shoulder."Spike, have faith in them. They're going to be okay and they're going to make it out of the storm." said Sparkplug."I know dad, but... it's hard." said Spike. "We're miles away from them and-and even if we could tell them what a tornado is, would they stop to listen?"Sparkplug sighed."Spike, all we can hope for right now is that the tornado doesn't happen." said Sparkplug. "Or they stop their fighting and get away as fast as they can."Spike pursed his lips then nodded."Yeah, let's hope." said Spike.The TV let out the signature breaking news jingle, grabbing the two's attention.On the TV was a long-haired man in a suit stood in front of a large weather map."We're back now with the weather, and things are not looking good." said the weatherman.He waved his hand over the large purple splotch over Central Jackson County."At the moment, this is thing could land at any second, so I implore you all to seek shelter now! If you are above ground, you're not going to survive this!" said the weatherman.Spike and Sparkplug felt their hearts sink."No...!" cried out Spike.The camera cuts to a newswoman sitting at a desk."Oliver, do you think these tornadoes will hurt the Autobots and Decepticons?" asked the newswoman.Oliver looked at the weather map then at the newswoman."Well Gloria, I, uh, don't know what to say to you." said Oliver. "They're giant war robots who have taken some pretty formidable hits. Though, I can't say for certain if they're going to be able to handle a couple of tornadoes."Oliver clasps his hands."But let's hope they follow the tornado shelter protocols and leave the area." said Oliver, taking a glance at the camera.The camera cuts to Gloria."Agree, though as many viewers are asking on their condition let's call up storm chasers Charles and John for the latest update on them." said Gloria.An animated transition cuts to a live feed of the tornado funnel, in the distance one could barely make out the Autobots and Decepticons."Charles, John, how is the situation?" asked Gloria."Uh, it appears that the tornadoes have yet to touch down and is still in the clouds." said Charles. "Though the armies seem to be slowing down."Gloria stammered."Slowing down?" asked Gloria. "What do you mean?""Yeah, they look kind of sick?" said John.At the battlefield, many of the Autobots and Decepticons were struggling to even lift themselves from the ground.Starscream buried his face into the cool grass, but it did nothing to calm the pounding headache."Starscream! Get up! We must defeat the Autobots!" said Megatron with a slight wheeze."Megatron, do you not feel the electricity in the air?" asked Starscream."I can feel it, but it won't stop me from-" A violent wave of nausea struck Megatron, forcing him to the ground.Optimus watched as his foe nursing his helm. Optimus groaned and he too had to sit down.He looked around the battlefield, the fliers had their wings flat on their backs as they nursed their helms, the grounders had the luxury to sit up but even then, most laid on the ground, Soundwave appeared to be paralyzed by an unknown force, Prowl was curled up into a ball and clutching his head."This is..." Optimus felt the roof of his mouth electrified. "Far from anything we've face my old friend."Megatron lifted his head, ignoring the violent whiplash he felt."No! I thought it was a normal day!" said Megatron, dripping with sarcasm."Megatron, please. Do you not taste the ozone in the air? The power that emanates around us?" asked Optimus. "It is like the entire planet is trying to crush us!""Tch, it has to do better than making us all sick with electricity." He said."Megatron, our troops are struggling to even stand! The storm clouds are unleashing more lightning and thunder than ever before! The humans have long since fled this area for a reason! There is something here that we shouldn't dare be near Megatron!" He said.Starscream lifted his head."Megatron, please listen to Optimus this one time!" said Starscream.Megatron grimaced."I don't like it, but I think you're right!" said Megatron.Back at Spike's and Sparkplug's house, they continued to watch the TV as their hearts crashed into their chests."Dad?" asked Spike."They're going to be fine, they're going to be just fine." said Sparkplug.On the grandfather clock, it was thirty seconds from 3:38 p.m., then twenty-nine seconds away, then twenty-eight, then twenty-seven, twenty-six, twenty-five...
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The loud wail of the tornado sirens shattered the heavy silence.The metal factory building began to sway and shudder, groaning and screaming for mercy. The pile of metal the Decepticons once collected began to leap into the air as if they were paper.Lightning crackled across the sky with such ferocity, the winds crashed into the mechs, thunder roared above them, and the eerie green glow of the clouds mocked their horrified faces."What is this?" asked Megatron."I-I... do not know!" said Optimus.As the mechs forced themselves to stand, all the clocks ticked down the final few seconds.Five seconds remained.Four seconds remained.Three seconds remained.Two seconds remained.One second remained.One final thunderous roar was the final warning before it ebbed into a cruel laugh.The three funnel clouds descended from the clouds at incredible speeds, touching down. Like an inhumane dance, the three tornadoes orbited each other as a wall of rain clouds wrapped around them. But for a moment, the three tornadoes looked like a large man walking with its arms stretched out. The wall of rain enveloped the three tornadoes, and the true monster loomed over the mechs.The wall of rain twisted into faces, many of them laughing at the horror that painted the mechs' faces."Fire! Whatever that thing is! We need to destroy it!" snapped Megatron.Despite the overwhelming pressure within the air, many of the mechs found the strength to pull out their guns and fire upon the tornado.However, the laser fire phased through the monster and did nothing to stop its path.As it crawled toward the armies, the metal factory building let out a bloodcurdling scream before it buckled from the inside. The mechs could only watch as the once imposing building was torn from its foundations and absorbed by the twister. The metal that was once piled up by the Decepticons was stolen away by the wind and taken to the twister. The debris orbited the beast, and it unleashed a triumphant roar."It's doing nothing!" said Ratchet."We need to move! Now!" said Starscream.As the words left Starscream's mouth, the tornado unleashed the debris it stole from the very Earth.Trees, rocks, metal, and even pieces of the building were launched at the armies.It was a sheer miracle that they were able to dodge the debris flying at them, as each one impaled the Earth farther than any weapon could dream of."Retreat! Retreat!" screamed Optimus and Megatron.Optimus, Bumblebee, Ratchet, Ironhide, Jazz, Prowl, Blitzwing, Astrotrain, and Megatron transformed into their grounded vehicle modes. Starscream and Soundwave immediately jumped onto Megatron as he drove off. Skywarp teleported onto Astrotrain, while Thundercracker jumped onto Blitzwing.The armies sped off down the road but to their everlasting horror, the tornado followed.On the hill where the blue truck was parked, John stared at the giant tornado while Charles talked into his radio."I repeat! This thing is at least a mile wide!" said Charles."That's not a thing, that's a dead man walking!" said John.
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The breaking news jingle sang on the TV, an animated sequence showing bold letters that read, "TORNADO EMERGENCY" with a picture of a doppler radar with the Autobot and Decepticon symbols.It cuts to Oliver standing over the news station desk and papers in hand, on the doppler map behind him showing the Doppler Radar with the tornado's signature hook echo."We are back and with new updates about the tornado that just touched down only a few seconds ago!" said Oliver. "This is a confirmed situation, this is not a drill! You need to get somewhere safe and if you still need evidence, we a video live feed thanks to our storm chasers. Let's cut to their feed."Another animated transition plays, showing the video feed from Charles's and John's truck, showing the gargantuan tornado hidden behind the rain curtain gunning through the area."Charles, John, what is your status?" asked Oliver."We're doing fine and driving a safe distance away from this thing, but you can see how fast this thing is moving! We're going at around sixty miles per hour just to keep up with it!" said John."This thing has debris locked in at twenty two thousand feet from the surface. This is an indicator of a strong tornado, and one you do not want to mess with!" said Charles.The live feed changes to show Oliver in the studio on the right side of the screen while the video feed of the tornado is on the left."What direction do you say the tornado is going, from your position there?" asked Oliver."Easterly, Oliver. If John were to slow down it'll be going to the right side of your screen." said Charles.Within the live feed of the tornado, it appeared that the wall of black clouds was trying to run off screen. The camera began to pick up speed to keep up with it."Folks, again, look at this live video feed! This thing is moving fast and it has debris flying around." said Oliver. "Charles, I'm going to have to ask you, do you have any idea what debris did this tornado pick up?"The screen transitions to the live video feed once again."The entire metal factory was ripped from its foundation. Sheets of metal, metal beams, equipment, and the building is now orbiting this thing." said Charles."I'm getting word that our station and many others that are reporting on this situation are asking about the Autobots and Decepticons." said Oliver. "Charles, John, do you see them anywhere?"The silence was deafening as the video feed continued to play.Back at Spike's house, he and his father dared to not make a sound as they waited for the update.Then, Charles began to talk."I don't see them anymore, hopefully they weren't-"Charles was interrupted by the sight of Megatron's Fusion Cannon firing and lighting up the video screen.For the first time, Spike and Sparkplug couldn't help but smile at seeing Megatron's signature purple energy beams."They're alive!" shouted Spike.Charles sputtered at the sight."Wait, are they trying to shoot a tornado?" asked Charles.Spike and Sparkplug hugged each other as Megatron continued to fire upon the tornado, lighting up their living room.John's laughter erupted from the screen."Well, I hope you viewers are relieved to hear that our intrepid mechs are trying to take down a force of nature!" said John.Spike released his father, running his hand through his hair."Never thought I would be happy to see Ol' Buckethead firing at something." said Spike."Agree, now let's see if we can talk to those weather folk and get them to help out the 'Bots and 'Cons!" said Sparkplug.With a nod, the two went to their house phones and started to call the weather station.Meanwhile directly at the path of destruction, Megatron continued to fire upon the twister. Every shot rattling him, Starscream, and even Soundwave."Megatron! Have you lost your processing system? Stop firing at the monster and focus on the road!" screeched Starscream."And let me run away like a coward? Never! I will fight till my spark gives out!" shouted Megatron.Another blast from his fusion cannon rattled him and his passengers again."Hahaha! Soundwave, make sure you watch my path. I don't want to hit anything that could ruin my shot!" said Megatron.Soundwave saluted and focused on the road ahead, meanwhile Starscream recited his will in his mind as well as the party in case he survivesDespite their vehicle mode having no faces, the entire Autobot group shared a concerned look alone with Blitzwing and Astrotrain. Skywarp and Thundercracker quietly hoping that Blitzwing and Astrotrain don't do the same.Back at the news station, Oliver and Gloria stared at the live video feed incredulously. "...I cannot believe I have to say this, but please do not shoot at a tornado you will not win." said Oliver.Gloria nurses her head."They really do fight no matter what, huh?" said Gloria.It cuts to the live video feed again but the banner now says, "On the call: Spike Witwicky"."We are now going to put one of the closest allies of the Autobots on call, we have screened him and got the go ahead to put him live on broadcast. Mr. Witwicky you are now live." said Gloria."Yes, uh... hi everyone!" said Spike."Alright, you said to us before that the Autobots and Decepticons have no idea what is going on, is that correct?" She asked."Yeah, they have no idea what a tornado is or what its capable of! This is their first tornado and, well, I think the video feed shows." He said.On the video feed, now multiple shots are firing at the tornado instead of just Megatron's."That would explain why more of them are shooting the twister." said Oliver.The banner changed to now display, "The Autobots and Decepticons do not know about tornadoes"."And right now, do you think the Autobots and Decepticons can survive a direct hit from a tornado?" asked Gloria."No, especially not this thing chasing them now." said Spike.Oliver and Gloria went silent."Everyone who is watching, I cannot stress this enough. Please do not take the mechs' fighting spirit as a chance to try and make a break for it, please, you will not win." said Oliver.Gloria cleared her throat."Mr. Witwicky, do you have any idea that a message could be sent to the fleeing Autobots or Decepticons. Did they leave you with a special radio or anything to call them?" asked Gloria."Er... no, unfortunately." said Spike.As Spike talked, John casted a quick look at Charles."Charles, look in the emergency box." said John."What?" asked Charles."Do it, trust me." He said.Their idle chatter and shuffling around the car was picked up by their microphone, grabbing everyone's attention in the studio."Charles, John, I think you left your microphones on." said Gloria."Oh! Sorry, sorry! John wanted me to look for something!" said Charles."The... emergency box?" she asked.John piped up."Getting our flares! I might have an idea on how we can redirect their path!" said John.There was a click and a shuffle."What's your idea?" asked Spike."We can't exactly communicate with them, and I doubt there are any working communication channels between them now." said John. "So, flare gun to lead them away... I hope they know to follow that.""That's brilliant! They'll have to follow!" He said."Ha! I knew it." He said.The live TV footage did a split screen between the live footage and the news anchors looking on with concern."John, are you sure?" asked Gloria."Yeah, plus Charles is the one shooting not me." said John.There was a sigh of relief from both news anchors."Okay, you're good to go." said Gloria.Back at the truck, John gave a nod at Charles. With a gulp, Charles hangs his arm out of the truck window.He points up at the sky and fires the flare gun.The flare shot high into the sky, its red light illuminating the black clouds that blanketed the sky.This grabbed the attention of the fleeing Autobots and Decepticons."What is that?" asked Skywarp.Bumblebee noticed Charles and John's truck, the lightning flashes illuminating the antenna as well."It's humans! They're trying to get our attention!" said Bumblebee.Optimus looked between the crew."I believe the humans are trying to get us to safety! Everyone, go to them!" said Optimus.Blitzwing stopped firing."This might be the only time I will listen to an Autobot! Come on everyone!" said Blitzwing.Starscream kicked Megatron's gun before he could fire again."Megatron, hold your fire! Follow Optimus!" shouted Starscream."Bah! I will reprimand you for this Starscream!" said Megatron.Spike and Sparkplug watched as the live footage showed the Autobots and Decepticons coming towards the truck."Yes! They're going to be safe!" said Spike."Quick thinking son, I'm proud of ya!" said Sparkplug.As the two shared a smile, the clock continued to tick.And the tornado began to pivot.
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"Charles, this is probably the coolest thing to happen to us." said John.John couldn't help but smile as the Autobots and Decepticons were driving close to their truck. "Look at this! We're right up close to the Autobots and Decepticons!" said John.Charles was however too busy watching his tablet to look up."I want to be excited, believe me this is an honor onto itself but... we need to keep an eye on that demon twister before we get ourselves another surprise." said Charles.Starscream leaned over to their truck with Soundwave holding onto his arm."While I appreciate the flattery and the rescue, but do you humans have any idea on what that thing was?" asked Starscream."Can't believe I'm agreeing with Starscream of all mechs, but he's right. Do you humans seem to know anything about what just happened?" asked Ironhide.John gestured to Charles."He can explain it better than I can, and plus I'm driving here." said John.Charles chuckled nervously."Thank you for putting me on the spot, but let me explain really quick since we got a monster on the ground." said Charles.Soundwave and Jazz turned on their communication channels between their teams while Starscream sat back onto Megatron's turret."We got you live and clear, take it away!" said Jazz."Thank you, Autobot, sir." said Charles."Aw, thanks! But you can call me Jazz." He said."You're welcome Jazz, now a tornado in its basic terms is a violently rotating column of wind that comes from a thunderstorm to the ground." He said.Blitzwing sputtered."Are you telling me that thing is just a giant tube of wind?" asked Blitzwing."Well, in more technical terms this one has three wind tubes inside of a bigger one." said Charles.There was a pause as the information sank in."And that thing had the power to eat a factory, launch stuff like missiles, and keep up with us." said Ratchet.Charles tugged at his collar."Oh, I'm so sorry to say but... that's not all that it can do." said Charles."What sort of depraved science facility did that thing escaped from?" asked Skywarp.Charles and John exchanged looks."It's not manmade, this is a natural occurring thing that the Earth does." said John.Starscream sat up and shaking his hands. Soundwave had to hold onto Starscream's free arm to avoid him falling off Megatron's turret."No way, nu-uh! There is no way that- that- thing! Is something that happens on the regular on Earth just like..." Starscream trailed off as he looked behind himself. "Where did it go?"Skywarp, Thundercracker, Blitzwing, Megatron, and Charles looked behind to see dark clouds and rolling thunderstorms crackling away."It was right there! That thing was chasing us!" said Skywarp.Charles felt his heart sink and immediately started checking the tablet. John looked over at Charles and was met with eyes filled horror."Did it stop? Is it over?" asked Prowl."I hope so, that means we can rest and get our bearing straight." said Astrotrain.A drop of rain struck Optimus's windshield."You know, for once I welcome the rain after that whole incident. Something to wash away our troubles." said Optimus.One drop became two, then three, then dozens, then hundreds, then thousands, then millions. Rain began to beat down on the Autobots, Decepticons, and the flatbed truck with such ferocity that the once bright day was as black as night. The headlights did little to help them see where the road was"Everyone! Slow down so you don't skid off the road." said Prowl."Slow down? After what we've been through, I want to get out of here!" said Astrotrain."Don't argue with me 'Con! We need to slow down or we're going to crash!" He said.Before Astrotrain could snap back, a multiple explosions in the distance drowned out the rain and their conversation. The Autobots and Decepticons looked around for the source of the sound but all they could see what the pouring rain.When the road became to slippery, everyone began to slow down. Puddles splashed about as their wheels and threads crossed over them.Each one of their weapons came online once more but the air became too energized with electricity, ozone dance upon their tongues, and thunder began to rumble as if it was laughing at their misfortune.Starscream, Skywarp, Thundercracker, and Soundwave felt nausea hit them like a truck, each one struggling to hold on. Prowl began to swerve and sway on the road, struggling to drive in a straight line."I got you Prowl!" said Jazz.He drove up beside his swerving friend and let him lean against him."Thank you... But, this feeling, this was the one we felt before the winds became that monstrosity." said Prowl.Optimus struggled to keep his focus on the road but nothing could stop the overwhelming pressure trying to crush him."Urgh... humans, what's going on?" asked Optimus.Charles took in a sharp breath as he stared straight ahead."Optimus, John, everyone, I need you to take the upcoming exit on our right, not the next one, I need everyone to take that exit that is coming so we can make a U-turn and turn around."Before anyone could ask, something slammed into the grass beside the road with a mighty CRASH! Everyone stopped dead in their tracks, looking over the unrecognizable lump that was wedged deep into the ground. Bumblebee transformed back into robot mode but kept his headlines on, allowing the light to bath the lump.It was a mangled metal monstrosity that no one knew if the part was jutting out was an axle from a car or a wrench that was jabbed and twisted around like an overly excited toddler. It looked like it was gutted from the inside out, the cushions were an explosion of cotton and fibers that pooled all around, oil bubbled out of the steering wheel and oozed from the windshields, the roof was caved in and eaten into by a hungry animal and part of the back half was gone.All it took was a moment to sink in what they were looking at, dread began to pool within their sparks."Remember when Charles said that is not the only thing tornados can do?" John gestures to the mangled metal. "Tornadoes, will fillet and skin anything it gets its hands on."Despite his heavily guarded expressions, one could see the look of fear in Soundwave's optics as he stared at the humans."Humans: Same fate?" asked Soundwave.Charles and John slowly nodded."Autobots and Decepticons: Same Fate?" asked Soundwave.Before they could answer, another lump slammed into the asphalt road. When Bumblebee shone his headlights onto it, the only thing they could recognized from the inside out heap of metal was the skeleton of the cockpit. The rest was either chewed so viciously or grinded down that it was difficult to discern if what they were looking at was a gutted car as well."I think it answered the question for you." said John.Starscream, Skywarp, and Thundercracker had their wings flat on their backs as they held on even more. Astrotrain and Blitzwing couldn't help but back away slightly at the mangled sight."Where is it?" asked Megatron, voice laced with pure fear. "Where is that thing?"In that brief moment, they could see something in the distance.Another explosion lit the world for a brief moment, but it was all that they needed to see the true creature, the same tornado that began its life with an inhuman dance.The debris that orbited around the true killer held cars to trucks and even small planes.The light briefly illuminated the wall of rain twisted into faces, many of them laughing with sadistic and rage fueled glee.To the horror of all, it was bigger than before and it was barreling towards them, clawing the ground with unrestrained mania.