Chapter 10: Covering the Autobots' Retreat Mission
"Megatron, it's been centuries. Do you still dream of ruling the universe?"
A voice thundered across the skies, followed by several massive signal lights piercing through the fog of war, illuminating the chaotic battlefield between Autobots and Decepticons.
"Lord Megatron, Lord Megatron we can't hold on any longer! He he's here!"
As that powerful voice echoed, a bulky Decepticon warrior came rushing toward them it was Shockwave, Megatron's right-hand man.
"Damn it, Shockwave! What happened to your intelligence? How did you not see this giant coming?"
In his haste, Megatron had brought only a handful of trusted subordinates. The rest of his troops were local Decepticon units, yet their combined strength should've easily overwhelmed the Autobots.
But the arrival of the Commander changed everything. This being was known as the Ultimate Giant Warrior of the Autobots and his appearance turned the tide of battle.
Normally, an Autobot of this rank would've been under heavy protection. Megatron had previously ordered Ironclad to guard Mammoth one-on-one, but if the giant was standing here now… that could only mean Ironclad, the fool, had already been destroyed.
Shockwave's unit was no match for such a monster, so his retreat toward Megatron was, at least, a wise decision.
Soon after, with Shockwave's defenses shattered, another Decepticon leader named Scuffle arrived with what remained of his squad.
"Reporting, Commander Megatron! Our front line had completely suppressed the Autobots' assault but suddenly, a giant appeared and crushed over a dozen of our men in a single strike! It was terrifying utterly terrifying!"
Scuffle might've been a formidable Decepticon of the new generation, but he was nothing before Mammoth's raw power.
The battlefield, once dominated by the Decepticons, now looked completely reversed. The Autobots had gained the upper hand.
Moments later, the owner of that powerful voice appeared, flanked by a dozen Autobots armed with laser rifles. They swiftly regrouped around Optimus Prime, Ironhide, and Elita, facing down the Decepticons.
"Megatron," boomed Optimus Prime, "today might be the day I destroy your Spark once and for all. What do you say to that?"
With strong reinforcements at his back, Optimus Prime stood tall and proud, striding toward Megatron.
But the Decepticon leader remained unmoved neither humble nor overbearing as he rallied his forces.
Of course, this was Decepticon territory. Reinforcements could arrive at any moment. They just needed to hold out and buy time. While defeating a colossus like Mengdashuaidian wouldn't be easy, it wasn't impossible either. Given their numbers, the Decepticons still had a fighting chance.
Everyone understood the situation. That's why both sides stood locked in a tense stalemate no one dared fire the first shot.
At that moment, however, a new mission alert appeared in Starscream's mind, issued by the System God itself:
"Assist the Autobots in retreating safely."
What the hell? Starscream nearly froze. Optimus Prime and his team clearly had the upper hand how was this considered "helping them escape"?
Does this stupid system even have eyes?!
But after thinking it through, Starscream realized the truth: once Decepticon reinforcements arrived, the Autobots would be completely surrounded. Even ten Magnus Primes wouldn't make a difference then.
The real challenge was how to help the Autobots retreat without arousing suspicion from Megatron and his men. It was a real headache but one he had to solve quickly.
Then it struck him: what if he suggested Megatron retreat first?
From memory, Starscream knew well the temperament of his commander. Despite his fierce image, Megatron was actually quite cautious. If he ever felt his life was in serious danger, he'd be the first to run.
"Lord Megatron," Starscream spoke up, feigning concern, "this Magnus isn't weak! He likely defeated Ironclad himself. Perhaps we should fall back for now regroup with the Combiners, then crush the Autobots together!"
Everyone knew Starscream was reluctant to fight, so his suggestion didn't come as a surprise especially to those who'd known him the longest.
Still, among Decepticons, retreating was no small matter. If Megatron fled, how could he ever show his face again?
"Starscream, you useless coward! Always running, always hiding! If every Decepticon were like you, how would we ever unite Cybertron?"
"But Lord Megatron," Starscream persisted, "even Shockwave our most powerful Decepticon couldn't stand against that giant! Who among us could possibly defeat such a monster?"
His argument made sense, at least to the Decepticons around them. But no one dared to move without Megatron's order.
"Out of my way, coward!" Megatron roared. "Watch how I, your leader, handle these Autobot rebels!"
Transforming, Megatron raised his massive laser rifle, full of confidence. If he didn't act now, Starscream's cowardice might actually start to infect the troops.
"BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!"
Transformed Megatron unleashed a barrage powerful enough to shake the heavens. Each of the three shots was stronger than the last, nearly drowning out every other explosion on the battlefield.
All three shots struck the Grand Commander squarely in the head.
"Yes! As expected of Lord Megatron! Every shot hit!" Soundwave cheered, clapping first, soon joined by the others in a chorus of triumph.
But then… something was wrong.
Megatron didn't move. Didn't even flinch.
And then above his head a colossal fist, larger than three Megatrons combined, descended from the sky.
"Oh no!" Starscream gasped. Megatron's attack hadn't even hurt the giant it had only provoked him!
"Brother Megatron, look out!"
At the last possible second, Starscream darted forward, dragging the stunned Decepticon leader out of harm's way.
Then, turning toward the others, he shouted with all his might:
"ALL DECEPTICONS RETREAT!"
(End of Chapter)