"Little Flower—A Transformers Prime Fan Fiction"

Summary: the chance of vengeance is on the line, and is taken. A lost signal returns to the Autobots' attention. A last-minute decision is made, and an old battle is renewed.

~~This chapter is rated T for some violence.~~

TFP © Hasbro

Lily © Me

~PART THREE~

~Chapter Sixteen: End of the Rope, part two~

To say Lily was in control wouldn't be putting it quite right. She had been extremely quiet for most of the time, in her own conscience. Ever since the Shadow promised her the chance of revenge and freedom, Lily allowed the being to pull the reigns and guide her through it all. At first Lily was able to make the decisions, but soon no longer cared and let the Shadow to do it for her, giving it almost full control of her body and mind. The Shadow's appendages branched out, as if taking the role of a puppeteer. Throughout Lily's escape and the beginning of her fight with Starscream, she only did the talking. From then on, she was just sitting in the void that was her mind, bundled up in her blanket, wordless. However, when she realized that Optimus had joined the picture, she was pulled back. No longer like a lifeless doll, she managed to briefly regain control so she could feel her papa's love and embrace. Then, as Starscream taunted, she became once again enraged, her emotions in full view while the Shadow drove her to fight once again. However, due to Lily getting distracted, she was knocked back into unconsciousness, sinking back into the void.

Now, in her human shelled form, Lily curled up under her blanket, sobbing pathetically, while the Shadow fluctuated and disconnected. She was so frustrated, angry, and confused. The part of her that knew right from wrong tugged at her, but the temptation of vengeance was too good. She wanted it; so badly, she wanted it. She was almost completely torn. She was fully aware that seeking revenge wasn't the wisest path to take, but still. Optimus's words of wisdom echoed inside of her head, causing it to throb in pain. Lily longed for some sort of comforting sensation. She wailed helplessly, tugging at her hair.

Be still, the Shadow said. You will awaken soon, and you can resume seeking your revenge then. But getting yourself distracted was unwise. Not the choice I would have made.

This managed to earn Lily's attention from her crying. Weakly, she lifted her head to the Shadow. It had fully retained its shape, resembling Lily's Autobot body. "W…What choice w-would you have made?" she asked hoarsely.

I certainly would not let my emotions get the better of me, it answered. That is your main problem. It is understandable why you're so angry and hurt, but you can't let it cloud your mind. It will only prevent you from reaching your goal.

"You say that like you understand," Lily mumbled while drying her eyes. "As if you know what it's like…" Once again, she asked the million-dollar question. "Who are you?"

I am tired of you asking me that.

"So? I deserve to know," Lily pointed out as she sat up, wrapping the blanket over her shoulders. "You are in my head. Does that mean I created you?"

I already explained, I have existed longer than you have. You could not have created me if you had not yet existed.

"Well, how come you look like my body?"

I chose a form you would be more comfortable with, something familiar.

Lily strongly disagreed. "No!" she nearly exclaimed. "If that's so, you would have chosen something human! I've been an Autobot for barely a month! I wouldn't want you to look like this stupid body!"

It is the form I chose! Now be QUIET! I don't want you to ask any more questions!

Lily flinched as the Shadow raised its voice. It even glitched when it became angry. Maybe she gave this entity a bit too much control over the situation; not even that, over everything. She knew part of her had to stop, but deep down she felt too angry and upset. She hated Starscream for what he did, and she would never forgive him in her life. So, what could she do to work around it?

It was then she remembered something; something she never thought would impact her until now.

She had to regain full control.

Lily looked to the Shadow. At a second glance, she noticed its demeanor had changed. It wasn't calm and collected, but more tense and on edge; like it, too, had something to finish. She recalled its outburst, and detected something she knew too well. She detected something…childish. Knowing this, and adding more pieces to the puzzle, she knew what to do.

"It's okay…" she said. "I know how you feel. You need to finish what was started, right?"

The Shadow didn't respond right away. I don't know what you're talking about.

"Yes, you do," Lily countered. "You know everything, right?" She stood up, still clinging to the blanket. "Papa told me her story. Saying how she would easily switch from feeling nothing to feeling scared or happy."

Lily…?

"But she isn't here; not really, anyway. But I am. Papa taught both of us that revenge wouldn't solve anything, but we both gave in because it was easy. So, the only way to fix it, is if one of us made the right step forward."

Lily, what are you talking about? Your whole goal was to finally get revenge…That was why I helped you escape. All those Decepticons we killed…were they pointless?!

"Yeah. They were," Lily said remorsefully. "But I was too upset to see that. That's why I have to do something."

Do what?

Lily glared harshly at her. She then shouted, "Give me back my body!"

What?

"I can't do this! I…I don't want to! Don't make me do this anymore!"

The Shadow glared, glitching again. You…You can't do that! We got this far! We have to finish it! If it wasn't for me, you'd still be in that cell and probably dead!

Lily imagined her human shell in clothes, and clothes covered her body. "I can do anything I want here. It's my mind! If I think it, it happens. And I think it's time you let go!"

No! As Shadow turned to reconnect, Lily raced over, jumped, and latched onto it. Its form flickered upon contact, static sparking. L-Let go! I said…I said let go!

Lily shifted her arms so she appeared to be hugging the Shadow, resting her chin on its shoulder. "You're the one who needs to let go," she said.

No…No! I need…I need to be in control! I…I NEED TO HAVE CONTROL!

Lily then changed again, shedding her human shell and transforming into her Autobot self. "I'm sorry," she said. "But it's not your body anymore."

The Shadow emanated a sound like a scream, but was mixed with different pitches and tones. Flickering and glitching sporadically, it eventually dissipated, its howl echoing throughout the void. Lily sighed as she hugged herself, getting lost in thought; then she felt herself begin to sink.

Optimus was pinned to the ground, his good arm pressed against his back by Megatron, who held him down firmly. He ignored his foe's evil chuckling in his audio receptors; he was more focused on something else—or rather someone.

"Get up…" he softly pleaded, staring at Lily, who still laid motionless on the ground near Starscream. From what he could tell through their bond, she was unconscious. But it was almost like how it was then—he was left wounded…she was left helpless, defenseless…

No.

He couldn't think like that. Lily was otherwise okay; for the moment, anyway. He could physically and emotionally tell. He couldn't let himself worry, for it would only cause the situation to spiral downward further.

Megatron chuckled loudly, still holding Prime down, as he looked at the same scene. "There, it seems the little brat has finally been put in her place. Well done, Starscream." Then he messaged Soundwave to open a bridge, and have the rest of the troops return to the warship, for they were no longer needed. "I will handle the rest of this myself."

Arcee, Bumblebee, and Bulkhead remained hidden as the Decepticons left the valley. "We got to do something," Bulkhead grunted softly. "Prime needs our help."

"Not yet," Arcee said in a hushed tone. "We'll only endanger Optimus and Lily by acting too soon. We still have the element of surprise, so let's not ruin our only advantage."

Once the last of the troops were gone, Megatron glared down at his foe. "Now, then. Let us finish this once and for all, shall we?" He shoved Optimus into the ground, then ceased restraining him. Optimus slowly got to his feet, clenching his fists, mentally wincing from the injuries he received. "I want this to end the way I envision it," Megatron continued. "You and me, battling until only one of us stands. Now that there won't be any interruptions…"

Then, just as Starscream was getting himself up from the ground, every Cybertronian's attention shifted to near his location as soft moaning could be heard. Starscream froze for a moment as Lily began to regain consciousness and move. She slowly got to her hands and knees, hanging her head. Her body shook slightly as she panted. Lily's gaze was fixed on the Decepticons' First Lieutenant, and everyone was thinking the same thing.

It wasn't over.

"This has to be some kind of joke," Megatron growled. But, of course it wasn't. He knew all too well the durability of that body. He gritted his jagged dental plates, keeping hold of the idea to use Optimus as leverage in case the youngling decided to pull off anymore tricks.

Lily pushed herself to her feet, her servo transforming into a blaster while still gazing at him. She aimed it at him as she turned her body in the same direction. Starscream gasped and shrunk back down, his red optics wide with fear. Then, after a long moment, Lily did something none of them expected.

She lowered her weapon, and transformed it back into her hand. Starscream was the most shocked as his fear turned into bewilderment. "What? What are you doing?" he asked.

Hearing his voice alone boiled her insides, but she had to remember. She had to do the right thing, as much as it stung. Tears spilled down her Energon-flushed cheeks; swallowing hard, she raised her head to look at him.

"You know…" she began, "ever since that day happened, I wondered. Did I really see what I saw? D-Did a…giant robot jet kill my mama? Everyone told me it was just the shock, but I knew. I wasn't imagining it. I-It was real. You were real. And you…you killed her…!"

"What are you blathering about?!" Starscream said. "We already know this!"

But Lily continued. "S-Sometimes, I like to think…what would my life would be like if my parents were still alive. I'd wake up to get ready for school and get dressed. Then, I'd go downstairs to see Papa making breakfast. After that, Mama would walk me to the bus stop, and wave at me as the bus took me to school. When school was done, I'd get off the bus a-and see Mama and Papa waiting for me, smiling and waving. Mama would ask how my day was, and I'd tell her all about it. I'd sit at the kitchen table and do homework while Mama cooked dinner and Papa watched TV. Th-Then we'd eat together. Then, after a bath, I'd put on my pajamas, and Mama or Papa would tell me a story before bed. Then, they'd k-kiss me goodnight, and I'd wake up to another day." She willed herself not to burst into a fit of sobs as she stared long and hard at him.

"But that won't ever happen," she continued. "Mama and Papa can't do those things with me anymore, because they're dead! You killed her, and the Decepticons shot my Papa right in front of me! You all took almost everything away from me!"

She gave herself a moment to calm down before pressing on. "But…I guess it was all supposed to happen. Mama and Papa were supposed to die; Amira was supposed to die; I was supposed to be given this body, because I'm supposed to overcome evil, because of this prophecy everyone keeps talking about." She stared at her hands, then at Starscream, blinking tears. "As badly as I want you to die…as badly as I want to do it…I can't."

The others were surprised to hear this, especially Starscream. Behind his battle mask, Optimus faintly smiled.

Lily slightly turned away. "It's like in movies; the hero tries to take revenge on the bad guy for killing his family. But sometimes, he doesn't do it, because he knows his family wouldn't want him to do it. I know…I know my parents wouldn't want me to do it." She looked to Optimus, swallowing a hiccup. "Papa doesn't want me to, either. He doesn't want me to be like Amira. He doesn't want me to kill, like the Decepticons. Killing doesn't solve anything. It won't bring my family back."

Optimus gave her a very faint nod, commending her.

Lily dried her optics and looked back to Starscream. "I'll never forgive you. For as long as I live, I'll never, ever forgive you." Then, she smiled a little, remembering some sound advice given to her. "But…I c-can't hold a g-grudge forever…can I?"

"What nonsense are you talking about?! Of course, you can!" Starscream growled. "You should be furious! Forget what your family believes and do what you believe! If you want to kill me, then kill me!"

Lily sobbed a laugh, rubbing at her optics. "N-No…I won't be like you. I don't ever want to be like you." She turned around, facing the others. "I'm sorry, Megatron…for killing your men. I really didn't want to…" Megatron's reply was only a snarl. Then, she started to walk away from Starscream towards Optimus.

"Where are you going?! Get back here and finish what you started!" Starscream demanded.

"No," Lily said. "I wanna go home."

"Cursed child! Never turn your back on me!" Starscream then aimed his servo at her, arming one of his battle rockets. Pulling the trigger, it launched, heading straight towards her.

"No, Lily!" Bulkhead nearly exclaimed.

She turned around in time to notice the rocket racing towards her, but knew she couldn't react in time. Suddenly, Lily felt something force her down and out of the way. As she hit the ground, she heard the rocket collide with something else—or someone. She began to feel a stinging throb in her chest that caused her to gasp. Turning around, it was as she thought.

Optimus shoved her out of harm's way and took the blast for her. He hovered over her on his hands and knees, hugging the fresh, leaking smoldering wound while panting heavily. "P-Papa…!" she cried, standing up. "Papa! Are you okay?!"

He looked to her with wet optics; the tears were not from the pain, but for an entirely different reason. I did it…he thought. I saved her…This time, I saved her…

"Papa…!" Lily whimpered, reaching out and hugging his arm. She began to tremble as memories slowly began to return. It was almost exactly like what happened when she first encountered the Autobots and Decepticons. When her human papa was killed right before her eyes.

"Heh…I'm alright," he said, "as long as you are unharmed." He smiled to her, sending warm, reassuring signals to her through their bond. He could tell when she felt them, seeing her relax a little. But she was still scared. Knowing she sought comfort, he shifted his weight to one hand while using the other to hug her close.

"Optimus!" He looked up to see Arcee, Bulkhead, and Bumblebee rushing to his aid. He didn't know when they got here, nor did he care.

"No!" he said, causing them to stop in confusion. Optimus looked to Lily, pointing to them. "Stay with the others. Have them tell Ratchet to open a bridge and get you back to base."

"But…"

"Do not argue. Go, now."

Lily was deeply worried, seeing him injured and feeling a fraction of the pain he's enduring. But she knew now was not a good time to debate, and ran to the others.

Optimus got to his feet, hugging the wound again as he looked to his teammates. "Keep her safe, no matter what," he ordered.

Arcee instantly scooped Lily up, giving a firm nod to her leader. "We won't let you down," she told him confidently. She was certain she wouldn't let anything happen to Lily again.

Once he confirmed Lily was safe with the others and out of harm's way, Optimus turned to face his foe, glaring harshly as a shadow covered most of his face. Megatron tilted his head and chuckled. "Now, what's that look for? You might actually look angry this time."

Optimus remained silent, his only movement being transforming his servos into blades.

Megatron's smile vanished. He had seen this kind of look once before. He had seen it during the battle on Cybertron before Amira was killed. "So, you want to play this game with the child present? Very well." Starscream approached his master, but Megatron put a hand up, halting him. "Stay out of this, Starscream. This battle is between only Optimus and me. You will not interfere until our little skirmish is finished."

"A-As you command, Lord Megatron," Starscream said, backed away, and stood near the boulder where he found Lily perched upon his arrival.

Megatron looked back to Optimus. "Have it your way, Optimus. Although, I must commend you for this. It will only scar your precious child further when she sees just how vicious you really are. Amira's ferocity is nothing compared to yours."

Lily looked up to the other Autobots. "What does he mean…?"

The three lowered their gazes. "Optimus…did things, things he has never been proud of and continue to haunt him," said Bulkhead. "And Megatron is right. While none of us have ever seen him angry, I've heard that once his temper is lost, there is no stopping him."

Lily glanced at Optimus, slightly shivering at the expression he wore. "H-His face looks scary…"

"You should have seen yours," said Arcee. "But this is what war does to us; both humans and Autobots alike. But since Optimus is our leader, he has to bear so much on his shoulders; he has to make the hard decisions, even if it means sacrificing lives."

"That's awful…" Lily whimpered.

"We know."

Their attention went back to the titans when Megatron released a loud roar as he ran and lunged towards Optimus, driving his blade outward. Optimus made an X shape with his blades to block Megatron's attack, then kicked him in the abdomen, knocking the tyrant back a few yards. Megatron slightly staggered then regained his footing, and advanced to attack again. Optimus side-stepped, then rammed his arm directly into the center of Megatron's back, along the cord of his neuro-net. With this leaving the Decepticon briefly stunned, Optimus then ran his knee into Megatron's jaw. Dazed by this as well, Megatron was motionless, giving Optimus the upper advantage in this fight. Optimus swung his leg and kicked Megatron back. The Warlord landed on his back, groaning angrily as he turned to get onto his knees. He spat Energon to the ground and shifted his gaze behind him as Optimus approached. Megatron noticed the expression on his enemy's face and chuckled darkly.

"By the All-Spark, Optimus," he grunted as he began to rise. "I haven't seen you make that look in a very long time. So much anger and power."

While Optimus would never admit it, he was indeed angry. Not only with Megatron, but with himself. After all these years, he still tortured himself with the thought that he could have let Amira live just a bit longer, long enough for him to tell her how much he cared for her. Optimus felt his only path to redemption is to finally end it.

He swung his blade downward onto Megatron, who blocked his attack and shoved him back. He growled and steadied his stance. Megatron then withdrew his blade and charged up his arm cannon. "Just like old times, eh, Prime?" he said with a dark grin. "You cannot deny it. You love the thrill of battle, it is the only way to relieve yourself of negative emotions!"

"Enough!" Optimus grunted roughly as he swapped his blades for blasters and began firing at Megatron, who began blasting at him as well.

"Same old, same old; trying to hide the truth. Is it because you are ashamed? Or perhaps embarrassed? You know that those closest to you would begin to question you," Megatron added as he took a glance at Lily. "You've definitely taken more lives than Amira could, and their Energon will always be on your hands."

"I said, enough!" Optimus bellowed and swung to punch him, but was so enraged that he missed…

Just like before.

"Heh. How pitiful. Looks like history is about to repeat itself," Megatron scoffed. He brought out his blade again and made a move to stab Optimus in the abdomen.

His weapon was stopped as Optimus pressed his hands against the blade and prevented it from advancing any further. "Not…this…time," Optimus growled menacingly. Then he sharply kicked Megatron in the abdomen, knocking him back once more. Then, he began throwing endless waves of punches, striking his face, chest, abdomen, and sides. Energon sprayed from Megatron's mouth with each heavy blow. Once his stance was weakened, Optimus forced his legs out from under him, and the tyrant collapsed, chest pushed into the ground as Optimus pinned him there. Once his opponent was secured, Optimus transformed one of his servos into a blade and raised it high, optics flaring with rage and determination. This was it. He now had the chance, the chance to finally end it all, the chance to make both Cybertron and Earth a safe place, the chance to…

"Papa…"

He looked to Lily, the same expression on his face. The look of horror on her face made him pause, and gave him a moment to think. Realization hit him like a tidal wave, he became aware of what he was doing, what he did to get there, and what he planned to do next.

The chance to prove that he was a monster.

He looked back to Megatron, and after a moment, he leaned down. "Megatron…do you yield?"

This question shocked all, including Megatron. He glanced up at his foe with a confused look on his face. He almost asked why he didn't take this opportunity to kill him, but decided otherwise. "I yield…for now…" he groaned dully.

With that, Optimus released Megatron from his hold and walked back toward the others while messaging Ratchet for a groundbridge. One appeared at the top of the valley's edge. Starscream hurried to his lord and master, also alerting the Decepticon warship for a bridge and to prepare the sickbay, for Megatron's injuries needed tending to.

Megatron watched the Autobots climb up the side of the valley, still frowning and panting. He watched them until they disappeared through their bridge. "I don't understand, Master," Starscream said. "Why did he not terminate you when he had the chance?"

Megatron wiped away the Energon from his chin and mouth, huffing a single chuckle. "Because, Starscream," he answered, "he wants to be a good role model for his little pet." Slowly, he got to his feet, hugging his abdomen. "Even though we outnumber them, it appears they have far more determination in their sparks to possibly turn the tide of this war. Well, then. I will just have to keep it in our favor."

"What do you plan to do?" Starscream questioned.

"Once I am tended to, I will go on a mission," he said, "to search for anything we may use to give us the edge. I do not know how long it will take, and I will not return until I have found something of good use. Until I return, I will leave you in charge, Starscream. Do not disappoint me."

Starscream, finding it extremely difficult to hold back his glee, bowed before his leader. "I will keep our army running; anything to please you, Lord Megatron," he said, hiding his sinister, cheeky grin. He had been awaiting this chance for a long, long time.

No one was in a mood to talk about what happened in the valley. Once they returned to base, Ratchet checked both Optimus and Lily for any serious injuries while also alerting Agent Fowler that Lily had returned and was safe and sound. After any discovered wounds were patched up and tended to, he gave them each an Energon cube to refuel. Optimus ended up having a total of five cubes because he hadn't refueled in such a long while.

"Why are you so hungry, Papa?" Lily asked naively.

"He was extremely worried about you," Ratchet answered. "We all were."

"Oh…" Lily hung her head. She looked up again when Arcee approached and knelt in front of her.

"Lily…I owe you an apology," she said remorsefully. "I didn't do my best to protect you that day. If I had, you would not have been captured and have had to endure all that pain and fear. I am sorry…"

She was caught off guard by Lily hugging her. She didn't expect it at all. Although Lily didn't say anything, it felt like words didn't need to be said. Lily was passed around, giving all the other Autobots hugs as well. She clung to Optimus the tightest of all, even beginning to tremble a little.

"I'm sorry…" she whimpered.

"For what?" he asked, confused.

"F-For what I did…"

"Oh, Lily…" He gently stroked her back and hugged her as well. "Do not worry about it. What matters most is we are all safe and back home."

"I won't ever follow you guys to fights again," Lily stated, drying her optics with the back of her hand. "I'll stay right here with Uncle Ratchet, and stay out of trouble."

Optimus smiled at her. "You are very brave, Lily McElroy," he said. "More than you will ever know. You've blossomed into a strong young girl."

Lily's smile quivered as more tears began to flow. She buried her face into her papa's chest and softly wept. He hugged her tightly, and soon the others joined in for a group hug.

That night, when Lily dreamed, curled up against her papa's side with her bear close in hand, she returned to the Void. Only, it didn't appear like much of a void anymore. Instead of black, emptiness, she saw a pink sky, cloud-shaped bubbles floating overhead, cotton-candy plants and trees, and the smell of honey filled the air. She felt warm and peaceful, finally having charming, cute dreams like a child her age should.

After a while of roaming around, she noticed a white mass huddled amongst a field of lilies. As she approached, Lily recognized the shape of the mass and paused momentarily. The Shadow was no longer a shadow, but white with a black outline. It was now Light. Its back was to Lily, and it was hunched over, slightly and weakly glitching. She understood why it was upset, but was unsure if she should say anything.

I'm sorry…

Lily looked to the Light as it hardly lifted its head.

I am so sorry…it repeated.

Lily smiled faintly and sat behind it. "It's okay," she said. "If I was trapped here for a long time, I'd go crazy, too."

Glitched streaks made their way down the Light's face, most likely resembling tears. Its eyes, now solid black, seemed like the void that was once Lily's conscious, and had a void within itself.

Still…it's no excuse for what I made you do.

A thought occurred to Lily. "Why can't you just leave?"

Because, it replied, I…have not fulfilled my purpose yet. Because of the prophecy, you know? Only then, can I…move on.

Lily's optics widened. "Really? How sad." A moment of silence passed before she spoke up again. "You know he still misses you. I sometimes think when he looks at me, he sees you instead."

The Light stared at the sky. Do you know how many times I've screamed at him to notice me? To let him know I was still there? To tell him not to be so sad? But where I currently exist, no one can hear me. Except you…

Lily pitied the Light, her expression saddening. It must be hard for someone's pleas and screams to remain unheard. Then, she had an idea. "Hey, if you have anything you'd like to say to him, I can do that for you," she suggested. The Light looked to her, quite surprised to hear this. "And we can also talk about stuff, whatever we wanna say."

The Light wore a sad smile. The glitching lessened. You…would do that for me…?

Lily nodded, her pigtails bouncing. "You're just like me," she said. "I know what it's like to feel alone. I don't want you feeling like that anymore."

The Light straightened slightly. Thank you…

Lily had another thought. "Do you know how much he loves you?" she asked.

The Light looked to Lily, smiled faintly, then looked at the sky. It doesn't need to be said, it answered in a soft voice. I've always known.

"I'll be sure to tell him that."

Then, Lily attempted to reach out and hug the Light, unsure if it would accept her offer or not. Her wonder ended when it embraced her. Lily noticed something different. The Light felt warm…

Lily stirred from sleep and sat up on the berth. It was still early in the morning, and no one else was awake. She was sure everyone wanted plenty of rest after the events in the valley. She blinked sleepily and rubbed her eyes. Then, she turned her gaze over her shoulder when she felt movement. Lily saw Optimus awaken a little as well.

"Lily, what are you doing up…?" he asked, sitting up. "Is everything alright?"

She blinked at him, slightly dazed. Then, she smiled and said aloud, "She knows, Papa."

Optimus blinked and tilted his helm. "What?" he said, puzzled by what she meant. Before he could ask again, Lily flopped back onto the berth and sunk back into sleep. Quite confused, Optimus felt too tired to think on it and laid down as well, wrapping his arms over the sleeping little flower, unaware he was retiring to sleep with two souls, in one.

THE END.