Author's Note: Thank you to everyone who reviewed in the previous chapter! I know I'm popping these up pretty fast, but the next chapter shall be the last. Anyways, enjoy this one!

Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers.

Chapter 20: Descendant pt. 4

Starscream sang.

He sang with every ounce of his spirit and spark, with every bit of love and courage he could possibly offer. Every song before had been so full of sadness and despair—simply because he'd feared too much of bringing out a positive energy. Just as his past had been consumed with grief and fear, he would use it against the Chaos-Bringer and help save the lives of everyone he loved. This ability that the evil Unicron had given him he was using to destroy the old, evil frag-head, and he would do so even if it took every morsel of his energy.

Because nothing's more important than you.

A glorious performance of light billowed off the tiny youngling's body, a beautiful pure blue color that spun off him and seeped into the cracks of Unicron's body. The energy fought against the negativity that the Planet-Eater displayed, a greater warrior in the midst of the chaos. From beyond Unicron, he could feel Skywarp as he brought on his ancient powers, billions of years old, the first Transformers to ever exist finally arising from their spiritual slumber.

Within him, Stascream could feel the first thirteen's power coming to him, aiding him, holding together his room as he slowly tore Unicron apart. They protected him, just as Optimus did, their ancient cores filled with hope as they guarded the last of the younglings. They refueled the fire in his spark that had nearly been demolished from the Chaos Bringer's attempt at destroying their planet. With that, he reached out and took hold of his favorite Prime, his opiluk, the reason he'd managed to stay alive through all this.

Starscream!

Optimus' radiant spark shined through the blackness of Unicron, so close to Megatron's, as the two flew up to save him. Relief swept through the youngling, the fear and loneliness vanishing like the night as dawn filled the land. He'd come—just like he promised.

I knew you would come, opi.

With that, Starscream sang all the louder, the loudest he'd ever attempted, using every bit of strength and love he had. Skywarp's presence grew to unprecedented heights as he danced, gathering his brother's energy in order to use it as a counterattack.

Just please, don't die.

It's okay, opi, he saved me.

Who did?

The old me.

Beyond him, Starscream saw Bumblebee, enraged and full of power, as he attempted to destroy Unicron from within, a smaller form of the Planet-Eater trying to halt their efforts. The youngling was certain that the enormous god already felt the effects of their endeavors to halt his reign, and was doing everything he could to stop it. From there, Unicron would forever be unable to cause death and destruction again. But, something was wrong…

Slowly, Barricade achieved consciousness, mind groggy as he attempted to awaken from the recharge his body dragged himself into. He'd almost forgotten about the fact that Unicron had stabbed him in the chassis—and that he was slowly dying, besides the fact that warnings consumed his vision. As a matter of fact, most of his senses were dead or dying; within a silent world, the Decepticon instinctively rose to his feet, no longer able to feel his injuries from his body automatically disconnecting from the open nerve wounds.

Bumblebee had already returned to fighting the physical form of the evil god, infuriated that he didn't go down the first time. Barricade was certain that his Decepticon-like destructive ways had rubbed off on the innocent Autobot, who was renowned for his goody-two shoes behavior. With a smirk, the dark one crept forward, life slowly draining from his body as he made his way towards the Chaos Bringer's core.

Tunnel vision only offered enough visual to see Unicron's spark slowly regaining power, which was now throbbing a luminous green. He'd strive for one last attempt at destroying everything, no doubt as a way to say "So long!" while also bringing down Primus' most cherished creations. With this, Barricade immediately understood what he had to do. If he'd been at full strength, surely he'd be able to survive, but…

Using his single arm, the Decepticon used the center sphere as a post, barely able to stand on his own two feet. Glancing down, he saw the precious, bright fluid from spark draining down his front side, the metal on his chassis shredded and chopped up.

Hey, you. I have something to tell you.

Yes?

After all this slag has gone away, you better promise me something…

What is it?

This stupid fragging war between the Decepticons and the Autobots better not kick up again, or else I'm gonna have to trample your aft.

It's a promise.

Clenching his teeth together before leaning against the sphere with his shoulder, Barricade split his chest open and used his last hand to delve into his spark casing, releasing one of the connection ports from his center and into the sphere. Immediately, his mind and Unicron's connected, and the Decepticon felt Primus shift through him and into the other, his bright and cooling energy moving through Barricade at deafening speeds.

Through the eyes of his god, he saw and felt the love Primus had for him, for all Transformers, experienced each sensation in its fullest colors as the god had first created their planet with care, their species, watched with great sorrow as they turned against each other and destroyed generations. Energon tears flowed down Barricade's faceplates as Primus' grief filled his processor, but also the pride that shined at the very core of it all. Beyond anyone else, his creator knew that Barricade would be the one to destroy the greatest threat of this universe—had believed it from the very moment he asked.

"I'm sorry…" whispered the Decepticon, before shuttered his optics as he continued to feel his life source dwindle away.

Through Primus, Barricade saw the power of their god seep through every vessel and nerve wires in Unicron, flowing like water throughout the entire structure. Unicron could do nothing to stop it, only to watch as the remedial blue light dispersed throughout his system and cure the sickness that'd been there for so long. As he continued to fade away, Primus absorbed the destructive force, taking it into his own spiritual body to at last rid the universe of such evil.

Down upon the surface of Cybertron, hundreds of thousands of mechs and femmes alike gazed at the sky in wonder as a sapphire energy glowed from within Unicron, shining brilliantly enough to light up their entire planet. That very energy rained down upon them all; refreshing and cool, viscid with the power as it healed the injured and dying below. A great relief flowed through the masses, Jazz being the first to shout a thrilled cry, with the other fast to follow.

Skywarp broke out into a smile as he watched the scene, exclaiming with a laugh, "'Cade! It's 'Cade!"

Within Unicron, Barricade saw with a third eye Starscream as he aided in this process, using his voice to disperse the energy across Unicron's entire surface. The evil god was being destroyed from the inside and outside, having no way to possibly escape. With a grin, he flipped a bird towards the spiritual image of the Planet-Eater, snickering as he said, You're fragged, you asshole.

As soon as the energy finally soaked back into Primus and dissolved from the Chaos-Bringer's physical form, his body began to break apart, and Barricade slumped from his position, no longer able to hold himself up. Rather, a certain annoying Autobot was there, gathering the Decepticon in his arms as the once-standing room began to crumble to pieces. Bumblebee was talking to him, but the Saleen couldn't hear it, only staring up at his friend as he watched in silent wonder at the other's appearance.

On Bumblebee's back, the Decepticon observed in shock as his wings glowed and extended, becoming large enough for the small scout to carry off the Decepticon. As Unicron's structure broke apart, holes were formed for them to escape, but already Barricade knew he wouldn't survive. His last few moments were upon him, and he wasn't going to ruin it or let it go to waste.

"Wait, Bumblebee, stop," ordered the other, using his hand to grapple the other's arm to gain his attention.

"We have to get out of here!" cried the golden one with a desperate expression, motioning towards an exit. "The place is gonna come down on us!"

Barricade smirked, coughing slightly as he responded, "You know full well I won't make it through this fragging mess. Shut up and…listen to me before I leave here."

Bumblebee seemed to take a moment to absorb his words and what they meant before his expression deteriorated, optics immediately started tearing up. "D-don't say that!" he stuttered, his hand shifting across the other's body form as though unsure where to touch without hurting him. "I'll take you to Ratchet and he'll get you fixed up! He's amazing, you know! Please don't die, Barricade, please! We can get out of this! I—"

"Shut up you stupid Autobot, I want to say the last right words…than trying to get you to shut your trap –cough— before I discharge," responded the dark one, glaring at his counterpart, as his tone was too weak to sound intimidating. When at last the fool managed to silence for more than a second, the Decepticon murmured, "I know…I've done a lot of slag that I shouldn't have, especially concerning you, which I apologize for—"

Bumblebee seemed to grow even more desperate. "Barricade—"

"Shut up!" barked the other, earning him a fit of coughs, to which the Autobot held him all the tighter to give him solid ground. "I know an apology…doesn't go far," he muttered after finally calming down, "but…I do want to say sorry. And thanks. After all, I don't think any other Autobot would've gone with me the full distance."

The only thing Bumblebee could respond with was small words through his sobs, bright tears cascading down his face in streams as helplessness consumed his spark. "Don't go, Barricade! Please! Don't do this to me! Stay here!"

"You stupid Autobot," murmured the Decepticon as he felt darkness closing in on him, a heavy wash of lethargy consuming his processor. He could feel Primus' presence at the back of his mind, patient, yet he could feel his creator seeking the Decepticon's company. I guess it's time. "You'll be alright, Bee. I wasn't ever able to kill you, anyways. You just keep up that silly innocent routine you've got there…whatever happens, just know that…you kept me holding on…after I…watched my creators die…and I…wanted to die…"

"Barricade!" shouted Bumblebee, neither unable to control his breathing nor his thoughts, horror and anxiety overwhelming his spark, "I'm sorry, Barricade! I'm so, so sorry!"

The dark one felt drowsy, a fulfilling, deep recharge beckoning him. He knew he wouldn't ever wake up again, but he couldn't keep his optics open any longer…he was just so tired…all he wanted was to fall into the warm darkness that continued to weigh upon him.

"You'll be okay…" whispered Barricade, gazing up at the hysterical Autobot with sagging optics, "You dumb…Autobot…eveything's…okay…"

Bumblebee halted a moment, watching as the fiery crimson orbs of his best friend finally disappeared back into their dark depths. Silence around him seemed as though it would eat him alive, even as the Decepticon's spark fizzled slightly before the case darkened, its beating coming to a stop. "Barricade?" said Bumblebee in no more than a whisper, shaken. A moment more he waited. The Autobot shook the other gently, summoning his rise. Nothing responded. "Barricade!"

He was…gone.

"BARRICADE!"

Optimus Prime gasped as Megatron dodged yet another flying piece of debris; his hands clutched harder to the material of his back, hardly able to hold on due to his brother's reckless flying. They were moving through the sky so fast the Commander had a hard time keep his optics open, but refused to close them in fear of missing Starscream or his offspring and Barricade. As Bumblebee didn't have flying capabilities, he knew that he'd no doubt have to retrieve his son as well as Starscream.

However, since the youngling was far less capable of staying alive, he knew he had to retrieve him first.

"Can you feel him?" shouted his silver other.

"He's unconscious! His spark's barely activated!" returned the elder, his dark sapphire orbs searching every part of the sky he could see. Faintly, he was able to follow a tracing pattern and immediately turned it over to Megatron, who trailed it as best as he was able with Unicron breaking apart in front of them. "Look to where there are smaller pieces! No doubt his voice was able to decimate the room around him!"

Growling, Megatron surged forward with a greater amount of power, his crimson optics seeking what could quite possibly be the most difficult thing to see through the scattered wreckage. Starscream was absolutely tiny; how would they possibly find him through all this mess?

Opt!

Prime gasped at the sense of connection, Skywarp suddenly in his thoughts as the sparkling offered him a passage. As Starscream's brother, he no doubt could locate the flier more precisely, and offered his help without question. Considering also that his power was still at an expanded form to protect Cybertron of the remains from Unicron, the little one was able to trace his other effortlessly. A sense of relief immediately hit the Autobot Commander before he sent the information to the silver o ne beneath him.

"Unconscious, but alive!" exclaimed Megatron with a smirk. The fool was as stubborn as ever; even as a youngling, Starscream retained his refusal to fall into death's grasp. Perhaps that was one his most useful attributes.

"Thank Primus!" gasped the other, unable to help breaking out into a smile when his wandering gaze at last located the tiny flier. "Over there!"

Megatron banked right, easily maneuvering through the maze of shrapnel, noticing that the little one dangling through space. As the two ate the distance between their target, Megatron came to an intense stop and Optimus immediately snatched the sparkling from hanging in space, holding him against his chassis.

"Starscream," he gasped, feeling the little one's rapid spark beat beneath his fingers. Comfort flowed through his ancient being, relief from the feeling of the youngling in his arms again, where he belonged. To be protected, just as it was Optimus' duty. "It all must've been too much for him…"

Other than a few scratches and pure exhaustion, the youngling seemed otherwise unscathed. However, there were some slight burns on his ankles and wrists, no doubt Unicron's doing. They would heal over time, nonetheless, especially after Ratchet got a hold of him. Ensuring that he was not further harmed, Prime opened his chassis, allowing a space for the sparkling directly near his spark to gather the elder's healing energy.

"All we have to do is find Bumblebee now," muttered Megatron, grunting with dissatisfaction that he would have to drag two more bodies back down to Cybertron. "Try the comm. link, Prime, and see if you can get a hold of them."

"Right," responded the other, before his attention was suddenly diverted with a bright flash of light. "Wait, look at that!"

The Decepticon leader found himself surprised as well when he noticed a blaze of yellow streaking across the star-lit sky, soaring down towards Cybertron in a silent motion. Instantly, Prime recognized Bumblebee's spark signature fly towards the planet's surface, certain it was him, but shocked in his ability to move so fast.

"What the slag was that?" barked the younger.

"That was…Bumblebee…" murmured Optimus, still in a daze at how fast the other was flying. "Come, let's follow!"

"Yeah, yeah, sheesh…you're not ruler yet, Prime," muttered his brother as he dived towards Cybertron once more.

Slowly, Skywarp allowed his powers to dissolve, exhaustion consuming the youngling as his lightheadedness took the best of him and he fell from his place above ground. A flash of gold and he was suddenly in the arms of someone warm, his drooping optics glanced up to see his caretaker's face.

Sunstreaker glanced down at the sparkling, a smile shifting onto his beaten and scratched faceplates, which resembled much of what the rest of his body looked like. "Hey there, buddy," muttered the Autobot, comforted at the sight of his youngling as he landed on the ground and stood straight. "Good job."

"Opi," said Skywarp in return, lifting up his tiny arms to each the other's face. Little digits scathed along his chassis, an endearing smile capturing the sparks of even the most war-hardened mechs. Sunstreaker was clearly one of them, even as he reached over with his larger hand and allowed the youngling to clutch onto it. "Tired…"

"Get some recharge," murmured the Lamborghini as he held the tiny flier to his spark, "you deserve it."

Jazz approached the two, practically jumping up and down, despite his missing arm, with the goofiest smile on his face as he came upon the twin. "Yeah! We won, we won!"

"Shuddup, you stupid slag-head! Skywarp's sleeping!" snarled Sunstreaker as he shoved away the Special Ops agent, who seemed to simply ignore the other altogether. He continued past the golden one, riling up the other Transformers that were still shaken by the immense battle.

The silver streak bolted up the hillside to search for the others, before his attention was brought to the sky and he noticed a golden streak that fell towards the surface. Sideswipe and Skyfire dashed up next to their smaller counterpart before the crimson twin shouted, "That must be Bumblebee!"

"C'mon, let's go meet up with them!" cried Skyfire as he zoomed past them, picking up Jazz on the way.

A collection of more Autobots and Decepticons rushed to meet up with the heroes as well, the silver Special Ops agent noticed a second streak which, presumably Optimus and Megatron, cascaded downwards in the trail of the first. Thankfully, the Autobot Commander didn't land too distantly, and they easily caught up with the pair.

"Starscream, did you save Starscream?" Sideswipe nearly demanded to his superior, who didn't even have the opportunity to gather himself.

Optimus laughed softly, recognizing Sideswipe's love and thoughtfulness still had maintained throughout the battle. With a single hand, Prime opened his chassis, his glorious spark shining as he reached in. As he brought his hand back, a tiny limp body fell into his palm, Sideswipe's spark panging, along with many others, as he half wondered if the youngling had survived at all. Swallowing, the crimson Autobot slowly walked up and took the little flier into his arms, as miniature as the twin remembered him being there, before softly whispering, "Starscream?"

"Starscream," murmured Optimus in a summoning tone, his hand gently skimming over the youngling's helm.

Starscream's faceplates grimaced as he achieved consciousness, before they relaxed and, gradually, his optics opened to reveal their innocent blue orbs. A smile broke out over Lamborghini's face, relief overwhelming through him greater than anything he'd ever experienced. As the sparkling realized his surroundings, the mechs around him, a genuine smile of his own shined across his face before he exclaimed, "Hi!"

An explosion of reprieve and smiles fled throughout the group, all of the mechs relieved at the fact that the young charge was generally unscathed. Starscream giggled when Sideswipe ducked his helm and nuzzled the youngling, a relief like no other lifting the awful weight that had been suffocating his spark. Who knew that such a tiny thing could have so much influence over such war-hardened mechs?

Little fingers ran over Sideswipe's faceplates, pushing him back slightly before the youngling gazed into the twin's optics, shifting towards Prime and back again before the little one asked, "What about Skywarp?"

"He is resting," offered Skyfire, "he is in Sunstreaker's care."

A reassured smile returned to Starscream's face, before he scowled once more and said, "What about Barricade and Bee?"

The world seemed to delve into silence as Optimus located his offspring, his golden paintjob scratched and burnt as the sun reached over the horizon. The pair were cascaded in shadow, but the Commander was aware that the younger was crying, glowing energon tears cascading down his faceplates. A painful feeling reached over the Autobot's spark as he became consumed by the emotions Bumblebee broadcasted fully to his spark. Barricade rested cradled in the scout's arms, his limbs slack and optics dim.

Were they too late?

Ratchet raced up to the Decepticon, pushing Bumblebee aside as he sought to diagnose Barricade's condition. A few moments passed and the doctor glanced back at his Commander and, with a solemn expression, slowly shook his head. The golden Autobot's cries echoed through the land, capturing every spark as they fell into a deep, disheartened silence. Starscream shifted in Prime's arms, his face disconcerted as he stared at his fellow friends, one that had given his life for his protection, and the other that had fallen into despair at the loss.

Optimus scowled, before being surprised by his brother who stood forward. The silver mech steadily walked towards his sentry, standing next to the two Autobots before crouching down to pay respects to his most loyal subordinate. A moment passed, and everyone was surprised when Megatron took Barricade in his large arms, rising to his full height. Ratchet aided Bumblebee in gaining his ground as they watched the Decepticon Lord begin walking, gazing at the small mech in his arms with hardened optics.

Every Autobot and Decepticon bowed their heads as Megatron stepped through the masses, the martyr limp and cold within his thick, warm arms. A painful twinge tugged at the Decepticon's spark, which it did for an extreme few, as he stared at the subject. No other Decepticon would've gone to the end in such a fashion, the dark one's stubbornness and ability to stay alive that gave him his value. Now, he'd saved not only his army, but also his planet, his brother, and the younglings from catastrophe.

Jazz sighed as he stared up at the two commanding officers, placing a single hand on his hip. There was a lot of cleaning up to do, but there was also so much to look forward to. No longer would they have to worry as the two younglings would grow and be able to live happy, peaceful lives without the grievances of war upon them. He recalled once Skyfire reminiscing about the Golden Years and how Starscream used to be a scientist.

I wonder what he'll be now.

Smiling, the silver mech walked up to Starscream, gently nudging the youngling to get onto his shoulder. The sparkling proceeded to do so, even Preceptor scowled at the fact that Jazz's wounds hadn't been treated. Nonetheless, happiness floated through the masses, a smile breaking out onto Starscream's faceplates.

"'Cade believed in his cause the most," murmured the Special Ops agent, "and so we won't let him down by ruining it, right?"

"Right!" exclaimed the youngling.

In the months following, reconstructions and rehabilitation work began on Cybertron, the search for new resources offering the opportunity for mechs and femmes to scour the surrounding galaxies. Many offered their services, while Megatron and Optimus Prime attempted to find a political standing between the two. The notorious Decepticon Lord seemed to find his fancy in the idea of searching new life forms along with his fellow comrades. Prime was surprised by his brother's request, but silently he understood the underlying message his younger sibling displayed.

Not in a billion years could the two come to terms with each other, which both the brothers realized, but while Megatron could find a way to help without having to deal with the elder Commander was compelling. After all, many Decepticons weren't interested in renovating anything if they had a say in it, which birthed a new squadron for those lost sparks. After all, most Decepticons felt as though they were sparked for war, for battle, and a peaceful Cybertron was not the most gripping lifestyle. Prime's subordinates seemed to agree in the least bit, even offering their equipment and ships for the long quests the Decepticons would be participating in.

"Not that we're never going to come back," laughed Megatron when he saw Prime's reaction to their elaborate mission. "Cybertron will always be home base. Besides, I don't want to think you're concerned or missing me or anything. I engaged with you in war and you're still soft as ever, Prime."

Still, it seemed as though Optimus was looking forward to creating a new relationship with his brother. However, Megatron realized the cost of war, the lives he'd taken from the Autobot army, and completely understood the non-too-friendly attitudes some of them had towards him. His place was in the quest of space, with the comrades he'd had since the beginning of the great conflict. Not even Prime would be able to convince the great Decepticon into staying.

"He'll be fine," reassured Ratchet as he watched the Decepticon pack up and gather supplies into their ships, "besides, with a surgeon like Hook, who needs a squadron of medics?"

Megatron took a single glance at his brother, earning him an odd sensation in his gut, and looked forward to a future where he could go about his normal routine of conquest with the unknown territory of space. As a mech of his word, he would return to Cybertron once in awhile, but not nearly as often as Prime no doubt hoped. With a grunt, he approached his elder sibling, noticing a certain tiny flier in his arms.

"We're almost ready to go," stated the Decepticon before poking Starscream. "I'll be looking forward to seeing you all grown up and burly."

The youngling giggled, twitching at the gentle touch. "Opi says I'm bigger than him when I grow!"

"You take on more of my fine attributes," muttered the other with a smirk. "And Lucius'. He'd be proud of you, sparkling." Offering one more glance at his brother, he said, "It didn't work this time, Prime, but don't expect to be so lucky in the future."

"I count my blessings, Megatron," retorted the elder, "no-one can completely deny the Optimus love attack."

A glare refreshed Megatron's faceplates, and he growled, in annoyance, "In your dreams, you soft-sparked—"

"No bad language!" Starscream cut through, lifting a hand in the air. "You'll get in trouble."

A brief, surprised moment passed before a grin once more fell upon the Decepticon's faceplates. That must've been it—the youngling. And now that things were going to return to the way they were before the war, there would be younglings abound once more. A new generation to the old war-hardened mechs. With that, he'd doubt a war would ever present itself for a very long time. No doubt longer than he'd be willing to wait for.

Blackout appeared next to his lord, as he murmured, "We are set, Megatron."

"On cue," said the other as he back away from his brother and the youngling, not willing for them to offer a final farewell.

Despite this, Starscream exclaimed a boisterous, "Bye!" as the silver continued to stalk off. He didn't look back, he couldn't. He had a reputation to maintain, after all, and even if he was about to fall into the never-ending depths of space, he wouldn't let that go. His cruelty and hardened core was all that he could hold on to, just as many of his Decepticons had as well.

We'll be waiting.

The voice of Prime sent a shiver throughout the entire frame of the silver one, gathering an odd glance from Blackout. "It's nothing," muttered the elder, ignoring his squad's thoughtful gazes as he entered onto the ship.

Don't hold your breath, Prime.

A very humanlike thing to say.

Shut up and let it go, brother.

Good-bye, Megatron.

Shuttering his optics, the Decepticon leader stepped into the hangar, not daring to glance back. Something suddenly caught his optic as it was tossed into the room in the last moment as the hatch closed, to which he easily caught. A tiny cube of many colors, a human toy no doubt, was clutched between his claws. A tiny flash of ebony scored from the hangar bay towards Optimus, little Skywarp waving his farewell along with the other pair.

Stupid fools.

With Megatron's departure, Cybertron fled into a stage of peace. Optimus reigned the new planet with the benevolence that the younglings had taught him, searching to take their species to a new generation. As for the Starscream and Skywarp, they returned to normal lives, their paranormal powers of voice and dancing unneeded in the new future and had consequently disappeared. They were free to grow as ordinary sparklings, their guardians Optimus Prime and Sunstreaker looking forward to the distant future where no war was waiting.

The obliterated shell of Unicron's was being slowly broken down and prepared for transport to be fried into the sun, its presence only a sign why conflict was for all the wrong reasons. Instead, they chose to make Barricade a reminder for peace, to stand for the right reasons instead of a deep-fueled hatred. A Decepticon that had sacrificed everything for everyone else was the reason to find the best in someone instead of their worst.

Starscream gazed up at the tall memorial to the Decepticon, regarding the tall, black statue his elders had placed in Barricade's honor. In a strange way, its shiny exterior and flamboyant courtyard didn't seem very appropriate. If Barricade were here, he wouldn't appreciate such a monument. Perhaps a weapon after his name, or a new spaceship, like his fellow Decepticons. However, it was an Autobot-way to remember a Decepticon for his efforts, which the youngling understood.

Upon thinking of how Barricade saved him, offered his protection when everyone was against him, it gave the youngling a strange, warm sensation in his spark. Slowly, he began humming an old human hymn, his voice as lustrous as ever. Behind him, Optimus gradually rose upon the steps leading to the memorial, the little flier not halting the song at the sight of his caretaker. Instead, he smiled as the larger approached him, before they both glanced back to stare in memory-filled gaze.

"Time to go, little one," murmured Optimus as he reached out a hand, "your dani and everyone else is waiting for us."

With a grin, the youngling hopped onto his guardian's shoulder, clinging to him as the larger stood to his full height. As Prime walked away from the statue, Starscream glanced once more upon its glossy outer surface, Barricade's determined face staring back at him.

Thank you.

A/N: Wow, that chapter was a behemoth. Anyways, one more chapter, the epilogue. Yes, yes, years into the future. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this last bit.

Read and review, please.