Chapter 109: A Cruel Battle
"Damn it! That's my brother's spark! Let it go!"
The mechanical Azure Dragon, fighting desperately, ignored the seven or eight ravenous beasts clinging to its body and lunged straight at the mechanical lynx that had stolen his comrade's spark.
Though his fellow Autobot's optics had dimmed forever after losing his spark, this Autobot refused to allow the sacred light of his companion's essence to be defiled by such a vile creature.
While the feline was agile, it was still small compared to the massive Azure Dragon. Despite its frantic attempts to flee, its hind legs were crushed under the dragon's enormous jaws. With a sharp crack, the immense pressure paralyzed the lynx's lower body. Yet, the attack also drained much of the dragon's strength, forcing the enormous mechanical dragon to pause momentarily.
Amazingly, just before death claimed it, the mechanical lynx jerked its head violently, flinging the spark it held in its jaws toward the ground some distance away. At that exact moment, the ground beneath the spark caved in, creating a small hole through which the glowing ember fell.
Could it truly be coincidence? Was something lurking beneath that hole? Unfortunately, the Azure Dragon had no time to wonder. If he didn't shake off the beasts biting at his armor, his fate would soon match his fallen comrade's.
"ROAR!"
With a thunderous bellow, the massive dragon made a move that completely stunned his pursuers he threw himself sideways, rolling across the ground.
The primitive beasts latched onto the Azure Dragon's body, no matter where they were, were instantly crushed beneath his enormous weight. With their current strength, these newly-formed Decepticons stood no chance each was flattened into scattered shards of metal.
"Hahaha! I can't believe my luck! From now on, I Diablo am a true Decepticon warrior!"
It was a giant ant the burrow must have been its nest. Normally, such creatures served only as fodder, unable to obtain the AllSpark. But fate is unpredictable. While the other Predacons and Autobots battled fiercely, this massive ant named Diablo seized the opportunity not only claiming the fallen Autobot's spark but also integrating it into its own body.
Thus, the Transformer Ant known as Diablo was born. Empowered by the AllSpark's energy, Diablo's body was reforged, gaining an armored carapace and a bio-energy laser cannon. He became the first true Decepticon warrior born in this phase of the battle.
"No, you insignificant creature! How dare you take my comrade's spark !"
Though the Azure Dragon could hardly bear to witness the scene, he had to admit that the Predacon before him had successfully merged with his comrade's spark. The soul of a once-valiant Autobot now resided within the frame of a newly minted Decepticon warrior. What a bitter irony.
"Haha! Excellent work, little one! Remember your new code name I'll introduce you to Megatron, the current supreme leader of the Decepticons!"
Unlike the despairing veteran Autobots, the Fallen wore a look of visible delight as he watched the newborn Decepticon warrior. This was proof that his experiment had succeeded. No matter whose spark resided within that shell, as long as it functioned, it was a new soldier for the Decepticons.
"My honored master, the great Fallen, thank you for granting me new life! I will fight for the Decepticons and for you!"
Burning with zeal, the newly created Decepticon warrior Diablo raised his laser cannon and fired at the wounded Azure Dragon before him.
Though the Azure Dragon seemed on the brink of death, how could a mere ant harm such an ancient giant? Without hesitation, the dragon casually snatched up the mangled corpse of a fallen Predacon and hurled it into the path of the incoming blast.
"You arrogant brat!" he growled.
BOOM!
A perfect explosion. Diablo's laser struck the airborne remains of the unknown Predacon, detonating it midair and filling the battlefield with a plume of gray smoke.
The Primitive Beast's transformation after acquiring the Spark Seed had been astounding if its body could be further enhanced, its power would be truly formidable.
But the smoke and debris from the blast clouded Diablo's vision. By the time he realized the danger, it was too late. A massive dragon head burst through the haze, colliding with his body. Gleaming among the swirling dust were rows of mechanical steel teeth dull with moss yet still lethally sharp.
The mechanical Azure Dragon clearly intended to destroy the creature that had stolen his comrade's Spark Seed in the most primal way possible ripping it apart with his own fangs rather than let his fallen brother's essence be desecrated.
But just as the dragon's iron jaws were about to close around Diablo's head, something unexpected happened. The Fallen King Kong, who had been watching the spectacle from afar, suddenly moved. A tremendous force yanked the dragon's tail backward.
It was the Fallen himself who had intervened.
"Don't rush, old friend! I still need your comrade's spark to create more Decepticon warriors. As a veteran, you shouldn't bully the newcomers!"
Indeed, the Fallen had saved the mechanical ant Diablo at the last possible moment. Seizing the Azure Dragon by the tail, he flung the massive creature toward the swarm of surrounding prehistoric beasts.
"Fallen… you vile creature ahhh!"
What had begun as a glorious hunt was ruined by the Fallen's interference. The mechanical Azure Dragon was once again surrounded and besieged by the enemy's primitive beasts, the tide of battle turning dire once more.
"Major Azure Dragon, I don't think continuing this fight will bring good results. To prevent further losses, I, Steel Chain, suggest we retreat!"
(End of Chapter)