Coalescence

The gigantic robot trudged through a sprawling factory and roared angrily. Her long
strides brought her directly over top of Demolishor, her height blocked out the sun. Demolishor
was finally able to open his eyes, he glanced about. Without the blazing light
of the star reflecting off the crystalline buildings, he could take in the surreal elegance
of Crystal City. Every surface was a dancing prismatic rainbow, a joyful collection of
light and shadow across every bend and cut.
“I can start seein’ it now, Strongarm.” Demolishor’s voice crackled through the communications
station on the Underbase. “There ain’t no words… It’s like you said. The
city is just… so beautiful. It’s almost like it’s alive...”
Demolishor fell silent, but his radio frequency stayed open. Side Burn cringed and
Strongarm flinched when the whirring whine of a massive solar energy beam rifle filled
the broadcast. It was followed by a deafening explosion and a pop as Demolishor’s
channel went dead.
“Shut it down.” The Fallen’s voice rumbled uncaringly. “Prepare for the next attempt.”
“I’d suggest we slow down now, lion.” Beta Maxx patted the thick locks of the pink
cat’s mane. “The gate room is just around this corner, so I would think any last-minute
preparations should be made here.”
“Last-minute preparations… Like us grabbing a few guns instead of running in waving
our fists?” Darkwing cocked his head and balled his hands into fists to make his point.
“‘Guns?’ ‘Guns’ you say? Why do you really think some… hmhrm… guns are going
to do a thing against the mechanoids in that room?” The small purple robot on top of
the lion chided. “But very well, if you want weapons, go ahead and reach your hand on
into the lion’s mane and grab whatever fits your ambition.”
Cyclonus and Darkwing exchanged wary glances, then Cyclonus approached the lion.
It turned and gnashed its teeth, giving the Decepticon pause, but he still slipped his
hand into the cat’s fur. Feeling around, he gripped a handle and gave it a tug that produced
a three-barreled rifle similar to the cannon used to melt the Decepticons’ ice
shackles. He then waved Darkwing for his turn. The white, blue, and red robot hesitated,
but followed Cyclonus’ lead, pulling out an energo-sword. Both Decepticons studied
their weapons, then Cyclonus patted Darkwing’s shoulder.
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