POWERMASTER vs HEADMASTER

The Sandbox

        Just off the back porch and walled off by a neat row
of logs, is the place every kid had, or at least wanted.
It's the place you went to play with your new Transformers,
and this Sandbox serves much the same purpose. All abilities
are enabled here, so enjoy. Play. Just try not to ruin your
stickers.

Optimus Prime is currently driving though the mountain side
of Washington's Cascade Range...returning towards the place
where the Ark had first crashed upon Earth eons ago.

Hi Q says, "So this is the place, huh?"

Scorponok skitters along a mountain path, his speed,
mediated, his destination, set.
Scorponok . o <<Are you certain the trace is correct?>>

Hi Q calmly sits inside Optimus' cab, watching the
surroundings calmly. "Where you crashed, that is. I've heard
about it, but this is the first I've seen..."

Optimus Prime still has quite a few miles as well as a state
line to cross however. The question from the human prdes him
from his musings. "Indeed. But note quite yet. We still have
some miles to go as of yet. But as you can see...this
mountain range is the same."

Zarak perches quietly on the rear of Scorponok's torso, his
helmet set down next to him as he peers at the handheld
radar unit in his hand. . o <<I am certain. Have my readings
ever failed you...?>>

Hi Q shudders quietly. "This place gives me the creeps for
some reason.

Scorponok . o <<Negative, but for prey this precious, one
cannot be too cautious... prepare yourself, this shall be
the final stand... he is all that stands in our way, we are
all that stand in his. Soon, the duel of fates shall ensue,
and to the victor... the universe.>>

Optimus Prime rounds a bend on the mountanious road, taking
care in this type of terrian. "Pardon...'the creeps'?"

Zarak's face twists into a slight frown at a thought that
occurs to him, but he leaves it at that for the moment. The
very weight of the task that is coming keeps his thoughts
more than occupied. It's then that he spots a flash of red,
on the roadway below, and he immediately points, forgoing
the mindlink with his partner. "There!"

Hi Q translates, "My circuits are tingling. I'm having
irrational thought processes involving danger. Something
like that."

Hi Q says, "No reason why. It just... gives me the creeps."

Scorponok chuckles lowly, "Indeed, course locked on, now...
it begins..."

Zarak reaches for his helmet, pulling it on and allowing it
to set firmly into place. His other hand goes to the rifle
that he had laid alongside at the same time. "Indeed." he
mutters, standing fully and moving towards Scorponok's
insectoid head, his usual perch. "And today....it ends."

Scorponok closes in on Prime, his skittering legs being
pushed to the fastest land speed they can muster, his
stinger looms back and forth ominously, as it suddenly
'locks' and rears back... <<Now...>> suddenly a high power
beams shoots out from it streaking towards the rear of the
truck.

Optimus Prime hmms and ups his scanners wich have been
activated long before now. He slows to a stop. "I see."
Perhaps an intuision. Or mayve Alex's own words have merely
brought our Optimus Prime's own misgivings he refused to
voide until now. Without hesitation he transforms. "I have
been feeling these 'creeps' as well."
With a mental command Optimus Prime is bonded to the human
Hi Q, enabling him the resume his Powermaster mode.
Hi Q calmly transforms along with Prime, the motions
practically instinctual by now...
Hi Q says, "What the... Prime, I'm getting readings of
METAL, 15 mark 190!"

-BOOM!- The shot misses as Prime abruptly stops, Scorponok
growls to himself...

Suprisingly, Optimus didn't transform a moment none-too-soon
to avoid being hit. Although, in truth, the laser *did*
graze the end of his trailer upon the transformation.
"Perhaps something's to be said for this intuition after
all."

Scorponok . o <<Zarak, prepare to transform, our 'suprise'
is now nil, it is time we move>>

The large scorpion's tail begins to retract as legs begin to
fold out and the large form begins to rise up, the arms fold
down as Zarak rises up and attaches to his shoulders,
completing the monolithic form of Scorponok' robot mode.

Hi Q says, "And unless I'm mistaken, there shouldn't be too
much out here... keep your eyes peeled. I'm charging up now.
Let me know when you need me."

Optimus Prime looks upwards from where the blast had
orginated from and narrows his optics at the source. He
summons his rifle immediately from subspace less than an
instant later. "

Zarak frowns at the display. Something to be said about
'dumb luck'. . o <<Indeed>> is all he musters, before
leaping upwards to meet the shoulders of his bonded partner,
fitting into place perfectly.

Scorponok's optics remain dull for a few seconds....then
blaze to life with the fire of the bonding process, a surge
of power going through the Decepticon Overlord.

Zarak leaps high into the air, folding inwards and
becoming........a head.

Optimus Prime whispers, "Scorponk..."

Hi Q says, "He's HERE? Oh, boy."

Scorponok grunts, "He knows we're here... let us introduce
ourselves..."

Zarak lacks a way of speaking out now, but merely buzzes in
Scorponok's mind. . o <<Let us....and end this.>>

Optimus Prime raises his gun towards the Decepticon leader,
ready to do battle. <<Hi Q, what is your status?>>

Hi Q calmly runs himself in the center of Optimus' chest,
replying, <<I'm up to full power, now scanning the area.
What I have is yours, Prime. Take whatever you need.>>

Scorponok leaps down from the mountainside, phasing his
cannon into his clawed hand. A resouding -BOOM- is heard as
his large frame hits the ground, kicking up dust. He looks
at Prime, a sneer snaking across his face, "What a 'pleasant
suprise' Optimus Prime... taking a pleasure trip? At a dire
time for your troops? At this moment, your forces fall at
the hands of my own. We are all that are left... You are the
final step in my path to conquest, now prepare to greet
death's embrace..."

Zarak runs his own diagnostics, placing up an overview of
Prime's schematics in the corner of Scorponok's vision. . o
<<Monitoring. I will inform as armor fluctuations and weak
points begin to become evident.>>

Scorponok . <<Indeed, be wary, he is not one to be
underestimated.>>

Optimus Prime nods, although to who is is uncertain. "Much
like your predacessors you usually attempt to talk a good
fight. Give this up, Scorponok. You will never suceed."

Zarak's mind surges for a moment. . o <<I shall enjoy seeing
him rended limb from limb. Optimus Prime shall die
again.....and there will be no resurrection.>>

Scorponok laughs, "And much like yours, you let your
nobility and reliance on your own 'willpower' and 'inner
strength' to pave your way to victory... such shall not be
the case this time. This shall be the final stand for the
Autobots, be proud, Optimus Prime, that you had lived again,
to die at the hands of he who shall unite the galaxy."

Optimus Prime retorts, "A mad dream from a mad mech." He
notes there are no humans, no innocent bystanders, to be
caught up within the fighting. And for this he is grateful.
However, he secretly plans some sort of attempt to lure
Scorponok away from the roansways incase any hapless humans
do arrive.

Hi Q transmits, <<Don't let him discourage you. Remember
what your 'inner strength' is!>>

Scorponok laughs, "A mad man may have no reason, no order,
but he has a goal, and will not stop till he reaches that
goal, such is sad by many wisemen of both Cybertronian and
Human cultures. Call me mad if you wish, for I may fall into
that category if you so feel it so, but know this, I do have
a goal, and it shall be achieved, and it shall begin with
the death of you, and your pitiful little partner."

Zarak overlays the schematics of Prime in a transparent
image over Scorponok's HUD, so as not to interfere with his
sight. The chest of the Autobot Leader flashes. . o <<As
armor integrity fails, I want Hi Q exposed. I will destroy
him myself if I must......>>

Hi Q ... <<I've got a running combat dialog scrolling on
internal channel gamma-four. I'll keep you posted as best I
can.>>

Optimus Prime backs a step or two away...only to shunt his
weapon back into subspace and transformn back within his cab
mode. "If you want me...you'll have to come and get me!" He
taunts as drives away from the mountanious access way. He
picks up spead ans seems to head off towards a small valley
in the distance...

Scorponok . o <<Patience Lord Zarak, Hi Q shall be yours,
but the last blow struck apon prime shall be -mine- and mine
alone."

Optimus Prime <<Understood.>>

Hi Q remains in place, on Prime

Zarak . o <<Indeed. I......erk! They are fleeing!? No!>>

Hi Q remains in place, on Prime's grillwork, as an engine.

Scorponok blinks at the odd tactic, "I see, fleeing in the
face of your destiny... you cannot escape it Prime, YOU
CANNOT!"

Hi Q ...<<He's obsessed, Prime. That's both a blessing and a
curse. Leading him away should be easy. But he might just
fight to the end... and that won't be too healthy for either
of us.>>

Scorponok picks up into a run after prime, knowing his
scorpion mode has no hope to catch up with the semi. He
leaps into the air as his anti-grav units kick in, knowing
that is one advantage he holds and use it he shall.

Zarak growls internally, forcing a measure of calm. . o <<He
cannot escape.>> a path alights, showing down the
mountainside. . o <<He lacks out all terrain capabilities.
Cut him off at this juncture....>>

Optimus Prime <<That's to be expected, my friend. Totally
expected.>>

Hi Q ...<<He's airborne. That's an advantage that we simply
don't have...>>

Scorponok . o <<Acknowledged, soon they shall be ours...
soon we shall have revenge... millenia of being persecuted,
years apong years of being DENIED of what is rightfully
OURS!"

Zarak sets up the appropriate waypoints, overlaying a small
satellite fed image. . o <<Indeed...>> he growls quietly,
slipping perfectly into his role as the 'calm navigator'. .
o <<That rise up ahead. There is a large boulder....approach
from the left. He will not see us....until it is too late.>>

Optimus Prime seems to be driving headlong right towards the
edge of a cliff of sorts. He keeps going, picking up speed,
right until the point when by all rights, his form would
puldge a short distance to the ground. But he drives off and
transforms while mid air. <<Hold on, Hi Q>> Again his
weaponery falls out, this time in full force.

With a mental command Optimus Prime is bonded to the human
Hi Q, enabling him the resume his Powermaster mode.

Zarak . o <<Power signature changing again. Curse this....>>

Hi Q jokes, <<That's what I do when I'm your engine,
Prime.>>

Optimus Prime lands on the ground heavily, his feet sinking
into the earth by the weight as well as the impact, readying
himself for the confrontation.

Scorponok blinks as Optimus changes course again, <<No...
no, Ii enjoy this, his warriors spirit is strong, stronger
than it was before when he faced Megatron... he has
learned... but he has not learned enough...>> he phases his
cannon into his hands as he takes aim at Prime from the air
as he cuts his anti-gravs, landing with a loud thud not to
far away, the moment he lands he lets loose a full power
blast, "You cannot run forever Prime, face me now, or be
hunted for eternity. A stand must be taken, and this is
where it shall be."

Scorponok failed to hit you with his Cannon.
Scorponok fails to hit Optimus Prime with Cannon.

Hi Q returns to seriousness, informing his partner of his
status. <<I'm charged and ready to go. Power systems are all
at nominal. It's all up to you, now, Optimus!>>

Zarak calmly judges the angle of the attack, setting up a
visible flight path of the previous blast, and judging
within a split second of the reaction. . o <<No time to
follow up. Prepare for counterattack.

Setting up for next approach.>>
Optimus Prime leaps suddenly to the side as the mighty
Decepticon leader fires. As Optimus lands he returns fire in
like...aiming for the belly of the mechanical beast. "One
shall stand, one shall fall!"

Your Particle_Beams succeeds against Scorponok.
Optimus Prime strikes Scorponok with Particle_Beams.

Scorponok chuckles loudly, "Precisely what I was waiting for
Prime, now, let us see what power you truely hold, LET THIS
BE THE BEGINING OF THE END!!!"

Zarak mentally jolts at the impact, a quick systems
diagnosis is run. . o <<Moderate damage. Caution, armor
stress in the yellow in mid-structures. Compensating.>>

Scorponok takes the hit, and grunts, he looks down to the
damage and grins as he looks back up at Prime, "Good...
good... the battle engulfs you, the fury between two ageless
factions burns between us both, soon, the wars fought for
millenia rest apon this final battle!" he charges at Prime,
as he leaps into the air. o <<Targetting Assistance... Power
Amplification... NOW!>>

Hi Q quickly re-routes power to himself, away from Optimus,
for his own purposes...
Hi Q ...<<Just hold on for a second, this might tire you out
for a moment.>>

Scorponok comes down forcefully, a look of pure hatred in
his optics, both claws combined into a high powered strike,
a tremendous roar comes from his vocalizers as he drops
through the air, he is a mech possessed, one who shall not
stand down until he has won...

Optimus Prime positions himself to best react towrds the
charging Decepticon. In truth, tis all he may be able to do.
He blinks as his engine has his own stragedy however. <<What
are you---?>>

Zarak grunts, not liking the shunting of power so early in
the battle. Nevertheless he complies. . o <<Acknowledged>>
The first thing to rise on Scorp's HUD is an enhanced image
of Prime's structure, pointing out the best weak points to
attack. With the angles of attack given, Scorp -won't- be
able to miss. . o <<Assistance given, power_amplify online>>
A green bar appears, which begins to fill with red....until
completely solid, and flashing. . o <<Charge,
full.....FIRE!>>

Hi Q activates his forcefield around Optimus Prime.
Hi Q ...<<Forcefield activated... brace for impact...!>>

Scorponok failed to hit you with his Crush.
Scorponok fails to hit Optimus Prime with Crush.

Zarak's systems dim for a moment, as the momentary loss of
power affects him, but he managed to catch the other
actions, and he grumbles again. . o <<Forcefield
erected....>> he notes calmly.
Scorponok lands, his blow glaced by the forcefield, he
sneers, as he kneels down, taking a defensive position then
rolls backwards kippuping into a standing pose, awaiting the
counter. <<A good move... something I should have
expected...>>

Hi Q ...<<Sorry for the drain, Optimus. I had to try and
hold that off. Scorponok had us cornered and helpless...>>

Zarak decides not to chide Scorponok on the hasty use of the
forcefield, and instead falls back into his previous state
of mind, which is attempting to offer possible avenues of
avoidance of incoming attacks. It's a problem that Scorp
tends to be somewhat ungainly.....then again, he makes up
for that in sheer stature.

Although protected from the onslaught, Optimus is none-the-
less somewhat drained from his partner's actions. The damage
Scorponok *would* have done is prevented. But it leaves the
Autobot feeling quite weakened. However, Optimus, as he
stands, fights against the weakness. He must prevail...no
matter what

the cost. <<Understood, Hi Q. No apologies needed.>>
While his reserves are again building Optimusback towards a
nearby boulder...tossing it woards the leader while he's
"grounded" as he tries regain some of his energy back.
"Here...catch....

You fail to hit Scorponok with your Crush.

Zarak warns of the incoming. . o <<Projectile! Evasive!>>

Hi Q ...<<Watch yourself. Zarak's a clever one... and he's
doubtlessly feeding Scorponok all the information about you
that he could possibly need.

Optimus Prime <<Agreed.>>

Scorponok phases in his shield quickly and holds it in front
of him, the bolder striking it and shattering, albeit
pushing him back a few good yards. He looks up from it after
he finishes skidding and smirks, "Good move Prime... but not
good enough..." he takes a few quick steps forward and
lunges at prime with his clawed hand.

SYSTEMS: Scorponok hits you with Bludgeon doing 70 to your
Armor.

Hi Q rattles from the impact, but continues to coach his
teammate. <<He's exposed on the left side for the next
second or so. You've got a clear shot...>>

Scorponok digs into Prime's upper torso, mere inches away
from Hi Q, he stares Prime in the optics, "Do you feel it
Prime, can you feel death wrapping her arms around you?"

Zarak analyses the impact through his repetoire of
incredible sensors that are at his disposal. . o <<Caution.
Center of balance is leaving us open on the left side....>>
great minds think alike, or sensors work in the same way.

Hi Q ...<<rerouting power to your right arm...>>

Your Fisticuffs succeeds against Scorponok.
Optimus Prime strikes Scorponok with Fisticuffs.

Optimus Prime locks gazes with the crazed mechanoid who
holds him within his claws. Taking Hi Q's advice he assults
the Decepticon where he appears most vulnerable at this
exact moment...hoping against hope he can free himself in
the bargin. "Not...just...yet...!" he painfully grunt.

Zarak blinks at the flashing red display that indicates
where the armor has been breached. . o <<Ungh....structure
failure. Minor energon leak. Rerouting power systems.>> a
targeting recticle appears on Prime's elbow. . o <<The
claws....remove that limb before he does more damage!>>

SYSTEMS: Scorponok hits you with Claw doing 18 to your
Armor.

Hi Q franticly works with Prime's power channels, funnelling
energon away from damaged regions and towards drained ones.
<<you should be feeling a lot more energized within a few
moments. I'm almost back up to speed...>>

Scorponok gahs and instintively charges his clawed hand down
on the intruding one, clamping on and squeezing tightly
intending on ripping it off. He increases the power going
into his claw as he smiles maliciously, "I hope you didn't
value this arm..."

Optimus Prime lets out a cry of anguish as his arm is
wrenched out of it's socket. He shuts his optics briefly
before opening them again...and then targets his particle
beams upon his remaining shoulder towards his captor...

Zarak reacts instantly.

Scorponok . o <<Forcefield, NOW!>>

Optimus Prime <<Hi Q...powerboost towards the particle
beams...!>>

Hi Q ...<<You've got it, Prime! Re-routing power now... full
charge in four, three, two, one...>>

Your Particle_Beams succeeds against Scorponok.
Optimus Prime strikes Scorponok with Particle_Beams.

Zarak activates his forcefield around Scorponok.
Zarak's forcefield around Scorponok quietly powers down.

Scorponok gahs as he's hit with the particle beams and
stumbles backwards, he grunts, fluids now leaking through
the open wounds on his body... he looks up at Prime and
smirks, evil thoughts flowing through his mind, he leans
forward and turns a bit sideways as he suddenly lashes out
with his clawed hand.
Scorponok . <<Power Amplification Zarak, with haste!>>

Zarak grunts. . o <<Power systems failing in several
sectors. Attempting to compensate.>> his voice switches.

SYSTEMS: Scorponok hits you with Pummel doing 12 to your
Armor and 100 to your Endurance.

Hi Q ...<<What the... something's wrong... power systems are
going down. Dammit, stay up... I've got nominal power
running, but I can't seem to increase it beyond the norm.
For the moment.>>
Zarak suddenly SURGES power in, and promptly goes dark at
the momentary loss of energy. During this his voice floats
through the brief haze. . o <<I have an idea Scorponok>>

Scorponok delivers his blow and stumbles to one knee, he's
apparently losing the vigor he once had, he suddenly throws
his head up, energon leaking from his mouth. He grunts as he
abruptly transforms, <<Shifting modes Zarak, divide and
conquer...>>

Zarak merely answers. . o <<Great minds think alike...>>
The head snaps open, revealing Zarak's humanoid form.

Scorponok begins to shift, fold, and contort as numerous
sounds of grinding and gears working can be heard, within a
few seconds his body begins to take the form of an assault
base.

Zarak suddenly EXPLODES off of Scorponok's shoulders,
transforming in mid-air, his rifle going to his hands as he
prepares himself.

Hi Q ...<<He's splitting! While you're busy with Scorponok,
Zarak'll just peck you to death!>>

Scorponok falls backwards as numerous skittering legs
protrude from his chest, his arms flip upwards and his legs
fold over, as a large 'stinger' emerges, completing his
transformation into Scorpion mode.

Optimus Prime manages to roll away from the Decepticon due
to his little strikes with his beams. However, he doesn't
quite compeletly escape the next round of assult. He holds
in a groan of agony as he maganes to his knees. Before he
can be back up and running he looks back up in time to see
the one become too. <<Agreed...>>

Zarak indeed intends to do just that, as he's already moving
to circle around the big red form. "Come then Prime.....will
you battle the both of us?" he chides calmly.

Optimus Prime fingers where his arm uses to be and
concentrates....and then reshifts modes as well!
SYSTEMS: Transformation into Armored_Semi
Optimus Prime <<Now!>>

Hi Q starts to set Prime up for standard power usage. <<I'm
splitting off... Zarak thinks he can get away with anything.
He can't... and I have to prove it to him.>>

Hi Q shifts and unfolds from an engine into his human form.
Hi Q leaps from Prime's grillwork, drawing his own laser
rifle. "Good luck, Prime!"

Zarak makes a 'come get some' gesture to Hi Q as he emerges.
"Yes.....come then. Defend your charge. I welcome the
opprotuninty to CRUSH you...."

Hi Q says, "You'll do nothing of the sort, Lord Zarak. Or
should I refer to you as Zarak the Butcher?"
Optimus Prime alters his form into his powerful cab and
trailer...moving himself away from Hi Q as he does. "You as
well, Hi Q!" he returns as he picked up speed...heading
strait toward's the Decepticon. Almost...as if on a
collision course....

Hi Q says, "Or the name some attribute to you, Zarak Khan?"
Hi Q says, "They're all the same. And they all spell loser."

Zarak smirks slightly. "Call me as you will. You will know
me only as the one who destroyed you where you stand."

Your Collision succeeds against Scorponok.
Optimus Prime strikes Scorponok with Collision.

Hi Q cocks and readies his laser rifle. "Right."

Zarak hefts his huge rifle as he glides downwards towards
his opponent, rocket boots humming powerfully. "Know your
doom!" he howls, bringing his small sidearm to bear and
firing.

Scorponok grunts as the Semi crashes into him, suddenly his
stinger snaps quickly delivering a massive blast of
electricity.

Hi Q chuckles quietly as the bullet ricochets off his armor.
"That almost tickled."

Scorponok failed to hit you with his Cannon.

Scorponok fails to hit Optimus Prime with Cannon.
Zarak lands effortlessly, hefting his own rifle to the
ready. "Consider it a warmup.." he growls.

Hi Q says, "And just for that, I have to show you how to
fire a weapon." Calmly, he draws a small, old-fashioned
revolver from a hidden compartment, and fires two clean
shots at Zarak. "Catch.""
Hi Q strikes Zarak with Sidearm.

Zarak raises an armored forwarm, the shots ricocheting off
of his own armor with a loud *KAPWING!*. "Pathetic..." he
intones, hefting his double rifle and adjusting to a lower
setting. He gathers his legs and leaps high, as if to flip
over his opponent. "I will show you how to fight!" with a
powerful blast, the red beam launches forth.

Hi Q yells out as the laser blast really SEARS his armor,
that time. "Okay, so playtime's over." Sliding the revolver
into its compartment, he levels his own

Optimus Prime manages to somehow manuver himself away from
the stnger and it's deadly poison. He transforms and leaps
up leaps upon the mechanized terror, landing on it's back
reaching with his free arm to silnce that stinger. "Are you
certain you need use of this annoyance, Decepticon?"

With a mental command Optimus Prime resumes his normal
robotic mode.

Your Crush succeeds against Scorponok.
Optimus Prime strikes Scorponok with Crush.

Zarak cuts in his flight thrusters, dodging to the side as
the laser blast streaks past him. He chuckles darkly,
switching the level of power down a bit, to conserve his
rifle's charge. A series of low power blasts issue forth.
"You must connect with your opponent to damage them!" he
howls.

Scorponok falls to the ground as his scorpion legs shatter
from the force as well as the bulk of his stinger cracking,
he transforms into base mode, having little choice left.
The scorpion's body begins to rumble and shake as parts
begin to fold and contract, shifting and switching. As the
mass begins to take form, large cannon emplacements begin to
protrude from numerous places on it's body, within moments
the transformation ceases, and the visage of Scorponok's
assault base mode sit before you.

Scorponok failed to hit you with his Photon_cannons.
Scorponok fails to hit Optimus Prime with Photon_cannons.

Hi Q spins aside, as the laser blast slags one of his
armor's fromt panels. "You know, I'm really starting to
dislike you."
Hi Q adjusts his rifle's settings, then opens fire on the
Human Decepticon.

Zarak's smirk is pure evil. "You are a sumbol of all that I
despise. It wiill be a great pleasure to....ARGH!" he howls,
as his systems are overloaded...and he begins to plummet....

Hi Q calmly runs to wherever Zarak was going to land,
readying his laser rifle again... then simply decided to use
it the way no one ever intended to.

Actually, Scorponok's sudden transformation is what saves
Optimus from being struck onre more by the barrage of laser
fire. The Autobot lands within the grass as his energon
flows from several countless wounds. He takes his cue from
Scpropnok and transforms into base mode as well...knowing
well the pain he will suffer for doing so. Even now he tries
to stear clear of the two humans. "You missed, Scorponok."

SYSTEMS: Transformation into Base

Your Concussion_Blaster succeeds against Scorponok.
Optimus Prime strikes Scorponok with Concussion_Blaster.
Scorponok collapses upon the ground, unconscious.

Hi Q says, "Bottom of the ninth, Two outs, full count with
the bases loaded. Game seven of the world series, and the
home team's down by three... here's the wind up, and the
pitch..."
Hi Q grabs his rifle by the barrel, and SLAMS it as hard as
possible into Zarak!

Zarak grunts as he's slammed HARD in the guts, doubling over
in the process. Gasping for air, he struggles to crawl to
the clear, only to see his partner fall before Prime. His
eyes flicker...a mixture of hatred, disbelief....and utter,
utter fury. The lower configuration of his rifle begins to
glow brightly, as he turns, bringing it to bear towards HiQ.
"Your protege may have succeeded.......but you......YOU
shall die where you STAND!" he howls, floating upwards and
discharging the weapon in an almightly blast of pure, white
energy. *WHA-BAAAAAAM!*

Hi Q tumbles over backwards, the blast shredding most of his
armor, and severely damaging his engine systems. Groaning,
he rolls onto his back, and tries to pull himself to his
feet...

Zarak cackles loudly, soaring forward, bringing his rifle to
bear again, this time with the butt end of it, aiming for
the other's head. "One good turn deserves
another.....Autobot lackey. Sit DOWN!" with a sharp *CRACK*
it's brought forward. Or not...

The sharp crack was Hi-Q's arm, smacking the rifle away. "I
don't think so, Decepticrumb!"
Hi Q plants his hands, and springs into the air, aiming his
feet at the now-close Zarak...
Hi Q strikes Zarak with Kick.

Optimus Prime is silent for a time after he fires the last
and final shot towards his nemisis, gathering the strength
he needs to alter his mode once more. After a short time he
tries once...and then twice to return to his robot mode.
He's well aware his partner may be in need of aid as well.
Slowly...painfully...he returns to his orginal form. His
knees hit the grass as he tries to steady himself with the
one arm remaining. "Zarak," he calls out, "Scorponok is
defeated. Cease this at once!"

Zarak gets knocked over in the process, but no damage is
done to him in the process. He growls and stands, casting a
glance towards Prime, eyes shining with malicious glee. "Oh
I think not Prime...you shall watch as your partner is
destroyed before your very optics. And there's -nothing- you
can do about it! Muhahahahahahahaha....." his rifle turns to
the higher setting, aiming at Hi Q mercilessly....

Hi Q glances over at Prime as he knocks Zarak away for a
moment... then coughs quietly. "It's over, Zarak."

Hi Q says, "You can't win. It's over. Cut your losses. Take
that scorpion friend of yours, and leave."
And there is nothing Optimus can do but helplessly watch.

Hi Q casually sidesteps the blast, frowning. "What part of
'go home' don't you understand?"

Zarak steps forward again. "See now? Your partner is
helpless to intervene. It is you and me Hi Q. It was from
the day it started. You and I are complete opposites....and
one day one shall destroy the other. That day has
come.....and it shall be -your- corpse that will lie on this
field today..."

Hi Q draws his rifle, but only to defend himself, as he
takes some cover. "Figure it out. You've lost. If you stay,
you're going down. Even if you *can* beat me... can you stop
Prime?"

Zarak counters with a dark chuckle. "Can Prime ever bring
himself to harm a human?"

Hi Q squints, behind his cracked visor. "You know, you're
right. I don't think Prime *would* ever intentionally harm a
human... not even one as twisted as you."
Hi Q says, "That's where we're different.""
Hi Q raises his rifle, and fires.

And there is nothing Optimus can do but helplessly watch.
Not that he doesn't try however. But the exertion itself is
placing alot of strain on the badly damaged Autobot leader.
He finds himself barely able to move until some of his
repair sytems reach the most fundamental of damages. Or does
he? He narrows his optics in concentration and slowly rises.
"Zarak, it is *over*."

Zarak cuts in his flight thrusters and follows after Hi Q,
as if an avenging angel pursuing a fallen opponent. The
blast to his armor is ignored, as shoulder plating is flaked
to pieces in the process. "Far from over Prime. Now your
weakness becomes evident to the full...." he states, raising
his sidearm and snapping off several blasts at Hi Q. "And
your weakness will hold you....and cause you to watch as he
-dies-...."

Hi Q grunts as the weapon tears through his bio-mechanical
circuitry, wincing in pain...

Zarak decends further, anticipating the moment of the
'kill'. "Yes....feel it Hi Q. Feel my fury...."
Optimus Prime raises his hand to the area of his missing
limb and struggles forward, he's forced back down, forcing
his knee into the ground. "Zarak," he pleads helplessly.
"This is pointless!"

Hi Q stays trapped behind the boulder, in pain, nearly
helpless... nearly, as he sets his rifle aside, and reaches
into that secret compartment again.

Zarak cackles again, ever taunting of Prime's helplessness.
"Indeed it IS pointless Prime. And that is why it torments
you so...." his gaze switches back to Hi Q, and his smirk
widens as he cuts to the side, allowing the shots to fly
wide. "A heroic stand...yet futile." he states, his rifle
beginning to charge again. "Now......feel my wrath Hi Q. Die
where you STAND!" the rifle bears around again, another
deafening *WHA-BAAAAAAM!* issuing forth. Boulder be
damned.....he'll shoot right -through- it if he has to.

Hi Q collapses upon the ground, unconscious.
Hi Q crumples up, as the searing blast proves too much for
him. That which didn't fry his circuitry overloaded his
biological pain receptors. Unable to keep fighting, he
collapsed... unconscious.

Optimus Prime widens both his optics in horror as Hi Q is
dealt a very life threatening blow from the Decepticon's
bondmate. "No!!" he cries out...even as the shot is fired.
He struggles towards his feet, managing to stand there as
steadily as a newboard colt. "Zarak, what have you done??"
Optimus Prime edges forward a step...and then another...

Zarak spins slightly, something mixed with glee at the
moment that surges through his frame. He rises high into the
sky, arms stretched out to his sides, then angles around to
watch Prime and Hi Q from his distance. "What have I done
Prime....?" he intones oh so calmly. "...why, I have
destroyed he who was closest to you. The bondmate that would
have remained with you for life...." he chuckles darkly,
clenching a first. "How does it -feel- Prime....?"

Zarak's eyes glint madly at the display of the weapon, and
he actually scoots -forward- a bit more. "Yeeeeees Prime..."
he calls soothingly, tauntingly. "What is this....? Is that
anger? Hatred..? You wish nothing more than for revenge
right now don't you? There are those who have assumed you
are nothing but soulless machines, but I know better. You
have emotions....sorrow, anger, pain. Vengeance.....it's
vengeance isn't it?"

Optimus Prime again collaspes. Seems as if just doesn't have
the streangth to be able to walk. He struggles to keep
himself upright. He focuses on the armored human, feeling
the anger and pain build steadily. Without thinking he
summons his rifle from subspace, taking the weapon within
his hand,,,
Without a word Optimis raises his rifle. Fuled by sheer, raw
emotion now he simply opens fire.

Your Rifle succeeds against Zarak.
Optimus Prime strikes Zarak with Rifle.

Zarak ARRRRRGHS as he's struck by the blast, his armor
flashing brightly as it attempts to relay the damage. His
internal biological components recoil from the shock, and
the Decepticon component hovers motionless for a moment, his
form blackened and smoking. Seconds later, he plummets
backwards, landing in a ramshackle heap in the grass.
"Y..yess....." he coughs, all sense of sanity gone for the
moment. "N..now....you know....w.ha....t....it is like....to
hate...."

Optimus Prime trails Zarak's decent with the barrel of his
gun. Shakily, but with determination, he keeps it trained on
the Decepticon bondmate. "Now...*leave*!" he demands. And it
doesn't look as if Optimus would withhold firing another
shot.

Zarak slowly forces himself to his feet, balancing
precariously on his feet. A low *whine* starts up in his
boots, and suprisingly, his thrusters still function.
Clutching a useless arm against his chest....and wracked
with pain, the Decepticon component rises again, gliding in
the general direction of where the burnt out hulk of his
bondmate lays. His chuckle is raspy, forced....a thin trail
of biological fluid tracing from his blackened lips.
"Congratulations Optimus Prime...." he manages to grunt.
"Now...you have become that, which you despise the most." a
cough racks his form, bringing up more fluid....and he
begins to slowly glide towards Scorponok, intent on removing
him from the scene.

Optimus Prime places his gun back within subspace so he can
move himself closer to the inert form of his human partner.
"Never..." he seeths towards the scorpion's attendant. He
places himself between the two as he removes some of the
debris off of Alex, peering at his unconscious form.

Zarak merely alights in the ruined assault base's shell, and
enters into Scorponok in the process. Inwardly, he forces a
transformation to the devastated robot mode, forcing himself
to transform in the process. Taking full control, he
concentrates on simply getting Scorp out of there.

Optimus Prime turns away and focuses on removing himself and
his parnter from the scene as well. He scoots himself away
and alters his form into the cab and trailer. Due to the
damage sustained it takes some time. But he does bring about
the transformation. He moves to where his trailer can gently
move Alex's form within it's protected shielding and starts
moving off. "Hang on, my friend..." he pleads.