Transformers Until one

Chapter One - Part Twelve

After D-16 reunited with Orion that night, they began meeting more often to stargaze and talk.

D-16 was often hungry, so Orion always brought him energon whenever they met. D-16 felt guilty about it, but Orion would just smile gently, making it hard for him to refuse. Eventually, he started accepting the energon—though he never managed to finish it even once.

One day, Orion came to visit D-16 at the Setter Mines, where D-16 worked.

"Hey, D!" Orion greeted cheerfully, waving with one hand while holding an energon container in the other. He stood in front of the mining mech, who was holding a massive drilling tool.

Seeing him, D-16 set down the tool in his hands and walked over. "You're here early today. Already off work?" he asked, reaching to take the container from Orion.

Orion gave a small smile and shook his head. "Nah. I'm on patrol duty at the Setter today. Figured I'd bring this by since I was already here."

D-16 smiled and stored the energon in a compartment on his body. "I see, you're working too, huh? I haven't taken my lunch break yet. Gotta get back soon." He gave a wave before heading off, and Orion waved back in response.

After parting ways, Orion resumed his patrol through the mining site as usual. Eventually, he reached a small cliff that overlooked the entire mining area.

He stopped there, gazing down to see D-16 diligently hauling a cart full of raw energon ore.

Orion watched the scene with a faint smile.
"He's really hardworking... That's a good thing."

"I'm sorry... but I have to do this."
A mysterious female voice came from behind Orion.

He turned toward the voice—and before he could react, she shoved him off the high cliff.

Orion let out a startled cry as he plummeted.

"Orion?!" D-16 heard the cry and turned around, only to see Orion falling. He immediately dropped everything in his hands.
"ORION!"
The sight nearly drove him mad. He ran as fast as he could to try to catch Orion, but it was too late—

Orion's body slammed into the ground with a brutal crash.
"Ugh!"

His spinal column fractured in multiple places. His frame shattered like a doll from the impact. Limbs scattered in different directions. Energon spilled everywhere.

It was the most horrifying sight D-16 had ever seen.

Orion was in so much pain he couldn't even scream. He lay there, motionless, waiting for help...

D-16 rushed to his side and collapsed onto the ground.
"Orion! No, no—!"
That was the last thing Orion heard before everything faded to black.

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Beep... Beep... Beep...

Orion slowly regained consciousness.
He could hear the rhythmic sound of an energon pump. His optics gradually came into focus—he saw his feet. That meant he was lying flat on a bed.

He turned to his right and saw an energon line hooked into his arm. Then his gaze continued... and he saw a familiar figure in armor.

Alpha Trion was sitting beside him, elbows resting on the bed, his head leaning on his hands. He looked extremely tense—Orion had never seen him like this before.

"...Dad..."
His voice came out weak and raspy, barely a whisper.

Alpha Trion snapped out of his thoughts.
"Orion?"
He looked up. "Orion, you're awake—oh, thank Primus..."
His voice trembled with relief as he quickly grasped Orion's hand, his own shaking visibly.

And finally... tears fell from his eyes, uncontrollably.
"I thought I'd lost you..."

The sight nearly broke Orion's heart. He felt a tightness in his chest at those words, but he forced himself to focus. He glanced around the room slowly, then asked softly,

"Dad... what about my brothers?"

Alpha Trion hesitated slightly.
"Toxitron's still in the hospital... and Blacklaser..." He paused.
"He's at school. He hasn't come back yet. But he'll come visit you soon." He offered a faint smile, trying to reassure him.

Not wanting the mood to grow heavier, Alpha Trion changed the subject.
"You know, you were unconscious for days. I was so worried..."

Orion gave a small nod.

"...Dad, what about D-16?" he asked next.

Alpha Trion blinked in confusion.
"D-16? Who's that, son?"

"You mean I never told you?" Orion thought for a moment.
"He's a mining mech. I met him while patrolling in Paradron... He's the one who helped me."
He paused, then added, "He's my friend."

Alpha Trion smiled gently.
"I see... Then I owe him a great debt of thanks."

He squeezed Orion's hand a little tighter.