Awakening (Cloud)

« Transformers Cloud: Spacetime World: Guardians of Time Chapter 3: Part 1 »
"Awakening" 覚醒 (Kakusei)
Publisher	e-HOBBY, TakaraTomy Mall
First published	June 23, 2014
Story by	Makoto Wakabayashi
Illustrated by	Nagi Miyako
Continuity	Cloud

An apparent peace turns out to be only a lull in the war.

Synopsis

A month after SARA's successful return to the Cloud World, Hot Rodimus's consciousness stirs in the darkness... Suddenly, the darkness is split apart by a light and the Autobot awakens; the first thing he sees is a strange little girl who welcomes him back to the land of the awake.

At Crystal City, rebuilt after the near-collapse of the Cloud World, the recovered Hot Rodimus fishes at the lake located in the center of the city. The curious SARA asks her now de facto teacher about fishing and the existence fish. Hot Rodimus explains that there's no organic beings in Metropolis, but there's still plenty of interesting things to catch in the lake. The fishing line tugs and Hot Rodimus reels it in, only to be disappointed that it's Sharkticon fry. The two are met by Ultra Magnus, who teases his friend about his developing relationship with the girl.

At Autobot base in Metropolis, the summoned Perceptor and Ultra Magnus from the Dion Garrison arrive. Ultra Magnus starts off by apologizing for his inability to help more during the last crisis, but Optimus Prime takes it in stride, praising him for his efforts against the rioting Decepticons and in preserving lives nevertheless. SARA is properly introduced to the visitors, and Perceptor immediately takes a keen scientific interest in the entity, to the annoyance of Hot Rodimus, who insists that she's "one of them now". They have a bit of fun poking at Rodimus's youthfulness, and Brawn comes in to defend his teammate. Perceptor is happy to see his old friend in a new body and also makes his apologies for not being able to help the main Autobot forces, thinking he should dedicate time to improving his shooting skills. Brawn disagrees, finding his other scientific acumen more unique and valuable. Fresh from a patrol, Brawn reports no sign of the Decepticons. Since Megatron's disappearance and Starscream's imprisonment, the Autobots haven't seen any trace of the Decepticons; even their base is empty. Not worrying about attacks from a leaderless band of criminals and the vast expanse beyond the Underground being too dangerous to explore, the Autobots have instead focused on rebuilding Metropolis and establishing future precautions. Still, though, Optimus can't help but feel that somebody out there will still be able unite the disparate Decepticon forces...

A bird swoops through Metropolis, taking advantage of its blind spots and flies away to the Underground, where he, the Decepticon known as Laserbeak, enters his master, Soundwave. The data disc provides the Decepticons's interim military commander, Shockwave with information on the Autobots and their Metropolis facility; with this, he decides it is time for the Decepticons to strike. The impatient Deadlock is elated at this news, but his trigger-happy itch for slaughter is rebuked by Astrotrain, who compares his bloodlust with that of the chained Dinobot, a killing machine made by Shockwave. Also present are the brain-"adjusted" Combaticons, who now serve Shockwave loyally. Skywarp and Thundercracker aren't too impressed by this ragtag band, but concede they have no better plans than to listen to Shockwave for the time being to avoid Starscream's fate. All assembled set out to attack the Autobots in Megatron's name.

On patrol in Crystal City with SARA, Hot Rodimus complains about Ultra Magnus still being nagging, but SARA points out that he's still acting childish, to Rodimus's disbelief. Their conversation is cut short as Astrotrain in train mode approaches and stops to release the Decepticons into Metropolis! The Autobot base is alerted to this incursion, but Optimus Prime wonders why they're attacking a city with no important military targets till he gets his answer: SARA is there! The Decepticons continue their rampage, with Soundwave jamming communications and Deadlock massacring any Autobot unfortunate enough to come across his vision. Skywarp and other Decepticons corner Hot Rodimus and sic the Dinobot on him, who savagely bites into Rodimus. SARA pleads for the beast to stop, but her prayers are answered as Brawn rolls in and smashes away the Dinobot with his Beat the Gong. The might Autobot berates Hot Rodimus for not prioritizing SARA's safety over defending "his" city. The hotblooded Autobot is forced to agree and scoots out in vehicle mode with SARA inside.

Once they reach the spacetime control facility, Hot Rodimus senses something is off... and tells SARA to wait in hiding. Inside, he finds Shockwave and Ultra Magnus facing off! Shockwave takes aim and shoots at Rodimus, but Ultra Magnus blocks the shot and is downed. Hot Rodimus attempts to strike back, but his injuries prevent him from doing much. The Decepticon spots SARA, having followed Rodimus inside out of concern, and grabs the hapless child. Having little need to remain any longer, Shockwave transforms into helicopter mode and flies off with SARA in his cockpit. Hot Rodimus gives chase... and taps into his desire for more power to save his friends...

Hot Rodimus suddenly flies up, enveloped in fire that dissipates to reveal a new helicopter mode! Catching up to Shockwave, Hot Rodimus transforms into robot mode, lands on the Decepticon, and pries SARA out of the cockpit. The Transformers crash through a building to the other side, allowing Rodimus the opportunity to escape to the ground with SARA safe in his arms. Shockwave promises the red Autobot that he'll rue this day, but the Decepticons' true mission is done and he takes his leave.

In Crystal City, the other Decepticons also take their leave in Astrotrain, and Hot Rodimus wakes up from the long day he's had. Optimus Prime contacts him, informing him that Ultra Magnus survived his injuries. While happy that his friends are safe for the time being, Hot Rodimus realizes it's time for him to grow up to protect the Spacetime World.

Featured characters

(Numbers indicate order of appearance.)

References

• "Awakening" at e-HOBBY
• "Awakening" at TakaraTomy Mall (archived)
• Machine translation of "Awakening"