Megatron had not made the choice to leave the Decepticons lightly. The weight of his past still clung to him, every decision shadowed by what he had once been. Yet under G.H.O.S.T. and beside Optimus again—if not as partners—he’d chosen to protect rather than destroy.

The clash with Starscream ended in a storm of dust and shrapnel. Megatron’s armor was dented, but his frame stood steady. Starscream, panting, wings nicked and energon dripping, glared with venom.

Megatron took one step forward, lowering his cannon, voice calm but heavy: “Let me help you, Starscream. This war has cost us both enough.”

Starscream’s laugh was bitter, broken. “Traitor! You left us to rot.”

The insult cut deep, but Megatron only sighed, lowering his optics. He knew words could not mend this. Turning his back, he spoke with quiet finality: “Why don’t you go somewhere safe?”