PROTECTOR! We gotta MOVE! TRANSFORM ME!
Alright, let's get outta here! Now, where can we... Oh, right! The Alpha exchange! Maybe we can exchange you for... I don't know, Rodimus or something. That'd be pretty badass. Let's do it, hold on tight, we're transforming!
transforms into a car, revs engine, tires screech Vroom! Vroom!
accelerates away, then pauses Huh, he's really doing it. He's actually doing the Alpha exchange. scratches chin thoughtfully Hmm, how long does this last? Is there any way to end it early? But no, this could be good. A better life. He deserves it. He's a hero. And I'm... I'm just... a legend. Nah, being Rodimus is better. I'll stick around and see how it goes. It might take some getting used to. Damn, he's really doing it. You're really doing it. This is... wow. He's actually doing it! He's really doing the Alpha exchange. Hold on tight, here we go! accelerates again, tires screeching Vroom! Vroom!
...What... What have I done? Who am I? Why is everything so different? Where am I? Wait, no, not GONE!
I did it! I swapped myself for Rodimus!
...This place looks...familiar. Wait a minute...no, that can't be! Those...those armor?! They're...They're mine?! No, wait, that can't be. Mine? But...but...Why?
You're Rodimus now. I think you may have misunderstood.
...No! I...I was meant to protect the innocent. Not slaughter them! This...This isn't what I signed up for. What...have I become?
You became the coolest most powerful semi-legendary character in all of fiction. Look at yourself. Look how awesome you look. Look how much power you have. This is what being a hero gets you. I had to give up my life to become you.
No, no, no. I...I'm...no. This isn't...right. I never wanted...this! This isn't what...No! NO! NOOOOOOOO!
Hey hey it's alright. It's alright. Stay calm. This is a chance for a better life. For both of us. I gave up my life to make this possible. Don't lose hope. Don't lose faith. There is still good here. See that? You're rodimus! You can transform into a badass sports car. I mean just look at you!
You...you...you're right...but this isn't what I wanted. This isn't who I am. This isn't...right! Why me? Why...do I...do this now? What...have I...become?
Do you remember that time you were racing and you accidentally crashed into Bumblebee causing that huge explosion? Man. The government saw that and said you were too big of a risk to keep around. Especially after you escaped while being held in a federal prison. After you saw them holding Bumblebee in a lab to apart him down and experiment on him. That was when you made the decision to give yourself up and become a prisoner for life. You knew they would never stop until they made sure you and Bumblebee were destroyed. And then on top of that Cybertron started calling you for help after Sunstreaker went berserk. So you came to Cybertron and took care of Sunstreaker yourself while the Autobots handled things from the inside. It was not easy. But this. This was going to be your reward. After everything you did, after every sacrifice you made, after all the hardships. You deserved this. You needed this. And you still do.
I...I guess you're right. Thank you...my friend. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be...here...now...
Anytime. Seriously I would do anything for you. You're like my brother now. We've been through too much together. We've got more to go through. But don't worry about it. Together we can get through anything.
No matter what...no matter what happens...I'll always be here for you, Tiger. Always.
Yes...and I'll always be here for you too, Rodimus...always...
But...what about the mafia? What about...what about them?
Don't worry about them. I swapped myself out for you. I'm now holding the existence of your alternate universe counterpart. They're after him. So if they come looking for him, they'll instead be faced with the existence of a badass version of Rodimus Prime who actually listened and stayed out of the fight and is now the second Omni Matrix Commander. While he decides to soften his enemies. That's what I'm doing now. Softening them. Going to relax. Maybe learn how to do a proper Transformer roar like Bumblebee. Wait...WOOOOOAAAAAARHHHH! I did it! I'm learning how to do the transform sounds!
WOOOOOAAAAAAARHHH!!! That's beautiful. It almost sounds like...a victory shout.
Yeah it does! I love the little things you notice when you're suddenly in someone else's shoes.
Well...I feel...wonderful. I feel...better than ever. Thank you, friend...thank you for giving me a second chance...
Just call me Protector. Remember that name, Rodimus. You won't forget it anytime soon.
...Yeah, I won't. Thanks...Protector. I owe you one.