A different sort of heart-string tugger than you normally get in a TF fic. Although the Carly-plot is an obvious one (and the only explanation I can think of as to why it's not been done before is the fandom's general discomfort with following the canon of Daniel and Arcee becoming a headmaster), the author handles it very well, and the poignancy usually rings true instead of being standard sentimental gush. The Hot Rod take is less obvious--Post-Matrix Hot Rod may be frequently done, but I think this is the first time I've seen Hot Rod argue that he *did* do a good job. And it *works* so nicely against Carly's story, contrasting and comparing. When I first read this, I admit I asked the author why she didn't use Springer (who had presumably lost Arcee in much the same way). On a second read, I've no idea what I was thinking and I take it all back.
The ending line is perfect.
Emotional, properly crafted, fine character-driven plot, and pleasing pacing. That's a rare combination, yet this story lays it flat on the table by the end, giving us a window into both the oft-forgotten Carly, and post-TRoOP Hot Rod. I don't beleive I ever found a story in which Hot Rod actually laments the leadership he lost... yet here it is, presented beautifully.A few dropped words, however, serve to tear the reader from the piece and reexamine the passage, which adds a small distraction. That's about the only flaw I can really find, though.
It's a very good story, and one I shall point to in the future when those that present the ignorant attitude that Carly and Hot Rod were terrible characters rear their heads. Fine work.
That was excellent! I'm glad I'm not the only one who felt Hot Rod should feel a little (or a lot) resentful after The Return Of Optimus Prime, and Carly's reactions to Daniel's fate rang entirely true.
That was beautiful.... showing the emotions of a mother who is helpless for her son and hot rod's tangled feelings after giving up the matrix please add to this it is a FANTASTIC story
I finally got around to checking this out... Thank you. I thought the Daniel-Arcee relationship didn't get enough time in Rebirth to fully explore it, and of course there was no follow-up... particularly not with Carly or even Spike, which is a disappointment after the strong Sparkplug-Spike relationship in earlier seasons. You've covered it well, handled more than just Rebirth with this. Despite a few jolts from a detail or word here and there, I'm about ready to file this as 'extended canon, do not ignore'.
I really like how you gave Carly a say in this. I believe she would have been this upset about the whole thing. I think you did her extremely well. And Hot Rod helping her out really did him justice. Good job.
A fantastic read, and a long overdue treatment of Carly's reaction to Daniel's injury and the Autobot's 'solution'. Read it more than once, since I guarantee you'll miss something the first time through!
Who asked Carly’s permission to transform Daniel into a Headmaster? No one. This fanfic shows Carly’s reaction to Daniel’s transformation and it’s traumatic and very well written.