Chapter One
Looking up at the sound of familiar engines approaching Hypnos smiled as he looked towards the entryway to see a black and yellow muscle car and a blue motorcycle. Giving his usual shy smile Hypnos tapped the shoulder of the large and heavily built former wrecker, Bulkhead. "What do you need kid?" he asked softly, to which Hypnos answered by pointing towards the entrance.
Seeing what he was happy about Bulkhead said, "Hey Arcee, Bumblebee how was patrol?"
Quickly the two Autobots transformed and Arcee answered, putting her hands on her hips, "It was going pretty good till some 'cons came along and humans saw Bee and I fighting."
Walking into the main room from one of the halls Optimus Prime asked, "Humans?" Bumblebee nodded holding up two fingers, confirming what Arcee had just said. Frowning Optimus said, "I see, Bumblebee, Arcee you must bring the humans to base tomorrow."
"Wow, wait what?" Arcee asked clearly caught off guard from what her commander just said.
Nodding Optimus said, "If the Decepticons believe the humans to be our allies then I'm afraid they are in grave danger. We will need to protect them, which is why you two will be bringing them to the base tomorrow."
Hearing this Hypnos asked in his shy quiet voice, "Can I go?"
Optimus's gaze softened at the look on the youngest Autobot's face, "I am sorry Hypnos but you know we cannot allow you to leave the base with your condition." All their sparks grew pained at the sadness that crept onto the younglings face.
Sighing Hypnos said, "It's alright Optimus, doesn't hurt to ask though right?"
Before anyone could say anything else Bulkhead put a hand on the youngling's shoulder and said, "Come on Hypnos why don't we go train." That seemed to bring a bit of light back into Hypnos's optics, he nodded quickly and took off towards the training room.
Chuckling Bulkhead set off after Hypnos only to pause when Ratchet said, "Remember don't push him to hard Bulkhead." Waving a servo in the air dismissively Bulkhead said, "Don't worry Doc I know what I'm doing, you coming Bee?" Immediately he was met with excited beeps as Bumblebee ran off to catch up with the large green mech punching the air a few times with excitement.
When they were all gone Arcee crossed her arms and vented sadly, "I hate having to keep Hypnos here all the time."
Nodding sadly Optimus said, "As do I, however due to his condition we do not have a choice." Turning to the old mech Optimus asked, "How has Hypnos been doing lately Ratchet?"
Pulling up the data required from Hypnos's many checkups Ratchet said, "His condition is stable, so far his spark has shown no signs of distress. However I'm afraid that to keep it that way Hypnos will not be able to put too much strain on himself. Training with Bulkhead and you all is the most I am willing to allow. Anymore could bring catastrophic consequences."
Onlining his optics and sitting up Hypnos looked around his berth room which in all honestly didn't have much. A desk was on the other side of the room where an old record player they had found in storage sat, beside it a stack of records from various music groups. Next to his small music collection was a picture of the team together, all smiling even Ratchet.
Wondering what time it was he checked his internal clock and was surprised to see that it was about two-thirty in the afternoon. The only reason Hypnos could come up with having re-charged that long was that he over worked himself a bit more than usual yesterday. After all because of the incident his spark required more energon than the others. Curious to see what the others were up to Hypnos got up and headed towards the main room, making sure to lock his door.
Entering the main room Hypnos stopped dead in his tracks when he saw three humans in the room. When they caught sight of them Hypnos quickly darted and hid behind to the closest bot, which happened to be Optimus Prime himself. "Uh okay, shy much?" the femme with pink in her hair said as the three humans looked at Hypnos confused.
Not the least bit phased by this Optimus said, "This is our youngest member Hypnos, in your human years he would be about the same age as Raphael." Glancing at the young bot behind him Optimus said, "Hypnos these are the children we discussed yesterday. The oldest Jack, the girl is Miko and the youngest one is Raphael."
The boy with light brown mad scientist hair and glasses smiled and said, "But you can call me Raph."
Hesitantly Hypnos peered at them from behind the Autobot commander clearly still a little uneasy of the small humans. Gently Bumblebee said, "It's alright Hyp, they can't hurt you. Though Miko might ask you some random questions." Hearing this Hypnos looked a bit warily at the girl Miko, none the less it was best not to be rude.
Slowly stepping out from behind Optimus, but sticking close just in case he needed to hide once more Hypnos gave a slight wave. Catching the opportunity Miko suddenly began asking, "What do you turn into? How many 'cons have you crushed? Why are you so shy?" with each question that was fired out of her mouth Hypnos took a step back optics wide.
"Warned you." Bulkhead said, Bee nodded his agreement shrugging his shoulders.
"better get used to it Hyp, looks like they're staying." Arcee explained though in no way did he sound at all excited about this. Hearing this Hypnos looked warily down at the girl, who was looking at him expectedly.
Suddenly Ratchet groaned, "Blasted Earth technology."
"What's wrong?" Raph asked.
"Cliffjumper's spark signature has come back online." Ratchet explained
"Whose Cliffjumper?" Miko asked curiously, though she went ignored.
Arcee looked towards the monitor with a glimpse of hope in her optics, "If there's a chance Cliff is alive…"
Nodding Optimus said, "Ratchet prepare the med bay, Autobots roll out." Wordlessly Ratchet opened the ground bridge coordinates already in place. Just as the team was going through the bridge Miko ran up to Optimus and asked, "What can we do?"
"You will stay here and reamin safe." Optimus ordered before going through himself.
"Ah." Both Miko and Ratchet added, honestly Hypnos agreed with Ratchet and looked at the girl warily as the ground bridge closed. Unfortunately for the medic he had to answer some of the teens questions, which eventually lead to him being sassed by the Japanese girl. Hypnos wasn't sure how he really felt about her.
While Raff talked with Ratchet Hypnos tried his best to just sneak away to his berth room, trying not to be seen by the other two. That unfortunately failed when Jack said, "Hey Hypnos." Turing to face the human boy Hypnos nodded to him, wondering if he was anything like Miko.
Seeing Hypnos still here Miko suddenly asked, "Hey why didn't you go with Optimus and the others to go kick some Decepticon butt."
"I'm not allowed to go into battle." Hypnos replied.
"Hypnos is not allowed to leave the base period." Ratchet added after hearing what Miko had asked.
Confused Jack asked, "Why? Is it because you're the youngest?
Just as Hypnos opened his mouth to answer Miko suddenly ran up to one of Ratchet's projects and asked, "What's this?" how could that girl be so slagging curious? Hypnos was pretty sure it will end up getting her into major trouble one of these days.
"Broken don't touch it." Came Ratchet's gruff reply, not at all surprising Hypnos, Ratchet did not like or want anyone messing with his stuff. Just as Miko was going to touch something else Ratchet suddenly said without looking, "Don't touch that either."
Just a bit spooked Miko asked, "How does he do that?" All Hypnos gave in reply was a shrug.
Crossing his arms Jack asked with one eyebrow raised, "Is there anything we can touch?" Hypnos groaned silently, just once he would like to meet a human that didn't talk back. What was with this species and talking back so much? Stiffening Hypnos suddenly realized how much time he had been spending with Ratchet.
While Ratchet was working on something red alert boxes suddenly started popping up on the monitor. Slamming his fist on one of the flat surfaces Ratchet said, "Primitive Earth technology, another glitch."
The youngest, Raph, looked up at Ratchet and asked, "You're using Earth technology?"
"There really isn't any other option but Earth's technology." Hypnos said from where he was leaning against the wall staying out of the medic's way, who nodded his agreement. Raph seemed to think hard then removing his back pack took out a laptop. Looking at Ratchet he said, "I think I can help with that."
Of course Ratchet being Ratchet scoffed and said, "Really? This is complex technology, not a children's toy." Thankfully Raph didn't pay any attention to Ratchet's criticism and just kept on typing what Hypnos assumed to be access codes.
After a minute or so Raff looked at Ratchet and adjusting his glasses said, "Try it now." Curiously Hypnos watched and smiled softly when the system worked, glitches and viruses completely erased from its system. The look on Ratchet's face plate was a sight to see too.
Before Ratchet could comment on Raph's mad computer skills Optimus suddenly commed them, "Ratchet bridge us back. Use the arrival coordinates now!" Hearing the urgency Ratchet quickly did as he was told, the ground bridge lighting up with its colors. The moment it did so all four of the Autobots raced through the bridge, and closed just as an all too familiar sound to Hypnos made itself known.
"Cutting it a bit close. What about Cliffjumper?" Ratchet asked, at that the three mechs looked to Arcee, who in turn looked a bit shaken.
Unfortunately Miko chose that time to be ber rude self. "Was that an explosion? Was there a fight? Can I go next time?" Immediately Arcee growled pissed off. One thing Hypnos learned from his teammates, a pissed off femme was never good.
"Look-" Arcee started, quickly Hypnos ran over and asked them, "Are you all alright?" Giving Jack the time he needed to drag Miko off to safety where Arcee wouldn't "accidentally" squish her.
With the humans away Arcee calmed down while Optimus asked, "Arcee, what did you see?"
Wrapping herself in her arms Arcee shivered as she said, "Not Cliff, at least not anymore. It was like he was mutated, like something that came out of Shockwaves labs."
At the mere mention of Shockwave Hypnos's entire frame seized, optics dilating and darkening. Images began flashing in his processor, pain so much pain. Before anyone knew what was happening Hypnos dived for one of the corners of the room and curled up, drawing his knees to his chin and rocking back and forth, making clicking sounds similar to Bumblebee. No he didn't want to go back, they couldn't make him go back! Quickly he buried his face plate in his arms.
Immediately they all realized what had happened, "Scrap, I didn't mean to." Arcee quickly said as Ratchet rushed to Hypnos, doing his best to quickly calm him down.
Shaking his head Optimus said, "It is not your fault Arcee, it is the Decepticons who are at fault here." It took a while but eventually Hypnos calmed down enough to be held by Bulkhead who was gently trailing his hand over his helm, soothing the youngling who leaned his helm against his chasis listening to his spark beat.
Seeing this they all relaxed until Arcee stumbled barely catching herself on a couple of crates. "Are you alright?" Bee chirped concerned.
Nodding Arcee said, "Yeah Bee just a little dizzy."
Frowning Ratchet scanned Arcee, at first everything seemed normal until the scan reached her hand and it gave off a beep. Coming closer they saw a purple gooey substance on her hand frowning Arcee said, "This is the stuff that Cliffjumper was covered in."
Narrowing his optics Ratchet grabbed a scalpel and scraped off the substance from Arcee's hand and into a large vial. Bringing the substance up to optic level Ratchet said, "Go take a decontamination bath now."
Hypnos watched the scene play out, curious to know what the purple substance was but too comfortable in Bulkhead's arms to want to move. He lazily half closed his optics only open them when Jack walked over to the edge of the platform and said, "O-Optimus, I hate to bug but, not bars." As he said this he held up his cell phone for proof.
Nodding Optimus said, "A security precaution, the silo isolates all radio waves."
Looking a bit dejected Jack said, "Well if I don't call my mom, like right now, I'm going to have the cops looking for me." All the 'bots paid closer attention to this, even Hypnos shook off his comfort and sat up straighter.
"Have you broken the law?" Optimus asked for all us gravely, leaning a bit closer to the humans.
Nodding a bit hesitantly Jack said, "Uh, curfew it's after 10 PM."
Nodding along with Jack, Raph said, "I better get home to or I'll be grounded for a year."
Surprisingly Hypnos saw Optimus looking a bit sheepishly as he said, "Human customs, I hadn't considered. None the less your safety remains." Looking towards them Hypnos ducked immediately knowing it was foolish to believe that Optimus would allow him to be a guardian to one of the kids. "Bulkhead, you will guard Miko."
Immediately Miko squealed and said, "AWESOME. My host parents are going to freak."
Hearing this Optimus did not hesitate to add, "And maintain covert surveillance in vehicle form."
Still holding Hypnos Bulkhead nodded and said, "Curb side duty, got it." Hypnos giggled a bit when he saw Miko put, burying his face plate in Bulkhead's chasis so no one saw his smirk.
"Bumblebee, you'll watch over Raphael." Optimus continued. Bumblebee gave two thumbs up.
"Ratchet-" even Hypnos knew that was a lost cause.
"Busy." Ratchet said cutting off Optimus before he could even ask the medic.
Not the least bit phased Optimus said, "Arcee you will accompany Jack."
"Still dizzy." Arcee immediately said. You didn't have to be Primus himself to know she didn't want to follow that order.
Sadly Ratchet dashed that excuse, "You're fine, says your physician." He didn't see the look Arcee gave him, though Hypnos suspected the old medic could possibly feel it burning a hole through his armor.
Nodding Bulkhead said, "Alright let me just take Hypnos to hi room so he can recharge."
Of course hearing that Hypnos said, "But I'm not tired."
Surprisingly Bumblebee was the one to speak up, "You could use some recharge Hyp." Hypnos gave the 'bot only a few vorns older than him a look that clearly stated what he thought of his opinion.
Smiling softly at the youngest Optimus said, "It's alright Bulkhead you go on, I will take Hypnos to his berth room." And that was that.
With everyone gone Ratchet vented and dragged a servo down his face plate, it had been going so well until Arcee mention him. He could still remember hearing the screams as he and the other Autobots stormed the building, still remember seeing all the energon. His spark twisted painfully as he remembered the condition that they had found Hypnos in.
"He was actually more tired than he let on, only took a few clicks for him to fall into recharge." Optimus said as he walked back into the main room, jolting Ratchet from his thoughts. Though in all honesty the Autobot leader already knew what had been on Ratchet's processer. Venting he said, "I believe I may have to remind the other not to mention him when Hypnos is around."
Venting tiredly Ratchet said, "You do, if he hadn't calmed down when he had who knows what would have happened." He was quiet for a while before he finally said, "His spark I not able to handle as much stress as it used to, much more of that and his spark, could have gone critical."
Suddenly Ratchet slammed both fist on one of his tables and growled, "Frag that Decepticon Cyclops! Hypnos does not deserve to be going through this." The last part was in a whisper that Optimus barely heard.
Knowing that he had to be strong, though in all honesty wanting to break down as well, Optimus said, "As much as I wish I could I cannot turn back time, even with the Matrix within me."
"The pain he has to endure wouldn't be as hard if he had someone to help him." Ratchet growled.
Knowing what his old friend meant Optimus said through without any real conviction, "He does have a bond."
"I meant a real bond, not that sad excuse for a creators bond. I would be surprised if it wasn't already broken." Ratchet said a bit angrily. "He didn't even ask if Hypnos was alright when we found him. It was a mistake to even allow him to try and raise Hypnos."
"You and I both know that he had a right to claim his son." Optimus said.
Looking to his commander Ratchet growled, "He has never once touched or acknowledged their bond Optimus. He was not there through any part of his sparkling or youngling hood. I'm surprised Hypnos even considers him his creator."
Though he knew he shouldn't Optimus believed Ratchet was right, he and his team acted more of a family to Hypnos than his creator did. He could only hope that his friend would realize this soon and come to fix it before it was too late.