A/N: So to put it simply, this story is a sequel to Animated. It will contain the usual themes of my fics but also act as a sequel set several years later with new characters and a new main human ally. So here we go. This is sort of new for me, but I LOVE Animated. And I hope it will work out well with my story.
Given the length of this fic, I will be taking an INDEFINITE hiatus on Bumblebee's Boy for this since this is technically a "sequel series" to Animated in its own right. Meaning it's liable to be longer than my average fic. I don't know when BB will come back, I'm working on it, but struggling right now. So hopefully you all understand. I will not be adopting it out or officially canceling it. Just putting it aside for now.
Finally, this story will be mostly ignoring The Stunticon Job and The Return of Blurr. Meaning the following things are true:
1. Ultra Magnus survived and recovered. (The thought of Sentinel Magnus being permanent makes me cringe though I oddly love to hate Sentinel himself)
2. Blurr is still gone. At least for now.
That said, some character introduced in those stories are fair game to show up. So don't be surprised if you see Sideswipe, Cheetor, or the like showing up in the future of this story.
Thanks as usual to my beta sidekicks-anonymous for her work this chapter!
PAIRINGS: OptimusxElita-1/Blackarachnia (Previous; Ended), RatchetxArcee
DISCLAIMER: I do NOT own Transformers as you all know. But I do lay claim to characters like Nick and any other OC that shows up along the way.
CHAPTER 1
THE AUTOBOTS RETURN: PART 1
Nicholas Richard Wayland's old life ended with the headlights of a car.
It had been late at night, and he'd been crossing the streets in one of the nicer areas of Detroit. He'd been lucky that night. Someone had thrown away a half-eaten cheeseburger behind the local burger shack. He'd grabbed it quickly, and made off with it before the owner could chase him off again. It wasn't a good meal—cold, and clearly several hours old—but it was better than nothing, and wrapped up so it was free of any garbage.
As the lanky thirteen-year-old was crossing the street, it had happened. His blue eyes had illuminated in the headlights, barely catching sight of the yellow car with the black stripe before it hit him. It hadn't hit him especially hard; in fact, it had slowed just in time to just give him a good whack. And even though it had knocked him out, he could tell he hadn't broken any bones. He'd broken bones before, and the most this had done was given him bruises.
The fog, however, didn't lift for some time.
It seemed like hours of endless sleep, but really was probably only a short time. Eventually, the dreams were replaced by voices he'd never heard before. "What the frag do you mean you hit him!? Were you not paying attention?" An older, angry and gruff voice shouted out.
"It was an accident! He was just... There. I don't know, the real question you should be asking is what some kid was doing outside at midnight!" A younger voice shouted, trying desperately to state his innocence. "And anyway, I didn't hurt him that bad. He just hit his head!"
"You're lucky he didn't crack open his skull!" It was the first voice again. "And what do you mean he was out at midnight? You're telling me this human was alone?"
Fluttering his eyes open, Nick tried to focus his vision, sitting up on the metal slab he'd been set on. He looked around quietly, trying to get a good look at where he was. What he saw wasn't much to look at - but that was nothing new given he mostly slept in alleys or abandoned buildings. His surroundings fell under the latter, he guessed— some sort of warehouse, but he couldn't be too sure.
Somewhere in the room, he could make out the sounds of an argument. "The point is, I've told you a million times to be careful. But do you listen? No. Instead..." There was a pause from the older voice. "Oh Primus, he's awake."
"Primus... Wait what? Who is that and why are you talking in gibberish?" Nick groaned quietly, sitting up as carefully as he could.
"Don't move! You didn't break anything but you're still hurt." A voice snapped. "I'll be right in to explain everything."
"Explain everything? I can sue your idiot friend for hitting me, y'know!"
Nick knew that was the biggest bluff he'd ever given anyone. He was a homeless kid, a street urchin by all accounts, and he couldn't afford a lawyer to sue anybody. But maybe if he scared the jerk bad enough, he figured, the guy might pay him to shut up.
"Aw slag, can he really sue us? I didn't think the kid looked like he could afford that kind of thing!" Came a scared response.
"Hush, and let me talk to him, will you? Go tell Prime the kid's awake."
The next thing that happened nearly sent Nick falling over the metal table. He knew the robot that entered the room - nearly everyone in Detroit who'd been alive seven years knew about them. "Oh my God, you're an Autobot! Whoa! Whoa! Was that car that hit me an Autobot? Am I hallucinating?" He breathed in. "You guys have been gone for seven years! No one's seen you since that freak attacked Detroit with those even bigger robots."
"Slow the pit down! Primus, I can hardly follow the babbling." The red and white Autobot, who seemed to be a medic, got Nick to shut up quickly. "Yes, I'm an Autobot. And yes, we've been gone a long time. But I don't want you announcing that to everyone you meet now, OK? No one was supposed to know we were here other than Fanzone and Professor Sumdac."
"For the last time, my bad!" The younger voice in the other room shouted.
"'Your bad'? You nearly break a human while we're trying to lie low and that's just 'your bad'?" Ratchet snapped back. He rubbed his foreplate carefully. "Now, is there any pain in your joints, youngling? You didn't hurt yourself bad, but you were still hit by a car."
Nick tried to bring himself to his senses. Wondering what the Autobots were doing back there, why they were laying low, and most of all if he was dreaming. But for the most part, he was still particularly in awe. "Uh... Forget what I said about suing you by the way. I don't think alien robots even have money." Nick waved it off. "But... You think maybe I can get an autograph? No one will believe this without one."
The medic frowned. "I just told you we're laying low. You will not be getting anything because you are not telling anyone about this." At the sound of a pair of footsteps, he turned his head. "The kid seems fine, Optimus. Though I regret to inform you that I doubt he'll be keeping his mouth shut about this."
Nick looked over to get a look at Optimus Prime himself. He was, after all, the stuff of legends in Detroit. Flying into a battle wielding a giant hammer tended to give one a reputation. The mech looked every bit as grand now as he did then. A tall, powerful-looking red and blue mech with the wings of his jetpack still attached. Nick didn't see a hammer on him, but all the same, he was honored to be in his presence.
Optimus gave him a look that said he was unsure what to make of him. "I'm going to have to tell you that unless you want to be in great danger, you'll need to keep this on the down-low." Optimus told him, sounding a fair bit younger than Nick had honestly expected. "I'm sorry to say, our return here isn't a pleasure trip."
"When is it ever anymore? We didn't get put in charge of this sector for nothing." The medic, whom Nick was starting to remember was named Ratchet, told his young leader. "But Primus... If anyone saw Bumblebee hit him, you know that Megatron is going to get wind of it. And then our cover is blown."
Nick rubbed the back of his head, trying to follow the chatter of the two mech's. He'd never heard of Megatron, but he had a feeling that, if they were worried about him finding them... Well, it couldn't be anything good.
"I'm aware, Ratchet. But it was going to happen eventually... We're here to bring him back to Cybertron..."
"We shouldn't have this talk in front of the youngling." Ratchet explained. "The less he knows, the better."
Nick looked a little disappointed by that statement. After all, this was the most excitement he'd had, well, practically ever. Hit by a car, and meeting the greatest heroes Detroit had ever known in one day? For a minute, he'd almost forgotten he was boring old Nick Wayland, who currently slept behind an old shop and had a second grade education. For a moment, his life was exciting.
So he thought quickly. "Well you could always let me go. I mean, with some sort of souvenir for the most insane day of my life, that is. It's the least you can do after your friend hit me." He explained, leaning forward and wincing with the minor pain. "I can keep it secret easily."
Ratchet and Optimus stared at each other in surprise. Clearly, they weren't buying Nick's usual smooth-talking. After a moment, Optimus spoke up and said. "Listen... Um, I'm sorry, I don't think I got a name."
"Nick." Nick replied, then was quick to add. "Just Nick."
"Don't you humans come with surnames?" Ratchet asked skeptically.
Nick had to think quickly there, knowing he couldn't just throw his name around. These Autobots knew the police officer Captain Fanzone. A man that they could easily call up if they even got an inkling that he was homeless. And there was no way in this world he was going with social services again. "Just Nick. You've got your secrets, I've got mine. And I don't like giving out my last name."
Ratchet looked like he wanted to scream at him. But instead, he held back, and gave a huff. "This one's a stubborn little punk." Nick blew the bangs of his black hair away to show Ratchet the glare he gave him for that one. "He has more attitude than Bumblebee on a good day."
"It seems to me he's simply a... What does Sari call them? "Fanboy'?" Optimus tilted his head. "But... Nick, I don't think you're understanding just how serious this situation is."
Nick didn't know what to think of that. Though he looked at Optimus with honest fear. "What exactly do you mean by that? Who is Megatron? Is he going to come after me now? Because really, I don't think I like the sound of that."
"Not likely." Ratchet noted. "But I do suggest we get you out of here and home soon... I sincerely doubt it's a good idea to keep you in here long. Again, in case anyone saw you because of Bumblebee's dunderheaded mistake."
Optimus stared at Ratchet, then at Nick. "Maybe we should keep him overnight. Watch his head, make sure you didn't miss anything..." Optimus told him, which Ratchet hated to admit was a good point. "Do you need to call your parents? I'm sure they're worried..."
Nick's heart skipped a beat, knowing he had to think fast. "Oh yeah, if you guys have a phone I can call them! They're out of town though... I'm staying alone at my house." It was a viable option, and kept him out of trouble. "So they won't mind at all. And I won't tell them where I am... I'll just say in... Uh..."
"Say you're in "Urgent Care". As I understand that's viable." Ratchet replied, groaning and turning around to leave. "I'll go ask Sari to borrow her 'cell phone.' But I don't want you moving while I'm gone! You may be staying, but you're also staying put."
As he left, Optimus and Nick were left staring at each other.
"He really knows how to take all the fun out of being here." Nick told him bluntly. "Though uh... Would it be weird to say it's an honor?"
Optimus gave the smallest of smirks. "I can probably sneak something away from him. If this really means that much to you." He glanced over his shoulder to make sure Ratchet wasn't watching. "But I mean it when I say this has to be a secret. If anyone knew we were here you'd be putting us, and yourself in danger. Are we clear?"
"Crystal." Nick replied. "Though I'd really like to meet that Bumblebee guy and give him a piece of my mind."
Optimus chuckled. "Ratchet's taking care of that for you." He then added. "I'll be back to see you off—It's probably best I drive you back to your home. I'd rather see to it Megatron hasn't seen you myself. What part of the city do you live in?"
Nick froze, knowing he couldn't well say the really bad part of town. He looked down for a moment, but caught himself quickly. "I'll uh... Show you. It's easier to just show you the way." He explained. "Thanks, uh..."
"Just call me Optimus."
"Alright." Nick managed as Optimus turned to leave. "Nice to meet you!"
And as Optimus then left, Nick felt a pit form in his stomach. Sure, he had just met the mechs he idolized. But would they believe his story? And better yet, given what they were saying, what had he gotten himself into?
"There is something rather odd about that human."
Optimus had to say that Ratchet was right about that. Sure, he had only been back on Earth a week since the Elite Guard had sent them to Earth on this mission. But even he remembered how to read human body language, and to be frank, Nick seemed to be hiding something. Made even more clear by the fact he wanted to be alone when Ratchet had brought him the phone to call his parents.
"I agree, but we don't really have much choice but to keep him here. If Bumblebee did the damage, we need to make sure he's OK." Optimus explained. "I'm more concerned with what Bumblebee was doing out in a bad part of Detroit that early in the morning."
Ratchet nodded his head. "He told me he was scouting out Decepticons. But since you didn't give that order I'd talk to him about it." He then paused a moment, and looked at him. "Personally, I think he's just antsy to get out of this factory. And given he's even more of an idiot since we all were promoted to the Elite Guard, are you really shocked?"
Optimus was silent for a long moment, but managed a hefty sigh. "We just can't risk it, yet. Ultra Magnus made it very clear we have to keep the element of surprise as long as we can." Ratchet nodded, though he didn't seem too happy. "As much as I'd love for this to give us an excuse, we're under orders."
"Didn't ever stop us before, did it?" Optimus turned his head to see that Bumblebee had now joined them, looking annoyed. "Come on, boss bot. We're all bored! Bulkhead's painted half the base again already and Jazz and I are itching to hit the road. Not to mention Arcee is driving us all nuts by "motherboarding" us."
"I heard that!" A female voice sounded out from nearby.
"Femme, I have a carrier! I don't need you constantly on my back!" Bumblebee groaned.
"Don't talk to my sparkmate like that."
Bumblebee gave Ratchet a look of annoyance as Optimus shook his head. It was clear that they were right, and for that matter, they were all getting at each others' throats at this point. "Alright, both of you cool it!" Optimus held up his hands at both of them, and sighed. "I'll call Ultra Magnus today and see if he has any updates."
Bumblebee sighed quietly, putting his hands behind his helm. "So what do we do with the kid in the meantime? Just keep him in Ratchet's med bay?" He tilted his head to look at the door to said area. "I mean, no offense, but I could hear him. I think the cat's out of the bag whether he likes it or not."
"And who do we have to thank for that brilliant move?" Ratchet asked.
Optimus shook his head, taking another deep breath. "Everything is going to be fine. We'll figure out what we're going to do with Nick once we know if Megatron even got word about what happened." He sighed quietly, turning around. "As for right now, we should let him rest for a bit. Then I guess we can let him out. As long as he doesn't do anything to blow our cover."
"You're going to let him free around the base?" Ratchet asked.
"The way I see it, a kid with his kind of attitude will sneak out anyway. Might as well do it on our terms." Optimus replied as he started to walk away from his two friends. "Let me know if anything changes with him, Ratchet."
"Where are you going?" Bumblebee asked.
Optimus looked at Bumblebee with a raised optic ridge. "To give Ultra Magnus a report on this. Just in case this whole thing goes south." He replied before finally disappearing.
Ratchet and Bumblebee stood there for a long moment. Before Bumblebee looked back again at the door. "Well I'm not gonna be around when he wakes up. He didn't sound like he was too happy." He then waved at Ratchet. "Good luck doc bot!"
"Of course he isn't happy! You hit him with your alt mode!"
But it fell on deaf audio receptors. Bumblebee exited, leaving the older medic standing there alone. He released long, drawn out sigh. "I'm getting too old for this." He simply grumbled, turning around to go and see how Nick's call had gone.
Outside of Detroit, as the sun rose in the sky, a lone figure made his way through the wooded area.
Taking long, quiet strides, Shockwave made sure to keep a lookout for any sign of being followed. Of course, the Autobots still believed their presence on Earth was a secret. But that only made things harder on them, given it made the Decepticons bolder. So, as he approached the open field where their base of operations was covertly hiding, he finished off his scan.
Then, with a flick of an unseen switch, the cloaked base came into view. That was to say: the ship that Megatron's followers had used to aid his escape from Kaon prison. The Nemesis II was massive, and difficult to hide, but after some time and the use of a cloaking device, they had managed it. He stepped through the door quietly, and wasted no time making his way past the bridge and into Megatron's room.
The Decepticon leader had his back to Shockwave. He was looking over several screens from atop what was best described as a dark, makeshift throne.
"Lord Megatron." Shockwave moved onto one knee and bowed. "I bring news."
At those words, Megatron turned his seat quietly, looking down upon Shockwave with dark curiosity. "The Autobots are back... Just as we assumed they would be?" Shockwave nodded his head once in confirmation. "You have seen proof of this yourself?"
"Yes, my lord. During my surveillance in the city I witnessed Bumblebee hitting, and bringing a human to safety. He was in car form, and using a hologram. But I'd know that yellow bumbler anywhere." Megatron looked at him silently. "No doubt they were looking for us... But the mech blundered it."
"Did he kill the human?" Megatron questioned.
"No, my scans showed it was still functioning." Shockwave replied.
Megatron seemed to think this over for a long moment. But after he had, he nodded. "Find the human you saw, and bring them to me. I want confirmation that it is indeed them. And if Bumblebee indeed left with the human, they'd have seen his true form at some point." Megatron spoke bluntly. "There's no need to begin the first phase of our plans if this is merely a false alarm."
"Understood, Lord Megatron." Shockwave searched his memory banks, locating the mental image of the human in question. "Give me twenty-four Earth hours to locate the human."
"See that you do."
As Megatron turned around, he couldn't keep the dark smirk on his face.
A/N: And there's part one of the "pilot". If you're wondering, some chapters will work like "episodes". While others will focus on sub-plots that wouldn't probably come up in an actual animated series. I'm sure you'll be able to figure out which is which in the long run. Hope you enjoyed!
