REDEMPTION OF THE ALL-SPARK

Presenting chapter 2! I'm nothing short of pumped to have this thing updated at last! I'm very, very pleased with the way this chapter turned out, and I have a surprise for you all! Read to find out what it is. As always, spare me the flames when you review. Believe me, it's not as easy to write about Transformers as it sounds. I'd like to see you try it.


Characters (with exceptions) © Hasbro and Entertainment Rights

Story © unicorn-skydancer08

All rights reserved.


Chapter 2: An Old Flame

"Where's Melly?"

"Out on a date, with Blurr," answered Sari Sumdac, the teenage techno-organic daughter of Dr. Isaac Sumdac, who at that time was engaged in a fast-paced, high-tech video game.

Bumblebee, the young black and yellow Autobot, who was the one questioning Melly's whereabouts, said, "Another one? But they already went out last night—and the night before that!"

Without taking her eyes off the monitor, Sari said, "Well, don't look at me, Bee. I've had nothing to do with it."

Bee sighed, and shook his head. While he understood Melly's feelings for Blurr perfectly, he wished his human friend would take some time to hang out with the rest of their gang, for a change. Ever since Blurr had come to stay with them on Earth, Melly hardly seemed aware that anyone else even existed. The girl and the blue speedster had become especially close-knit with each other after Blurr was salvaged when Shockwave deliberately crushed him into a cube, and Melly helped put him back together. These days, the two were practically inseparable.

As he sank down onto the cool concrete floor next to Sari, Bee murmured, "What does Melly even see in that big blue bot, anyway? He's not exactly her type, you know."

"Do you think that matters to her?" a voice with a sophisticated British drawl cut in just then.

Both Bee and Sari simultaneously turned their heads in time to see Prowl saunter into the room, looking remarkably well, all things considered.

During their last battle with Megatron and the Decepticons, Prowl had surrendered his life spark in order to help vanquish Lugnut Supreme and restore the All-Spark. However, rather than allow their friend to die, each Autobot, including Optimus Prime and even Bumblebee, transplanted a tiny fragment of their own sparks to him. In this way, Prowl was able to retain his life.

It was a debt he knew he could never repay, though everyone claimed they'd done this to repay him for sacrificing himself for their sakes.

As Prowl continued to approach Bee and Sari, the tall, black ninja bot went on philosophically, "Melly does not care who Blurr is, or what he is, or where he comes from. She makes no distinction. In her eyes, all she sees is the one she loves, and who clearly loves her in return. Who are you to determine whether or not those two ought to be together?"

Bee felt a twinge of annoyance in his hard drive at that last bit, while at the same time the young bot experienced a pang of guilt.

He knew Blurr was good to Melly, and surely Melly needed someone good in her life, especially after all she'd been through.

Bee understood that the girl had lived a difficult life.

Melly's mother disappeared from her life when she was very young, leaving her father to raise her and her older brother alone. When she was in school, while she was an outstanding student with excellent grades, she had no real friends, and her schoolmates used to tease and torment her unmercifully. Melly never went into much detail about what they did to her, but it was obvious she'd endured just about everything. When Melly was in college, she'd met and fallen in love with Brandon Muller, easily the handsomest and most popular guy on the campus.

The two had gone steady for three years, much to the dismay and resentment of all the other girls. For a time, Melly found herself drifting above cloud nine, thinking she had everything she could ever hope for, everything to make her happy—until things took an unpleasant turn. Brandon's morals took a nosedive; he started getting into awful habits. He became a major drug addict, and he drank like a sailor. Either it was the result of these bad substances, or something inside him just snapped, Melly wasn't sure; but Brandon began to get rough with her.

He controlled virtually everything she did, and if she didn't do exactly as she was told, when she was told, she faced serious trouble. Brandon forbade her from seeing and speaking to other guys, and he forced her into things she was very uncomfortable with. On top of all that, he became increasingly violent with her. When he was in a particularly foul mood, he knocked Melly around until she was bruised and bleeding, and she could hardly sleep at night and had to wear long-sleeved clothing to her classes just to cover up the ugly marks.

To this day, Melly still displayed a few notable scars on her body, bearing evidence of her mistreatment.

To make a long story short, Melly was forced to get help from the police. Brandon was quickly arrested and taken away, and a restraining order was initiated.

After that, Melly was wary of falling in love again, and understandably so.

But then she met Blurr, and somehow the fast-moving, fast-talking, slightly eccentric Autobot was able to melt her defenses. Though Blurr was rather cool toward the girl in the beginning, he eventually softened, and now he and Melly went together like icing on a cake. Now, they spent practically every waking moment together.

They just never seemed to get tired of each other, or to get enough of each other.

"Just you wait until you start liking someone, Bumblebee," said Prowl, cutting into Bee's reverie. "One of these days, you'll find yourself falling in love, and then you'll know how it feels and you won't be so skeptical of other people's emotions." He paused for just a second, before he added shrewdly, "I, for one, am looking to that day with great anticipation."

Sari saw the look of chagrin that crossed Bee's face, and was sure that, had her friend been human, he would be blushing red-hot right about now.

The truth was, deep down in his circuits, Bee already harbored feelings of admiration and affection—towards Sari, of all people. The young yellow bot never would have expected to fall for his best friend, but Sari had changed since he'd first known her, and not merely in physical appearance alone. Bee didn't know how to explain it, but there was something about Sari that piqued his interest. Of course, he knew better than to say a single word of this. If he did, his friends would never let him hear the end of it.


Meanwhile, on the outskirts of Detroit, Blurr and Melly were enjoying their little "date" together.

At that time, they were alone on a small outcrop on top of a hill, where they had a gorgeous view of the city, and they could watch the sun as it went down and see the stars come out at the same time. With the soft shades of gold, orange, hot pink, blue, and violet blending together, and with the gentle swirl of clouds and the sprinkle of stars on top, it all gave off the impression of one great cosmic sundae. Blurr was parked near the edge in his sleek car form, and Melly sat cross-legged on top of his hood, enjoying a can of fresh lime soda.

Down in the city, it was constant bustle and noise, but out here, it was peaceful and quiet. A delightfully warm breeze caressed Melly's skin, like soft fingers. Melly loved it, and sincerely wished that she and Blurr could somehow remain like this forever. She took another swig from her can, allowing the tangy flavor of the pop to wash over her tongue.

When she'd swallowed, she sighed contentedly. "Ahhh…nothing like a can of Luscious Lime to top off a perfect day," she said.

"And that premium oil really hits the spot," Blurr's satisfied voice sounded from the car. "It really makes my engine purr."

Melly smiled. "This is great, Blurr. Just the two of us together, with this beautiful view and nothing to worry about—I almost hate to go back home."

"Who says we have to go back?"

"Well, yes, but you know how much we're both needed back there. Besides, our friends would miss us."

Melly paused briefly, before asking, "Speaking of home, what about yours, Blurr?"

Of course, she couldn't see Blurr's face at that time, but when the blue racer spoke to her, his voice was soft and tender.

"My home is where you are, Melly."

Melly was touched. She thought back to that day in Cybertron, not so long ago, when they'd defeated the Decepticons and Blurr was acknowledged for playing his part. Not only did he help to alert Cybertron of Megatron and the Decepticon invasion, but he also helped to bring Shockwave to light, who'd served as a spy within Cybertron's very gates, risking his own life in the process. As a way of honoring Blurr for his heroism, the Elite Guard wished to make him head of Cybertron Intelligence. It was possibly the greatest honor any Autobot could hope to receive.

Even so, Blurr declined. He told the Elite Guard he wished to remain on Earth, with Optimus Prime and his crew—and with Melly.

While Melly was sorry Blurr had given up such a prominent position, she was glad and thrilled that he would rather stay with her. However, it was not a total loss. When Blurr refused the initial offer, the Elite Guard decided to appoint him as a First-Class Surveillance Officer for Earth, instead. In this way, he got to be with Melly, while yet retaining a significant status.

"You're so sweet, Blurr," Melly said, giving the car a benevolent pat. "I love you."

"And I love you," he replied.

"How much?" the girl gently teased.

"Beyond the outermost precincts of the entire universe."

Melly gave a hearty laugh. "Well, okay, then," she grinned, "that's good enough for me!"

She then lay back against Blurr, so that she was facing the stars that twinkled overhead, and let herself slowly relax.

Just as she was on the verge of dozing off, however, another voice cut into the scene.

"Enjoying the sights, are we?"

In that instant, Melly's good mood was gone, like a brick thrown at a stained-glass window.

Her stomach gave an unpleasant twist, and her mind groaned, Oh no…

She knew that voice. Sure enough, when she sat upright, Brandon, her ex-boyfriend, was right there. He was leaning casually against Blurr, with one hand on top of the hood. Though it was a warm night, he was parceled up in a heavy black motorcycle jacket. His jeans were also solid black, and on his feet, he sported black boots with silver chains hanging down the sides.

He looked as handsome as ever, despite his drug and alcohol usage.

Even from where she was, Melly could clearly smell fresh alcohol on his breath. The cloying odor of cigarettes was evident as well.

"Brandon!" she said. "What—what are you doing here?"

"That's a question I ought to be asking you, babe," he countered.

Melly frowned at him as she slid off Blurr's hood. "I thought I saw the last of you, five years ago."

"The cops gave me a break. I'm now free of the joint."

"You know you're violating your restraining order, Brandon. You know you shouldn't come anywhere near me. After what you did to me, you shouldn't even breathe the same air as me!" Melly started to climb into Blurr's interior to leave, but no sooner had she opened the side door than Brandon abruptly slammed it shut again.

"Whoa, whoa," he said nonchalantly, "not so fast there, sweetheart."

"Go away, Brandon! Leave me alone!"

"Chill out, honey. I just want to talk, is all."

"There's nothing to talk about."

"Sure, there is. For starters, what's this I've been hearing about you hanging around a bunch of robotic dudes? Autobots, I believe they're called?"

"I don't think that's really any of your business," said Melly coldly.

"My business is your business," he retorted.

"What's it to you where and with whom I spend my time? I'm not your property, Brandon. I can do whatever I want and see whomever I please without your consent."

As if the girl hadn't spoken, Brandon plowed on, "And what's this about you having a fling with one of these guys? Is it true that you've got a robot for a new boyfriend?"

"Yeah," Melly said defiantly, crossing her arms in front of her. "So what?"

"'So what'?" There was a note of danger underlying Brandon's tone. "You mean to say you prefer some big old pile of junk to me?"

Melly shot back, "This so-called 'pile of junk' you're referring to is named Blurr. And yes, I very much prefer him to you. At least he's got respect for me. At least he knows how to treat a woman."

Brandon's bright green eyes flashed ominously. "Say it ain't so!"

"Oh, it's 'so', all right," she said, unable to resist jeering a little.

Quick as a snake lashing out at its prey, Brandon's hand shot forth and caught Melly firmly by the wrist.

Immediately, Melly fought to free herself. "Let go of my arm!"

"I don't think so, sweet cakes," Brandon countered.

Melly pulled and twisted with all her might, but Brandon's grip was like a vise. "I said, let go of me!" the girl was now shouting furiously.

But Brandon continued to hold fast to her. "You're mine, you ungrateful daughter of a—" He called Melly a disgusting name that could only be heard in a sleazy movie, or in a seedy bar. "Do you hear me? And I don't let go of what's mine!" With that, he clamped down his hold even more, so that his sharp nails were digging painfully into Melly's skin.

Still, Melly continued to thrash against him. "Blurr, help me!" she ultimately found herself saying.

In a flash, the blue car resumed its robot shape. Before Brandon realized what was going on, Blurr snatched him by his jacket and lifted him completely off the ground, with no effort at all. The contact between Brandon and Melly was instantly broken, and Melly lost her balance and fell over backwards, resulting in her glasses flying off her face.

"Whoa—hey!" Brandon exclaimed, in genuine surprise and terror, as Blurr continued to lift him higher.

Once Melly managed to locate her glasses again, she checked them carefully to make sure they were not broken or cracked in any way before she put them back on. Then she looked up, and even though she was expecting it, she was surprised to see Blurr standing there, holding Brandon at his level, with Brandon's legs flailing helplessly in midair.

Blurr held Brandon between two fingers, as if the guy were something infectious.

"Hey!" Brandon cried again. "Put me down!" Just as Melly had done, he struggled to free himself, despite the fact that he was facing a very dangerous drop.

Blurr's glowing blue optics narrowed contemptuously as he regarded Brandon.

"Well, well," the blue bot said, "this is a most unpleasant surprise." As Brandon gaped at him, looking genuinely nervous, Blurr went on, "Looks like everything Melly told me about you is true, after all. I thought she might be exaggerating, somewhat. But after what just happened, it's clear you're everything she said you are—and even more so."

"H-hey, man," said Brandon shakily, well aware of what Blurr could do to him, "take it easy! I-I was only kidding!"

Blurr was never fooled for a minute.

"Well, here's a bit of friendly advice for you, buddy," he said, in a tone that was anything but friendly. "If you know what's good for you, you'll keep away from my Melly. Come within even a mile of her again, and you'll have me to deal with. Lay so much as a finger on her again, and I'll give you a medical bill so high, it will take you the rest of your life to pay it off."

His optics seemed to burn a hole in Brandon's brain. Brandon could feel a thin trickle of sweat running down his left temple, and he swallowed hard.

Though the blue racer wasn't half as big and intimidating as Megatron or any of the other Decepticons, he could still easily squish Brandon like a bug, or pitch him like a baseball.

After a long, intense moment, Blurr finally let Brandon go.

He started to lower him carefully to the ground, but then, about ten feet off the pavement, he abruptly released his hold and allowed Brandon to drop like a stone the rest of the way down. Brandon gave a short, sharp cry, then he grunted loudly as he took a rather painful landing, very nearly landing on his face. It was a miracle he didn't break anything.

Unsympathetic, Blurr stood over the young man as he lay there in a groaning heap, and commanded him, "Now, beat it!"

Brandon didn't need telling twice.

Ignoring his shooting pains, he scrambled to his feet and scurried away into the deepening twilight, like a terrified mouse fleeing a hungry cat, never once looking back.

Within seconds, he disappeared from sight. When Blurr was sure he was gone, he now turned to Melly, and his countenance softened.

"Are you all right?" he asked mildly.

"Yes," said Melly, managing a smile, "I'm all right."

The blue bot reached down to her, and very gently scooped her up from the ground, where he held her tenderly in his big servos, the way a mother cradled her child. Melly huddled up against his wide chest, nestling her cheek against the cool metal, the best way she could hug him. "Thank you, Blurr," she whispered fervently. "Thank you."

"Are you sure you're all right? That creep didn't hurt you, did he?"

Melly's sore arm throbbed, as if in reply.

"Well, he just about tore my arm out of its socket," the girl said ruefully, "but otherwise, I'm perfectly fine. I'm only glad you were there, before it could get really ugly."

Blurr smiled, and began to stroke Melly lovingly with his large white fingers.

"Don't worry," he said, in a voice that was as soothing as his touch, "you're safe, now, Melly. I won't let him hurt you anymore."

Tears welled in Melly's eyes, but she was smiling herself.

"You are always looking out for me, Blurr. What did I ever do to deserve someone like you?"

Blurr said nothing, but he knew Melly didn't expect him to answer. He often wondered the same thing, himself: what did he do, to deserve someone like Melly?

The only thing he knew for certain was that, when it came to loving Melly, Brandon was out of luck.

His loss was Blurr's gain.