More than Meets the Eye Chapter 6
I do not own Transformers Prime or any of its characters or Transformers or any of its characters
"I am Chimera."
They proudly stated that name, but they didn't know if it was something to be proud of. To their creator it was… but to them, it was a source of confusion and mistreatment.
Every time they allowed themselves to become this being, they felt so out of place and yet so together at the same time. They weren't even sure if they were individuals whenever they were together like this. And there were times where they were sure that they were just one being instead of three. It almost felt like this creation had a mind of its own, and they weren't sure if they liked it at times.
It was all so confusing!
And believe it or not, but they had discovered this form by accident several years ago. They didn't even know what they were doing until it happened. They would never forget that day, it was when they became one for the first time.
Jack, Miko and Raf were in the middle of a training session. This was nothing out of the ordinary for the three techno-organics, everyday seemed to offer a new opportunity for instruction. However, this training session wasn't like the previous ones. It was a battle royale, their opponents were none other than each other.
This would be the first time they would ever fought in such a way. Normally, it was one against one. But now, it was one against one against one. No one would be left out of this equation, and they couldn't deny that they weren't a little nervous about this. Jack and Miko especially felt anxious for Raf. The young techno-organic could hold himself in a typical sparing match, but this was something else. He would have to focus on two opponents rather than one. The same went for the both of them as well.
Honestly, they didn't know how they would be able to accomplish this. It also didn't help that all eyes were on them at the moment, including that of their leader. Silas was expecting them not to hold back for any reasons. He even took extra measures in order to ensure this. He ordered all the soldiers to clear the room and make sure that every camera was stationed on them. Their movements were being recorded right now, every single detail would be captured on video.
It was just another reminder of the lack of privacy they had here in this cage. And they were helpless to change anything about that.
And so, the three techno-organics stood at three corners opposite of each other. Once they got settled, they entered into fighting stances. All they were waiting for now was the signal. And it came right on cue as Silas's voice could be heard on the intercom.
"Begin!"
That was all they needed to hear as they rushed toward each other. Their bodies clashed together as they struggled to gain dominance over the other. Even in their human modes, traces of their robotic halves could be seen. Over the years, MECH took notice of how their strength went beyond that of an average human's. Not to mention that their bodies were sturdier than others. It took a lot for them to be injured in their human modes. Then again, the same could be said of their robotic modes as well.
But even with that being the case, they could still get hurt. And sometimes, they could've sworn that was Silas's objective at times. To hurt them, that way they knew how to hurt others.
Once it was obvious that they were getting nowhere, they pushed back and tried again. Punches and kicks were received and given. Bruises and cuts were starting to appear on their bodies as they struggled for dominance. But they had to keep going until there was a winner. Silas said that's how the real world works, and who were they to argue with him?
Jack, Miko and Raf landed on the ground before deciding to lash out at each other once again. They dodged and attacked once another with brute force. Gasps and grunts could be heard, but there were no signs that any one of them were letting up. Jack punched Miko and kicked Raf, Miko elbowed Jack and knocked Raf off his feet and Raf jabbed at Jack and head butted Miko.
There were no rules in this game. All was fair.
That's when they were forced to retreat once again. They now stood where they started. The three techno-organics panted and flinched once they felt the recoils of the attacks they gave and received. But they had to work through the pain, that's what they had been taught throughout their lives. And that wasn't going to change now because of the different training session they were currently in. Nevertheless, they struggled to regain their composure.
And that's when they decided to use their other forms to fight. Within seconds they were now giant robots and they were facing off against one another.
It wasn't long before they got back into their fighting stances, once again they didn't hold anything back as they attacked each other. The sounds of metal clashing against metal echoed throughout the room. Some of MECH's people even flinched at the sound. But Silas just smirked and watched in glee as his creations fought one another.
The three techno-organics continued to dodge and let out their attacks, and so far nothing seemed to have changed. They seemed to be on equal footing, despite the obvious differences in their abilities. But they couldn't deny that they were somewhat proud over being able to keep up with one another. But they then realized that wasn't enough for Silas and MECH.
They wanted a winner, this wouldn't end until there was one.
And so, they decided to take it a step further. Apparently, they all had the same idea for an attack that day. They were going to grabbed the other two opponents and try to maneuver them against the walls. At least, that's what they all said they were going to do after it was over.
Jack grabbed Miko and Raf, Miko grabbed Jack and Raf and Raf grabbed Jack and Miko. All three of them were now connected as their sparks thudded with excitement and their bodies pumped with adrenaline. Their optics bore into one another, there was nothing but affection in each and every one of them. They never looked at anyone else the way they looked at each other. The feelings they had as a team went beyond that of MECH's comprehension, and even Silas's. And for that, they felt like they had an edge over their prisoners.
They were one in that moment, and they didn't even realize it.
And that's when everything changed.
Their sparks started to beat faster, faster than ever before. At first, they just dismissed it as the affects of training. But then it evolved into something else. Slowly, their sparks started to glow, much to their shock. And it caught the attention of MECH as well. Silas couldn't help but be surprised too, and he was not a man that surprised easily. They all watched with anticipation over what was happening.
Meanwhile, the three techno-organics started to panic a little as a warmth spread throughout their bodies. But they didn't let go of each other as it did so. It was almost as if they couldn't... or wouldn't.
Before long, the glows of their sparks became a bright light that engulfed each and every one of them. Jack, Miko and Raf described the experience as being taken apart. But it wasn't painful, rather it was draining and empowering at the same time. And they couldn't do a thing about it as their bodies started to break apart… only for the feeling to turn into another.
It was the feeling of being put back together.
Within seconds, the feelings altogether subsided. The moment of confusion and shock wore off.
Now they felt whole, at least that's what it felt like. But something was different than before. Something they couldn't see at first. They came to the realization that their optics were closed, they struggled to open them for some reason. But they managed to, only to be greeted by the sight of MECH's scientists and soldiers, and Silas crowding around them. Looks of shock, awe and fascination adorned their faces as they seemed to be staring at them.
They didn't understand what was going on until they noticed how tall they looked. The ceiling was practically touching their head at this point, and these buildings were pretty huge.
"What did…? Why is… the ceiling closer than before?"they asked.
That's when they reached out to touch the ceiling, they gasped! Their hand didn't look like it belonged to either one of them! That's when they looked down to get a closer look at their bodies. They let out another gasp! Their body looked so different! It was a multitude of colors, their colors! Gray, blue and orange! Their hands started to move up and down their body, then they moved to their face.
Suddenly they finally caught sight of what everyone else saw. They saw their reflection in the glass of the observation area. Once again, another gasp escaped their lips! Their reflection wasn't their own! It was someone else entirely! Someone they didn't recognize, and yet they felt like they knew them.
"Jack… Miko… Raf!" they called.
The reflection spoke when they did! They moved to get a closer look, only for the reflection to move as well! That's when they came to a sudden, and somewhat horrific, realization. It was them! This being was them! They weren't just three beings anymore, somehow they managed to become one!
But before they could anything else on the matter, Silas walked closer to them. There was a proud glint in his eyes as he watched them. That was something they were not used to, and honestly the sight of it scared them a little.
"Glorious," he whispered.
Then a smug smirk spread across his face as he raised his hands in the air, gesturing to their new form.
"This is Project Chimera!"
Chimera.
That's who they were now. If it wasn't obvious enough, they were named after the very project that created them. Needless to say that many things changed that day. Suddenly, they found themselves training not only themselves, but Chimera as well. The form was very high maintenance, it required a lot of energy and focus in order for them to enter it. And it required the same amount of energy and focus for them to maintain it.
And now here they were, using it against an actual enemy. They had never done so before. This would be the ultimate test of their power and control. They couldn't allow themselves to disappoint Silas, severe punishment would ensue if they did. And so, they rushed to attack the Autobots!
The Autobots were too in awe over the sudden appearance of the Cybertronian, to prepare themselves for the attack. The giant robot went for the leader of the group, none other than Optimus Prime. He didn't have time to react as the being wasted no time in taking him down. It punched him with enough force to send him flying into a surrounding building! The other Autobots were more than shocked over the brute strength this Cybertronian. Optimus groaned as he struggled to pick himself off the wreckage he caused with his body. The giant robot looked ready for another attack.
That's when Bulkhead and Bumblebee readied their weapons and they charged at their enemy. The robot turned to them and wasted no time to taking them down as well. It grabbed onto Bulkhead without any struggle, and spun him around until it let go of him. The green Autobot let out a gasp as his body went through several buildings before finally skidding to a stop. Needless to say that Bulkhead let out several groans, he couldn't even pick himself off the ground.
"Bulkhead!" Bumblebee cried.
It was just the smallest Autobot now. The being managed to take down the wisest of their group, Optimus, and the strongest of their group, Bulkhead, without any problem. That's when the giant robot turned its attention to him. Bumblebee couldn't deny that he was afraid, this robot was something else. Whatever it was, it went beyond their power and strength. He had never felt this afraid before, not even when the Decepticon leader destroyed his voice all that time ago. This was a new kind of fear… a fear of the unknown. The giant robot turned to him, and Bumblebee couldn't help but gasp a little.
"You want some of this?" they asked.
They were about to charge at the young robot, but their efforts were interrupted once they felt a sharp pain in their back. They turned around to see none other than the Autobot leader himself. He had somehow managed to regain his strength and composure, and attack them! He shoved them out of the way, long enough for the younger Autobot to move to the other side. They landed on the ground, but they quickly got back up to face the two Autobots. The leader seemed to be protecting his young scout as he shielded him away from them. The action caused their spark to flutter a little.
Optimus didn't know how he managed to survive the strange Cybertronian's attack. When the being punched him, it felt as if something had stabbed him through his very spirit. The attack was that powerful and deep! The Autobot leader had never felt something like that before, not even during the Great Wars of their kind. The Cybertronian could put Megatron to shame!
He was about to pass out when he saw the giant being take out his largest comrade, then it turned its attention to his young scout. The look of fear in Bumblebee's optics was evident, and it made Optimus determined to get back up. He managed to do so, and he also managed to get the enemy away from his youngest comrade. Now he was staring into the enemy's optics as it stood back up, its height surpassing his own.
"Did you get up so I could knock you back down?" it asked.
Optimus made a mental note of the Cybertronian's voice. There was something off about it, it didn't sound like it belonged to one being. Rather it sounded like a combination of voices, and they were speaking all at once. Optimus couldn't understand what this being was, and that made him somewhat uncomfortable with the situation. But he remembered why they had come here in the first place. They had come to rescue their other comrade, Arcee. She was in MECH's clutches, and that made him all the more determined to defeat this enemy. However, he also remembered that his other comrade needed help as well. He turned to his scout.
"Bumblebee, attend to Bulkhead," Optimus ordered. "I'll handle the enemy."
"Are you sure sir?" Bumblebee asked. "This bot is tough."
"I'm sure Bumblebee," he replied. "Go to Bulkhead, and try to find a way to Arcee."
The young Autobot nodded and he transformed into his vehicle mode and drove to the area where Bulkhead landed. The giant robot saw this, but before it could make a move, Optimus grabbed onto its arms and held it back. There was a power struggle between the two Cybertronians.
"Back off!" it yelled. "You can't win against me!"
They managed to get ahold of the Autobot leader's hands and pushed him into a building, but he still didn't let go. Instead, he pushed back and struggled to keep their attention on him. This was a ruse, a distraction. They knew that much. And they couldn't allow this robot to go through with his plans, it would mean a serious punishment for them if he did. And so, they managed to pull an arm away from his grip, they then clutched their hand into a fist. The fist came clashing down on the Autobot's helm. He let out a grunt, but he still didn't let go. Instead, he released them entirely, only for him to tackle them to the ground. There was an even bigger power struggle than before, the debris and rubble around them proved it.
"Get off me!" they exclaimed.
The Autobot leader looked them straight in the optics as he wrestled them.
"Never!" Optimus stated.
Optimus struggled to keep this robot still. He had to keep the giant Cybertronian distracted long enough for his teammates to recover and find their other comrade. But this robot had very raw strength, very predator like. However, as he wrestled with the robot, he couldn't help but observe its body. Mainly the small details that could easily be missed. Along its body were many small markings, one could call them scars. He had seen plenty of them in his lifetime, especially during the times of war. His fellow Autobots and him bore many of them as well. While it shouldn't surprise him that a robot of this stature had so many of them, that's exactly what bothered him as well.
What had managed to leave so many marks on this Cybertronian?
And that's not all he noticed, the look in the robot's optics spoke to him. Despite maintaining a tough exterior, he saw what lied beneath it all. Inside this being was a fragile center, one that threatened to break at any second. He had seen such a front before. Where?
From him.
He couldn't recall the many times he tried to be optimistic and brave for his subordinates. But deep inside, he was just as afraid and worried as them. And now he saw the same turmoil in this Cybertronian. How was that possible? What could this giant being be so afraid of? And more importantly, who was this robot? Was it truly an enemy? Or did it have the potential to be an ally? Without even thinking, he tried to reach out to this being.
"I can help you."
In that very moment, the world seemed to stop for the both of them. Much to his surprise the robot actually ceased struggling. And Optimus watched as it seemed to be experiencing an internal conflict. Now it just stared at him with confused and shock optics. Its expression also matched the look.
They couldn't believe what they had just heard. Those simple words. They had never heard such a thing before. Never in their lives did anyone offer help, mostly because they had been taught not to ask. But also because they knew it was pointless. They had been raised and taught to be independent and to fight whatever obstacle came in their way. They learned the hard way that no matter how much they screamed and struggled, no one was coming to their aid. Those lessons had left their mark… literally and metaphorically.
And now, ironically, they were being asked this by someone outside their circle. An outsider, a stranger from another world and their enemy. Why was this robot asking to help them? Why did he feel the need to taunt them so?
No one was going to help them. No one.
They had been born inside a cage, and the person who held the keys to said cage had no intention of giving it to them. And so, they were forced to struggle and accept their imprisonment. It took a whole lot of strength and power not to cry, as they snapped back into reality. Instead, they grabbed onto the Autobot leader as they hoisted him up in the air. He grunted as he had been caught off guard by the sudden attack, and he struggled in their grip.
"You can't help me!" they argued. "You can't help us!"
They gasped a little at the slip, they had made an error.
And this didn't go unnoticed by the Autobot leader. It certainly caught his attention as he stopped struggling for a minute. Me? Us? Optimus found the mix in pronouns to be confusing, as well as baffling. Why had the Cybertronian refer to themselves in such a manner? Why did it seem to be so confuse over the matter? And why did it act like it did something wrong? But there was no time to dwell on the topic as the Cybertronian aimed a fist in his direction.
"Enough talk!" they exclaimed. "I'm going to end you!"
And so, they punched their enemy right in the face. The attack sent him flying across the field, and that's when they remembered the other two enemies. They quickly headed for the area where they were last seen. Much to their surprise, and relief, they were still there. The young Autobot was struggling to get the bigger one back on his feet. But he appeared to be conscious as he let out a groan. That's when they noticed them, their bodies stiffened at the sight of them. They couldn't help but smirk underneath their mask.
"Going somewhere Autobots?"
The green robot glared at them, before making his way toward them. He clutched his side as he did so, despite the obvious protests of his younger companion. They admired the persistence of the Autobot.
"You…" the bigger one sneered. "What have you done to Optimus?"
"I think you should be more worried about what I'm going to do to you," they answered.
That's when they moved their arms upward, and out sprang two blades. This was courtesy of Jack. One thing they had learned about Chimera was that it seemed to encompass their weapons and abilities. And sometimes it capitalized on them. For example, Jack's blade was multiplied into two. One for each arm.
"I can't wait to tear you Autobots apart!"
With that they charged toward them, the two Autobots readied their weapons as they did so. They wasted no time in blasting them, the attacks didn't even faze them. They were used to pain, and this form was less vulnerable than their robot modes. And so, their blades clashed with their blasters. They both let out grunts as the sharp blades pierced their armor. That's when they kicked the big one aside and punched the smaller one. They now stood over their fallen enemies, blades still out and ready to taste more of their victory. They were going to end this, and they were about to bring them down when a blast caught them from behind.
It was enough to knock them out of their stance, they let out a grunt as they turned to face their foe. Of course, it was the Autobot leader. They glared at him, before turning to face him. They were getting annoyed with this robot! He was like a bad itch that wouldn't go away!
"Don't forget about me!" Optimus exclaimed.
"How many times do I have to knock you down, before you stay down you annoying glitch!" they yelled.
But before any more moves could be made, they received a communication link from MECH's headquarters. It had to be Silas, who else would contact them in the middle of this? They wasted no time in answering the link.
"Chimera," Silas addressed.
They were correct. They were always correct.
"What is it commander?"
"Fall back! The cursed Autobot and spider bot managed to escape!"
They couldn't help but express their shock over the matter.
"What?" they asked. "How is that possible?"
"The piles of scrap played us that's how! The female Autobot was pretending to be unconscious, and caught the insect off guard. The two were fighting each other until the Autobot managed to get the upper hand, ended up cementing the blasted Decepticon before escaping!"
"Got to give these robots credit for originality," they commented.
"Whatever the case," Silas added. "The spider escaped too, but not before changing form right in front of us!"
"Changed forms?" they questioned.
"I'll explain later, but for now, head back to base. We'll meet you there. Is that clear?"
They stared at their enemies before finally responding.
"Yes sir."
With that the transmission ended, and it was time for them to go. They retracted their blades and continued to stare at their fallen foes. They had enough energy to keep going for a long time, but they couldn't argue with Silas's orders. And so, they prepared themselves for their getaway.
"As much as I would love to end this, I'm afraid I have business to attend to elsewhere."
That caught the Autobots attention, especially the leader's. Despite the sympathy he held for the giant robot, he couldn't allow for it to leave. It posed a risk to the world around them, especially the humans if it chose to enter their boundaries.
"You're not going anywhere," he stated.
The Cybertronian looked amused by his answer, and it let out a small chuckle.
"And how do you plan to stop me?" it asked. "The very notion of that is ridiculous."
"And why is that?" the green Autobot asked.
They looked at him, before turning back to face the leader. An amused look was on their face as they did so. These Autobots really didn't know anything, and that's what gave them an advantage. They readied their hidden weapon, courtesy of Raf. Their mind performed the correct calculations before finally coming to a conclusion. Everything was ready for their departure.
"Because I can do this."
With that, a chemical concoction was released from their circuits and it filled the atmosphere. A thick fog now covered them and incapacitated the Autobots, they started to cough and block their optics to the harmful cloud. They had calculated a formula that would be distracting to the robots, all the while their visor and face mask covered them. It was time for them to escape.
While the three Autobots were distracted by the fog, Chimera broke apart into its components. They went from one robotic being to three robotic being to three humans. The three humans managed to run through the cloud without being affected, and they entered the shadows before finally disappearing into the night. No one was none the wiser to their presence as they did so.
They left their enemies behind to deal with the mess. A mess that their combined form helped create.
"Changed forms," Jack stated. "You said that the spider bot changed forms? As in what we do?"
"Somewhat," Silas answered. "We've seen these beings take on two forms: one, their robot mode, and two, their vehicle mode. But we've never actually seen how they're able to do so. Plus, it's left us to wonder if they're limited to what vehicle mode they take on."
"And you figured it out?" Raf asked.
"More than that," Silas responded. "We've got it all on camera."
"Really?" Miko added.
With that, the soldiers pulled up the video feed on the screen. It was now on display for the three techno-organics to see. They watched as the spider bot and Autobot female duke it out before cement ended up being poured on the Decepticon. It managed to incapacity her, and free the Autobot, but not for long. The spider female broke through her prison before deciding to make an escape herself. They witnessed her scanning one of their helicopters using her optics. Once the scan was complete, she changed forms and flew away in it. Needless to say that they ere more than surprised with the act.
"So that's how it's done," Miko remarked.
"Genius," Raf commented.
"Indeed," Silas stated. "So now we're left to wonder… what can we do with this knowledge?"
That's when he turned to them, his eyes ran up and down their bodies. They couldn't help but feel a shiver run down their spines as he did so. Silas had given them such a look before, and it normally didn't mean anything good for them. The way he was looking at them, he didn't see the soldiers he crafted them to be. Rather, he saw them as the specimens they were born as. And it was then that they remembered all the others that came before them. How could they possibly forget about them, when Silas had done everything in his power to burn their images into their minds?
"You three will be undergoing a physical examination," he stated. "One that will determine if you all possess the component that allows for them to scan and transform."
They perked up at the command.
"What?" they asked in unison.
"That's right," he answered. "These beings were able to hide in plain sight because of this certain component. And while you all don't possess the ability to transform into vehicles, you do possess an alternate form. Meaning that there must be a similar component in your anatomy as well. One that we have overlooked or didn't pay any specific attention to."
The three techno-organics felt sweat trickle down their bodies as they felt their nerves getting the better of them. They had seen what Silas was capable of, he never hesitated to melt or cut things down when it was necessary. Whether it was human or machine, he would do it. And they were worried that they would be more names on his list. But Silas seemed to notice their nerves as he let out a dark chuckle. There were times where the man knew what they were thinking without them saying a word. That's how much control he had over their lives. It only reminded them of the cage they couldn't escape from.
"There's no need to worry soldiers," he remarked. "You three are far too valuable to cut down. That position will be saved for another… say an Autobot for example."
That both relieved and surprised them. They weren't about to say anything on the matter, but so far, MECH didn't seem to have any luck with keeping their prisoners imprisoned. Which was ironic because they considered themselves to be prisoners. Then again, maybe their existence was proof that MECH could hold onto prisoners. It was a strange paradox of sorts.
"We've learned many things about these Autobots during our encounters with them," Silas said. "One of those things is who the weak link is."
The weak link. Every group had one, and Raf knew that was the weak link in their group. It wasn't a positon he was proud of, but he knew it nonetheless. Not a day went by that Silas or someone didn't remind him of this fact. And it was then that he realized who the weak link was in the Autobot group. How could he not? He had literally compared himself to the robot the first time he met him.
"The young Autobot," he commented. "I think they called him Bumblebee. He's the weak link."
Silas gave Raf a small smirk before nodding his head. Perhaps the boy did have his uses after all, Silas was starting to think more of that lately. But still, he had a long way to go to match his predecessors.
"Very observant Rafael," Silas remarked. "And you're absolutely correct, this Bumblebee is the perfect target for such an operation."
Jack, Miko and Raf all gave each other concerned looks. It seems like they would have to encounter the Autobots once again, only this time MECH knew what they were looking for. They had a specific target, and a specific objective. This was going to be quite the mission for them. And quite the lesson as well.
"Once we have the actual component, we will start the physical examination on you three. One that doesn't involve any actual surgery. By doing so, we will learn more about your anatomy and abilities. And we will have a way to defeat our enemies. We will kill two birds with one stone."
They could hear Silas's tone. He wasn't kidding around, and that meant that there was no room for arguments. They had to agree, whether they liked it or not. And so, they saluted their leader.
"As you wish sir," they said in unison.
Silas nodded and turned his back to them.
"Excellent, you are dismiss until further notice," he stated. "I expect you to train while we get the operation ready. That includes training your Chimera form. We did a great job in conquering our enemies, but there is no form for error here at MECH. I expect nothing but perfection from you three."
"We understand sir," Jack said.
"Very good, you are dismissed."
And with that, the three techno-organics made their way to the training room of MECH's headquarters. As they did so, Jack's thoughts wandered to the Autobot leader, specifically his words.
"I can help you."
His tone was genuine, and there was no hesitation to be found in it. He meant those words, and he was giving them to his enemy? The Autobot leader was a strange individual.
"I wonder how he could've done that," Jack whispered.
But despite wondering, he knew that it wouldn't happen. He had experienced too many disappointments in his life to know that. It was a lesson that would sometimes be burned into his very flesh, leaving scars behind so that he wouldn't forget. There was no hope here, mostly because it wasn't allowed. The only solstice he had was that he wasn't alone in this cage.
He had Miko and Raf, and for that he was grateful. He had his comrades, his friends… and despite Silas's arguments, his family. They were a small family of three.
And they refused for Silas or MECH or Autobot or Decepticon to take that away from them.
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