Two updates in one month? I must be nuts.
Transformers Prime: 100 Written Prompts Challenge
From war to peace, and everything in-between.
Prompts 41-45:
STORM
The small makeshift laboratory he'd set up for himself, hidden far from prying optics amongst Cybertron's wreckage, shook and shuddered from the force of the gale that swept by overhead. Every howl of the wind sent the lights flickering almost to a standstill, and Shockwave was finding it difficult to concentrate. He'd found himself working on the formula for the proper CNA strand for what seemed to be eons now, and if the lights held for just long enough he could finish it before the day was done.
Logically of course, he would have no such luck, as the lights above him died and the glow of the generator kicked in. Its red glow flickered through the underground shack he and the Seeker now called home, casting harsh shadows on the walls around them. He doubted Starscream had noticed a thing either – curled up on the floor, his back towards him, deep in recharge. At least one of them was getting some rest through the seething storm, and Shockwave silently cursed its timing: he found he could no longer see his sample.
They`d been hopping from hideout to hideout, taking shelter from the Autobots where they could, all while they combed through his long maze of hidden laboratories. This one was unsuitable, no longer functional due to its proximity to the surface`s unstable conditions.
He looked back to the slumbering Seeker, watching as Starscream's wings twitched in their uncomfortable position. Recharge seemed to be the only option either of them had at this point, and Shockwave concluded they would move on once the storm had passed.
VACANT
The vacant expression in Optimus' optics struck Ratchet down to the core. It genuinely terrified him. No response or expression, just the glow of the Star Saber in his optics. It worried him.
They'd only gotten Optimus back from Megatron's clutches a short time ago, and they were still trying to repair the damage that event had caused. Emotionally and psychologically wise – for Ratchet at least. They didn't need this. Not now. Not when things were this close to being over.
"Optimus, Optimus speak to me."
He'd lost Optimus once to Megatron, and it had been their darkest hour. He was not about to lose Optimus again – especially not to a stupid, glowing sword.
MISERABLE
Smokescreen learned quickly that there were only so many things to do while at the base. Fighting Decepticons was nothing like he thought it would be. Sometimes they'd pick up a vague signal, investigate, and find nothing. Sometimes they'd go for weeks without picking up any 'Con activity at all. Primus, was it boring! He'd been expecting excitement, a constant stream of battle where he could improve his skills. Instead he was sitting around and staring at an uneven ceiling, waiting for someone else to get back from patrol.
And it wasn't like there was anything he could do either. There were only so many times one could go for a drive until they'd reached the boundaries set in place. Transforming outside the base was usually a definite no, and the base itself only had a limited amount of space when everyone was cooped up inside (especially with an angry Ratchet). The kids were great to hang out with when they were around, but that all depended on school (and from what he'd heard, it was more of a torture house than an academy of learning) and whether or not they were spending time with their respective guardians.
But Smokescreen found himself to be even more miserable than usual, and he blamed it on the fact he was bored out of his processor. He let out a long, suffering groan, earning a look from their Medic.
"You could always help me clean up around here if you have nothing better to do."
Smokescreen only groaned again.
CURIOUS
"Breakdown, what are you doing?"
His partner turned to him, a stupid grin plastered on his faceplates, golden optics alight with sparkling-like excitement. He motioned for him to advance. "Come on, look!"
Skeptically, he did so, peering over the ledge and down onto the mass below. Humans, gathered in their vehicles, all aligned in front of a large blank viewing screen. A stand was set up a little ways away, glowing with changing neon bright colours in the darkness. What were they doing? Was it some sort of strange ritual?
"Just wait and watch." Breakdown flipped into his vehicle mode, coaxing the medic to do the same.
"Breakdown, what's going on?"
"Listen."
Curious, he finally did, hearing the faint sounds of engines winding down, the headlights from the vehicles below dying. The yellow stand in the distance darkened its neon sign and he watched as the blank screen suddenly lit-up, a reel of moving images beginning to play. Knock Out was still confused, as images gave the appearance to jump off the screen and attack the audience. A human horror film? Really?
"Breakdown…"
"Quiet – it's started. Just sit back and enjoy."
With a huff of compliance he faced the screen, watching as a human fleshling erupted into screams, mowed down by an obviously false creature. As long as one of them was happy – and who knew, perhaps it would be interesting after all.
PROTECT
He had failed. He cradled the child as gently as he could in the palms of his servos, the young boy no longer conscious. A low whimper escaped his vocalizer before he could stop it, and Bumblebee found himself shaking. Raf was pale, his skin clammy and grey. He had failed. He was the boy's guardian. He had sworn to protect and keep Rafael safe, and he had failed.
The shot of dark energon had only stunned his systems, temporarily sending him into a forced stasis for a matter of kliks. Bumblebee hadn't thought of the consequences of having Raf with him at the time. The dark substance had poisoned his friend, sending the boy's small body into obvious distress. By the time Bumblebee had onlined again, the boy was already out cold and getting worse by the minute.
He had failed in his duties, his sworn oath of protection, and now had no idea what to do. Gingerly, he brought the boy closer to his chassis, and quickly moved to find Optimus.
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