-08-

War and peace

Jack sighed as the he got out of class. He rubbed his face and walked down to the sidewalk, where Arcee was already waiting for him. Boy he couldn't get used to what he saw since morning. For some strange reason, the femme changed her paintjob, and now was mostly white with blue stripes running along and red/pink graphics. She explained the change due to Ironhide reliving some painful memories that were common with Arcee's. But she refused to talk about it. So, he decided to drop the topic. Still, it was strange.

Anyway, he made his way towards her, ready to take the ride, when he felt a tight grip on his shoulder. Jack was about to let his irritation be known, when he was forced to turn around and face Vince- the red haired bully. Man, how Jack hated being anywhere near him. The guy, for no reason, was assaulting him. Every day, day in, day out, the raven haired teen had to deal with him. What was it that Jack had done to the guy who was clearly ripped?

"Yo, Darby. Leaving already?" Vince asked, while holding Jack by the collar. Jack winced a little from pain. Also, he could feel his anger growing. How he wanted to hit that jerk now. He could feel his insides burning with anger… but he refused to strike back.

"Actually, Vince, I was." He said as calmly as possible. "Mind letting me go already?"

Vince just pressed him against the wall. "You're not going anywhere, Dumby." The red head growled and threw the raven haired boy to the ground. Seeing this, Arcee was about to intervene. No way would she allow someone to push the kid around. She managed to capture Jack looking at her and letting her know not to break Optimus' orders. "Get up, Darby. We got something to discuss." Vince caught him by the shirt, lifted him and pressed against the wall again.

"Hey, bully! Leave him alone!" Miko yelled, as she exited the building, followed by Raf. Vince only took a glance at the two.

"Or what?" he asked mockingly, "You, his girlfriend, are gonna hit me?"

"First off: I'm not his girlfriend. Second- what's the matter? Afraid of losing to a girl?" the exchange student from Japan questioned cockily. She didn't show fear of that guy. Actually, Miko let everyone in school know she thought of Vince to be a coward, bullying others just because he felt insecure.

The bully glared at Miko, causing her to slightly stiffen. "Get in line, puny." I'll deal with you after I'm done with Dork-by." He announced, lifting his fist up high. The 'Bots, Miko and Raf were ready to jump in- especially the 'Bots. Forget the rules. Jack was in danger now.

But it was Vince who got hit. Or rather kicked. Jack turned around to find his savior. A tall, rather bulky for his age, 17-year-old African American boy with dreads. Jack actually smiled at the sight of the young adult.

"Terry?" Jack asked in disbelieve. "That you?" he asked, getting up on his feet. He was about to say something more, but was interrupted by the teen now known as Terry.

"Be with you in a minute, Jacky." He said, not taking his eyes off the red head.

"Who are you, creep?" Vince asked, ready to deliver a punch.

"Terrence." He answered, folding his well build arms. "Terry for friends… which you clearly are not, Apeface."

Vince growled. He was turning all red in anger and was about to charge. He took a few deep breaths and calmed down. Then he turned around and started walking away, as if nothing happened.

Or so it seemed that way. "This isn't over, Darby." The red head pointed at Jack before finally leaving. As he drove off in his customized muscle car, Jack and the older teen gave each other a high five.

"Terry, my man. Haven't seen you in days. Where were you all these years?" Jack asked.

"You mean all these three boring years?" the muscular teen asked. "Vegas, bro. and who are your new friends?" he asked pointing at Miko and Raf.

"Right. These are Miko and Raf." He introduced the two. Then turned to the duo. "Guys. Meet Terry. My best friend since grade school." He patted the taller teen.

"Jacky. You're embarrassing me." He replied with a fake blush. But then his phone rang. As he checked it, he raised his hand. "Sorry, Jacky. Gotta run. We'll catch up some other time. See ya." He ran off.

Jack raised his hand. "Smell ya later, Terry." Finally he turned towards Arcee and, just arriving, Bulkhead and Bumblebee. "Sorry to keep you guys waiting."

"Be thankful that guy came to your rescue when he did." Miko commented.

"Speaking of which, why didn't you fight back, kid?" Arcee asked. "Your father was a soldier, right? Didn't he teach you some self-defense technics?"

"I'd rather not. I don't want any fights." He answered in a bored manner.

"'Don't want any fights'?" Miko asked in disbelieve. "Dude, you kidding me? You should've hit him back."

"I agree with Miko on this one, Jack." Bulkhead said. "Believe me. We know from experience that when you're being attacked, you have to fight back."

Jack hopped on Arcee and sighed heavily. "That guy wouldn't cause me any harm aside for bruises. Besides, violence doesn't solve problems. It just makes them bigger."

"You surprise me, kid." The female Autobot commented. By now, Jack had grown accustomed to her referring to him by his name when actually concerned for his health, but being called kid all the time was still annoying him greatly. "I don't know whether to praise you or pity you. You just sound naïve."

"Maybe Optimus can talk some sense into him?" Bulkhead suggested. And Jack remembered something.

"Speaking of which, Arcee. Mind dropping me home? Also, I won't be present for the next two days." He informed his guardian. If the femme was to be in her robot form, she would have an incredibly confused look.

"W-why, kid? You decided to quit the team again?" she asked nervously.

"I'll… just be gone for a few days out of town with Kelly. So would you mind not following us?"

"Absolutely not, kid." She said, as if letting the human know there is no place for discussion. "As your guardian, I am to keep an eye on you."

"It's private, Arcee." Jack said a bit harshly, "But if you really want to know, I'm just going to have some check-up done."

"Check-up? Are you sick?"

"Sorry, Arcee. But I really don't like talking about it. It's just… a touchy subject." Catching Jack's solemn tone, Arcee figured it must've been something real big and painful. While it caught her curiosity, she decided not to bother. After all, why should she?


Autobot base

Jazz and Ironhide were sparring in the middle of the command room. Their moves were incredibly fast despite their built and size. Their servo, whenever delivering a blow, turned into a blur. Sparks began flying every here and there, mixed with the lights. While the two were sparring, the cyber-ninja clearly was taking it much more lightly than his bigger friend, who seemed to be pushing himself a bit more.

Ratchet was working on some kind of scanner, taking a glance every few minutes at the two in case they went too far. Though he didn't need to worry too much. If it was these two, or at the very least Jazz, things were rather under control. The medic admitted a long time ago that, despite being so carefree, Jazz was incredibly reliable.

Though he was feeling a bit uncomfortable about Ironhide. After all, the sergeant was an ex-Decepticon. So aggression was his nature. Ratchet was always careful whenever around him, fearing the red-and-grey hulk would tear him someday for one reason or another. Even after Optimus Prime came to trust him, the medic was still cautious around him simply due to his more violent nature.

The three seized their activities when the human guardians arrived, just as Optimus entered the room. Jazz would once joke that Optimus seemed to appear only when the kids were around. However, when the Autobot leader saw only two, not three children, he appeared confused. "Where is Jackson?" he asked, looking at Arcee.

"Kid decided not to show up today." She answered. "Said he'll be too busy for a while to drop by." She explained in an uncaring tone.

"I say that's for the better." Bulkhead commented. "I hope he'll toughen up when he returns."

The green cybertronian's words were not ignored by Optimus. "Bulkhead? Did Jackson do something to upset you?"

"Well, turns out the kid's a big softie." He answered.

"Softie?" Prime asked a little confused with the term.

"A pushover. A coward. The guy who won't stand up for himself." Miko ran through whatever name she could think of.

"The kid got assaulted by some kid with anger issues." Arcee begun to explain. She explained the full story, since she was there from the start. After she finished, Optimus seemed to be in deep thought.

"Given that Jack's father was a soldier Jack should be familiar with some defense technics." Optimus commented. "However I cannot help but admire his stand to the principle."

"Are you kidding, Optimus?" Bulkhead nearly shouted in disbelief. "Considering we're at war for millennias, you actually approve this junk?"

"While we are in war, which leaves us with little choice, I fear we may be losing ourselves to the conflict. Not realizing we are becoming just like the Decepticons." the red titan spoke.

"You gotta be kiddin' me!" Bulk was dumbfounded. He turned towards Ironhide. "C'mon, sergeant. Back me up here." He begged.

The scarred Autobot just shrugged. "Sounds deep. The boy's father sound like a great warrior." was all he said.

Bulkhead waved his servos in defeat. This was a lost cause.

Before he could make a comment, Ratchet spoke. "Optimus! Sensors have picked up some strange energy readings. It's not energon but…"

"I'll go scout it." Bulkhead volunteered. "I need to get out of this crazy house." He growled.

"Cool. Can I tag along?" Miko asked with enthusiasm. The green giant looked at her, then went into deep thought and looked back at her.

"Why not? It's just a reckon mission after all." He stated. Optimus was a bit hesitant. But after some thinking he nodded in approval.


Decepticon Island

"Lord Megatron. I wish to report that Soundwave has located a strong energy spike somewhere north in 'Canada'." Knockout spoke as he entered a dark room. The red lights hardly illuminated the room, only showing a large silhouette form of Megatron Absolute sitting in his throne. his head lifted as his optics shined onto the medic. The red Decepticon shivered, believing his lord would attack him for one reason or another. His fears grew more when the warlord got up and walked over to him. Knockout decided to mention one last thing before the inevitable strike. "T-the scout party… is ready… a-a-and awaiting y-your approval." He shut his optics when the giant got close enough.

Surprisingly there was no punch. Nor kick, slap or blast. There wasn't even any shouting. Knockout looked with one optic on his lord, who seemed to be waiting for something. So the 'Con medic decided to finish his report. "T-that would be all, my liege." He finished nervously.

"Send Thundercracker, Skywarp and our special case for this one." Megatron said calmly. Knockout just seemed to have a confused look.

"If I may ask, my Lord. Why only those three? And especially HIM?"

"I'd rather avoid heavy loses for simple scouting missions, considering the Autobots are likely to investigate the sighting as well. Besides, he is more than suitable to occupy the Autobots while the Seekers investigate." He explained, sitting back on his throne.

As you command, Master." Knockout bowed, turned around and left, never seeing a strange smile on Megatron's face.


Northern Alberta

A green Autobot walked slowly and carefully through the woods. He tried to be quiet, really. However, it was hard considering his massive size. He looked at the scanner to confirm he was going the right direction. Also, he kept looking down at his charge, Miko, who went with him.

Bulkhead was not trying to hide his grimace. He was annoyed how Optimus easily agreed with Jack's statement. And it was stupid in his opinion. If the boy was attacked, he should've fought back. So why hold back? Just one punch and the guy knows not to mess with him. That's how he dealt with things. Sure, he wasn't someone who enjoyed violence, but he considered that a necessity. And he would beat up anyone threatening his friends.

Just now the scanner started beeping louder than a minute ago. He looked around to find nothing. Was the scanner broken? His train of thoughts seized when he heard a loud, thunderous sound. He barely dodged a thunderbolt which broke a massive boulder into pieces. The green giant looked at the ruble and then towards where the destructive force came from. And there he noticed Thundercracker and Skywarp, standing on the cliff. Smirking.

"Guid reflexes, auldjin. Ye managed tae dodge it (Good reflexes, old man. You managed to dodge it.)" the blue Seeker commented.

"Indeed. It is a quite remarkable feed for one as big as you to be able and perform something like this." Skywarp said. "However, that is hardly anything that is a threat to our objective."

"Why you intellectual-wanna-be… You think you can just strike me and get away with it?" Bulkhead growled as he stood up. He quickly glanced at the human girl. "Take cover, Miko. This is gonna get ugly…" he was interrupted by the sudden pain through his shoulder joint, as he fell again. He looked up to find a red Grumman F-14 Tomcat with black and gold elements fly over him. The jet transformed into the cybertronian with a very specific built, land beneath the Seekers and pulling out what looked like a rifle.

"Bulkhead, buddy!" The Decepticon called cheerfully, waving his servo. "It's me, Deadscore! I shot you! And yes, readers! I'm basically Deadpool. But in a Transformer incarnation! HOW COOL IS THAT…?"

He got shot by Bulkhead, who was lifting himself. Miko looked at her friend with concern, while the Seekers approached their 'comrade'.

"Deadscore. Remember to keep them busy. We will scout the source of the energy spike." Skywarp ordered.

"You got it, Flyboy. I'm gonna keep him as busy as I am cool. Ha ha." The red Decepticon with black rings around his optics answered, lifting himself. He reached for his chest, pulling out a pair of pistols and charged at the Autobot who was now ready for a fight. As the two Seekers left for their mission, Miko hid behind a huge tree and watched her guardian dodging the shots from his foe. Deadscore kept yelling 'bang' with each shot he gave, running forwards. As he approached Bulk's hiding spot, to deliver a devastating barrage, his face was met with a massive mace. The Decepticon backed in pain, as the Autobot delivered another whack. And another. Finally, Bulkhead's mace transformed into a cannon and the green 'Bot shot Deadscore in the face, blowing half of it off. Miko was at awe seeing this, taking some photos.

Bulkhead huffed triumphantly as he kicked the Decepticon's body and approached Miko to pick her up. "C'mon, Miko. We need to get those to." he instructed her.

"So, who was that guy, anyway?" the girl asked curiously, watching as Bulkhead grimaced.

"Deadscore and I go way back. That guy killed my friends in the early days of the Great War. I used to be a laborer. Me and my friend were doing some conservation work at the Temple of Vector Prime when he came in and killed all of them just for fun." Bulkhead explained.

"And it was so much fun!" a voice got his attention. In confusion, Bulkhead turned around to find Deadscore pointing his one pistol at him. Before Bulkhead's processor could process what's happening, he got shot in the leg.


Elsewhere

"Ye think he kin deal wi' him? (You think he can deal with him?)" Thundercracker asked his partner. The two have been searching in silence for so long it finally bored the blue Decepticon. Of all the things, he would rather be the one to stay behind to fight. However, Megatron made it clear WHY he send Deadscore with them.

Skywarp sighed heavily. "Honestly, Thundercracker? I hope he gets terminated. That guy is just annoying."

"Whit did ye expect fae th' Killer-Wi'-th'-mooth? (What did you expect from the killer-with-the-Mouth?)" Thundercracker asked, before his scanner went mad. "Fun something! (Found something!)"


Elsewhere

"BULKHEAD!" Miko cried in horror, as her guardian dropped, supporting his weight with his free servo. Miko was glared at the Decepticon in from of them, who leaped into the air, as his wings transformed into two katana-like swords. "BANZAI!" he yelled, aiming his blades at the Autobot. Luckily, Bulkhead rolled over, making the blades miss. As Deadscore was about to strike again, he got shot in the face, again. He did not lose as much of his face as before, but still a part of it.

Miko did not turn away from the Decepticon, while Bulkhead tried to get up. And what she saw horrified her. There were electrical charged and a reddish mist around the parts blown off the 'Con's head. Slowly, everything was setting back in place, as if time itself was going backwards. So that's how was still up and running. That guy had some kind of healing factor…

"Hey, author! You know what I got! You made me after all. And I'm Deadpool, basically."

Dude. Shut up. Don't interact with me.

"Oh, c'mon. It's not like the readers actually care what's gonna happen ne…"

Deadscore got hit with a mace to his midsection. He rubbed his 'stomach' as Bulkhead hit him in the head, sending him to the ground face down. The Autobot was about to strike him again, to finish this, when Deadscore rolled out of the way. But Bulkhead managed to grab him and threw him away. The Decepticon hit the tree with enough force to knock it down. But to Bulkhead's horror, it was falling straight on Miko. The girl noticed this and tried to run. But for a completely not understandable reason, she was running in the tree's shadow. As the tree was about to crush her, the girl shut her eyes, expecting great pain. But it never came. When she opened her eyes, she saw Bulkhead holding the tree. The giant did his best to push the tree aside, but that left him vulnerable. Deadscore charged at him and stabbed him in the side. The pain was so great that the Autobot let go of the tree.

"MIKO!" Bulk shouted in pure horror. And it also got him so mad he smashed Deadscore's head with both his maces. As the 'Con lied on the ground, taking time to regenerate, Bulk crawled towards the tree that fell on Miko. He tried to push the tree, but was too weak. "Miko! No, no, no… NO!" he cried.

"Bummer, ain't it, Bulky?" Deadscore's voice got his attention. The Autobot turned around to find his nemesis transform and take off into the sky. Bulkhead was furious. He lost all of his friends to this guy. Including Miko.

No, he didn't lose the human girl to him. He lost her to himself. He allowed himself to give into violence so much he endangered his friend. 'Violence doesn't solve problems. It just makes them bigger.' These words suddenly echoed through the green giant's head. And rust him, Jack was right. He just lied there for a while, sulking over Miko's apparent death. He was unsure of what to do.

"Are you okay, Bulk?" a voice asked him.

"Yeah. I'm just sulking because you got crushed, Miko." He answered. Then it hit him like Megatron's fusion cannon's blast. "MIKO!" he cheered, picking the girl up. She was covered in dirt, but otherwise unharmed. "I'm sorry Miko. I thought you were…"

"Nah, I managed to give it a slip." She explained casually. "Now, let's go kick the 'Cons' tailpipes."

"Oh no, Miko. We're sending you back to base first." The green giant said.

Miko did not hide her disappointment. "Aw, I want to see you in action." She whined.

"No, Miko! You almost got hurt. I am not taking any chances." He said with a strong voice. Then he reached to his 'ear' which also acts as a comm-link. "Bulkhead to base."


Elsewhere

The Seekers stood over a hole they dug. And from there they took out a crystal. Thundercracker was pacing back and forth as Skywarp was making an analysis. And it was annoying. It was just taking so long. And soon things got worse.

A familiar aircraft came into view, making the two whine in disappointment. Deadscore landed between the two with a loud thud, stood up and dusted himself.

"So, Seekers, found anything that isn't scrap?" he asked.

"Indeed." Skywarp said, as the scanner finished analyzing. "We found some good quality energon. However, the crystals are so small that despite being present in a wide area,, mining it won't even make up for the energon we'd spent."

"So, can I blow it all sky high? Oh please! Say yes." Deadscore begged, clapping his hands.

"Urgh… Braw. Juist mak' it quick... 'n' safe, ye eejit. (Fine. Just make it quick… and safe, you idiot.)" Thundercracker said, as he and Skywarp transformed and took off.

Deadscore rubbed his servos together, giggling like mad, as he pulled out a few explosives. He was so going to enjoy this. But before he could set the charges, he heard a horn. He turned around to find a green SUV charging at him. The insane…

"Who are you calling insane, writer?"

Oh shut up. Ehem… The Insane Decepticon managed to jump over the vehicle in the nick of time, rolling and pulling out his guns. Bulkhead transformed into his robot form and shot at his foe. Deadscore lost one of his pistols, as time seemed to go in slow motion.

"Nnnnooooo! Ttthhhaaattt wwwaaasss mmmyyy fffaaavvvooouuurrriiittteee ggguuunnn!" he said in that slow-motion-moment, as Bulkhead managed to deliver a devastating barrage of blasts. Deadscore unsheathed his blades and leaped towards the green Autobot, who just rolled aside. Bulkhead was doing fine, but with his leg injured like that, not to mention the stab wound to his side, he wouldn't win. Unless… He looked around to find one of the charges Deadscore dropped. He smirked.

"Hey, Deadscore." He called. "How's it like to keep rebuilding your ugly face to an even uglier one?" he mocked him.

"Who are you calling ugly, Bulky?" Deadscore took the bait. And dashed at the Autobot, transforming. Bulk tried to run away, but fell over when Deadscore flew above him. The 'Con was about to turn around, to deliver the final blow, when something got his attention. To his surprise, one of his explosives was attached to his underside. What's worse it was about to explo…

"Wait a minute! When did he even managed to reach it? C'mon, this is bul…!" he was interrupted by a powerful explosion. Bulkhead watched as a huge fireball was falling towards the mountain side.

"Goodbye and good riddance, Deadscore." He said with a hint of sorrow in his voice. "You're finally free, brother." He lowered his head.


Autobot base

Ratchet was overseeing Bulkhead's recovery in the CR chamber, as the others were carrying in the energon. According to their calculations, mining the whole energon from there would take at least two months. Luckily, the government agreed to provide them the tools necessary, so they wouldn't waste their resources.

Optimus approached the CR chamber, wishing to talk to the green giant. "How are you feeling, Bulkhead?"

"A bit better. How's Miko?"

"She is unharmed. And is worried about you."

"Tell her I'll be dune bashing with her anytime now. I gotta say it though, Jack was somewhat right. Violence is a bad thing, no matter whether for good or bad."

"I am pleased to hear you say that, Bulkhead." Optimus smiled. It would appear Bulkhead learned something.


Decepticon Island

"And that concludes our report, Lord Megatron." Skywarp finished his report. The Decepticon warlord was just looking at the two Seekers uninterested.

"I see." He said. Then continued. "And what of Deadscore? What of his fate?"

"It wid appear whit th' magnetic-regeneration-module didnae hulp him this time aroond. (It would appear the magnetic-regeneration-module did not help him this time around.)" Thundercracker spoke.

"Is that so?" he asked suspiciously, eyeing the Seekers. After a long moment of silence, Megatron Absolute waved his servo. "You may leave."

The Seekers bowed and made their exit. On their way, Skywarp smiled. "I am most happy about Deadscore's demise. Now it'll be more like the good old days."

"Ye mean lik' back whin th' color scheme wis th' ainlie wey tae tell us seekers apairt? (You mean like back when the color scheme was the only way to tell us Seekers apart?)" Thundercracker asked obliviously, earning a funny look from his comrade.

"That too." He answered, as the door shut behind them.

Megatron's face hardened. He tapped onto the miniature console on his throne and a holographic screen projected before him. "This is Megatron. I just got some new information regarding Project Kremzeek. Deadscore has been terminated. The regenerative abilities granted through the module have been pushed to the limits. Save the data however. It may proof useful in the future. Now proceed with the electrum." He paused for a second. Also, make sure the Iacon is cut out for evacuation or reinforcements. I am counting on you, Shockwave." He deactivated the screen and went into stasis, wondering.

End


A.N.: Hope you like it. A little spoiler, next chapter will focus on Arcee and Jack. And remember to review, give some suggestions, who you'd like to see and so on. See ya next time.

Deadscore: Shh, and support my return.

Me: Shut up, Deadpool-wanna-be. You were a one shot character. Rust in pit.

Cast:

Deadscore- Nolan North