Illusions of Love
by Zaru
Summary: Post Movieverse. After the events of Mission City, new Autobots arrive. Among them is Mirage who, as soon as he arrives, notices a young woman running for her life. Now, being a new human ally, she is torn between giving her heart to Mirage and Barricade, who has made his way into Autobot ranks. Who will win her over?
Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers. It belongs to Hasbro. I do own Zaru Kiys. I do not own Jade Rivers. She belongs to my friend (who has given me full permission to use her) Icarian Angel Wings. I do not own Leiana Lopez either. She belongs to my friend (with full permission of usage) to Ninjalala. I do not own Rose Connelly. She belongs to my friend (with full permission of usage) to Blackwing Rose. Also, songs mentioned in any chapter does not belong to me either. They belong to their writers/creators/singers. Nor do I profit on this fanfic in any way, shape or form. Thank you.
Author's Note: Small parts of the battle scenes were helped by Mrs. Optimus Prime who gladly helped me out since I don't know how to do battle scenes really. But I hope you enjoy this chapter 9. Also, before I forget, this story goes across many different universes of the Tfs!
Read, review and...Enjoy XD
Chapter 9
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Starscream.
Why did it have to be him? And at the most inconvenient time!
The explosions continued, smoke billowing in the air as the beach goers ran away in utter fear. The concession stands along the beach were scorched to the ground with fires remaining.
Several sets of steel blue eyes narrowed at the sight of the Decepticon. Their enemy always had to attack when they least expected it. But what did the Autobots think? That the Decepticons had their own schedule of when and where to attack? No. It was pure randomness. Otherwise Starscream knew they would be there.
Barricade! Was the first thought that came to Mirage's mind. But there was no way it could have been him. The black and white police mech had already been accepted into the base, being frequently watched and listened to by the Autobots. There absolutely was no way. If it wasn't him, then he's just doing this because of the people here! To get our attention! Well, he got it!
The holoforms pushed their charges and friends behind them, guarding.
"Listen, girls, you need to run! Get out of here!" Ratchet shouted while staring up at the copper-colored Decepticon continuing his fire.
Rose shook her head profusely and latched herself onto Ratchet's arm. "We're not leaving you here alone to fight!"
His rugged face snapped toward hers and looked down at her concerned features. "Rose, you are not like us. You cannot help us to defeat the Decepticons! Now, please? Run to safety with the others!" He took one last glance as she nodded and ran in the opposite direction dragging Jade and Zaru by their wrists. The two women called out frantically for their guardians to be safe.
Sunstreaker tried shaking off Leiana as she clutched onto him for dear life.
"Let go of me!" He yelled. "Run to safety now!"
She shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. "No. I can't leave you here! I won't!" The dark-skinned femme stood her ground as she glared at him with stone-cold eyes.
His Autobot eyes placed themselves back onto Starscream and noticed that some more of the Decepticons were arriving.
"If you don't go, we're done!"
"What?" She couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"If you stay here, you'll die because you were being stupid not listening to me!" He ground out.
Water filled her eyes. "You better make it, Sunstreaker, or so help me I'll kick your ass!"
A grin crossed his face. "That's my girl." He caressed her check one more time before she ran off and he fizzled out as his fellow mechs were doing.
Mechanical whirs and hisses drowned out the screaming of humans as the land Autobots all transformed, ready for battle.
The sound of large ocean waves crashing against the shore revealed Skyfire in his bipedal glory, large arms folded across his massive chest.
"Skyfire!" Starscream sneered, flexing his claws. "We meet again."
"Why don't you get your team out of here, Starscream, while you still can. This battles doesn't have to happen." He would do whatever it took to keep their human comrades safe. Especially Jade. She was a true gem in his optics and made him smile. A jewel. To keep her safe would be one of his greatest moments.
"You forget who you try to command, Skyfire! I am Starscream, Leader of the Decepticons!" His voice dripped with venom.
"Pfft! Like you have to remind us every time we fight, Starshriek." Sunstreaker, as usual, was posing comfortably with arms crossed and a smirk on his face.
Dust flew from Starscream's vents as he hissed. "You'll pay for that, you insolent whelp!" He aimed his arm laser at the self-absorbed mech and smirked. "You'll pay indeed." And he fired.
Mirage, Ratchet, Hound, Bumblebee, Sideswipe and Sunstreaker dove for cover as the laser fired and caused an explosion of several cars still parked in the beach parking area.
Bumblebee covered up along with Sunstreaker. Making sure the blast was gone, both yellow mechs stood and growled.
"What are you trying to do? Ruin my paint job, Shrieky?" Sunstreaker pointed at him. "You better watch yourself!"
Red optics narrowed as he aimed once more. Suddenly, without realizing, Skyfire sneaked up on him, grabbing him around the waist and flipping over until they rolled into the ocean.
"Skyfire! You deal with Starscream! We'll deal with these Decepti-punks!" Bumblebee cracked his hands. "Let's get ready to RUUMMMMMMMMBBBBBLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEEEEE!" The
Camarro played from his radio.
Hound snickered from his place beside Ratchet. "Kid still loves playing with the radio."
The medic sighed. "Let's just get this over with."
The green mech cracked his knuckles. "Yeah. And call for backup while you're at it."
Starscream grabbed a hold of Skyfire and threw him to the ground.
"What happened to not wanting to fight?" Starscream sneered and pulled out his gun to fire at the Autobot.
Skyfire quickly rolled out of the way and jumped off the ground, knocking Starscream off balance. He then came back and picked Starscream over his head saying, "You started it and I'm not going to let you walk away easy. You have released the monster within!"
Starscream was thrown into the air this time, but he transformed and went into a nose dive straight at Skyfire. "Die Autobot! I'll use your spare parts to make more Decepticons!"
"Like pit you will." Skyfire growled and took aim and shot Starscream's wing off.
"My wing!" He cried out and transformed. He tried pulling up, but it was already too late. He crashed into the ground
The twins had their guns out firing at the Decepticons and zig zagging fast so that it would be hard to shoot them. As they got closer the two jumped in the air and gave each other a high five and continued firing at the Decepticons.
The Decepticons tried firing at the twins, but missed every time until one finally shot Sideswipe. "HEY! WATCH IT!" Sunny looked at his twin and saw a hole in his armor, but most importantly saw his paint job was ruined. "YOU RUINED MY PAINT JOB! NO ONE RUINS MY PAINT JOB! YOU'RE GOING DOWN DECEPTIBUTTS!"
Sunny did a back flip flying over the Decepticons and fired at the Decepticons. "Where did you learn that?"
"Optimus showed me back on Cybertron." Sunny replied to Sides as they stood back to back.
Mirage sat one knee before leaping into the air, landing in front of a Decepticon disguised as a Formula-1 racing car. His optics squinted, not recognizing this Decepticon at all. From what he could tell, this one was fast as the racer descended upon him at top speed, ready to slam into him. He jumped out of the way as quickly as he could, landing on both legs and aiming his gun at the enemy. He fired continuously, the Decepticon swerving in and out to avoid contact.
The Decepticon did a donut and revved its engine, ready to continue their attack. When Mirage realized that he was getting nowhere with shooting, he put the gun away and used the next best thing. Himself.
As the car neared, he jumped on top of it, pounding on the hood while the red, white and black Decepticon drove away.
What Decepticon is this? He grunted, pulling back his fist and slamming it onto the glass shield. Finally, he felt the race car slow down, but brakes slammed and he flew to the ground in front of him, sand flying everywhere.
"Who the slag are you?" He growled, aiming his gun once again to the mysterious car.
She transformed from her alt mode, gaining a fighting stance while smirking.
"The name's Fracture, Autobot. Remember it because it will be your last memory!"
Her metal hand fisted, engaging on the blue Autobot with such force. He stopped the hit before it reached him, struggling to keep her in check.
"How come we've never heard of you?"
Fracture's red optics narrowed. "I am under Soundwave's command. Not that it is any of your business!" Reaching out with a leg, she swept it under Mirage's right knee and pushed him to the ground. "You seriously need to learn less talk and more action." She pummeled him with her fists.
The humans were as far away from the battle as they could, but still in reach of watching them fighting against one another. It was hard seeing the battle happen before their eyes. All of their friends were fighting and Zaru was fearful for Mirage.
She closed her eyes tightly not knowing what to do. Where were the other Autobots when they were needed? How come Optimus wasn't even there yet? The battle had been going on for awhile now, the leader and others nowhere in sight.
Finally, a thought came to her and she brought he comwatch up pondering what to do.
Jade glanced over at her boss, wondering what she was doing.
"Zaru, what are you doing?"
"Calling for help."
"What help? The police can't do anything!" Unfortunately, Jade forgot about the comwatches given to the humans by the Autobots.
"I know at least one cop who can help!" Her eyes slitted. "As long as he doesn't betray us." She whispered.
Leiana blinked and Zaru's forearm. "You can't be serious! He's a Decepticon! How do we know we can trust him to help us fight the others off?"
"I don't know. That's why now's a good a time as any. Right?"
Sam and Mikaela looked back and forth between each human. Zaru was right. Because of the strength the Decepticons have somehow gained, help was needed. And who better to put down a Decepticon than one who must know their weaknesses.
"Do it!" Mikaela said with a nod.
()-()-()-()-()-()-()
He was out on patrol. There was no way he could stay in that base for a long period of time. The isolation from the outside was more than he could bear. Being cooped up was something he was never used to. Ever since he made a pact for peace and was no longer needed to be Zaru's guardian, Optimus ordered Barricade to remain within the base unless said otherwise. The Decepticon wasn't going to do that. So, he made a compromise with the Autobot leader. As long as he patrolled and didn't harm any humans, there would be no restrictions placed upon him.
But Barricade was pretty happy though. The night was calm with a cloudless sky so plenty of stars shone brightly.
Not a bad view from this planet. He thought. But to him, space was even more beautiful. The various planets in the solar system showed exquisite atmospheric colors. Something he could watch and explore all the time if he wasn't in battle. Will there even be a time for that? He wondered.
The police car pulled over to the side of the road. Why did so many thoughts of peace invade his mind? Was it because he was spending too much time with the Autobots? Was that it? Or did he only want it because of a certain human female? Zaru...
He never felt a strong tug on his spark whenever he was around her. But he felt something whenever she was near him. How could he feel anything for a human? All she did was speak up for him. All she did was trust him enough to become her temporary guardian. All she did was look at him with those eyes and bright smiles. No! I do not feel anything for that human! But he was only lying to himself. He cared enough for her.
"Hmpf." He snorted. "I cannot succumb to this human. No matter what."
Thinking about the human was making his processor ache. He needed to ease his mind away from her. But how could he? She had been on his processor several times since he met her. Not to mention that first time he almost kissed her and the other time pinning her against his door. What is this human doing to me?
He felt a sharp pull on his spark. No. There was nothing he could do about the human. Nothing at all.
He shook the thoughts away. He wouldn't have to think about her anymore after he hitched a ride off the planet anyways.
Leaving her behind. But he thought about it. What do I do if I am finally able to leave? Could I leave her? Would I even be able to? He knew there was a choice to make. Should he stay with the Autobots, if the human wanted him to, and work for peace like he would want while fighting against his Decepticon brothers? Or should he become a traitor amongst them, allying himself back with the Decepticons, Starscream ruling over him?
Starscream...
How he hated that mech. Never in his millions of years under Megatron's rule could he stand the second-in-command. There was always some type of plan to get rid of their lord, but none of them succeeding. At least, not until they found him on Earth and the human known as Sam Witwicky destroying him. After that, who knows what Starscream had been doing. Not helping to get me off this planet apparently.
But what could he do? It was one of the hardest decisions he was going to make. Until that moment he heard her call.
"Barricade!" It was Zaru. She sounded frightened. "Please, Barricade! Answer me! We need help! The Decepticons are attacking!"
The black and white police mech hesitated to answer. If I answer, the decision will be made for me.
"Barricade, please! I know you're there!" He heard a shout, then several screams with bouts of explosions.
His frame fell low to the road, quaking. She's in trouble. What do I do?
If he could ground his teeth together, he would. Son of a glitch! And did the only thing necessary.
"Barricade en route."
His sirens wailed while tires squealed, racing down the road after tracing the coordinates of the distress call.
()-()-()-()-()-()-()
The continuous firing and hand-to-hand combatants was getting out of hand. There was no backup to consider even though Ratchet put in the word to Optimus not too long ago.
The fires were raging, burning everything in its path. Zaru fisted her hands, eyes narrowed.
"All they know is destruction." She whispered harshly.
"So does Barricade." Sam murmured, not knowing that Zaru heard him.
"Zaru?" Rose set a hand on her friend's shoulder. "Are you all right, love?" She asked, hoping she was all right. At the same time, the gothic was praying for the safety of their Autobot friends.
"No, Rose. I'm not all right. They're tearing everything apart! They fight like animals!" Zaru scoffed. "I don't know how Barricade could even be considered as one of them." Her shoulders shrugged as her gaze pierced Sam, the poor boy flinching. "He hasn't hurt anybody since he's been with the Autobots. Not to mention, so nice to me while taking care of me during Mirage's..." The words trailed off remembering that day not too long ago.
Jade smiled, reassuring her friend. "Hey, it's gonna be all right. And don't worry about Barricade. I'm sure he'll come through for all of us."
Her words were short-lived as all the ground Autobots fled toward safety.
"We got to get out of here! It's not safe anymore!" Sideswipe shouted as he transformed. Mikaela ran to him, dodging any fire coming their way.
Mirage and Ratchet transformed at the same time, crossing each other's paths trying to get to the females.
"Hurry now!" Mirage growled, tires squealing as he hauled ass away from the beach parking lot.
Rose dove into the hummer once the passenger door opened. She landed across the seats, face down while covering her head and ears from the explosions. The noise was enough to make her go deaf.
"Hit the road, Ratch!" She screamed.
Gears shifted as he skidded, turning abruptly 180 degrees, following Mirage's trail.
As Hound transformed, the blonde-brunette raced toward him, the sound of her sandals flapping wildly against her feet. She coughed a little as smoke drifted in her direction, covering her mouth and nose with her hands.
"Come on, Jade! Let's move it!" Her guardian shouted as he was done transforming, door wide open for her.
But she would not make it. She felt her body bang against something heavy. Something metal. Still coughing, her eyes drifted up to see a wide grin on the huge mech in front of her.
"Oh shit!" She screamed, falling on her behind, backing away as quickly as she could. "Hound!"
Skywarp grinned, hands on his hips seeing the little human femme before him. Such a cute, disgusting fleshy! His hand reached down ready to grab her.
Hound noticed what intercepted his charge and he wasn't happy.
"JADE!" The green jeep shouted, running into Skywarp's leg.
Skywarp howled in pain while holding his leg. "Ah! Slag it all!"
Skyfire's aim was directly on Starscream, ready to close in on the Decepticon leader when he heard Jade scream. Jade! Wanting to make sure Starscream was confined in the ocean from the wing injury, he lashed out with his right foot, connecting with his chest armor. Hearing a satisfied crack and shout, Skyfire raced out of the ocean, water splashing all around him.
Skywarp turned, kicking Hound while still in vehicle mode, away from him and set his red optics back on Jade. Her skin turned pale, voice gone. Her eyes were wide as saucers seeing his clawed hand reach slowly down. Save me, please! Chocolate eyes squinted shut, hoping it would all be over. She didn't want to see what would happen to her if the Decepticon got a hold of her. If it was a dream, she would be happy to wake up. But knowing it wasn't terrified her even more.
"SKYWARP! GET AWAY FROM HER!" She heard a familiar voice call out, then metal hitting metal. Hearing a shout grow distant, she opened her eyes and smiled when she saw him standing before her.
"Skyfire!" Was she glad to see him.
"Jade, are you all right?" He leaned down on one knee.
"I-I'm fine." She stuttered out, still shocked.
"Good! Let's go!" He transformed into his shuttle mode, opening the back to let Jade inside.
"B-But Hound?" She was fearful for her guardian. He got hurt by Skywarp. She wasn't going to leave him there to become Decepticon scrap.
"It's all right. We're taking him with us."
Nodding, she stood up, running to Hound, making sure he slowly got inside Skyfire so they could be on their way.
"Yo, Skyfire, let's get moving! Otherwise we're gonna be scrap for the Decepticons!" Sunstreaker had Leiana in the car already and pulled up next to Skyfire. Making sure Hound and Jade were safely inside of his alt mode, he turned on his engines, ready to get out of there.
Starscream sputtered up water through his mouth and narrowed his optics. I'll destroy your spark, Skyfire, with my bare claws! He thought menacingly. He looked around for some help getting out of the water, due to his damaged wing, but found none. All of the few Decepticons under his rule so far were targeting the runaway Autobots.
"Slag it!" He hissed. He wasn't ready to give up just yet. "Get those piles of heap now!" He ordered Fracture, Skywarp and Thundercracker.
All of the them transformed into their alt modes giving chase to the scattered enemy.
Sunstreaker shifted his gears, seeing Fracture in his rearview mirror.
"For primus sake!"
Leiana heard his engine rev louder than before. She knew there was something wrong, feeling it and looking behind her.
"ACK! Sunstreaker, that Decepticon is gaining on us! Gear it!" She shouted and stepped on his gas pedal for effect.
He swerved a little trying to avoid any oncoming traffic. "I am gearing it, slag it all!" He hissed. "Don't worry! I'm not going to let anything happen to you!"
It wasn't that she didn't trust him. She just didn't trust the Decepticon on their tail.
Fracture sped up toward the yellow Lamborghini and mentally smirked. I'll get you, stupid Autobot. And your human, too! A cackle-like laugh rumbled her frame. No Autobot will escape me! That was true to her words. In the Decepticon army, she was known as a dangerous enemy. Fearless with a little crazy streak by jumping directly into a battle regardless of the odds against her.
As she concentrated on Sunstreaker ahead, she didn't notice Thundercracker behind her until he flew over her. Hmm. Like I need any help.
...[What do you think you're doing, Cracker?]... Fracture ground out.
...[What do ya mean? I'm on that little yellow Autobot's trail! That's what I'm doing! What are you doing?]... Thundercracker replied.
...[I was after them first! You just haul aft away from my prey!]...
...[You move it! I thought you'd want to go after that blue mech with the red-haired human! After all, he did almost whoop your bumper back there!]... He chuckled as he continued hovering above her, following her every move.
...[Shut your processor, Crackhead! Fracture out!]...
Geesh! She's being nasty today! Thought Thundercracker. No worries though. I'm still going after them.
As Skyfire was flying, he gasped and started lowering down flying between trees above the highway. Jade wondered if the scientist was all right. Especially since he was recently in battle.
"What's wrong, Skyfire?" She asked, holding on the wheel of the controls.
"Sunstreaker and Leiana are being chased by both that female Decepticon AND Thundercracker!"
Her eyes widened like saucers. "Oh no! Is anybody else chasing them?"
"No. That's why we're going to need to help them. Hang on!" He turned on some boosters recently installed, staying level with the trees while sneaking up quietly on Thundercracker.
Sunstreaker skidded seeing a dirt road faintly in front of his headlights. Leiana held on as she noticed what he was doing.
"Where are you going?" She asked, clutching the seat for dear life.
"To a make-out spot! I figured we'd have some time to get our freak on!" He shouted out sarcastically. Or was he even trying to be sarcastic?
Leiana pursed her lips and reached up with her leg, kicking the dashboard hard with her sandaled foot. The sandal lit up brightly "PERVERT!" She kicked him again.
"Ow! I was being sarcastic! Stop kicking me!" He groaned.
"That's what you get for being a total pervert in the midst of battle!"
"I'd like to see you drive with two Decepticons behind you." He murmured under his vents.
She kicked him again. "What was that?" Her voice lowered an octave, dripping with venom. Now was not the time to be screwing around.
"Nothing! I said nothing!" He sighed mentally. Femmes.
Fracture turned on the same road as the yellow mech and caught up to him. Yes! He will be done in no time! His spark will extinguish in my hands! The red, black and white mech transformed and lunged toward Sunstreaker who instantly moved out of the way. Oh no! You won't get away from me that easily, Autobot!
Ratchet and Mirage's headlights and sirens lit up the darkened streets as they raced side by side away from Skywarp and Starscream. Not being able to transform into his alt mode, the dorito-shaped mech had to keep his bipedal form, slowing him down because of the weight mass.
Mirage felt panic within his spark. He knew it was the love of his lifetime since she was hanging onto the driver side seat desperately as they raced over 100MPH away from the two Decepticons.
"Zaru, please calm down. Nothing will happen to you. I promise."
She closed her eyes tightly. "You really promise to stay with me? And protect me always?"
"Till the day my spark dies." He promised yet again.
Her grip loosened and her heart rate died down. "Okay. Just get us out of here!"
"I am!" Now to get backup called!
...[Mirage to Optimus!]...
There was a moment's static before an answer came.
...[Prime here. What is your status, Mirage?]...
...[Decepticons have invaded the beach where we took our humans for the day to relax.]...
...[Are all the humans safe?]... Prime asked worriedly.
...[Yes, They're all safe. At least I believe so. Bumblebee and Sideswipe left quickly with their charges. I am with Ratchet right now with Zaru and Rose. Sunstreaker has Leiana while Skyfire has taken Hound and Jade with him.]...
Another moment of static. ...[All right, Mirage. We're on our way! Tracing coordinates of nearest location! Prime out!]...
Zaru sat there hearing the entire conversation.
"Will he be coming with Barricade?" She asked hopefully.
Why must she worry about that Decepticon when she's here with me like she always wanted? "I-I don't know. Perhaps."
She paled a little. "I see." A whisper escaped her.
"Why?"
"I thought he would be here by now."
Thought he would be here by- He gasped. "You contacted him?" A jealous streak was ready to rise.
"Yes, Mirage! I called him! We needed all the help we could get! You guys were getting your asses kicked out there! And you still are with Skywarp and Starscream on your trails!"
"Well, excuse me if we can't lose them right now!"
They continued arguing.
Ratchet listened to the dispatch between Mirage and Optimus. He had forgotten to contact his leader about the attack, but forgot. All he could think about was getting Rose out of there alive. He adjusted the mirror in his alt mode to see her.
Rose was still lying in the seat, not wanting to see whatever was happening behind them.
"Rose, are you all right?" He asked, continuing to speed up away from the following Decepticons.
The pale, red-head pushed herself up on her arms and stared into the rearview mirror where she thought he might be watching her from.
"Yeah, I'm fine, love. Just...are we away from them yet?"
The street exploding beside them answered her question and she yelped, covering her head.
"It's going to be all right! Optimus and the others will be here. Just hang in there! I promise everything will turn out for the better once backup arrives!"
She smiled a ghost of a smile knowing he would never lie to her about something like that.
Skyfire continued following Thundercracker as the blue raptor zigzagged back and forth.
"Hold on, Jade. I'm going invisible."
Activating the invisibility shield, he was able to trace Thundercracker's route while remaining invisible to every eye around them.
Jade sometimes wondered what it was like to be invisible, but sadly there was no difference than feeling visible. It was just you could see them, but they couldn't see you. That was all. Although a tingly sensation spread throughout her body and she gripped the control wheel tightly. Sweetness of mercy! What was that?
Skyfire sensed a little distress from Jade and scanned her.
"You all right, Jade?" The mech asked a little concerned.
"Yeah. I'm fine. Just felt a little...weird."
He chuckled a little. "I see. Well, hold on tight. We're going after Thundercracker directly."
She blinked. "How can you even see him at this time of night? It's pretty dark."
"Night vision. The best thing for an autobot to have in these times of battle."
"But you can't see like that in this mode, right?" There were so many things she still had to learn about them.
"I can. But it's a rather complicated explanation. Perhaps we might save that for another time?" He asked.
She nodded. "Right."
Sunstreaker, with Leiana still in the car, continued dodging fire and attacks from Fracture. Although, the self-absorbed mech could become faster if his charge/girlfriend wasn't along for the ride. Or maybe... He transformed a part of his alt mode to his double-barrel cannon and fired several rounds at Fracture who was hit easily in the arm. She was down for at least a few moments.
"Leiana, you have to leave me now!"
Her eyes widened. "Are you crazy? I'm not going out there with that crazy bitch shooting at me!"
"Would you rather her shoot at me or you?" His voice was low, noticing Thundercracker appearing.
That got her thinking. "But I don't want her shooting at you either, Sunny! What if you-"
"Don't even finish that sentence! I'll be fine and so will you!"
That said, his tires tore through the dirt doing a donut, quickly ejecting Leiana from her seat in his passenger side. The dark-skinned femme fell on the ground and cursed at her robot boyfriend.
"I'm going to kick your ass, Sunny!" Her bitching was diminished when Fracture aimed directly at her. She gasped as a hit landed near her. Debris flew all around her as she tried to stand to get away from oncoming fire. But her sandal slipped on a smooth rock, making her lose balance and roll away from him.
"Lala!" He shouted transforming. But he was too late. Already she rolled away from him and over a cliff he didn't even know was there. He growled low and faced the two mechs with seething anger. "YOU KILLED HER YOU FUCKING BITCH!!! I'LL TURN YOU INTO SCRAP METAL!!" He vowed raging, optics flashing from his piercing blue to Decepticon red.
Thundercracker transformed, landing near Fracture who was doing a self-diagnostic on the damage Sunstreaker managed. He noticed his enemy speaking. She won't be fine for long, Sunnypatch.
The shield around Skyfire remained as he watched Thundercracker landing. But then Jade noticed something from far away. Even in the dark. Lala's light-up sandals. Sunstreaker must have transformed. Her eyebrows creased together. But why is she rolling away? She wondered seeing circles.
Suddenly, Skyfire's voice took her out of thinking.
"Hang on, Leiana!"
Jade lost her speech as Skyfire nose-dived toward the Earth.
Leiana rolled down the discolored hill, grunting on the way. Even she didn't notice there was nothing to stop her until air was under her. Eyes widened, her fingers desperately trying to snag onto anything. An overhanging root from a tree caught her eye quickly and she gripped it, hanging on for dear life.
"Help me!" She cried. "SUNSTREAKER!!" Tears welled up in her eyes. Why wasn't he helping her? Would this be the last time she would live? Would she never tell Sunstreaker she loved him? The tears fell as she felt the root give way. No. And felt herself falling toward the earth, blacking out suddenly after hitting what she thought was the ground.
Barricade's sirens continued wailing down the darkened street, plowing in and out of every direction to get to the Autobots. Why? He thought. Should I really help them? The answer remained a mystery.
Hearing other sirens and loud beeping, he knew who the newcomers were. Prime.
Optimus, Prowl and Blurr sped down the street, speeding just to catch up to Barricade.
Prowl made sure no oncoming traffic was coming their way and ended up side-to-side with Barricade.
"Where are you heading, Barricade?" Prowl demanded.
"I'm going to the beach! Zaru called me in!" He growled. He shouldn't have to explain himself to the stupid Autobot.
"Zaru did?" Optimus wasn't surprised. As Barricade was her secondary guardian, it was only natural to call him for help as well.
"Yes. I traced the coordinates, although I feel they are heading this way!"
"How do you know?" Blurr wondered.
Barricade's brakes squealed as he pulled to the side. The Autobots stopped their progress as well, waiting to see what Barricade did.
Just down the road, a yellow hummer and blue Ford GT were racing down away from what seemed to be a purple or black raptor as well as Starscream in his robot mode.
All of the mechs transformed immediately ready to take on the Decepticons. Prowl leered over at Barricade whose optics were narrowed. This will be your test, Barricade. Fail it and I shall rip out your spark for betrayal.
Mirage and Ratchet were relieved to see their Autobot brothers in the way. Flickering his headlights, Mirage made a 180, allowing Zaru out of his seat to run away. But instead of running away from them, she ran to Barricade, a smile on her face.
Her cheeks were stained with tear tracks and her ocean eyes shimmered with unshed tears. The human femme wrapped her arms around Barricade's leg as best she could.
"Thank you, Barricade. I knew you wouldn't let me down."
The black and white Decepticon cringed a little from the close human contact but remained steady the rest of the time.
Ratchet transformed as Rose ran for cover in some nearby trees. The medic noticed the affection and smiled inwardly. Perhaps this is what Barricade needs. A human he may call a friend.
Mirage was seething with anger inside at the sight of his charge and Barricade.
Ratchet noticed this and called him on it.
...[This is not the time to enhance your anger on Barricade, Mirage. We have more at stake at the moment.]...
The blue mech lowered his head. He knew the medic was correct. There was no way he would be able to do anything. Not while Starscream and Skywarp were around them.
Starscream and Skywarp finally made it. Skywarp transformed, landing on his feet the same time as Starscream. The ground shook slightly with the force of their landing.
The new Decepticon leader smirked as he eyed the Autobots. But clearly knew he was out of his processor with six against two. Six against two? No! Narrowing crimson optics, they zoomed in a mech similar to Prowl. That's not an Autobot! That's Barricade! I knew that fragging aft would change sides!
"You!" He pointed a clawed finger at the traitor. "You traitor!" He sneered. "How dare you defy your heritage as a Decepticon! You have betrayed us!"
Barricade growled. "Get behind me, Zaru." He pushed her gently away.
"I see. Don't tell me you have befriended these fleshlings!" His hands fisted together in rage. How dare a soldier under his command double-cross him! He was the leader of the Decepticons! Betrayal meant execution!
The next answer out of Barricade's mouth surprised everybody. Even the human femmes around them.
"So what? I have betrayed no one, Starscream! Lord Megatron is gone! I served under him and him only! No one will ever replace him! Not even you!" Barricade charged the copper-rusted Decepticon, but was stopped by Optimus who nodded his head in approval.
"Retreat, Starscream. Or would you like your other wing melted into tools to help repair the Autobots?" Ratchet smirked, letting his saw come out on full-blast.
"Ack! Let's get out of here, Starscream!" Skywarp gulped as he transformed.
"That's Lord Starscream, you unworthy piece of slagging nitwit!" He turned and rasped out, "I will be back, Autobots. Just you wait! The day will come when I rip out every single spark of every Autobot!"
Still in bipedal mode, his rockets started as he flew up high into space.
Leiana woke up, the world spinning before her very eyes. What happened? She thought. Am I dead? She tried moving her legs, but only felt a deep soreness imbedded within.
"Ow." She whimpered and reached down to touch her leg.
"Leiana, you okay?"
Her eyes bugged looking around. "Who said that?" Okay. I must be dead. I'm hearing things! I'm going crazy! Ha! I'm dead and crazy! How about that?
"Lala, oh my gods, are you okay?" She heard Jade's voice.
"Jade?" Looking up, she saw the familiar blonde-brunette in front of her, hair mussed and slightly dirtied.
"Yeah. It's me. Are you okay?" She reached down and brushed strands of sweat-soaked hair from her friend's face.
"Wha-What happened? Where's Sunstreaker?" Her voice held deep emotion filled with worry and whatnot.
"He's okay. At least for now. Skyfire's helping him against that Decepticon bitch Fracture and Thundercracker."
Leiana growled. "So that's that bitch's name? I'm going to kick her ass one of these days! Ow!" She sat up slowly with the help of Jade and noticed the green jeep parked right beside them. "Hey, is that Hound?"
"Yep. It's me, Leiana. You okay?" The green mech asked.
"Yeah. I'm sure I'm okay. My whole body hurts. Like I fell on something seriously rough."
Jade sweat dropped. "You, uh, kinda did."
"What?"
"You fell on Skyfire. He caught you when you were falling. But you were already like 30 feet when he caught you so it was a pretty rough catch." Jade bit her lower lip.
"Oh shit." She closed her eyes. "Wake me up when this is all over." Her fatigued body fell limply against Jade who happily wrapped her arms around her tightly, protecting her.
Skyfire fired at Thundercracker who kept transforming in mid-air. It wasn't like Skyfire to miss anything, but there was no way he could keep up with a raptor like Thundercracker.
"Ha you missed me!" He got hit. "AH!!" And he fell. Oh well. At least the gigantic mech got one hit in.
Fracture ran at Sunstreaker who dodged her attack, flipping sideways, catching her off-guard with a kick in her aft. She growled turning and fired at him.
"Man, you're such a crazy bitch! Why don't you just give up already before you get seriously hurt and ruin my paint job?" He was back to his normal self. After hearing from Skyfire that his Leiana was going to be well, he sighed with relief and continued destroying Fracture, the one who boiled his hate for Decepticons.
"Die, you Autobot bastard!" Fracture took a step forward. Suddenly, the earth quaked beneath them all.
Sunstreaker glared at her. Is she doing that? Looking down he noticed some seismic energy dischargers in her legs. They elongated to her feet where every time she took a step, it shattered the surrounding earth to pieces.
Taking another step, she smirked. "Don't fall to pieces now, Sunny! I want to do the honors!"
I can't fight her like this. There's gotta be a way to stop her! He thought.
Fracture and Thundercracker were having fun, but soon received a message from Starscream.
...[Return to the Nemesis now!].... His voice shouted over their frequency.
...[But Lord Starscream!]...Fracture complained.
...[DO IT!]... She cringed and glared at Sunstreaker.
"I'll finish you off with that other mech one day." And both of them disappeared from the spots they stood.
Skyfire walked over to Sunstreaker and patted him on the back. "Not bad for a young one. There's definitely a future for you."
Sunstreaker glanced up at the scientist and smirked. "Oh yeah. I'm good." Then looked down at his arm where he shrieked. "ACK!! My paint job! That stupid ass Decepticon femme ruined it!"
Skyfire shook his head. Perhaps not.
Rose and Zaru stood together and hugged. Both were glad the other was all right and made sure no injuries came on either one.
Meanwhile, Optimus was facing Barricade and smiling.
"You made a decision, Barricade."
He scoffed. "Don't be putting any praises on me, Prime. The only reason why I am staying is because Megatron isn't around anymore. He's dead. And I will not serve such an unworthy aft like Starscream."
Once again, Ratchet himself smiled. He knew that Barricade wasn't going to leave them. After all, how could he once making contact with Zaru? She was a kindhearted human who only wished for everyone to be in peace. Isn't that what Barricade wanted himself?
"But still, Barricade, I extend my hand to you in gratitude and friendship." He held out his humongous hand waiting for Barricade to answer.
Looking behind him, he saw Zaru smirk and wink at him all the while still talking with Rose. He sighed. Humans.
His black hand shook the Prime's and both nodded in agreement.
()-()-()-()-()-()-()
Back at the base in the med bay, Leiana was lying down on one of the long berths usually meant for transformers while they were getting repaired. But since no human-sized were available, they would have to do. Because of her condition with a twisted ankle and several bruises covering her body, Ratchet demanded she stay in the med bay at least overnight for observation. Although his current scans suggested no serious threat, he wanted to make sure all was well for her.
Sunstreaker was glad to know his girlfriend was going to be all right. And stood outside the bay patiently waiting for Ratchet's update. He closed his optics to relax until he heard a gruff voice in front of him.
"What did you DO to her?!"
Sunstreaker yelped when he heard Ironhide's voice.
The giant black mech's arms were crossing his chest and his metal foot tapping the base floor.
"N-Nothing! I didn't do it to her! Fracture did! I swear! It wasn't me!" He pleaded, trying to turn and back away from him, hands in front of him.
Ironhide's optics narrowed and he cracked his metal knuckles. "Perhaps it's time to give you a little more....training."
Blue optics widened and a whimper escaped the Lamborghini's processor. "Help me."
The Topkick mech grabbed Sunstreaker by the back of his neck, dragging him toward the training and simulation room.
"Let's see what we can do for your training this time!" He chuckled darkly as he pressed the code to open the double doors.
As they opened, Sunstreaker shouted for help. But none came.
()-()-()-()-()-()-()
It was a few days later, near the end of June when everything was busy. After the recent Decepticon attack on the beach and another surprise this time led by Soundwave, the Autobots were on high meltdown. There was no way they wished for the war to continue. Especially on Earth while the humans were the innocents in all of this.
Prowl and Optimus planned out battle strategies while Mirage helped Wheeljack and Skyfire prepare new weapons with Ironhide's perspective. That left the twins, Hound, Blurr, Bumblebee and Barricade. Ratchet, sadly, was unable to accompany Rose during these times as he was needed in the med bay a lot more than usual. Especially after spending an entire evening getting dents out of Sunstreaker, leaving him weary and praying for recharge.
The usual guardians were available at all times except for Mirage who did not like the idea of Barricade taking over for him once again. But Optimus assured the mech who was an old friend, that everything would be fine as Barricade was truly on their side from now on. No harm would come to his charge.
Mirage wasn't so sure about that.
It had been a hard day at the club. The annual Summer Bash the club held had raged from dawn to sunset. All the workers were exhausted and fatigued, ready to head home as soon as possible. Working impossibly long hours could wear anybody down.
Zaru almost forgot the meaning of the word sleep these days. After becoming friends with the Autobots and still having to deal with those men coming after her every now and then, life could get tiring. But at least it never got boring. The once-again green haired club owner wiped some sweat from her brow and listened to a conversation Leiana was having with Mikaela, Jade and Rose.
"I swear if I get groped anymore on this job I'm quitting!" She told them through clenched teeth.
Mikaela laughed. "Lala, you can't help it if you're hot. No one can."
Jade laughed as well. "She's right. If you're hot, you're hot. Besides, where's Sunstreaker? Isn't he supposed to be in here whenever you're working so he can deal with those guys?"
Leiana snarled. "No. He's too busy recharging from looking at himself in the mirror all night last night."
Zaru raised an eyebrow. "You can't be serious."
The dark-skinned waitress threw her boss a bored look. "I wish I was."
"How does he ever manage that?" Rose wondered. "I can't even look at myself for 10 minutes in the mirror before getting bored."
"This is Sunstreaker we're talking about here. After Ratchet took out all the dents with his hammer yesterday, Sunny boy wanted to make sure there were no scratches." Her head fell into her hands. "He checked himself over ten times!"
Jade, Mikaela, Rose and Zaru busted out laughing. This was one of those times the girls enjoyed together. Not worrying about Decepticons or any other danger. Yes. These times were always what they needed these days.
At least until she got back to the base.
Everybody was already gone. The only ones left were her and Barricade sitting in the vacant parking lot, nobody in sight. She walked out the back door after double-checking everything was locked. Making her way down the path, Barricade started his engine, pulling up next to her, his holoform in the driver seat. Smiling she waved and made her way to the passenger side.
"Hey, Barricade. Have a good recharge?" She asked setting her bag down on the floor in front of her.
He made a stretching motion with his holoform. "Fortunately yes. I haven't had a decent recharge since coming to the Autobots."
"Mm." Her eyes were droopy and sleepy. She wanted to rest, but couldn't. There was so much tension built up in her right then it would be hard to even think of sleeping.
Barricade's red eyes scanned over her exhausted form. "You are in need of recharge."
"Mm-hmm. Oh yeah. Sleep sounds so good right now." Adjusting her self in the seatbelt she placed over her, she leaned her head against the window, waiting for Barricade to drive.
"Where do you wish to go? The base or your dwelling?"
She chuckled a little. Dwelling? Where do they get these words from? "Um, the base I guess. Whichever's closer."
He nodded and smirked. "Base it is." Revving his engine, he drove out of there, driving himself not knowing what would happen once he got her back to the base he now called home.
Barricade used his access code and the gigantic double doors hissed open to allow entry. Zaru was almost asleep, but kept waking up every time to adjust. He peered over at her realizing she must be extremely tensed up. Stopping himself in the lounge area, he shook her.
"We're here." He whispered, his holoform disappearing.
The green-haired femme took off the seatbelt and yawned. Gathering her stuff together, she opened the passenger door and exited.
Barricade transformed easily, metal cracking as he stretched. Being in his alt mode all that time didn't help anything.
"Thanks for driving me, Barricade. You've really helped me out these past couple days by taking me home and to the club."
He grinned, fangs showing. "All is well." He responded.
Dropping her stuff on the couch, she stretched out only realizing her muscles were stiff.
"Dammit." She murmured.
Worried optics peered at her. "Hm?"
"My muscles are stiff. I got such tension in my back and shoulders it's killing me." Scoffing, her body fell on the couch, massaging her shoulder with one hand. She groaned in frustration. This really isn't helping me. Giving up, she laid her hands down across her lap, ready to close her eyes when she felt a pair on strong hands on her shoulders. Craning up her head, her blue eyes connected with red as Barricade smirked down at her.
"I thought you would need a little assistance."
"Um, thanks, Barricade." This was the first time he ever used his holoform to help her out like that. She was really grateful. He could be so sweet sometimes. He was like a knight in Decepticon armor. Coming to save the damsel in distress. Which happens to be me most of the time. Why couldn't she ever have a decent relationship with a guy like him? Or Mirage at least? No humans would ever add up to Mirage or Barricade. Mirage....
Her eyes closed, imagining his lips kissing her that day. She remembered it all too well. His kiss was soft, deep and passionate. The way he would hold her in his strong arms? It was enough to make her melt. And to look at her the way he did? Just like Barricade does...
Those crimson eyes would bore deeply into her. She often wondered what his kisses would be like. Fierce? Fire? Bruising? But, alas, she had nothing to compare with Mirage. Until then...
The way he was rubbing her shoulders felt fantastic. The tension was easing itself away from her little by little. How she wished it would never end.
Barricade could feel the heat rising from her. Just by touching her only a little and while in his human form that could feel everything. Being as close as he was, he wondered if she was feeling anything because of him. Because of the actions he was doing. He scanned her, and although he wasn't a doctor, knew her pheromone levels were high. Higher than the first time they almost kissed in his car. Apparently, he was doing something right. To his taste at least. He wanted to try a little something else and moved his hands slowly down over the front of her body.
The sensations she felt were unbelievable. Passing heat trailed down her upper body and she breathed heavily. What is he doing to me? Zaru wondered but didn't seemed to care. Never in her life had she felt such a longing ready to burst through her. Her hands reached up of their own will, grabbing at his upper arms, pulling him toward her with all her might.
He leaned down, turning his head to face the woman in front of him, her eyes heavy with lust. Seeing those pierced lips in front of her made her mentally drool. I don't know what I'm getting myself into. But it feels too good. She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, pulling him all the way on the couch, her lying down on her back. He fell on top of her, adjusting his leg in between hers. Smirking, he licked her lips with his tongue and her eyes widened, the lust intensified.
"Do you want me?" He asked whispering, fingers threading in her green locks.
"Oh primus yes!" Were the only words escaping as he captured her lips with his own. She reached down best she could, grabbing onto the hem of his shirt, pulling it up. Her nails scratched heavily down his back and he groaned.
"Oh yesssssss. Do that again!" It was pain. Pain that added to his own pleasure.
Her eyes filled with wonder, she did it to him again and he arched, pressing himself hard against her. She gasped, eyes widening. "That feels....soooo good." Barricade growled and grabbed a handful of her hair in his hand. The human before him was making him feel things he thought long gone. And in this form, he could feel everything. In his lifetime, there was never any femme that could drive him this crazy with need. No one. He kissed her again, but realized this time she wasn't kissing back. He looked down at her questioningly, seeing her eyes big, averted toward the doorway.
His optics reddened at the sight before him. How could she even think of doing that to him? After what he showed her? How he felt for her? No. He never told her he loved her, but he wanted to say it so desperately. But how? How could he now after seeing her like this?
She pushed Barricade away from her as quickly as possible, standing while adjusting her clothes.
"Mirage..."
"What in the pit did I just walk in on?" His optics glanced back and forth between the mech who was already back in his body and the human femme before him.
Her head shook. "Mirage, please." She pleaded. "It's not what you..." She trailed off. Of course it's what he's thinking! And I let it happen! "Okay, it's what it looks like, but, please, let me explain!"
He shook his metal head, optics filled with sadness and anger. "There's nothing to explain." His voice was harsh and cold. Face stoic. She flinched at his next words. "Perhaps you are nothing but, in your human terms, a slut...as you have asked me before."
Her eyes widened with shock as the blue mech, her protector and guardian, left her.
Barricade was ready to speak, but she stopped him with her hand.
"No, Barricade. I just..." Thinking, she shook her head. "No! I can't let it be like this!" Making a run for the exit, she called out Mirage's name."
The black and white mech stood behind pondering at the events just taken place when he heard a voice ask, "What just happened here?"
He looked down to see Jade.
()-()-()-()-()-()-()
She could think of nothing else. His words had hit her like a ton of bricks. How could he even say that to her? Zaru wasn't going to sit around and not say anything. If anything had to be said by her, she would have told Mirage he was acting like an idiot. But ... she thought..
.. He's not wrong.
She felt torn if anything. Her heart being tugged in two completely opposite directions.
One toward him...
... and the other...Barricade.
The dark clouds rumbled above them, lightning responding in the distance. Rain threatened to fall...
...and it did.
Zaru made no move. No move to find shelter from the heavy drops invading her hair and clothing. All she could do was stare up at the blue mech who had been named as her guardian. My protector...
He stared down at her, blue optics narrowed, not caring for the big drops of water pelting his armor and dripping into his circuitry. Mirage could see her blue eyes watering, tears wanting so desperately to fall down her flushed, tanned cheeks and join the rain that fell from up high.
"Why?" Was all he could ask.
Zaru continued gazing up at him, eyes closing often to shield the oncoming rainfall.
"I don't know. I don't know how." Her bottom lip quivered. "I just..." She trailed off not knowing what else to say.
He lowered his head into the palm of his hand. "All I need to know is...why him? Why couldn't it have been someone else?"
She shook her head. "I don't know. It just... happened, Mirage. You can't help who you feel for."
"But... Barricade?ཀ You... are in love with him?"
Her reply was simply, "I don't know." It was true. She didn't know. She befriended the Decepticon somehow...
...and something developed.
In her heart, she cared for him deeply just as she cared for Mirage. Yet, something deep down was telling her it was love. But for who? Who could her love be directed to?
Mirage's optics were opened slightly. "I will say I am sorry for calling you that horrible word earlier. But..." He trailed off, his next words hurting her. "Don't come near me again." He looked down at her wide, teary eyes. "Not until you find out who it is you do love. Because I love you. At least, I think I still do."
No sooner had he said those last words, he transformed and sped away from her. She closed her eyes...
...her teary eyes.
Don't come near me again... His words echoed inside her head.
Mirage...
That was the moment she herself dreaded.
The moment where walls being built were broken down...
...she dropped onto her knees...
...and cried.
The thunder continued rumbling above as the sound of Mirage's engine faded into the distance.
()-()-()-()-()-()-()
Jade sat next to her friend, arms wrapped around her comfortingly. The sobbing had not yet subsided, the tears still trickling down her face. Her clothes were still soaking wet from the rain and hair disheveled.
Her heart. Her heart felt like it was breaking into millions of tiny pieces. What would she do without him around? How could she cry like this over an alien mech she only knew for months? He was an alien mech she might be in love with. That's why.
The blonde-brunette whispered soothing things to Zaru, trying to calm her down. But nothing was working.
"Zaru, honey, it's all right. It'll be okay. Mirage will come back. I know he will."
"H-H-He d-doesn't want t-to be near m-me anymore!" She cried out.
Ratchet, Skyfire, Optimus and Barricade stood nearby. The Autobot leader glared at the mech sadly.
"What exactly happened to make Mirage run off like that?" He didn't receive a reply. "Fine. I will find out what happened." He glanced over at Ratchet. "Mirage returns, I want to see him in my office immediately."
Ratchet nodded. "Yes, sir." The medic looked sadly at the display before him. How could Mirage hurt her like that? She was the only human he really connected with on this planet. He sighed. Perhaps humans and transformers really were never meant to understand one another...or fall in love. That thought saddened him.
"Zaru, come on now." Skyfire leaned down on knee, trying to help. "You are a very strong and beautiful woman. There is no need to ruin yourself with tears."
Sobs escaped softly, dying down and looked up at Skyfire.
"He promised me. He promised he would never leave me." The waterworks fell on full force and broke the sparks of those in the room. Even Barricade.
He fisted his claws together. No more. I cannot deal with this much longer. Growling, he transformed and squealed out of the base. He would find him and make him pay for what he did to Zaru.
He drove, but not for long. It was easy to find a blue giant robot at night in the rain standing and looking towards the ocean. How often do you see that? The police Decepticon geared it, his engine revving louder than normal. He wasn't going to sneak up on him like a coward. No. He was going to face him head on in a duel as if they were still enemies.
Mirage had been there for awhile. So many thoughts were running through his head, he couldn't decipher what was what. The actions of his charge earlier were unquestionable. She knew what she was doing and nothing in subconscious would tell her otherwise. Why did she have to plague his mind so much. His questions remained unanswered as he heard the sound of a familiar engine. Optics narrowed. Barricade...
Rain pounded on the two large mechs as they dueled with one another. Mirage took a long aim shot at Barricade who barrel-rolled out of the way as quickly as he could to avoid the hit. Righting himself on one knee, he blasted back at Mirage who ducked, making haste toward the Decepticon mech. Barricade never saw it coming as his Autobot enemy disappeared into thin air.
Standing on two legs, he listened best he could with his audio receptors hoping to know his opponent's whereabouts. His visual censors turned to infrared, an upgrade from Ratchet surprisingly considering how much he disliked the mech, and looked around for heat signatures. He spotted one, but it quickly disappeared. Frantic, he turned seeing a heated punch get bigger, hitting him square in the face.
Mirage shook off the invisibility, making his way over to the downed mech. He aimed his gun at Barricade's chest where his spark laid. He was venting air heavily.
"What the slag is wrong with you, Barricade? The Autobots took you in. They trusted you." He growled.
The black and white mech sneered. "There's nothing wrong with me, you dim-witted Autobot! It's you!"
"What are you talking about?" He cocked the gun for measure.
"You left her! You left her all alone!"
A bewildered look ran across his face, blue eyes dimming slightly. "After what you did with her? Yes! I left! But I really left because she couldn't make a choice!"
Surprisingly, Barricade slapped Mirage's arm away with the gun and stood up. "What choice?"
"She's in love...Barricade. With either you or me and she can't make up her fragging mind about who it is!"
Red optics widened in shock. She might be in love with me? For some reason, shivers ran through his circuits. "So what if she's in love? You can't blame that on me! I never would fall in love with a human let alone have one be in love with me!"
"You seduce her, Barricade! Play with her mind! Of course she's going to get the wrong message! How else can you explain earlier?" Mirage dropped his weapon and turned around staring into the sky, raindrops pounding on his body.
Barricade had no idea what to say to that. Sure he teased her using his holoform. A couple times he wanted something to happen with the human while trying to make Mirage driven into a jealous rage, but he would never want her to be in love with him. That's what I get for hanging around Autobots and humans. Disgusting emotions like love come to the surface in humans. He still thought of humans as vermin, but he possessed some type of tolerance toward them.
"Do you care what happens to her, Barricade?" Mirage asked out of the blue.
He did care for her to some extent, but that was all he would say. He would not admit caring more for her than necessary. "I care about her enough not to destroy her."
Mirage chuckled. "You've really changed, Barricade. You certainly have."
"My heritage as a Decepticon has not changed and it never will."
"But your tolerance for the human species has changed since you have not killed or maimed one since allying yourself with us."
"True." He admitted. "But Zaru is the only human that will ever escape my wrath if the time should ever come."
Mirage turned around and glared at him. "You act like you're in love with her."
"I speak the truth, Autotwit! I hold no high emotions for that human! I only tolerate her is all!" No matter how many times my spark may tug. Barricade was ready to just shoot a hole through Mirage's chest and get it over with.
"If you held no deep emotions for her, why did you attack me then? And why do that with her?" It was true. If Barricade only cared for her only a limited amount, why attack him? Why would he care what happens to Zaru? Why engage in such actions?
"Because you promised her you would never stray from her! And I was getting tired of hearing her cry." It broke his spark hearing her cry, though he would never admit it. "And whatever happened tonight? It's over! It's done!"
"No. I will not go back to her! Not until she can decide who she wants to be with!"
That said, he transformed into his vehicle mode, driving off, splashing the muddy rain water against the trees.
Barricade stood there letting the rain continue to fall on him until he himself transformed, sirens wailing, and drove in the opposite direction toward the base.
TBC...
A/n: The end of Chapter 9! Phew! That took me awhile to do! Well, I got most of it done in a day, so be happy for me! I think it's rather pleasant? Don't you lol XD
Sweet Mech (Day)Dreams,
Zaru
