Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers Prime or its canon characters. I do however own my OCs: Darkstorm and Skybreak.
Theme Song: Misgiving by By Maker
Bumblebee drove down the road towards Raf's school with Darkstorm's holoform inside his alt mode. She tucked a stray wave of brunette hair behind her ear, sighing as she stared out the window.
Bumblebee internally frowned. Though she seemed to recover day by day, the past events really left its mark on her. Attempting to rid her of her stoic look, Bumblebee turned on his radio. He sang along with it.
"They see me rollin'. They hatin'... Police think they can see me lean. I'm tint so it ain't easy to be seen. When you see me ride by, they can see the glean and my shine on the deck and the TV screen."
It worked. A light laugh escaped from her lips. "Oh, 'Bee..."
Bumblebee laughed as they pulled up to the school. Darkstorm shook her head at the scout's antics and climbed out, searching for Raf. She finally spotted the trio of kids over in the far corner of the parking lot. She began to walk over to them but her guard rose as she saw a red-haired boy come over and begin to antagonize Raf. Miko balled her hands into fists and seemed to threaten the boy while Jack silently urged him to stop.
Oh, this most certainly wouldn't do. Her eyes narrowed. Not her youngling.
Darkstorm quickened her pace and eventually reached them. "Let Raf go," she growled dangerously. The boy let go of the youngling's backpack strap, staring at her in slight surprise.
His surprise however soon melted into a smirk. "I see another girl's come along to try to fight your battles for you, nerd?"
"Shut the hell up, Vince!" Miko snarled, "Or I'll show you a real battle. Come on, just you and me. Unless you're too scared to fight a girl!"
Darkstorm motioned to the wild femme to calm down as Jack gently held her back. She turned her attention to Vince. "What kind of coward antagonizes a youngl-... child? What did he ever do to deserve this?"
The bully tried to say something but Darkstorm cut him off. "Raf is a brilliant child and he doesn't deserve to be treated so shamefully. I'm very close to him and come to get him along with another friend of his nearly every school day," Darkstorm leaned in closer to the boy, red eyes barely peaking out from the rims of her sunglasses, "And if I see you hurt him again, then you will have to deal with me."
Red eyes? What the hell? Vince thought, frightened. "Look babe, I don't know what you see in him-" Vince said smoothly, trying to hide his nervousness.
"Perhaps I was not clear," Darkstorm wrapped a hand around the boy's neck, sharp nails digging into his skin, "Do not lay a hand on Rafael. Ever. Do you understand?"
Vince struggled in her grip but she was just too strong. He eventually nodded, Darkstorm holding him so tight that he could not speak.
"Good. Now leave," she growled. She threw him aside.
The red-haired boy tenderly rubbed his neck and stumbling away, turning around every once in a while to stare weirdly at Darkstorm. Darkstorm glared after him before sighing and looking towards the slightly shaken youngling, though her body was still tense from the ordeal. "Raf, are you alright?"
Raf smiled at her and nodded. "I-I'm fine...Thanks."
Miko stared at her in disbelief before grinning widely, "Whoa. And I thought I was the only one brave enough to stand up to that jerk. Kudos! Never knew ya had it in you, 'Storm."
"Does he usually do this?" Darkstorm asked.
Jack sighed and nodded. Darkstorm turned to Jack sharply, "And has no one else tried to stop him?"
"He is a pretty popular guy here," he shrugged, "Everyone else is pretty blind to it, I guess."
"Then they are fools. How could anyone stand by as a youngling is being needlessly hurt? It makes my tanks unsettled," Darkstorm growled. She paused as Raf placed a hand over hers.
"Darkstorm, I'm fine," he whispered.
Darkstorm calmed down as she saw Raf's reassuring smile and sighed. "Forgive me. Seekers have natural protection protocols when it comes to the young."
"Natural protocols, huh? So does that mean Starscream-?" Miko asked.
"No," Darkstorm shook her helm, "Starscream's lust for power caused him to abandon his natural coding long ago. Me and my brother on the other hand? We retained ours."
"It's a good thing too," Jack chuckled, "I've never seen Vince so scared."
"Well, there was the time when I gave him a black eye in the boy's bathroom," Miko smirked.
"That too."
Darkstorm chuckled slightly before catching sight of Bulkhead and Arcee in the distance. "Your guardians are here to pick you up," Darkstorm smiled, "See you back at the base." Jack and Miko left to their respective guardians while Darkstorm led Raf back to Bumblebee.
"Is everything alright? I thought I saw a commotion over there," Bumblebee asked, concerned.
"Yeah, I'm fine, 'Bee," Raf smiled, "I had a little trouble with Vince... but Darkstorm took care of it."
Darkstorm shook her head. "I really hate that boy."
"I'm not too fond of him either... But at least someone protected Raf," Bumblebee said before chuckling. "And didn't beat Vince to a pulp like Miko would have done."
"Oh, believe me. I had half a mind to but I know Optimus wouldn't have approved," Darkstorm paused before smirking mischievously. "But who knows? You and me, 'Bee? We can teach him a lesson."
Bumblebee and Raf both laughed at this and soon Darkstorm caught their contagious laughter. Seeker protocols or not, she would always protect the youngling, she thought with a smile.
Skybreak stayed at Megatron's side, watching carefully as Knock Out's assistant buffed out the many scratches on his leader's armor.
"Be careful," Skybreak warned.
Breakdown rolled his optics. "Megatron is currently in a comatose state and can't feel anything. So why don't you go out flying or something and let me work?"
Skybreak was about to retort before he spied Starscream waltz into the room, beady optics studying Megatron intently. "Breakdown, isn't Knock Out supposed to be helping you nurse our leader back to health?"
"Yeah, where is Doc Knock? I haven't seen him in a while," Skybreak added.
As if on cue, the Decepticon medic walked in, silently fuming. "Can you believe this?! Look at what those fleshbags did to my paintjob!"
Skybreak turned his facial plating away from Knock Out, trying to hide his laughter. He didn't realize how much he missed seeing the mech whine about his paint job. It certainly was good for a laugh.
"You've been racing again, haven't you?" Starscream vented sharply. "I thought I told you to do your job, Knock Out. Not to leave the ship to participate in human entertainment!"
Knock Out rolled his optics before smirking, "No worries, Herr Kommandant."
"It is Lord to you," Starscream growled.
"Only if Megatron takes a nosedive," Knock Out replied cockily.
"Hhhnn. The day our master emerges from stasis, I will graciously relinquish the title. But I believe that outcome is unlikely. Something to do with the quality of medical care around here. So continue buffing. We do want Megatron looking his best for the memorial," Starscream said before departing from the room.
"Memorial?" Skybreak growled and moved to pursue the Seeker, "I'll show you a memorial, you son of a-"
"Easy there, kid," Breakdown chuckled, "I personally don't like the mech either but it'd be best not to get on his bad side."
Skybreak vented sharply and nodded, staring at his leader once more. "Is there anything more you can do for him?"
"Unless he shows some processesor activity soon. There is nothing more we can do," Knock Out replied cooly as he began to check Megatron's vitals.
Darkstorm could not believe what she was hearing. "You not only raced with Vince, without Optimus' permission I might add, and now you want to take Bumblebee out to the circuit without Arcee knowing? Jack, what has come over you?" Darkstorm asked.
"Come on, 'Storm. It's only a race," Bumblebee said.
"I agree with Darkstorm on this one, 'Bee. What if you get hurt and the rest of the team can't get to you in time?" Raf asked.
"Storm can go with him, Raf. And if any Decepticon gets close, they can just comm the base and be back before anyone notices. It'll be fine," Miko encouraged.
"And who said I agreed to this?" Darkstorm scoffed, "Jack, I realize that Vince needs to be put in his place but putting yourself in danger will solve nothing. You need to walk away."
"I can't just walk away. I promised him I'd be there," Jack insisted, crossing his arms over his chest.
"It takes courage to stand up to a foe, but it takes even greater courage to have self-control. Please, forget the race, Jack."
"But 'Storm, you said so yourself that you would put him in his place if you could. Why shouldn't we have a little race and show him who's boss?"
"Bumblebee-" Darkstorm stared at him pleadingly.
"Please, 'Storm. Just let us do this," Bumblebee urged.
Darkstorm looked at Bumblebee's stubborn optics and vented. "I suppose I can't stop you from going?"
Upon seeing Bumblebee nod his helm, Darkstorm admitted hesitantly, "Then I shall go with you to make sure you don't get into any trouble." She vented. "Come on. Let's just get this over with."
Jack hopped inside Bumblebee's alt mode and they inconspicuously left the base. Darkstorm walked towards the exit, about to do the same. She paused before addressing Raf, "I will protect 'Bee with my life, Raf. You know that. I will make sure he comes back to you safely."
Raf smiled appreciatively and nodded, hesitantly waving goodbye as Darkstorm left to go to the human racing circuit.
She soared through the crisp night air silently as Bumblebee and Jack finally arrived at the racing track. Darkstorm could see the black and yellow camaro pull up to the starting line but gasped silently as she saw a familiar red vehicle follow close behind.
"Knock Out," Darkstorm whispered, trying to comm Bumblebee, "Bumblebee. Bumblebee, you need to be careful. Knock Out is in your vicinity. I repeat, Knock Out is in your vicinity! Fall back!"
But it was too late. Bumblebee and Jack had already started the race, Knock Out following close behind. Darkstorm frantically swooped downwards as she saw Knock Out trying to run Bumblebee off of the road. Cannon fire echoed through the night.
Slaggit, Bumblebee. Why didn't you listen to me?
Miko and Raf's video game was interrupted as Arcee came over to the pair. "Has anyone seen Jack?" she asked them.
"Er... not since we last saw him," Miko said nervously.
The guilt written across Raf and Miko's faces was enough for the femme to figure out what was going on. "They're racing, aren't they?" Arcee crossed her arms over her chassis.
"Just this once," Raf replied timidly.
"Did you know about this?" Arcee turned on Bulkhead, the mech having been standing nearby.
He wilted under her gaze. "Er... No... Maybe... A little?" he stammered.
The base's computer beeped as an incoming distress signal interrupted the tense atmosphere. Upon closer examination, the computer showed 'Bee running from a Decepticon signal, Darkstorm close on their tails.
"Bee, do not engage. Your first priority is to keep Jack safe," Arcee ordered, comming Bumblebee as she moved towards the exit of the base, "Until I get my hands on him."
Meanwhile, at the race track, Bumblebee swerved around the road, releasing oil to slow Knock Out down. Darkstorm further distracted the mech by firing upon him, though she was careful not to disturb the other vehicles. Bumblebee ducked behind a bridge safely while Darkstorm continued to fire at Knock Out and lead him away from the others.
Bumblebee and Jack both sighed in relief as the Decepticon drove out of sight. They continued to wait there a few more moments, hoping that it was safe enough to return back to the base. However, a certain red-headed human had to put a wrench in their plans.
The human's green car pulled up in front of them and Vince stepped outside and scowled at Jack, obviously angry that Jack had to abandon their little race and that Knock Out damaged his vehicle. "You're gonna wish you were dead when I'm done with you, Darby."
"Vince, please listen. You need to get out of here. It's not safe!" Jack stepped out of the car and tried to warn him.
"Damn right it's not gonna be safe. For you!" Vince beat his fists together threateningly.
"Vince..." Jack internally panicked, seeing Knock Out make his way back to them, "Vince, get down!"
"Wha-?" he asked before Knock Out transformed, thrusting him inside his alt mode. Jack watched as the boy struggled, beating on the steering wheel before the Decepticon released a form of sleeping gas. Vince slumped downwards in his seat, eyes closing as the gas began to take effect.
"Breakdown," Knock Out commed in, "You'll never guess what I've found... Bumblebee's human friend." He internally smirked, planning what he would do with the mech once they got back to the Nemesis. He always was curious as to find out what made humans tick.
A dissection, he at last decided with twisted glee. Racing and a dissection in the same night. What a perfect way to end a perfect day.
Darkstorm landed and fired after the mech, only to sharply vent as the Decepticon drove away with his human hostage.
"Jack? 'Bee? Are you alright?" Darkstorm asked worriedly, studying both of them with a medic's optic for any sign of critical damage.
"That's what I like to know." All three of them turned around to see a sheepish Bulkhead and a very angry Arcee.
"I can't believe you went out racing! Against my wishes. Against Optimus' wishes. What were you thinking?" Arcee scolded.
"Arcee, you can give me a lecture later but right now, Knock Out's captured Vince and I think he wants to bring him to the Nemesis," Jack replied urgently.
"Oh, believe me. We will be discussing this later," Arcee glared down at her charge.
"We should just tell Optimus the truth," Raf silently pleaded with Miko.
"Absolutely not! We made a deal," Miko furiously replied, "Just act completely normal." The Prime, seeing the children's suspicious behavior, went over to them cautiously.
"Raf? Miko? Do either of you know where the others have gone?" he asked.
"Why no, sir. We do not know," Miko said nervously.
"Miko is correct. We do not know," Raf added stiffly.
"Why should we know?"
This only further raised the Prime's suspicions. "Hmm..." he mused.
Darkstorm, Bulkhead, Arcee, and Bumblebee tracked Knock Out's location to an abandoned warehouse on the other side of town. Bumblebee and Bulkhead cautiously moved inside while Darkstorm waited by the doorway, swords drawn. Almost immediately, Darkstorm saw Breakdown sneak up on Bumblebee and Bulkhead. Deciding to take action, she rushed out from her hiding spot, twirling and slashing at the Decepticon causing him to stumble backwards.
Knock Out, on the other hand, was stationed near the water tower with the human hostage still inside his alt mode. "I could have sworn there was another," he mused to himself.
Seeing that Knock Out was vulnerable, Arcee jumped off of the water tower and landed on the Decepticon. He frantically tried to remove the femme as she wounded him with her cannons. When Arcee finally jumped off of the medic, he ran away from the fight, comming Breakdown to the same before they lost their prize.
Knock Out continued to flee down the road with Arcee in hot pursuit. The Decepticon laughed to himself as the femme slowed down. "Come on! I was just getting started!" he goaded.
A loud truck horn startled him. Optimus veered onto the road, knocking the Decepticon off balance. He flipped over, tumbling down the embankment beside the paved road. Optimus transformed and went over to him. Knock Out struggled as he was picked up by the Prime, even more so when his door was ripped off.
"Do you know how hard that is to replace?!" Knock Out yelled.
Optimus ignored this and grabbed the human, curling a servo around him protectively while his other one formed into a cannon aimed directly at Knock Out's facial plating.
Knock Out growled angrily at the Autobots but transformed and left to go back to the Nemesis, knowing that he could not fight Optimus on his own.
Darkstorm and the others went outside, seeing Optimus with the human hostage... and he did not look happy.
"Darkstorm, Bumblebee, and Jack you will return the human back to his vehicle. The rest of you will return to base with me. I believe some explanations are in order," The Prime said sternly.
Darkstorm nodded nervously and took the mech from Optimus' servos, choosing to take him herself. It would be much quicker for a jet to fly to the other side of town than for a camaro to drive anyway. Darkstorm flew back to the area where Vince had left his green car, delicately placing him on the ground. She transformed and took to the skies, not wanting to be discovered. Bumblebee and Jack arrived a few minutes later.
"Er... what happened?" Vince groaned as he came to, holding his head in his hands.
"Umm... some jerks jumped you after the race. I uh... fought them off and performed CPR so you could wake up," Jack scrambled to come up with an excuse.
"I could have sworn that freaky goth chick with the red eyes was here," Vince said, looking around.
Bumblebee inwardly bristled at this. Darkstorm wasn't a freak.
Jack chuckled nervously. "Red eyes? I think you hit your head pretty hard, Vince... Come on. Let's get you home." Jack helped the boy up and into Bumblebee's alt mode.
Darkstorm vented in relief as she saw the unharmed human and travelled back to base. She disliked him very much but still, he did not deserve to be on Knock Out's dissection table.
No one did.
Her frame shuddered slightly however as she dwelt upon her fate if she went back to the missile silo. Surely, Optimus wouldn't be too angry at them... would he?
"I cannot believe all of you!" Optimus scolded, Ratchet by his side, "You not only raced without my approval but you placed our human companions and another human in danger!"
"But Optimus-" Optimus silenced the scout with a wave of his servo.
"We are here as robots in disguise for a reason. The humans are not to be placed in danger, no matter what the circumstances. Do you know what would have happened if the human child was not rescued in time?"
Darkstorm looked downwards, her wings drooping. Yes, she knew all too well the horrors that awaited him. She had dealt with them most of her life. "Optimus... we really are sorry. We did not mean to place the humans in danger."
Optimus vented sharply, his voice softening slightly, "But you all should have contacted me before going out there. It was foolish for you to keep this from me."
The rest of the team nodded, ashamed of their actions.
"We're sorry, Optimus," Bumblebee said sadly.
The Prime vented once more before nodding, "You are all free to go, except you Arcee. Come with me."
Darkstorm looked after the femme helplessly but Arcee shot her a slight smile, assuring her that she would be alright. Darkstorm vented and began to travel towards her quarters. Primus, it had been a long day.
Skybreak whistled lowly as he saw Knock Out enter the main bridge of the Nemesis. "Well, look what we have here," he grinned impishly, "I take it the Autobots ruined your precious finish?"
"Frag off!" Knock Out growled, stopping short however as Starscream walked into the room angrily.
"Knock Out! Was I not clear? You defied my orders yet again!" Starscream screeched.
"My mistake, Commander Starscream. But I've learned my lesson and paid the price," Knock Out said, tenderly grabbing one of his arms.
"It. Is. Lord!" Starscream snarled, "And you have paid when I say you have paid!"
Knock Out began to back away as Starscream advanced on him with an extended talon, "Don't worry. Your punishment shall merely be... cosmetic."
"No, not the finish! Anything but the finish!" Knock Out protested, screaming as Starscream's sharpened digits ravaged his paint job. "No!"
Skybreak stood there against the wall with his arms crossed over his chassis. There certainly never is a dull day, he thought with a smirk.
A/N:
To Guest: Aw, thank you! :D I shall definitely keep going. And if you want to read my sequels, you can.
"For the word of God is living and powerful! It is sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the divide of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and the intentions of the heart" Hebrews 4:12
Until next time, Dream'sRealm