Life's little dilemmas have being distracting me again, along with the ever cursed writer's block. But I am alive. Thank you for sticking with me throughout this long story. Only three chapters left now, I can't believe it … It has being a great privilege to write for all of you.

Thank you for all the reviews and support.

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First Snow

Snowbound: Pt 3

By Steph

Tears flowed slowly down the human's cool cheeks, cooling almost instantly as the bitter winter air enveloped them, freezing them in a tight molecule of ice, hard and cold, just like the seemingly infinite despair which now intertwined itself deeply inside Sam's heart. Beside him, the hulking black Decepticon watched the human's display of emotions; they were so weak allowing their feelings to govern their logic. The Saleen watched with emotionless optics as a wide smile stretched across the ray of black ebony metal. The human was helpless without his protector. His smirk widened further, motioning one hand towards the flesh form hunched over in the snow.

"Come human, Megatron awaits us. He is going to be so pleased to see you again."

Sam's small form shook as he took a deep breath, eying his fallen guardian in the snow, his fists clenched in anger. Bee had given his life defending him and for what? For the Decepticons to get him anyway?

I'm sorry Bee. Sorry I wasn't strong enough to look after myself. It's my fault, all of it. You're dead because of me.

Barricade watched with impatience at the flesh creatures agonizing display of remorse. He growled, shifting one of his metal feet to knock the human's disgusting body back down into the snow.

"Now human," Barricade snarled impatiently. "Or do you want to see me tear your guardian's body apart leaving the Autobot's nothing to remember him by?"

Sam lifted his head from the ground, glowering at the Decepticon's face as he slowly rose to his feet, brushing away the lumps of snow that now littered his clothing. He said nothing as he paced forward away from Bumblebee's battered body turning to face the hulking black decepticon, anger boiling up inside of him as he stared up into the cruel crimson red optics. The very same ones that moments earlier had seen the very last flicker of Bumblebee's own blue orbs before snuffing the life out of them as easily as a toddler blowing out their birthday candles.

"There now," Barricade spoke, openly mocking Sam, "that wasn't too hard was it?"

Sam merely remained silent as he walked forward to meet Barricade's open palm, his heart not even quickening in pace as the Decepticon closed his hand tightly around his body, enough to cause rattles of pain to shoot through the human's chest. Sam didn't't scream. He wasn't about to give the merciless killer the satisfaction. Instead he remained silent, unafraid as he was carted off towards his fate. Was there even a point of being afraid? With Bee gone, he wasn't likely to survive anyway…

The wind rattled through the open window of the Autobot base as snow flurried in thick and heavy from the outside. White crystals blew in random directions compacting themselves together in a huge seething white mass of ice and snow. Besides the main entrance, Ironhide accompanied by Sideswipe continued to simultaneously fire small blasts of heat from their primary weapons in an effort to budge the ever-growing pile of snow. Their efforts seemed to be working as some of the white powder had begun to melt away, clearing what could a way be out.

"Keep it going Sideswipe, we're nearly there." Ironhide's voice echoed over the screeching wind. Sideswipe increased the heat intensity of his vents, pushing forward through the frozen perception.

"I hope Sam and Bumblebee are all right." The silver mech said as he pushed forward through the melting snow. "Have you had any luck in tracking their location?"

Ironhide whirred thoughtfully whilst pushing away at a particularly large pile of white powder.

"Yes, Teletran One got a lock on Bumblebee about an hour ago, he's somewhere close to Colorado, the signal was lost before we could get an exact fix on his location."

Just as Ironhide turned his attention back to the task at hand, his internal communicator beeped.

"Optimus to Ironhide."

Ironhide immediately activated his com link recognizing Optimus's voice over the channel.

"Ironhide here." There was a heavy pause before Optimus's deep voice sounded through Ironhide's audio receptors.

"Ironhide we have just received an update from Teletran One, We have found Bumblebee but his signal is weak, much weaker than it should be. It could indicate a glitch in our tracking system other then the adverse weather, however I think...

Ironhide scoffed loudly cutting Optimus off, "A glitch, don't be a fool Optimus. He growled angrily. "Teletran One never suffers errors, you know that. Something has happened to them, I can feel it in my circuits."

"If you could let me finish Ironhide." Optimus sighed "I think we need to rendezvous with Bumblebee just be safe. Barricade's signature was also detected. I fear the worst has befallen our comrade. How long until you and Sideswipe clear the main entrance?"

"Soon, we're nearly through, but the slagging stuff keeps piling back up. But we'll make it, don't you worry."

"Very well, contact me as soon as it is clear. We move out immediately Ironhide, time is of the essence. I can only hope we are not too late. Optimus out."

The line went silent as Ironhide severed his connection to his internal radio.

Ironhide's optics refocused as he came to meet the anxious stare of Sideswipe. The silver mech looked at him expectantly.

"Well? What's going on?" he demanded, "Are Sam and Bee all right?"

Ironhide went silent for a moment before he finally shook his head, turning to glare at the raging snow still falling upon the ground outside.

"I don't know." he finally admitted.

Sideswipe's optics widened as Ironhide turned away, resuming his task of clearing the thick piles of frozen snow in front of him.

Please just let them be all right…

Barricade frowned at the human encased within his palm. He did not show the slightest amount of fear, he wasn't even flinching as the Decepticon's grip tightened into what should be more than enough force to crack his fragile ribs. Barricade glowered, he wanted to see this human suffer. It was because of this hunk of flesh that he had to hide for almost two years after his failure at retrieving the elder Witwicky's glasses. He tightened his grip, feeling the human's body squirm in protest.

Now we are getting somewhere, couldn't hurt just to make him scream. After all if it wasn't for this insect I would not have suffered the humiliation I was forced to endure.

Barricade applied more pressure, a carefully calculated force, just enough to snap one of the human's ribs. As his metal hand tightened its grasp, a loud satisfying like cracking sound filled the air as Sam's small bone gave way under the force. A burning seething wave of pain ruptured from the side of his chest. Sam screamed as Barricade flexed his hand, jarring the already broken bone, tears began to flow freely as the decepticon finally released his monstrous hold, allowing Sam to clutch the side of his chest in a futile attempt to relieve the pain.

"My," Barricade mocked, "I expected a little more from the slayer of Megatron, but your just as weak and pathetic as the rest of your miserable kind."

Sam clenched the side of his chest, gripping his teeth to prevent the cries of pain that threatened to leave his mouth. His eyes narrowed, hot hatred burning inside him, hatred that surpassed even that of Agent Simmons from Sector Seven.

"I…am not weak." Sam voice spat, watching as Barricade's optics flickered from his injury back to his face.

"We shall see, but I believe Megatron will be the judge of that."

In his efforts in trying to torture Sam, Barricade had failed to check his auditory sensors, as a small click sounded directly behind Barricade's massive head.

The saleen's systems faltered momentarily, feeling heat glaze over the back of his neck joint. Sam's eyes widened as his gaze came to rest on the metal figure over Barricade's shoulder. One blue optic dimmed in the imitation of a wink as the mech moved his glowing weapon closer to the back of Barricade's head now touching the sleek black metal surface. Just four single words left the mech's vocalizer.

"Put my human down."

Barricade flinched feeling the cannon on the back of his head glow slightly hotter, reaffirming the threat. Turning slowly his optics met the glow of a yellow mech's humming plasma cannon.

"You!" Barricade stared, all pairs of optics widening at once. "But you were offline!" he shouted just as Bumblebee began to charge his cannon, Barricade was so close he could see the energy within it crackle to life, pulling in on itself as the deadly weapon readied to fire.

"You made a grave mistake when you threatened my charge, Barricade." Bumblebee threatened, "Put him down and let's finish this once and for all."

Barricade watched as Bumblebee lowered his cannon and for a fleeting moment. Barricade felt a sense of respect, the Autobot wanted to fight in a custom to the duels of Cybertron, Equal standings, a face off to the death, where they could be only one winner. Barricade looked down at Sam for a moment, seeing the human's now hopeful expression. The black mech snorted, tossing Sam's body aside causing the teenager to hit the snowy ground. The decepticon widened his stance as Bumblebee moved one metal palm to scoop up Sam's now shaking form in the snow. Carefully Bumblebee paced several feet away before gently setting Sam on the ground, he gazed tenderly down at his charge as Sam tenaciously hugged one of Bee's metal fingers, as if afraid to let go.

"It will be all right Sam." Bumblebee murmured gently. Sam nodded and let go, watching as Bumblebee straightened turning towards the Decepticon in front of him. Out of the corner of his optic Bumblebee addressed Sam.

"Whatever happens Sam, I'm glad I was able to be your guardian. Stay behind me and if the worst happens, run. Optimus and the others will find you."

Sam nodded through his tears as sobs began to rattle through his chest, agitating his broken rib.

"Thank you Bee." he uttered softy watching his guardian turn to face the looming decepticon.

"Ready to die Autobot?" Barricade sneered, transforming one of his arms into a huge girding weapon. Bumblebee said nothing as his battle mask dropped covering his face in a shroud of darkness turning the fun loving Bee into the deadly hornet. The cannon on the mech's arm hummed to life, glowing bright hot orange as Bumblebee pointed it directly at Barricade's metal head.

"Let's finish this."

As soon the words had left Bumblebee's vocalizer, the yellow mech charged, heading straight for the black decepticon, angry rage burning a flare in his spark chamber.

This is for you Sam.

Barricade watched with a satisfied smirk as the smaller Autobot headed straight for him, flurries of snow flying up behind the yellow Autobot as Bumblebee's metal body gathered speed. However Barricade was ready. As soon as the yellow scout was in striking distance Barricade swung his right arm, smashing his fist straight in to Bumblebee's exposed battle mask throwing small bits of yellow metal into the air. Bumblebee's blue optics glowed brighter as Barricade drove him back, forcing his smaller metal form down into the snow.

"How predictable, this planet has made you soft. You lack spark Autobot!" Barricade laughed, his evil taunt echoing off the trees surrounding them. From a distance away, Sam watched helplessly as his guardian struggled to get to his feet.

Bumblebee glowered disdainfully, pinning the Decepticon with a murderous glare.

"We shall see Barricade."

Without giving the Decepticon another warning, Bumblebee reformatted his left arm. The small metal panels on the mech's forearm shifted in mid-transformation, orange light crackled as two small blades appeared, flicking outwards in midstep. Turning on his feet, Bumblebee swung his arms in a tight circle as the two glowing blades bashed into the decepticon's chest armor throwing him backwards. Barricade let out a roar of pain as his entire frame seemingly froze in mid air before flying back, hitting one of the many trees behind them. The tree's trunk cracked under the force of the attack as Barricade's metal body slid down the rough bark. The yellow victor flicked both arms forcing both blades to slot back into place, disappearing out of sight. Barricade's quartet of red optics glared into the smaller mech's as he easily propped himself upright, apparently not even phased by the attack. Barricade transformed his arm in midstep, revealing a powerful looking cannon flashing dangerously orange as it hummed to life. With an evil smile, Barricade pointed it straight at the Autobot's head. Bumblebee didn't wait for the decepticon to fire. Bending his feet towards the ground, Bumblebee launched himself straight at the decepticon's body. Barricade growled deeply, tearing up the ground with his feet bearing Bumblebee's weight with both arms as he easily threw the autobot off him. Bumblebee cringed, feeling his pain receptors flare to life as the wound on his chest burned afresh, blue liquid Energon splattered to the ground flowing freely of Bumblebee's metal body.

"Ready to surrender bug?" Barricade sneered "You won down to pure luck in our last encounter, did you really expect to get lucky a second time?" He mocked watching as Bumblebee lifted one of his metal palms to the gaping hole dangerously close to his spark chamber. Bumblebee's blue optics narrowed dangerously as Barricade pointed his weapon in the direction of Sam, fearful brown eyes met the yellow mech's own optics as a pure bitter rage burned with a pit spawn hell fire in Bumblebee's spark chamber, threatening to consume all in its path.

"What's the matter Barricade? Afraid to take me, you still need threaten Sam? I don't remember you resorting to this in our last battle."

Barricade's left fist clenched in anger and in one death defying motion the Decepticon smashed his fist into Bumblebee's gaping chest, a screech of agony ruptured from Bumblebee's vocalizer. Barricade laughed, swinging his arm back again and ploughing it straight into Bumblebee's face. Fragments of yellow metal flung into the air as Barricade pounded the living daylights out of the smaller mech. Barricade raised his fist once more but before he could strike again…

"Hey! Decepti cluts!"

All of a sudden a small ball of snow smashed straight into the decepticon's face. Barricade wrenched back in surprise, immediately turning all four optics in the direction of the white projectile. Sam gulped, lowering his arm seeing the con's murderous glare glance in his direction. He let out a shaky breath as the towering black decepticon threw his guardian aside before loomed towards him, a mechanical growl rippling through Barricade's chest as he started in the direction of Sam.

"Oh shit."

Sam turned quickly on his heel, running in the direction of the trees. Barricade charged towards the fleeing human battle claws extended, ready to do some serious damage. Sam ran as fast his feet could carry him, but it was no use; he already knew the decepticon would be on him before he could make a break for the tree line.

Bumblebee, seizing his chance, quickly, stood pointing his twin plasma cannon at the decepticon's feet. Aiming carefully, Bumblebee fired. The streaking projectile flew through the air, lighting the white landscape in a glow of fire. The flying bullet hissed before bursting into flames by one of Barricade's thick metal struts. The con roared as white hot fire shot up his metal leg, disabling his balance circuits. As he struggled to maintain his equilibrium, his arms flew forward sporadically but it was no use. Barricade's heavy metal body crashed towards the ground with an almighty bang. Sam's head turned behind him, seeing the saleen on the cold hardened ground. Glancing in the direction of his guardian, Sam watched as Bumblebee held up one yellow palm, a silent warning for Sam to stay where he was.

Upon the ground, there was no movement. Bumblebee crept silently forward, his blue optics flickering nervously; the Decepticon could be back in the fight at any given moment. He was right. The black con lurched to his feet and like an oncoming train he slammed straight into Bumblebee's metal body, forcing him back. Bumblebee dug his feet in the snow bearing the con's great weight but somehow he managed to stay on his feet. Battle claws extended from the black mech's hands, scratching down on Bumblebee's chassis. The yellow Autobot flinched, feeling Barricade's black hydraulic hand clamp firmly down on his neck joint, throwing his head to the side.

"Pathetic Autobot!" Barricade roared slashing his battle claws at mech's spark casing.

Bumblebee flinched and jumped backwards,cringing as he felt Barricade's sharp fingers scrape down his chest armor. Barricade raised his fist to strike again but this time Bumblebee was ready as Barricade's fist flew towards his face. Bumblebee caught the con's hand and reversed the strike. Shifting one metal foot, Bumblebee launched a well aimed kick at the Decepticon's abdomen. The saleen shrieked with pain, but stubbornly held his ground as Bumblebee smashed the side of the decepticon's jagged face, striking again and again, throwing up shreds of silver metal into the air. Barricade finally let go of his grip on Bumblebee's shoulder, collapsing heavily into the snow, his crimson red optics flashed sporadically trying desperately to remain online until Bumblebee swung his arm back pelting a final punch at the decepticon's dented head. Barricade groaned deeply before his optics flickered and finally went blank. Bumblebee gazed at the decepticon for a moment checking this time, the con was offline and no longer a threat.

From several feet away Sam watched as Bumblebee shakily stood, taking several steps towards him through the snow. Sam could make out Bumblebee's distorted image but before the yellow mech could reach him, his legs gave way. Sam eyes widened as Bumblebee's battered form crumpled into the snow.

"Bee!" Sam shouted across the snowy landscape, panic beginning to rise in his throat when he received no response. Shifting his feet through the thick snow, Sam trudged forward while clutching the side of his chest as he raced over to where his guardian lay in the snow.

The true extent of Bumblebee's condition became apparent with every step Sam took. Every inch of the mech's armor was now laced in a wave of dents and scratches. Sam cringed, staring up to the now bigger gaping hole in Bumblebee's chest plating, blue Energon splattered all over the Autobot's body, no doubt the reason behind his sudden weakness. Sam slowly approach the metal form, a thick layer of snow now covered the side of Bumblebee's body. Shakily Sam gently tapped the side of Bee's yellow head, tears once more beginning to sting his eyes.

"Bee come on, I can't lose you again!"

Lowering his head, tears rolled down Sam's face. Beside him there was a deep mechanical groan. A chocked sob of relief passed Sam's lips as he quickly lifted his head meeting the familiar dabs of blue light.

"Sam." Bumblebee sighed, managing to weakly lift one metal palm and stroke down Sam's back. Sam nodded smiling as he moved closer to Bee's head.

"Shhh, don't try to talk." Sam uttered softly as he huddled against the mech's yellow metal.

Bumblebee ignored his charge's words, gently ruffling Sam's hair as flakes of snow fell lightly towards the ground.

"Are you... all right?" Bumblebee's voice broke off in a wave of static. Carefully cupping his hand against Sam's back, Bumblebee drew his charge's body closer towards him, feeling a sense of relief spread throughout his circuitry despite the pain of his wounds. Sam laughed lightly, nodding his head.

"I'm fine, thanks to you." Squeezing the side of Bumblebee's head in conformation. The yellow mech tightened his hold, feeling his life blood, Energon, seep free of his body. He was going to bleed to death. Bumblebee let out a groan, feeling his pain receptors flare as a few lone snowflakes fell upon the open wound.

"Bee! Are you all right?" Sam asked, glancing at the Autobot's chest. Bumblebee nodded his head hissing heavily in Cybertroian.

"It hurts, Primus! I need Ratchet now." Sam stroked a hand down the side of Bumblebee's metal face, murmuring gentle comforts to his friend.

"Don't worry Bee, I'm sure Ratchet and the others will be here soon."

Helplessly Sam glanced around the frozen landscape. Out in the distance several lights flickered on and off in the darkness. Dare he let himself hope…

The white light flashed again as a faint blob suddenly appeared through the snow, glowing neon yellow lights! The shape sped forward until Sam could make out the familiar sight of a hummer rescue vehicle. Behind it two others flanked it, a loud truck horn bleared loudly through the silent forest as the sounds of engines could be heard approaching.

"Ratchet!" Sam shouted. Hearing his own voice echo off the trees, a siren call answered him as the rescue hummer flew forward skidding to a slippery stop several feet away from where Sam sat. Two more vehicles screeched forward, all at once the three vehicles transformed as metal panels parted and rearranged themselves revealing the robot forms of Ratchet, Ironhide and Optimus.

"Over here, quick!" Sam shouted desperately waving one hand, Ratchet immediately paced forward crouching besides Bumblebee's damaged body, his blue optics scanned feverishly over Bumblebee's metal form. Ironhide and Optimus hung back watching with worried expressions.

"What happened?" demanded Ratchet as he worked on clamping Bumblebee's gaping chest wound. Sam gulped nervously, watching as Ratchet bent and folded metal back into place.

Bumblebee let out a painful groan as Ratchet began to solder his fuel lines shut, "Easy youngling." Ratchet murmured gently.

"Well!"The medic demanded. Sam shook his head out of his stupor and drew in a deep breath. "Barricade attacked, he caught us completely by surprise. Bee managed to fend him of but Barricade really did a number on him. The creeps over there." Sam pointed with one hand where the Decepticon lay in the snow.

Ironhide's optics narrowed dangerously as he started towards the fallen con. Optimus quickly lay a restraining hand on the weapon specialist's shoulder.

"No Ironhide, we will deal with him appropriately. We do not know the reason behind the attack."

Ironhide glared at his leader as one of his massive cannons flashed dangerously to life pointing at the con's chest.

"Do we need to know?" the black Autobot argued shifting his cannon reflexively. "That pit spawned glitchh has nearly off lined Bumblebee! He's too dangerous to leave here just laying around."

Optimus sighed, shaking his metal hand, "It could be vital to learn of the Decepticon's motives. Patience my friend, justice will be served in due time."

Ironhide fists clenched in anger as he stared over at the fallen decepticon with a murderous glare. He took a deep gust of air through his vents; turning to Optimus Ironhide gave a grudging nod. Optimus removed his hand glancing over to where Ratchet was now dealing with the task of sealing up Bumblebee's chest armour.

"How is he Ratchet?" he asked gravely. Taking in the damaged state of the small mech, his spark pulsed uncomfortably. The poor youngling was a mess; he only hoped that the damage was not permanent. Ratchet looked up from his work shaking his metal head.

"Critical. He has severed several main Energon lines that feed his spark, has numerous dents in his amour, and his left arm is no longer functioning."

From his place by Bumblebee's head Sam listen to Ratchet's report, cringing at every single word, this was all his fault, if Bee died…

"Will he be all right?" Sam asked in a small voice glancing over at Bumblebee's face. The yellow mech's blue optics blinked at him in reassurance, tightening his grip on Sam's back.

Ratchet watched the small exchange, sympathy ghosting over his features as he too stroked one finger down Sam's back.

"I have done everything I can now, the rest is up to Bumblebee." Ratchet said gravely.

"This is all my fault, Ratch, Bee was only trying to protect me..." The teen trailed off unable to continue as more tears threatened to fall, besides him, Bumblebee shook his head in disapproval, tightening his hold around his charge. The medic's optics widened at the boy's outburst, slowly he shook his metal head.

"No Sam, do not blame yourself, Bumblebee did what he thought was right, you mean so very much to us all, Bumblebee only did what any of us would have done in this situation. I commend Bumblebee for his bravery, your very lucky to have escaped without further injury."

Sam smiled up at the medic in thanks, turning his gaze back to his guardian beside him, he sighed feeling Bumblebee move his body closer to his head. The mech's entire hand shifted nearly covering Sam's small form, a safe shield from the rest of the cruel, cold world.

Ratchet watched with a smile as he then turned his optics away from the pair to the snowy landscape, his gaze then flickered back to Ironhide.

"We need to move him out of the cold." He muttered out loud glancing at the falling snow. "Ironhide?"

Ironhide looked up, hearing the sound of his name. Taking a cue from Ratchet, Optimus transformed into his alt form, swinging open the doors to his trailer. Ironhide quickly paced over to his fallen comrade, putting his arms underneath Bumblebee's back. Along with Ratchet, the pair moved the yellow mech through the snow before gently lowering him inside Optimus's huge trailer.

"Sam?" Ratchet asked, approaching where Sam still sat hunched over in the snow. "Would you like to stay with him?"

Sam nodded and remained still as Ratchet scooped his body up with one palm and proceeded to walk towards the trailer. He felt himself being deposited upon the uninjured side of his guardian's metal chest. He sighed in relief, feeling Bumblebee's yellow hand rise up to cup his back as the doors behind him shut. The only light that remained was the gentle glow of Bumblebee's blue optics. Despite the worry that filled him, Sam felt his eyes become heavy as the motion of Optimus's now moving trailer and Bumblebee's slow but steady spark thrums began to lull him into a light slumber. The last thing Sam heard was the gentle strumming of a guitar playing lowly in the background along with a gentle voice filling his ears, the melody was calming, soothing…

I will never let you fall

I'll stand up with you forever

I'll be there for you through it all

Even if saving you sends me to heaven…

This one nearly killed me, but I hope you have enjoyed regardless, I would like to thank all you reviewers and of course my friend and beta Waterbender Oathkeeper for keeping me sane throughout the entire process.