Hey guys, ValvraveRider17 here! That's right, (T'Challa voice) I AM NOT DEAD! and I know, I'm little late on the updates but I'm doing my best to catch up on a lot of things now that I have a job and college is running. But to make up all of that lost time, I decided to update two chapters for you guys! Hope this makes you guys happy for all those waiting. Sorry!
Czar Joseph: Lol, yep. I HAD to put that bit in. for the AutoKnights showing the kids, the anime shows might be a little discerning, to be honest, but it does have some points to share some knowledge with them. Though I have thoughtful doubts about having them watch the you-know-what. Also, Shou is Sonic, not Shirou.
Mpatton17: We will soon enough.
BraveSeeker3: GLAD YOU LIKE IT! XD
Colossus Bridger: Lol, I'll think about it. Also for the pairing: ;)
Gregey: Thanks for the waiting!
Blitzing: I'll try my best, hope this makes up.
BattleDroid1207: Thanks!
darkraizerGx1: Yeah, I may not include them as AutoKnights because it's already filled. But I might use them for cameos.
Disclaimer: Same thing
Deus ex Machina
Sometime passed When Incursio and Rave Rose joined Team Prime, the former being happy to stay with his brother, as they situated themselves inside the base. Though Rave Rose became a little bit of a fanatic with the pieces of equipment stored inside. When she asked about the "Science Projects" that Ratchet created for the kids, Sonic just answered, "It's a long story." However, for the latter something else has been bugging him lately.
"Hey, Arcee." Arcee was walking down the corridor when she turned to see Sonic Drive approaching her, "There's something I wanted to talk to you about."
Arcee faced Sonic with curiosity, "What is it?"
Sonic Drive's face turned into concern before he spoke, "I noticed that when my brother joined Team Prime, you looked upset for a moment." After the incident with M. ., he saw that Arcee became a little bit distant for a while. Thinking that his reunion with his brother brought up some memories of Elita-One, Sonic asked, "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. It's nothing." Arcee shook her head. Her eyes, however, didn't say so.
"... You were reminded about your sister, weren't you?" Arcee's expression changed. Sonic noticed it and looked down with sympathetic eyes, "Yappari, (Thought so,), I'm sorry, I know you miss your sister-"
"It's not your fault." Arcee said quickly, "It's true that I miss Elita-One. Not a day goes by that I keep on remembering the loss of when Elita disappeared, I thought I had completely lost one of my family members that I cared about. The news struck me so hard that…." she paused, before sighing, "I almost lashed out on Optimus, blaming him for losing her."
Sonic widened his eyes in shock, "You what?"
"Yeah, I blamed him. She was one of my family members that I cared so much about, and when that was taken away, I couldn't take it and lashed out in anger. I ran away, not wanting to be with him. But then I realized Elita wouldn't want this, not when we had a war to fight. So after I cleared my head, I returned and when I heard from Ratchet that there was a chance that she's alive, I was elated. So I apologized to Optimus for lashing, but he forgave him just as I forgave him. But I couldn't get over the guilt of blaming the family that I had now."
"At least, you forgave him." Sonic stated, "You gave him a chance and accepted him as family. That's something you should be proud of."
"Yeah… but luck was never on my side when we arrived on Earth… not when I lost my partner."
"Cliffjumper, right?"
"Yeah, but he and Elita weren't the only ones I lost."
"What?"
"Before I lost Cliffjumper, I had another partner, Tailgate. Ever since we were paired, we had each other's back with every mission we did. I felt like he was someone that I could fight alongside with, the one that I could trust the most."
Sonic had a feeling of where this was going, "What happened to him?"
"He was killed." Arcee stated with a frown, reminiscing that past and her, "I lost two partners that I cared about along with a family. I felt that I was alone," her eyes softened in sadness.
Sonic looked at her before he decided to give some words of comfort, "You have us." he stated, "You're not the only one to consider family. You've got Optimus, Bumblebee, Bulkhead, Ratchet, and us AutoKnights; me, Zone Runner, Rave, Incursio. You've got everyone here to call family. Know that you're not alone because we'll support you as much as we have with our friends back at our world."
Arcee looked at him, surprised at the comfort that he was giving her, to call her family, "Thanks, Sonic. I know I'm not alone."
Sonic smiled, "Just looking out for friends in need. If you need some support with anything, let me know."
Arcee smiled back, accepting the offer, "Thank you." She then continued her walk, leaving Sonic Drive. Though he didn't know that she had a small blush on her faceplate.
Sonic watched her leaving form, "To think, Optimus went through what I felt." He muttered, looking down as he went into thought, remembering about that past, "When will I ever be forgiven for what I did? What can I do, Taku?" He pondered about it for a moment before walking out of the hallway.
(Memorial High)
The school day was done and most of the students went home for the day from class they had to endure. Most. Some had to stay behind due to several reasons, them being school performances, extracurricular activities, and worst of all: detention. Detention is usually meant for students to do their homework they were assigned to do earlier or as a form of punishment to them. And Miko was not having a good day at all.
"Detention." she muttered as she set down her world history textbook with utmost boredom. She hated the project she had to do, researching ancient history for a written report. Why is it even required, she never wants to know. And it still doesn't help that World History happens to be the subject she hates! There was absolutely nothing to do but sit around and listen to the boring lectures from her teacher about history. Oh, she wishes she could just get away from this dull madness right now.
Luckily her wish was granted when a rock band song sounded from afar. She looked out the window to see the familiar sight of the SUV stopping in front of the school. Seeing that her Autobot charge was and the teacher was too busy reading the newspaper, she grinned, thinking of a devious idea. While the teacher wasn't looking, she silently got up from her desk, sneaked out of the room, and went out the hallway doors.
As she got closer to the car, she can hear Bulkhead's radio blasting the guitar solo as he was singing along to the chords. If he was in his humanoid form he would've been air guitaring to the music. "Ye~ah!"
Just then, Miko opened the door and hopped into the passenger seat. "I love this song!" she said banging her head and sang along.
Bulkhead stopped singing and looked at Miko, his insignia on the wheel flashing every time he spoke, "Miko, I thought you had a history report to do," he sounded like he was frowning, "did detention end early?"
Though, Miko just buckled her seat belt, as she nonchalantly smirked, "Did for me." though that ended quickly when she noticed from the rearview mirror, the teacher coming out, most likely searching for her. "Uh-oh. Here comes teacher, and she doesn't look happy. Step on it, Bulkhead!" she panicked, sitting into the seat to conceal herself.
"Miko…" Bulkhead sighed before he shifted his gear and drove out of the parking lot. Although he wasn't happy that Miko skipped detention, he couldn't bring himself to have her at the receiving end of whatever the teacher was gonna say to her.
(Cue Transformers Evo by Jam Project)
(Instrumental) The scene starts with the 40 Chaos Energems in a circle formation with the background speeding past stars and galaxies until it reached Earth and the Energems glowed and emerged together to the title with the AutoKnight insignia behind it.
(Yami no kanata seijaku wo hikisaki [Out in the darkness, someone is rending the silence]) The scene changes to Sonic Drive out in the desert fields, staring out into the open until he brought out his hand to reveal his Energem.
(Hoshi no nemuri yobiokosu no wa Doitsu da? [Who will be the one to awaken this planet from its sleep?]) Sonic Drive looks at it until he faces forward as the rest of the Autoknights in their vehicle forms sped past him and transformed into their robot forms, lining up next to him.
(Hora me no mae jaaku na tamashiitachi [Look, the evil spirits are right before you]) On the Nemesis, Megatron and the Decepticons face the screen with their evil smirks.
(Nigeba wa nai massugu ni uketomero! [Take 'em straight on, as there is no place to escape!]) The camera pans out of the Nemesis showing Optimus Prime and the Autobots on the ground, with their weapons ready.
(Some tells me "Yowaki" ya "Osore" wo shoukyo shite [Someone tells me to erase my "worries" and "fear"]) In the Autobot base, Jack, Miko, and Raf get into their respective partners' vehicle form and drive through the Ground Bridge portal.
(Bokura wa ishiki kumikaeru [We reconstruct our minds]) In another room, Beast High is seen singing while shedding an energon tear from her eyes.
(Sono te wo tsuyoku nigiri [Strongly clench your fists ]) A dark silhouette, with a dark red visor, holding a lance appeared with his visor glowing as 4 other robot silhouettes join in front of him with more silhouettes with a Decepticon looking insignia with a halo and draconic wings coming out to side glow behind them.
(Tagai no kizuna shinjite [Believe in the bonds between us]) Sonic Drive stood in front of the enemy with Null Infinity right next to him as their eyes were glaring with resolve.
(Tatakae![fight!]) They then engage in their battle mode and charge forward along with the others with their weapons ready. (Saa All I can do! And all you can do!) On the battlefield, both Autobots and AutoKnights fight against the Decepticons; while the others were facing the Vehicons, Sonic Drive and Optimus engage in a sword fight with Megatron. While Rave Rose, Bumblebee, and Incursio were dodging Starscream's missiles as Rave Rose drew out her katana and slashed at him. (Habatake Transform [spread your wings and transform]) Arcee, Elita-One, and Vilkiss throw punches and kicks at Airachnid, while she retaliates with her claws.
(Sono mune tsuranuku ikari wo chikara ni kae [Take the heart-piercing anger and turn it into strength]) Gurren Lagann, Earth Impacter, Bulkhead, and the rest of the Valvrave team along with the Arzenal Team engage in close combats with Knockout and Breakdown who are with the Vehicons as well. While Soul Rider and the Evangelion team as well as Galaxy slash and his Majestic Prince Team cover fire at long distances.
(Ima All I can do And all you can do) We then see a giant silhouette behind Megatron with glowing purple eyes, firing lasers at Optimus and Sonic, pushing them back but not enough to falter them.
(Kagayake Transform! Shinka no Stage e! [shine and transform to the stage of evolution]) Optimus takes out his sword and swings it at Megatron who blocks it with his own. While Sonic Drive activates his Chaos Energem as he glows with a raging blue aura.
(Touch and Go!) He then Jumps and throws his fist at the silhouette as the opening ends with the AutoKnights, the Autobots and the humans lining up together in their Autobot base.
Deus ex Machina
(Road)
Bulkhead was heading back to base after the get away with his charge on board, "Miko, I'm supposed to be your guardian, not your getaway car," he reminded, as he drove. "You can't just cut detention. What if your parents found out?"
"They live in Tokyo, remember?" Miko casually reminded, "and don't even worry about my host parents, I think I scare them."
Bulkhead sighed, as he arrived at the base, the blast door closing behind him. "Miko, listen. If you fail high school, you can't go to… uh… uni….kesa… coll… uh wait, wait, what's that word again?"
"Uh, college?" she answered. They stopped in the main chamber before Miko got off and Bulkhead shifted into his humanoid mode. "Ugh, you sound like my parents!"
"Aren't they Japanese?" Bulkhead raised a brow, very confused.
She rolled her eyes, "They may speak a different language, but you say the same things."
"Because we want the best for you," Bulkhead countered passionately. Even as her guardian, he wants Miko to succeed in life, otherwise he would regret letting her into any trouble just by doing nothing. "And that means making sure you go to school, not jail."
"Uh-oh. What'd you do?" Jack asked in a teasing tone as he leaned in from the platform rail. Raf was there too as he was having a conversation with Zone Runner and Rave Rose when Bulkhead and Miko came in. Ratchet was monitoring for Energon on his computer.
Bulkhead kneeled down, "Look, Miko, before I became a warrior, I was a laborer. Worked on construction. I can build stuff. I can break stuff. And that's it." However he saw a smile from Miko, making him sense an unnerving vibe coming from her.
Thankfully, he knew why. "I love breaking stuff! I wanna be just like you, Bulk!" She said. The thought of her destroying stuff as much as she wants sounded like something that she could dig for excitement. Bulkhead sighed and shook his head as Miko was clearly missing the point of what he was saying.
Rave Rose couldn't help but overhear their conversation as she tore her attention to them.
"What happened?" Rave Rose curiously asked.
"Apparently, Miko ditched her detention class." Raf answered from the rail.
The Valvrave raised her brows and turned to Miko with a jealous expression, "You ditched school? Lucky." Rave Rose said, cutely pouting.
"Rave, I don't think ditching school is considered lucky, it's an act of delinquency you know?" Sonic chided, as he came back with Incursio from the training hall after sparring each other.
Rave Rose pouted at the Grand Chariot. "But the classes were boring. Not to mention, the teachers there were too!"
"And yet, you went to Tech club in the weekends, didn't you?" refuted Zone.
"Shut up! I didn't want to graduate and go to that boring college you guys go to!"
"Didn't you go to college too?" Bulkhead asked, assuming that she went and gained a proper education.
Though, he saw a grin etched on her faceplate. "Weeeeell, for my age I'm supposed to. But I probably don't have to anymore!" She cheered.
Bulkhead and Miko tilted their heads, becoming more confused, "What do you mean by that?"
"Hold on, how old are you?" Miko asked.
"18."
Miko was shocked at the age,"18?! You're three years older than me and you get to fight Cons?!"
"Miko, she's older than you, of course, she has more capability of handling herself, despite her childish behavior." Sonic said reprimanding the Valvrave.
"Hey!"
Bulkhead sighed, "Anyway, why would you be like me when you could be a- a medic like Ratchet?" He was questioning her while motioning to the said Autobot at the computer before the detection sensors sounded.
"I'm detecting a fresh Energon pulse in the nation called Greece." Ratchet reported, "an ancient city, quite historic I believe."
As if a light bulb lit above his head, Bulkhead had an idea, "Ancient Greece, huh? Oh, field trip~." he said in a sing-song like voice.
Incursio couldn't help but comprehend what the Wrecker was thinking, it almost sounded like it was a scouting mission, but at the same time something else. "Anyone else thinking what Bulkhead's thinking?" he asked. All he got was a reply of 'I's from his brother and friends.
(Nemesis)
In the atmosphere, the Nemesis flew through the clouds as the lightning flashed and the thunder roared. The mood inside though was as tense as the outside. At the helm, Starscream stood with his arms behind him, as if waiting for someone to arrive.
"It's about time, Knockout." he called in annoyance as the lightning flashed across the bridge window. "I do not enjoy being kept waiting." As he said that, a new Decepticon entered through the doors.
The Decepticon, Knockout, was a bit shorter than Starscream. His body was sleek and slim with a few curved spikes sticking out of his shoulders along with a set of wheels attached to them, his armor was mostly crimson with his underframe being silver. On his chest were a pair of car headlights while his arms had door panel armor covering it while showing his sharp needle digit hands. His lower body was covered with a bit of red armor as his thighs were slim before it stopped at red armor covering the rest. His red head was curved with fins while his faceplate was completely white while having the red, trail down his cheeks with his optics glowing crimson. "It was a long drive, Starscream. I'm still picking up bugs off my grille." He complained, picking up and throwing away a small insect.
Starscream narrowed his eyes in displeasure at that statement, "Yes… right, you're one of those."
Knockout raised a brow, "Come again?" he asked in confusion,
Starscream circled around Knockout, "Never understood why any self-respecting Decepticon would choose an automobile as his vehicle mode. When he could have flight." He demurred, criticizing the medic's vehicle choice of disguise. As a Seeker himself, Starscream appreciates himself with the choice of an aircraft to fly through open space.
"I like the way I look in steel belted radials," Knockout smirked vainly, not changing his opinion even the slightest.
Starscream only rolled his eyes his annoyance before he turned away and motioned him to the hall. Knockout casually followed after.
They walked through the hall before stopping in front of a door leading to a certain room, "I presume Megatron needs a laboratory assist?" Knockout questioned.
"You… may say that." Starscream replied as he opened the door, revealing their fallen leader, Megatron, laying on the berth with multiple life tubes attached to him while the hole on his chest remained.
"Whoa." Knockout blinked, he certainly didn't expect this outcome.
(Greece)
A Ground Bridge opened near the familiar ruins of Greece as Bulkhead came out in his vehicle mode, "Here we are!" he opened his passenger door to let Miko out as she looked around in awe at the Greek ruins.
"Sweet!" she cheered, as Bulkhead transformed into his humanoid form, "So what are we doing here in Greco-ville?" she asked excitingly, thinking that they were going to do something exciting and fun.
Bulkhead, however, said something opposite to what she was expecting, "I'm scouting for Energon. You're doing research for your history report." he said as he took out his scanner, and began scanning the area.
Miko gave off a face of betrayal as she looked up at her charge as he passed her, "You punked me, Bulk?! Not cool!"
Bulkhead ignored it as he brought up the scanner as the beeping grew stronger, signaling the Energon signature is nearby. "Hm, signal's strong." he scanned around and noticed a few bulldozers, dump trucks, wheelbarrows, and other construction machines at the site. He was impressed to see humans using these kinds of vehicles for building. But he saw certain types of vehicles used for something other than building, "An excavation site." he identified.
"Whoa." Miko was surprised at Bulkhead to be able to recognize what the area was.
"I know construction." he shrugged, before looking back, "According to my scanner, humans hit Energon veins. And they don't even know it." He looked around to see any Energon crystals emerging from the earth. Until he laid eyes on an ancient wall with a painting on it.
"Whoa!" he let out a gasp of surprise at the painting. Upon closer look, it was depicting a Greek god holding a trident in one hand, and a golden sphere on the other, light rays shining from it. Sure it was just an ancient painting, but what surprised Bulkhead the most was the sphere the god was holding, "That's Cybertronian!"
(Nemesis)
Back on the Nemesis, Starscream began explaining to Knockout as the latter was looking over Megatron's damaged body, "Sadly, our inevitable former Lord Megatron has been like this for some time." he stated, "but the crew took a vote, and it was decided that an expert might put him on the road to recovery." Though he grumbled at the idea since it was not what he expected to be. How he wished he could just shut Megatron off and report him dead due to spark failure. But for now, he has to hold it in and keep his image pure to others.
"I've done bodywork, Starscream. But I'm better at breaking them than fixing them." Knockout admitted, transforming his hand into a drill to prove his point before folding it away and sighed, "Would help if I had my assistant."
Speaking of which, Starscream did call both Knockout and someone else, "I summoned both of you, where is he?" he asked.
"We were hot on an Energon trail when you called." Knockout said, "Breakdown will show when he's through scouting it." he said before he turned to Megatron's body, "Though, I may ask, what caused this kind of ruin on the paint?"
"Someone, allying with Autobots, have made Megatron this way." Starscream answered, "An AutoKnight in fact."
"Oh? One of those so-called prophesied warriors that are said to defeat the tyrannical Fallen Lord?"
"Yes, those." Starscream nodded, "And I believe that more have allied themselves to the Autobots."
Knockout scoffed, "More you say? I'll believe it when I see them." He then proceeded to get his medical kit out and began diagnostics on Megatron.
(Greece)
Bulkhead was still contemplating on the sphere in the painting, "Why would ancient Greeks paint an Energon Harvester?"
"And you know what that round thing is?" Miko asked with surprise before she pulled out her phone and took a picture of the wall. "you're smarter than you let on." she commented.
"But even dumber than he looks." a voice from behind called.
The two widened their eyes in surprise as they turned around to see a newcomer on top of the stairs. The newcomer was a huge mech with broad shoulders and torso, almost the size of Bulkhead. His torso was squared with a blue frame with his shoulder having wheels as joints that are covered with bent flaps pointing upwards. His arms were bulked with blue armor, capable of crushing anything in his way. His abdomen was silver while sporting a metallic belt along with his thighs. His lower legs were covered in blue while he had a pair of wheels acting as calves. His feet were broad and flat. His head sported a silver helmet with a blue metal band going around the forehead as the side went down across his orange faceplate with yellow eyes.
Bulkhead recognized the Cybertronian and heavily frowned upon him, "Breakdown…"
Breakdown let out a laugh as he sneered at Bulkhead. "Miss me?"
"Like rust in my undercarriage." Bulkhead growled.
"You know this lunkhead?" Miko asked. Seeing that Bulkhead was on edge made her become cautious towards Breakdown.
"We have a history together."
"And you have a pet." Breakdown curled his metal lips as he thought of a devious idea. He turned to an ancient Greek pillar next to him, "Does it play catch?" he rhetorically asked before he grabbed the pillar and ripped it out of the ground. He then brought it up and aimed towards the two.
Bulkhead immediately realized what he meant before it was too late.
"Catch!" Breakdown threw the pillar as it flew at a high-speed velocity toward the defenseless Miko. In fear, Miko tried to run away as she could to get away as the spinning pillar sped towards her!
Thankfully Bulkhead moved and blocked the pillar from Miko, crushing it in the process as dust flew around them. "Miko, stay down!" he shouted. When he turned around, he didn't notice Breakdown charging at him before the Con came out of the dust and tackled Bulkhead into the excavation site. The two bounced off the ground and with the zero gravity, Breakdown tossed Bulkhead into the art wall. His weight crumbled the wall into rubble, destroying the picture.
Breakdown landed on his feet as he looked at his nemesis in the rubble of the painted wall, "Whoops. Hope the pretty picture wasn't too important." he tormented, not feeling sorry for one bit before he transformed into his vehicle mode which was an armored car and drove away from the site, leaving the two at the rubble.
As the Military car drove away, Miko went up to Bulkhead who sat in the rubble of the broken wall, who sighed at the damaged he had done, "I told you I was good at breaking things." now that the wall was destroyed, there was no way to show the rest of the Autobots about the Energon Harvester.
Miko let out a reassuring smile toward her Autobot, "I always have your back, Bulk." she said before pulling out her phone and showed him the picture she took from before, "Got us the picture of the picture."
Bulkhead couldn't help but smile at her for being his backup.
(Omega-1)
When the two arrived back at base, they informed the Autobots and AutoKnights about the arrival of Breakdown and showed them the picture of the wall with the Energon Harvester.
"It is indeed an Energon Harvester." Optimus confirmed as he inspected the picture on the computer screen, "A powerful tool created by the ancients to remove raw Energon from any source."
The AutoKnights were surprised by such a Cybertronian relic being on Earth, "Wait, you mean there were Cybertronians who came to Earth before you guys?" Incursio asked.
His brother thought of a reason why, "Optimus said that the war lasted for a thousands of years, and since the battle became more fierce by the day, the ancient Autobots might have thought of escaping the planet to survive while carrying important items, like the Harvester, to protect them from the Decepticons," he surmised, "and when they stumbled upon Earth, they hid those in safe places for future Autobots to find them."
"And Greek Gods knew Autobots?" Raf asked in confusion.
"No," Optimus shook his head, "the ancients often used the art of a given era to conceal messages." He motioned to the painting, "This fresco was likely a signpost indicating the Harvester's location, hidden somewhere on this planet."
Zone Runner then realized something, "You said that the sphere can suck in Energon from any source, right? And since you guys have Energon pumping inside you… and us..."
Optimus nodded at what he was implying, "...In Decepticon hands, the Harvester would be a devastating weapon."
Incursio shuddered, "That could also mean, we could be victims of it as well."
Rave Rose tilted her head in confusion, "What does that mean?"
Ratchet stepped in to explain, "Since your bodies have become Cybertronian, you all technically have Energon flowing inside of you. Like your human red blood cells have been transformed into Energon cells. So if the Decepticons get it and use it upon you all, they'll drain the Energon from inside of you, the lifeblood that is also fuel for you to survive."
Rave stood there with wide eyes, as she pondered thoroughly at the explanation before she leaned towards Sonic Drive and whispered, "No wonder, we have to drink from those blue containers. At least we don't have to worry about the Cons stealing it since the painting's gone."
"See? You were a genius to total that painting!" Miko smiled as she turned to Bulkhead, agreeing with Rave Rose's statement. While Bulkhead thought a little different, 'Technically, Breakdown's the one who threw me into it.'
"They're not wrong." Arcee pointed out, "How can the Decepticons find the Harvester without the fresco?" Since the fresco is gone, there shouldn't be anymore leads to tell where the Harvester is located.
Thankfully, someone was able to find the answer. "With high-speed internet, if you do an image search for 'Greek god' and 'golden orb' this pops up." Everyone turned to see Raf typing into his laptop as a picture of a real-life statue of Poseidon holding a large golden orb in his left hand came up on screen. Raf held the laptop as he showed it to everyone, "It's in a museum."
Sonic Drive turned to Optimus, "Is that the real deal?" he asked, asking for a confirmation. He saw Optimus frown into a serious expression.
He stayed silent as he stared at the picture before he opened his mouth, "Contact Agent Fowler." he ordered. That sealed the deal as Ratchet immediately went to the computer and contacted the liaison to get the Harvester as soon as possible.
If he wasn't answered by an automated voicemail. "You've reach Special Agent William Fowler. I'm currently on an intensive training retreat and unavailable until Tuesday." Everyone had half-lidded eyes at the inconvenience when they needed it.
"I hate talking to machines." Ratchet groaned.
"Oh, how ironic that is." Zone deadpanned.
Still, Optimus held his frown as he turned to the team, "Without Agent Fowler's direct aid, we will have to confiscate the Harvester on our own." The Autobots looked prepared to do what he said, while the AutoKnights and the kids looked shocked.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, Confiscate? As in, steal museum property?!" Jack said in disbelief as he facepalmed after. That is one of the things he would not do in his life!
"That sounds… illegal." Raf added nervously.
"That's because it is." Zone deadpanned, fully knowing how stealing is against the law.
Optimus understood their worry and sought to explain the reason, "I do not wish to break a human law. But once the Decepticons learn of the Harvester's location, they will not hesitate to obtain it by any means necessary. We must act covertly."
Jack let out a nervous laugh, "No offense, Optimus, but 'covertly' and giant robots don't really go together." He said, "Museums are public. And they have guards and security cameras."
"No problem!" That is until Miko jumped in next to Jack, "We're small enough to sneak in, and we're not a government secret!"
"Absolutely not!" Sonic scolded, making Miko jolt up in fear, "If you guys go through this, there will be a chance you'll get caught by the security, no matter how much you're not government secret! You'll still be considered as thieves when they catch you, and throw you in jail!" Primus forsake him for he wishes the children not getting into jail for the rest of their lives for stealing an artifact from the museum.
"But it may be our best option, Sonic Drive." Optimus argued, "The longer we debate, the more time we give the Decepticons."
"You know, he may be right, Nii-san." Incursio agreed as he reasoned with his brother, "The kids here may serve as a good idea to sneak into the building and out with the Harvester since they're small enough to hide from security cameras. "
"And for the moment, we will be on guard outside of the museum for safe measures while they infiltrate." Optimus added, knowing fully that he wasn't going to let the children go on their own in case of Decepticon attack.
Sonic gave it a bit of a thought before sighed, "Alright, fine. I'll allow it. But make sure they don't get caught or else there's gonna be trouble."
Optimus nodded at the brothers, knowing that they have reached an agreement as he turned to the everyone, "Autobots, AutoKnights, prepare for departure and execute the covert mission." They nodded as they headed towards the GroundBridge.
As everyone getting prepared, Rave Rose perked up at an idea, "Ne ne! If we get the Harvester-"
"When we get the Harvester we are going to put in a locked safe so that we can keep it safe from the Decepticons or use it as a last resort in the future and not mess with it until then." Sonic Drive interrupted with a stern look, Rave Rose flinching at the expression, "Knowing you, I am not allowing you to tinker it, for Primus knows what kind of bad things can happen when you mess with it. Understand?"
"Hai… (yes sir...)" Rave sulked before she went to get her Vurutoga and wait at the GroundBridge.
"Keeping in check of your friends, huh?" Arcee grinned, approaching Sonic Drive.
Sonic couldn't help but groan, "Primus forbid whatever she has in her geeking head when she gets her twitchy hands on things she shouldn't. One time she tried fixing a broken generator at our orphanage while adding some 'modifications' to it." he grimaced at the memories. "It did not go well."
"Well, you can't blame her for who she is." Arcee advised as she turned to see Bumblebee approaching the sulking Rave Rose, attempting to cheer her up. "Despite her quirkiness, she seems to be able to lighten some of our days with that personality."
"Well, she does have her moments of cheering those that need it."
"...Are you worried?"
"About what?"
"About Jack, Miko, and Raf going on this mission?"
"...Yeah" Sonic confessed, "It's just… I don't want them to get into enough trouble as before. It honestly scares me, thinking that they might go through a lot of trouble that they'll regret... as we did." Sonic Drive muttered at the last part. "Anyway, let's get this mission going."
Sonic didn't notice, but Arcee had a concerned expression on her face as she caught that last part.
(Nemesis)
On board the Nemesis, Soundwave had his visor showing the exact same image Raf brought up to Starscream, Knockout, and Breakdown, who arrived from his meeting with Bulkhead and informed Starscream about the Harvester.
Having seen the fresco, Breakdown nodded his head at the image, "Mm-hmm, that's definitely it."
Starscream etched an evil grin, "Then I'm afraid Megatron's wellbeing will have to wait." he declared with fake sadness, as his focus has now been turned toward the Harvester. In his hands, the Harvester will serve as a perfect weapon to obtain Energon. "It's harvest time."
(Night, Museum)
Night fell as the Autobots and the AutoKnights pulled into the museum parking lot, their engines humming quietly as Optimus and Sonic stopped in front of the public entrance while the others separated into different directions as they surround the building.
"Autobots, AutoKnights, confirm position." Optimus called out as he waited for their roll call.
"Westward Ho." Arcee responded as she and Incursio stopped at the said side of the building.
"Eastside clear." Bumblebee beeped as Rave Rose stood guard next to him.
"Southside covered." Bulkhead reported as Zone Runner followed after, "We're set to go."
"Everyone's ready." Sonic stated to Optimus as he stood by, ready.
"Maintain your guard." Optimus ordered before he and Sonic Drive turned off their engine, staying put at their position.
(Omega-1)
Back at the base, Jack, Raf, and Miko were on a scissor lift and were standing by for Optimus' orders. Since the plan is to have the kids retrieve the Harvester undetected, they allowed them to ride the scissor lift to make it easier to get it off the statue.
Just as they waited, Optimus' voice patched in, "Jack, Miko, Rafael, Sonic Drive and I will have a clear view of you." the kids nodded as Miko sat excitedly, as she was eager to do some cool mission impossible like thing, "Once you secure the Harvester, I will contact Ratchet to Bridge you back to base."
Then Zone Runner commed in, "Also if the situation goes south, get out of there as soon as you can, I'll be on standby to pick you guys up just in case."
As said, Ratchet activated the GroundBridge before he turned back to the children, "Now since you'll bypass all points of entry, you won't need to worry about setting off the alarm. But take care to avoid any security guards." he noted.
The three nodded as Jack took the controls and drove into the portal.
(Museum)
Inside the hall of the museum, the GroundBridge opened up as it's dim light flashed before the scissor lift drove in. Once they were inside, the GroundBridge closed behind them and the kids looked around their surrounding, making sure that no security guards were on the premises. There was a dinosaur skeleton statue along with an Easter Island head, but thankfully there were no night guards in sight. They turned to the statue of Poseidon and low and behold, there it was sitting still in the palm, the golden orb, Harvester.
"Opa." Miko whispered when they spotted the Harvester.
Immediately, they glanced outside to see Optimus and Sonic Drive right there as the former was flashing his headlights, giving the okay signal. Jack nodded, given the clear, he pressed a control button as the lift rose up until they were at the height of one of the security cameras facing the Poseidon statue. As they stopped the lift while also being out of the camera's line of sight, Miko pulled out her phone. She leaned in behind and closed one eye to get a view of the camera's line of sight before she lifted up her phone to get the exact angle to take a picture. Once she got the right angle, she flipped her phone upside down and took the picture. She then went to her settings and change the display as the picture before placing it on the camera, covering its view with the photo.
The security guard in the office, who was reading a newspaper, took a glance at the screens and saw nothing out of the ordinary before turning back at the paper.
Back at the kids, Miko gave the two a double thumbs up for having the cover set. Seeing that they're okay, Jack proceeded cautiously towards the orb.
Optimus and Sonic Drive watched the kids from the outside, keeping sharp eyes for security while also being aware of any Decepticons approaching. That is until Sonic heard an incoming engine from behind, prompting him to turn his side mirror to see a vehicle with headlights on approaching.
"Optimus!" he whispered, catching the leader's attention. The car kept coming up as it came in between them. The vehicle was a European, crimson Aston Martin DBS v12 sports car with spiked highlights going across the sides.
The car let out a whistle, inspecting Optimus' design, "Sweet rims, 24 gauge? You're real heavy-duty. Just like my friend here." Just then another pair of headlights came from behind. It revealed to be Breakdown in his military car mode coming at high speed! Just then, he pulled out a weapon from his roof before a missile fired from the barrel!
Sonic widened his eyes, "Oh, scrap!" he shouted, fearing for the missile hitting them or the kids. Thankfully by instinct, Optimus transformed into his form and caught the missile with his hands. However, the burning force kept on going as his feet skidded across the concrete floor. Optimus was trying all his strength to stop the missile as he was getting close to the museum window! Thankfully, he managed to stop it in time as the tip of the missile touched the glass, leaving a crack on the spot. Optimus looked back to inspect the damage, seeing the cracked window.
The kids inside were moving the Harvester from the statue when they heard the crack, drawing their attention to Optimus. Sonic Drive transformed into his Grand Chariot let out a sigh, seeing that the kids were safe, before he immediately turned to see the car next to him, only to find nothing. Confusion struck him before he realized too late as he suddenly felt something struck his neck from behind and receive electrical shocks.
"Graaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagh!" he screamed in pain from the voltage was receiving.
Behind him, it was revealed to be Knockout holding a prod staff, "As for you? You have taste for your blue design." he chuckled as he added more voltage into the prod, making Sonic scream more.
"Sonic Drive!" Optimus immediately dropped the missile and went to aid the AutoKnight in trouble. But Knockout saw the big one coming and turned the staff around before he thrust it into the leader's neck, shocking him before twisting the rod, forcing Optimus towards the ground. The voltage kept on going as both Autobot and AutoKnight were on the verge of unconsciousness due to the shock.
Inside, Raf saw the battle outside and gasped in horror, "It's Cons!"
"And they got Optimus and Sonic!" Jack grimaced as he saw the two on the ground.
As Knockout kept the two on the ground, he flashed his headlights on his chest, signaling Breakdown to make a move. The big Con started up his engine before the rubber burned across the ground and made a beeline toward the building at a ramming speed! Raf, Jack, and Miko stood in fear as the big brute was on his way to smash the glass wall!
Thankfully, the others heard the commotion and immediately raced towards the front with Bumblebee, Rave Rose, Arcee, and Incursio coming from their side. "Nii-san!" the latter shouted when he saw his brother unconscious before he and Rave turned away from the approaching group to aid their ally.
"Hold on, Sonic!" Arcee shouted as she and Bumblebee raced towards Breakdown to take him down.
However, seeing their approach, Breakdown aimed his missile launcher at the scout and fired. The missile exploded in front of Bumblebee, and the force of the impact was enough to send him flying and tumble into his humanoid form. Breakdown then turned the launcher towards the oncoming motorcycle and fired another with the missile hitting near her but the force of the impact caused her to skid out of control, crashing into the tumbling Bumblebee.
Meanwhile, Incursio and Rave Rave, in their robot forms charged at Knockout with the latter holding her Vurutoga while the former brought out a blade from his arm, similar to his Teigu sword form. The two slashed at the medic, who blocked them with his staff before he twirled it around, forcing the blades down. Incursio then swung his blade arm at the torso but Knockout jumped back and dodged it.
As the battle broke out, Breakdown heard another Autobot approaching as Bulkhead came running from the roof of the museum before he jumped down, landing with a thud. He ignored Knockout behind him before he charged towards Breakdown. Just when he was about to attack, Bulkhead was met with a surprise attack when Breakdown suddenly transformed and punched Bulkhead in the head! The force sent Bulkhead flying towards the three in battle. Knockout realized too late as the big Autobot rammed into him, and together, crashed into the museum's pillars, with few of its pieces breaking into the glass wall, shattering the glass all over.
Rave Rose gasped in horror at the damage, "Oh scrap."
Then the alarms sounded throughout the building. "What?!" the guard looked up in surprise at the alarms before he turned to the security footage to see one of them having a unusual footage not looking right. Turns out, due to the impact, Miko's phone drifted to the side, revealing a bit of the real footage.
Seeing that the mission has been compromised, the kids were trying their best to hurry their efforts to get the Harvester moving. Raf pushed through his hips as he rolled the orb off the palm and onto the scissor lift.
Outside, Sonic Drive and Optimus regained consciousness and groaned as the effects of the prod wore off. Knockout shook his head to get out the dizziness. He saw Optimus Prime getting up along. That was something he did not want to happen. So Knockout brought up his staff, sparking with voltage and ran towards the leader to give him another dose.
"Hey!" Knockout turned to the voice, before getting a hard smack in the face by a fist. "That's for shocking me from behind!" Sonic snarked, looking really angry, making Knockout let out a nervous chuckle.
Meanwhile, Zone Runner was in his Jehuty mode outside the garage, with his mask engaged and waiting for the kids to arrive. "Come on, kids. You're running out of time." As he waited, a figure came up from behind him. Zone sensed the presence and turned around, only for a tentacle to attack and shock him unconscious.
Inside, the kids lowered the scissor lift with the Harvester in tow, "Come on, time to make our exit boys!" Miko said before she got off the lift and went ahead towards the exit, with the two staying on it following after her. She took the lead as they came upon a closed garage door, seeing it as a perfect opportunity. She pushed the open button, the door sliding up before she slid under. When she checks the surrounding though, she froze and gasped when a sudden light flashed in front of her. The security guard stood there as he looked at her sternly. It was at this moment that Miko knew, she was busted.
"Uh….wassup?" she greeted nervously.
The guard, however, still had a serious face, "Better come with me, miss." He grabbed her by the arm and dragged her to his office.
"Not good!" Jack gritted as he and Raf saw Miko get caught. Just when they thought it got bad, they notice a pair of Cybertronian legs from under the door to the outside. They both thought it was Zone Runner waiting outside and approached the sliding door, "Zone!"
However, when the Cybertronian lifted up the door and looked inside, it turned out to be someone else and made the two gasped in horror as the visor face stared into their eyes.
"It's Soundwave!" Raf gulped as the faceless visored Decepticon peered under the door. Before the two could do act, the silent Decepticon's tentacle reached for the Harvester. Once he grabbed the sphere, Soundwave stepped back outside and transformed into his MQ-9 Reaper mode and flew to the sky with the Harvester.
While the Autobots and AutoKnights were busy fighting against the Decepticons at the front when they heard the sound of a jet engine behind them, they turned to see Soundwave flying away with the Harvester.
Sonic widened his eyes in horror, "Masaka?!"
"Hmm, That would be game." Knockout mused with a grin before he flipped backward and transformed into his alt-mode. Breakdown too transformed followed after. The others shot at them in an attempt to stop them before Arcee and Rave Rose transformed into their alt-modes and went after them. The others were about to follow when their attentions were turned toward the kids' voices coming from the back.
"The Decepticons got the Harvester!" Jack shouted as he, Raf, along with Zone Runner who was awake while rubbing his head, approached them.
"And security has Miko!" Raf added.
Bulkhead widened his eyes in shock, "What?! I'm going in after her!"
Before he could go, Incursio stopped him, "Bulkhead, don't! We can't help Miko much in these forms! As much as we want to, we can't risk exposing ourselves to the security!"
Optimus nodded at Incursio's statement before joining into comfort Bulkhead, "He is right. Bulkhead, Miko may be detained, but she is safe from harm."
Sonic disengaged his battle mask and turned to Zone Runner with a frown, "Zone, I thought you were supposed to be with the kids? What happened?!"
"Sorry! A faceless creep knocked me out!" Zone snapped.
"That would be Soundwave." Raf stated.
"That was Soundwave?" Zone raised an eyebrow, before making a horrified expression, "I thought he was Slenderman for a moment."
"Though I know she's safe, she's gotta be in for a lot of trouble." Sonic gritted his teeth, thinking about what was happening to the poor girl.
(Security Office)
Miko sat nervously in front of the desk as the guard gave her an unamused look while drumming his fingers. Miko kept looking down before the guard spoke, "Look, kid, if this is some kind of prank, you need to know that the authorities are on their way. It'd go a whole lot easier for you if you told me what happened to the sphere." he said sternly, asking for the missing sphere that was supposed to be on the palm of the statue.
Miko was, however, quick enough to think of an excuse, "I was researching my history report, I just lost track of time and got locked in here after closing." she lied convincingly
The guard raised a questionable brow, "So what's your history report about? I'd love to know."
"Uh…." Miko trailed off, as she tried to think of what to say. In her mind, she was beginning to think that this was worse than detention.
(Omega-1)
The Autobots retreated back to base to form a new plan on finding the Harvester. "In all likelihood, Starscream will use the Harvester to gather as much Energon he can get from the planet's otherwise unmineable Energon deposits." Optimus ordered while sending the Autobots and AutoKnights one by one to different locations through via GroundBridge.
"Approach with extreme caution. Starscream will not hesitate to use the Harvester on any one of us." As he watched Sonic Drive go through the GroundBridge last, Optimus stopped Bulkhead before he went, "Bulkhead, it is best that you remain here."
"So I can bust Miko out of the museum?" Bulkhead asked, eagerly wanting to get Miko.
"So you can help Ratchet." Optimus answered, making the Wrecker drop his shoulders. Ratchet was currently building a pseudo Harvester in hopes of replacing the real one to return to the museum. "You may be Miko's guardian, but she requires human assistance. Agent Fowler remains our best option." With that said, he left the base in his truck mode through the GroundBridge. Bulkhead, being left behind, sighed as he had no choice but to wait for the liaison to reply.
However, things weren't so easy on that end, as Raf tried to contact Agent Fowler but was receiving the same voice message again, "You've reached Special Agent William Fowler. I'm currently on an intensive training retreat and unavailable until Tuesday."
"Still no answer." Raf said.
That made Bulkhead to become furious, "Fowler's lounging around some poolside cabana!" he growled as he took his anger on smashing his fist into an item nearby, which happened to be one of Ratchet's tool.
"Bulkhead! I needed that!" Ratchet shouted angrily.
"We can free Miko if we can just return that Harvester to the museum."
"So the Decepticons can steal it all over again?" Ratchet asked rhetorically.
Bulkhead realized his stupidity and groaned as he held his head, "I am so dumb!" Though he felt a pat on the back, revealing to be Incursio putting his hand there for comfort.
"Look, there's no need to beat yourself over this." Incursio assured, "We'll find a way to get Miko out."
Bulkhead turned to him in surprise, "I thought you left?"
"Nii-san told to stay in case something happens. Or in case you get into trouble like Miko." he replied, letting the hand go, "My brother and I know how you feel about Miko. We were like that around our sister when she got in trouble."
"So, how are we going to help Miko?" Jack asked.
"By replacing this replica to the museum." Ratchet answered, holding up the said replica in his hands, which looked like it was halfway finished with the inside still showing. "The construction of which, would be going a whole lot faster, if Bulkhead hadn't mangled my frame welder!" He grumbled as he pointed at the said bent welder.
"We're already trespassers and thieves. Why not add forgery to the list?" Jack stated.
"Too many sins to count up for us." Incursio remarked.
Bulkhead sighed, "I wish I'd never taken Miko to the..." he trailed off as he remembered something, "The painting of the Harvester wasn't the only thing we found at those ruins!"
"I'm sorry?"
"Starscream's not dumb. No matter what kind of tool he has, he's gonna take the easy route!" Bulkhead stated before he went to the controls and punched in the desired coordinates.
"Wait, you mean that Energon deposit that you said you found?" Incursio asked.
"Yeah, before Breakdown crashed the party. No doubt, Starscream learned of the deposit from him."
"Then I'm coming with you." Incursio offered confidently.
"Incursio don't-."
"No, listen to me, Bulkhead." Incursio interrupted, "I know Miko is considered your partner. Your responsibility. Like an older brother looking after his younger sibling." His eyes then soften, "I know how you feel because I've been in a similar situation with my own sister. There were times that my sister had to go through hardships during school. Peers used to make fun of her and us, all because she was an orphan. And as an older brother, you just have the urge to protect them with everything you have." Incursio then grinned, "And because of that, I'm coming with you. To help you get Miko out of trouble."
Bulkhead was speechless at the help Incursio was offering. "Okay, I guess you can come. Let's finish this, for Miko."
Incursio nodded, "Then let's get going."
(Greece)
At the ruins that Bulkhead and Breakdown had a fight at, the Decepticons were there as the miners dug up the Energon from the ground, while the Vehicons patrolled the area. Starscream was there too along with Knockout and Breakdown. "Why move mountains now, when we have a mother load of Energon right here for the taking?" Starscream smirked smugly, as he held the Harvester in his hand, "Courtesy of this gift from ancient Autobots."
"Uh, actually Commander Starscream, it was a gift from Breakdown and myself." Knockout corrected with a smug smirk of his own as he motioned to himself and his partner.
Starscream just sighed in annoyance before he aimed the Harvester at the two, making them flinch in fear. The Harvester then opened up and fired a beam towards the two. Though luckily for them, it went in between before it struck a patrolling Vehicon guard. The guard let a groan of pain and agony as he felt the Energon being drained from inside him and into the Harvester. Knockout and Breakdown watched in horror while Starscream watched with sick fascination. The guard choked out his final breath before he fell to the ground, dead. After the Energon was drained, the Harvester closed, signaling that it was done.
Starscream smirked in admiration of the Harvester's work, "All that Energon, in such a tiny vessel."
"Those ancient Autobots never missed a trick, Lord Starscream." Knockout said, sweating a little after seeing the poor Vehicon dead. So he decided to suck it up to Starscream, with Breakdown nodding in agreement.
Though, Starscream glared and aimed the Harvester at them again. They cowered in fear and shielded themselves, but instead of firing it upon them, Starscream decided to fire it on one of the Energon crystals protruding from the ground, sucking the blue energy from it.
There were unaware that Bulkhead and Incursio hid behind a few rocks on the hill behind them, watching carefully at Starscream sucking the Energon into the Harvester.
"Guess you were right on the spot," Incursio said quietly, "What do you think they're doing?"
"Looks like Starscream wasted no time on getting Energon in his own way." Bulkhead surmised, "I'm gonna sneak from behind to get the Harvester."
"How? There's gotta be more guard patrols that can catch us before we can get to the Harvester, and that's including those bozos down there!" Incursio remarked while pointing at the Decepticon duo. "Look, I know I decided to follow you, but this is way to tight for us to go unlike the muse-, Bulkhead?" Next to him was an imaginary outline of the Wrecker with the guy now gone. The Teigu looked back down to see Bulkhead sneaking through the ruins by hiding behind one of the pillars.
Incursio facepalmed, "That idiot…"
"You know, your friend is a bit dumb for sneaking like that." Incursio turned in surprise as he was suddenly face to face with another mecha.
He wasn't alone when another one's head peeked from behind him, "You know, aren't you a little big to be a Teigu armor?"
"WHOA-!" Incursio almost jumped in surprise, almost blowing their cover if not for the mecha to cover his mouth and push him down behind the rocks.
"Shhh." The mecha shushed, "If you want us to get caught, you little punk, I would advise shutting your mouth." he was sounding threatening, but was stopped when the other one placed a hand on the one holding Incursio.
"Kazuki! You know you don't have to be that rough!" it sounded like a femme as she chided her companion. She turned to Incursio, "I'm sorry about that. You may have to forgive my boyfriend here, he can be a bit frightening towards others."
"Wait, that voice." Incursio realized, before taking a closer look at the female and the one holding him.
Upon closer look, both of them looked like Valvrave units, but this time having a silver and black bodies. The one holding Incursio looked almost exactly like Rave Rose, with the butterfly wings and had red highlights all over, but the exoskeletons were all neon silver colored instead of green. Also, the head had a more flat faceplate with crystal white eyes and a clear horn protruding from his forehead along with the same butterfly wings like Rave Rose but had another pair sticking out from under his chin and bent upwards. Another distinct feature was his red metal scarf on his neck collar. One would recognize him as the Valvrave unit VII: Kakaiju from the light novel.
The other one was a femme, with the exact body color and body structure as the male, but instead of red, her highlight color was blue. On her back, two pairs of aircraft wings spread wide with jet engines attached to it. Her head was almost exactly like Rave's but on her forehead was a clear crystal encased with the front just covering in between her eyes. Again, like Rave, on the sides, she had a pair of wings but she had a small pair layered on top of it.
"Kazuki? Kasumi?!" Incursio got out in surprise, making the two widen their eyes shock before the mech grabbed him by the throat.
"How do you know our names?!" Kazuki glowered, tightening his grip on Incursio, almost choking him.
Tatsumi choked as he strained to speak, "Wait, wait, it's me! Tatsumi!" Kazuki and Kasumi widen their eyes in surprise before the latter let go.
"Tatsumi? Is it really you?" The blue Valvrave asked,
"Yeah, it's me." Incursio coughed as he sat up.
Though, Kazuki raised a questioning brow, "What are your sibling's full name?"
"Shou Kagamine and Kizuna Kagamine." Incursio said truthfully.
Then Kazuki asked another question, "What happened to the character Tatsumi at the end of the Akame ga kill anime? And what was different in the manga?"
"He died stopping a collapsing giant, while in the manga, Tatsumi turned into a dragon."
Kazuki kept a straight face as he sighed, "Guess you are our Tatsumi if you know all of that." He held out his hand towards Incursio, who grabbed onto it, and lifted him up to his feet. "So, mind giving us the rundown of what's happening here?"
Meanwhile, Bulkhead was edging his way towards the Decepticons, taking soft steps before gradually running. His actions have gone unnoticed-!
*Shatter!*
Until Bulkhead accidentally stepped on a clay pot, shattering it completely. That caught the attention of the duo as they turned and saw Bulkhead.
"Oh scrap." Bulkhead cursed as he smacked his face at his mistake.
Breakdown's arm shifted into a hammer, while Knockout pulled out his prod staff, "Back for seconds?" Breakdown teased before they darted at Bulkhead.
"Uh…" Bulkhead was unsure of what to do. On his right, Knockout was spinning his staff like a baton, while on his left, Breakdown pulled back his hammer, ready to swing it.
"Bulkhead, duck!" Incursio's voice called out.
As he had no other options, he did as told. As he ducked down, Breakdown's hammer ended up smacking Knockout's face, sending the red Con flying. Breakdown turned, confused on what happened, before he felt something kick his back, sending him flying right next to his partner. It was Incursio who kicked him as Kazuki and Kasumi were behind him.
"Thanks, Incursio." Bulkhead said graciously before he noticed the two, not recognizing them from anywhere, "uh, who are they?"
Kasumi introduced herself, "I'm Kasumi Nozomi, but you can call me Silver Line, this is Kazuki, also known as Fire Haze." she motioned to her boyfriend who still held a disinterested look.
Fire Haze let out a sigh, placing his hand on his head as if holding a hat, "Yare yare daze (good grief). From what I heard, if you're this suicidal to help one little girl, I don't know whether to decide if you're being brave or being dumb." That earned him a nudge from Silver Line.
"Kazuki, be nice!" Silver Line scolded, before bowing to Bulkhead, "Sorry about that, he may act like a delinquent, but he has heart." she apologized.
"Uh, ok." Bulkhead nervously let out chuckled before turning to Incursio "More of your friends?"
"Surprisingly, the Couple." Incursio answered.
Bulkhead looked confused, "Couple?"
"You know, like boyfriend and girlfriend?"
Bulkhead kept his face confused as he processed what Incursio meant. Then it finally hit him, "You mean sparkmates?"
"Sparkmates?" Before he asked what that meant, Incursio noticed something from behind Bulkhead, his eyes becoming big as tires before he shouted, "Bulkhead, watch out!"
However, when Bulkhead turned around, Starscream activated the Harvester and struck Bulkhead with the beam. The Wrecker moaned and groaned as he felt Energon getting sucked out of his body.
He fell on all fours. "Bulkhead!" Incursio shouted, as he held onto him to help but immediately released them as he left the burning effects of the Harvester.
"You punk!" Fire Haze growled as he, Silver Line and Incursio were about to charge at the Decepticon commander when suddenly they were moved to avoid a prod stuff and a hammer in time. It turned out to be the Duo who got back up from their pain.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you~." Knockout wagged his finger. The three gritted their teeth, guess they needed to deal with these two before helping Bulkhead, and fast!
Knockout turned to Silver Line and smirked lustily, "Say, you're a beauty." he cooed, looking at her attractive face and body. That made Silver Line shiver in disgust.
"Sorry, I'm spoken for." That pretty much sums up with Fire Haze growling at the crimson Con.
Enter BGM: Stand Proud by Jin Hashimoto
"Listen here, punk." Fire Haze growled, "You lay a digit on her and I'll give you a Star Platinum to the face!" Fire Haze shouted before he pulled out something out of his chest, confusing the duo. What he pulled out was a brown colored gem as it glowed like its color. A Chaos Energem, "You're nuisances that need to be taught that you're trash!"
"Really, Kazuki?" Silver Line sighed in deadpan as she pulled out her own Chaos Energem which had a coral color.
Knockout laughed, "Oh? And what are you going to do with those gems, huh?" He thought that the gems were just nothing against him. Boy, was he wrong.
He was answered with Silver Line and Fire Haze engaging their battle face masks, covering their faces before the former was suddenly being coated in crystals, starting from her arm and up to her shoulder, Incursio flinched in surprise from seeing that. While Fire Haze reached up to his metal scarf before removing the end parts. He then attached them together before inserting his Energem into the slot of his V-Swordkills, activating white laser blades that protruded from both ends.
Exceed Drive!
"You're gonna regret asking that."
Meanwhile, Starscream was enjoying torturing Bulkhead with the Harvester, "You're a big one." he grinned as he sucked away Bulkhead's Energon, "This could take a while."
Bulkhead groaned helplessly as he felt weaker by the second. He knew at this rate he was going to die like that Vehicon before him. This was the dumbest decision he has made, all the trouble to find the Harvester only to become a victim of it. But then he thought about why he did it in the first place, for what purpose did he come for. It was for Miko, to do his duty to protect the little girl he was assigned, and became best friends with. That's right, he had to complete his mission, so that he can get Miko out, and see her again! With that reason now filled in his head, he used the strength he had left and lifted himself up to his feet and stomped towards Starscream.
Starscream was taken back at Bulkhead approaching him, "Wait, What are you doing?!" he asked in surprise.
"What I do best!" Bulkhead answered as he grabbed the Harvester, "Breaking things!" With his other hand, he punched Starscream in the face, squishing him against the wall which made him lose his grip on the Harvester.
Bulkhead then took the Harvester and crushed it. This caused the Harvester to spit sparks. It was short-circuiting. Seeing the sparks, Bulkhead immediately pulled his arm back and threw it into the air.
*BOOOOOOOOOM!*
Moments later, the Harvester exploded, releasing an Energon wave that dissolved quickly.
End BGM
Everyone paused their fighting and looked up at the explosion before they noticed Bulkhead wobble his feet until he fell to the ground.
"Bulkhead!" Incursio shouted.
"He's a glutton for punishment." Knockout commented with a sinister smirk.
"Oh yeah? Well, I hope you like being the one at the end of it!" Fire Haze growled, cracking his metal knuckles as he and Silver Line prepared for another round.
Before they could do anything, a GroundBridge vortex opened up. Out of it, the rest of Team Prime and the AutoKnights jumped out and opened fired on the Decepticons.
Breakdown shielded himself with his arm, "Fight?" he asked his partner.
"Mmm, drive." Knockout shrugged. He had too much trouble for one night, not to mention they were totally outgunned. So they both transformed and drove out of the area as fast as they could.
For Starscream, he growled in frustration at how his brilliant plan has gone down to waste thanks to a Wrecker. And now that the Autobots and AutoKnights have arrived, it has gone from bad to worst. So he transformed into his fighter jet mode and flew into the sky, out of the area.
Seeing the Decepticons flee, Fire Haze and Silver Line saw the others, "Great, more nuisances!" Fire Haze growled before he brought out his V-Swordkills.
"No, wait! That's our team!" Incursio corrected.
The team arrived as they saw Incursio and the new members, the latter two the AutoKnights knew, "Fire Haze? Silver Line?" Sonic got out, right before Rave Rose pushed him out of the way. "Silver Line!" she immediately pounced on the surprised blue Valvrave.
"Ara ara (my, my), Amy?" Silver Line got out with a smile, recognizing her. "Is that you? My, have you gotten big!"
"Yare yare daze. I guess you guys are the only ones found together on this." Fire Haze sighed, striking a Zone Runner's nerve for some reason.
"You and your JoJo references." Zone said bemusedly.
"Says the Joseph Joestar fanatic." Fire Haze retorted.
"Hey!"
"Anyway," Sonic Drive cut in, "Where's Bulkhead? We heard that he found out where the Harvester went and you followed him."
Incursio forgot about that, "Oh Scrap!" he immediately turned and ran towards the downed Autobot with everyone else following after. They saw that the Wrecker was on his back, eyes closed and not moving. Everyone looked with worry at his state.
"Is he gonna be okay?" Silver Line asked, looking very concerned.
"Don't know. How about we slap him to find out?" Fire Haze suggested.
"Kazuki!"
"What? It's just a suggestion."
"Hey..." Bulkhead moaned, signifying that he was alright. Everyone sighed in relief.
"You're alive. That's good."
"Are you okay?" Sonic Drive held out a hand, which Bulkhead accepted and lifted him up, albeit being wobbly at first. Incursio took Bulkhead's other arm and hooked it around his shoulders, supporting his weight.
"Never better. Though I may feel a bit drained after I blew up the Harvester."
"YOU DID WHAT?!" Rave Rose screeched.
Sonic shot a look a Rave, making her flinch and shut up before turning to Bulkhead, "Let's get you home. You need to get Energon pumping inside you again."
"Yeah, though I think I blew the one chance to get Miko out of security." Bulkhead looked down in shame, thinking that he failed to save his charge.
"Luckily, that's where Agent Fowler came in." Bulkhead turned to Sonic Drive who had a reassuring smile on his face, "He finally answered our calls and is on his way to get Miko out."
"What about us?" Silver Line asked.
"You can join us, we have a lot to talk about to you two." Sonic smiled.
(Museum)
Miko was concluding on her 'history report', not noticing how much time has passed, "And of course, there's the whole principle of Deus Ex Machina, uh, the god from the machine." Miko stated, while the guard let out a yawn, "It's that part in Greek storytelling where some character comes out of the blue to make everything right."
"That so, young lady?" the guard asked with a questioning brow, "Well, I'm sure the police will want to hear all about your history report."
Miko half-lidded her eyes, giving him the nasty glare. Then suddenly loud banging came from the door before it opened up to reveal Agent Fowler. He took a quick glance around the room before he pulled out his badge, "Special Agent William Fowler." he introduced himself, before he put his badge away, "The stolen property has been located and restored to museum premises."
The guard looked confused, becoming suspicious of Agent Fowler's word before he turned to the security screens. And there indeed was the sphere back on the Poseidon statue, much to the guard's utter confusion. What he didn't know was that it was the replica that Ratchet managed to make and was replaced when the guard was distracted when Miko was telling her report.
Fowler walked towards Miko, "The girl comes with me," he said as he pulled her to her feet. He then reached into his pocket and pulled out her phone, "You dropped your cell phone, found it on the floor right next to your history report." he said while ushering her out the door, leaving the dumbfounded guard trying to understand what just happened.
Agent Fowler and Miko walked outside the front before the latter gasped in surprise as Bulkhead pulled up by the curb in his alt-mode and opened the passenger door.
"Off you go." Fowler said, letting her go. Miko gave the man a thumbs-up before she bolted towards her Autobot charge.
Miko hopped into the passenger seat, "Good timing, Bulk! I was running out of history factoids, stuff I didn't know I knew!"
"Looks like you're smarter than you let on." Bulkhead complimented.
"Under pressure." Miko admitted.
"Me too." Bulkhead sighed, "Let's go back to base, there's new AutoKnights that we recruited."
"Really?! Oh I can't wait to meet them! Along with finishing up my history report!" Miko gushed, as Bulkhead began to drive out of the parking lot, "I'm gonna write all about how the Autobots interacted with ancient civilization!"
"Uh, I'm not so sure that'll get you into college, Miko." Bulkhead sweatdropped.
(Nemesis)
On the Nemesis, things weren't lively, as Starscream was venting on the bridge, clearly angered at the Autobots interfering with his plans yet again, "That blasted Autobot! Bulkhead and his accomplices will pay for this!" he roared.
Knockout and Bulkhead just stood, watching the commander rage, "Looks like the 'leader' is still dissed about earlier." Knockout stated, "Still, I must admit those accomplices of his sure know how to fight, especially that lovely lady with her clean silver and blue design, I like her style. Are you sure, those are the AutoKnights, that, you believe, almost terminated Lord Megatron?"
"Only one of them did," Starscream glared at Knockout, "but it was certainly not one of those at the ruins! They surely have been appearing as of late, and are beginning to ally with Optimus Prime and his Autobots. Though I do not know why they would side with such, they still pose a threat to our cause!" He vented before he smashed a claw onto one of the computer controls, letting out sparks. Everyone in the room was silent as they watched the leader.
Until a chuckle echoed in, "I must say, things have become interesting when you came into command." a cold tone reached into the bridge. Starscream, Knockout, and Breakdown turned to the door and noticed someone leaning on the hatch frame, "All this brilliant 'planning' to conquer this dirt planet in Megatron's name. Almost makes me want to beg to become your second in command." The figure chuckled, "Almost."
"You?" Starscream gasped in surprise. The figure then pushed himself off the frame before walking towards the three. When he entered into the light, it was revealed to be a Cybertronian almost the same the same size of Knockout. His body structure was sleek and distorted with his upper body having police car features, with the front frame with the headlights showing while the siren lights were on the back of his shoulders along with a pair of wheels sticking out. His arms were muscular as his left one sported a machine gun surrounding it. His hands were sporting brass knuckles that had "enslave" engraved on his right hand and "punish" and his left. His legs were covered with armor as on his calves were tail lights. Finally, his head was covered in a blue helmet with his two pairs of eyes showing, one pair being blue with the other red.
The Con walked up in between the duo, passing before stopping in front of Starscream, "If you like, I'll be happy to join your ranks to smooth things out." he suggested with a cool grin, "Though, mind that I have agendas of my own to do. So best not bother me when I'm busy."
Starscream thought about his offer, before he nodded in agreement, "Well then, if that is what you wish, I will grant it." Starscream acknowledged, "Barricade."
Barricade smirked evilly.
Surprise! Barricades here! Unto the second chapter!
Current AutoKnights:
01. Sonic Drive
02. Zone Runner
03. Carmilla
04. Incursio
05. Rave Rose
06. Fire Haze
07. Silver Line
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