Chapter 12
Life's been going pretty good for Jack and the group.
Bulkhead and Wheeljack have been fitting in perfectly with the football crowd and have become the teams' star players. They also have found new friends in Carson and Paul, who have been teaching them new plays and different strategies. Luckily, the two wreckers haven't forgotten their roots and still are really close with the rest of the group. They still sit with them at lunch, much to the dismay of the other jocks who have their own separate table, and still hang with them after school. Miko especially is happy for her friends now that they've adapted to being human. The three of them have started taking on guitar and music as a fun pass time, although now Ratchet has to deal with three loud teens instead of one.
Speaking of the medic, he and Optimus have been working hard on the Genetic Exchanger. Every day, from the time that they get to base, to the time they leave, they're always working on it. Sometimes they even forget to eat lunch, which Jack and his mother have reminded them countless times to do, but the two wiser men seem set on fixing the artifact as soon as possible. Only recently did Jack ask his mom if she could take them out when she got off work. They've been working for so long, Jack fears that one of them are going to collapse some day and that would be something none of them would want to explain to the doctors.
Bumblebee and Raf have been having a great time together. They've really gotten into video games and could technically be called experts at this point. Just like any 12 year old, they spend most of their time watching television or playing their games. It seems like ever since Bee became a human, he's been starting to see the whole gaming industry in a different light. Now that his hands can fit a controller, he and Raf have been playing everything from Mario Kart to Call of Duty. Jack remembered about a week ago how they challenged the group to a gaming tourney where the two kids had absolutely demolished the rest of them. They were like two brothers and it was nice to see them getting along very well.
Like Raf and Bumblebee, Arcee and Jack have been getting closer as well, although, in a completely different way. Their relationship has started to develop more, and while Jack still wants to keep it slow, he can tell it's moving along. Occasionally they would have the intense make-out session that really got their hearts pumping but other than that, they've been keeping it normal. However, Jack has noticed the strengthening of their relationship and has started to counter against it. He still held the darkness inside of him that stopped him from growing closer to her and he's even began to push her away. Not too much, but just enough for Arcee to realize that Jack's been spending time alone that normally he'd be spending with her instead. She knew that he was only doing it to protect her, to shield her away from the darkness lurking inside of him, but whenever he wasn't around, she felt empty inside. She's wanted to talk to him about it, but whenever she would try to, he'd be off doing something else. It was as if he was avoiding her from having the talk which made her feel useless and lost.
It was strange really; their entire relationship seemed to fluctuate from getting extremely close to moving apart suddenly. Whenever they were with each other, whether on a date or at school, their chemistry clicked just like that. But when Jack started to fight that chemistry, that's when Arcee began to worry. He had promised that night that he would never leave her, and he's been true to his word, but it was as if he's been cheating the system, spending time alone when he should be comforting his girlfriend. Arcee sometimes wondered what he did when he was alone and even began to think that he was possibly cheating on her. Although, Jack has shown countless times that he would never be unfaithful to her so she usually brushed off that idea.
What she didn't know was that Jack was made a new 'friend'. Agent 000 was always in his head and the teen has begun to get used to him being there. Of course they had their differences, but the two have started communicating to one another without problem, as if they were talking in a business meeting, just friendlier. Jack has gotten so used to the other voice in his head that he's pretty much stopped making mind barriers. Unless he was on a date with Arcee or in a personal matter, Agent 000 would see and hear everything that was happening and was someone Jack could talk to. Although, he is always reminded of how dangerous the agent is because every night, his 'dreams' always end with Jack getting killed or beaten to a pulp. While Jack could easily stop from getting killed by changing the 'dream' to his liking, he's also gotten used to it. After all, it's not like it hurts or he feels anything, it was all in his sub-conscious so honestly, Jack was perfectly fine with it.
Possible the only down-side to his life at the moment was not only the sinking feeling of darkness growing inside of him but Sierra. The girl has been very unpredictable lately, using her slim figure or features to try to coax Jack over to her. And while Jack is able to ignore her, she's been flirting constantly with him and he's begun to find it increasingly annoying. Not only is she trying to 'get in' with him, but she's started a rivalry with Arcee. Jack could tell that in every situation, the two girls would be competing like their lives depended on it. It especially sucked because he had both of them in his gym class, and while it should have been a nice relaxing period for him and the former Autobots, it's become a war between the cheerleader captain and his girlfriend. Most guys would think that it was awesome to be wanted by two girls, but in Jack's case, he hated it. He only wanted to be with Arcee and not anyone else. However, it seemed the closer they got, the more Sierra would come back. There was an instance in gym class where Jack was holding Arcee closely, talking with Bulkhead and Wheeljack and the cheerleader didn't seem to like it. When she crossed their path, leaned back, grinding on him before walking away with a wink.
Jack was tired of her seduction attempts and even Agent 000 was pissed off at her acts. And Arcee... well she had her own ways of dealing with it. Like the stubborn person Jack has become to know and love, she would counter all of her plays by showing off their relationship. Sometimes wrapping Jack's arms around her or other times, flat out giving him a passionate kiss. Either way, Arcee was ready to fight for her guy and didn't look like she was ready to go down.
The final of his worries had become the Decepticons. They've been relatively quiet recently and it's really begun to worry not only Team Prime, but the entire US government. They've been keeping track of any specks of their movement and they were all prepared for an attack, but it seemed like none of that was coming. The 'cons looked like they were just chilling inside of their warship. This is what worried Optimus the most because he knew that Megatron was up to something.
It worried the rest of them too.
...
Starscream walked through the deserted land, grudging along the ground, holding his waist. He was in pain from all the battles against the Autobots and Decepticons, he was tired, he was low on energon, and he was lost. Well, he wasn't exactly lost since he knew where he wanted to go, the problem was whether or not he could find it.
Suddenly, his hopes were raised when he saw a very familiar stone arch and just like that, his strength was replenished.
Starscream ran through the arch, reaching many tall rocks where he finally found what he was searching for.
"Ah, just as I left it. The Harbinger." Starscream said menacingly.
He looked at half of the original Decepticon war ship and smirked.
"Things are finally looking up."
...
Starscream kicked some debris that was lying around in annoyance and frustration.
"Arghh really?! Not one scrap of energon!" The ex-Decepticon yelled, slamming his fist against the wall.
Suddenly, a secret door opened to his left, revealing a very dusty room. His fist must have activated the door's command but Starscream wasn't going to question it.
He peered inside, looking around. There was a control console in the middle along with different gadgets and debris lying around.
"A laboratory?" Starscream asked to no one in particular. He typed in some commands onto the console and it started to power on. "And it's functional."
The ex-con typed in another command to open the lights. Once they all flickered on, he looked in front of him and widened his eyes at what he saw.
Five unanimated mechanical robots appeared in front of him. They were face-less and were all placed inside different tubes.
"Protoforms" he gasped.
A smirk started to appear on his face as he started a plan inside of his mind.
...
It was almost two in the morning and everyone in the Darby residence was sound asleep. Jack and Arcee slept quietly on their bed, the female cuddled close to her boyfriend's chest as his arm draped over her.
She slept happily, dreaming about Cybertron in it's Golden Age. She imagined brining Jack back in time, showing him around her planet and introducing different people, Decepticon and Autobot. In her dream, Jack had his arm wrapped around her waist, just how she liked it. It made her feel protected and safe. Anything the world threw at her, Jack would be there to stop it. She imagined walking down the streets, people telling them of how great of a couple they were and how jealous they were of them. Suddenly, the scene changed and the couple were now on top of the hill, looking out at the sunset. Jack still had his arms around her, bringing her closer to him and she could feel the warmth from his body. She dreamed of kissing him, and him kissing back. The two of them showing their love to each other through the feeling of their lips touching. Arcee loved it and never wanted it to stop. A smile spread across her face in real life as she continued to dream happily.
While she was having a great dream, Jack had a different story. Instead of being in a dream, he was inside his mind as he always was. He was in a boxing ring, facing off against Agent 000 who was focused on winning the fight. The agent came over and landed two hits on Jack's stomach and a kick to the side. Jack quickly countered by going on the offensive, sending an uppercut to his face which he used as a distraction while his left arm came swinging over. His glove connected with the agent's head, making him stumble back a bit.
"That was a pretty good move kid" he said, smirking. "You're getting better."
Jack gave him a stern look. "Well yeah, I have to fight every night to live through it. Hard to not get better. "
Jack moved forward, sending a barrage of punches at Agent 000's head and torso, all of which he easily blocked. Suddenly, with lightning fast movement, the agent came back with a strong punch to Jack's jaw and another to his stomach. He followed up with a clip to his head and a finishing blow straight to the face that made Jack fly back and onto the ground.
"You're still not better than me kid, but nice try though." Agent 000 said, taking off his gloves and helping Jack up. If it were real life, his face would probably be bruised and bloodied, but since none of this was actually happening, Jack was fine.
"Hey, you have physical enhancements that make you stronger and faster. That's not what I call a fair fight." Jack said, getting out of the ring.
"Yeah, well sorry kid. I didn't choose to be like this and you know it. Anyways, a deal's a deal." The agent said, walking over to his katana that was leaning against a chair.
Jack let out a sigh and put his head down. Agent 000 wanted to try out his sword skills on a 'human dummy' and made a bet with Jack. If he could stay standing in the ring for two minutes, he wouldn't be killed today. But if he couldn't, he would be the 'human dummy' Agent 000 wanted to test out. Jack had agreed, thinking that it would be easy, but ended up getting his ass handed to him.
"You ready kid?" Agent 000 asked, swinging his katana around.
"Does it look like I have a choice?" Jack asked. He straightened out his back and closed his eyes. Even though he wouldn't feel anything, it still grossed him out when he saw his own organs.
He heard Agent 000 come closer and squeezed his eyes even more. He mentally prepared himself for the first hit to come...
... but it didn't.
Jack slowly opened his eyes and saw Agent 000 pointing his blade right in front of his neck. The agent smirked and put his sword away, letting Jack relax and sigh in relief.
"New plan kid, I think I'm going to try something different." The agent said, still smirking.
"Great, ok what is it? Punching bag? Throwing knife target?" Jack asked, unsure of what he meant by 'something different'.
Agent 000 didn't give him a full answer, only standing there smirking at him.
"Hello? What are you-"
Jack's sentence was cut off by a sudden pain in his head. It was different than a normal headache, but seemed very similar. The pain started to increase, and Jack fell to his knees clutching his head.
"Ow! What is going on?!" He yelled but once again, the agent didn't answer him. Instead he sat down on a nearby chair and smiled.
"See you on the other side kid."
...
Back in reality, Jack's eyes shot open.
What the hell just happened, he thought to himself, moving his hand to rub his eyes. The problem was that his arms didn't move.
What the heck?
He tried moving his arm again but once again, got nothing from his limb.
Suddenly, his body started to sit up from the bed, moving his arm off of the sleeping Arcee and slowly standing up.
I told you I'd take control one day, came Agent 000's voice.
Jack's eyes widened, well they would widen if he had control.
How did you-? When did you-? You tricked me!
Not really, all I did was gain control when you were distracted by other things. I was surprised that you didn't put up much of a fight.
What are you going to do? I swear, if you kill Arcee-
Relax kid, I'm not going to touch your girlfriend. Although, I am tempted to slit her throat for what she did to me before.
That's it!
Jack started to fight against Agent 000 but didn't get to far before his mind was pushed back.
My mind has been completely rested for the past month. I tell you what, you rest up for an hour or so, and then you can take back control. I need a good stretch, being stuck inside your sub-consciousness really crams you up.
Agent 000 started to stretch his body, moving his arms and legs while turning to crack his back.
That feels better. The agent said when he was done.
I hate you, came Jack's voice with a hint of anger in it.
No you don't. Look kid, I won't screw up your life, just let me have my freedom for a bit.
Urgh! Fine! But once my mind is refreshed in an hour, I'm taking back my body.
Done.
Agent 000 started to walk over to the closet, ever so quietly and opened it up. He grabbed a pair of black sweatpants and a black hoodie, along with his katana.
What are you doing? Jack asked, a little scared at what he was going to do with his sword.
I'm just going for a walk. Why do you think I grabbed all black?
Well then what's with the katana?
Agent 000 smirked. You never know when you might need it.
Instantly, Jack started to fight back for control again. He was not about to let this killer go on another rampage. Unfortunately, his mind was not fully rested and his attempt came to no avail. He couldn't do anything but watch what Agent 000 would do for the next hour.
Quickly, the agent changed into the black outfit and walked out of the bedroom, closing the door ever so gently. He sneaked his way downstairs where the noise of Ratchet's snores could be heard throughout the living room. Agent 000 chuckled quietly, walking over to the couches and looking at Bumblebee's sleeping form.
"I remember you" he said quietly, giving the 12 year old a glare before he left for the door. Once he was outside, he unsheathed his sword and stared at the blade that still had a bit of red and blue from other battles.
Agent 000 looked into the reflection from the metal and saw his dark eyes. He pulled up his sleeve and saw the darker blood flowing through.
Ratchet was right, only you have the enhancements. Jack said, a little jealous that he didn't get any powers after the pain he had to go through.
Well, let's put these enhancements to the test.
Agent 000 put the sword back into its holder and pulled his hood over his head, concealing his face. Without any warning, he broke out into a sprint, running towards town at an inhuman speed. Buildings and structures looked like a blur as he ran and hoped over things, sticking to the shadows of the apartments.
Eventually, the agent reached the middle of the town where he stopped to catch his breath.
That felt amazing, can't do that in your head now can I?
Hey, if you wanted a track, I would have gladly thought up one for you.
Hmm, good idea.
All of a sudden, Jack/Agent 000's sub-consciousness went from black nothingness to a track. Jack was startled by the change and fell back, landing on his arms.
Huh, well I got my body back but how about I get my real body back?
Give me a bit kid, I just got here.
Agent 000 started to walk around downtown, looking at the different buildings and happily breathing in the air.
"Feels good to be back" he said, smirking as he continued to walk through the town.
The agent strolled through a couple more neighborhoods before reaching a supermarket. He looked up at the closed building and was thinking about going inside when Jack's voice came through.
Don't even think about it.
Agent 000 smirked and walked past the supermarket.
He was about to turn the corner when a noise made him freeze and stay hidden in the shadows.
What was that? Jack asked him.
I don't know, I'm going to go check it out.
Agent 000 peeked around the corner to see what had made the noise. Down the street, a couple buildings down, was a group of guys dressed in all black. Agent 000 counted five standing around while one appeared to be working on the door of a building.
That's the town bank! Those guys are breaking in! Jack exclaimed, recognizing the place where he went to redeem his paycheck every week.
Well then, why don't we show them a lesson.
Agent 000 unsheathed his blades and with incredible agility, jumped from wall to wall, reaching the roofs of the buildings and sprinting over to the bank.
What are you doing? Jack asked, a little afraid at what he was about to do.
What I do best. Agent 000 answered. He was blood-thirsty and now was the perfect time to get back into the action.
Jack realized what the agent was up to and quickly tried to stop him.
No don't! Killing them is not the way to stop them. Call the cops and let them handle it!
That's not the way I roll kid.
Jack knew that he had to take control, and fast. If he didn't, they police might have a mess to clean up in the morning. He felt like his mind was starting to recover but it still wasn't strong enough to defeat Agent 000's. All he could do was watch in horror as Agent 000 reached the top of the bank, looking down at the burglars.
'Would you hurry up on that lock?" One of them said, clearly pissed off that it was taking so much time.
"Shut up and keep watch, I almost have it" the one picking the door said.
Agent 000 looked around the street to make sure there weren't any cameras before he stepped out of the shadows. The cameras on the bank that monitored the front were destroyed and Agent 000 had to give the gang credit for knowing how to break in.
He jumped down from the roof, landing in front of the five burglars keeping watch and startling them. They all raised their handguns at the agent's back, not really knowing what to expect.
"Who the fuck are you?" One of them asked him, walking forward a step and aiming his gun at the agent's head.
"The last thing you'll ever see" Agent 000 responded blankly.
"Is that a threat? You think you have the balls to threaten me?" the burglar said, walking straight up to him and cocking the gun right onto his head.
Agent 000 smiled, not showing his face and in one motion, spun around and sliced the man in half. The other criminals stood in horror as they watched one of their own get cut in two and fall to the ground. They instantly raised their guns and started to fire.
What happened next was history.
...
What... you're... I... Jack stammered as Agent 000 walked back to his house.
Hey kid, we did the right thing. They were criminals and all we did was help the police out.
WHAT?! YOU MURDERED THEM IN COLD BLOOD. THE POLICE WOULD HAVE ARRESTED THEM, NOT KILL THEM. Jack screamed into Agent 000's head.
Well that's their problem, not mine. Agent 000 said, reaching the front door of the house.
It was about 3 in the morning now and Jack's mind has completely recovered. He was done seeing the agent kill for sport and immediately started to take back control.
Argh! Damn it kid! Agent 000 yelled in pain, as he fell to his knees on the front porch.
As Jack took control, his veins started to go back to its original colour and his eyes returned to the dark shade of brown.
You're a monster. I should have never thought that you would change. Jack scowled at the agent once his mind was in control.
Hey, if I was still the same monster that I was before, your entire family and friends would be dead by now. I killed people who deserve to be killed. They chose that path, and that was the consequence. Agent 000 responded.
Jack was furious and couldn't stand talking to him after what he had just done. He quickly set up a mind barrier that would probably last the rest of the night and snuck back into his house. He changed out of his black outfit and put it, and the sword back into the closet.
Anger and frustration filled his body, but none of those emotions could compare to the amount of guilt he felt. He should have known what Agent 000 was doing when he didn't follow through on the deal they made. It was his fault that those six guys were killed, whether or not they were criminals. He committed manslaughter and if the police ever found out, he would never be able to explain it. Although, Jack knew that it's close to impossible for anyone to know that it was him. Agent 000's DNA won't match with any database and there were no cameras to capture the footage.
Jack now had a dark secret that he wasn't ready to tell anyone about.
...
