Chapter 12
Disclaimer: all publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respected owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the authors (AutobotNightfury and PixelTheLittlestFembot). No money is being made from this work and no copyright infringement is intended.
Despite the party 3 weeks ago, Nirvana managed to calm Rose somewhat. They managed to get the stain out of Rose's shirt but she had been cautious with others since. She was more hesitant when strangers approached but she was coming out of it. Nirvana was happy Rose was taking the experience and acting on it, but it seemed in just wasn't sticking. She was happy Rose had tried to be more cautious in trusting a stranger but she still had her concerns.
Now, lying in bed, she smiled down at Rose snuggling in close. It was like looking into a photo, reminding her of all the days and years they had shared a bed, whether because of nightmares or to beat the cold nights. This was something she hoped would never change, and yet it would be the first thing to go. Ironhide would be in her place, and she would be Rose with Drift to lie and comfort her. She still couldn't wrap her head around that. She had let Drift in, and he didn't stomp out her heart/spark. He was tender, and kind and...her mind wandered to the many movies they watched, their walks at night, their cooking endeavours and all the times she fell asleep on him while they read the same book - Memoirs of a Geisha sprung into her mind. It was still a chore to get used to the near eidetic memory but she was glad for it. She could recall every touch Drift placed on her, and each one she returned.
But reminiscing wasn't going to get the day going.
"Come on Rosey, we've got classes," Far less groggy than Rose, Nirvana shook the young girl awake and watched as she yawned. Rose looked up to Nirvana, noting the silk kimono she wore. It was funny that the reason she bought it was because of Drift. The colours and patterns looked like she was wearing him. A smile pulled her cheeks, happy to be free of any nightmares, while she sat up. Nirvana stepped over her to find an outfit for the day while she sat on the bed yawning and rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.
Rose watched as Nirvana dressed, and kinda felt envious that she refused to wear a bra and yet appear...feminine. Sure she wore tight tank instead but it still. Seeing no point in wishing on what just couldn't be, Rose hefted herself off of Nirvana's bed and got changed herself. She pulled just a plain pink collar tee, a pale blue cardigan, a black floral coloured skirt and some opaque tights. Working out the kinks and knots in her hair, Rose tied it all up in a simple ponytail, swishing it back and forth like a tail. Looking to Nirvana, she giggle as the elder sibling just couldn't seem to work her own hair into a french braid.
"Here, let me," moving Nirvana to a chair, the elder resigned to allow Rose to do up her hair, adjusting the kimono wrap and wide belt as Rose worked. She went for a simpler outfit with the kimono and belt with skinny black jeans and thick heel boots. Tying off the braid,Rose noticed Nirvana's hair had grown, reaching her mid back/hips. While her own now came to her shoulder blades.
"Thanks Rosie," Nirvana smiled, catching her in a tight hug and pulling a giggle. Rose managed to pull away to gather her things, they only had one class apart today - Nirvana's minor in Japanese and Rose's engineering. It was funny remembering Ratchet, Nirvana and even Ironhide's face when she told them what added study she wanted to take. She wanted to be able to help Ratchet patch up the bots so a knowledge of engineering would be needed. Grabbing her bag and books, they headed out for their classes. Nirvana walked Rose to her class, planning to meet up before their Computer science class. It was hard to leave Rose on her own but they're classes called them away from one another. One clear positive was their classes weren't far from one another.
"We'll meet at the Cafe, okay?" Nirvana watched Rose stop just short of the classroom.
"Got it," Rose smiled, running back and wrapping her arms around Nirvana. "No need to worry about me sissy, I'm not going anywhere else but class." Nirvana sighed, yeah she was worried but she would at least try for Rose's happiness. Nodding, returning Rose's hug, Nirvana turned to head to her own class. Passing in the hall, Nirvana tried not to glare at Alice as she sauntered by, her sickening smile and coy wink made Nirvana flinch every time. Either she was the easiest girl on campus or she batted for both teams. Both weren't a preferred option for the girls; Rose would always get embarrassed by Alice's attention though never stopped it, happy to have another friend was tolerance enough to put up with Alice's antics. Sighing, resigning to the fact that as long as Rose sees the blonde as a friend, she'll have to play nice.
Stepping into the lecture, taking her usual seat at the back, Nirvana just couldn't seem to focus. Her mind kept wondering, flinching at some phantom touch. She ignored it as much as she could, not wanting to fall back into worry, but she couldn't shake the feeling of something coming.
Rose on the other had was beaming in class. The lecturer was a very nice elderly gentleman who adopted a rather open and entertaining method of teaching. Everything he did was intended and practical. Offering different ways of remembering the lessons while he taught. Breaking down every device he brought in and made the whole procedure enjoyable. With the All Spark's eidetic memory, Rose could not only remember everything discussed in the class but even his methods of remembering them. He was also practical when helping the other students in his class, helping them with assignments or offering one-on-one talks to help them understand or explain the class again.
The time seemed to fly by as the professor accidentally caused his latest endeavour to malfunction and everyone getting a big laugh out of it. Gathering up her things, Rose skipped out and over to the Cafe. She passed some of her partners for different assignments, discussing roles and structure before ordering a strawberry thickshake while she waited for Nirvana.
"Hey Rosie~" jumping at the sudden voice, she turned to find Alice standing next to her. A light blush crossing her cheeks as Alice glided down to a seat. "Having a good day?"
"Y-yeah, it's been alright," Rose answered, toying and fiddling with her drink. Despite how nice Alice was to her, she always seemed more...intent on her.
"What about Nirvana, is she still in class?" Alice asked, calling for her own drink.
"uhuh, her class runs a little longer than mine," Rose admitted, taking another sip.
"Mind if I keep you company? Sammy will be here soon too," Alice smiled, nursing her own drink.
"Okay," Rose whispered, feeling a little uncomfortable now and hoping Nirvana's class finished early. Even though having a new friend was all she could have dreamed of here, Alice just gave off a feeling she was nervous about. Maybe she was still a little shaken from Barricade or that she felt exposed without Ironhide, whatever the case she would put up with it if it meant having a friend.
"Rose!" looking up, Rose jumped from her chair and ran to Nirvana, happily embracing her sister and feeling more and more safe.
"How was class?" Rose asked, walking Nirvana back to the table. She hoped Nirvana wouldn't lash out at Alice while they waited for Sam.
"Alright I guess," Nirvana smiled, seemingly ignoring Alice. "The teacher was a little boring but I managed."
"Hello Nirvana~" Alice purred, putting both the girls on edge.
"Alice," Nirvana only offered a nod while watching the blonde. "How...has your day been?" Rose was a little surprised by the question, as was Alice. Was she trusting her?
"It's been fine all in all. Teachers and Professors are a little boring but what can you do," Alice smiled, putting Nirvana more on edge. She was trying to be nice, she was trying her best for Rose's sake but those eyes, the hair and overall look of the girl just seemed too...perfect. But before she could question why Alice was there or to even get a drink, Sam and Leo showed up.
"Ah my ladies!" Leo beamed, only to get a warning glare from Nirvana which he put down. Taking their orders and seats, they spoke for only a few seconds before the tv in the cafe to light up.
"Breaking News. The 2 missing adolescents: Carl Hughes and Brad Sullivan, have been found," the anchor reports, revealing the photos of the 2 missing boys. Rose flinched, remembering Carl as the one who almost ruined her shirt. Nirvana remembered Brad too, being the one she pushed aside to chase after Rose. "Witness reports state these University Students were last scene 3 weeks ago at a fraternity party. The events leading to their disappearance are still being investigated but police have theorized that that boys left the party heavily drunk as autopsy reports state..." the anchor drawled on like they had since the investigation began. Every day there was an update on the case's progression as well as promises spouted left and right by the police. Honestly, Nirvana couldn't care less. Those 2 were asses and whatever happened to them was probably a result of how drunk they were. The only reason they were missing for 3 weeks is due to no one seeing them leave.
"How awful," Rose sighed, losing her taste for her thickshake. She leaned against Nirvana not only for her comfort but for Nirvana as well. She knew she showed little care for the case, saying it was like anything else they showed on the network. It was still a tragedy no matter how much those 2 deserved it. But she frowned with Nirvana stiffened. Looking up, Rose found Nirvana's face turn pale, her eyes snapped wide as she stared at the TV.
"Though the Police have released some information concerning the case, we at the station were sent graphic and disturbing photos from the supposed 'killer'. All information and photos will be sent to the police but we here at the network believe we have a duty to give you all the details...From the photos, they depicted the boys were tortured extensively, leaving barely recognisable bodies behind. The most heinous of these photos is a message left in their blood, painted on the walls of the warehouse they were found it." The mentioned photo was revealed, causing Nirvana's blood to run cold - 'We will break you both'.
"Nirvana? You okay?" Sam asked, reaching over to take her hand but a shock snapped as he touched her hand. Running through her, the shock jumped from her arm to Rose's arm. Gasping, she pulled her hand away in a knee-jerk reaction. Rose gasped too, feeling the shock.
"Wow, that's some static shock...you okay?" Leo asked, his once smiling face turned at seeing Nirvana's pale face.
"She...doesn't like blood," Rose jumped into her defence, covering up her fear. "Sissy?" Nirvana snapped out of her stupor and looked to Rose, feeling her hug her. Nirvana wrapped her arms around her, trying to calm her racing pulse.
"Come on guys, we better get to class," Leo signalled the walk, Rose stayed with Nirvana as they took the rear.
"It's them," Nirvana mumbled, not wanting to acknowledge the fear welling up. "No doubt, it's them."
"It can't be Sissy, Ratchet's bracelets hide us remember," holding up Nirvana's wrist, showing she still had the bracelet on. "They can't find us."
"But what if they can Rose?" Looking to the young blonde, she stopped walking and hugged her, bringing her in close. "I won't let them hurt you, not again."
"And I won't let them hurt you," Rose replied, hugging her back. Nirvana knew she was meaning well, but the thought of her standing before those sadistic mechs made Nirvana's blood freeze. Rose didn't want her thinking like this, for the longest time Nirvana didn't need to worry about anything, she was happy and she was opening up more. Pulling away, a bright smile on her face, Rose guided Nirvana back toward class. The walk there gave Nirvana back her composure but the nagging feeling of being watched, being followed stayed with her.
Computer Science was one of the better classes the girl's had together. The added bonus was this class was stationed in one of the many computer labs on campus. Listening to the teacher, Nirvana could feel the phantom touches and her mind wandering without her direction. Instead of ignoring it, it was skyrocketing her paranoia. 'It's just me, nothing is wrong' she repeated like a mantra in her mind, her lips moving to the words from time to time. Rose was right that those sadistic, psychotic bastard mechs didn't know they were here; if they did they would have moved in on them like the mall incident.
Rose sat beside her, noticing her mouth moving in repetitive movements. Moving her hand, she wrapped her fingers around Nirvana's hoping to bring her comfort but she noticed something. The teacher had turned to figure out a problem with the projector showing the class today's lesson. Nirvana sat blankly staring at both the teacher's computer and the projector meant to show its contents. While holding Nirvana's hand, a warmth flowed through her and back out into Nirvana.
"Sir," Nirvana suddenly spoke, catching the teacher's attention, "There is an error in your desktop's processor algorithms that is affecting the projector...someone on Computer ID 345-0D has hacked and bypassed the Universities Internet restricts in odd to download approximately 6 hours worth of German porn. A series of viruses created from the hack have piggybacked outgoing programs through the bus network utilised by the University and will reach the main server in 3.667854 minutes..." Nirvana felt like she had just run a marathon while reciting the national anthem. The entire class just stared at her, some thinking she was insane while others were too confused to question it.
"Sissy?" Rose asked, concerned by what just happened.
"Well...Miss Evangelous, care to explain how you can fix this?" the teacher was as confused as everyone else in the room, all holding their breath for an answer.
"Um...As a virus scan would take too long and would only result in the same problem happening again...it would be best to disconnect your computer from the main server and act on its own or disconnect the projector and manually set it up with a laptop," catching her breath, the teacher didn't know what to do next but follow what Nirvana had said, indulging the solution to find that it worked. "Could I be excused sir I...I don't feel very good." Pointing to the door, Nirvana ran for the door with Rose close behind. Alice watched them leave, surprised by the outburst and curious about how she did it. Easily bypassing the teacher, Alice followed close behind them.
Nirvana made it to a small alley between 2 of the faculty buildings before collapsed. Leaning against the wall, she felt like she was going to heave, feint and bleed out all at once. Her legs were about to give and her head felt light.
"Nirvana, are you okay?" Rose ran up to her, rubbing her back and looking her over.
"I feel...like someone took out my brain...then put it back in backwards..." Nirvana gasped, trying to will herself not to throw up.
"Is she okay?" Rose looked back to see Alice, Nirvana growing.
"I'm fine, just...leave us alone," she groaned, trying to force her legs to support her.
"Don't push yourself sissy," Rose cooed, calming her a little, "And Alice, you don't need to stay out with us. I would want us to be the reason you missed out on class."
"Come on, you guys, I just want to help," Alice smiled and Nirvana didn't have the patiences for it.
"Well we don't want it, go away," her stomach lurched again, covering her mouth and grasping her stomach.
"That's rude," Alice pouted, "I just wanted to help."
"Please Alice, Nirvana is stressed enough. I don't mean to be rude but we'll meet up with you later, I need to get her back to the dorm," Rose took Nirvana's arm and helped her lean against her smaller frame. But Alice was persistent, she tried to copy Rose and take Nirvana's other arm but another surprise came from Rose.
"Please Alice don't!" from her free arm, swung out to stop Alice instead she somehow used more force than she was aware of. Something sprung from her hand and pushed out, almost throwing Alice off her feet. Stumbling back, all three looked stunned, confused and shocked. Rose would've tried to amend or fix the situation but with Nirvana the way she was, she stuttered an apology while moving Nirvana away, leaving a rather annoyed and intrigued Alice.
No other dramas occurred on their way back to the dorms, Rose stumbled to get the door open and lead Nirvana to her bed. Rushing into the bathroom, she raided the medicine cabinet for something to easy her sister when a small sob caught her ear. Soft and so small she almost missed it, Rose crept back to the door and held her gasp, seeing Nirvana in tears. It was very rare to see Nirvana cry, often she was silent as the tears rolled down her cheeks but here, her sobs were loud and choked. She noticed something in Nirvana's hand, realising it was her phone.
"Drift..." Rose's heart cracked hearing her voice. "I...I can't...can you come here, please...I...I need you," Rose walked from the bathroom as Nirvana hung up the call. Nirvana watched Rose sit beside her, looking into those innocent blue eyes.
Nothing was needed to be said, Rose opened her arms and welcomed Nirvana. Not bothering to wipe her eyes, Nirvana leaned in and accepted Rose's embrace. She had stopped sobbing, why she had started she just couldn't explain, and just sat there holding Rose. Oh how she was able to calm her she'll never know but she was glad for it. Rose held Nirvana tight, giving as much love as she could. The bracelets may hide them from the Decepticons but not from each other. With the practise she had with Ironhide, Rose weaved her field through Nirvana's, calming her chaotic thoughts and emotions. Nirvana would have fallen asleep if Leo didn't run into their room.
"Guys! Guys, something is really, really wrong with Sam," he panicked, overlooking their rather favourable position.
"What's wrong?" Rose gasped, concerned for her brother-figure.
"He's gone nuts, he's writing these weird symbols on the walls and posters and tv and...just come and help me, Alice is already there trying to calm him down." Nirvana wiped her tears and followed Leo out with Rose. Thankful for their dorms being near by.
"Optimus sir please, something is wrong with the girls," Drift begged, standing before Optimus, a concerned Ironhide and the human soldiers. Why that Galloway human had to be there he didn't know but his main concern was Nirvana and Rose. When he received Nirvana's call, he had never heard such sadness and despair in her voice. His sparked ached and ached each time her words repeated in his processor. She was scared, she was traumatic and she wasn't herself.
"Those two...agreed to not make contact with this base," Galloway held his tongue when a number of glares faced him. "They are breaking their agreement already and its only been 3 weeks since their departure."
"You don't make the call knat," Ironhide growled, feeling his cannons hum and heat up, "Rosie and Nirvana are under Autobot protection, Optimus makes the call" Looking to his prime, he just hoped Optimus would give the word. If Nirvana was as distraught as Drift claimed, Rose would be in hysterics but why she hadn't called made his worry soar.
"What could possibly be wrong? Are they getting bullied or struggling with homework," Galloway mocked, missing the flashes of red flickering in Drift's optics, "They are not a priority and thus shouldn't be engaged-" he was cut off as Drift tried to attack. Ironhide, catching the rage in the mech's field, grabbed him before an incident could be made.
"Talk that way about my girl again and you'll wish I just stepped on you, you insignificant, slag-filled, fragging wretch!" Drift optics blazed red, struggling against Ironhide to kill Galloway. While the human was frightened and shocked by the reaction, Optimus placed a servo on the mech to snap him out of his rampage. "Forgive me Optimus," he whispered, thought not feeling sorry for the threat merely his actions.
"I understand the importance both you and Ironhide feel for the women, but if the hardships of human life is the reason for Nirvana's contact then there isn't much we can do," Optimus replied, honesty wrapped in his words. "To deny them contact with those of their age group would not be fair on them."
"But Nirvana needs me Optimus, we promised we would check up on the girls did we not? And no Decepticons have made appearances or revealed themselves," despite his bests efforts to argue the issue, another soldier scrambling into the meeting, his movements rushed and frantic.
"Major Lennox! Someone is trying to access information on a known Decepticon, sir!" the soldier stood at attention in spite of his laboured breathing, changing the focus on the meeting.
"Who soldier? And which Con are they trying to look up?" Lennox descended the observation platform, taking the tablet the soldier brought.
"Barricade sir. And it's a Police Division stationed in the vicinity of the two civilians attending Princeton sir."
"Why would Human Law Inforcement wish to investigate Barricade?" Prowl asked. He had not been on Earth long but held a certain respect for Law Enforcement as he did the Military. Whether a reminder of his old profession back on Cybertron before the war was irrelevant but not unknown.
"Apparently he is a suspect in a murder case. 2 boys from the University were found after a 3 week disappearance at a warehouse near Tranquility. Both boys were brutally tortured before they died. A news stations had received information only the killer would know and aired the images just today. From witness accounts and a whistle-blower, the one who delivered the information to the News crew was Barricade in disguise." The soldier rambled off, setting everyone on edge.
"I know that place," Drift gasped, noting the image of the warehouse. "That was the place Soundwave and Barricade held the girls before Mission City."
"Then Nirvana has every right to be distraught," Ironhide added, "Optimus if the Decepticons know where the girls are we need to intervene."
"But they can't find them because of the field inhibitors," Ratchet argued but the energon scanners in place began to blare.
"A Decepticon energy signature sir! All centred on the Eastern coast, heading to one Area!"
"NIRVANA!" "ROSE!"
Swinging the door open, the site within chilled the girls to the bone. Despite the random Cybertronian symbols painted on every flat surface in the room, Sam was thrown on the bed with Alice on top...and a long metal tendril coming up from her skirt. Her field flared at the sudden intrusion but couldn't stop Nirvana from striking her in the face with a metal lamp.
"You Decepticon BITCH!" Nirvana shrieked, striking Alice again and sending her tumbling off Sam, "Rose! Get Sam out!" Leo stood frozen but fear pushed Rose to obey, running to a hysteric Sam and pulled him to the door. "I know there was something off about you," ready to strike again, Alice managed to grab the Nirvana's arm, another tendril grabbing the other. Her true form rippled through, revealing her Cybertronian form.
"It's too bad Soundwave and Barricade have me under strict orders not to harm you or Rosie," uttering her name, a tendril snapped at its mark, restraining Rose as Leo grabbed Sam. "Oh the things we girls could do~ The thing I could make you scre~AAAAAAAAAH" Alice's tendrils fell limp, grabbing her head in pain while Nirvana faltered.
"Crap...not again," grasping her own head, Nirvana felt the same light-headedness from Computer Science. Rose managed to catch her before she hit the ground and pulled her toward the door.
"Come on!" Rose begged, Leo and Sam running to help as they fled the room. Alice recovered slowly, but malice lingered in her gaze. The hunt was on.
Running into the open streets didn't seem like the best idea, Decepticons didn't care much for crowds unless its to a body count. Leo was scream and panicking just as much as Sam was, leaving the 2 girls to be level headed. Ducking into the University library to hide, they managed to get a breather.
"What the fuck was that?!" Leo hissed, trying to wrap his head around it. "Alice is a robot? How is she? Why? And why was she hitting on you two? What is-" Nirvana picked up Rose's panic, the tension in her sister escalated with each word Leo uttered so the faster she could calm him, the better for Rose.
"Alice is a Decepticon freak sent for Sam and us, I don't know why for Sam since the only reason I could think of for interest in me and Rose is because her bosses are after us. They have been for the last 2 years so if you don't mind keep your immature panic to yourself because you are upsetting Rose." Nirvana felt at liberty to slam the hysteric boy but she doubted it would shut him up, the a King hit was something she did not want on her already colourful record.
"Decepticon? You? Rose? Why should I care if I'm upsetting her? Because of you some alien robot is going to kill me!" Nirvana grabbed him by the collar and pinned him to a wall out of sight of the main room,
"Because Rose is my sister. She is my family. I would do anything to keep her safe and happy. You are not helping her so I am putting a stop to it. I would just shut you up but then that funny thing called a conscious would nag me until I help you too. You wanted the Real Fucking Deal - Welcome to the War." A blast rocked the building, a pissed and lethal Femme walked right through without any regard for the students fleeing in fear.
"This way!" Sam called, grabbing Leo while Nirvana picked up Rose. A stray piece of rock had grazed her leg and made it hard to run without a limp. Now out in the carpark, Sam spotted a lone car. "Over here! We need to break the windows!" Nirvana wasn't strong enough to break it on her own but she watched - with great confusion - as Rose held out her hand.
"Cover your faces!" a low hum rippled from her hand before a small shockwave shattered the glass windows. Leo stood dumbfounded while Sam jumped in, followed by Nirvana and Rose next to her.
"Drive! Drive! Drive!" Leo shrieked, seeing Alice coming up behind them. In a panic, Rose held out her hand again and let off another small hum, this time when Alice tried to strike the car and hold it back, she slammed full force into a force field. The resulting strike sent her flying back into a tree, giving the guys enough time to start up the car and speed off.
"When could you do that?" Nirvana asked, surprised at what her sister did.
"I think the same time you did that thing in class and in Sam's room." Both sat surprised and confused by how they could do these things.
"So what else dot I know about this since you've left out some minor details!" Leo yelled, looking back from the front seat while Sam drove.
"What do you want us to say?" Sam snapped, his own little episode still raging, "That an alien robot girl tried to spear my head for god knows what the All Spark zapped into my brain?!"
"Wait what? Sam when did this happen?" Nirvana demanded.
"Was it back in Mission City, Sam?" Rose added.
"Mission City? You were there in the attack?! You told me you didn't know!" Leo shouted.
"Look all of you shut up and let me think!" But time for thinking was at an end when an oversized surveillance Predator drone flew too close for comfort, spearing the car through the roof. While Sam and Leo panicked and scream, Nirvana shielded Rose from the debris. But the sudden lift the car gave off was enough to cause all kinds of concerns.
"EVERYONE HOLD ON!" She screamed, snapping forward as Sam's door was almost ripped right off and grabbed him before he could plummet to the ground. The Predator carried them over the bay and over to an industrial site. Coming to a ruined warehouse, only half of it standing, their car was lowered in with a small welcoming party awaiting them.
Once on the ground, 2 small bots eagerly ripped the doors from their hinges. One hauled Sam and Leo out while the other grabbed Nirvana from behind, pulling both girls out. Once out, Rose stepped away from Nirvana as she grabbed a lead pipe lying close to them. In defence she swung the pipe at the offending bots but froze mid swing.
"Nirvana?" Rose asked, feeling the sudden chill in her field.
"Nirvana?" Sam added, both he and Leo coming around to the pair as their assaulter joined the other mech.
Nirvana stood stark white at the sight of 2 small twins, standing at Rose's height, wearing bright red visor-like sunglasses, matching outfits with the only different being one had a blue beanie and the other had a red beanie.
"No...No, not you..." she gasped, the pipe falling limp in her hands.
"I think she remembers us Frenzy," the blue beanie smirked, removing his red sunglasses to reveal sharp red eyes.
"Good, I'd feel hurt if she didn't Rumble, considering all we've been through." The blue twin followed suit, revealing his own red eyes. Slowing they transformed and morphed back into their true forms. Rose remembered one of them from their first encounter with Bumblebee, when Nirvana fought it back in the refinery. The twin was exactly the same as Frenzy despite the alternate colour scheme.
"Shit, the freaky bot from the refinery," Sam whispered, backing away with the girls.
"Looks like he has a twin," Leo gulped, feeling an intense need to feint.
"Well thank you Captain Obvious, but that is the least of your problems," Rumble snickered, weary of the silver, heeled pede stomping toward them. With Leo almost getting squashed by the pede, the group froze as Starscream surveyed them. His right arm transformed into a cannon and aimed precariously at them.
"We meet again," he smirked, relishing the fear in the humans.
"Okay, Hooker Heels I can handle," Nirvana calmed, though still fretful of the situation, she did managed to get a giggle from Rose and Sam while Leo stood there confused. Insulted and annoyed by the human's belittling comment, he was tempted to shoot her but a rumble growl stopped him. Rising from the open floor below, a demon reared its head.
"Megatron," Rose squeaked, holding to Nirvana tighter. Megatron looked over the humans until he spotted Sam.
"Come here boy," he ordered, expecting Sam to obey but sneered as Nirvana took charge. She pulled Sam back to herself and Rose, Leo following close behind.
"What are you going to do to us?!" she demanded, showing no fear. He recalled this woman from Mission City. Nirvana Evangelous. He was pleased that bravado of hers had not waned but he could still taste her fear, wafting around her and his kin. A servo reached out, causing the group to flinch back except for Nirvana. With a sick grin, his finger flicked and sent Nirvana flying. Slammed into the opposite wall, she gasped painfully before falling to the floor.
"NIRVANA!" Rose screamed, running to her sister's aid. Rumble and Frenzy took their time approaching them, neither one happy with Megatron's action.
"Let us see if you're still brave after every one of your organic bones is broken," Megatron smirked, turning his attention back to Sam. Leo was forced to the side while Megatron threw Sam in a similar manner to a large table. "Knockout, begin your...examination~" another mech they had never seen before stepped in. He was the shortest among them but was streamline and curved. Had he not looked like a male he could've been mistaken for a femme.
"As you wish, Lord Megatron," the red mech smirked as he peered down on his prey.
"What shall we do with the femmes, my lord? And the other male?" Starscream grinned at the sight of Nirvana barely moving and Rose panicking over her. Leo had not dared move from his place, trying to determine which one would kill him if he moved.
"Leave the other to me," Knockout called, "I've been looking forward to...studying a live specimen, and perhaps the femmes too."
"Leave them for their masters. Deserving gifts for their loyalty," Megatron ordered, turning back to watch Knockout.
"Hm, pity, I hear they can understand Cybertronian, they would've been interesting," Knockout shrugged, pulled out a small drone to latch onto Sam. Starscream wasn't happy with the response but could do nothing as said 'masters' arrived. Soundwave has circled the area before transforming and Barricade scouted the ground and caused as much havoc to slow the Autobots down. Soundwave glared at the sight of Nirvana's damaged body, noting that something might need to be done about that for her long term functioning. Barricade was just pleased to see his obsession in a more flattering attire, though a little too covering for his tastes.
"Starscream. Reasoning for my pet's damaged state?" Soundwave hissed, turning to the SIC.
"She defied her betters. Megatron was just showing her her place," Starscream smirked, watching as Rose managed to get Nirvana to sit back against the wall, noting how she was having trouble breathing. Soundwave didn't question any further, instead leaving Megatron and Starscream to their own devices regarding Sam. The boy would be dead soon enough.
"D-Don't Touch her!" Rose screamed, trying her hardest to hold up Nirvana's pole and trying to keep Rumble and Frenzy back. Her actions were in vain when a dark servo plucked her from the ground.
"Don't worry Rosie, Soundwave will make her all better...in the meantime, lets finish what we started~" Barricade's smirk twisted with a fiendish delight, holding his delicate doll and moving into another part of the warehouse. She struggled and screamed, trying to reach back to Nirvana but watched in horror as those same glowing tendrils looped around her sister.
Her mind scream for her to move, but Nirvana could barely breath much less move. Her ribs were cracked and her back was same, nightmare inducing probes snaked around her with a frightening easy, finding her old wounds. Like a hot needle, the thin glowing blue connectors slipped under her skin but instead of worming into her brain again, she could feel them slithering to her chest.
"What...are...?" she scream as more pain inflamed her chest.
"Soundwave take your noisy pet elsewhere. I will call you when the procedure is complete," Megatron sneered, making no effort to look at the mech. Nodding, Soundwave silence Nirvana with a probe down her throat. Not only to feed her oxygen as he fixed her but for his own entertainment. Rumble and Frenzy followed along behind, seeing their chance to put Soundwave's pet to her paces.
Rose panicked every time one of Barricade's fingers tried to rip at her clothes.
"Hold still, my Rose. No need to make this difficult," he purred, relishing the struggle.
"No...No...GO AWAY!" She screamed, surprising Barricade as a forcefield wrapped around her, preventing him for touching her.
"Well, where did you learn such an interesting trick?" he wondered, more so out of curiosity then out of mirth. A power to prevent him from feeling his claim wasn't something he wanted her practised in. But he noted the strain on her face, a smirk returning to its place. "Let's see just how long you can hold this ball, for when you're warn out I will lay claim to you, and then not even that ageing, walking scrap head will be able to save you~" Insulting Ironhide pushed her resolve; Rose was scared yes, and it fuelled the forcefield but the need to hold out for Ironhide and the other Autobots, for Nirvana, Sam and Leo, to keep this creep from touching her, that was more important than giving up.
"Don't...insult...Ironhide!" her forcefield grew, almost covering the span of his servo.
"Ironhide? Not 'Mr Ironhide'?" Barricade didn't like how his pet was so...informal with that mech. "I will enjoy breaking you in front of him."
Nirvana wasn't fairing any better. Just a room away, her screams muffled by the lifeline probe down her throat, Soundwave made the delicate procedure as long as necessary. This pain was punishment for escaping, for remaining in the company of the Autobots, and for hiding from him. His probes ensured no other damage was done while his pieced and knitted her ribs back together. Carbon and Calcium based, moulding and sealing the fragments back together was child's play. Finally, with the last rib fixed, she lay lax in his servo. Gasping as the probe was removed from her throat and the smaller wires slipped out from under her skin but never left her skin. Sliding over like worms or snakes, she shivered and twitched.
"Yes, do not resist me~" Soundwave cooed, happy his pet was beginning to learn her place.
"No...get...away...STOP TOUCHING ME!" She shrieked, but what came as a surprise was that...he did. Soundwave froze at the command. Puzzled as much as confused. Even Rumble and Frenzy froze at the command if only for a second.
"What the slag was that?" Frenzy shivered, not liking the sensation.
Ignoring his symbiotes' ranting, Soundwave delved into her mind again. Feeling her resist and with it came some kind of organic firewall. Was she trying to shield off her mind to him? How could she?
"Are...you in...my head?" she suddenly asked, shocked and wide eyed. "You...you were making me think those things. You...you have not right to go through my memories!" she could feel it now, the headaches and the tingles in the back of her head was Soundwave reading her mind, but how? At her thought, her own mind delved into his unprepared train. She saw only snippets of his 'talent' before she was slammed full force. Feeling like someone had grabbed her head, when no one had, she could feel him weeding his way back in.
"Interesting. Additional All Spark radiation has caused a secondary effect. Useful but you will need to be conditioned." Rumble and Frenzy, now knowing what had happened, sat back and watched Soundwave play. They hadn't seen him this enthusiastic with a female of any variety in a long time. It would prove to be entertaining, especially if they could have a turn.