Author's note: In order to make the Blitzwing personas easier to convey I've decided to make a key for it. Regular is for Icy persona, Bold is for Hothead persona, and Italics for Random persona.
Nevada
Bumblebee was thrown back into a large rock.
"So much for being a big hero, Autobot" said Blitzwing as he walked up to him "You're not even big at all" He pointed his back cannons at Bumblebee and fired ice missiles at him, but he leapt aside just in time.
"Sometimes little can go a long way, three-face!" said Bumblebee. He transformed and drove back
"Do you really think you could simply run away?" said Blitzwing. He transformed into jet mode and flew after him, transforming and blocking him off. "There's no escape, Autobot. It would wise to surrender" At that moment, Astrotrain flew down and transformed behind Bumblebee.
"What he said" said Astrotrain.
"No thank you!" smirked Bumblebee. At that moment, Breakaway flew down and Bumblebee transformed and grabbed on.
"Eh; I hate it when they do that!" snapped Astrotrain. He and Blitzwing transformed and flew after them. As they flew through the air, Bumblebee looked back at the two triple-changers and let go of Breakaway.
"Bee, what are you doing?" exclaimed Breakaway. Bumblebee landed on top of Blitzwing and pulled him down until they both crashed into a cliff and fell to the ground.
"Oh; so that's how you like to party, bug, hmm?" said Blitzwing "Eat this then!" He fired flame blasts from his back cannons and Bumblebee rolled to the side, getting burned on his leg in the process.
"AHHH!" exclaimed Bumblebee.
"Hurts, doesn't it, Bug?!" said Blitzwing "Want some more?" As he charged up his back cannons, Arcee leapt on him from behind and pulled the cannons up as they fired at the sky. "What in the—"
"Remember me, Blitzbrain?" smirked Arcee.
"You!" snapped Blitzwing. He fell onto his back and crushed Arcee and he then threw her into the wall of the cliff. He walked up to her to finish her off but she ducked as he threw a punch. She then transformed and attemped to escape, only for Blitzwing to grab her by the back wheel and hold her in place. "The wheels on the bike go round and round, round and round, round and round! The wheels on the bike round and round, all day—"
"Blitzwing cut that out and get over here!" snapped Astrotrain "Barricade just informed me that he got the last of the energon back to the Nemesis. Let's get out of here before any more Autobots show up" Blitzwing threw Arcee aside and followed Astrotrain through the ground bridge portal.
"No…" said Bumblebee as he looked up.
A few minutes later
"I know you've done some rash action in the past, Bumblebee" said Prowl "But taking on Decepticons whilst patrolling when we specifically told you not to, that's just suicide"
"What was I suppose to do, Prowl?" said Bumblebee "I couldn't just stand by and let those Decepticons get away with taking the energon like that"
"But they got all that anyway" said Prowl.
"Take it easy, Prowl" said Jazz.
"Yeah, Bee just wanted to do good" said Bulkhead.
"This isn't about good intentions, this is about decision making" said Prowl "And he made the wrong one"
"You know, I'm still here" said Bumblebee "It's just rude to identify me as "he""
"Enough!" said Prowl "From this point you are confined to your quarters. No one is to visit you until Optimus returns from patrol and decides on the situation" Bumblebee stood up and looked Prowl right in the optics.
"You've always gone hard on me!" snapped Bumblebee "Why don't you just leave me alone for once!" He stormed off down the hallway to his room with Arcee watching him and sighing.
Training Days
The Ark
"So where is Bumblebee?" asked Melody.
"He's still in the Ark, he's just confined to his room at the moment" replied Arcee.
"Why's that?" asked Melody.
"He got into trouble with Prowl and…well, you know what Prowl's like" said Arcee "He's not the easiest Autobot to get along with" Unbknowst to Arcee, Prowl was walking through the hallway near them and stopped at the sound of his name. He hid out of sight to avoid being seen.
"Has Prowl always been like that?" asked Melody.
"Pretty much, to be honest" replied Arcee "Him and Bee have never got along well; I guess they just find each other at each other's throats a lot"
"You and Bee team up a lot" said Melody "You make a pretty good team, I must admit"
"Yeah; I mean, he is my partner after all" said Arcee.
"And how long have you two been partners for?" asked Melody.
"Since I first met him" replied Arcee "It was just before we entered the war; we were at the end of training and ready to step out onto the frontlines"
Arcee's flashbacks
Bumblebee ran across a white and clear terrain. A pair of Vehicons popped up and started shooting at him, only for Bumblebee to dodge the shots and shoot back at them. The Vehicons vanished upon being shot because they were merely training holograms. A group of Vehicons popped up behind him and aim their blasters at him, only to get plowed down by a green Cybertronian bulldozer which transformed into Bulkhead.
"Good move, Bulk" said Bumblebee. A Vehicon popped up in front of him, only to get punched in the face. Another Vehicon approached them, only for a yellow Cybertronian car to drive up behind it, transformed into an Autobot with blue optics, and kicked it over. Suddenly, another Vehicon popped up behind him and shot him in the shoulder.
"Ah!" exclaimed the yellow Autobot "No!" The Vehicon was knocked over by a speeding white and red Cybertronian ambulance van which transformed into a female Autobot with blue optics and a red face.
"Hold still" said the female Autobot whilst crouching to his side and examining his arm "Fortunatly it doesn't look too severe. Your arm should be fine, Sunstreaker"
"Forget the arm!" said Sunstreaker "What about my paint job!" The female Autobot merely rolled her optics at this. Bumblebee rushed forward and transformed into a Cybertronian car to help him acclerate, knocking down the Vehicons in his path. Suddenly, a similar green Cybertronian car knocked him out of his way.
"Hey!" exclaimed Bumblebee. He skidded around and sped after the green car. "What are you doing?"
"Just taking the lead, which is more than I can say for you now" replied the green car.
"We're in the middle of a training routine, there's no time for things like this, Wasp" said Bumblebee. From atop the training area, a room overlooked them. At the front of the room stood a purple female Autobot with blue optics.
"Bumblebee and Wasp don't seem to get along well" said Elita One (the female Autobot).
"I know, but they've always been like that" said Prowl who stood at her side.
"Have you tried reasoning with them?" asked Elita.
"We've tried a lot of things to get them out of argueing, but nothing's worked" replied Prowl.
"I think Bumblebee is fine, it's Wasp who needs to change" said Kup (a somewhat elderly teal blue Autobot).
"I appreciate the compassion, Kup; but I think both sides here are at fault" said Prowl.
"Sunstreaker doesn't seem very coorapative" said Elita.
"He simply cares more about his paint job than the rest of the battle" said Prowl "And it's certainly a priority above helping his teammates out""
"Both Red Alert and Bulkhead seem to be brought down by the rest of the group" said Elita.
"And they would function better if under better direction" said Prowl. Wasp skidded back and knocked Bumblebee to the side.
"What the heck?" said Bumblebee.
"This is going to my victory, not yours!" snapped Wasp.
"What's wrong with you?" said Bumblebee. Wasp bumped into him again.
"Stay back, beeper!" snapped Wasp "I'm warning you!"
"Okay then!" said Bumblebee. He pushed Wasp to the side so hard that he went flying aside and through the out-of-bounds line, triggering an alarm.
"Training exercise: Failed" said the computer voice. Bumblebee transformed at the sound of this.
"What?" said Bumblebee. At that moment, Wasp transformed, angrily stormed over to Bumblebee, and pushed him. "What was that for?"
"You caused us to fail!" snapped Wasp.
"I didn't know you go that far" said Bumblebee.
"I told you to leave to me!" snapped Wasp "Instead, you had to go and wreck it for the rest of us!"
"You weren't exactly helping us yourself" said Bumblebee.
"I have a dream!" snapped Wasp "I dream of becoming an Elite Guard commander who's destined for greatness, and I won't let you or anyone else shatter it!"
"Including yourself?" said Bumblebee. Wasp clenched his teeth, balled his hand into a fist, and was about to punch him.
"Enough!" said Prowl as he entered "You all failed because of your failure to cooperate"
"But Sarge, we could've got through if it wasn't for Bumblebee pushing me!" snapped Wasp.
"A response that was triggered by your boosting and arrogance" said Prowl "As far as I'm conerned, both sides are at fault"
"I think you might be going a little too hard on them, Prowl" said Kup "They're still young and have much to—"
"Do you think the Decepticons are going to go easy on them?" said Prowl "We're here to prepare them for war, not to send them to their deaths"
"You think you're Optimus Prime, don't you?" said Wasp "You think you're the big man and that everything revolves around you. Guess what, sarge, you're not"
"Optimus is busy leading a war, that's why he got me to oversee your training" said Prowl "And while I'm in charge, I'll make sure you go through ready. For now, training's over; and for your sake, you had better pull together"
"Way to go, yellow!" snapped Wasp. Bumblebee sighed.
Later
Bumblebee walked into his quarters. He walked over to the window and looked out. He closed his optics momentarily before punching the wall.
"Try to take it easy, Bumblebee" said a voice. Bumblebee spun around to see Kup standin in the doorway.
"Oh; it's just you, Kup" said Bumblebee relieved.
"Is there something wrong?" asked Kup.
"What; no, of course not" said Bumblebee "What would give you the impression?"
"Over the last few weeks, I've noticed that you've become very torubled and upset" said Kup "If you have any problems, just tell me; it's better if you talk about them" Bumblebee sighed and collapsed himself onto his bed.
"Okay, fine" said Bumblebee "Ever since I joined this squad, everyone's been going hard on me. Prowl's always scowlding at me and the rest of my squad hate me for screwing everything up"
"No, they don't hate you" said Kup whilst sitting beside Bumblebee "They're just…stressed, the same as you"
"Wasp was right, I messed everything up" said Bumblebee "We failed that exercise because I let my temper get the better of me"
"Said by someone who let his own ego get the better of him, even Prowl admitted to that" said Kup "It's difficult, I know; training to be part of the army let alone the Elite Guard is no easy feat. When I was your age and training to become a member of the Elite Guard, I went through the exact same thing; and that was long before the war even started"
"But…But…I can't do it, sarge" said Bumblebee "Perhaps I should quit, it would be better for everyone else"
"No; you're a brave fighter, Bee" said Kup "If you leave now, it would be our loss. I know it's hard at the moment, but you never stop trying; no matter how hard life drags you down, you always find a way to pull yourself back up" Bumblebee sighed again.
"Maybe you're right" said Bumblebee "I just wish…I just wish I had a little more support" Kup scratched his chin in thought.
A few minutes later
"Bee is upset because he feels unsupported in this matter" said Kup.
"All the more reason why they should band together more" said Prowl.
"Perhaps they would find it easier to band together if you didn't push them around so much" said Kup.
"I push them around for their own good" said Prowl.
"I've seen you push them day after day, they're no closer to becoming a proper team than they were the day they joined" said Kup.
"Maybe because you keep interfering instead of leaving them to stand up for themselves" said Prowl.
"That's enough" said Elita "I understand both your points and I respect them; but whatever's happening is not working"
"Then what should we do then?" asked Kup.
"It's clear that the problem lies with Bumblebee" said Elita "If he feels unappreciated than it'll only make it difficult for everyone else. He needs extra support on the matter?"
"And what would you suggest?" asked Prowl.
"Perhaps a transfer" replied Elita One "Back at the training facility in Metrotitan, I've found a top student. She's very crafty and is willing to help her comrades at any cost. If we bring her here and assign her as Bumblebee's partner it could help his self-esteem"
"We'll ive it a go then" said Kup.
Later
Bumblebee lay on his bed with his eyes closed but not sleeping. At that moment, Kup entered.
"Bumblebee, get up" said Kup "There's somone I want you to meet"
"Who is it?" asked Bumblebee whilst sitting himself up.
"Come and see" replied Kup. Bumblebee got himself up and followed him out into the hallway. Kup brought Bumblebee to the landing pad outside the facility where a small ship had just landed. Standing outside the ship was Elita and by her side was Arcee. Arcee immediately turned to face Bumblebee, smiled, and rushed up to him.
"So you must be Bumblebee" said Arcee whilst shaking Bumblebee's hand "Please to meet you"
"Who are you?" asked Bumblebee.
"Name's Arcee" replied Arcee "I'm a transfer from Metrotitan"
"Um…Kup said you wanted to meet me" said Bumblebee.
"Oh yeah; I've been assigned to be your new partner" said Arcee.
"Partner?" said Bumblebee.
"Yeah, partner; it means I'll assist you on the battlefield" said Arcee.
"I know what it means but…" said Bumblebee. There was a short silence.
"You weren't expecting a partner?" said Arcee. Bumblebee nodded nervously. "Oh, sorry; Elita One requested my transfer and organized me to be your partner" Bumblebee looked over at Elita One.
"Um…I'm not sure if I need a partner" said Bumblebee.
"Nonsense, everyone needs help from time to time" said Arcee. She grabbed Bumblebee by the wrists and pulled him over to the hallway. "C'mon; how about a workout, to get to know each other. Show me to the training room"
Meanwhile in the training room
Wasp punched a model of a Vehicon various times fueriously.
"Careful, you don't want to wear yourself out quickly" said Red Alert.
"I know what I'm doing!" snapped Wasp "Mind your own business!"
"Sorry" said Red Alert sarcharastically. Wasp punched the Vehicon model over and over again until he gave it a powerful kick and knocked it over.
"Uh…I was actually hoping to try it out after you" said Bulkhead.
"Oh yeah; then just pick it up!" snapped Wasp "It shouldn't be too hard from a big guy like you!"
"Take it easy, Wasp" said Red Alert" You're under a great lot of stress at the moment, you should calm down"
"Calm?!" snapped Wasp "I need to be at my best and you think I should slack off?!"
"Well, not exactly that—" said Red Alert.
"One day, I'm going to be above all of you!" snapped Wasp.
"If you really want to get up that far, then you need to take it one step at a time" said Red Alert "If you go for it all at once, you'll just end up not achieving anything and hurting yourself"
"And what would you know of that?" said Wasp "You're just a medic"
"I'm a field medic, I 'm trained in combat as much as the rest of you" said Red Alert "And that just makes me understand pain even more"
"Just mind your own business and leave me alone!" snapped Wasp.
"Now that's just nasty" said Sunstreaker. At that moment, Bumblebee and Arcee entered the room which drew everyone's attention.
"So…this is the training room" said Bumblebee.
"It's just like the one back on Metrotitan" said Arcee. She looked over in the corner and saw a rack with bo-staffs. She rushed over to have a look at it. "Amazing!"
"So Bee, who's the new girl?" asked Bulkhead.
"Oh; everyone, this is Arcee the new transfer" said Bumblebee. Wasp walked up to Arcee and placed his hand on the wall beside them.
"Hello" said Wasp.
"Um…hello" said Arcee "Do you mind introducing yourself?"
"Call me Wasp" replied Wasp "I see that you're looking at the staffs"
"Yeah, we used to practice with these back at Metrotitan" said Arcee.
"Y'know; if you'd like to, you could practice with me" said Wasp "I mean, if you're not busy"
"Sorry, I'm afraid I am busy" said Arcee "I've been assigned to be Bee's new partner and I was hoping to do a workout with him" Wasp tried to hide his disappointment and anger. "But now that you mention it…" She grabbed a bo-staff and threw it to Bumblebee who caught it. "Let's practice with these" She grabbed a bo-staff of her own.
"What…" said Bumblebee "But…I haven't really practiced with these before"
"There's a first time for everything" smirked Arcee. The two of them walked over to the center of the room.
"So…any tips on how to handle this thing?" asked Bumblebee.
"Just try to block my shots with it" replied Arcee. She swung forward with it. As Bumblebee attemped to block the shot, he was too late and got knocked down.
"Ha!" laughed Wasp.
"Good try" said Arcee whilst helping Bumblebee up "Let's do it again" She swung forward and Bumblebee blocked it this time, only to get swept off his feet by a second shot.
"But I didn't even…even…" said Bumblebee.
"Try to be open for multiple shots" said Arcee.
"I'll keep that in mind" said Bumblebee. He stood himself up and prepared for the oncoming attacks. Arcee struck at him but he blocked it. She then was about to sweep him off his feet, only to get blocked off. She then swung up and his head, but he blocked it.
"Good job" said Arcee. Suddenly, the pushed forward and knokced him in the chest with her bo-staff.
"What the heck?" said Bumblebee.
"Try to be open for unpredictable attacks" said Arcee "Let's try again" Bumblebee got himself up over and over again for the next hour; and no matter how hard he tried to block all of the attacks, he would always find himself on the floor and Arcee would repeat the words "Let's try again". After the eleventh time, he got himself up and walked off. "What's wrong?"
"I think I'm done with training for the day" said Bumblebee.
"Oh, okay then" said Arcee "Perhaps we could just hang out then"
"No thanks" said Bumblebee "I'll just be in my room" He left the training room.
"Did…Did I do something wrong?" said Arcee.
A few minutes later
"I'm not sure what the problem is, but I think I really upset him" said Arcee.
"Can you describe the sparring match?" asked Elita.
"Well, we used bo-staffs and I told him to block my attacks" replied Arcee "I think he picked up on it well but…well, I think it upset him in the end"
"Was there anything else?" asked Elita.
"Well…I beat him, a lot actually" admitted Arcee.
"Arcee, I made you Bumblebee's partner because he was finding training difficult here" said Elita "You have to take it slowly with him before moving on higher. Beating him constantly is not going to help him"
"Although it could convince them to try harder" said Prowl as he entered.
"Arcee, could you please leave us" said Elita. Arcee left the room, but secretly stayed at the door and eavesdropped the moment she heard them start talking again. "And how would that help?"
"If up against incredible odds, it can motivate oneself to go further than before" said Prowl.
"Are you implying something?" asked Elita "Because if you are, it makes no sense"
"It's the only logical way to drive troops well" said Prowl
"Wait a second, have you intentionally been making it more difficult so that the troops go further?" said Elita.
"And what would give you that idea?" asked Prowl.
"Even since I arrived for inspection, I noticed that things here have been less progressive than at the other training facilities" said Elita "At first I thought it was just perspective, but if you are intentionally making things harder than they supposed to be—" Arcee felt intense fear run through her veins and ran off as quick as she could without being noticed.
"All I want is to make them strong" said Prowl "I don't want the enemy to get the better of them"
"Breaking them is not the way" said Elita.
"Sometimes steel is forged in fire" said Prowl "It is always a pain to liht the flame, but it has to be done in order to reach true potential"
"Enough; I will have no more of this" said Elita "Reset the training programs to their proper settings or I will let Optimus know of all of this. And I think you know well that Optimus would listen to me over you"
"It will be done" said Prowl.
Meanwhile
Bumblebee lay panting on his bed. At that moment, Arcee entered.
"Hello" said Arcee "Mind if I join you"
"I'm not doing anything exciting at the moment; but yeah, sure" said Bumblebee. Arcee sat on the bed next to him. "Is there any reason you came in here for?" Arcee breathed a sigh.
"Bumblebee, I'm sorry for going difficult on you before" said Arcee "When I heard of the transfer, I was thrilled to be meeting new bots. I was expecting everything to be just like how it was back at Metrotitan. It's just so…different"
"It's not the best, but you get used to it after a while" said Bumblebee.
"So...can you give me a rundown on the base?" asked Arcee "I've still got much to learn from here"
"I've been here for about two deca-cycles" replied Bumblebee "When I first joined the camp, I thought it would be great; but it was hardly what I was expecting either. Prowl always brerathes down my neck whenever things go wrong; I almost feel like he has a bias against me" It was then that Arcee realized that she couldn't tell him about what she had overheard, at least not yet anyway.
"That must be torture" said Arcee.
"Tell me about it" said Bumblebee "It feels like he's expecting so much from us yet isn't bothering to accept anything good"
"So what can you tell me about the rest of your group?" asked Arcee.
"Bulkhead came here from one of the moons of Cybertron" said Bumblebee "He's a bit better at breaking things than building them, despite he's his dream to work with space bridges somehow. Red Alert's the heart of the group; she's always making sure we're in good shape and prepared for anything. Sunstreaker meanwhile is all about winning, as long as it dosen't damage him in the process; no point point being the fastest car on Cybertron when you're head's all beat up like you've been through a crusher. I heard he's got a twin brother working in another training facility; it's a shame to break them up, I heard they make quite a good team"
"And what about Wasp?" asked Arcee.
"Well…he's the most determined one of us, but he seems a little too focused on becoming first over the rest of us" said Bumblebee "What makes it worse is that he dosen't tell us why"
"Hey Bee; when you're ready, we could go back to the training room and spar again" said Arcee.
"You sure?" said Bumblebee "You're not going to beat me up again"
"I'll try not to" smirked Arcee. Bumblebee smiled.
Later
Bumblebee and Arcee stood at the center of the training room with bo-staffs in their hands.
"I realized the problem before was that I was giving you my all when you weren't prepared in this form of combat" said Arcee "I tend to get carried away with this sort of stuff. But don't worry; I'll hold back this time, let you get used to fighting like this before getting more serious about it" said Arcee. She walked towards him and swung forward (notably with less force this time) with Bumblebee blocking it easily. "Good job" She swung at him again and he blocked her again. She swun forward again and got blocked yet again. "You're doing great"
"I'm guessing there's going to be a drawback that you're going to point out" said Bumblebee.
"No drawbacks" said Arcee "Not this time" She leapt back. "Good job for today. Keep this up and you might just master this skill"
Two weeks later
Over the next three weeks, Bumblebee and Arcee practiced both bo-staff fighting and various other fighting techniques in the training room. Bulkhead, Red Alert, and Sunstreaker would occasionally stop by to watch them. Eventually one day, Bumblebee and Arcee stood at the center of the training room yet again with bo-staffs.
"You've done well over the past two weeks" said Arcee "Now we'll see if you're up to stuff with staffs"
"I'm ready" said Bumblebee.
"I request one thing" said Arcee "Don't hold back, even for a minute" She leapt at him and struck down her bo-staff at Bumblebee, only for it to be met by his. The two of them dueled with eachothers bo-staffs. "You've improved a lot. But is it enough?"
"We'll see very shortly" said Bumblebee. He struck forward and was able to drive her back.
"Little aggressive" said Arcee "I like it"
"Really?" smirked Bumblebee. Arcee met her bo-staff with his over and over again.
"It almost feels like dancing, dosen't it?" smirked Arcee. With a swift swipe, Bumblebee knocked her off her feet and kncokled her across the room. He was pleased at first, until realizing that she wasn't getting herself up.
"By the AllSpark!" exclaimed Bumblebee whilst rushing to her side "I'm so sorry! Are you okay?" Arcee slowly lifted her head.
"Don't worry, I'm fine, Bee" said Arcee with a smile "Good job"
"Wait, good job?" said Bumblebee.
"You beat me, so good job" said Arcee "We're now equals" Bumblebee smiled.
Later
"Attention, final test will be held today" said Kup through the intercom "We will decide your grades then"
"Well, better get yourself ready" said Bumblebee "These training programs really mess you up. At times, I wonder if they just make it harder then it's supposed to" It was then that Arcee felt a pang of guilt fall over her, remembering what she had refused to tell Bumblebee weeks ago.
"Bee, there's something I've just got to tell you" said Arcee.
"What's that?" asked Bumblebee.
"I overheard a conversation between Elita One and Prowl and…" said Arcee "…I think Prowl intentionally made the programs more difficult"
"He…He can't do that" said Bumblebee "How long have you known this?"
"A few weeks" replied Arcee "I would've told you earlier, but I didn't want to make it more complicated for you" Bumblebee turned to the door. "Where are you going?"
"I'm going to see him about it" replied Bumblebee.
"Bee, wait!" said Arcee. At that moment, Kup entered.
"Bumblebee, Arcee; I hope you're preparing yourselves for the final test" said Kup.
"Kup, do you know where Prowl is?" asked Bumblebee.
"He went for a drive outside the base" replied Kup.
"Which direction?" asked Bumblebee.
"North, as I remember" replied Kup. Bumblebee instantly transformed and drove off down the hallway.
"Bee, don't do this!" yelled Arcee. She ran after him, only to get stopped by Kup.
"I'll handle this, wait here" said Kup. He ran off down the hallway. Arcee heaved a sigh.
"In the mood for some last minute training?" asked a voice. Arcee turned to see Wasp standing in the middle of the training room.
"I really don't think—" said Arcee.
"C'mon, it'll cheer you up" said Wasp whislt grabbing her hands "I'm sure Kup's got it covered. Bee will be fine"
Meanwhile onboard a Decepticon ship
Barricade stood aboard the bridge of his ship when a Vehicon came rushing in.
"Captain, we've discovered the Autobot Prowl driving away from the training facility" said the Vehicon.
"Do you have a fix on his location?" asked Barricade.
"Yes captain" replied the Vehicon.
"Send a squad to take him out by surprise and set a course for the training facility" said Barricade "Without that paranoid Autobot at the head of security, taking over that facility will be easier than before. Prepare the troops"
"Yes captain" replied the Vehicon who rushed off.
Meanwhile
Arcee and Wasp sparred with bo-staffs at the center of the training room.
"Quite feisty, they teach you a lot at Metrotitan?" smirked Wasp.
"Yes, actually" replied Arcee "You seem to be pretty capable yourself"
"I come here and train with everything at every chance I get" said Wasp "Unlike Bee, I'm commited to achieving an Elite Guard rank"
"Bee's committed" said Arcee "He's just trying to fit in better"
"You really think he's trying to fit in better?" said Wasp "This place isn't about fitting in, it's about reaching to the highest you can get. Some of us fall under the pressure, leaving those remaining to pull ourselves to the top. That's what it's always been about"
Meanwhile
Prowl (in the form of a white and black Cybertronian car) drove along the road and was quickly followed by Bumblebee who swept up and drove in front of him, blocking him off. Prowl skidded to a stop and transformed.
"What is it now?" said Prowl.
"Prowl, we need to talk" said Bumblebee.
"About what?" asked Prowl.
"I think you know what" replied Bumblebee "You've been intentionally setting the programs more difficult so they would be harder for us"
"And what makes you think that?" asked Prowl.
"Arcee overheard a talk you had with Elita One a few weeks ago" replied Bumblebee "She told me all about it" Prowl sighed.
"You're probably not going to understand it, but what I was trying to do was for your own good" said Prowl "I wanted to motivate you to try harder"
"By having us get beaten up each and every time?" said Bumblebee "You didn't motivate us as much as drive us apart"
"If that's so, then it was never my intention" said Prowl "I only wanted to prepare you for the worst. I've been on the battlefield many times and I can tell you this; a real battle is not full of triumph or glory, it's an endless struggle for survival and an attempt to make it harder for the enemy to beat your side. What you've been told in the war stories are merely a point of view of it byt those who never witnessed it first hand. I just wanted you and the others to be ready" At that moment, a group of black Vehicon jets flew down towards them and began shooting. "Get down!" He and Bumblebee ducked. The jets transformed into Vehicons who pointed their blasters towards them.
"Well, looks like I'm going to get some real experience after all" said Bumblebee.
Meanwhile
Wasp clashed violently against Arcee.
"Is that really the best you've got?" said Wasp "Why don't you try harder"
"You seem really fixated on joining the Elite Guard" said Arcee.
"It's always been my dream to be an Elite Guard commander" said Wasp "From the moment I saw them in action at a young age, I knew I just had to join them. Do you want to join them?"
"Well, my sister certainly wants me to join them" replied Arcee "That's most of the reason I was at Metrotitan, because she was able to pull enough strings to put me on the program"
"You sound like something's holding you back" said Wasp.
"Well, I'm just not sure if it's right for me" said Arcee.
"What are you talking about?" said Wasp "There are countless Autobots out there who want to join the Elite Guard and would do anything to get in; you don't just deny an invitation like that, it miht never come back. I've seen you in action"
"Really?" said Arcee.
"Yes; everytime you take on those programs, I'm there watching you" said Wasp. Arcee felt a cold tremor down her spine. "You're good; you deserve much more than to simply be Bumblebee's babysitter"
"Bee's been finding it hard" said Arcee "He needed help, that's why I helped him"
"Enough about Bee already, he's weak!" snapped Wasp "Too weak to be in the ranks of the Elite Guard"
"Why do you have a problem with Bumblebee?" asked Arcee.
"Because he's always stood in my way" said Wasp "Because of his failings; he's held back this whole group because of it, including me" He struck forward, knocked Arcee against the wall, and held her with it. "Do you know what I think? You should be my partner"
"Stop it, stop it now!" snapped Arcee whilst pushing him away "Bee may not be perfect; but for whatever flaws he's got, you're not even half the bot he is!" She stormed off, leaving Wasp behind with a growing look of disdain.
Meanwhile
Bumblebee and Prowl fought the Vehicons with their blasters.
"These are certainly not training programs, where did they come from?" said Bumblebee.
"They must have ambushed me to take me out alone" said Prowl "Bumblebee, get out of here; I'll deal with them"
"What, no!" said Bumblebee "They'll kill you"
"Go; that's an order soldier!" said Prowl. Bumblebee looked back and forth between Prowl and the training facility. With a deep breath, he ran off towards the training facility, only to find his path blocked by a teal blue Cybertronian pickup truck that drove towards him. The truck transformed into Kup, who drew out his handheld musket laser and shot at the remaining Vehicons.
"Seems I found you two just in time" said Kup.
"I still can't believe it" said Prowl "Decepticons, here? We have to head back to base fast. This was just a small group, it shouldn't be long until the rest follow" The three of them transformed and drove off back to the training facility.
"By the AllSpark!" said Kup as he and the other two transformed. Barricade's ship loomed over the training facility and countless Vehicons started deploying.
"This is not good" said Bumblebee.
"No reinforcements for us" said Prowl "That must mean the distress signal hasn't been issued. We have to be quick. Bumblebee, go to the control room and see if someone has issued a distress signal. If not, then issue"
"What, why me?" said Bumblebee.
"You're the smallest and the fastest, you can get through them unnoticed and make it as quick as possible" replied Prowl.
"But I can fight, I can help the rest of you" said Bumblebee "Just give me a chance"
"You will help us by ensuring with have backup" said Prowl "No matter how hard we fight, these Decepticons will just outnumber us. We won't be able to beat them at the numbers we have. Now go, it's an order" Bumblebee nodded.
"Yes sarge" said Bumblebee. He transformed and drove off.
"Try to be a bit more appreciative of the boy" said Kup.
"That depends on his success" said Prowl.
Meanwhile
Elita rushed towards the control room as a group of Vehicons swarmed towards it.
"Guard the control room" said a Vehicon "If the Autobots send a distress signal out, we're done for" Suddnely, Elita leapt onto him and knocked him over. The Vehicons turned their blasters towards her and opened fire, only for Elita to fire back with her blasters until every last one of them was gone. Suddenly, an electric jolt shot throguh her and rendered her unconcious. Barricade stepped out, reeling in the wires for his taser.
"Well look what I found" smirked Barricade.
Meanwhile
Bumblebee ran through the hallways when he came across Arcee who was fighting off a group of Vehicons.
"Here little girl!" smirked a Vehicon.
"Back off" said Arcee. The Vehicons came in closer. "I said back off!" Bumblebee turned his hands into his blasters and shot at the remaining Vehicons. Arcee turned to Bumblebee and smiled.
"Good to have you back, Bee" said Arcee.
"What exactly happened here?" asked Bumblebee.
"The Decepticons took us by surprise" replied Arcee "They're swarming all over the base at this point"
"We have to get to the control room to call for help" said Bumblebee "It's just down this hallway" The two of them ran down the hallway together.
"I know this isn't the right time, but what happened between you and Prowl back there?" asked Arcee.
"Nothing too bad, I think" replied Bumblebee "I'll tell you all about it when this is over"
"Assuming we live to tell the tale" smirked Arcee.
"Well, it isn't over just yet" smirked Bumblebee.
"Besides, we'd better be careful" said Arcee "The control room is bound to be one of their first targets"
"And right you are" said a voice. The two of them skidded to a stop as they came face to face with Barricade who stood over the unconcious Elita.
"Elita One!" exclaimed Arcee.
"What have you done to her?" said Bumblebee.
"Don't worry, she's still alive" said Barricade "For now, that is" He turned his blaster down towards Elita. Bumblebee and Arcee pointed their blasters towards. "Uh uh uh; one more step or sudden move and I'll blow her head off. Believe me, I'd prefer not to; she's close to Optimus Prime which gives her great value to Lord Megatron, but she's still worth something dead nonetheless"
"Bee, we have to send that signal through" whispered Arcee.
"Then what should we do?" asked Bumblebee.
"When I shoot at him, make a dash for the control room" replied Arcee "I'll keep our friend here busy"
"But he'll kill her" whispered Bumblebee.
"Then I'll try not to miss" whispered Arcee "Lower your weapons" She and Bumblebee lowered their arms which caused Barricade to grin.
"So much for the new recruits" smirked Barricade. Suddenly, Arcee swung up her blaster and swiftly shot him in the forearm, causing him to stumble back.
"Bee, now!" yelled Arcee. Bumblebee rushed through the control room door. Barricade turned to go after him, but Arcee swiftly transformed into a Cybertronian motorcycle and knock him off his feet. She transformed and pointed her blaster towards him. "Surrender!"
"You still have much to learn, don't you?" said Barricade. He transformed into a Cybertronian car and rammed her into the wall. He then transformed back and ran over to the control room door. Arcee got herself up and leapt onto him, pulling him down by the arm. Barricade responded by bashing her into the wall.
Meanwhile
Bumblebee opened up a holographic screen with an Autobot trooper on it.
"This is a restricted distress channel, state your name and business" said the Autobot trooper.
"My name is Bumblebee, I am an Autobot cadet at the Esserlon training facility" said Bumblebee "Sergeant Prowl and Kup sent me. We're under attack by Decepticons and we need reinforcements fast"
"We'll send reinforcements your way immediately" said the Autobot trooper "Until then, try to hold the base"
Meanwhile
Arcee threw a punch at Barricade who caught her fist and used it to bring her in and slam her in the stomach with his knee. He then slammed her into the ground.
"Looks like your Autobot career has met an abrupt end" said Barricade.
"Get away from my partner, Con!" snapped Bumblebee who came out with his blaster aimed towards him.
"Is this really the best the Autobots have to offer?" said Barricade "A bunch of freshly trained cadets who have only ever known is the luxury of their training programs?"
"Believe me, most of my training's been anything but luxury" said Bumblebee.
"It's still not enough" said Barricade "Give me a real challenge"
"Very well" said a voice. Barricade turned around, only to get knocked over by Elita One who kicked him across the face by surprise. "Give up, it's all over"
"It is far from it" said Barricade as he got himself up "We'll meet again some day" He transformed and drove off.
"Who was that?" asked Arcee.
"I've seen him on files, his name is Barricade" replied Elita "He is a Decepticon captain well known for his interrogation methods, which makes it all the more fortunate that he didn't take over the base. Well done, the both of you"
Later
"We've placed your results through a calculation computer" said Prowl "Your final results have come through to determine which division in the Autobot army you shall be placed in" He got out a hologram projector which projected a holographic screen which showed a list. "Bumblebee, you have been accepted into Scout Division"
"Well, it's better than nothing" said Bumblebee.
"Sunstreaker, you are to join the frontline army with your brother Sideswipe" said Prowl.
"I suppose he needs the company" said Sunstreaker.
"Bulkhead, you've been given a special request to join the Wreckers" said Prowl "Commander Impactor himself made the request"
"Me?" said Bulkhead "The Wreckers? I'm not sure about it"
"You'll fit right in" said Prowl "As for the rest of you, Wasp, Red Alert, and Arcee, you are to move up to the Elite Guard"
"Finally!" said Wasp.
"Meeting dismissed" said Prowl. Bumblebee walked up to Arcee.
"Well, I guess this is goodbye for now" said Bumblebee "I mean, you're going up to Elite Guard. That's different from Scouts Division"
"It feels so strange" said Arcee "I've gotten so used to being your partner that it almost dosen't feel right to accept this"
"But you should" said Bumblebee "This is a once in a lifetime offer and I don't want to stand in the way of it"
"Alright" said Arcee "Well, I hope I see you again some time"
"Maybe" said Bumblebee.
Meanwhile
Bumblebee packed up his things from his room into a duffle bag and turned to the door, only to find Kup standing in the middle of it.
"Hey sarge" said Bumblebee.
"It's good to see you finally moving up" said Kup.
"I wouldn't exactly call Scouts Division "moving up"" said Bumblebee "The tasks they take on aren't exactly Elite Guard level"
"But they have an important task nonetless" said Kup "We always try to associate components that are more important over others; but in truth, we need every componant in order to work properly. And Scouts Division has just gained a great new member to their roster, that's something to be proud of" Bumblebee smiled. "Oh, and that remind me…" He stood aside to reveal Arcee standing in the doorway.
"Arcee, what are you doing here?" asked Bumblebee "Shouldn't you be getting yourself ready to move on?"
"I am" replied Arcee "I spoke with Prowl and Elita One; I'm now joining Scouts Division"
"What, you can't do that" said Bumblebee "The Elite Guard—"
"I don't want to join the Elite Guard, not while my partner's going somewhere else" said Arcee.
"But still—" said Bumblebee.
"This is my choice, Bumblebee" said Arcee "I want to stay with you"
"Well…okay then" said Bumblebee "But if you ever feel like joining the Elite Guard, don't blame me for it"
"I'll try not to" smirked Arcee. The two of them walked off down the hallway together.
"Ah, to be young again" said Kup.
Back to reality
"I had no idea that partnership would last this long, but it has" said Arcee.
"That's amazing" said Melody "But I still don't get why Prowl worked them as hard as he did. I mean, I know why he did it, but why did he think it was even a good idea"
"I honestly don't know about that part" said Arcee "Perhaps there are some things about him that aren't meant to be understood" Prowl breathed a sigh under his breath. Arcee looked off down the hallway. "Just give me a moment"
Meanwhile
Bumblebee lay on his head and looked up at the ceiling when Arcee entered.
"Arcee, what are you doing here?" asked Bumblebee "Prowl said—"
"I know what he said, but honestly don't care about it" said Arcee. She sat down beside Bumblebee. "Listen Bee, I just felt like telling you that…no matter what happens, I'll always be there for you. We've been through so much together, I honestly can't think of what life would be like without you" Bumblebee sat himself up.
"Same here" said Bumblebee "I can't believe how long it's been. Everything's changed so much. Cybertron's gone, Megatron's gone; at times I'm not even sure of who I am anymore"
"I know who you are" said Arcee "You're my partner; always have been, always will be" The two of them embraced eachother in a hug. At that moment, they heard someone clear their throat. They turned to see Prowl standing in the doorway. "Oh, sorry; I was just—"
"No, don't leave" said Prowl "Bumblebee, perhaps I have been a little too hard on you lately and perhaps that's the reason you risk your life more and more. I'll let you off this once, just don't let it happen again" He turned and left.
"Did he just apologize to me?" said Bumblebee.
"I think he did" said Arcee.
"Things are changing" said Bumblebee "And it looks like more than I can ever know"
kira444: Good to know, thanks. I'll try to brainstorm some things that I'm unsure about or could be improved upon so I can ask you about it.
RoboDiamondDragon09: We'll find out what happens to the disk eventually, just wait and see.
SirEmpire: Thanks for the feedback. In answer to your question; I was thinking of making the Stunticons just individuals as opposed to a combiner group like they were in the Aligned continuity. As for the Combaticons, the rest of them will come up in the series and they will form Bruticus.