"Prowl" cried Elita, grabbing Prowls arm as he collapsed to his knees clutching at his spark. Prowl's optics darkened, his face a grimace as he drew quick short breaths. This pain was worse than any spark attack, his frame shuddered as the bonds that tied him to his brothers began to stretch and snap back, vibrating against his spark.
"I don't know whats wrong" he managed to get out from clenched denta. "Somethings wrong with my boys."
Elita narrowed her optics worriedly and gently laid Prowl on his back, "Prowl I'm going check your spark."
Prowl blinked his optics before nodding, he allowed Elita to pull back his chest armor to reveal his spark. The light of his spark filled the mostly dark cell, but the two femme were filled with even more worry as even the light of his spark seemed to stutter.
Elita frowned as she took in Prowls spark, pushing aside the obvious bad shape Prowl's spark was in, she gently laid a hand on the spark casing. She closed her optics in sadness as she took in the state of the spark as it jumped against her hand. She knew the feeling of a dying spark when she felt it. If she guessed right then, one or the other of these brother, or Primus forbid both were on the verge of dying and Prowl's spark wouldn't survive the breaking of the bond.
She gently put Prowl armor back on, and then took his hand, squeezing it gently. "Prowl, one of your brothers is on the verge of dying, your spark isn't strong enough to withstand the breaking of the bond. Though if you keep open your bond with your other brother; and close the other it might be enough to keep you both from going to the Well of Sparks."
Prowl's spark seemed to sputter with Elita's news. "No" he whispered faintly. He couldn't lose his brothers; they were more like his sons to him. He had made the parent bond with them when their mother died, had seen them through everything, their first words, first steps, walked them to school every day. They were everything to him, without them there was no point left in his world.
"This can't be happening, I can't lose them both" he murmured more to himself then to Elita, as he squeezed her hand as another round of pain shot through his spark, making him arch off the floor. "Supposed to protect them, promised mother" he cried.
Elita had a grimace of her own as her hand was squeezed quite painfully. "Only one is in distress Prowl."
Prowl let out a pained laugh, "You don't understand Elita, my brothers, there spark split twins. If I lose one, I'll lose them both."
Chromia froze where she was attending to Will to stare at Prowl. "You don't mean Sunny and Sides are-"
"No, not them" breathed out Prowl. Elita and Chromia waited for him to explain, but no explanation came forth except for Prowls pained, stuttered breaths.
Elita gazed between Prowl and Will, both were in bad shape and a good chance that they would lose both of them. Silence filled the room only broken by the stuttering breaths of Prowl and Will as they fought to stay alive.
"You are not going to slagging die on me Barricade" yelled Ratchet, elbows deep in the Cons internals, he had arrived just in time to keep Barricade's spark from totally extinguishing. "Were in the slag is his armor?!" he demanded to the room at large.
"Lying on the floor of the brig" muttered Sideswipe optics focused on Ratchet's hands as they worked, trying desperately not to let his mind wonder to thoughts of what it would be like if it was Sunstreaker Ratchet had his hands buried in.
A lot of the Autobot were laying around the med-bay, but keeping firmly out of the way of Ratchet. Word had spread of what Barricade had risked to help Annabelle. This was a bright spot among the chaos that Annabelle Lennox was alive. But it was lost to most of the island as it had been discovered that Epps was missing, seen being taken by Starscream at the end of the battle. Coupled with the loss of six soldier's lives, and over a dozen wounded, it was a sad day.
Ironhide was among the Autobots in the med bay, leaning against the wall he watched Ratchet work, determined not to leave until either the 'Con was saved or dead, he owed him that much for keeping his family safe. Ratchet was working very hard to save the mech, knowing that if he lost Barricade he would also lose his twin, and his processor nagged him, Prowl as well. He let out a new curse every time Cade's spark sputtered, threatening to extinguish but something seemed to be holding it back. He prayed that it was because Cade's twin was fighting for him, swearing anew as it sputtered again.
-p-p-p-p
Prowl closed his optics shutting down all unnecessary functions focusing only on his spark, specifically the blocked bonds. His brothers needed him more than ever, and if he had to force his way into the bonds so be it. He attacked the bonds struggling to break them down ramming on them again and again pouring all his strength in even making one tiny crack. His processor soon began to ache but he preserved and slowly piece by piece he chipped them away.
Blockade was also focusing all his energy into his twin bond, trying to stabilize his brothers spark. He didn't even notice that the block that he had with Prowl was beginning to weaken. Not until it broke like a wave across his spark. New strength filled his being, and the connection he had with Barricade grew stronger.
On Diego Garcia Ratchet looked amazed at Barricades spark as it suddenly began to shine with new strength. Only minutes before he had been certain that he would be unable to save Barricade, but as his spark continued to grow in stronger, Ratchet was filled with hope. Soon Barricade's spark was stable and seemed to thrum with strength.
Prowl was stunned that it had worked he could feel the presence of his brothers for the first time since before the war. It was strange he felt complete, whole.
Prowl? Came the voices of his boys, Prowl smiled as he heard the slightly deeper voice of Barricade mix with Blockades.
Boys, what kind of trouble have you gotten yourselves into now? He asked them in a way he did when they were younger and just broken something. He could feel the shock and the joy rolling through the bond as well as worry.
Barricade answered hesitantly, Got shot at close range, didn't have my armor on. If it wasn't for you and I wouldn't be here, my spark kept threatening to extinguish and Blockade wasn't enough to keep me from going to the Well of Sparks.
Prowl instantly snapped to parent mode, No armor why don't you have any armor on?!
It was no surprise guilty feelings began to spread through the bond. I was saving a life Barrier, one that I think you would appreciate. Lennox's daughter and wife was in danger I protected them until help arrived. I couldn't have done it if I left my armor on. Barricade gently pushed the images of the scene to his brother's and Prowl couldn't help but feel proud of him.
Wait why would Prowl appreciate that, how does he know Will? Came Blockades voice as a sinking feeling entered him. The only way you would know that is if you were with him. Prowl and Barricade said nothing as Blockade worked it out each readying themselves for his reaction. No, he tried to deny realizing that the Autobot mech Shockwave was now torturing was Prowl, it explained why when Blockade reached for him the other day that he was in pain, Blockade couldn't believe he was only feet away from his brother this whole time and had been unable to help him. I'll kill him, I'll rip him and Megatron apart so help me Primus I will. Barricade couldn't help but agree with him as images of tearing Shockwave apart piece by piece was tossed back and forth between the two until Cade realized what would happen.
As much as I hate to say this Block, you can't it will ruin everything.
What do you mean Cade?
The Autobots are coming, plans have been made though I don't know when since this attack has set back everything. But we are coming, Barrier you and Will just will have to last just a little bit longer.
Prowl mentally sighed, Cade, Lennox does not have that long. His body is failing, it can't take what Shockwave has been putting it through any longer. We need the Autobots here sooner rather than later. You need to wake up Barricade and urge them to come sooner. Blockade I need to you to not do anything stupid until they arrived. We can't afford Megatron to learn about any of this you need to go about your duties like nothing has changed.
Blockade grumbled but agreed not to do anything rash and Prowl prepared for what he was going to say next. Shockwave is liable to come any time before the rescue, I don't want you two with me when he begins his experiments. For all our safeties I'm going to block our bonds.
The Twins instantly began to protest. But it was no use Prowl wasn't budging on his decision and it wasn't long before they reluctantly agreed to Prowls demands. With a last good-bye and an embrace through the bond. Prowl gently started to rebuild the blocks on his bonds, letting the weakness he was feeling since he opened to bonds flood his body. His spark had been in bad shape for too long it couldn't take the strain of the near death of his brother and breaking open the bonds. The sudden reappearance of the bonds was too little, too late for his spark. Already his frame was shutting down, unable to feel his legs and hour by hour the rest of his body would fail him as his spark struggled to function. He would protect his boys one last time by sparing them pain. He would spend his final moments alone until his spark returned to the Well of Sparks.
Starscream grumbled as he gripped the human tightly in his hands, so annoyed that it wouldn't shut up as he threatened to do so many things that were impossible to do in his tiny size. He was relieved when he finally stood before his Lord.
"Lord Megatron, the human as requested" strained Starscream holding out the annoying human that seemed to finally shut up in front of the leader of the Decepticon.
"You surprise me once again Starscream" said Megatron looked pleased at the Seeker. "It seems that you at useful at something after all fetching and retrieving insects." Starscream clenched his denta biting back a snarky reply to the back handed comment Megatron, instead dropping the human in Megatron's waiting hand.
Megatron eyed the human, "This one seems even more pitiful then the last, this one will break he's just as weak."
Epps glared at the Decepticon, "Lennox was anything but weak, Decepticon Scum." He couldn't help the cry of pain when he was squeezed harshly.
"You will remember your place insect. Though you are right, if the other had been a Cybertronian he would have been a great warrior but he was born an insect and he will die like one" growled Megatron walking towards the Hanger. "Do not hope for rescue, the Autobots won't be coming to save you, the only hope you can have for your future is a quick death after my 'Cons are done with you. I'm sure that you saw what was done to your friend."
As Megatron said this he punched the code to the door opening it. Epps expected to see Prowl and Will in the room, but was surprised to see two bots that were clearly female. They both flinched back as Megatron entered and retreated to a third form lying on the ground not moving.
"Chromia, Elita, don't be shy I want to introduce you to the newest addition to our little band of captives" the femmes looked at the Decepticon warily eyeing the human in his hands. Laughing Megatron threw Epps at the femmes and left them in peace for the moment, Elita caught him since Chromia was full of the body of Will. Epps let out a muffled grunt as he was caught and seemed a little dazed as Elita looked down at him.
"Are you alright?" she asked gently cupping her hands to allow the man free movement.
Epps blinked at her and moved his limbs about. "I think so, little rattled but not hurt."
Elita nodded, "Who are you? Do you come from the alliance of soldiers that fight with the Autobots?"
Epps glanced up at her, "Indeed I do, Commander Robert Epps of NEST at your service. I assume that you are Autobots?"
Before the two could answer a weak voice called out "Epps"
Epps immediately perked up looking over the top of Elita's fingers trying to pin point the voice. "Will"
Seeing as Will called out for him the two Autobots figured that he was safe and Elita gently transferred Epps from her hands into Chromia's. Epps looked at his friend in dismay hands hovering but not actually touching him. "Oh my God Will" he said gently kneeling next to his friend. "What have they done to you?"
Epps barely recognized his best friend, scars and burns littered his torso, track marks littered the crook of his elbow, and he could count every single rib. Despite that Will lifted a hand that Epps clasped tightly. "Sarah, Annabelle?" he asked his voice fearful ignoring Epps question.
"Fine there both fine, Ironhide's been taking care of them" Epps whispered as a cough ripped through Will. Epps browl furrowed and gently laid a hand on Will's forehead. "Will you're burning up!"
Lennox smiled weakly, "It seems like my body has had enough of Shockwave, he didn't plan for this to happen. My immune system has been shot, after all I've gone through this is what is going to kill me."
Epps shook his head, "Don't say that, you have to fight Will the Autobots are gonna come."
Will closed his eyes, "I used to think that, but the Decepticons are too careful, they won't find the base in time. The Decepticons will win, the Autobots will lose and we will all die."
Epps glared at his friend, "Don't say such things Will. They are coming, they know where we are."
Will didn't seem to hear him and it took a moment for Epps to realize that he had passed out.
"Is it true?" asked the blue femme. Epps jumped a bit forgetting for a moment that he had an audience.
Epps looked up into the blue optics, "Yes, they will come they know where we are."
The How was unspoken, when Epps looked at the mech on the ground, "Prowl's brothers" was all he said. He turned back "Who are you?"
"I am Chromia, and this is Elita. Elita was the leader of the femmes on Cybertron and I was her second in Command."
Epps nodded and turned his attention back to Will, gently gathering him into his arms and made himself comfortable in Chromia's hands. Silence fell on the group as new hope filled their hearts with the thought that soon this would all be over.
Barricade forced himself to wake after his conversation with Prowl, his optics blinking against the harshness of the lights. Taking a minute to adjust he glanced around to see where he was recognizing the med-bay. Grunting he tried to sit up, he had to find Optimus. There was a sound of feet and suddenly a pair of hands gripped his shoulders pushing him back down onto the berth.
"What do you think you are doing, are you trying to undo all the work I put in fixing you?!" Demanded Ratchet coming into Cade's line of sight. "What are you even doing awake, you should still be out for the next couple of hours."
Ratchet turned away to get more drugs when Cade's arm shot out and grabbed his elbow. "No, must speak to Optimus."
Ratchet sighed, "If this is about Epps, we already know he's been taken, you've been out for a few hours."
Cade shook his head, "Prowl forced open his bond, you need to get to Lennox now!"