Warnings: threats to a minor, bad thoughts to our favorite person, and Jazz and Prowl are trying to take over.
Disclaimer: I own nothing to do with Bleach or Transformers.
The mountain dragon sat near the mid-way point on his mountain. He found it amusing that none of the nearby clans even noticed that he was so close. He was ready to go get his prize, but he needed one more item and he would be done. It was an herb that would kick start the younger wingless dragons heat making him fertile in the process.
Though the giant hated what he had to do to get it. He despised humans and elves and he was forced to trade for the herb with one of the pest. He didn't care that this elf was interesting or that he use to be a full-fledged dragon. he was mortal elf now and thus beneath the dragon, however, knowing what he knew about this elf. The mountain dragon could manipulate to do as he pleased and since what he wanted, and the elf wanted were the same thing, it wouldn't be too hard to do.
Which was why he was forcing the pest to come to him near the freezing top of his mountain. If the elf wanted his prize so bad, then the dragon was going to make him work for it. He was brought out of his musing by the sound of cursing and whining.
"seems they made it." He grumbles. "Bout time I was getting rather bored."
He stretches to his full wing span as the group of three elves crested the last rock. He gave the two half breeds a non-impressed look before focusing on the leader. A dark elf that was cursed. The mountain dragon knew that the elf uses to be a dragon, he could still smell that scent on him, but he somehow got cursed and lost his wings and form. He knew what the dragon turned elf sought and that was what he was trading for the herb. What the elf did with the information was no concern to him, he wasn't planning on letting the elf live long enough after claiming the youngling anyway.
"Hello there, such a lovely warm day isn't it?" he smirked down at the mortals.
The whiny half breed glared up at him, but the leader scowled before motioning the other to hand him something. A small burlap bag was handed to the silver haired red eye elf.
"Tell me what I want and then you can have this weed."
The mountain dragon laughs at the little pest audacity. "You need to work on your bargaining skills mortal. Elf in body you may be, but I can still squish you and take the herb. Or you can hand it to me and I'll honor the trade by telling you how to get your wings back."
Megatron scowl turns into a frown. "You think you can threaten me! I've taken down larger beast then you."
"Beast mortal but I doubt that you have ever taken down a mountain dragon as old as me." he blows hot air at the three. "You can't even destroy your arch enemy."
Megatron snarls as he pulls his blade free with a hiss and charges at the bored looking dragon. the mountain dragon yawns and, gently for him, swats the elf.
"I thought that this would be interesting, but you bore me now." He yawns again. "Place the herb there and I'll tell you what you seek."
There was much grumbling as the silent one placed the bag on the indicated spot before stepping back. The dragon internally smiled. 'such fools.'
"Alright what you need dear friends is the blood and bone of the one who took your wings. not the one who casted the spell but the one who actually ripped your wings off. Then you need the blood of those closest to them. family members work best but clan member will do, but I would use those that are mated or young."
"Why mated or young?"
"Extra energy." He grinned down at them and enjoyed the furious frown the leader was giving him. "Now, once you have all the blood you must bath in it and eat the one who took your wings. Butttt if you happen to have a crystal dragon nearby then eating their sparks would be better."
He was thinking of the interfering crystal that got in his way the last time he went after his prey. He could smell that there were at least two more in that clan and while the black and white and red one was quiet a looker, sadly he was already taken. The other two however, maybe he could snatch one for his own uses. Never too soon to start a harm.
"And why must he eat one of those insufferable Praxians?" the screechy one asks.
"I see you never heard the legend of Praxus then." He fake sighs. "I guess I'll have to explain that too wel-
"I don't care!" the leader shouted. "Is there anything else I need to know before I end those weak Autobots and that soft spark Prime!" he sounded like he was excited to bath in blood and things.
'well it's not like it's my problem.' The dragon snickers. 'especially when he realizes that this will do nothing for him. the fool, once the wings are gone they never come back.'
He shook his head. "No, the death of the one who took your wings should undo the curse and their wings become your wings."
The elf snorted and turned on his heel and march off without a word. His minions followed closely behind.
'ha how rude. He didn't even say thank you.' The dragon waited for the elves to be gone and out of sight. 'young beings these days have no manner.'
He took to the air back to the top of his mountain. Now it was just a waiting game for the right moment to strike. With half the clan out looking for him and with the elven hunters planning to ambush them it wouldn't be long before he could swoop in and take his prize. He slept peacefully that night and he waited.
oOooOooOooOooOo
There was one person however who did not sleep so soundly. Ichigo woke at odd times from fretful dreams. The twins would soothe him back to sleep only to be awoken again sometime later. The orange dragon was getting better but the drugs that Ratchet had given him kept him down and out and they were meant to last a good while. Just before dawn Ichigo woke again though he was more lucid then he has been. Sunstreaker was the one who was awake, and he was about to call for Ratchet when Ichigo managed more slurred words.
"sssswater."
The golden dragon narrows his eyes at the youngling. "What?"
Ichigo struggles to get his front feet from under him and Sunstreaker was instantly by him trying to get him to lay back down.
"sot sssttooo sssssot." The orange dragon was panting. "ssswant sssswater."
"Okay okay I'll get you some water just stay there." Sunstreaker, gently as he could, pushed Ichigo back to the ground. He poked his twin strongly over the bond to wake up.
Ichigo sick daze and hot didn't feel like waiting and with coordination that surprised Sunstreaker leap out of the nest and ran out of the healing den. Sunstreaker gave his brother a hard shove as he raced after the still healing dragon shouting for Ratchet and Prowl as he ran. Ichigo had managed to run a fair distance before collapsing allowing Sunstreaker followed by Sideswipe, Prowl, and Ratchet to catch up.
"Stupid little idiot!" the healer snarled as he pushed pass the twins and Prowl. "He has a fever but thank Primus that this little stunt didn't do more damage." He gave the youngling a once over before waving the twins over. "one of you hold his head while the other help me carry him back to my den. Prowl make sure our way is clear, so we don't jostle him more."
All three dragons nodded though the twins argued a little on who would be holding the smaller dragons head. Ichigo however had been slowly crawling away from the group without them noticing until they turned a found him a few feet away. He had been dragging his hind legs and using his front claws to pull himself across the ground. Ratchet tried to steer him back towards the twins and Prowl but Ichigo manages to slip past them and continues to stumble towards a place only he seems to know.
"What the frag is wrong Hatchet!" Sideswipe yells as he tries again to steer Ichigo back to the den.
"Stubborn glitch youngling! I have had enough." Ratchet yells and picks the struggling Ichigo up in his mouth. He gives the three dragons a look before stomping off back to his den. Ichigo only whines and he fights to get free.
When they catch up to him he had already placed Ichigo back in the nest one paw on the center of his back keeping him pin. "Well you three just going to stand there or are you going to help me keep him still!" the healer snarls.
The twins jump in using their combine weight to keep Ichigo still. Prowl stood out of the way deep in thought. Ratchet was preparing his most powerful sedative when the crystal spoke.
"I think we should let him go."
His statement caused the twins and Ratchet the snap their heads at him. the healer was ready to spit fire for such a suggestion while the twins stared jaws open.
"Care to explain why we should let a still injured youngling loose to traipse through the woods with a mountain dragon loose!" the healer hissed. It was low and a sign that anyone near him should start backing away slowly.
"I have to agree with Hatchet. Ichigo just having a fever thingy, right Ratchet?" Sideswipe asks.
"I was not suggesting that he be alone, but I believe that something is driving him towards something." Prowl said before Ratchet could answer the red dragon.
Sunstreaker snorted. "yeah right what's driving him is his fever. Primus Prowl he's just hallucinating and he'll hurt himself walking through the dark."
"And yet forgive me if I'm wrong Ratchet but usually with fever dreams doesn't the patient usually stop after a while due to exhaustion?"
"Sometimes." The healer answers warily.
"Yet Ichigo may have a fever but its low and he has not shown any other effects of having a high-grade fever." Prowl moved further into the den and placed a paw on Ichigo head. The youngling's eyes were glazed over and staring at nothing. "if you also remember when the last time he was injured you two claimed that you saw something that lead you to find the water pouch."
Ratchet glances at the twins. The twins looked at each other trying to remember the incident.
"What water pouch?" the healer asks. "Did you two give something to my patient without my okay!" he hissed eyes narrowed.
"Well ya see Ratchet me and Sunny saw someone enter Prowls den and we were curious."
"it acted like it wanted us to follow it, so we did." Sunstreaker said at the same time. "It leads us to Ichigos nest and his belongings."
"And that's were we found a pouch full of water and when we got back to your den. We couldn't find the water bowl we were using, and we had water in the pouch." He quickly added when Ratchets eyes started turning red. "It was just water Ratchet that he said came from a spring. Honest Ratchet we wouldn't give him anything harmful."
The red dragon backs away from the approaching healer while his twin stays still glaring at the healer. Prowl sighs and stays in front of the orange dragon that had again manage to give the golden twin the slip. He gently stops him from going any further while he tries to get the other three dragons attention. He makes a noise like a human clearing their throat.
"Ratchet." He said softly. It was loud enough to be heard over the dragons loud ranting. "I would not have suggested it if I believed that he would come to harm." He rubs Ichigo's neck to keep the youngling calm. It works and Ichigo settles somewhat. "the twins and you if you must will trail him while I meet with Optimus. If something is truly calling him then you can send one of the twins back to inform us. if not then you can sedate him and just bring him back. We would have to keep a twenty-four-hour watch until his fever has passed though."
The healer hums in thought he glances as the youngling then back to the twins then back to Prowl. While sedating Ichigo would keep him from wondering off it left him vulnerable to attack if any dragon was distracted away from him. Plus, he did not have that much in ingredients to keep making the sedative. However, the idea of letting his obvious sick patient out wondering the woods did not sit well with him but if it settled the youngling and that he was under his watch then Ratchet could reluctantly allow it.
"is Bumblebee back?" Ratchet asks.
Prowl seeing the reason behind the question nods in the affirmative. "He has come to report on the mountain dragons movements."
"Ask him to join us. I would feel better if someone was able to scout around us. be our eyes before any danger strikes us."
"Whaa really Ratchet?"
"Why the frag would you want a mini with us?"
Ratchet growls. "Shut up you two or so help me I'll have Ironhide sit on the both of you and leave you here!"
The twins whine some more but Ratchet put his foot down. It was just enough of a distraction that Ichigo was able to bolt out of the light hold Prowl had on him. Ratchet yelled was overshadowed by the shouts of alarm by the twins.
"Well don't just stand there." he growled at the two dragons. "Go after him!"
Sunstreaker caught on quickly and shoved his still stunned brother to follow the orange dragon. Ratchet turn to speak to Prowl but found that he was already gone. Muttering to himself he raced back to his den to pack everything that he might need. As he was leaving his newest apprentice showed up to see what all the shouting was able.
"First Aid, you're in charge until I get back." He said to the very confused and shocked young healer.
Prowl had just return only to catch the tail end of Ratchet flying after the twins and his run-away patient. Beside a very amused Jazz was trying and failing to hold back his laughter. Prowl was not so amused and gave his snickering mate a whack to the head with his tail.
"Bumblebee's already out. he'll catch up shortly." Jazz said between snorts and snickers.
"At least he can be counted on to follow orders." The crystal dragon sighs.
Jazz gave his mate a pout. "Aww babe I follow ya orders."
Prowl saw right through the pout. "Only ones that have you pinning me in our den."
"those are the fun orders I follow those anytime." The silver dragon chirped.
Prowl sighs again but let his mate see the small smirk as he passes. Jazz catching the little smirk perked up and grinned deviously at his mates back.
"Oh~ Prow~ler." He sang.
Prowl heard the tone and imminently ran away. He didn't need to even think about it as he already knew just what the tone from Jazz was implying. He can hear Jazz behind him and had every intention of dodging Jazz to speak to Optimus before heading out to join Ratchet in tracking Ichigo. However, he didn't get far, and his smaller mate tackled him before he even made it to Optimus.
"Caught~you." Jazz sang out dragging his not struggling mate back to one of their hiding spots. Prowl smiled over his shoulder at Jazz. He could always catch up with the others later.
oOooOooOooOooOo
Ichigo knew what was drawing him out even in his fever heated state he recognized the feeling and eventually the smell of the Kurosaki spring. He wasn't surprised that it followed him and his sisters from its last location. That was part of its legend that it would appear when a member of their family needed it. He remembered some stories how one member found it on another continent when he was badly injured. Each member had their own way into the hidden springs location as well.
Ichigo remember how he was on a job and found a doorway to the spring only to find Yuzu had entered from the home at the same time. So, when he felt a doorway open to the spring nearby Ichigo struggled to get there. The waters would keep his fever at bay and heal his wounds faster.
He could feel the twins over their small bond. Their fear and worry for him and Ichigo would've have told them not to worry if he wasn't feeling the overwhelming need to get to the safety of the spring. Which was why in his fever heated mind Ichigo was letting them follow him to the hidden spring and since he was letting them follow the spring's door way will let them in without them getting hopelessly lost.
His body slowed as his breathing became labored. He hated how being injured and sick made him feel so weak. He was so close to the spring he just needed a little more energy a few more steps. Then he would be in cool water.
His body didn't agree and Ichigo had enough of mind to feel like he was falling. But he didn't hit the unforgiving ground. Two other bodies, one red one gold saddled up beside him keeping him on his feet.
"You just love to make us worry, don't you?" there was amusement in the question.
"even when your half way out of your mind your stubborn." Another voice said but there was no bite to the words. "Don't worry about falling just point us in the right direction. We'll carry you the rest of the way."
Ichigo grunted and tried to walk being squished between tow larger bodies. It was hard as they didn't always end up walked in sync, but he was eventually able to lead them to the opening to the spring. He didn't wait for more questions to be asked he had only one thing on his mind now and with the last bit of energy he had Ichigo bolt free and ran into the water. He sighed, as he sank not worried about hitting the bottom or drowning. The last time he needed the healing powers of the water he floated for at least a day and a half before being found by his father and sisters.
Sideswipe and Sunstreaker didn't know that he was in no danger. All they saw was their sick and injured mate to be disappear under the waters surface. They did the only reasonable thing most people would do.
They panic.
Sideswipe dove in the water when Ichigo didn't resurface. Sunstreaker waited to help his twin bring the orange dragonling back to the shore. He turned to yell for Ratchet but hissed when the healer wasn't behind him. In fact, the healer was no where to be seen. With a snarl Sunstreaker impatiently waited for his brother and Ichigo to surface then he would track down Ratchet.
A red and black head broke the waters surface gasping for air as he brought an orange and white head with him. Sunstreaker was back in the water helping Sideswipe bring Ichigo to the shore. The wingless dragon didn't fight them and to the golden dragon's eye seemed to be looking much better. his scales were shiner and glossy and some of the wounds, now under covered, looks weeks old or no longer ooze blood. He touched Ichigo's head and felt some the high fever had gone down as well.
Thinking quickly Sunstreaker had a weird feeling but followed it regardless. "Keep half his body in the water Sides."
"What!?"
"Just do it."
Sideswipe knowing his brother better then anyone else did as told, but with some grumbling that Sunstreaker ignored. The red dragon still not trusting the orange youngling did let go and instead was holding on to his head in case Ichigo decided to take another dip in the water. Sunstreaker rolled his eyes at his twin.
"Ratchet somehow got himself lost so you stay here and babysit while I go find our favorite healer." The golden dragon turned not hearing the dark muttering aimed at his back. Though the words held not bite he did send a mental good natured brotherly shove at his brother.
"Just don't get lost yourself Sunny." Sideswipe said as his twin disappeared. He looked down at Ichigo. "and you don't go swimming until he gets back." Ichigo only sighed and nuzzled the red dragon's chest. "Why do you have to be so damn cute when your unconscious?"
Ratchet was not a happy dragon right now. yes, others would say the he was never a happy dragon not with his constant snarling, snipping, and roaring almost every day. He did have moments where others caught the elusive smile or chuckle, but everyone thought that his day to day attitude was normal. The healer however was far beyond what his normal self was. Not only was he lost, a fact that he could admit, but he lost a patient and somehow lost sight of the twins.
Usually that was never a good thing considering. But what made this worst was the fact the instead of listing to his own gut he listened to Prowl on what was best. Ratchet made plans to show his displeasure once he was out of these god forsaken woods.
"How could I lose them so easily? They were right there in front of me." he yelled. "I could literally count the scales on Sunstreakers gold aft."
Having gotten bored of getting further lost Ratchet huffed laying down in the middle of the trail. To him, if anyone else wounded up on this trail to nowhere then they could just walk around him. He was not moving till he felt like it.
"You know I though Ironhide had a giant aft but looking at you now I can say for sure that that is no longer the case." A very familiar and annoying voice said from behind him.
Ratchet snarled at the smug frontliner that dared annoy him when he was in a mood. And only two would dare. "Sunstreaker," he said slowly growling out the words. "You better have a good reason for—
"now hold on there Hatchet." The golden dragon said. "Getting lost is your fault not mind or Sides."
"I don't care whose fault it is but seeing how its usually you two that is the root of all things I'm skipping over it and going ahead and blaming you."
Ratchet stood and stalked behind Sunstreaker who had taken up leading them back to the spring. The golden dragon was a little afraid of getting them lost again when he heard Sideswipe talking. Following his brothers voice they ended back at the spring and Ratchet wasted no time getting over to Ichigo almost shoving Sideswipe out of the way.
The red dragon only moves an inch but stays near Ichigo's head. After making sure that the orange dragon was fine did Ratchet move out of the water letting Sunstreaker and Sideswipe to crowd their soon to be mate. Ratchet for his part stayed on the shore and waited. He didn't really believe in any of the hocus pocus going on, but the younglings fever had gone down since the last time he checked.
Bumblebee however, was getting very worried when he could no longer smell or hear Ratchet and the twins. A thick fog had rolled in obscuring anything and the scent of them just disappeared. He was giving another sweep hoping to find them before running back to the clan. He didn't want to be the one to inform the high command that he lost not only a youngling and two of their best fighters but also their only fully trained and experience healer.
No, he did not want to be the start of the storm.
The yellow scout soon ended up having to turn back and with dread tell his leader and Prowl what had happen. He froze before taking another step.
'Oh, primus I won't survive that look First Aid will give me when I tell him about Ratchet!' Bumblebee mentally wailed. With a resign sigh he scampers off back to the clan.
oOooOooOooOooOo
Prowl frown up at the dark trees that had supposedly swallowed Ichigo, the twins, and Ratchet. He glared at the shadows as if they would cower like the twins did sometimes and give up their secrets and tell him where his charge was. Behind him he could feel Jazz slowly walk up beside him a bit of amusement in his step but still serious.
All around them Prowl knew that the scouts and hunters of their clan were searching for a way into the thick woods. But just like what Prowl was facing they couldn't see a way in without forcing the trees out of the way. the trees thought weren't simple trees, they didn't fall when one of Ironhide's bulk crashed into them and wouldn't burn when fire blasted.
"I don't think even your glare of doom or threats of chores from Red Alert will make them fall Prowler." Jazz said an amuse tilt of his head.
"I am not glaring," Prowl huffed. "I am thinking."
"Well don't think too hard then Love or I might have to take action to smooth out that frown."
Prowl lip twitch before he forces it to stop. "I am sure you would, but it will have to wait."
Jazz gave his mate a sad little pout before returning to the problem at hand. "So still no idea how we lost four clanmates?"
"No, though I am almost sure of some—thing." Prowl slowed his speech as the woods begin to swirl. He blinked his eyes thinking that he was just tired.
"Something wrong love?" Jazz asks worrying.
The crystal dragon shook his head, but the woods didn't stop their dance. "Jazz how it your vision?"
"Huh, um well I can see trees, sky, you…" the silver dragon uncertain to what his mate was asking.
"No, I mean your eyes aren't swimming, are they?" Prowl closed his eyes all the swirling was starting to give him a head ache.
Jazz looked at his mate then at the woods. "No, Prowl love I think we should get you back to Aid. Or if you want to stay then take a nap. I'll stand watch."
He became more worried when Prowl didn't fight him on it and laid down next to him. Jazz waited till his mate was asleep before sending someone to get First Aid. If something was affecting Prowl, then they needed to know and get anyone else away before they too were affected.
When the small healer arrived, he was quick to check Prowl over but could not find any cause to the crystals symptoms. He issued an order to have Prowl taken back to the clan holdings and have everyone take a few steps away from the impenetrable woods until he made sure no one else was suffering the same way.
However, before they could lift off the ground Prowl woke and struggle free. He ignored the shouts from Jazz and First Aid and all but ran straight into the dark woods. The strong trees let him pass but when Jazz and Aid tried they bounced back from impact. Jazz roared in rage and cried for Prowl to come back but no sound reaches them as the woods went silent.
First Aid sent out a call for all Autobots to converge on their location, but Jazz wasn't listening. He was attacking the diamond strong trees. Biting, clawing, even using fire again but the trees that ate his mate stood mocking him. it wasn't until Wheeljack and Ironhide showed up that Jazz was pulled away and First Aid used a sedative to keep him calm. Optimus looked sadly down at the silver dragon before standing at the dark woods.
"Send for Alpha Trion. He may know more about this or has come across in his search." No question him and it was Bumblebee that took off into the sky. "First Aid have your brothers guard that clan at home. Keep Jazz here or he will wake poorly. Ironhide-
"Ain't leaving ya here Optimus." The old dragon growled.
Optimus sighs. "Fine but someone needs to-
"Then have Kup or Magnus deal with it. They are just as qualified as me and just as capable in dealing with that slagger."
Optimus gave his friend a look but nods. "Alright, have Kup and Magnus keep hunting the mountain dragon and have our patrols increase. I would not put it pass Megatron to use this to attack us."
"Reds already on it." Ironhide shrugs his wings. "that dragons been on it since that attack on Prowl and Ichigo."
Optimus again nods and lets him clan members do their work without his interference. Soon the area was crowded with dragons from the main clan to the ones from their outpost. Hot Rod was acting as go between Optimus and Ultra Magnus. First Aid had set up a small healing area and he had Jazz placed there but in sight of the dark woods in case he stirred without First Aid knowing.
Smokescreen and Bluestreak kept busy but both refused to leave. Optimus worried that whatever took hold of Prowl would go after the brothers, but so far neither were having problems. Alpha Trion had brought Yuzu and Karin with him and both were staring at the dark woods. Optimus was close to having them join First Aid when Yuzu disappeared.
A cry of surprise stopped everyone, but surprise turned to confusion when the young human popped back out smiling.
"Karin, they found the spring." She chirped.
"Huh, figures." The dark hair twin mutters. She turns to the shock still dragons and rolled her eyes. "Its alright, Ichigo and the others are act the spring. They are fine."
Bluestreak closed his mouth with a snap but it was Smokescreen who spoke. "Um what?"
Another eye rolls. "The Kurosaki Spring." She said as patiently as she could.
Yuzu being more sympatric took over. "The Kurosaki Spring can only be found by anyone from the Kurosaki bloodline. Though sometimes those who are considered family have been known to find it too and anyone else trying to find can't or get hopeless lost. Ichigo must have went there and the others followed. I am guessing that the spring allowed Mr. Prowl because of some connection." She started to fidget when all eyes were on her. "Um one-one of us could…could take you there…if you want." She said uncertainly. Her offer was met with shocked silence before the area erupted in noise.
Up high, the currently unnoticed dragon cursed. His target was out of his reach though he laughed at the dragons below him. He wonder how this group surivived so long when they couldn't see the magic covering them and the surrounding area.
"oh well more to my advantage. They can't stay in that protective bubble forever." He smiled coldly below him. "and when they finally come out…" with another laugh he veered off back to his den to wait. He had a lot of patience he could wait some more before he had his fun.
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Chapter end.
Thank you for reading.
Sorry this took so long but another story had taken my brain and then work got so busy that I didn't have the energy to write or do anything really.