Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers Prime or its canon characters. I do however own my OCs: Darkstorm and Skybreak.
Theme Song: Fix Me by 10 Years
Darkstorm paused once more from cleaning various medical tools, grimacing as she heard the screech of metal against metal. She vented sharply as she felt another helm ache coming on. "Would you two kindly turn that down?" she asked, desperately trying to keep blatant irritation from making itself known in her voice.
"Come on, 'Storm! It's only a monster truck rally," Miko responded.
"Innocent vehicles battling for the entertainment of human spectators..." Ratchet shuddered, "Blood sport."
"Precisely. How can you honestly watch such destruction? And thinks it's fun no less," Darkstorm added.
"It's not like the trucks are 'Bots," Bulkhead shrugged.
Ratchet rolled his optics and returned to his work. "I still think you should be out there assisting Optimus on his mission to retrieve the Cybertronian data cylinder."
"Hey, Optimus said he wouldn't need Bulk unless they called for back up-" Miko began to protest.
As if jinxing the situation, an incoming transmission from Optimus came in. "Bulkhead, roll out. We are in need of your assistance."
"Aw!" she pouted.
"It's fine, Miko. We'll watch it later, alright?" Bulkhead chuckled. Ratchet walked over to Miko and handed her a broom before activating the groundbridge controls.
"And what's this for?"
"To clean up the mess you have made while Bulkhead is gone," Ratchet said simply.
The groundbridge was activated and Bulkhead stepped through. However, unknown to the two medics, Miko quickly followed. The groundbridge closed and Ratchet vented contently, "Finally. Peace and quiet..."
"I care for the youngling but... I do admit, it is nice to have the base quiet," Darkstorm shook her helm, "I was about to get a helm ache from those pit-spawned car crashes."
"That's Miko for you," Ratchet said.
Darkstorm chuckled and nodded in agreement. Several minutes of blissful silence passed before Darkstorm noticed something was amiss. "Speaking of Miko, don't you believe it has been a bit too quiet? The youngling is usually pestering you for something about now."
Ratchet paused. "Usually, unless-"
"Scrap," Darkstorm cursed, "How many times do I have to tell her not to leave the base? Ratchet, open a groundbridge so I can retrieve her before she gets herself into trouble."
Before the portal opened however, an incoming transmission arrived from Miko. "Ratchet, I've found the data cylinder. Care to bridge me out?"
Darkstorm was slightly relieved that the youngling was unharmed but was also irritated that she went off through the groundbridge against orders again. As if what happened before wasn't punishment enough...
"You need to learn to stop doing this, Miko. The battlefield is no place for a youngling."
"Please." Darkstorm could practically see the youngling's saucy eye roll. "Now you sound like my host mom."
"Do you know the exact coordinates of the data cylinder?" Ratchet interrupted.
"Umm... what?"
"I cannot provide a groundbridge to your location unless you give me your coordinates," he vented.
"Maybe you can activate a groundbridge near the 'Bots and I can push it over?" Miko suggested. Several grunts and groans could be heard as Miko futilely tried to make the cylinder move. "Don't worry. I think I've got it."
"The cylinder is far too heavy for you, not to mention the risk of being detected by Decepticon forces if you tarry any longer. Hold on. I'll be there in a nano-klick to retrieve the cylinder." Darkstorm activated her weapons systems and moved out through the open groundbridge portal. She quickly spotted Miko... and an unconscious Bulkhead.
Her optics widened as she ran over to them. "What in the name of the Allspark happened?"
"Bulk tripped while running over to me and then this... light from the cylinder caught him in the forehead."
Darkstorm kneeled beside the Wrecker and checked his vitals before running a scan of his helm. She gasped softly however as Bulkhead's optics onlined suddenly and he began to sit up.
"Bulk, you okay?" Miko asked worriedly.
"Yeah... I feel fine," Bulkhead stood up and looked around, "Where'd the cylinder go?"
"It looks like the Decepticons made off with it," Arcee replied.
"You alright, 'Storm?" Bumblebee asked.
Darkstorm smiled reassuringly and nodded. "Yes, 'Bee. I'm fine. I just came out here to retrieve the data cylinder since Miko couldn't provide us with exact coordinates for a bridge, though it looks the Decepticons got to it first. Question is, are you alright?"
"Never better. I've got a few scrapes but I'm sure you and Ratchet can take care of those," he smiled.
"Come on. I'm right here. You guys can make out in a corner later. Let's just get back to base," Miko interrupted.
Darkstorm and Bumblebee's cooling fans activated. "Y-Yes... You're absolutely right," Darkstorm cleared her voice box in embarrassment and began to move towards the groundbridge along with Bumblebee.
When the entire team had entered, Bulkhead began to move towards the television before Darkstorm stopped him. "And where do you think you're going?"
"To finish the Monster Truck rally with Miko."
"Not before I run further scans of your helm. That injury could be serious. The energy from a data cylinder should be handled with utmost care and Miko's reports of the energy seemingly going into your helm are definitely cause for concern."
"Trust me, 'Storm. I'm a Wrecker. I've been through a lot worse and pulled through okay. I think it's safe to say that I'm fine," Bulkhead chuckled before moving towards the television again...
Only to be stopped by Ratchet.
"Then if you are fine, you might as well help Miko clean up your mess," Ratchet handed Bulkhead some cleaning supplies.
Bulkhead grumbled but complied and began to clean up the aforementioned mess with Miko.
"Now, for you, 'Bee," Darkstorm smiled.
Bumblebee chuckled and sat down on the examination table. Darkstorm scrutinized his frame only to find, as he said before, minor mesh wounds. Though she found one particular one that would need to be welded closed.
"You're lucky, 'Bee," she chuckled, "If I was out there, I'd have gotten myself seriously injured."
"Don't say that, 'Storm. You're a pretty good fighter yourself."
"I suppose... at times." Darkstorm began to clean the wounded area. "But I would prefer to be a medic, for both our sakes. Tell me, was anyone else injured?"
"No, not really. Optimus and 'Cee seemed fine."
"Good," Darkstorm shook her helm, "though we both know Arcee would be hesitant to come to the med bay even if she was seriously injured."
"Sounds like 'Cee alright," Bumblebee chuckled.
After Darkstorm was finished, she picked up the welder and began carefully closing the wound. Bumblebee flinched once or twice but otherwise he sat as still as a statue. Once the wound was closed sufficiently, Darkstorm smiled encouragingly at the scout and put the tool away. "There. Good as new."
"Thank you. I certainly feel a lot better now," he smiled.
"I was all too happy to help," Darkstorm kissed his buccal plating, "My beloved scout."
"Ratchet?" Just ignore it and maybe it'll go away, he thought. "Ratchet? Ratchet? I know you can hear me." Miko began to knock on his pedde. "Ratchet? Ratchet? Helloooo? Anyone home? Ratchet? R-?"
"What?!" Ratchet yelled irritatedly before calming down enough to hiss through clenched denta, "What is it, Miko?"
"You need to see what Bulk's painting in there."
"Yes," the medic rolled his optics, "I'm sure one hasn't lived until one has beheld Bulkhead's take on still life with lugnuts."
"What exactly is Bulkhead painting, Miko?" Darkstorm said, intrigued, "Show me."
Miko nodded and led Darkstorm and Ratchet into an adjacent room where Bulkhead was poring over a painting. He would pause every so often to dip a mop in a large bucket of white paint before resuming his work, muttering nonsense all the while.
"Miko, that's not art. It's science," Ratchet observed.
"But why would Bulk be painting science?"
"The Cybertronian data cylinder... Of course. When you tried to push it towards the groundbridge, Miko, it must have interpreted that as an attack and so it prepared to expel its contents so they could be preserved. And the nearest vessel was Bulkhead. The information held in the data cylinder is now inside his mind," Ratchet explained.
"But... what information exactly?" Miko asked.
"Synthetic Energon," Optimus observed once the equations were shown to him.
"Synthetic Energon? But that would mean..." Arcee began.
"No more scavenging for energon," Ratchet finished with a solemn expression. "It is a commonly known fact that most energon deposits on Earth are owned by the Decepticons, but if we had Synthetic Energon... We'd have all the energon we'd ever need. We'd have no use for rations anymore."
"However, I fear there may be complications," Darkstorm added, "The data from the cylinder is slowly consuming Bulkhead's mind. By the time the formula is complete, Bulkhead's processor may be far past helping."
"There has to be a way to put the data back though... Right?" Arcee asked.
"We are currently working on a solution," Ratchet replied. "But, even if we do figure out how to get the data out of Bulkhead's mind, we would need the cylinder which is now in possession of the Decepticons."
Optimus nodded pensively. "True, old friend. However, we are not given much choice... We must negotiate the return of the cylinder if we are to save Bulkhead. You and Darkstorm will stay here and work on a way to cure him while we meet with the Decepticons. Autobots, roll out."
Darkstorm smiled and waved goodbye as Bumblebee and the rest of her team exited through the groundbridge. She glanced over at Miko and Bulkhead to see how they were faring. Miko was playing her electric guitar, desperately trying to invoke a response from her guardian, but none came. The young human femme sighed, downcast.
Her optics filled with sorrow. Primus let them fix this...
"Come on, Darkstorm. Let's get to work," Ratchet said softly as he placed a servo on her shoulder plating.
"And what exactly did you wish to discuss, Prime?" Megatron asked, Skybreak and an army of Vehicons at his side.
"We know you have the cylinder, Megatron, but I am sure you are aware that we have the energy which it previously contained. I am here to negotiate the release of the cylinder," Optimus replied.
Megatron chuckled amusedly. "And why would I give it to you?"
"Because if you do, we will return it to you with the restored energy."
Megatron seemed to dwell on this for a moment before receiving a transmission from Knock Out. "Megatron, we have detected the energy signature nearby. Shall we pursue it?"
Megatron's red optics narrowed and his scarred lip components uplifted themselves in a smirk. "Bring me the Autobot's head." He ended the comm link before turning to the Autobots once more. "Vehicons, destroy the Autobots."
Skybreak also began to attack the Autobots, inwardly relieved that his sister was not among them.
Even so, he did not fight with the same gusto that was common for him in the past. The events that had occurred since he came to Earth were constantly playing themselves in the back of his processor.
And, no matter what he did, no matter what he said, they just wouldn't go away.
"It's too quiet again," Darkstorm observed.
"Miko probably became so bored that she went home," Ratchet said dismissively.
"Still..." Darkstorm placed down her tools carefully before searching the base for any signs of Miko or Bulkhead.
And, just like she suspected, she found none.
"You nigh impossible femme!" Darkstorm ran back towards the med bay. "Ratchet, Miko and Bulkhead are gone."
Ratchet vented sharply. "Someone needs to put that femme on a leash... I'll call Optimus."
"And I'll go to the last groundbridge destination," Darkstorm said. "Comm me if there is any news." She moved through the portal and found what looked to be a a dirt filled arena from one of Miko's monster truck rally programs.
She activated her weapons and cautiously moved forward. Knock Out and Breakdown were scanning the area where the trucks were held, most likely searching for Bulkhead.
Her optics widened as she saw Miko scurry through the cars.
Seeing that the two Decepticons were getting closer and closer to their target, Darkstorm threw a rock near a truck. "Over here!" she yelled.
Knock Out and Breakdown looked up. Breakdown began to move towards the Seeker before Knock Out held him back. "Continue to search for the Autobot. I'll take care of her," Knock Out smirked and made his way over to Darkstorm. Her frame instinctively tensed. She was all too aware of what that smirk entailed. "You're a glutton for punishment, aren't you?"
"Not as much as you," Darkstorm glared and swiped at Knock Out with her blades.
He dodged it with ease and chuckled. "You always were a fiery one... Too bad you were always more afraid of me than I was of you."
Optics flashing, Darkstorm growled and kicked Knock Out to the ground. Darkstorm aimed a punch but Knock Out grabbed her arm and twisted it. She grit her dentals and leaned forward, causing Knock Out to fall on top of her. Sensing that his grip had loosened somewhat, she pulled upwards suddenly using her thrusters. Knock Out fell off of her and gasped once he hit the ground, unconscious.
She rushed over to Bulkhead once she saw Miko trying to fend off Breakdown by herself. She tackled Breakdown from the side, the force causing Miko to fall backwards on Bulkhead's helm. A beam of bright blue light shot up in the sky and then disappeared.
The data... It finally left Bulkhead's mind.
Much to Darkstorm's relief, a groundbridge appeared with the Autobots approaching. Knock Out shook his helm as he began to emerge from unconsciousness. She observed as Breakdown helped his partner up and they both fled the scene.
Darkstorm made her way over to the team, frowning as she saw that they were badly beaten. "What happened to all of you?"
"The negotiation with Megatron didn't go too well. He destroyed the cylinder," Arcee vented.
"Well, there is no need to be concerned about the cylinder now. The data was released from Bulkhead's mind during the battle. Time will only tell however if he will fully recover from its influence," Darkstorm smiled softly.
"Is he going to be alright, 'Storm?" Miko whispered sadly.
"I am... uncertain. Ratchet and I are trying our best to stabilize him, however the rest will have to be up to him."
Miko sighed sadly, a few tears welling up in her eyes. With a heavy heart, she grabbed her guitar and began to play a few melancholy chords before sighing once more. She stopped and bowed her head. Darkstorm felt her spark ache for the femme as she heard her cries.
"M-... Miko?" a voice asked.
Miko looked up suddenly. "Bulk? Is that you?"
The green Wrecker smiled at her from his medical berth. "Of course. Who else would it be?"
Miko smiled widely and ran over to her guardian, eventually resting on his chassis. "I'm so glad you're back, Bulk," she sniffled as she embraced him.
"Are you sure you are well? I could run another diagnostic, if you wish," Darkstorm said as she and Bumblebee walked towards their quarters.
"Storm, I said I'm fine. I'll probably be sore next cycle, but otherwise I'm okay," he beeped reassuringly.
Darkstorm vented softly. "Forgive me... You know how I worry. It's just... when you, Optimus, and Arcee walked through the bridge, you were as damaged as I'd ever seen you. You looked like you did battle with Megatron himself."
"Not Megatron." Bumblebee shook his helm,"He just stood there and watched. It was your brother who attacked us along with a squadron of Vehicons."
Darkstorm stopped dead in her tracks, her helm lowered. "That is what I was afraid of."
"I can see why he's valued so highly. He can really pack a punch," Bumblebee winced, rubbing his sore shoulder plating tenderly.
Darkstorm's optics filled with pain and her lip components parted before she stopped herself. Instead, she chose to say, "I am so sorry, 'Bee. I should have been there."
"And risk getting hurt yourself? You were better off helping defend Bulkhead."
"Perhaps... Perhaps you are right. I just don't like seeing you hurt. Any of you." Darkstorm embraced Bumblebee, trying to hide her turbulent emotions. "Goodnight, 'Bee."
"Goodnight, 'Storm," Bumblebee smiled before pausing, "You haven't had anymore nightmares... Right?"
Darkstorm smiled softly and nodded. "No, not since Megatron was inside your processor. Why?"
"I was just wondering. And you know... If you ever need me, I'll always be nearby."
"I know... Thank you." Darkstorm watched as Bumblebee entered his quarters before going into her own.
Once Darkstorm knew she was alone, it was then that she activated her and her brother's private comm link. "Brother? Are you there?"
His response was immediate. "Yes, of course I'm here. It's nice to hear from you again, 'Storm."
"I wish I could say the same," her optics narrowed. "What in the name of the Allspark did you do to my team?"
There was silence for a few moments before Skybreak responded. "What?"
"My team. They came back from their negotiations with your lord," Darkstorm spat the word as if it were a curse, "and were badly beaten."
"Is this what you wanted to talk about?" he vented, frustrated. "Storm, we're in the middle of a war... I was only following orders."
Darkstorm chuckled bitterly. "Following orders..." Her optics narrowed. "If you hurt him again, I swear to Primus I'll-"
"Him?" Skybreak interrupted, "What exactly is this about, Sister?"
Darkstorm backtracked. "I-I meant them. Do you know how many injuries they sustained, honestly? I care for them too much to see them hurt, Brother."
"No, you didn't say them. You said him." Skybreak paused a few moments before continuing, "The scout that accompanied you and that two wheeler femme to meet me before... He protected you on the Nemesis as well."
"Yes?" she asked roughly, "What of him?"
Her brusque response only confirmed Skybreak's suspicions. "You love him, don't you?"
"I-I... well..." she stammered.
"You do..." Skybreak's voice hardened, "Question is, does he love you?"
Darkstorm bit her bottom lip component. After a long pause, she eventually whispered, "Yes."
"So this is why you are so upset? Because I harmed your sparkmate?"
"No, he's not my sparkmate. Don't be silly. Don't you think I am still far too young for-?"
"And you never bothered to tell me this? I think I deserve to know that my younger sister was being taken advantage of by an Autobot," he asked angrily.
"I am not being taken advantage of!" she growled, "My spark is mine to give to whom I will. I love him because he was there for me. He was there for me like you never were!"
"... What?" Skybreak asked softly, stunned.
Darkstorm's anger began to cool and it is then that the full weight of her words made themselves known. She immediately regretted them. "Sky, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. You have helped me through so much, Brother..." Darkstorm vented, "But you have no idea how much your stay on the Nemesis is torturing me. And now I have to see more loved ones harmed... Do you enjoy seeing me this way? Is that why you refuse to leave?"
"No, no of course not. Sister, I would never intentionally harm you. I just-"
Darkstorm's ire was raised once more. "So when you shot me, am I supposed to believe that that was unintentional?"
"Storm, that's not what I meant... I-"
"Just stay away from 'Bee, Brother. Because if you hurt him again, I will be forced to harm you unintentionally," Darkstorm said roughly and ended the comm link.
She vented once more as her berth room's eerie silence made her audio processors ring. She buried her helm in her servos.
Primus, what was she to do?
Darkstorm was on the battlefield once more, the pitch black sky over head. Cannon fire and the dying screams of mechs and femmes were the only things that could be heard in the midst of the chaos that surrounded her. Her red optics widened fearfully and she began to run away from the butchery.
No. No. No. Her spark hammered within her chassis. This cannot be happening. Not again.
"Hey, Sister. Aren't you forgetting something?"
Darkstorm froze, almost too afraid to turn around. "This isn't real. I-I just need to awaken from recharge," she reassured herself.
"Tell that to him," he chuckled darkly. Darkstorm offlined her optics in fear as something landed near her peddes.
It was then that the battlefield became deathly silent.
Almost too silent.
Thinking that the worst was behind her, she carefully onlined her optics and stared ahead of her before screaming.
A spark lay before her, still covered in energon.
"The scout put up quite the fight. No match for me, of course," Skybreak smirked.
"Bumblebee... No..." she gasped.
"No..." Darkstorm whispered as she shot up from her berth, coolant dripping from her optics.
Bumblebee onlined his optics wearily as he heard a quiet knock on the door to his quarters. He stretched before opening the door. All signs of recharge quickly left him as he beheld Darkstorm.
"So much for no more nightmares, huh?" he said softly.
"Bee, please don't take this the wrong way... but... do you think-?" Darkstorm stammered, "I mean, just for tonight."
"Of course," Bumblebee smiled gently. "If it'll help."
Darkstorm vented shakily and nodded her helm. She climbed onto Bumblebee's berth and curled up on her side, not wanting to put stress on her sensitive wings. Bumblebee followed suite due to his Praxian heritage and door wings.
Darkstorm trembled lightly before Bumblebee placed his arms around her. She leaned into his embrace gratefully, more coolant streaming out of her optics. "Shh... It's alright. I'm here. Nothing is going to happen to you."
"I-It's you... I'm worried about," she rasped.
"Well, nothing is going to happen to me either. Go to sleep, 'Storm. I'm right here. And if it makes you feel safer, I'll stay up with you until you do fall asleep."
"Thank you," Darkstorm smiled softly.
Darkstorm relaxed, offlining her optics, as Bumblebee began to stroke her wings softly. Bumblebee stared at the Seeker's delicate features before kissing her forehelm.
"Goodnight, 'Storm," he whispered.
A/N:
Bluefeather4299: Indeed, it was xD And thank you so much for all the support, hon! I hope you liked this one, too.
JC: Aw, well, thank you. That truly means a lot to me.
Well, another chappie bites the dust. And a dramatic one at that. I hope I satisfied you all. I tried to make it as juicy as possible.
And it's getting closer and closer to the season finale... Aren't y'all excited?
Well, thanks again to all my faithful followers, favoriters, and reviewers! I love all of you. And I will be sure to post a new update same time tomorrow.
"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him will I trust. Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lies waste at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you." Psalm 91: 1-7
God bless all of you!
Until next time, Dream'sRealm