The Fight
on
Halloween
Alright folks. Here's a new one.
I know. Halloween's over. But hey, who cares? LOL LOL LOL
Oh and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
xXx
Sopping wet purple boots, and black pants stormed past large parting doors. "STARSCREAM!" Selena roared animally.
"Ah, Selena, welcome." He crooned, grounding his teeth to keep from busting up laughing. "Do you require a - ahem- drying cloth~" He trembled, wanting badly to laugh. Knockout and Breakdown were behind him, unable to stifle their laughter for much longer.
"If it were possible, I would drown you in my shower!" Her anger evaporated the water soaking her hair and hat into steam. Her black and purple tube top had to be supported by a V-neck, sporty black top. "What the hell did you have Soundwave do to my bathroom?!" She crushed her separate sleeves in her palm.
"I know not what you speak of. I am offended by these accusations!" He dramatically placed a hand to his chest, professing false innocence. "Where is your evidence?!"
"For now, I don't have any." Selena shamelessly admitted. "In the meantime I'll settle for a consolation prize." She flew by his spine. Taking her soaked hat and sleeves, she rung a bucket load of water into his spinal cord.
"AH-HA!" Starscream shrieked, clawing at his back wildly. He danced frantically, shaking his hind quarters. The chilled water made him wriggle like a maraca. Knockout and Breakdown couldn't take it anymore. They rolled on the floor, laughing until transmission fluid leaked. "OH! OOOH! You'll pay dearly! And I don't mean with an extra, MUCH NEEDED, shower!"
"Annd my proof!" Selena caught him. She fell back on the air, laughing loudly with Knockout and Breakdown… … … …
xxx
"Snort! Huh-uh?" Selena drowsily lifted her head from the park bench. She wiped a trail of drool on her blue sleeve. "Oh man. Must have - yaawwnn - dozed off." Her back and neck cracked as she stretched. She checked the time on her phone. She was stunned. She'd been asleep for the better part of an hour. "Better get going. Miko's gonna kill me if we aren't in time for the contests."
Selena allowed a woman strolling a baby carriage to pass, then she made her way for the K.O Burger to meet Jack. Itching her head, the strange dream she had bothered the back of her mind. It was remarkably vivid. Almost real. But the people she was talking to - blurs. She nearly ran into street signs trying to put faces to distorted voices. The only clear aspect...is how happy she felt. That made her flutter warmly, at the same time sink drearily.
"Why am I sad? I don't even know those guys." She scolded herself, clapping her cheeks. "Knew I shouldn't have let Raf convince me to watch Transformers."
xxx
Tonight was the night. The annual three day event all of Jasper marks their calendars and sets their clocks for. Saturday to Monday - Jasper's Halloween Festival is now in session. Stores were closed, restaurants and bars announced last call, and people dressed to certainly impress the nightly crowd. Costumes, drinks, and partying galore. Jasper's people and people across Nevada were going to light up the Megaplex Mall so aliens could hear them. Not that the Autobots and Selena hadn't heard them rant and rave for the last week.
Unknown to the excited populace, dark violet cars and jets were circling the town. Their side and rear view mirrors scouring the irritatingly similar faces of every human, searching for three very special Autobot pets. A silver jet, splitting the sky in half under the mercy of its intense speed, tore the air asunder. A red sports car hid in parking lots of popular human eateries, hiding sickened grumbles beneath a running engine. A heavy duty assault vehicle toured junk yards and sites of entertainment, running over dead parts and trash.
"Is it just me or are there more humans than before?" Knockout rumbled over the coms. Humans reminded him of Scraplets. You see one, blink, and there's an army.
"I heard about this on that weird Instant Grammar page and twit-twit site humans like." Breakdown reported. "There's this gathering for a holiday they call Hollow...something. Huge deal. Apparently everyone will be there."
"I do not care how many of these insects are present!" Starscream roared. "I only care about three! Who will be even harder to find because these blasted beings all look the same!" Small, insignificant, and dressing in ridiculous attire. Why can't humans just be simple?
"Don't you worry, My Lord. The hideous appearances of our three trophies are engraved in my brain pan." Knockout shuddered, knowing he'd never be able to forget them. "No matter how many of these insects crawl from their holes, there is no way the Autobot pets can hide from us."
"They better not." Starscream impatiently dug grooves in the control panel. "Or else you too shall be scattered amongst the humans in that frozen tundra."
xXx
"HEY! STOP TWITCHING!" Bumblebee, Jack, and Bulkhead stretched an ear to the tunnel.
"Then watch where you put your hands!" The two nosy bots, and Jack cringed, rushing to the opposite side before naughty thoughts filled their heads.
"Not like you have much, Miko!" Arcee, Optimus, and Ratchet tilted their heads.
"Hey! Give it time!"
"They stop at your early 20's!"
"WHAT?! NO WAY! Aw! And I was hoping to at least be a double C." Fowler plugged Rafael's ears. He was to young to hear this sort of talk.
"Hold on! I think...there you go!"
"Okay. Your turn! This goes like...that...and that like this…"
Rafael, Jack, and Fowler found the girls' chatter monotonous. Rafael and Jack more so because they wanted to leave for the festival. It wasn't for another four hours, but the lines start reaching the next block within the first two. At the rate Miko and Selena were going, they wouldn't be there until have the food and prizes were gone.
"I think I'm glad I'm too large for costumes." Arcee joked.
"No kidding." Bulkhead shuffled his shoulders uncomfortably. "Clothes sound like a pain."
Fowler was tempted to comment on their choice of armor, but figured it wasn't worth the headache. "Didn't Miko say she and Selena entered pretty much every contest?" Fowler double checked he heard correctly.
"No. We said they DID enter every contest." Jack stressed. His hand hurts just remembering watching them sign up. "Miko bought costumes for each one. Selena and I had to pitch in."
"She really wants that trip to the Bahamas." Rafael stated, trapped in a state of awe. He had never seen so many costumes in one sitting.
"Bahamas? Hm. Maybe I should enter." Fowler considerably itched his chin .
"I thought only one of the contests was to the Bahamas." Ratchet input. He wasn't eavesdropping. He just found it hard not to listen.
"It is." Jack uttered boredly. "But in order to qualify you have to place in the top three of at least one the other contests." And there were ten different contests being held. Maybe more. He lost track.
"Okay. Here we go!" Miko announced excitedly. The boys, Fowler, and The Autobots looked on in eager anticipation.
Turquoise wedge shoes with small flora embroidery along the straps stepped into view. Jack and Rafael blankly scaled the turquoise and gray striped tights. A fluffy, gray cat tail hung off a grey abdomen, laced up corset. The corest hugged a grey spaghetti strap shirt to her - less than visible - chest. Beneath the hugged shirt was a turquoise dress with a wavy skirt. The cropped collar hugged her shoulders, the tight sleeves complemented by furry cat paws. Tying it all together was choker with a bell, cat ears, and eloquent cat like make up.
"WHOA!" Rafael and Jack gasped. Fowler and the Bots were impressed too.
"Good evening, everyone. The Cheshire cat is here to raise Hell." Miko licked her paw, winking sexily. Bulkhead and Jack whistled wolfishly. Fowler, Rafael, and the Bots applauded Miko. "You guys like this, you'll love this. Selena, come on!" She jumped in place.
"Okay, okay."
Black wedge, laced up boots stepped out. Fowler, Jack, Rafael, and the Bots gaped in awe. Black and grey stocking stopped at mid thigh, giving way to a black, crinkled skirt. The tails of the butler's tailcoat draped neatly. An orange vest and white shirt peeked past the halfway buttoned coat. Gloved fingers fixed the clip on tie, then slid up to flip luscious, curly orange locks beneath a 10/6 top hat. Accompanying the costume was a nobleman's cane, dawned by a dormouse ornament.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, meet our Mad Hatter of the evening."
"Oh...wow..." Rafael quickly cleaned and reapplied his glasses, blinking several times. He wasn't seeing things. "You...wow…"
"You silver tongued devil," Selena approached Rafael flirtatiously, "Surely you've seen the Mad Hatter before." She bowed, sweeping her hat. Her hair was french braided with the tail clipped.
"Ugh! Yeah! Right! Ahem!" Rafael choked nervously. His cheeks flushed bright pink. "You look awesome...really." He squeaked.
Selena giggled at him, kissing his forehead. "Thank you." Reality suddenly fell into a haze and Rafael fell into Jack's hands. "Where are your costumes?"
"My mom's stitching a logo on mine." Jack boasted. "Bet you can't guess who I'm going to be."
"Hmm..." Selena studied his brazen posture, the prominence of his raised chin, and the confidence in his smirk. "Either Peter Parker or Finn."
Jack's brow furrowed. "You just said that to call me scrawny, didn't you?" He groaned.
"Noo...WHAT! Noo..." Selena sarcastically denied. Jack rolled his eyes. "I got it! EDWARD CULLENS!" Jack tossed a jacket at her head. "Ha-Ha! What? Not into wannabe, emotional tweenlite, cougar loved vampires?" She peaked from under the jacket.
"Ben Tennyson!" Jack blurted. Selena tilted her head. "From Ben 10? Ben Tennyson?"
"Ohh…" Miko and Selena hummed. "What about you, Raf? Whatcha got?!" Miko put the spotlight on him.
"My mom has my costume. I'm…" He blushed again, fiddling with his fingers, "Going to be Aang."
"From Avatar?" Miko and Jack asked. Rafael nodded shyly.
"AWW!" Selena gushed. "You're going to look great!"
"Let's quit talking about it and go get the dang costumes already!" Miko stamped her feet. She started shoving her three friends to Bulkhead who switched into vehicle mode. "The line's already reached Lake Tahoe! We'll be lucky to get leftover corndog crusts by the time we get in!" She threw Selena in the driver's seat, and kicked Rafael and Jack in the back. She swung around and strapped herself in the passenger seat. "HIT IT, BULK! We're losing time!"
"Regaining time!" Bulkhead's tires screeched shrilly and he was out of the hideout in seconds.
Fowler coughed in the burnt rubber fumes. "And to think I left my inhaler at home! So how long do the kids plan to be out?" He inquired suspiciously.
"According to human social media sites," Arcee tapped her chin, "These things run pretty late."
"And you're really going to let them be out that long?"
"Jack's mom is going to be supervising."
"The kids or Selena?" Fowler hissed. That conversation was growing stale. Although Fowler had a reason to be on the defensive. "I know I say it everyday on the dot, but I don't buy her timid, tender, sweet routine."
"Neither do I." Arcee reassured him he wasn't alone. "We all worry one day Selena will simple snap. For now we're doing it because Jack, Miko, and Raf miss their friend." Arcee dismally lowered her eyes. "It is our fault she put distance between her and them. Let them enjoy it while they can."
xXx
Starscream pensively ran his talons back and forth over his chest, finding solace in the rhythmic screeches. Eyes closed to the numerous blips across the flat display of the planet earth, Starscream regressed to the furthest recesses of his processor. The nemesis was annoyingly quiet. Often times his fingers found the empty place on his shoulder. An impression left by Selena's perching.
"How many times are you going to be taken from me?" He muttered. He put his hand to his lips, appalled that such weak words escaped him. "What melancholy is this? When did such disgraceful weakness flood my spark?" He smacked his chest. Is it possible he misses his right hand alien? "I do not MISS her! I simply...find the calm in the ship unnerving! Yes! That's it!" Decepticons do not miss subordinates. They simply replace them! In spite of her being irreplaceable.
"Starscream!" Knockout bellowed over the coms. Starscream was startled onto his butt. "We have...a small problem."
"Apparently so!" Starscream clawed the control panel, climbing to his feet. "Why else would you disturb the silence with your bellowing?!" He snarled.
"M-my apologies."
"Save your apologies! What is the urgency?!" He snapped.
"Remember how we were certain it would be easy to find the Autobot pests?" Starscream's unnerving silence shouted 'yes' loud and clear. Knockout sheepishly cleared his throat. "Yes. Well, looks like counted my Protoforms before they evolved."
"Meaning…"
xXx
Knockout sighed grudgingly, aggravated by idiotically dressed humans passing him by at a drive-in theater's parking lot. "That ridiculous, folklore holiday Breakdown mentioned has possessed these humans to disguise themselves as ridiculous creatures!" A little boy ran by as a green gremlin wearing a tunic, and a little girl dressed as a princess pretending to spray ice. Two adults were dressed in fuzzy animal costumes. A knight walked by. Knockout swore he saw someone pretending to be Megatron. "If we thought humans were difficult to discern before, those three children will be all but impossible to identify now!"
"MAYBE NOT!" Breakdown jumped in on the other line. Starscream and Knockout couldn't wait to hear what genius stroked him. "Can't Soundwave run one of those trace things on the devices those kids have?The phones?" Starscream and Knockout were dumbstruck. That really was a good plan.
xXx
Starscream raised an inquisitive brow to Soundwave. The faceless Con was already rummaging the cell towers, scouring for recent texts, calls, or web usage by Jack, Miko, or Raf. Three positive blips on zeroed in on calls the children made 24 hours ago...shared with a fourth party. Once the children use their phones for any inane reason, Soundwave will be able to track them and bring them closer into their trap. For now, Starscream's fluids pumped rapidly. He approached Soundwave. A sigil for Selena popped up, revealing her last call made in an urban area.
"Strange…" Starscream hummed. "Why is she amongst human homes?"
"A safe house most likely." Knockout proposed. "Can't keep keep a magnetic kinetic being near too much metal."
"Is she there now?" Breakdown asked.
"This is 24 hours prior. She may have been moved." Starscream surmised. Though he was disconcerted by a lack of sense in the matter. "Why would they permit her to have access to communication? If so, why has she not made attempts to contact us?"
"Biding her time?" Knockout proposed. "Selena is a devious little minx, Starscream." He purred, making Starscream growl in the back of his throat. "Odds are, Selena's working an angle. Using the children."
"We won't know for certain until she is found." Starscream didn't want to get his hopes up. Hopes he wasn't even aware he was maintaining. "Continue searching for those children. They are the key to locating her!" He hummed pensively to himself, considering the significance of the human holiday. "Breakdown. You mentioned a gathering?"
"Yeah. Hundreds of humans were talking about it."
xXx
Breakdown was parked in a primo spot at a fast food eatery. "Apparently humans in the city look forward to it every year." He groaned sickly at children running by, giggling and playing in their costumes. "Children seem to like it."
"Then that's where our search shall be focused."
xXx
"Send a unit of Vehicons to this ludicrous gathering." He ordered Soundwave. "Their phones aside, it is highly likely the Autobot pets are in attendance." Soundwave nodded, sending orders to dispatch a unit. "The rest of you will continue your search throughout the city. Too great a presence will undoubtedly lure the Autobots before our insurance policies are acquired."
"Yes sir!" The call ended. The hunt was on.
"Hide her as you will, Autobots." Starscream curled his talons to Selena's hat. "I do enjoy a challenge."
xXx
Since Rafael's house was closer, Bulkhead stopped off and let him get his costume on. He needed a little help from Jack. The shoulder cape wasn't fitting to his shoulders right. Mrs. Esquibel warned Selena - her being the responsible adult - that, because it was a special night, Rafael was to be home by 11:30. No later. A reasonable time. People won't be let in until around three-ish. Knowing Raf he'll be dead on his feet by nine.
Raf made a better Aang than Aang. He wore the bald cap and arrow nicely. Miko and Selena couldn't stop gushing over the monk's garb. He even wrapped a stuffed lemur to his back to be Momo. Appa came as a laptop bag.
"Raf, I rea~lly want to hug you, right now." Selena cupped her flushed cheeks. Rafael's entire face was beet red.
"Next is your place." Miko shoved Jack back out the door.
"Bye, Mrs. Esquibel!" Selena ran after Miko.
"Adios, Mama!" Rafael kissed his mother.
"Thank you, Selena! Call me if you need anything!" Mrs. Esquibel beckoned from the door.
"Yes, Ma'am!" Rafael and Selena waved. Bulkhead took off down the street per Miko's ranting.
Mrs. Esquibel shook her head, charmed by Rafael's older friend. "Not sure what June meant. Selena's a peach. Weird hair though."
xXx
Too bad Mrs. Esquibel's impressions of Selena stopped miles from June. Selena doesn't remember, but she said some pretty horrific things to June that forced her to initiate the parental restriction: This person is off limits! Yet there Selena was. Standing awkwardly in a corner, victimized by June's dagger glare while waiting for Jack to get dressed. She's never envied Miko and Rafael so much. Miko was helping with Jack's hair, while Rafael fixed him up with the fake Omnitrix.
Naturally, June demanded Jack explain - in gory detail - why he blatantly disobeyed her and deliberately hung out with the one person she forbade him from seeing. Jack summed it up as swiftly and eloquently as he could without exciting her anger. A dangerous knock on the head made her forget everything within the last few months. The proof was her grey eyes. Selena was literally a completely different person compared to a couple of weeks ago.
As a nurse, June has seen many things and heard all the stories. But a case of amnesia being the ignition to rekindle a friendship? That was a little too farfetched. Then again, looking at Selena shy from June, it was possible.
"How is it? Your head?" June curtly broke the silence.
"Oh! Um! F-fine!" She squeaked. "It's mostly my ego that's bruised." She dryly laughed. June wasn't amused. Selena coughed embarrassed.
"Took out the contacts huh?" June motioned her head at Selena's eyes. Selena touched under them. "Hazel's nice on you. Maybe make your hair brown." The inside joke no one's aware exists.
"So...curfew for Jack?"
June crossed her arms, doing the cross mom shift of the hips stance. "I expect him back before 12. Any later and I call the police." She stated firmly, no chance of changing her mind.
Selena snapped at attention, saluting, "Yes, Ma'am! 12 or jail!" Jack, Miko, and Rafael walked in. Jack wore a brown haired wig to complete the costume. He pulled off green and black well. Selena grabbed hold of Jack, wagging a finger in his face. "Young man, you are to be home before 12 or go to jail!"
"R-right!" Jack sweated. He glanced nervously at his mom. She winked impishly, nodding approvingly in Jack's decision to hang out with her. "12 it is. Mom, we'll catch you later?"
"You have your key?" Jack pat his pocket. "Money?" He flashed the wallet. "Phone?"
"You're number 1 on my speed dial." He waved his phone.
June bobbed her head. "Then you kids have fun and BE careful!" She stressed.
"WE WILL!" The four promised, hurrying out the door. June watched them all jump into the heavy duty car. She was nervous by how fast they took off, but relaxed as she comes to expect reckless behavior from the young.
xXx
The rides, the games, the deep fried food - it all boils down to this one, single, solitary moment. Literally 60 seconds until the gates opened, the three day Halloween Festival is about to get underway. Thousands from far and wide gathering in one location. Lines located on all six sides could not alleviate Jasper of it's rowdy ocean of people. Police and Mall security presence was necessary to keep fights from breaking out.
The time was upon them. Stomach pressed to the bars and to the backs of those ahead. Wallets out, cash stuffed in pockets, kids singing nursery rhymes in cheer. Finally, after waiting patiently for hours in line, costumes climbing the scale of dull to WHOA, the line a rave of anxious party goers, 3:00 opened the gates, and the masses flocked in a vicious stampede. Children were carried in and under their parents arms, or thrown up on shoulders.
As expected, the lines to the food stands extended to an hour long wait, leaving the rides wide open. It's a hungry business waiting in line - since six in the morning. The employees working the food stands were already prepared. Burgers and hot dogs cooked to each level of preference. Sourdough bowls with different soupy/chilli fillings. Candy stands jampacked, and the ice cream people ready with truck loads. Energy drinks, alcoholic beverages, and refreshing drinks were passed out by the 24 pack full.
Luckily Jack, Miko, Rafael, and Selena were smarter than the average party goer. Well them and couple hundred other people. Bulkhead left to go on a drive about while the kids did the party thing.
A foreboding chill crawled over Selena's back. "Huh?" Nothing behind her but streets, cars, and people. Cars were rolling down the streets looking for parking, but nothing out of the ordinary. Although...a car with a dark, purple tint cruised by. Selena's heart started pounding. Deja Vu made her dizzy. There are cars colored pink. Why does that car stand out?
"SELENA! HURRY UP!" Miko bellowed.
"Oh! Coming!"
The four needed to divide and conquer for the first ten minutes. Rafael and Jack found places in line at the "Stomach Cruncher." A roller Coaster of three loops and a few steep drops. Meanwhile, Miko and Selena finalized their entry in the partner costume contests. None of the contests were going to start until close to seven, but it was a good idea to make sure no contingencies disqualified them. The contest listings were in one general area, so it didn't take them long. Bulkhead kept the other costumes in his backseat.
"All set up?" Jack teased the out of breath girls.
"Yep!" Miko slapped Selena on the back. "Now let's get our ride on before victory slows us down!"
"You're so sure you're going to win, aren't you?" Rafael questioned challengingly.
"NO!" She stuck a finger in his face. "I KNOW we're going to win!" She stuck out her flat chest. Rafael punched her stomach, deflating her ego.
"Now, now, no fighting!" Selena draped between them, hugging them to her. "We're here to have a good time, eat the heart attack specials, and then go home to do it all again tomorrow."
"YEAH!" The trio cheered. Growling stomachs killed the mood.
"How's about food while we wait?" Jack regretfully proposed. Not the best idea to eat before riding a ride called the "Stomach Cruncher." But the wait was a good half hour. All of them neglected to eat before leaving.
"Here. These should tie us over." Rafael dug in his Appa bag, handing everyone two packs of "Nature's Only" Granola Bars. He earned baffled stares. "What? I knew you guys would be hungry, and that the lines would be crazy."
The older three accepted the bars, but not without giving Rafael cryptic stares. "Are we sure he's 12?" Selena asked skeptically. "He's awfully responsible."
"And a quarter!" Rafael hastily added.
"I think he's really 30." Miko loudly whispered. "Or maybe he's Dexter from Dexter's Lab. Thinks of everything."
"My mom always taught me to be prepared." Rafael bashfully itched his bald capped head.
"So did mine." Jack laughed guiltily, taking a bite out of the bar. "Wish I'd listen."
"Amen to that." Selena ate her regrets along with the bar.
xXx
While Bulkhead surveyed the Halloween Scene, Optimus and the rest of his team were taking a moment to lounge, plan ahead as to where their next operation will take them. An energon excavation site? A secret base Decepticon's have acquired? Perhaps more senseless violence for their cause? Arcee and Bumblebee cleaned their weapons for the dropped hat that would send them investigating. All the while Optimus and Ratchet were preoccupied with another matter on their scanners.
Ratchet had sorted through strange energy readings popping up throughout the day. At first it was thought of as nothing. A couple Decepticon vehicles roaming the area - not all require immediate action. Especially when civilian populations are in abundance. A risk of spooking those possibly in league with a grander operation. These readings had a strange pattern.
"Optimus, come take a look." Ratchet requested.
Optimus joined his old friend, studying the layout of Jasper. Markers siting Jack, Miko, and Rafael's homes, as well as the lot hosting the Halloween Festival were displayed. Including a few other places shown to be of significance to the Cons.
"What is the matter, Ratchet?"
"Take a look at this." Ratchet brought his attention to a playback he complied. "Earlier in the day, our scanners detected Decepticon vehicles aimlessly touring Jasper's streets." He initiated the playback. One car entered the city, made a couple turns, then left without incident. Another entered the other side, lingered a while, then bid the city a good day. The same with the next two.
"So?" Arcee interjected. "Not the first time Decepticons go for a drive. Without breaking anything." She added as a rare phenomena. Though it happens.
"Yes, but…" Ratchet ran a feed from an hour ago. Two Decepticon vehicles at a time appeared. This time they prolonged their drive. "Watch here." Ratchet drew their attention on the location of the Halloween Festival.
"That is where Jack, Miko, Rafael, and Selena will be spending their night." Optimus stated apprehensively. Bumblebee and Arcee glared hard. Optimus folded his arms. The two vehicles circled the entire lot twice in a casual manner. As their rounds were done, Ratchet switched to a live feed that revealed two more mimicking the search pattern.
"They're searching." Arcee announced rigidly. "But for what?"
"^Selena!^" Bumblebee exclaimed. "^They have to be looking for Selena!^" It's the only logical explanation. There's no other reason they'd be in town. "^But how did they know to look for her here? If Selena's lost her memory, she wouldn't have known to call them. Right?^" That made Arcee consider she and Fowler were right about Selena's amnesia. That it was nothing but a ploy. A means to aid the Decepticons in destroying them.
"Because it is common knowledge Selena shares a relationship with Jack, Miko, and Rafael." Optimus murmured ominously, flushing Arcee's theory. She'd forgotten the whole reason Selena cut off ties with Jack, Miko, and Raf was the Decepticons were "As such...I can only surmise they are aware we are in possession of her." He clenched a fist, cursing himself for not seeing a ploy like this in effect. Ratchet and the others lost color in their armor. "Their destruction of the Antarctic base was a prelude to their search. It was only a matter of time before our presence was realized, and they theorized our involvement in Selena's absence."
"All this for Selena?" Ratchet incredulously criticized. "I understand she grants an edge during battle. But meaningless slaughter?"
"Starscream's never been the most predictable Lieutenant." Arcee rumbled. "Possibly what led to him allying Selena in the first place." The lot being skulked was crawling with innocent humans dressed in costumes. Including Selena. "She'll be all but impossible find while in costume. We have to pull them out."
"^I don't think that's a good idea.^" Bumblebee cautiously disagreed. Arcee gave him an insulted glare. "^Think about it! The Cons are 'searching', not causing a ruckus. We move, we might just cause that ruckus.^"
"Bumblebee is correct." Optimus reluctantly agreed. "To execute an extraction will only raise their alarms. It will be safer for the children and others if we remain idle for the time being."
"Can we at least call and tell them to be on the look out?" She pleaded. Bad things happen when they aren't there to protect the kids. Too many close calls. "Or send one us to warn Bulkhead?"
"Both options risk exposing our element of surprise." Ratchet stressed, for lack of better terms. "The children are not the best at keeping secrets. And increased Autobot presence will only increase suspicion." Arcee never felt more stuck in the mud than now. There was literally nothing they could do until it's going to be too late. "However, I have sent Bulkhead readings from our scanners. He will receive them momentarily. He'll keep an eye on the children."
xXx
Bulkhead was hiding away in an empty parking lot, rocking out to "Splash Monkey." The Bulgarian Metal music Miko ripped off the internet. He needed to take it easy on the rocking. Most people find a shaking car unsavory. Ah who cares! He loved this song. Too bad a communique from Ratchet interrupted his jam session.
"Ratchet, I swear, your sense of timing sucks!" Bulkhead cut the music and opened the message. He was glad he did. "Decepticons in the area. Looking for Selena. Keep sharp. Do not tell children." He read in a low growl. He immediately put mettle to the pedal and raced for the festival. "Don't tell the kids? Must want to keep the Cons hush-hush." He didn't like keeping secrets from Miko. But if it'll keep her safe, he'll be on their location like a shadow.
As Bulkhead passed four lights, he began to wonder how the Cons would even know Selena was in Jasper. Then three human shaped bells hit him. "Aw great! If Selena ever gets her memory back, she's gonna kill us!"
xXx
More than three hours in and the festival only got louder. Drawing close on the hour of the contests kick off coaxed a rowdy crowd. Rides running on a never ending wheel, short of breaking down or overheating. Trucks kept coming by the tens in order to supply more food. Benefactors hosting the festival, collecting the funds, were calling it their best first day in years. They actually worried what the next two would be like.
Stomach Cruncher, Lift-a-top, Bungee Plunger - Jack and Miko defeated the harshest of rides, returning with green cheeks and messed up hair. Eating before rides was the worst choice they made so far, but worth it. Rafael and Selena, on the other hand, dominated the games. Selena was two Teddy Bears and a Life Size jack Skellington in victory at Basketball and Soccer, while Rafael was waiting for his tenth Minion Plush from the Horseshoe toss.
"Keep this up, Raf, and they'll have to close the stand." Selena giggled.
"Can't help what I'm good at." He bounced his brow with a cat-like grin, receiving his Kevin Minion with honors. "Besides, they have trucks full of of toys." He dangled them by straps, easier to carry. "Though I am out of hands at the moment."
"I'll take them." Selena volunteered an arm. "I need to leave these with Bulkhead anyway."
"Thanks!" Rafael slipped the minions on her arm. "Jack and Miko are waiting at the bumper cars. Come meet us." Raf was swallowed by the crowd before Selena could respond.
Selena found his excitement to be charming. Cute even. Human children - infinite energy. The humans rushing by her were adult sized kids themselves. Getting amped up over rides, cheering for others playing the games, and sporting dripping mustard on their chins. Otherwise unnatural behavior crucified on a daily basis socially accepted due to a disguise dawning holiday. "Humans continue to baffle and amuse me every day." She stamped the ball of her foot. A water fountain bent, shooting a water spout into someone. The surrounding crowd was darted to the commotion. It was fairly dark. Selena ducked inside a stand and took off in the air. "And they are so easily distracted." Too dangerous to linger so she went in search of Bulkhead.
xxx
Traffic was topsy-turvy due to three main streets being used as a parking lot. Bulkhead had a heck of a time finding his way back to the festival. He was forced to park half a mile away. Two rows of cars standing between him and open streets. Unless humans were dumb enough to mistake him for a Halloween Attraction, walking up the street was out of the question. He spent the last few hours trying to get closer, spotting Decepticon foot soldiers along the way. keeping tabs on them was tempting. Bulkhead's vehicle mode isn't too widely known. But what is widely known is his lack of subtlety. The risk of exposure was too great to take. All the more reason to find the kids and Selena.
Bulkhead snarled irritably, wanting to run over the cars in his way. "Maybe I should call 'em. Check and see if they're alright." He dialed Miko's cell. It rang twice. "NO!" He cut the call. "If I do it'll look odd and..." He was too embarrassed to admit it. He can't lie to Miko for very long. "Maybe...text? Nah! That'll look even stranger." He slumped in his spot, honking his horn dismally. That's what sucks about secrets. Anything not considered normal gives them away. "Just once I'd like for these guys to appear out of nowhere."
"BULKHEAD!" Selena landed on his hood.
"AAAHHH..." Bulkhead girlishly screamed and honked.
"WHOA!" Selena fell off on her head, dropping her load all over. "SORRY! SORRY! I've been looking for you!" She leaned halfway on his hood.
"I've been looking for you guys too! Glad you dropped in!" He joked. "What'cha got there?"
"Spoils of war." She put on her best monger act, showing off her muscles lifting the toys. "Raf and I made out like bandits."
"So I see." Bulkhead laughed, opening the back door. Selena piled it on the seats and floor. She planned on asking Raf for one of those minion dolls.
The chill returned to her spine. She furrowed her brow, glaring out the back windshield. What is this?! Why am I so- "Ugh..." Another purple car cruised toward them. Her body subconsciously stiffened on guard. Her hand, by an unknown habit, reached for the side of her head. She felt a surge of disappointment. She half expected her fingers to brush a cold, circular object. My head has a void on it. A nearby stop sign vibrated in sync to her tension. The insignia on the front grill curdled her stomach. "Hey that-"
"Whoa! What's the pressure?!" Bulkhead's outcry distracted her. Weight bore down on the poor Bot, close to busting his rims. Selena shook her head, coming back to reality. Bulkhead breathed with relief. Glancing back, the car disappeared around a corner. Selena felt relieved it was gone. But what for?
xxx
The Bumper cars were on the approach. Another 20 people and it'll be Jack, Miko, and Raf's turn. There was no sign of Selena. On or off the ground.
"DOOH! Where is she?!" Miko stamped her foot irritably. "She's gonna miss the action!"
"She'll be back." Jack waved his hands, cooling the hot tempered girl off. "Bulkhead obeys traffic laws, remember? He's probably backed up halfway out of the city."
"I'll text her and tell her to light a fire under it." Rafael input the 911 message to Selena, closing his phone. "There. Now cool off. Selena will drop from the sky before we know it."
xxx
"Everything alright?" Bulkhead jostled his body, grabbing Selena from her daze.
"Y-yeah..." She placed a hand to her spinning head. "Just...are purple cars odd?" She needed to check to make sure she WAS being paranoid.
Purple cars? Bulkhead panicked. Selena's seen dozens of purple cars all belonging to the Nemesis. No way she means the Cons. She couldn't possibly mean the Cons. "I've seen a few. Humans have odd taste in car colors."
"I thought so." She wiped sweat off her brow.
"Why do you ask?"
"No reason. Just over thinking things."
"R-right." Bulkhead made a mental note all the same. Who knows. It could be nothing. Consider it a better safe than sorry mental note. "So, um, everything going okay at the festival? Nothing weird happening?"
"Aside from humans dressing in strange costumes and eating food without a real name?" Bulkhead shrugged his doors. Just thought he'd ask. "The kids are having the time of their lives. I'm glad we decided to come." She hugged Minion Dave. "Hopefully Miko won't ride herself into a coma."
"Don't tempt her." Bulkhead groaned. "This one dune bashing session, she passed out on a 500 yard launch. Took an hour to wake her up."
"Still easier than waking her up for school."
"Ain't that the truth!" Bulkhead and Selena busted up laughing. Selena held onto her stomach, a stitch pinching her sides.
BUZZ-BUZZ-BUZZ! Selena's phone vibrated. She hyperventilated, getting rid of her serious case of the giggles. Bulkhead sniffled, trying to compose himself so he didn't interrupt. "Text from Raf." She rubbed her eye. "Hurry up! Almost on cars! Missing fun!"
"You heard the man." Bulkhead urged.
"I'm going, I'm going." She floated out. "By the way, go find some action. I'll feel guilty if you sit around here."
"Oh don't you worry about me. I have plenty to keep me busy." Selena accepted that and flew back to the fray before Raf split a vein. "Yeah. Loads." He spotted a Con car in his rearview.
xXx
As anticipated, Soundwave's scanners detected Rafael's phone sending his outgoing message. A trace locked on his phone, sighting the youngest Autobot human at the festival gathering of amassed humans.
"And one fly is snared in my web." Starscream deviously rubbing his sharp palms together. He tasted victory just at the tip of his tongue. "Two more simply need to walk into my parlor, and the Autobots will be on their knees." While he enjoyed his self praise, claiming victory to prematurely yielded hazardous consequences. "Continue to circle that gathering place and monitor the signal. But keep your presence restricted!" He stressed the last part. "Their Autobot Guardians are only a phone call away. We cannot afford to botch this operation! Locate the other two before long!"
"Yes, Lord Starscream!"
xXx
"I'M HERE! SORRY!" Selena ran to the trio at the head of the line. She was out of breath. She had to land behind the DDR stadium to keep from being noticed. "Bulkhead...was...a mile...that-a-way." She fanned herself with her hat. It was hot for the evening.
"No biggie!" Miko grabbed Selena, making her her bumper car partner. "Time for girl power to smash the little boys!"
"NOT A CHANCE!" Jack revved his engines. Rafael adjusted his glasses, accepting the challenge.
It was a very violent five minutes. Bumping, ramming, grinding along the railing. In the end, the victors were the powerhouse chicks. Selena and Miko celebrated their triumph at the boys expense with ice cream and nachos. Selena felt bad so she bought the boys some. They weren't able to relax for long. The second they finished eating, the rest of the festival called.
The contests were beginning to get underway. The younger kids got to get their shot in the spotlight out of the way first. Then it would be the big kids turn. Miko had no doubts she and Selena would rule the partner contest. Unless the Walking Dead team entered. Then they would be a string second. The Edward, Jake, and Bella entries wouldn't even make the polls.
Jack and Selena found an outdoor laser tag arena. Naturally they teamed up the first time around, dominating their foolish opponents. The second time it was Jack vs Selena. Jack took home the gold while Selena was stuck cleaning him room for a week.
Miko and Rafael were fascinated by the little petting zoo. An aquarium of able to be pet manta rays immediately caught their attention. The smooth, oily, rubbery feel of their skin was amazing. Miko was ambushed by a group of bunnies. She couldn't resist snapping a pic. She sent it to her friends, messaging that it was priceless. What was priceless was Rafael photo-bombing with spinning beads in his hands the background. The next pic showed her trying to kill Raf.
On the Nemesis, Starscream was cackling at how smoothly his plan was running. Two children down, and only one straggler to go. It was too easy he could hardly stand it. His dispatched units, though on the move, were in excellent positions to strike. The night time provides a flawless cloak.
By the time 8:13 rolled around, the crowds were herding to the stages, bumping and shoving for the best spots. The contestants were back stage fussing over last minute adjustments. Jack helped Miko fix a couple things on her costume. Rafael made a small adjustment on Selena's boot. Selena, in turn, helped Rafael fix his. His bald cap was slipping.
The contests promise to be short. The time it took for them to actually start seemed to run on for hours. All they needed to do was wait five more minutes, and wait in line to perform. Miko practically sweated her make up off. Jack and Rafael found it a good time to join the crowd. They found a nice high up spot on a tower. Hopefully security wouldn't bring them down.
"OOH! I can't do this! Maybe I should change! I need my guitar!"
"Relax, Miko." Selena fixed Miko's collar, touched up her makeup, and fanned off her sweat. She held Miko by the shoulders, having her look her in the eye. "We're 11th in line, then we join Jack and Raf in the crowd. Just look cute."
"I-I'm already cute." Miko firmly quaked.
"That you are."
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!" Miko jumped out of her skin and into Selena's arms. "THE TEAM COSTUME CONTEST IS ABOUT TO BEGIN!" The crowd burst into cheer. Selena figured her shaking legs wouldn't hold her for long. Fortunately there was a prop couch in the corner.
xxx
The announcer, dressed as Doctor Facilier, tipped his hat with a twirl of his cane. "I will be your host from the other side, Davis Mathis! You guys ready to see the Spooky, Fanatical, Sexy~, and all around greatest teams to crawl from the depths?!" He put a hand to his ear. The crowd burst in a roar of cheers. "Then far be it for me to keep you in suspense!" He cracked the cane head, vanishing in a puff of purple smoke.
The lights focused on center stage, one parted to welcome those entering from the left. "First up on our roster, already setting the stage for most romantic! Let's give a shout to KILI AND TAURIEL!" A couple emerged, dressed as the loved Dwarf and Elf. Same height and everything.. The crowd ate them up. "Aren't they the perfect couple!" The pair waved farewell.
"Next we have a triple threat, from the famed Vampire movie. Welcome Jake, Bella, and Edward." Unexpectedly, the costume trio were better than the actual actors. The whole crowd were more amazed by how much better they looked than similarities.
"He's one Hell of a butler, and he's Queen's Guard Dog! Both send absolute chills down the spines of Anime Lovers! Welcome, Ciel Phantomhive and Sebastian Michaelis!" Two handsome looking young men appeared from behind a curtain. Ciel sitting cross legged on a step stool with Sebastian knelt and putting on his shoe, kissing the crook of the foot. The girls nearly died of a fangasm.
Next up were Smaug and Bilbo, but dressed as Sherlock and Watson. They were beloved ten times over. Tiana and Naveen, Olaf and Sven, Ninja Turtles with Splinter, Big Hero Six, and even the Fairly Oddparents. One pair came as Cat-Dog. There were a few good teams taking the stage. One pair as Marina Del Ray and Benjamin come down from the ceiling on a swing. Jack and Raf were impressed by the lengths people were going to. A trip to the Bahamas brings out the most creative sides.
"Next up we have a couple of cuties from the mysterious land of Wonderland! A Mad girl and her bonkers cat. GENTLEMEN, ladies, give a shout to The Mad Hatter and The Cheshire cat!" A red couch was turned on a floor panel. Jack and Rafael were so shocked they almost fell. Selena lied along the couch, propped on the am, showing off her feminine asset. Miko was lying on top of her, purring while licking her paw and Selena stroking her back. The men went gaga over them. Rafael hid bashfully behind his hands. Jack tugged on his collar.
"I need to go to the bathroom!" Rafael climbed down in a hurry, running for the portal bathrooms near the lot's edges. Jack didn't blame him. He'd need a cold shower to cool off.
xxx
"HM!" Starscream watched one of the two blips moving from the other. Soundwave zoomed in close, revealing the area to be open and close to a somewhat empty street. Starscream chuckled successfully. "Move in."
xxx
Rafael never felt more claustrophobic in a crowd than now. He finally squeezed free, rushing to where there were literally no people. He pressed his back to a wooden log of a fencing, patting his pounding chest.
"Man, oh man, oh man!" Rafael hyperventilated. He couldn't get Selena out of his mind. She just looked so...so... "Do I think she's cute?" He asked himself, as if going crazy. A half baked sink answered his prayers. He put the water on full blast, ripped off the bald cap, and soaked head. "Okay! Calm down! You're fine! You're fine!"
He wasn't fine. Blended into the darkness, a hand descended behind him.
xxx
"YOU GUYS WERE AWESOME!" Jack hugged them. He cringed at moisture meeting his hand. "And sweaty, Miko."
"An absolute nervous wreck, this one!" Selena elbowed her.
"Well hopefully that sweating slips you into first place." Jack wished them well.
"Where'd Raf go?" Miko searched for the little guy.
"He went to the bathroom that way. He darted like a bat out of Hell."
"Then I'm right behind him!" Miko held her bladder. "OUTTA THE WAY, PEEPS! I'M GONNA BLOW!" Miko literally crawled over people to make it to the bathroom.
Jack and Selena still can't wrap their heads around that one. "She never slows down." Selena mumbled.
"Only when she sleeps."
"Actually, I saw her speed dreaming once. Led her to crawling on the ceiling."
"Somehow, that doesn't surprise me."
"What would surprise us about Miko?"
"If she sat still for longer than five minutes and spoke at two miles per hour rather than 30."
"And didn't steal our fries."
"Amen, sister!" Jack high-fived her. The two leaned on one another, laughing.
xXx
Miko yanked the Port-a-potty's door and slammed it to the hinges breaking point. The relief was enough to make her fall asleep where she sat. To think she had half a dozen other contests to get dressed for. One of which Raf was competing in. She dialed him, shooting him a call while she finished up.
Ring-ring-ring. Miko arched a brow. Ring-ring-ring. It was coming from outside. "Raf?" She poked her head out the door. Raf's phone was ten feet away on the ground. Miko scanned the area for the kid it belongs too. Raf was nowhere to be seen. "Raf! Raf?" Miko scooped up his phone. This will be the second time she's felt really scared. "RAF! WHERE ARE YOU? RAF?!" No response. Miko scrolled through her contacts, finding Jack. Just as she was about to call, she was tapped on the back. "RAF?!" Then the world went black.
xXx
Jack was leaned against the tower he climbed, drumming his crossed arms. Selena was pacing back and forth, swinging her cell phone by the keychain. The next contest Raf signed up for was going to start in ten minutes, and neither he or Miko were back from the bathroom.
"I get humans have tiny bladders, but I wasn't aware it took 23 minutes." Selena skeptically interrogated Jack.
"It doesn't." Jack reassured her. He checked his messages. He sent Miko and Raf three messages each, wondering where they were. "Miko surprised me. She hasn't responded immediately to a text."
Selena practically dropped dead. "Miko never misses an opportunity to text. Unless her phone dropped in that toilet." Which she sincerely doubted.
"Maybe Bulkhead found them and Miko started talking." The only real plausible explanation that made sense.
"I hope so." Two sketchy people walked by behind her. "This holiday brings out all kinds of people."
"The bathrooms are this way. Let's go make sure they didn't fall in." Jack led the way. Selena followed close on his heels. She felt those tingles again. She rubbed her elbows. What the heck is going on?
xXx
"Lord Starscream, we have two of the children in our custody."
"Excellent." Courtesy of his need for his device, Jack's position was exposed, plummeting him unknowingly in Starscream's trap. The third is on his way to your location now. Be ready for him." He purred. "Knockout, Breakdown - meet at the coordinates Soundwave is transmitting to you." Soundwave sent rendezvous coordinates to meet miles outside of Jasper. "Once we acquire the third child, it will only be a matter of phoning home to bring the Autobots to us."
xXx
Jack and Selena must have searched every bathroom in the general area. Miko and Raf were nowhere to be seen. Jack kept trying to call them. No one was answering.
"Am I the only one worried?" Jack trembled.
"No. You're not." Selena balled her hands into fists, inadvertently crushing an abandoned cotton candy machine. Selena was sure she was paranoid before, but now she's certain something was wrong. "Okay, something's definitely up!"
"What's up?"
"A couple rings, maybe - Miko and Raf almost always answer their phones! Especially Miko!" Jack attempted to call the phone addicted girl. If she didn't pick up, then they were calling the bots.
The phone rang four times then went to her voicemail. "Hey, hey, hey! Miko's jammin'! Leave a message!"
"Now I'm worried." Jack rumbled.
"So am I. These contests aside, Miko never goes without being on her phone." Miko and Raf aren't so irresponsible that they wouldn't venture off without telling them. Raf anyway. Miko, it all depended on her mood. Selena tapped her chin. The only place they hadn't searched was the open street. There's no reason for Miko or Raf to leave the lot.
"I'm calling Bulkhead!" Jack flipped his phone open.
"No need!" Selena jumped the fence, running toward a parked muscle car across the way. It's hefty green frame was crushing a planter on the sidewalk. Jack loved Bulkhead's convenient sense of timing.
As the two raced across the street, two obscured vehicons spotted Jack and Selena racing to a precariously parked vehicle on the sidewalk. "Lord Starscream, we have a visual on the last human. He is with someone."
"Yet another pet for the Autobots to care for." Starscream hissed in disgust. Miko and Raf lied unconscious in the backseat of one of the vehicons.
"There's one other thing, sir." The second sentry edged further into his hiding place. "They're meeting with an Autobot now. The green, muscle one."
xxx
"Bulkhead? Scrap!" Starscream hammered the control panel. "If Bulkhead is there then the others are not far behind." He murmured perturbed. Being in possession of all three would be a slam dunk in his plan. However the wiser course of action would be to not look the proverbial gift horse in the mouth. "Take what you have to the rendezvous! Let the Autobots chase their tail pipes a while longer."
xxx
"You heard him." The two vehicons slowly backed up, making a U-Turn for the city limit. Raf and Miko groaned sickly, sinking in the rough seats.
xxx
Two teenage girls strutted by. Their faces were completely covered in face paint. "Is having that much paint really necessary?" Too much paint on Bulkhead's chassis make him break out in rust.
"Bulkhead!"
"Hey, Selena! Jack." He greeted the out of breath children. "Tell me what's the point of that face paint?"
"I think it's from that Star Wars movie." Jack shrugged. He shook his head back on track. "Anyway, have you seen Miko or Raf?"
"No. Aren't they with you?"
"They were. Then we lost them." Selena and Jack tried not to sound in a panic. For all they knew, the two were just preoccupied with the festival. "We can't find them, and they aren't answering their phones."
"Wait. MIKO isn't answering?" Now he knew something was wrong. Bulkhead made an attempt to call her. "Hey, hey, hey! Miko's jammin'! Leave a message!" Bulkhead growled animally. If Miko and Raf aren't answering their phones then something was definitely up. "The Cons wouldn't kidnap them...would they?"
"What was that?" Selena didn't hear him.
"Nothing! Nothing!" Bulkhead cleared his throat. "You guys sure you looked everywhere?" Bulkhead needed to be extra sure. He's aware of the Cons lurking, but wanted to be absolutely sure they weren't the cause of Miko and Raf's disappearance. Calling in the cavalry might cause that needless destruction Optimus wanted to avoid.
"No..." Jack considered that option. Knowing Miko she dragged Raf onto the opposite side of the lot. Not Selena. Nothing at all about this day sat well with her in the slightest. She's been carrying the strangest feeling ever since she saw that weird purple car. She took out her phone.
"What are you doing?" Bulkhead asked nervously.
"Calling the base!"
"But-"
"But nothing!" She hurriedly dialed the base, drumming her index finger anxiously. I can't explain it, but something's been really off about today!" Bulkhead wasn't above admitting she's seemed a little distracted. Though they were on the opposite side of the law, Selena's shown good instincts. 'Maybe she's right. "Ratchet! Come on! Please pick up!"
"Hello?"
"Ratchet! It's me!"
"Selena? What's the matter?"
"Not sure." Why does it feel like she's lying? Everything was 'the matter!' "Listen, it's probably nothing, but I can't find Miko or Raf. Do you think you can trace their phones?"
xXx
Arcee, Bumblebee, Optimus, and Ratchet all shared the same dread feeling. "Are they in danger?" For one reason or another, none of them wanted to consider the possibility the Decepticons would target the children. Not when Selena is their target of interest.
"Again. Not sure. I'm just...'cautious' of the crowd." In place of saying she's been feeling strange all day. It would sound crazy if she said a car set off these alarms. "Just...just find their phones. Please." Arcee was taken aback. Selena saying please was a first. 'No way she fakes sincerity.'
"Okay. I'm running the trace now." Optimus and the others idled patiently. Jack, Selena, and Bulkhead were unable to sit still. Ratchet triangulated Miko and Rafael's positions. "Hmm...that's odd. My scanner's show the children three miles from your position...traveling at an alarming speed!" He exclaimed the last bit.
"^Speed of a car?^"
"Bulkhead's with me and Jack. Are any of the others out?" Selena's voice asked hopefully.
"Negative! I'm sending the coordinates to your phone, now!" And logging them into the ground bridge for the others. "Find them swiftly! They're a mile outside the city limit!"
"Over and out then!" Selena hung up.
"Hold on! I thought Selena was the target!" Arcee hissed. "Why did they kidnap Miko and Raf."
"Because it is still about Selena." Optimus heatedly reassured her. "They may wish to force our hand and return her to them."
"^What do they think we're doing? Holding her hostage?^" Bumblebee derided the ridiculous idea.
"Remember, they have no idea Selena has amnesia." Ratchet reminded them. That amnesia is both a saving grace and a curse for them. "As far as they're concerned, we have their trump card, and they have ours."
xXx
Starscream monitored his troops from the bridge's master computer. Knockout and Breakdown were only mere minutes away from the on approaching party. Mere minutes from delivering the keys to his ultimate victory. Two out of three was never bad in his book. Somehow he assumed the younger two would be far easier to capture than Jack. The boy has proven resourceful.
With his triumph at hand, Starscream flaunted his crown as he plotted his list of demands. "Perhaps while I'm receiving Selena, I can squeeze the location of the Autobot base out of them." Starscream was drooling at the many ways he can make the Autobots squirm. With Selena soon to be in his grasp, she'd most definitely have them wriggling like worms on a hook.
The glee was short lived. Soundwave sounded another alert. Starscream knit his brow, confused by the fourth signal. This time the signal belonged to Selena. Or rather, her phone. It is shown near where the boy named Jack last attempted contact to the girl, Miko's, phone.
"What trickery is this?" Starscream growled through grit teeth. "What do you mean Selena made an outgoing call? TO WHERE?!" He screeched. Soundwave shook his head. The message was masked by an unknown frequency. "Clearly your scanners are faulty! Selena cannot possibly make a call because SELENA is being held prisoner!" That has to be the reason! Selena would never consort with the enemy voluntarily. "The other the trooper mentioned! That fourth child must be using her phone! A flunky of that useless Agent Fowler!" Soundwave tilted his head. "We will proceed with the plan as scheduled. Keep an eye out for any contingencies."
xxx
Four vehicons were speeding down the open road, keeping a knit formation. Rafael and Miko were still unconscious in the backseat of one, tied in place by the seat belts. Sheer rocky cliffs on either side of the road rested up ahead, symbolizing the nigh of the rendezvous.
"This is unit 1 to Knockout. ETA five minutes."
"Understood. Do hurry. This desert dust wreaks havoc on my finish."
Unbeknownst to the four rushing Cons, Bulkhead caught up in due time. Selena in the driver's seat, and Jack as her passenger. "There! One of those must have them!" She roared. She and Jack two bore hateful holes in the Cons, despising the fact that their friends are lying helpless in one of those cars. Bulkhead kept a large enough gap between him and the Cons so not to provoke a fight. Attacking without knowing which car they were in would get them killed. Either way, a battle is going to happen sooner or later.
"Wait...these purple cars." Selena leaned forward, squinting hard to adjust to the darkness. The design, the color, that annoying chill scrolling her back. This time she wasn't crazy. "I know these cars!"
"Y-you do?" Bulkhead and Jack shrieked.
"Yeah! They were lurking nearby after you dropped us off!" She curled her fingers like contorted talons, summoning a torrent of orbiting energy. "They had my choker insignia on their front bumpers!"
"What?! Are you sure?" Selena nodded firmly. Bulkhead and Jack would topple over if the situation wasn't so dire. Selena would soon come to learn he insignia was the symbol of their most hated enemies. "Ratchet! We have a problem!" Bulkhead contacted base. "We found the guys that nabbed the kids! They're Decepticons!"
"The Anti-Autobots?!" Selena asked. Jack, Miko, and Rafael told her all about the Decepticons. How they want to rule over the earth and enslave everyone. Destroying those that resist. "What do they want with Miko and Raf?"
"Probably to lure us out!" Bulkhead blurted. He neglected to mention the other motive behind this assault.
"Proceed with caution! We cannot risk the children getting hurt!" Optimus ordered. "Back up is on the way!"
"If we can isolate the car holding the kids, maybe we can get through this!" Bulkhead grumbled thoughtfully.
"Grr…" Selena felt so helpless right now. She could easily take these guys off the road. If only she could figure out which car had the kids. Her phone heard her plight. "Huh-what-hey!" Her phone thrashed in her pocket. It jumped to out of her pocket and onto the gear stick, transforming into a type of spider. "That's new." She droned, too stunned to really react. Jack bobbed his head. The spider phone crawled up her arm. It latched onto her ear, shaping to a headset. A scouter visor stretched over her eyes. "WHOA! Since when does my phone do that?!" Jack shrugged, shaking his head. Another toy the Cons gave her. Selena rolled with it and scanned the vehicles. Two heat signatures shone in the car second from the left. "I think I see them! But they're not moving."
"Are they..." Jack swallowed.
"No. They're alive. Just unconscious." In the nick of time, Arcee and Bumblebee drove up behind. Perfect timing. Selena had a plan. They move in for the attack. "Arcee, Bumblebee, do you read me?"
"Loud and clear!"
"Miko and Raf are in the car second from the left. I'm going to tear it from the pack, you guys deal with the rest."
"You sure you can handle him on your own?" Arcee questioned her decision to fight alone.
"One metal loser won't even be a warm up." She boasted.
"Just be careful!" Arcee stressed. "You have hostages to worry about."
"Always!" Bulkhead rolled down his window. Selena undid her seatbelt. "Jack, you better bolt the second the fighting starts." She warned him. Jack held no arguments. Selena climbed to Bulkhead's roof. The powerful wind blew her hat off. She knelt on the roof, focused solely on one car. Closing her eyes she extended a hand, the lifted.
"WUH-WUH-WHAT'S HAPPENING..." The vehicon levitated off the ground, wheels spinning out of control for solid ground. Selena's eyes opened in a full red glow. She twisted and threw her arm. "WHOAAA..." The vehicon was launched several yards in the opposite direction. Selena decoupled, letting the wind take her to her prize. He landed square on his wheels. Neither he nor the children were scratched. Selena landed ahead of him. Only her glowing eyes could be seen. The other three Cons skid to a halt, flipping into their robot modes. Bulkhead and the others leapt into their robot forms, blasters at the ready. Jack sought cover behind a series of rocks.
"Where you guys, goin'? The party's just started!" Bulkhead charged first. The middle vehicon drew his guns. Bulkhead's wrecking ball already knocked him clear off his feet. The other two had his head between their blasters. Arcee and Bumblebee wrapped their legs to their necks, flipping the Con and sending them skipping across the dirt. "Time to teach these bozos that no one messes with our kids!"
xxx
Knockout and Breakdown waited in a canyon, growing steadily more impatient as five minutes became 15. Knockout put a hand to the wall, drumming his fingers on the rock and his hip.
"Think they got a flat tire?" Breakdown proposed, flicking a cactus unamused.
"It better be a flat tire." Knockout ran his talons, scarring the rock. He flashed his headlights, highlighting the specks tarnishing his lustrous red finish. "This dust bowl is leaving spots." He'd rather be changing Megatron's coolant tank.
Breakdown touched two fingers to his comlink. "Hey guys, where you at? And please say it's a flat." He whined. He wasn't in the mood for Knockout's hissy-fit induced rants. Static replied to Breakdown. He pressed the link two more times, trying to clear the static. "Breakdown to unit 1. Do you read?" Static again. Knockout's fumes over his finish evaporated.
An Autobot was reported in the area. No response, no updates - "Think we should call Starscream?"
"And tell him we lost two kids - FORGET IT!" Knockout forbade. "They should be nearby. Let's scope 'em out, and beat down whoever's forced me to endure this primitive weather!"
xxx
The vehicon revved his engines. Selena planted and spread her feet. The two stared each other down, not so much as twitching. Selena flourished her arms inward and shot her hands out. The vehicon's doors viciously tore off their hinges. He screamed in agony. The vehicon through on his high beams, blinding her. His tires screeched on the take off. Selena stomped, casting a magnetic veil. She moved her hands down. The car's hood came under her palms. She flipped around, grabbing hold by the vehicon's roof.
"HEY! GET OFF ME!" The vehicon veered sharply, fishtailing in a donut spin. Selena hooked her fingers in the roof. Half her body hung off the side. He found a foothold in the open door. The Vehicon jerked driving through the Autobots fight, using their battle as a means to shake up Selena. Touching loose dust he purposefully spinning in circles. Selena tightened her body, pressing her knees to keep from flying off. She was starting to regret eating that chilli bowl. The world was spinning. The Con darted in another direction, zigzagging frantically. Selena's one hand slipped. Her other was coming loose. "COME ON! GET OFF!"
"NOT...BEFORE...I...SAVE...THEM!" Selena crawled her way to the side of the car, snaking inside the back seat. She'd love a moment to regain her balance. Time wasn't on her side. She ripped the seat belts off. She tossed Rafael over her shoulder and held Miko under her arm. The vehicon had no intention of slowing down. Selena held her breath. She jumped out, digging her boots into a rough stop. Rafael and Miko - fast asleep like babies.
"Ratchet! I have Miko and Raf!" Jack came up behind, pleased to see his friends were safe. "Send a Groundbridge!" The vehicon, finally having enough, went into robot mode, gun's ready to blaze. "Hurry!" Selena left Rafael and Miko with Jack. He dragged them to a safe place. Although that wasn't very far.
"Transmitting coordinates! Groundbridge on its way!"
"Kid…" The vehicon aimed. The blaster whirring to a dangerous glow. "I've wanted to do this for a long time!" He chortled.
"Then you'll have to wait a bit longer!" The Con fired. Selena charged, the missed shot giving her boost. She kicked up dust flying at rapid speed. She swerved between the shots. The Decepticon skipped back, firing relentlessly. Selena came to his feet, pushing off his calf and coming to his face. "No one…" Her eyes glowed intensely. "TOUCHES-MY-KIDS!" Two punches to the grill and a devastating kick to the side of the head sent the Decepticon packing. He bounced on his front, reducing a pile of rocks to rubble. He groaned dazedly, rubbing his head. Selena drove her boots on the land, planting him in a sunken impression. "I don't know what your deal is, and I don't much care." Selena grabbed his back plating. The cold metal touching her skin gave her a familiar tingle. Miko, Raf, and Jack in danger brought on a very strong, and passionate peeve she wasn't aware she had. "I'm not sure why, but this is going to be very...poetic." She fined her hand like a blade. A crimson hued filled her eyes, then faded to grey.
"No...wait...LIEUTEN-" The Con's plights died when her hand impaled to his spark. He cried out, fidgeting in a spasm, then went offline.
Selena tore his circuitry right out of him, sliding off. Her legs keeled under the waning adrenaline. "Woof…" She panted.
"Selena!" Jack helped her to her feet, looping her arm around. "I've got ya."
"Thanks…" She replied breathlessly.
xXx
Arcee danced on her toes. The Decepticon threw a full force punch. Arce caught the arm, flipping the Con flat on his back. Arcee shot his processor, taking him offline. Bulkhead lifted the last two by their heads and cracked them together, taking them out of commission.
"Oh yeah! That's the stuff!" Bulkhead flexed his muscles. That was the best fun he'd had in a while. Humans can keep their holidays.
"And just in the nick of time." Arcee turned to be greeted by a groundbridge. Ratchet and Optimus exited, caught off guard by the carnage lying about. "Perfect timing. We just took out the last bit of the trash."
"Where are Selena and the children?" Optimus searched fretfully.
"Right here!" Jack and Selena hobbled, carrying Miko and Rafael. "Still in one piece, thanks to Selena." Jack praised. Optimus may have been pleased to see their damage was minimal, but was disheartened by Miko and Rafael's unconscious states.
Questions would come later. Breakdown and Knockout were coming in hot up the road. Bulkhead gave Selena and the kids a lift, sprinting to safety. Optimus and Ratchet covered their allies escape, locking their blasters on Knockout and Breakdown should they open fire.
Just as the two Decepticons shifted into robot forms, the Autobot groundbridge closed, sealing another defeat.
"Well that's just perfect!" Knockout spat. "We're two seconds late and down two hostages!" Breakdown groaned resignedly, dialing a com to the Nemesis. "What are you doing?" Knockout wavered.
"Hey, Scream, we found the unit holding the kids." Knockout's jaw hit the floor. He silently, and begrudgingly, cursed and slapped his palms to his faceplate. "They've been eviscerated. The Autobots left nothing behind. It's a bloodbath."
"Blasted Autobots! Will their interference never cease?!" Starscream is almost glad he wasn't too full of himself. But for the plan to fall apart with only two minutes. He could just drop offline.
"There's one more thing. One of the guys in the unit has no blaster damage." Starscream found that odd. Hand to hand combat is common place. No blaster burns is indeed a rarity. "In fact, aside from the popped doors, he's clean."
"Popped doors?"
"And I don't mean ripped off by Bulkhead. The links were popped like a cap. Completely clean." He shuddered, feeling his own door popping. "Sort of reminds me of Selena's work."
"Why would Selena attack one of our own?" Knockout disparaged his comparison. "Hello!" He knocked on Breakdown's seemingly empty head. "She hasn't been seen all night! OR FOR THE LAST FEW WEEKS!" His shout echoed in his audio receptors.
"Who knows?" Breakdown bellowed, twisting a finger in his ear. "Maybe the Bots put the squeeze on her. Dug up something?" Breakdown carefully proposed, hands raised. "Selena does have her skeletons. Wouldn't be farfetched if they knew a few."
xxx
"Noo! What isn't farfetched is the punishment you both shall endure upon return!" Starscream frothed at the mouth. Selena's hat fell off his hip. It...bothered Starscream. 'Reminds me of Selena's work.' Her phone signal, brutal yet clean aftermath, the human children in danger. A familiar M.O of Selena's. No! It's absolutely ridiculous! She would never betray me-ugh-the Decepticons! "Return to the Nemesis! We are done for the evening!"
xxx
Miko and Raf were set on the cough, out cold from their hectic ordeal. The Cons must have sprayed them with the same concoction Vince got hit with. For the best. Rest will be their cure all.
"How are they?" Selena pestered Ratchet for the umpteenth time in the last couple of hours.
"They're doing just fine." Ratchet stressfully assured her, lowering her to the ground. "By the morning they should wake up, and the entire ordeal will be a blur."
Selena put a hand to her chest, exhaling with relief. "Thank goodness."
"Thanks to you!" Jack slapped her on the back. "Without you, Raf and Miko wouldn't be 'sleeping'." Death left a horrible taste on his tongue. Not to mention he didn't want that image in his head. "Thank you, Selena."
" They...they're my friends." Selena blushed, circling her foot. She lovingly gazed upon the slumbering pair. "I didn't do much."
"You kidding me?!" Bulkhead jabbed a loving finger in her back. "If it weren't for you, we'd have lost Miko and Raf. You're a bona-fide hero!" Selena turned cherry red, waving her hands in protest.
"Bulkhead is correct." Optimus approached, smiling down on her. "Your quick thinking, instincts, and skill saved not only two humans, but two very important friends. They are in your debt."
"I'm just glad that color purple bothered me." She giggled, her cheeks flushing. She's still a bit baffled by that. Considering her hair is purple. "But I am curious as to why those cars had my choker insignia." She dangled the accessory.
Jack came prepared with an answer. "Before you lost your memory, you saw that insignia and liked it. So Ratchet made one for you." Ratchet cleared his throat. Selena would assume it was because her was embarrassed. In truth, it was another lie to keep her 'in check.'
"Did I know it belonged to a Decepticon?"
"You did. In fact...you've met a couple." He squeamishly revealed.
"That explains why the one said he'd been wanting to hurt me for a while. Guess I must have wronged him too." If lightning was able to strike at that very moment, the entire base would be incinerated. "SPEAKING OF WHICH!" Selena frantically dug out her phone. "Either Raf gets home in the next five minutes or Mrs. Esquibel kills me!"
"No arguments there." Jack helped Miko and Raf into Bulkhead, setting them comfortably. "Might as well drop me off while you're at it."
"In that case, see you guys next time?"
"Bright and early." Arcee knelt to her. "Your combat skills are rough around the edges. I wanna smooth them out."
"Bright and early it is." She waved to the team. The bots bid them farewell. Ratchet opened a bridge and sent them on their way.
"She risked her life for them." Arcee folded her arms, unable to believe her head was wrapping around accepting the outcome. "She's really lost her memory."
"Regardless, Selena would have risked everything to save those three." Optimus partially disagreed. "Her care for the children is the light within her darkness. She may not recall meeting them or ever having contact with them before now, but in her heart she will never forget how much they mean to her."
"Not that I'm skeptical - what else, do you think, her heart hasn't forgotten?" Meaning, is there a part of Selena that remembers who it was that turned her not only an orphan, but also made her endangered.
To be continued.
Sorry if it's not that good. Work's got me buggy.