Need for Speed
Three emblematic sports cars measuring their speed power in an epic race. Much in game and objective clear in mind, nothing could bring them down as their sparks were on it... It was all a need for speed.
Disclaimer - I don't own Transformers Prime, which is property of its rightful owner.
Need for Speed by Skyhope.021
10~04~2020
Long since I started writing this shot. I intended it to make it shorter, but ideas came on their own, so they had to be written down. This fic happens after Dangerous Ride event.
The idea rose up to me when I watched the episode 8 from season 2, Nemesis Prime.
We never got to see Bumblebee, Smokescreen and Knockout racing all against each other in show, that would have been awesome. Smokey wasn't even introduced yet back then, but it was a way of letting it know there would be another sport car, the only primary colour left, the blue one.
Even though the fact we never saw them together hot on wheels, the producers let a hint of it when Jack, Miko and Raf were playing at the base with radio controlled toys. Didn't those cars look somehow familiar?
Another thing I noticed in this episode is the song Agent Fowler is humming at the beginning, when he is driving back form unit E. I never thought about it, until few days ago. It took me ages to relate it, but it got me when I hummed myself a song from the transformers franchise, The Touch by Stan Bush, which I discovered few days ago too. I realised they were just exactly the same! Another hint towards the G1 form TFP crew, good one!
Anyway, hope you like it!
Enjoy!
Need for Speed
Tension and excitement were tangible. There was much at stake as the bets were real high. It would be an epic moment, three participants, one only victor. The duel would be fierce, and there would be no mercy. Spectators roared at the back, but they three reminded concentrated, it was everything to them, but not for the pilots. Bets meant nothing to them, no, it was all about their honour and recognition. The winner would be respected and the losers would be left in the dust.
It was almost time, they had to get ready. Three impressive machines advanced to the starting line, where they stood awaiting. Each one studied the adversary, narrowed eyes, concentrated. The engines could be heard loud as racers revved up, what made the crowd roar louder. It wouldn't take long for them to star, after all, there wasn't much time until authorities made to them, and that was something they could not allow to happen. It was now or never.
Everything went cold silent as time seemed to stop. Yellow, blue and red. Unique in their kind, the best three racing cars known in the world, just lined up to measure their horsepowers. It was gonna be a rare yet memorable event, and three of them were ready to win. They finally focused as the linesman talked up. "Circuit drivers, are you ready?" Three of them nodded in response. "Ok then, play it hard, but keep it clean. Fire on the five... Four... Three... Two... One!"
The drivers pressed the gas deep down, as vehicles speeded up fast. Cheers were heard once again, after all, diversion was served. Three of them rolled smooth, over the paved way, fighting hard, none giving away. The blue car seemed to be gaining advantage as it started to get away, closely chased by the other two. Serene but steady drove forwards, pulling ahead. It seemed an easy race for it, but curves where just ahead, and competitors behind were nimble. It wold be difficult to maintain the pole position.
The cobalt one broke lightly to take the curves as straight as he could, but it was then when a cherry shade with decals overtook him from the right, cutting the way to the chasers. Risky but effective, the red vehicle had just sneaked into first place, determined to win. Its aggressiveness and impulsiveness at the wheel were impeccable, making it a rival of its own.
Each turn was sharper than the one before, but that didn't dishearten them, on the contrary, it took it to a whole new level. Hearts beating fast in excitement, eyes opened, eyebrow frowned, hands firmly on the controls, and objective locked onto finish line.
The race was intense as none of them seemed to stay behind, fighting fiercely for first place. There wasn't a better reward than the sweet-sweet victory, and that was it. It would definitely demonstrate who was the nimblest one at the wheel, the master of the road. The spectators were fully into the competition, shouting up and gasping at the cuts and thrusts, there was too much in the game.
The racers advanced fast in their way, already heading the last sharp curve, directly into the final stage. The yellow car with black decals, which had remained behind the whole time, made it to the front, gaining incredulity gazes as it was totally unexpected, leading now. The strategy had been smart and successful, by making believe his opponents it was getting behind and with no chances at all. But it wasn't over yet. The red followed its tail closely and the blue one wasn't far away.
The race was now more vivid than never. The finish line was getting close, but the victory remained unclear. The golden car could see the azure one was now driving just by its side as the crimson one had managed to catch up with them both. Three of them perfectly lined up, pushing the gas to the limit, refusing to lose. Almost there, it was clearly gonna be a photo finish... If it hadn't being for the giant white and orange pede that landed in front of them.
The three vehicles crashed against it at full speed, one of them even bouncing against the obstacle and skidding few feet away. The crowd awed stunned, optics wide in surprise, jaws dropped. It was a terrible accidents, yet the drivers didn't seem disturbed by that fact, though some were really annoyed.
"Urgh! Ratchet, I was winning!" Miko complained, resting her right hand on her hips while shook the control in her left, frowning.
"No waaay!" The youngest mech whinged, gesturing to the toy cars on the ground. "You ruined the best race ever! Team Smokescreen was on the lead, and was gonna totally scrap team 'Bee and team Ko."
*You weren't. Raf was clearly ahead.* Bumblebee retorted, grinning under his mask. *No way you could win us. We've got more experience and a better technic.*
"No, no. WE were winning." The red doctor came back, resting his claws on his chassis, dragging all the attention to him. "It's obvious we were the fastest ones around, and we have more experience for sure, thus we won."
"You would like to, Knockout!" The dark haired boy replied to him, singsonging. "You may be the most experience at real street racing, but Miko's not. Admit it, Team Knockout would have never won." Jack teased, enjoying the daring glare the former 'Con gave him, knowing his guardian was just by his side, ready to react if needed. The red mech just huffed, puffing all his plates up, crossing his arms and diverting his gaze, pissed off.
"Dude!" Miko punched Jack on his arm, as he whined. "Don't mess up with my Archnemesis!"
Bulkhead felt proud. "That's my little wrecker."
Arcee giggled and looked down at her protégée. "That was fair, Jack."
Raf walked forwards, curious, and asked at loud. "Ratchet, is there anything wrong?" He titled his head to look at the white and orange mech into the optics.
"I'm working on a delicate project which requires concentration. You were shouting too loud." The old medic started. "Besides, I do believe you all have duties to resume, chop-chop. Energon cubes are not moving to the store on their own." Ratchet scolded.
"Exactly!" The blue Elite Guard exclaimed. "That's what we were gambling about, about who would be the lucky team without duties." He explained. "Arcee and I would have been the lucky ones if you hadn't ruined our victory." He added signalling his human counterpart, Jack.
"No way, smarty." Knockout prepared to retort once again when Arcee cut him off.
"We should do as Ratchet says." The azure femme finally talked. "Five pair of servos can do more than just two pairs, don't you think so?"
*Well, at the end we've been caught by the authorities.* Bumblebee sighted, walking towards the energon piled at the corner. *Let's get to work.*
The other mechs just looked at each other, and after some minutes mumbling about it they finally got to work. "Hey, Archnemesis, check tyre pressure, direction alignment and integrity of the chassis. Whenever we're done carrying the energon, we're definitely winning that race." The younger medic replied to his driver, optics shining bright, smirk in faceplates.
"No races allowed in the main hall." Immediately replied Ratchet, grabbing out of nowhere one of his wrenches and waving it on sight, making sure everyone got the idea.
The Autobots immediately turned to their work, hurrying to get it done. "Hey we cannot let it this way." Smokey murmured. "We need to finish it."
"You crazy?" Bulk replied, glaring over his shoulder briefly. "Ratchet has taken the secret weapon out, you wanna risk your spark?" The gaze to the floor was enough answer.
They all walked down the corridors towards the store when one of them broke the silence. *Hey, Smokescreen is right. We cannot leave it like that. It's true we cannot use the ground bridge platform nor the main hall...* Bumblebee started, silently, resting down the pair of cubes he was carrying. They came to a stop middle way as they left the energon on the floor. *... But no one said anything about the training hall.*
"I thought Knockout was the swindle one, but 'Bee, you're even worse!" Arcee shook her helm. "Since when are you so fond of races?"
*Don't know.* The scout shrugged. *But I'm curious, so why not giving it another shot?*
"So be it." The former 'Con chucked over his shoulder guard, as he nodded in acceptance, before trurning to look at the yellow mech. "Now you're talking my language, Bumblebee."
"So, what will the next thing we will gamble about?" Bulk dared to ask, making sure they were far enough from Ratchet.
"Wash racks tanks." Smokescreen stated, getting awes from his comrades.
"Uhh!" Knockout whistled. "Heavy duty!"
Humans gathered the toy cars and walked up to the cat walk. "Hey, Raf, sorry I crashed your new model so hard." Jack apologised as he had realised the front piece of the blue vehicle was damaged and out of place.
"No problem!" He grinned, taking it into his hands and giving it a look. "I was looking for an upgrade. Well, this is gonna be the perfect chance for it. When I got this piece replaced, and with some minor repaints, it will look much closer to Smokescreen."
"You're collecting the whole Team Prime in miniature cars?" Miko turned to look at him, still holding her red racing car.
"Yes, and I only lack one more to have it complete." Raf nodded. "I like to think they are like the real team, always close when you need them."
"That's wonderful, Raf." Jack sat down by his side. "And which one you have left?"
"It's quite difficult to find a radio controlled ambulance, but I'm not giving up yet." He replied leaving the models on the table. "I'm sure I'll find it soon."
"I'm sure you will." Miko sat by his other side. "No team should remain without their respective Ratchet!" They giggled at the imaginary scene of Raf's room with the 'Bots rolling around.
"That would be funny." The little one admitted.
"You know what would be awesome?" Miko got closer, lowering her voice. "The actual trio giving it all. You know, Smokey, triple B and Ko racing for real. How cool would be that?!"
"Miko, no." Jack felt a pang of worry. "It would go against the Autobot rules."
"I know, I know, but just imagine it." She rose her gaze, day dreaming. "Three legends, one race! Who you think would win?"
"That's something we will never get to know." Ratchet replied, not making optic contact. "You've better not suggest it to the team. Knockout will become a real annoyance, and Smokescreen would go over it once and again, so no, you've better not."
"Fine." Miko gave up, crossing her arms. "I just said it would be awesome." Her cellphone suddenly vibrated, dragging her attention. Taking it out, showed it to her friends. "It's Doc Knock. He says he has a new location for racing, and a better gambling yet." She whispered, resuming the message.
"You gave your phone number to a former 'Con?" Jack asked stunned.
"Of course, he's part of the team now." Miko replied shrugging. "Besides, it's a two way comm. I can stalk him whenever I want, if needed." Her sly grin said it all. There was was a silence before someone talked.
"So, where and when should we gather?" Raf talked this time, excitement in his eyes.
"Training hall in ten minutes." She answered. "Should be going if we wanna be in time."
They gathered as planned, and by the time the humans made it there, the cybertronians had already drawn a circuit on the flat ground, so it was more realistic than just driving around the logo on the floor of the main hall. Jack had repaired temporary his racing car, and they got them ready, making sure the batteries where still charged and the vehicles well functioning. They finally stood at the stating lane, and waited for the lainmech to give instructions.
The former 'Con walked up to the front, clearing his voice, and turned to talk to the audience. "So, I think everything is quite clear, so I won't go much over it. So long story short. Team Bumblebee goes with the yellow car, driver Raf, support teammates, 'Bee. Team Smokescreen, goes with the blue car, driver Jack and as support, Arcee and Smokey. Last but not least, Team Knockout, with the best ever looking model, driven by Miko, and Bulkhead and myself as support." He resumed. "Even if is not my style, I've been asked to remember you this is a race of much importance, thus I want it clean, no cheating allowed, if not automatically you'll be disqualified. We've created an actual circuit much larger than the one before, and more complicated of course. That will add more excitement to it. Clear till now?"
"Yes." They replied.
"Good, second point. This is a serious race, we have decided to go hard on the bet, and is much what is at game. In case you're wondering it, the losers will have to clean the wash racks for a orn, in human terms, a cybertronian week, equivalent to a human month time. So no need to remind you, you must win, Miko. No pressure, just remember, no mercy." He emphasised it by closing his servo into a fist, determined gaze on.
"But it would be funny to see you working, Doc Knock." The girl laughed.
"Yeah, but you don't want to see your beloved guardian getting all covered in... Wastes, do you?" She shook her head a no. "Well then, make sure you win."
"Knockout." Arcee warned.
"Getting back to the point. Get in position." He walked to the rest of the team, leaving the kids on their own.
"Come on Jack, you can do it!" Arcee cheered up.
"Beat them all!" The young Elite Guard shouted loud.
*Show them who has driven for longer, Raf.* 'Bee beeped genuinely.
Hearing that, Bulk clashed his fists together. "Miko, go on the wrecker style."
"Archnemesis, dust them all!" Knockout too cheered up, and when silence was settled among the group, talked again. "Circuit drivers, are you ready? You know the rules, play it hard, but keep it clean. Fire on the five... Four... Three... Two... One!"
Three sports car hurried to take off, racing for real. Everything was at game, and this time there would no be no obstacles in their way to the victory, only rightful opponents fighting for the same goal.