Autobots stayed in place, whispering their questions on the biggest topics right now. Those being the missing Hound and Sentius Magnus. Cliffjumper observed his comrades, knowing they're full of worry like he was. No one's sure about the sudden news and the mysterious deaths. Not with a surprise visit from the Joes themselves.
Humans walked by their base, those bearing those red white and blue colors. It left a bad taste in the mini red Autobot. Optimus ordered them to stay put or away back in their quarters. With enforcement from Ultra Magnus and Skyfire in his new body. The sight of his new frame left a shiver in him, seeing the Autobot's Cybertron armor taken away to who knows where. Research for what!? This was an awful idea! How come Prime was so willing to partake in this insanity?!
Prowl walked by the various Autobots, avoiding the humans as they kept inspecting the Ark. Who knows what they could find in the metal hull. Cliffjumper kept a sneer, leaving Mirage to shake his helm. Everyone will never forget that 'Traitor' incident. Red armor shuffled over to the speedy car.
"Mirage, something fishy's going on."
"Fishy? Did one get logged into your helm?"
"No, but I know something's up. Why would the humans be wanting this so much? Look at them, poking at the walls, who knows what else they're trying to take."
Prowl approached, servos on his hips with a frown. "Will you two stop it? I know none of us wanted this, but its our one way of dealing with it. We must keep the peace between Autobots and humans."
"What about what they did to Hound!?"
"I know, Hound's reconstruction was quite grim, but we need to focus elsewhere. I'm sure we'll find him when we can. Sentius Magnus too."
"Fine, but let me go back to my quarters than."
"Don't do anything stupid!" Mirage piped up.
"Can it Mirage!" Cliffjumper stormed off to his own personal quarters. Outside of his room, he slammed the door shut before he locked it. Then slipping away as no one watched.
The voices seemed to grow stronger in one of the bigger rooms. Human voices; the red mech followed, noticing it to be Optimus' office. He cracked the door a bit, than took a look in. Due to his smaller height, he shouldn't get caught with ease. He'd see the Prime alongside the smaller life forms right there.
Optimus sat at his desk, with Duke and other humans present on the metal surface. "You believe these killings have to do with Cybertronian affairs?" The Prime watched the documents shown through a projection. Each face of the victims present.
"Years ago, there was a testing facility that each of these people worked at. So far, a few of them died a few weeks ago or in a day. We still have no idea who could be doing this. We finished going through the rampage at Cobra Headquarters a few days ago. But, that's why we're following Hound. He has our technology, which is making it easy to tell where he's going." Duke began, keeping a stern look. Melody kept her face down, looking at her intertwining hands.
Cliffjumper clenched his servo, but noticed Prowl, Goldfire and Springer approaching. "Wanted to hear it too? They bugged Hound!"
The door opened and Ironhide stepped out. "This is private, I know you want to figure it out, but we can't risk any human and Cybertronian alliances. I know Hound is a good soldier, but he can handle himself."
"What about when Hound got taken down by those Joes?!" huffed.
"Out!"
Ironhide gave them the boot, slamming the door shut.
"Ouch...great idea Cliffjumper." Goldfire whined.
"Can it! I'm going to help Hound and get that bug off him!" The red minibot stomped off as Springer ran after him. Prowl groaning before chasing after Goldfire.
"Care for me to join in?" Springer grinned.
"More help the better." Cliffjumper replied. The two snuck away as the rest were busy following orders.
Daylight shined down as Hound looked up from the screen. The two Seekers kept watch outside the windows. No one dared try to sleep until morning came as they soared through the mountains of the middle of America. The lone Autobot noticed the two Seekers approaching him. Yet, their weapons weren't drawn out.
Thundercracker chimed up, wings flicking as he looked at his fellow Seeker. "Skywarp, you were with Magnus, can tell us what happened?"
"So, as we were flickering through the tapes, we found a video of a female human talking about Viper." Skywarp began.
"What about Viper did she go into detail on?" Hound turned his helm to stare at the purple Seeker.
"Viper's not normal, something about him is different. Then it cut to some footage of an accident, the one that was Viper's birth. I'm sure of it. It scared me, as I noticed a symbol appeared below him. I got a good look at it too, I'll try to draw it out. Once we saw that, Sentius Magnus went crazy. What if it's because I know something he didn't want anyone else to know?" Skywarp's wings drooped as he got out his gun. The two watched as SW burned a marking into a part of the shuttle.
It's a circle, bearing the twelve symbols of the Primes. Yet, there's three other symbols within the encirclement. Thundercracker stared before chirping. "Looks like this mystery is much more than we expected." He trailed off.
"I'll need to try to ask someone who may know a thing or two about this. I know one I can trust, but I'm not sure on the Decepticons." Hound spoke up, while TC and SW replied with large frowns.
"We were almost killed by an Autobot! He's dangerous to us and tried killing you!" Thundercracker boomed, wings flaring as Skywarp shied away.
"The Primes are in this mess too, yet it involves Viper's birth. Doesn't this add up to something?" The green mech spoke in his usual calmness. "Skywarp, give me footage of this memory, and the symbol. I know someone who may be able to help. I hope I'm not roping him into any danger." Hound took a deep vent, knowing he's putting a lot of trust into this friend.
Cliffjumper and Springer ran down the hallway. Ultra Magnus behind with his servos outreached for both. Once nearing a corner, they snuck into a room, taking deep vents as the large mech ran by.
In the silence, they'd turn their optics to find Perceptor lying on his berth. The mech's shuffling about, which left the two to hide behind some large equipment.
The mech ran through dark streets, taking deep vents and trying not to alert the intruder. Spark hammered in his chest, as a figure came closer with a gleaming hook. "There you are!"
"No!"
Blue optics glowed, Perceptor sat up. He trembled before getting off his berth, tripping a few times in his stumble. Odd, who'd send a message that's urgent and not from Prime? He looked and stared at the inscription.
Hey Perceptor, I found this image and want you to look into it if you can. Don't tell Optimus or the others, I don't want more people joining us. Thanks! ~Hound.
The microscope grabbed a piece of paper and sketched it out. "Fascinating, I'd better see if I can find anything about it." He hummed, turning to notice Cliffjumper and Springer huddled by the door.
"What are you doing in here?!"
"Sneaking our way out of this place." Cliffjumper replied.
"But Optimus said we have to go under." He paused, remembering what that word brought. "Because of the humans, until the humans finished speaking with us." Perceptor replied.
"Hound needs our help." Springer replied.
"Hound? I got a message from him. Still this is rude!"
"What did it say?" Cliffjumper got up and tried to look intimidating to the scientist.
"Something about a symbol. I need to go find the archives and see if anything like this is on file. If you can help me, then I'll give you my help!" Perceptor smiled.
"Alright then, let's go. Make sure to watch out for Ultra Magnus and his brigade." Springer smirked as they opened the door.
Humans filled the archives, sorting through the various items and records. Perceptor walked by them, causing some eyebrows to raise. "I'm under orders from Optimus to retrieve some documents for a report." He smiled, then typed into the database.
Springer and Cliffjumper waited, hearing the typing of the scientist. Gripping their guns and waiting for what felt like forever.
Then, Ultra Magnus showed up. Chaos than erupted and caused alert for the humans and Perceptor. The American soldiers look up at the red Autobot, who returned to typing as the doors broke open. Ultra Magnus lied on the floor, groaning as the two other Autobots began to defend Perceptor.
"Give me a few minutes and I should be able to find it!" He yelled. Ducking a few times as bullets tried to pierce the hardened Cybertronian metal. Springer's sword deflected the bullets, letting them fall to the ground. Cliffjumper's Glass Gas Missiles crash near the humans, tainting their metal guns. Shattered remains of them fall to the ground. The organic creatures backed off, calling for reinforcements.
The room is a mess, as sirens go off. A frown appeared before the scientist noticed the symbol appearing on screen. "I found it!" A grin appeared as he then began to download the information.
"Good, now copy it so we can get out of here!" Springer fired back, making sure to avoid attacking any humans or fellow Autobots.
"I have it now!" Perceptor ran up to the other two Autobots.
"Good, now run as fast as you can!" Springer gripped onto the scientist's arm.
They scrambled out of the room through another exit. Cliffjumper shot a few more Glass Gas Missiles to leave the floor dangerous to traverse on.
Outside, Sky Lynx tapped his claws on the ground, glaring at the humans guarding the Ark's entrance. He'd take notice of them starting to panic and run? The mech tilted his helm before noticing three Autobots running towards him. With other Autobots chasing them?
"Get us out of here Sky Lynx!" Cliffjumper yelled.
A devious grin appeared on the shuttle. "All aboard gentlemen!" He opened up his armor and allowed the mechs to enter inside. As bullet fire flew by, the space shuttle transformed and flew off into the sky.
"Hold onto something my friends! We have others on my gracious tail!"
"I'll fend them off, get out of this state and we should be okay!" Cliffjumper got out his rocket launcher, much to Perceptor's protests.
Springer dragged the scientist to a nearby char and strapped him in. The short red Autobot took aim at the Aerialbots soaring towards them. "Back off, if you know what's coming to you." He fired one out, as it crashed towards Skydive. The minibot looked away as the jet's brothers diverted the hunt and went for their spiraling one.
"Excellent shot Cliffjumper, that should get their attention away from us for a while. Although I know it hurts." Sky Lynx spoke up as the door shut.
"We have to leave, they might try to send in back up." He dropped down his rocket launcher, stomping to a chair and trying not to feel the guilt consume him.
Springer approached the downtrodden mech. "Welcome to life as a Wrecker. Now Sky Lynx, follow Hound's last transmission. Perceptor, enter in that information!"
"I will, but will also see if I can contact Hound. I know what ship he used, so I'll try to share him the information as well." Perceptor sprung from his seat and approached a computer installed into the shuttle. Then he began to enter in a few letters, entering the data from his processor.
Hound? Its me, Perceptor. I found the information you wanted. Its quite interesting. Once I get a direct link with you, I'll share it.
Thundercracker heard a blip from the monitor and noticed a message. "Huh, hey Hound, Skywarp, someone's trying to message us?"
"I'll look, it might be an Autobot. Still, I'll take it with caution." Hound smiled, checking it out. "I knew I could trust you Perceptor."
Springer smirked once seeing the call option pop up. Before glaring at the two Seekers on screen.
"What did you do to Hound!?" Cliffjumper screamed.
Hound's helm popped up. "Oh, sorry about that! I found these two while I was with Sentius Magnus."
"Where is he?" Perceptor chimed.
"He went crazy and tried to kill us!" Skywarp screamed.
"Kill you? I understand Skywarp and Thundercracker, what about you Hound?" Perceptor jumped.
Hound frowned, then nodded. "Where are you calling from? That looks like Sky Lynx's interior."
"Joes, they wanted us under lockdown until they found everything they wanted. They bugged you Hound! They're tracking you!"
The green Autobot stared, hearing TC and SW mumble.
"We knew not to trust humans, I wonder if they bugged me too." Skywarp whispered.
"They're dead, they shouldn't find any use with tracking you down. Until we know how to remove it, I guess the second best option is to shut down Hound." Thundercracker added.
"If its to ensure we don't get captured by the humans, then do so. We'll need to find a place to meet up." Skywarp added.
"Perceptor has some information to give out before you'll rest Hound. My assumption involves those murders that have popped up. The Joes want to know who's killing them. So, we'll need to know, but how to start?" Cliffjumper added.
"Viper, we haven't seen him for the past few weeks, neither Nightbird or Impactor. Sentius Magnus snapped when he saw footage of Viper, like, they knew each other before?" Skywrap added.
"With Malus gone too, we've got few places to go to. Us Decepticons do have trackers, so we may find Viper. Although Megatron's the one who knows. Maybe I can convince Soundwave. For now, let's try meeting up at a beach or something. Away from America since the Joes will try to catch us too." Thundercracker added. Then taking aim of one of his EMP missiles. "Need to rig this to make it last longer. Sorry Hound, even when we're working together I gotta put a few dents."
"As long as we can continue this search. Perceptor, what's the information you found out?"
"Ah yes. According to ancient Cybertronian writings, there were three Guardians. Sentius Nobilius is the first, who then took two others. Those under his wings to guide them in his ways to protect the Archives. Oh, there was a special call that the Guradians knew. It brings aid of the Primes and the other two Guardians when needed. That's when a symbol appears, the same one you showed me. The Guardians names are of course, Sentius Nobilius, but we also have one named Bismuth and, huh?" Perceptor trailed off.
"What's wrong?" Sky Lynx asked.
"Someone deleted the rest. Looks to be fresh too, I'll try to find a backup file, but, why would anyone delete it?" He typed a few codes. Still nothing. The scientist huffed, continuing to type up any backup files he could think of.
I dozed off again, back here in the moment in time I left off at. No pain again, it feels nice to dream without worrying over it again. That pain, the intense pain I'd feel over and over again. Now knowing the cause, it still brings rage to my soul, or do I have one? It's confusing, and I try to understand. Who's dreams are these? No matter how many times I ask myself that, I know no answer will come...
Nobilius and my host traveled through this old hallway. I could feel an intense aura well up in this body. It's so confusing to me, I recognize this from a long time ago, when was this? Why do I recognize it when I've never been in here before?
"Do not fear me, I know how it must be to now step in the presence of Primes. They wanted me to find a disciple. Another guardian since the Vault contains the greatest artifacts in Cybertron's history. Now tell me, outside of your brute strength, is there anything else you can do?"
What the? Another guardian? Of any mind to watch, it had to be this one. I heard the shakiness in the mech's voice, but I couldn't decipher the words. It irritated me. Why can't I know who this is? It leaves me scared, unsure who I am, I know my name, but not this form. This vision.
Nobilius and my figure walked across the dreamy halls. We'd soon arrive to a large seal on the wall. This room is a huge dome, able to fit so many inside. There's something up above, a light source? What a soft blue color, it eased my processor, yet I couldn't stop staring at the seal.
"Do you recognize this? It's the Archives, the place everyone remembers in their corrupt dreams. Powerful items hide here, that could drive anyone mad without the will. Such an item is my sword. This blade can make miracles, but can create awful curses. You do not know that, do you. I can kill with this and purge evil and good from within. It's beautiful, isn't it?" Nobilius lifted his sword, showing a dazzling brilliance upon the Sword of Balance.
I'd remember staring at Malus when he held onto his fragment. Why did shivers run through me both during that time, and now? No, I battled Sentius Magnus, how he'd bear such a golden glare. To stare deep into mine brilliant Bermuda. It's like Malus did when we first met after he accepted the Decepticon symbols. I don't understand why, it's like a nightmare that no one can see. I'm so lonely in it, I wished someone could let themselves in to watch this. A holy angel who'd show me where to go. Could that be what Nobilius is? This body, I feel captive all the same...
"Well, it's best I show you where to go, it's going to be a busy day tomorrow. You're bearing scars from those who rejected you. Because of what you feared."
My host's voice distorted again, before I watched him follow the giant. Yet, I could tell there's a sliver of a smirk on his golden face. Darn it Malus, stop getting into my head.
This room's much like an ancient bathhouse. Large murals intertwined with Cybertron's interior. Impressive, ancient history lost to me. Yet, a pool of a coolant remained still, never disturbed for so long. A part of me felt guilty for doing this, but it's my host's story, not mine.
I could tell Nobilius watched from his post, the new frame took a few shaky steps in. Long ripples spread far and wide. It's like a child who threw a stone to the park's lake. I stared with amazement in my optics. Then, the fluid grabbed onto my weary processor. I must be in a lot of pain right now back in the ship. These dreams or memories, hit me so hard. Why must these ancient ones cause such massive helmaches? My memories of Cobra birthing me, they hurt enough thank you! One day, I'll find someone who will bring my sane mind back, when I don't feel like a prisoner to my past.
Pouring down, down my body and soul, if I bore one. So welcoming, taking the scars off, exposing a true sense of myself. That I'm bathing within Primus' veins. I needed this, the pain can get to much at times. Everything next becomes a blur...
Until I awoke, staring at myself in the reflection, it's the first time I could know who I inhabited. Those blue optics, sent such a shiver in my frame. We bore the same blue optics. My processor began to malfunction. Colors and shapes distorting and spinning in my vision. Then, the coolant flowed over me, drowning within a warmth I could imagine myself dying in...
Blue optics glowed underneath the harsh sunlight. Palm trees swayed, leaving him to sit up. Viper shook his helm, noticing yellow optics in front of him. "Nightbird?"
"You passed out again during the flight. Are you sure they're dreams or memories?"
"I wished I knew, I keep seeing things that scare me."
"Oh, such as?"
"There's a mech's body I inhabit. I got a glimpse at his body. He has my optics."
"Same blue hue?"
Viper nodded, getting up before noticing his reflection. "My armor, it's repaired. Thank you Nightbird."
"I wished I could take all credit. Your frame somehow had regenerative capabilities that I've never seen before."
"It did? Strange, I was such a mess. Where's Impactor?"
"Scouting ahead for the two targets. We're at Nali, quite amazed how it happened so fast. Viper, do you think these visions have to do with what we're doing?"
"What do you mean?"
"After the failed Cobra collaboration was when those visions began. You said whenever you thought back, it'd hurt."
"It still does, but it hurts so much more now. Don't try to risk it, I don't want to be in pain again. This is paradise, for now."