Author's note. Hope everyone had a nice Halloween and enjoys this new chapter.
Written by me and annpar2009.
Enjoy and please review.
Back at the rec-room spike was still napping and hugging his blanket as he slept, Laserbeak was watching him from the table. Not too long Thundercracker made his way to the rec-room and when he saw the way Spike was napping with his blanket it was just too adorable, moment like this would be great to capture in a picture.
"Laserbeak, are there any image recorders about?" he asked in a low voice, he didn't want to ruin the perfect picture.
"Yes, I have one," she said, amused by his anxious expression. She quickly brought it out of her sub space and Thundercracker took it straight away. Making sure Ricochet was still sleeping, he carefully took a few pictures before sighing at how adorable the Sparkling was.
Once done, he came closer to Ricochet and gently touched his shoulder. When the Sparkling didn't wake, he carefully lifted him up in his blanket and wrapped it around him before resting him against his shoulder. The little one sighed in his sleep before snuggling closer to his guardian making Laserbeak coo at the cuteness of the scene.
"I'm sorry he gave you trouble earlier," Thundercracker told her as he patted Ricochet's back.
"That's sparklings for you," she said ruefully. "I'll be more vigilant next time."
"Of course, I should get going" The seeker said and added "Again Thank you for watching him."
"It was my pleasure, I should to return to Soundwave," Laserbeak said.
They both made their exit and went their separate ways, Thundercracker went back to his quarters where Ricochet could sleep peacefully, he just needed to grab a cube for him in case the sparkling would wake up hungry.
But since he finished his work and with Ricochet sleeping, he had the rest of the day to do whatever he wanted to do.
"There we go little one," he said tenderly, gently placing the sparkling in his little crib. "You have a good sleep."
Ricochet just squirmed in his sleep before settling down again. Thundercracker smiled, he seemed so much better now, not all agitated and feverish anymore. Keeping the lights dim so as not to disturb his charge, he went over to his berth and sat down, pondering what he could do. Even though he was free to do what he wished, his mind couldn't help but turn to Ricochet and what he could do for him. The little Sparkling would probably love to get outside but there was the ever present threat of Autobots to consider.
Back at the Arc Sparkplug was back in learning what it means to be a Cybertronian.
"How much longer?" he questioned.
"What do you mean how much longer?" Ratchet asked and looked at the human.
"I have read everything you have given me about Sparkling care," Sparkplug said and added "As well about Cybertronian Biology."
Ratchet at this point knew where he was going with this and Sign two fingers to his optics, why where humans so impatient? Again he couldn't blame Sparkplug, any creation would demand the same.
"We are doing the best we can," the medic replayed.
"But not fast enough, at this rate Spike will be raised by them and fight us in this war," Sparkplug almost yelled, trying to hold back his emotions is challenging.
He looked at them furiously but Ratchet understood his frustration. This was Sparkplug's only sparkling, of course he was going mad with worry that the Decepticons would permanently keep Spike. It was a creator's worst nightmare come true and Sparkplug was beyond stress.
"We can't rush this," he said gently. "You know why we can't tell the Cons who Spike really is. We can't predict their reaction."
"I know," growled Sparkplug, arms folded.
"Plus, we don't want Megatron getting the bright idea to start kidnapping humans and transforming them," Ratchet added darkly. With such vast numbers, there would definitely be humans out there that would willing serve as a Decepticon solider for all the benefits it would give them.
"I get that," the human before him groaned. "I just worry about Spike getting attached to them...or that Seeker deciding he'll never let him go. What if the effects suddenly wear off, he might kill Spike in his rage."
"I know," Ratchet said soothingly. "We just want to ensure you'll pass for a Cybertronian, we're almost there."
"I hope so, what do I need to learn to pass a Cybertronian?" Sparkplug asked.
He was determined to get this right, the faster the quicker he might see his boy.
"There is more to us then just refuelling Energon each day," Ratchet said and started to add up a few things they do.
"We have health check up's with is pretty common, at time if we have the time or opportunity we do get oil baths, we work each day to earn money as you humans do."
Sparkplug was holding a hand to his face and cut Ratchet off.
"Ratchet! I know all of this, it's on my list remember."
"Of course. You need to learn how to speak our language for one, we Autobot's have a different alphabet than the Decepticons," Ratchet pointed out and sent him a file.
Sparkplug looked at his small data-pad and opened the file and started at a strange alphabet he never seen before, but under the strange alphabet was an English version of it so the latter would make since to him.
"I prepared this one not so long ago for you, but you also need to learn not to speak as a human nor in gesture or in your behaviour," Ratchet told him and added. "I'm very serious on this one, if the Decepticon catch a hint of you acting as a human.. we'll lose everything then"
Sparkplug felt hopelessness threaten to wash over him.
"How can I fool them?" he asked in desperation. "I have to act completely as an Autobot in as little time as possible."
What was worse, since he was supposed to be a new bot to Earth, he couldn't use the excuse that he'd been hanging out with humans too much. His son's life was on the line and he wasn't sure he could pull this off.
"We'll get yah through this," Ironhide cut in fiercely.
"Indeed," Optimus agreed. "Just observe us, look at how we are different to humans. You'll pick it up Sparkplug, I am sure of it."
"You have probably already picked up some habits subconsciously," Prowl now offered. "This may be easier than you realise.
Sparkplug wasn't so sure but he had to try. There was little use in giving up now.
"Maybe, I only hope I can remember all these symbols," Sparkplug gestured to the tablet with the Autobot Alphabet. It looked so alien and he had no idea where to start.
"Which a lot of practice you won't have to worry about it," Prowl promised him and added "If you wish, I do have a free hour later at the afternoon to help you out."
"Thank you, I can use the lesson," Sparkplug thanked him for the proposal.
"In the meanwhile ah can help yah out to get started," Ironhide offered. He wasn't worried too much about Prowl, but he could get a bit too strict to do it by the book.
"That would be good, thanks," Sparkplug said gratefully, he should try to watch Ironhide and see if he could pick up how he moved. "I'll do my damndest to learn."
"Ah know," Ironhide nodded at him, mentally thinking that when Sparkplug had a proper Cybertronian body, he would teach him some self-defence moves. "Come on, let's get started on some basics, Prowl can expand later."
"Don't overdo it," Ratchet warned, if Sparkplug was overwhelmed with too much information, he'd recall less. "Give yourself time of breaks."
"I will," Sparkplug promised although he was not sure how well he'd manage. He just wanted to learn it as fast as possible, so they could get his boy back.
He and Ironhide found a quiet room to study, they started of my learning each Alphabet in under and how to pronounce it. Ironhide made sure that Sparkplug went over it a few good time to have it sink in, but with breaks of course so it wouldn't be too stressful.
"Good, good, now let's start have you read this," Ironhide said pleased and sent over to him a short meaning to introduce himself in cybertonian.
The first words came easy to him, but the large ones seem to be a bit trickier as Sparkplug tried to figure out what they were saying.
"G-greet-i-ng, my n-name is Spa-rk-pl-ug. H-how are y-ou," Sparkplug read out load, it sounded so bad he felt a bit embarrassed about it.
"Good, yer doing great," Ironhide encouraged as Sparkplug groaned.
"That sounded terrible," he said in a great sigh of defeat.
"Sparkplug, it was a great start," the red Mech gently scolded him. "Don't be so hard on yourself."
The human just felt miserable. "Spike would manage this fine."
Ironhide smiled and reached to gently put a hand against his back.
"Always easier when yer a young'un," he chuckled. "And he's a Cybertronian, that'll make it easier. But yer're doing much better than yah realise. Come on, try it again."
Sparkplug tired again a few more times as Ironhide gave him a few new lines to read along the way, it started to get together, still a bit rusty with the reading, but it is good progress. They also practiced writing a few small lines with the tablets, at least it was easier digital then to write all those strange symbols.
But soon one hour passed then another and it was time for a break, Sparkplug joined Ironhide in the rec-room, but he had taken with him his own lunch box to enjoy.
"Yer did pretty great, give it time and it will get better," Ironhide smiled to hid human friend.
"Thanks, but I still feel like a long way to go before I get there," Sparkplug said, he did his best to memories it all, perhaps Prowl now soon could help him a bit more on the acting part and explain a few other things.
"Yer being to hard on yourself Sparkplug," the red mech stated, yes he could understand the stress and wanting to be reunited with his son.
"Yer trying to cram a new language into yer processor all at once," he said gently. "And yer doing so much better than expected but yah can't expect tah learn it instantly."
Before Sparkplug could argue, Ironhide added. "Ah know yah don't want to waste any time but ah'm telling yah, yer doing so much better than yah think."
"Will Prowl agree?" Sparkplug asked wryly, he was sure the Autobot SIC would be far less generous than Ironhide.
"He'll see yer've made amazing progress for someone who's just started," the red Mech stated. "It'll become easier as you go on."
Sparkplug gave a nod as he took a few bites of his lunch, maybe in a week or two he will be ready to see Spike? Could he wait that long?
Two weeks normally didn't sound so bad, but now with his son gone it felt like time became somewhat slower, there was still work that kept him going and being with the Autobots helped too.
It would be best to get going, it would also be wise not to be late which Prowl, Sparkplug finished eating the rest of his food.
"Thank you for getting me started Ironhide, but I should get going"
"Alright," Ironhide said with a nod. "Don't be too hard on yerself now."
"I'll try," sighed Sparkplug, climbing down and heading for Prowl's office. He was nervous because he worried he wouldn't live up to the Autobot SIC's exacting standards and end up taking even longer to learn.
Ironhide watched the human go with concern. He was determined to get his son back but was losing confidence in his ability to pass off as a Cybertronian.
/Prowl, Sparkplug's on his way/ he said into the comm asked pinging the other officer.
/Good, I'm all set up for him/ was the prompt reply which made the red Mech smile slightly.
/That's great but Prowl? Go easy on him, he thinks he's doing worse than he really is/ Ironhide said softly. /We don't want him getting discouraged/
/He performed well?/ Prowl now questioned; he could tell Ironhide had a bit of a worried voice.
/He did, a bit rusty at the start, but once we got over that he wasn't doing bad for a beginner/ Ironhide informed him and added /try to cheer him up will you?/
/I will do my best, but there is no promises if it will work/ the police officer replied.
"To be fair that is the best he can get from Prowl /Thanks and good luck/ the comm link closed after that.
At Prowls office he had indeed prepared everything necessary for Sparkplugs lesson, most where prepared in files ready to be sent over and showed simple one two three steps to learn how to behave was a cybertonian, greetings, basic health, and a few more things that is important to know.
Eventually his door pinged and his expected pupil entered.
"Hello Sparkplug," he greeted as the human headed straight for the ladder to climb up onto the desk.
"Hey," Sparkplug greeted back. "What are we going to be covering?"
"Well, I believe it would be good to cover some of our gestures and greetings first," Prowl told him, feeling that if Sparkplug learned this first, he'd find it much easier when it came to learning more of their glyphs.
"Alright, I'll do my best," Sparkplug said sincerely.
"I expect nothing less of you, let's get started" Prowl then moved away from his desk and stood next to Sparkplug so he could see him clearly.
"Pay attention, this movement is our greeting of a hello," Prowl then demonstrate by moving his almost in a circle motion, it didn't look that complicated.
He then added, "It will be best if you try to copy it as I do it."
"Sure, right on it" Sparkplug right away stood straight like Prowl and started to practice the greeting.
Prowl observed him as he did so, they continued to do it a few times together.
"Very good, that is definitely one you should practise until it becomes natural," Prowl advised. "While some phrases and gestures have become more common in one faction or the other, this is one everyone recognises."
Sparkplug nodded, he'd seen this greeting before. Actually, he'd seen several but had never really concentrated on them since the Bots were happily to interact in human manners. At least he could easily use this greeting with his friends.
"Uh Prowl?" Sparkplug suddenly coughed as he remembered something. "I've had...seen some of the bots use this gesture and while I can kinda guess what it is, I probably need some context."
"Ah," Prowl hummed in agreement, having an inkling of what Sparkplug was referring to. "Go ahead, you are right that you must know."
Feeling a touch awkward, since this was Prowl after all but rather relieved it wasn't Prime, Sparkplug made a loose fist and pumped it up and down. From the little he'd observed, this gesture either prompted an angry or raucous response but no one had ever thought to tell him about it. Mostly, they probably hadn't realised he'd seen it and he rather hoped Spike hadn't.
"It's an insult, isn't it?" he coughed, dropping his hand down quickly.
"Yes, in a rather crude way," Prowl confirmed, looking amused at his pupil's embarrassment. "You are visually suggesting a spike being used."
"Oh... I'm not going to question it, we humans have a few rude once too."
"I have noticed, young humans or rude crowds have shown your kind takes up the middle finger," Prowl informed, at times at the news would show protesters and those who had enough would show that on TV.
"Um, yes that is our kind alright," Sparkplug said and hand one his hand behind his neck.
"Mind explaining what this one means? I have seen this around the ship at times," Sparkplug started by having his arm down at his stomach before moving it straight up and slowly down with also bending up his palm and open his hand.
"This one means we have a deal," Prowl explained, he would be surprised if a few bot here did do a deal to take once other shift for something else in return.
"Ahh," Sparkplug mused in interest, he really hadn't known what that one had meant.
"It's good you recognise that gesture so easily, you'll understand it if anyone makes it towards you," Prowl mused. "Now, there is this one."
Making a fist, he placed it over his spark.
"This one represents making a promise upon your honour," he explained as Sparkplug hurried to copy him. "Although there are times it has been used mockingly."
His right door wing gave a little twitch as though in irritation and Sparkplug was struck by a new thought.
"Your door wings, you use those to communicate right?" he asked.
"Indeed," Prowl replied in a surprised but pleased tone. "And it is the same with Seekers, we have both have a wide but silent communication range using just our wings. So of course, there are times we attempt to keep our wings still so as not to give away how we are feeling."
"Makes sense," Sparkplug agreed. "So, poker wings, instead of face?"
This made the Autobot SIC chuckle slightly before saying. "I think we were focus on wingless gestures for now. There are bots who don't know the language of wings very well, it will not seem strange if you don't either."
"Alright, that does make sense" Sparkplug agreed.
They both went back to the basics hand gestures as it is their main focus and kept at it for a while, Sparkplug was doing well as his determination for Spike could be seen, he wasn't planning on giving up anytime soon.
Prowl had nothing ageist that Sparkplug is determined so long he don't lose focus, but he knows how much Spikes means to him.
"Would you like a break Sparkplug?" the Autobot asked, they have been at it none stop and humans need to rest after all.
"I'm alright," Sparkplug said quickly. "This is pretty interesting; I hope Spike can learn this sometime."
"I'm sure there will be plenty of teachers available for him," Prowl agreed. "Okay Sparkplug, we will carry on for a bit longer but then I believe we should have a break."
"Okay," Sparkplug sighed, he couldn't argue when Prowl took that firm tone with him.
"Why don't I test you on what you've learned?" Prowl suggested, his student might feel more inclined to stop after he'd demonstrated what he'd learned.
"Right, I'm on it" Sparkplug took a deep breath and focused on the Greeting as his hands moved in a circle motion as practised.
Prowl watched every hand movement as Sparkplug did so as he told him "Good, now move to the next one."
Knowing he was doing well Sparkplug did so, the next one was the *we have a deal* gesture and after that one there was the *help* and so on, in total it was 5 hand gestures all together.
"How did I do?" Sparkplug now questioned curious to know.
"Very well," Prowl complimented, satisfied at Sparkplug's progress. "You remembered the gestures exactly, you will just need to practise so they become fluid. But they are still very good."
"Maybe I could practise with some of the others?" Sparkplug suggested, he needed to get used to interacting with other bots like this.
"I would definitely recommend that," Prowl agreed, before coming round his desk. "But now I think it's time for a break."
"Sure, Thanks for your time, this was a big help," Sparkplug thanked Prowl, maybe he should go? Prowl did use his time to help him out and now that was over maybe he will be busy with paperwork?
"I'm happy to be of assistance," Prowl replayed.
"Well, I will see you around," Sparkplug said before exiting the office room.
He did feel a bit hungry, so the break was a good idea after all, he then made his way outside the ark where his car was parked, inside of it was his lunch box with had some coffee, an apple and a sandwich.
Sparkplug took his lunch and sat at a nearby rock and enjoyed the food as well as the weather, it was sunny today and the sky was clear of any clouds.
It was a shame the Cons had an underwater base, it would be so nice for his son to be out in the sun right now. Actually, from the little he knew about Seekers, he wondered if Thundercracker would take Spike out. The Decepticon might be wary of his 'charge' being snatched but surely he'd still be tempted. Today was perfect for such an outing.
He was just about to take another bite of his cheese and pickle sandwich when an alarm inside the base suddenly went off. Almost dropping his lunch, he stood up in a hurry and automatically looked around in case any Cons were about. However, there was no tell-tale roar of Seeker turbines, car engines or anything of that sort. Instead, he realised it was the alarm that detonated Decepticons causing trouble rather than attacking the base.
Quickly stuffing his lunch back into his box, he rushed over in the direction of the base to see what was happening.
"Ironhide, what's up?" he asked as he met the first Autobot to appear.
"Sounds like some joy riders," came the reply from the old solider. "Appreciate if you tagged along, there's likely to be humans there."
"You got it," Sparkplug nodded, it often helped to have a human directing evacuations as people got confused by the giant robots fighting.
Ironhide transformed to his vehicle mode and opened the door for Sparkplug who jumped in and putting on the seat belt, Soon after the rest of the Autobots came out following Optimus.
"Where are we headed?" Sparkplug asked.
"It's a town a bit farther away, ah think it's called Tucson," Ironhide informed him in turn he was shocked.
"That isn't a town, it's a city with around 36,000 people living in there," Sparkplug said straight out, this couldn't be good and why would Decepticon's joyride a city that large?
"Primus, ah will comm Optimus right away about this," Ironhide said and did just that.
/Prime? ya need to know this/
/What is it Ironhide?/ Optimus responded and the red solider quickly told him the situation.
/This complicates things/ Optimus said grimly, a town wasn't so hard to drive the Cons out of and there was usually plenty of countryside which meant less risk to life usually. A large, populated city on the other hand was a different matter entirely.
/Yer telling me/ Ironhide said grimly. /Got Sparkplug with me, think we'll need him/
/Indeed we shall/ the Autobot leader agreed, there would be a lot of people panicking right now. /He'll need a partner so he can keep in constant communication with us/
Wheeljack was planning on creating comm sets for their human friends but he hadn't quite finished them yet. Once they got Spike back, that should be a priority.
/Ah won't mind partner with him Prime/ Ironhide told him, he could keep a eye on Sparkplug and also inform the others by comm their Progress together.
/Very well, you and Sparkplug will evacuate the humans/ Optimus informed him of his plan and added. /I and the others will deal with the Decepticons, hopefully they won't cause to much damage to the city/
/Alright Prime: after that Ironhide turn off the comm line.
"Sparkplug, you and me will evacuate the citizens while Prime deal with the con's, sound good?" the red mech asked him, as partners it's important that both are on the same page and knows the plan.
"Yes, it's fine, I can do that with your help," Sparkplug agreed.
"Great, because we are soon arriving there," Ironhide said and true to this words they have been driving as they were talking.
In front of them soon a city appeared and it looked quite large too from here.
"Damn Cons," Ironhide grumbled, this was going to be difficult. At least he could trust Sparkplug and hopefully, some of the emergencies services could pitch in.
"Yeah," Sparkplug agreed, idly wondering if Thundercracker would be here. Didn't seem likely though, this was more likely to be the work of the ground based Decepticons.
They raced into the city along with the other bots, already seeing damage caused with broken roads and buildings. Ironhide spotted a police car and drove right towards it.
"Get away from here," the officer immediately said at the sight of them before starting as Sparkplug jumped out to let Ironhide transform.
"Ah'm Autobot Ironhide," the red Mech greeted. "What's the situation?"
"My apologies, the situation is out of hand," the officer told them and pointed at the ruined shops and roads, also added.
"We've got a lot of people hurt and on their ways to the hospital a while remaining officers are trying to get the Decepticons to leave, the emergencies services along with the fire department are trying to help the people out of the city until things can cool down."
"Ya don't need to worry, Optimus prime is here to take care of those Decepticons," Ironhide said to the human who seemed very pleased there was now help to take down those crazy robots.
"That is great news, I will comm my superior of this," the officer went to grab his very large phone.
"And while you're at it, me and Ironhide will help you out with evacuate the citizens," Sparkplug said and asked. "What direction should we head out first at?"
"Well I think western hills is on dire need of help," the police officer pointed the way.
"Right, we'll go that way," Sparkplug said as Ironhide took something out of subspace and slung it over his shoulders.
He then dropped down and the officer watched in astonishment as Sparkplug climbed up the red Autobot's back and into the solid harness. It was somewhat similar to what a human parent might have for their toddler but this specifically designed one not only allowed Sparkplug to see over Ironhide's shoulder, but he could stand and was held securely in place, allowing the Autobot to run. Sparkplug could be an extra pair of eyes for his Autobot companion.
"Ready?" Ironhide questioned, always making sure his charge was secure.
"Yep, get going big fellow," Sparkplug grinned and Ironhide took off running. He wasn't a speedster like the twins or Mirage but he could move.
"Remember the drill?" Ironhide asked as he shoved some piled up cars out of the way.
"Evacuate the citizens and watch out for cons," Sparkplug replied.
He was looking everywhere for a sign of humans, but they needed to get closer into the chaos to find the people, if anything a lot of them might be hiding there.
Ironhide took a turn and soon enough he found himself in Western hills street, it looked pretty damaged, glass broken, cars burned up and buildings in rumbles.
Sparkplug noticed his partners face grim at the sight, he too felt sorry for the people that lived here, looking ahead he spotted something moving. "Ironhide, I see something straight ahead."
"See it," Ironhide confirmed and jogged in the direction.
It was a downed tree and the leaves had been moving despite the fact there was currently no wind. When they arrived, they found some scared humans in the branches, some of them looked like they were stuck. Several of them yelped in terror at the sight of a transformer so Ironhide quickly knelt down.
"It's alright," Sparkplug said loudly over the raising panic. "He's an Autobot, we're here to help."
This quietened them down somewhat, but they were still scared. One woman exclaimed "What if they come back?"
"If they do, Ironhide will deal with them," Sparkplug assured her as the big bot started to deal with the branches, slicing through them with a tool he'd brought out of subspace. "Now, once everyone is out, we need to get you to safety."
He climbed out of the harness so he could start directing people away.
"Everyone, follow me in a calm fashion," Sparkplug then with the help of Ironhide started to lead them far away from the fight.
The people nodded and kept their calm, all thought they looked very worried still, it was like they too were on alert on every second on the way.
"We should soon be far enough away from the cons right?" Sparkplug asked the red mech.
"Hmm, we should be fine, the others are keeping the con's busy while we do this," Ironhide said, if anything he didn't think any con's would show up any time soon, it's not like they would ask for back up.
Sparkplug nodded, there really wasn't anything of importance on this street. The Cons had just rampaged through it on their way onto other destinations, they had no reason to turn back. Having said that, there was every chance a Seeker might fly overhead and decide to take pot shots at them if they noticed Ironhide.
In the distance, he could hear the sounds of battle, he and Ironhide would probably move a bit closer to it once they were done here. He wondered, when he got a robotic body, would he be involved in any battles like this? He'd certainly be better protected but his movements would probably be pretty awkward.
"That's great, just keep moving," he called encouragingly to everyone. "We just..."
Nearby, came a sudden boom, it sounded ridiculously close and everyone froze.
"Are we under attack?" one of them asked.
"What is happening?" another human questioned.
"We should run!" some yelled in panic.
"Please help us, we don't want to die," a few looked at Sparkplug and Ironhide with pleading eyes.
This wasn't good, the whole group was panicking and to make matters worse, it was indeed a con who crashed down from the sky.
"Everyone back now," Sparkplug ordered them, lucky they quickly did run behind him and Ironhide but kept pleading to be saved from that monster.
The seeker looked to be dizzy as he held one hand at his head and another to keep his balance on a building as he got up, but once he saw the red Autobot, his demeanour changed. "Autobot scum, I will take you all down!"
"Sparkplug, take the humans to the officer we meet earlier, Ah will handle this," Ironhide told his partner.
"You got it," Sparkplug agreed before calling to the others. "This way, there is a police officer just down this street."
He did his best to wave the panicking crowd in the right direction, thankfully this Con seemed focused on Ironhide rather than them. He didn't recognise this particular Seeker, perhaps Ironhide would give him a name later. Hopefully, the crowd's cries wouldn't attract the Decepticon's attention, though he couldn't blame for being scared. He was used to seeing the two groups fighting up close and personal, but they certainly weren't.
"Come on flyboy," Ironhide mocked, giving the angry Seeker a 'come hither' gesture. "Show me what yah got!"
This caused the Seeker to snarl in rage before blasting right at Ironhide, who dodged and started firing back. The resulting explosions caused even more panic as people started screaming and struggling to get away. Sparkplug silently cursed but continued to direct people, very away of the dust and debris flying into the air. The chances of injury were much more increased, he could only hope more Cons didn't arrive.
They soon reached the police officer, and he seemed relieved that the survivors had now left the combat area of the city.
"This way everyone," Sparkplug, walked over to the officer with his group. "These people need a safe place to hide, they are scared out of their minds."
"Of course, the best place for them would be the hospital, in the same way, they can be treated of any of them got injured," the police officer suggested.
"Yeah, that would be for the best, I take it the hospital is close by?" Sparkplug questioned.
"Yes it is, they all will be safe there," the officer guaranteed.
"Then let's get moving," Sparkplug and the officer now helped lead the survivors to this hospital.
Sparkplug lingered at the back, helping to direct the survivors but also to keep an eye on the distant fight. He was glad he was with Ironhide, he'd have been more worried if it was Bumblebee or Bluestreak facing the angry Seeker.
"Thanks for your help," the police officer told him gratefully as he moved to where Sparkplug was, still showing everyone the right direction to go. "I don't think I could have gotten to them in time."
"Don't worry about it," Sparkplug said with a wave of his hand before saying to a scared looking couple. "It's alright, just keep moving with everyone else."
"Is your partner alright?" the officer questioned, glancing in the direction of the sounds of fighting.
"Yeah, he's an old veteran," Sparkplug assured the other man. "I'll probably hang back, he might want to meet up once he's taken care of that Seeker."
"Of course, once again, thank you for your help," The officer said thankfully before going into the hospital.
"Happy to help," Sparkplug/spanspan replied then went on his way back to Ironhide.
The way back went much faster this time and he managed to even take a short cut, soon he could hear the fight and hurried over to find Ironhide holding down the Red seeker to the ground.
The seeker didn't look that good, he was badly beaten, but still, he tried to punch Ironhide who held him pretty firm.
"Give it up, you lost already," Ironhide told the seeker who didn't seem very pleased.
"You think you're so great?! Well you aren't!" Thrust suddenly activated his thrusters.
Both him and Ironhide went like a train into a random building as Sparkplug watched in horror from afar, he had forgotten seekers could do that. But as he was looking for Ironhide, he spotted the red seeker getting up and fly away.
"Ironhide? Are you alright buddy?" Sparkplug asked as he spotted his friend under some of the rumble and walked over to him.
"Fine," Ironhide coughed, a touch of dust coating his intake. "Fragger got the best of me but think I've scared him off."
"Yeah, he looked rather dented," Sparkplug agreed, the Seeker's only real course of action had been to flee. "Need a help out of there?"
"I got it," Ironhide said with a wave of his hand, starting to shove piece of rubble off. "Just stand back a moment."
Sparkplug hurried back, giving the Autobot the space to really push and throw away the pieces of debris currently burying him. He wondered what the situation was with the other Autobots, were they beating back the Decepticons? This area at least was clear, they'd need to move onto a new one. Hopefully, none of those Cons would appear before Ironhide was out.
"Got the other humans away?" Ironhide questioned, swiping some dust off his face.
"Yep, all headed to the hospital with the officer we met," Sparkplug confirmed. "I don't know where to head next though, I don't think he had any new information."
"Don't worry, we'll find our way," Ironhide assured him, now working on a particular large slab pining his legs. Just as Sparkplug was about to reply, a sound of jets was suddenly heard.
Both looked up in the sky to see a Trine hovering above them, with their leader being Ramjet. He didn't look that pleased while Dirge was looking with hatred at Ironhide for what he did to his trinemate Thrust.
"Haven't you Autobots learned that if you attack one of us down, you will have to deal which the whole trine," Ramjet lectured, this was common logic to them, no one attacks their Trine member and gets away with it.
"Ironhide, we need back up," Sparkplug said very worriedly.
Yeah, he knew Ironhide is a tough cookie to break, but right now he is being outnumbered, the three seekers will surely have him pin down in no time. Maybe Optimus and the other can send over someone here to help? Hopefully, they aren't having a hard time.
"Sparkplug, Run!" Ironhide ordered and looked at the seekers. "Let's get this over with."
The Seeker's smirked as they readied their fists and Ramjet added. "You better run little Autobot, Thrust why don't you keep an eye on the pet human."
Sparkplug looked at the red seeker who looked back at him, Scrap, this just turned out for the worse. Sparkplug wasted no time and ran, but now having Thrust after him.
"Where are you going pet?" the Seeker mocked as Sparkplug vaulted over a broken bench, trying to get out of the Decepticon's sight. If he could do that, he might be able to sneak away.
He heard Ironhide yell a challenge at the Seekers, no doubt ensuring they focused their intention on him rather than his human partner. Right now, Sparkplug really wished he could communicate with Ironhide or the other Autobots, let them know what was happening. He ran as fast as he could for an alleyway, small places were the only real advantage a human could have over Transformers. Unless they were those wretched cassettes of course.
"Get back here," Thrust demanded, battered but still able to pursue his prey. He grabbed a nearby piece of debris and threw it at Sparkplug.
It missed but the impact nearby caused the human to throw up his hands against the shards sent flying and he stumbled. Sparkplug looked around the area quickly, he needed a small place to hide at where Thrust's large hands can't fit but anything here like the buildings are easily broken by their strength.
It seemed his only option was to run and he did just that, but he did try to use the street to his advantage like hiding behind one of the car for cover.
"Come out Human Pet, it will be easier for us both unless you want to play hide and scratch," Thrust said as he saw the human run to a car not too far away.
He smirked as he got closer to Sparkplug, perhaps he and his trine could just take the human and play around with it? Maybe that will put some pain to the Autobots.
"Ha! Got you!" Thrust said loudly as he grabbed the car and threw it aside and was now staring at a very scared human.
"Nowhere to run now," he smirked, looming over Sparkplug.
"Get away from me," the man couldn't help but exclaim, even though he knew the Con would likely do the opposite of what he'd said.
"Now that's not very friendly," Thrust exclaimed in mock hurt, clawed servo lunging and seizing hold of Sparkplug. Lifting him up and ignoring his gasps of pain, he looked back towards his trine mates who were beating Ironhide. The old Autobot wasn't going down easily but since he was stuck, they were gaining the upper hand.
"Hey!" he called and they glanced over at him. He grinned and waving his captive high. "Look what I got!"
The other seeker looked at their trine mate and grinned that he had captured the human.
"Well look at that, it seems our playtime is over Autobot," Ramjet teased Ironhide while giving one last punch.
"Why don't you sit there like a good little Autobot and watch us have some fun with your pet," Ramjet continued to mock him as he and Dirge and started to walk to Thrust who just waited on them.
"NOO, get back here you con heads! I'm not done with you!" Ironhide yelled back at them, He couldn't let them take Sparkplug! But what to do?
He needed help and fast, and since he was pretty much stuck under this boulder of a building, he needed to contact the other by com-link. it was his only hope and Sparkplugs.
/Calling any Autobots nearby, I need urgent help/ he yelled into the general comm. /I'm trapped and Thrust has Sparkplug/
He tried to claw his way out but he was just too well pinned. Thrust was still holding Sparkplug high, the human was clinging to his hand as the other two Seekers walked towards him. He'd never forgive himself if his friend was hurt and what would happen to young Spike if he lost his Sire? He'd already lost one creator, Ironhide couldn't allow him to lose another.
"Get back here you spikesuckers!" Ironhide yelled, trying to get their focus back on him and they paused.
"That's not very nice Autobot," Ramjet growled. "Looks like we'll have to teach you some manners."
"Yeah? Go ahead," Ironhide dared but unfortunately Dirge was looking back at Sparkplug.
"Why don't we play a bit with the human, that'll teach him," he declared and the other two grinned. Ironhide felt cold, he'd messed up so badly.
"Hey Cons!" a new voice suddenly yelled and the three Seekers spun around to see Sunstreaker and Sideswipe charging for them./span/p
Their faces turned to pure shock and quickly changed to hatred, not them! any other Autobot but those twins!
"Sunstreaker, Sideswipe! Help Sparkplug!" Ironhide ordered them right away, the human safety was more important than his at the moment.
"On it!" Sideswipe yelled back as he looked at Trust, he and his brother knew exactly what to do.
"Hang in there Sparkplug we will get you soon enough," Sunstreacker said as he ready himself for Dirge.
Ironhide continued to struggle under all these rocks, maybe he could get free on his own? But then a punch hit him in the face. Right Ramjet, he sure was fast getting here.
"Try all you like Autobot, but you are trapped and your lesson starts now," Ramjet told him and with each punch he kept speaking. "Respect your enemy!"
"I'll respect my enemy," Ironhide growled back, defending himself as best he could. "When I find one that punches right."
Ramjet snarled with anger and brought his fist back to deliver a much harsher blow but a shot to his wing left him screeching with pain. He twisted round to see Sunstreaker had fired at him as he mobbed Dirge. The white Seeker hissed with fury, bringing out his own weapon to fire back and protect his trine mate.
"Stay back Autoscum," Thrust warned, holding Sparkplug out. "Or this squishy gets it."
"You hurt him, I'll rip your wings off," Sideswipe shot back, advancing on him.
"You wouldn't dare," Thrust said tightening his grip on Sparkplug.
"Try me and see what happens" Sideswipe warned and reloaded for another shot and aimed at the seekers back, more at where the wings where connected.
"Just shoot him Sideswipe!" Sparkplug yelled, this was not a great time on his book.
"Shut up human or you're really getting it" The seeker warned.
Sideswipe took this moment of distraction and started to shoot the deception who instantly let go of Sparkplug and was now firing the red Lamborgini.
Sparkplug yelped as he fell, landing heavily on top of an overturned car and rolled off it. Thrust was making a high pitched shrieking noise as he fired at Sideswipe, seemingly forgetting his former prisoner. The twins were nimbly dodging the shots from the furious Seekers whose entire focus appeared to be on them now. Sparkplug ached all over but he had to get out of here, Ironhide would be far safer if he wasn't a distraction.
He looked over at his partner who was still trying to claw his way out of the rubble. Shame that weapon of Wheeljack's wasn't around, it would have come in very handy just about now. Painfully, he started to limp in the direction of a side street, he'd get undercover and try and signal his friend so he knew he was alright.
Except he was not halfway there when he was suddenly grabbed.
Dirge grabbed the human and held him up for the twin Autobots to see their pet clearly.
Back off! Or the human gets it!" he warned awhile aiming his free weapon at them.
Every Autobot there froze in their tracks when they say Sparkplugg struggling to get out from Dirge's grip, this was bad.
"You wouldn't dare!" Sideswipe said, but knew better what the seeker would do.
"I very much would," he answered, showing no weakness or fear ageist his enemies.
Sideswipe snarled but didn't move. The Seeker smirked, enjoying the feeling of power he held right now. However, just as he was about to decide what his next move would be, the three Seekers received a ping.
/Ramjet, where the frag are you and your trine?/ came Starscream's angry condemnation.
/Busy with some Autobrats and their pet/ the white conehead answered in an annoyed tone. Why did the Decepticon Sic have to call now?
/Well never mind them, get to these coordinates now!/ Starscream demanded harshly before cutting the call.
The trine glanced at each other, as much fun as it would be to stay and mess with the bots, Starscream sounded testy and would tolerate them not coming. He could make their lives quite miserable if he wanted, with the backing of his own trine.
"So, this has been fun but time for us to go," Dirge drawled lightly and before any of the bots could protest, he transformed and stuffed Sparkplug into his cockpit.
Sideswipe tried to run after the seeker but they already shot into the sky. "NO!"
"What are we suppose to do this time?" Thrust questioned annoyed.
"Who knows, probably the same as always," Dirge said, as the other two got the meaning they might not enjoy what is coming at them.
"Shut up your traps and follow in line," Ramjet ordered and quickly added. "For now we need to follow Starscreams order."
"For now? what are you planning?" Dirge asked as he was getting the feeling that this might not end well.
"Nothing you need to worry about," Ramjet replied, but he did notice that Thrust and Dirge looked worried now.
They, however, continued their way over to the coordinates, flying there didn't take long and surprisingly the human was quiet on the way there.
Sparkplug knew he was in trouble, he wasn't going to risk himself more by kicking up a fuss. He wondered just what the Cons were planning on doing with him and resolved to keep his head down. Perhaps this situation was more serious than just a few of the Cons causing chaos in a city?
"There he is," Thrust suddenly said over the open comm and Sparkplug peered through the cockpit glass to see Starscream standing with some other Cons. The three Seekers shot straight down and transformed, landing neatly as Dirge ejected his captive out into his hands.
"Finally," the familiar figure of Starscream said impatiently. "And just what is that?"
"One of the Autobot's pets," Dirge stated, holding up Sparkplug.
Starscream eyed the human, he could tell that Sparkplug was worried, more probably about this situation if anything.
"Disgusting, why did you three bring it here?" Starscream demand, he could care less about the human.
"What elsewhere we suppose to do? you called us when we were busy" Thrust pointed out, maybe it was a mistake to bring the human?
Sparkplug in the meantime tried not to catch any off their attention, perhaps they might lose interest in him later on? But he noticed the purple seeker was looking at him with a grin, that can't be good.
"Urgh, unbelievable," Starscream scoffed, bad enough the Autobots kept humans close, now his own Seekers were picking them up.
"Want us to chuck him?" Dirge questioned and Sparkplug stiffened, he didn't like the sound of that at all.
Before Starscream could speak however, Skywarp spoke up.
"I got a better idea."
"A better idea?" Starscream now questioned and looked at Skywarp who now took hold of Sparkplug.
"Hear me out screamer, I think it would be a good idea to introduce the human to Ricochet" Skywarp said and saw Ramjets face turn a bit disturbed about the idea.
"You want to have a sparkling to interact with a flash bag?" Dirge questioned, it sounded like a horrible idea.
"Have you even considered that the human might even attack the sparkling? or it's filth and bacteria might harm the child?" Ramjet now spoke, he didn't care for the human but the young sparkling within the Decepticons was if anything adorable to have around.
"Well I didn't think of that, But we can wash the human clean," Skywarp admitted and added darkly "I can keep an optic on him if he try's anything he will regret it"
Sparkplug had gone still at the mention of his son, he couldn't believe it. They were really going to take him to his son, he was going to see him again? But his hope was almost dashed at the mention he might hurt his beloved son so he couldn't help but exclaim.
"I'd never hurt him!"
This caused all attention to suddenly fall squarely on him, not a great situation to be in.
"Oh yeah?" Ramjet questioned, eyeing him dubiously.
"Yes," Sparkplug said firmly, he had to make them understand. "The bots introduced me to him, he's a sweet baby. He even gave me a hug."
"Urgh, how disgusting," Starscream sneered, clearly the child knew no better.
"That settles it then, it will be fine to introduce the human to Ricochet and perhaps we can teach the little sparkling how to behave with humans too," Skywarp said cheerfully, he couldn't wait to see how Ricochet would reject to the human.
"Teach him? You want to teach the sparkling to stay away from them?" Thrust asked a bit confused.
"I had in mind more of how to scare this human, it will be fun, heck Ricochet might even like it," Skywarp suggested and added. "and perhaps also teach him not to hug every living organic he meets."
This obviously appealed to the gathered Seekers as their expressions brightened. Sparkplug wasn't so sure Skywarp's plan would be successful but he kept his thought to himself. He would soon see how his son was for himself.
"You raise an interesting point," Starscream mused. "Well, since my Trine mate is determined to practically raise the scraplet, we might as well aid him. Skywarp, take the human to him."
"Don't you want him?" the purple and black Seeker asked with a smirk but he still accepted Sparkplug from Dirge.
"No," his leader stated with a glare. "Get going."
"Alright, alright," Skywarp said with a roll of his eyes as he opened his cockpit and stuffed Sparkplug in. The man was barely able to sort himself out before belts snaked around his body and held him fast to the seat. The cockpit closed and Sparkplug gripped the belts which were keeping him from pitching forward. He expected the Seeker to transform into vehicle mode but instead, the world seemed to turn purple as pressure suddenly compressed around him.
Before he knew it, he was gone with a Crack! and appeared somewhere else, looking around it appeared that he was indoors now, oh no, was this the Nemesis?
The base of the Decepticons? How would he even escape from here?
Deciding maybe thinking about his escape later on, right now all he could think about was Spike, for so long he was finally to see his son again.
Author's note. What consequences does Sparkplug being a prisoner bring? Find out next time, until then.