Chapter Thirty-Nine – Unable to Return

Outside the Adonis III, A Short Moment Later

Bumblebee slowly swerved around a corner of the base in a single stride, making sure his optics remained focused before him, their sensors on high alert for that particular red mech. He scanned the area frantically in anger, his optics narrowing as they became a cold, ice blue. He clenched his hands into fists at his sides, releasing a heated hiss through his vocal modulators. His spark twisted again, making him shudder in pain and fury.

"You've crossed the line too far this time, Hot Rod" Bumblebee droned to himself under a breath. "No more Mr. Nice Guy."

//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\

Meanwhile Inside the Adonis III

Ironhide's Quarters

Zaidian fluttered open his baby blue optics, blinking them to clear his vision that had been blurred from tears. He was in a dark room, the silence hovering in it deafening to his receptors. The mechling squirmed, feeling tears rise. He didn't feel his father's spark near.

"D-Dada…?" he whispered, hoping to hear that accented-voice in response.

Nothing.

A mighty form shifted itself beneath him and, startled, the mechling looked up, finding his optics locked with the cold blue ones of the Weapons Specialist, Ironhide. The gruff mech brushed his fingers across the baby's little yellow head, watching as the bot only stared with wide optics, his chin trembling.

"D-Dada?"

Ironhide shook his head. "M'afraid not, kid," he sighed, easing the mechling against his chest.

"…Wh-Where Dada?"

"Shhh, he won't be long, little one. Don't you worry," he said. "Until then, just sleep."

Zaidian whimpered.

"Recharge…" cooed the mech, tickling the bottom of the mechling's jaw.

Zaidian craned his neck back and closed his optics, letting the thick fingers dance lightly over his little throat, tussling his sensitive wires. His optics slowly opened and he gave the mech a bright-eyed grin, giggling. Ironhide nodded at him, smiling back.

"Sleep for me, alright? Here…" Ironhide eased Xylastar against her brother, and she squirmed. Zaidian blinked at his sister, then moved his tiny arms around her little frame, drawing her close to him. Xylastar opened her optics to look at her brother, nuzzling her head against his. Zaidian hugged her and looked up at Ironhide as if asking for reassurance.

The mech nodded, using his hand to cover them like a blanket. His optic lids fell.

The mechling laid his receptor over Ironhide's spark, closing his optics. Xylastar turned her head to Zaidian, staring at him. He blinked his optics open, smiling at her.

"Xyla…" he whispered. "Wh-Where's Mommy?"

She shook her head. "Mmm…Mommy."

Zaidian squeezed her, opening his mouth to say something. He grimaced as his spark twisted inside him, shutting his optics. Xylastar felt it too, wriggling, whimpering in her brother's arms. Ironhide shifted again, looking down at them.

"What's wrong?" he murmured, stroking their little bodies.

Zaidian buried his head into the warm chest. "…D-Dada."

Ironhide furrowed his brow. He shifted his optics over to Xylastar, and the femmebot nodded at him, wincing as if in pain. She held her little spark, her optics glistening.

Ironhide stared at them, shifting his gaze from one little bot to the other.

Bumblebee… What could be wrong with him?

The Weapons Specialist took the sparklings in his arms, cradling them against his spark as he rose to his feet, standing at his full height. He eased them into the crooks of his arms before moving his burly form toward the door of his quarters, feeling them fidget and move against him.

"Hush, little ones," he told them, some firmness in his voice.

"D-Dada?" chirped Xylastar nervously, clinging to his arm.

He didn't respond for only a few seconds. "We'll get him help," he said, stepping out into the hallway. "No one's gonna hurt your Dada."

//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\

Outside

Bumblebee stormed his way past the trees, ignoring the scraping sounds of his armor against roughened bark. His blue optics continued to scan on high alert, in overdrive, still looking for that one particular mech. His coolant surged warm just at the thought of Hot Rod, just at the very thought of his sparkmate, his femme, in his greedy hands.

His spark twisted pain through him again, churned again and he fought the urge to grab it. He didn't let tears well in his optic ducts, though they threatened to come again. Bumblebee couldn't fight it; He let tears blur his vision, stopping himself by a tree. He leaned against it and gazed ahead.

"Where are you…?" he sighed.

He could only imagine what Hot Rod could be doing to Arcee. But, he knew one thing for sure. The mech was interfering with their bond, a definite "no-no" in his book. He felt Arcee's spark getting weaker and weaker in the connection he had with her, falling farther and farther down…Slipping away from his grasp.

The thought of losing her was an absolute nightmare. But, was it a thought?

It already felt like reality.

//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\

Meanwhile…

Hot Rod's human protoform drew Arcee's shoulders under one of his muscular arms, easing her slender frame against his burly one. Her sky blue eyes flared warmly into his as she slowly lifted her chin, locking her mouth with his. She giggled into their kiss, both of them smiling inwardly.

"Hot Rod," she said as she pulled back, smiling at him. "How'd I ever depart from you?"

The mech smiled back at her, curling his finger through a few locks of the strawberry blonde hair that fell to her shoulders. "I knew I could never lose you, baby," he breathed, pressing his nose against hers. "We were meant to be…"

"I'm afraid that's incorrect, Hot Rod."

Hot Rod turned, wisps of his red and yellow hair falling over his eyes that fixed on the tall form of a man, not exactly his height, but still tall. His eyes were a piercing blue, almost hard to look at as they stared directly into Hot Rod's eyes, as if looking through him. The man had that unmistakable mop of blonde hair, with those bangs accented black…

"Bumblebee," Hot Rod growled, slowly rising to his feet. "How the hell did you know we were here?"

The man's eyes slitted. "Our bond may be interfered with, but I can still follow it."

Hot Rod smirked, taking slow, careful steps forward. "Do what you want," he said, snickering. "You can't override the bond I've established with her." He shook his head. "You're not strong enough."

Bumblebee hissed. "Well, we'll see about that."

He lurched forward suddenly, knocking both of them to the ground, tumbling only a foot away from Arcee. Darren watched wide-eyed as the two men furiously punched at each other, completely forgetting and ignoring the fact that they both were Autobots, supposed to be comrades. Regardless, they hated each other, violently tearing and thrashing at every given moment.

Bumblebee struck his fist clean across Hot Rod's face, making the other man wince and cry out shortly in pain. They tumbled into the grass, Hot Rod eventually landing on top. He pressed a hand into Bumblebee's chest, preventing him from moving.

He snickered. "I'm sure you remember this."

He pressed his hand into Bumblebee's lungs, making him stir and grunt in pain as his breathing became a struggle. His fingers clawed at Hot Rod's hands, but did nothing as to relieving the pain, the struggles. His breaths grew too abrupt, too quick. His vision blurred.

"S-Stop…!" he said harshly. "H-Hot Rod!"

The older man laughed. "Just what I want to hear…"

Bumblebee groaned, gripping Hot Rod's wrists. He shut his eyes, using all of his force to throw the hands off his chest. Hot Rod stumbled aside. Bumblebee rose to all fours, then pounced on the man, lashing at him without hesitation.

Arcee's eyes widened at the sight of the men fighting, covering her mouth with her hands. She nervously glanced down at me, her hands shaking. Darren only stared at Bumblebee, almost afraid to see him so hostile.

He'd never seen him so outraged, not even with Barricade.

Bumblebee wasn't betraying, was he? Since Hot Rod was supposed to be a comrade. He was just being protective, right? Arcee was extremely dear to him; losing such a femme would break his spark.

Hot Rod thrusted his fist into Bumblebee's chest and another into his stomach, making him suddenly winded, falling off of him into the grass. Bumblebee shakily lifted himself onto all fours again, glaring at the stronger mech heatedly. Hot Rod towered over him, grinning.

"Hot Rod, stop this!" called Arcee, shaking her head. "Leave him alone!"

Darren furrowed my brow. "Quit it!"

He ignored us, slitting his eyes at Bumblebee.

"You never give up do you?" he growled, watching the younger man rise to his feet. "What don't you get about, 'She's mine?'"

"What don't you understand about, 'Her spark's decision was to be with me,'" Bumblebee snapped back through his sharp breaths. He narrowed his eyes. "Quit being so jealous and face reality. You can't get what you want all the damn time."

Hot Rod gritted his teeth and lunged forward, his hands slamming into Bumblebee's shoulders. The younger man grunted, feeling his back press roughly into a tree, feeling Hot Rod's hot breath as he leaned forward to him, his cold blue eyes glaring into his.

"Mute it," Hot Rod growled. He raised a fist to Bumblebee's jaw, and he leaned his head back, keeping his eyes focused on Hot Rod's. "You've got no - "

A hand gripped his shoulder and he turned his head, looking up into the pale blue eyes of a teenager, hidden by wisps of golden hair. They narrowed at him, pale lips dropping into a frown.

"Let him go," Darren demanded, digging his fingers into the man's shoulder. "Quit bein' such an asshole."

Bumblebee stared at him, gulping down a lump in his throat.

Hot Rod laughed at the boy, releasing Bumblebee as he stood at his tall height. "What're you gonna do, kid?" He pushed Darren's hand from his shoulder, shaking his head as he looked over the human slowly. "I seriously don't see why you favor this guy, Bee." Swiftly, he took Darren in a tight hold, holding a fist to his face as he did to Bumblebee. "His attitude irritates me…"

Darren whimpered.

Bumblebee suddenly rose to his feet, eyes wide in fright. He reached a hand out to Darren, shaking his head as the human squirming, groaning some as Hot Rod held him too tightly around the sensitive wounds on his body.

"Hot Rod, no!" Bumblebee exclaimed, shivering at the sounds of pain that struck his ears. "L-Let him go! H-He's not - "

"Under one condition," interrupted Hot Rod. "Arcee's mine."

Bumblebee froze, his eyes wide, fixed on Hot Rod's. His hand dropped to his side.

All was silent except for Darren's sounds of worry and pain.

"…Arcee's mine."

Bumblebee shut his eyes at the words. He shook his head.

"N-No."

"Then, the kid's gettin' hurt."

"Why must you hurt him?" Bumblebee said, slowly looking to the man. He already knew the answer…

Hot Rod enjoyed his pain, his sorrow, and absolutely hated his happiness.

"Hot Rod, stop now!" Arcee insisted. "Leave them both alone!"

"Stay out of this, Arcee," snapped Hot Rod.

"Let him go, now!"

The man shot the young woman a cold glare, staring at her through electric blue eyes for a long moment of silence. Reluctantly, he shoved the boy from his arms, making him fall against Bumblebee. Hot Rod watched as the younger man wrapped his arms around the human, quieting his groans and whimpers.

He scoffed. "Go back inside," he growled. "Why the hell are you here anyways?"

Bumblebee didn't look at him, only tussled Darren's hair gently. "To reclaim my femme."

Hot Rod scowled. "You got your answer."

The younger man winced, shifting blue eyes that shimmered with tears to the other, his mouth falling into a deep frown. He looked to Arcee, her face innocent, yet…what was it?

Helpless?

Desperate for him to be near?

He bit his lip, holding Darren closer against him, lying his head against his chest.

What was he thinking…She wasn't desperate for him. Hot Rod corrupted their bond, twisted it evilly; It couldn't be mended.

Hot Rod established his bond with her, one not overrideable.

So, was it over?

"You got your answer," Hot Rod snapped again. "Get out."

"Not so fast, Hot Rod."

Everyone's eyes turned to where the deep voice had came from, to a mighty figure storming in their direction, its silhouette muscular, burly, tall, heroic. As it neared, his penetrating eyes pierced through the night like daggers through flesh, wisps of his hair dyed a brilliant blue and red. His face, hardened in anger and disgust, his eyes, directly on Hot Rod.

Optimus Prime.

The man's massive hand fell over Hot Rod's shoulder and squeezed, making the man tremble. Optimus pulled the man in front of him, glaring down with a loathing none of them had ever seen him give a fellow Autobot.

"That's enough for one night," his low voice droned, rumbling from within his chest.

Hot Rod blinked. "S-Sir, with all due respect - "

"There will be none of that," shot the commander, shaking his head. His eyes shifted to Bumblebee and he gave the young man a nod. "Tend to Arcee. I'll take care of him." Optimus turned, forcing Hot Rod to his side as, together, they moved behind a collection of trees.

//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\

Bumblebee's Perspective

My eyes drooped as they fell over Arcee, her own staring innocently into mine, making the spark within me twist at the wrenching sight. Darren eased himself from the my arms, watching sympathetically at me, then Arcee.

"B-Bee, it's alright, okay?" he whispered, running his hand down my back.

I didn't advert his eyes, only kneeled at the young woman's side, looking into her eyes as if she were a little girl. She stared back as if she didn't know me, as if I were Primus himself even…

As if I were a stranger.

My chin trembled as I took her hand, shaking my head slowly.

"…A-Arcee?"

She blinked at him. "Bumblebee…?"

I was relieved when she spoke my name, but all of that was cut down shortly after. I allowed my spark to thrum a little stronger for her, for our bond, but…

Where was hers? Her spark…

It wasn't in the bond any longer.

My eyes fell to her spark. "…A-Arcee, you're…Our bond."

She pulled her hand from mine almost too quickly. I looked to her eyes and grimaced.

"Our bond cannot be renewed," she told me softly.

Tears fell.

I couldn't override the bond, I couldn't.

Without such ability…

I shut his eyes and turned away.

She wasn't mine anymore.

A hand fell over my shoulder and my tear-filled eyes turned up, glancing through blurry vision, past black accented bangs at Darren. The human's own were glistening, his face displaying absolute sympathy, utter hurt to see his father in such a condition.

"I-I saw the whole thing, Bee," he stuttered out. "…Wh-What he did to her."

I quickly looked to Arcee, watching her, choking back the urge to sob as I saw absolutely no sympathy in her eyes, no sorrow, nothing. What – She didn't feel for me anymore? Her spark, it didn't feel that longing to be near mine any longer?

Sadly, this was true.

"…N-No," I breathed, shaking my head. "A-Arcee…"

"I'm sorry," she whispered back.

Sorry…

What was I supposed to say?

I'm holdin' on your rope, got me ten feet off the ground.

I'm hearin what you say, but I just can't make a sound.
You tell me that you need me - then you go and cut me down.

I felt like the world collapsed, like I was living in a nightmare. What I had hoped would never happen, what I never, ever even thought would happen, was reality.

After the happiest day of my life…the birth of our sparklings…

This couldn't be real…

But wait…
You tell me that you're sorry,
Didn't think I'd turn around and say…
That it's too late to apologize, it's too late.

"Bumblebee…"

"Don't even say it, Arcee."

Primus, how the tears kept falling.

I'd take another chance, take a fall,
Take a shot for you.

And I need you like a heart needs a beat,
But it's nothin new .
I loved you with a fire red,
Now it's turning blue, and you say...
"Sorry" like the angel heaven, let me think was you,
But I'm afraid...

I let my emotions pour out, in front of her, in front of Darren. Small arms wrapped around my middle and I looked to the human at my side, his cheeks wet with tears. With a smile, one displaying pain, I eased him into my arms, drawing him against me. We both turned away from Arcee…

As if she were merely a mirage.

It's too late to apologize, it's too late.
I said it's too late to apologize, it's too late.
It's too late to apologize, it's too late.
I said it's too late to apologize, it's too late.

Darren buried his head into my chest, and I tussled his hair gingerly, closing my eyes as my head fell against his. I let him listen to the beats of my spark, let him conform himself as one with me.

My mind fooled me, telling me that Arcee was in my arms, cooing, "I love you."

"I love you, Bumblebee."

How three simple words, supposed to make one happy, could wrench a spark.

It's too late to apologize, it's too late.
I said it's too late to apologize, it's too late.

I'm holdin on your rope, got me ten feet off the ground...

I looked up to where she sat only a minute ago, finding my eyes falling upon an alone tree. I turned my head to see her dashing off, running to a collection of trees where Hot Rod just was. I grimaced, hugging Darren tighter.

"Goodbye, Arcee."