Disclaimer: All Transformers characters belong to Hasbro. Any made up characters were created by me.
Summery: Transformers Prime Universe. Set in season one, following the episode cannon loosely. Arcee discovers a secret about her past and has to learn to live with it. Can she move forward to a peaceful future?
"blah" – Normal human speak
"blah" – Cybertronian speak
blah – thinking
'blah' – Comm. Speaking
'Blah' – text message
-blah- - Bonded talk
Shadows of the Past
By Yami-Yugi3
Chapter 7
Prowl came around looking for Optimus. He found his leader in the command room. "Prime, sir."
"Yes, Prowl?"
"I wasn't joking about a brig."
Optimus turned and looked at him. "Is it really something you want?" he asked flatly.
"Sir, I believe it will make this base more efficient if we have one."
"We haven't had need for one, Prowl. All of us have acted with good conscience and everyone is quick to heed my authority."
"But what if the twins show up?"
"I haven't heard from them in a long time. I don't think you'll have to worry about them."
Prowl sighed sadly, his door wings lowering a bit. "But sir..."
"Aww come on OP let Prowler have his brig." Jazz said as he pop his head into the room.
Optimus sighed. "You aren't going to let this rest, are you?" he asked Prowl.
"Sorry sir...I guess I've been used to it for so long..."
The Prime smiled. "Very well, if it will make you happy."
"Really sir?" Prowl said a surprised.
"Really," he smiled.
"Thank you sir. I know a perfect place for it."
"Oh?"
"There's a room on this base not being used for anything so it will be a good place."
"Very well."
Prowl couldn't help smile. "Thank you again sir." He only nodded with a smile before going back to the computer screens. Prowl then headed off to start working on his brig.
Jazz stood next to Optimus. "That was nice of ya OP." he said with a smile.
"It will give him something to occupy his time."
"I guess so." Jazz said "I believe Prowler feels a bit more at ease if there was a brig close by. Not sure if he will use it or not but..." Optimus only smiled. At that time their human friends wonder what Prowl was doing going back and forth carrying lots of metal and stuff.
"Arcee...what he's doing?" Jack asked.
"Prowl's building a brig."
"A brig? Are we in trouble?" Melissa asked, knowing what one was used for.
"No." Arcee said "He just feels at ease if there is one near by. Jazz told me before the war Prowl was an Enforcer."
"So he really was a cop bot?" Miko asked.
"Yeah. I remembered when ever Sideswipe or Sunstreaker cause trouble he would put them in the brig, like a time out for them."
Arcee smiled a bit. "He would also put any mechs in there if they were hitting on me. Cliffjumper was always one of them." Melissa laughed.
"So...no one is in trouble?" Miko asked.
"No," smiled Arcee.
"That's a relief," said Melissa.
"So, does he want some help?" Jack asked.
"He probably don't want any of you to get hurt."
"Oh, alright."
"How did he become an Autobot?" Rafael asked.
"When the Decepticons destroyed Praxus."
"Awww..." Melissa sighed. "A whole city...destroyed...people killed... I...He must have been so upset."
"Jazz told me he was one of the survivors."
"Wow. So you all have been through a lot, haven't you?" Melissa asked.
"Yeah."
"Gadget's told me stories...Ratchet too... So...do you have any peaceful times? Or happy memories? Has it always been war?" Melissa asked out of longing and sympathy.
"There was peace for a long time…but Megatron had other plans… OP wanted a peaceful transition to freedom, but Megatron wanted tyranny…" sighed Jazz. "It's been war ever since then…"
"…I thought so…" Melissa sighed sadly.
"Even though it's been brought here, you've got us to help," said Jack.
"Oh yeah! I want to kick some butt!"
"We can't do THAT much, Miko," Melissa corrected. "We're puny humans to those 'Cons. We have to fight carefully."
"Besides," Rafael said, "there's plenty we can do here to help."
"Right, where you're safe," said Arcee. "Although, I know you all can hold your own."
"And I can keep an eye on them when the fighting gets tough," Melissa smiled. "With Jack to help," she added as she looked at him. "You're a pretty serious guy and we'd need that too." He smiled back at her. "See? We make GREAT allies."
"And friends," smiled Wheeljack as he came into the room. "What's going on? And what's Prowl building?"
"A brig to keep everyone under wraps when they're grounded," sighed Miko.
"Oh… He's used to having one around. There was on Cybertron. Being second in command, he helped keep 'Bots out of trouble."
"…Please tell me he's not as bad as a cop or a teacher…or worse…a principal…"
"Miko…I'm sure it was just to keep everyone in line, mostly for their safety. Besides, a little discipline doesn't hurt," Melissa said. Jack agreed.
"Miko, he's not ALL hard core. He has a soft side to him, just like Prime," Arcee smiled.
"Of course he does," agreed Wheeljack. "Anyone seen my daughter?"
"I think she went to check on Ratchet and keep Prowl away from Medical so he's not bothered," said Rafael.
"Thanks, Raf. I'll go see if I can find her."
In Medical Bay, Gadget was checking some files and making updates while Ratchet rested. She felt like she needed to pick up the slack for the few days he was going to be out. She also ran a few more tests on the synthetic energon. She studied a few more slides and recorded the data. She also did physical tests on a few spare parts. She noticed Prowl trying to come in for more supplies. She ran to the door. "Prowl, I told you, no. Not while teacher is sleeping. He needs his rest. The faster he recovers the better. What if Optimus or the others need me? I can't be a medic AND a scout at the same time."
"But I just need a few more things."
"Then I'll get them for you. Stay at the door." She left to the supply closet to get what Prowl wanted. "Here, Prowl. Now please stay away unless you're hurt."
"Thanks," he said as he rushed off to finish the brig.
"So, you HAVE been hiding here," smiled Wheeljack.
"…Yeah… Hi, father. Why were you looking for me?"
"Because. I guess I'm just itching to do something since I'm so used to exploring the galaxy."
"…Yeah," she smiled. "Well, I can't spar or hang out right now. I've elected myself to take over while Ratchet's out on bed rest."
"Need help?"
"Not really, but if you want, you could clean up my research. I've already stored the data. I just need to clean and put away the equipment. Be careful though."
"What were you playing with?"
"I was finishing up some research on the synthetic energon. Make sure to store it and clean the equipment properly. Whatever you do, father, DO NOT drink it or take it yourself. I'm going to wait until Ratchet's better before we get permission to do small dosage tests on one of us."
"So, you're ready for a lab rat, huh?"
"Yeah, but we want to ask first. So don't even think about it."
"I wasn't…"
"Don't you give me that look," she glared. "I know that look. DON'T DO IT. It has a chemical-hormonal influence on Cybertronian systems. I don't want you turning into a young, sword slinging punk."
"Alright, alright… I won't, engineer's honor," he smiled.
"Good." She watched him go over to the work station and start cleaning up. A few slides clinked together and some glass containers banged. "Quietly, dad!"
"…Sorry…" She sighed as she went to check on Ratchet. She checked him over and saw that his energon levels were back to normal. She took off the IV and cleaned up the equipment before checking on the hole in his chest. It was starting to heal but she helped by patching it up anyway. She was about to let him finish resting but she noticed him starting to stir.
He was buried under thousands of dark energon zombies, unable to breathe or fight his way through. He could hear Optimus calling to him, but he just couldn't reach him. He slashed his way through, seeing Optimus and Megatron go at it. He rushed to help him. 'I'm coming, Optimus!' He raced up the cliff to him. He helped Optimus push Megatron back and stop his undead warriors. A sudden surge of power came over him. 'Let me handle him, Optimus. I can take him down!' he yelled as he pushed Optimus out of the way. He felt so much younger and stronger. He also felt…angrier… 'I'll kill you, Megatron!' he said as the two fought it out. He had the upper hand over Megatron before the Decepticon leader punched him hard in the chest. It was a fatal blow as he fell down from the cliff, green energon leaking out. Optimus didn't reach to save him, only looked at him with deep disappointment.
"Ratchet…!" Gadget called to him. He startled awake from the nightmare and just stared at her. "What's wrong?"
"…Bad…Bad memories…" he said, slowly sitting up.
"You've never gotten shaken up like that before, at least, I don't remember…"
"…A lot on my mind…"
"Yeah," she smiled, sitting next to him. "We all do. It's okay. Everyone makes mistakes too. Did you rest well?"
"Yes. You've been busy," he noticed, looking around.
"Yeah well…I decided to test your theory about being in charge."
"I told you, you could do it."
"I'm starting to realize that. I took the liberty of finishing up the tests on the synthetic energon. Once you're back to full health, we can ask Optimus if it's okay to start testing on each other. It would be small doses of course, nothing like what you tried."
"I don't want to make that mistake again." He shook his head, shaking off the remnants of the nightmare.
"You won't. You're not stupid. Besides, I think you were just desperate and upset. We all seem to be having a hard time keeping our emotions in check huh?"
"I suppose…"
"Well, since you're awake, want to take a walk around? I don't think you're strong enough to drive yet, but I know you're probably going to get bored soon."
"Be careful, you're starting to sound like me." Gadget laughed.
"I doubt I'll be mad with power anytime soon," she joked. Ratchet only smiled a knowing grin. She helped him stand up off the berth. "Father? Keep an eye on things. Ratchet and I are going for a walk."
"Alright. I promise, no touching things."
"You promise?" Gadget asked, looking at him as he put the last of the clean equipment away.
"Cross my spark, sweetspark." Gadget just smiled and turned up the MedBay lights before leading Ratchet out.
"Hey Ratch, felling better?" Jazz asked when the group saw the two.
"Much."
"But he still needs to take it easy for a few more days." Melissa could only smile. Ratchet heard the sound of banging coming from the room next door.
"What's going on in there?" he asked.
"Prowl's building a brig." Arcee said.
"Oh, I forgot to mention that," Gadget smiled nervously.
"As long as he doesn't break anything, it's fine. I'm sure he feels more comfortable having one. We had one b-..."
"We know, back on Cybertron," Miko said, rolling her eyes. "We've heard."
"How about that walk around the base?" Gadget smiled, leading him away.
"Try and keep them out of trouble," he called over his shoulder mostly to Arcee and Jazz.
"Trouble? Us?" Miko smiled.
"They're not trouble," Melissa agreed. "We'll be fine."
"I'm sure," Ratchet said as they left. He couldn't help but smile.
"I knew you were a softie," Gadget giggled.
"They've become like family..."
"Oh yeah," Gadget smiled. "I've only known Melissa for a week, but...the bonds are there."
Ratchet nodded. "Where are we going?"
"Wherever you want as long as it doesn't involve driving." Ratchet stepped in front of her and led her down some unknown halls. "Okay, now I have to ask YOU. Where are we going?"
"Just walking. I never have been through this entire base. Maybe we can find some uses for the extra rooms."
Gadget got an inventor's smirk on her face. "Alright..." Ratchet smiled back at her. They kept going down the halls and exploring the rooms. They found an old room deep in the base and went inside. It was very dark and dusty. "Looks like this hall of rooms hasn't been used in ages..." Gadget said as she started exploring. Ratchet scanned the area too. They started rummaging through the few, old, dented boxes they found. "Wow! There's some really old stuff down here!" Gadget said in excitement.
"Hummm the humans that used this base before must have left it."
"Yeah, but we could probably still use some of it." She came out from digging in a box with some scrap metal in her hand. "See? Spare parts, once we refurbish it all." A clinking sound of metal across the floor sounded behind them. At first, Gadget though nothing of it. Then the sound came again, closer. "...Ratchet...what was that...?"
"What was what?"
"Ssshh! There!" The sound came again and he turned around to see a flash of steel with small, blue optics.
"...We're not alone..."
"No... It can't be! You said you got rid of them!"
"We did...but maybe a few escaped down here. Watch out."
"Oh...Okay..." Gadget sighed, getting a bit nervous. She started organizing the left over junk into boxes of usable stuff. Ratchet started doing the same with his boxes. Both kept an optic on the area around them. Gadget jumped when she heard the sound again. She took a deep breath before going back to the boxes. Then, a scraplet dashed across the floor and pounced on Ratchet, teeth bared. "ACK! Ratchet!" Gadget freaked as ran over. She took the big piece of steel she was holding and knocked it off. "BACK! Get back you disgusting bug!" she cried as it tried to come after her. Prowl, who was done with his brig, hand raced towards the room to see what was happening.
"Gadget! Be careful! Don't let it climb up!"
"I'm trying!" she squeaked, batting it away whenever it tricked to climb on her. She kept trying to hit it with the piece of steel. "Stand still...slag you...ACK!" she cried as it started eating her leg. She tried to shake it off, waving the piece of steel at it.
"Stand still a minute!"
"Get it off!" Ratchet succeeded in punching the scraplet off her leg. It started to go after him. "Die you vile bug!" she exclaimed, smacking it on the head. It tried to regain its footing, but she kept hitting it. "BE GONE WITH YOU!" she huffed as it smashed into pieces. She tried to steady her intakes.
"What's going on in here?" Prowl asked as he finally arrived.
"Are you alright, Gadget?"
"Yeah. Minor damage, that's all. Please, tell me there's no more."
"I'll make sure. Prowl, help me check thoroughly for scraplets down here."
"Scraplets?"
"Yes, scraplets," Gadget spat back in reply.
"In here?" Prowl said, now very over cautious.
"We got rid of almost all of them, but they were here. We discovered a trap and accidently released them, not knowing until it was too late. I want to make sure it was just the one that got away down here," Ratchet explained.
"That would be wise. They do breed like turbo-rabbits." Prowl said.
"Gadget, you stay here. Let us know if any come to you."
"I'll be ready," she glared, brandishing the big piece of steel. Prowl bravely walked deeper into the room, his shoulder mounted cannons at the ready as he held a blaster in one hand. He kept his door wings high, only to try and protect them if there was another scraplet around, but also to detect any movement if there was one in the room. Gadget looked around too. "Alright, this room's clear. Let's look down the rest of the hallway," said Ratchet. Gadget watched them leave, standing guard.
"...Are they okay?" Melissa asked worriedly. "Prowl left in a hurry and Gadget and Ratchet have been gone awhile..."
"I'm sure it's fine. My mother can handle anything."
"Yeah, I'm sure it was just some earth bug Red had never seen before," smiled Jazz. They heard a commotion.
"Should we be worried?" asked Jack. "It sounds like they're battling 'Cons down there."
"Let us go check it out. We don't want you in any danger."
"But we can help! Right, Jack?" Melissa protested.
"...That depends on what's going on."
"Let me and Arcee see what's going on."
"I'll keep you all company."
"-computer noises-"
"Alright. We'll stay up here with Bumblebee and Bulk," said Miko.
"Come get us if you need our help," said Jack. "Hopefully it's nothing major." Arcee, Jazz, and Wheeljack headed of to see what was happening.
"There... That's the last one..." sighed Prowl.
"And that's the end of the hall. We're clear. There's absolutely none left." They turned and headed back towards Gadget. She had calmed down and went back to going through the boxes.
"Gadget? You alright?" Ratchet asked as he entered the room.
"Yeah. They gone?"
"Yes. Each and every last one is gone," said Prowl. "We can all relax now."
"What happened?" Arcee asked when she, Jazz, and Wheeljack arrived.
"It sounded like you guys were fighting 'Cons." Wheeljack said.
"Worse, scraplets." Prowl said.
"What? I thought we got rid of them."
"Apparently a few of them hid down here. They're most definitely gone now," Ratchet said.
"Are you okay Prowler?" Jazz asked now worried if his mate was attacked by them.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Minor injuries."
"Gadget?" asked Wheeljack.
"I'm fine, father, just minor injuries."
"Well, looks like everything's okay then. We should get back to the humans. They were worried," said Jazz.
"Actually, we could use some help getting this stuff upstairs."
"What did you find, Gadget?" Wheeljack asked.
"Scrap metal we can use for spare parts and some old books."
"Sure thing Red." Jazz said with a smile. So, with their help, the managed to lug the boxes up into the supply closet.
"Wow! You found a lot of great stuff down there," Melissa observed.
"Yep. We're okay."
"That's great," said Jack.
"What are you going to do with it all?" Miko asked.
"Clean it up, remake it into spare parts we can use to fix things," smiled Gadget.
"Awww I thought you were going to make something cool."
"Maybe," smiled Wheeljack. "What did you have in mind?"
She shrugged. "I dunno. Something that ROCKS," she smiled.
"Alright..."
"I think we can figure something out," smiled Gadget. Miko smiled more. They continued towards Medical.
"They didn't hurt ya wings at all Prowler?" Jazz asked again.
"A little." Jazz took a closer look at his mate.
"...I'll be okay, Jazz..." Prowl smiled.
"Are ya sure?"
"Yes, Jazz. Once we're done, I'll come to our room."
"Okay Prowler." Once the boxes were put away, Ratchet tended to everyone's injuries. Prowl was first. Ratchet slowly fixed up the scratch up door wings.
"Alright, Prowl."
"Thank you Ratchet." Prowl said.
"You're welcome." He moved over to Gadget as Prowl got up to leave. Prowl then headed back towards his and Jazz's berth room where Jazz was waiting for him.
"Hey, Prowler," he smiled.
Prowl smiled back at him. "See, I'm okay Jazz."
"Why don't you come rest and I'll make you feel better."
"Jazz, that's okay."
"No, let me do it."
Prowl was unsure. "Please, Prowler?" Jazz begged with a sweet face.
Prowl sighed. "Okay." Jazz led him to the berth and they laid down. He started rubbing Prowl's wings. Prowl sighed in content. Jazz smiled.
"See, I was right Prowler."
"...Yeah..." he smiled. Jazz's smile got bigger. Prowl smiled, liking the attention from his mate.
Back in Medical, Ratchet was finishing Gadget. "Well...at least it wasn't as bad as last time. Be glad you weren't here."
"...Yeah..."
"Well, that's it."
"No it's not," Gadget smiled. "What about you?" she said standing up.
"I guess you are right." She smiled and started patching him up.
"What did you ever do without me?"
"We survived…but I did miss having you around." She smiled.
"Alright. Now what?"
"Mind if I check over your results for the synthetic energon?"
"Sure," she smiled as she led him into his office.
In another part of the base, Wheeljack was working on his secret project for Miko. He had some of the items they had found scattered around the make-shift lab. "I know they'll both like this."
"Like what?" Rafael asked as he and Bumblebee entered. Wheeljack looked up at them from his work.
"So...you found me."
"-computer noises-"
"Well...if I tell you...you CAN'T tell Miko or Bulkhead. It's a surprise for them." Both nodded.
"Melissa and Jack have both Miko and Bulkhead busy in a study session for school. We've got a few quizzes and a test in our classes next week."
"I'm sure Melissa has some tests she's studying for too. You all can learn a lot from each other. I know I'm learning a lot about Earth since I came back here."
"Yeah, but we love learning about Cybertron too."
"-computer noises-"
"Oh, right. Well...I'm making Bulk a guitar to play with Miko." The two could see an almost complete frame with some piano wires lying around.
"Bulkhead can play?"
"Not really. I'm sure Miko can teach him."
"And I'm sure Miss Jackson and I can give him some pointers," smiled Gadget as she came in. "So...you found a lab huh? Going back to pre-Wrecker days huh?"
"...Maybe... Say, where's Ratchet?"
"Sleeping again. After we went over the synth en. research, he was getting tired again. Fighting the stray scraplets must have taken a lot out of him. He still needs to rest up for another two days or so."
"Well, want to help me make this into a lab?" Wheeljack joked.
"...Yeah sure..." Gadget replied. The two just smiled. "Well, want some help? I think Ratchet will be alright. I'll know if he checks himself out of Medbay."
"That might be fun," Wheeljack smiled.
"Is it okay if Bee and I help? We might know more about guitars."
"Sure," smiled Gadget. "I hear you're quite the tech whizz anyway. It takes that and a VERY strong bond to understand Bumblebee," she said with a smile towards the yellow scout. Rafael smiled. With the help, Wheeljack was able to finish the guitar. "Now all it needs is a bow," Gadget smiled.
"Where are we going to find one big enough?"
"I saw one...in the boxes..." Gadget wandered over to one. Bumblebee beat her to it.
"Good optic Bee," she smiled, taking the large, blue ribbon from him. "Here we go," Gadget smiled as she tied it on the guitar.
Wheeljack smiled. "I know Bulkhead would love it."
"Yeah," smiled Gadget.
"So let's go give it to them. I'm sure Jack, Melissa, and Miko would be done studying by now."
"Yes, I'm sure," smiled Gadget.
"Then let's go," agreed Wheeljack as he took the guitar and they headed out. They went down the hall to the main room where the group of friends were.
"Oh...hi guys," smiled Melissa. "All done doing what you were doing?" she asked.
"Yep, hey Bulkhead I got something for you." Wheeljack said with a smile.
"Really?"
"Check it out!" smiled Gadget as Wheeljack handed Bulkhead the guitar. "Now you can jam with the best of them."
"After some lessons from Miko and I of course," said Melissa.
"Wow! It's huge! Just your size, Bulk," Miko smiled. "Awesome! Now we can rock together!"
"Thanks Jackie." Bulkhead said happily.
"You're welcome. I had help."
"Well...aren't you going to test it out?" Melissa asked.
"Oh yeah!" agreed Miko.
"...I dunno..." sighed Jack.
"I'm sure it'll be fine," said Raf. "He can't be too bad listening to music with Miko all the time."
"Why not?" Gadget said, going along with the group. Bulkhead smiled before he strums the strings.
A loud chord rang out, mostly on key. "Not bad for your first time," smiled Miko.
"You'll have to tune the guitar just right," Gadget said as she came over. She unhooked it from the amp and played with the strings and tuners. "There, now try again. Maybe... a B flat."
"Okay." Bulkhead said.
This time, a beautiful chord rang out. "Much better," smiled Melissa.
"Yeah, you're starting to sound like a pro. Ooo! Let's have some lessons right now!"
"Yeah, let's do it."
Melissa smiled at Gadget. "You pull up some music information, I'll coach with Miko."
"Sounds like a plan. Father? Do you mind checking on Ratchet? I want to make sure our 'lesson' won't wake him." The group practiced together and Bulkhead was sounding better.
"You are doing great, Bulkhead." Miko said happily.
There was an incoming message on the computers. "Prime? Are you there? It's Agent Fowler. Prime?"
"What is it Agent Fowler?"
"The Cons are trying to steal some high tech again."
"Optimus...I think you should look at this," Wheeljack said as he pulled up some information on Cybertronian lore. Optimus had came and stood next to Wheeljack before looking over the data.
"The planetary alignment of the prophecy is happening right now with Earth at its core. That can't be good... Something's gonna happen..."
"I know this prophecy. I fear Megatron might take it personally and force it to happen in his favor."
"Prime, we need your help at our facility or the Cons are gonna get the power generator."
"I'm headed to that location right now," Optimus replied.
"You want me and Jazz to come with you?" Prowl asked as he came into the room.
"We could use all the help we can get."
"Then I'm coming too," said Gadget.
"You know I'm coming," said Bulkhead.
"Be...Be careful..." said Melissa.
"Autobots, Roll Out!" With that the small group went through the ground bridge.
"Jackie?" Melissa asked as her and Jack came over. "What's the prophecy?"
"Well..." Wheeljack said "Its written the Covenant of Primus that when 47 spheres or planets align that a perpetual conflict will bring upon the world forged from chaos and the weak will perish in the shadow of rising darkness."
Jack was speechless. "...Oh...Oh crap... Megatron...he thinks he's the rising darkness?"
"He might, knowing Megatron."
"...Great..."
"Optimus has a plan," said Jack.
"Yeah, we must rely on him," Melissa agreed. "Miko, Raf, you two alright?"
"Yep, we're fine." Miko said.
"Actually, we all should be getting home. It's late."
"Good eye, Jack. Gadget and Bulkhead are gone though."
"I can take you and Miko home," smiled Wheeljack.
"-computer noises-"
"Okay, Bee." Bumblebee transformed and let's Rafael inside. Wheeljack did as well, letting Melissa, Miko and Jack in. With that, they left the base.
Meanwhile, at the military facility, the Autobots were trying to stop Megatron and the others from getting the power source. Prowl was fighting it out with Barricade. Bulkhead and the others were fighting towards the Nemesis.
"What's the matter Prowl?" Barricade smirked "You're fighting me with such force."
"Why don't you take a guess?" He just smirked as they continued fighting them off.
"Autobots! Don't let them get away!"
"Did any bot see where Megatron went?" Jazz asked.
"He's...he's not here..." observed Arcee.
"Keep an optic out for 'im," said Bulkhead.
The Nemesis was a few miles away, making its way towards the base to collect the power supply. "Sir, we've acquired the power supply, but the Autobots are here as well." Megatron growled at Knockout's message. "Get the power core ready for pick up! I will make sure it arrives myself!" With that, Megatron transformed and flew off towards the Autobots. At the same time Bumblebee was taking Rafael home.
'Bumblebee,' Optimus said over the comm. 'We might need backup.'
'-computer noises-'
'Oh. Well get him home safely and be careful. When you can, head towards the military base.' He had no clue that Megatron was coming up behind him.
"Well well well...we have a little bug on the road..." he smirked. He fired a dark energon blast right at Bumblebee. He started to fire upon Bumblebee who keeps on trying to get out of the way. He could only evade so many because of Rafael and he was unable to transform as well. Megatron was too strong and landed a powerful blow to Bumblebee. The dark energon that flow through Megatron, also had power up his gun as well. The dark energon electrified Bumblebee, but he recovered from the sting. In the back seat, Rafael passed out from the evil energy. "-computer noises of distress-" Wheeljack stopped, being a few miles ahead, and backed up.
'Bumblebee! You alright, kid?' Bumblebee tried to explain what was wrong.
"No! Raf!" Melissa yelled.
"Looks like I squashed a Bug and exterminated a pest," smirked Megatron before flying off.
"Come back here and fight like a mech!" Wheeljack called after him. Megatron had gone, not hearing him. Wheeljack made sure the coast was perfectly clear before letting the children out and transforming. He ran over to check on Bumblebee and Rafael.
"Oh no..."
"Raf!" Miko and Jack cried.
"...Rafael..." Melissa said as she went inside and took him into her arms.
"You okay, kid?" Wheeljack asked Bumblebee.
"-computer noises-"
"We'll get Raf help. 'Base this is Wheeljack! We need help! Send us a bridge!'
'This is base,' said a familiar voice.
'You felling better Ratchet?' Wheeljack ask, surprised to hear his voice.
'I'm fine. What's the emergency?'
'It's Bee's human friend. Megatron shot Bumblebee with dark energon while Rafael was in him.'
'WHAT? Is he...?'
'No, but he might not make it. What should we do?'
'I'll need Gadget's help. I'm bridging you all to base now.' He ended the comm. link and transferred to Optimus and Gadget.
'Base to Optimus.'
'Ratchet? Are you feeling better old friend?'
'Yes but we got trouble.'
'What kind of trouble?' Gadget asked, also being patched in. 'You should be resting.'
'I'm just fine. Besides, one of children is danger.'
'What happened?' Ratchet then explained what happened.
'Everyone get back to base! Bulkhead, you come with me!'
'Send us a bridge!' Gadget said. Just as the bridge opened, Megatron arrived. Everyone of the Autobots except for Optimus and Bulkhead went through. Everyone rushed back to base. Melissa brought Rafael to Ratchet. Gadget came over to her.
"Is he...going to be okay...?" she sniffled worriedly.
"...The weak will perish..."
"...The prophecy..." sighed Wheeljack.
"Let's get him onto a berth and try to help him," Gadget said as she led Melissa down the hall and towards Medical. Ratchet followed with Wheeljack and the children.
"Prowler?" Jazz started as he noticed how quiet Prowl was.
"Why...Why could Decepticons..."
Jazz came over and hugged him. "It's okay...We follow the path of righteousness...of Primus... The light will come no matter what happens... I know Raf will be okay... It'll all work out...I promise... You have to have faith, Prowler," he said, nuzzling into him.
Arcee came over. "Mother?"
Prowl sighs again. "Sorry, it just remind me of everything the Decepticons did back on Cybertron to the ones not in the war."
"Casualties come with it," Arcee sighed as she came over and joined in the hug. "Rafael will be okay. He won't die like the prophecy says."
"I hope you are right." Prowl said "I don't like the numbers my battle computer is coming up with."
"It's more than numbers, its faith," smiled Arcee.
In Medical, Rafael was placed on a berth as Ratchet examined him. "I'm glad you're better, Ratchet," Gadget smiled, trying to make light of the situation.
"Thanks." Ratchet said as he worked. She only nodded as they continued to work. Bumblebee grew upset and started punching the wall. Gadget stopped and went over to him. She grabbed his fists and held them.
"Bee...Bee...Bee stop! BUMBLEBEE! Remember what Arcee and I said? We have to keep our emotion in control. Getting all worked up isn't going to save his life is it? Is it?" Bumblebee stared at her.
"-computer noises of distress-"
"I know, Bee..." she said as she hugged him. "Just trust that me and Ratchet will help. Father, why don't you walk around with him for awhile? Or take him to his room? Something..."
"Yea sure, come on Bee. Raf'll be just fine," Wheeljack smiled as he led him down the hall.
"Wrong! They're all wrong!" Ratchet yelled, tossing the tools aside.
"...We...We don't have anything that will help him... It's all...Cybertronian..." Gadget sighed.
"...I can't lose him! I...I need him..." Gadget came over and put a hand on his shoulder.
"Me too... Melissa... Doesn't one of you have a mother that can help?"
"My mom? No. Jack!"
"I'm calling her."
"Nurse Darby doesn't know the effects of energon on the human body!" Ratchet spat back, still frustrated.
"Do YOU know anything about the human body? Mom...it's urgent. We have a major emergency..."
"We don't," Gadget answered. "Ratchet, we need help."
"...I was so foolish...not to learn anything of their science..."
"I don't know much either. It'll be okay."
"Raf will make it," Melissa said, trying to be strong.
On the Nemesis, Bulkhead and Optimus had secured the power supply. "Bulkhead, go back to the base I'll handle Megatron." Optimus said.
"What? Why?"
"I must take Megatron on my own."
"But Optimus..."
"I've come to the conclusion that his tyranny cannot continue. Megatron must be stopped, at all costs," he said sternly, clenching his fists. "He must be destroyed."
Bulkhead was hesitant at first, but left Optimus to his devices. "Alright, I'm bridging back." With that, Bulkhead left. "I am here for Megatron and Megatron alone. Stand down and be spared." The vehicons didn't back down. Optimus sighed before gunning them down.
"Megatron, I'm here on your ship."
"Optimus... Anyone who lays a hand on Optimus Prime will have to answer to ME. Soundwave, create a bridge to my location and let him meet his destiny." Soundwave did what Megatron had told him and opened a bridge for Optimus. Optimus went through and found himself at a volcano that was acting very strangely.
"Optimus Prime."
"Megatron, your reign ends here. Only one of us will be left. One shall stand..."
"...and one shall fall," Megatron smirked. The two jumped into battle.
Back at the base, June was working on stabilizing Rafael while Ratchet and Gadget watched nervously. Bumblebee was very worried, he wanted to do something. "Jack, help me get Raf to the car. I have to get him to the hospital now." She started wheeling him out.
"You don't know how to treat energon interactions with the human body."
"If I don't get him stable, he is not leaving alive. Do you understand me?!"
"...Curse my Cybertronian pride..."
"It's alright, Ratchet," Gadget soothed as she put a hand on his arm. "Let's let Nurse Darby work." She managed to get him out of critical condition. She sighed, unable to do anything. Ratchet scanned him one more time.
"What can we do? The energon...wait... I'm not getting any readings... That's it!"
"What's...? Oh! It's DARK energon!" Gadget finished, knowing his theory. "We need energon and we need it now," Gadget said to Arcee and Bumblebee. "Anyone want to volunteer? Quickly!" Bumblebee practically jumped at the opportunity. She went to work collecting some from him.
"I thought you said the effects of energon the human body were BAD?" June questioned.
"It can cancel the effects of dark energon with out hurting the little dude." Jazz said from near by. Gadget and Ratchet stared at him for a moment. "What? I know stuff sometimes."
"Hello?" June demanded.
"Yes, June, Dark Energon SHOULD cancel out the Dark Energon plaguing his body," Gadget answered, inserting Bumblebee's donation into the proper connection. Ratchet powered up the infusion chamber.
"I need him over here," he ordered, pointing inside it. Nurse Darby and Jack wheeled him inside. Ratchet sealed the chamber and started the infusion. The chamber glowed with a blinding bluish light. Everyone waited, and praying it would work. Once the light died down, everyone watched in anticipation as Gadget wheeled him out. Rafael slowly and weakly opened his eyes.
"Pulse, stabilizing," June smiled. Miko and Melissa went over and hugged him tightly.
"Bee?" The yellow scout came over and reached out a hand to take Rafael's. Prowl looked quite happy and relieved as Jazz hugged him with a huge smile on his face.
At that moment, Bulkhead returned. "Where's Optimus?" Prowl asked when he saw him.
"He told me to come back here with the power supply. He went after Megatron."
"All by himself?" Arcee said.
"You what?" Gadget asked.
"You let Optimus face Megatron all by himself?" Ratchet demanded.
"Bulkhead had followed orders." Prowl said.
"Well, he IS the only who can stand up to Megatron," Gadget admitted.
"That's OP for ya." Jazz said. The news came on with freak storms happening.
"That doesn't look good." Prowl said.
Ratchet and Gadget started reexamining the prophecy. "This isn't good at all," Gadget agreed.
Over Optimus's comm. link, they could overhear their battle. Things weren't going well as the volcano erupted with a blast of dark energon. Megatron was able to sit up and stop Optimus Prime from killing him with his sword. "Dark Energon, here? Erupting from Earth?"
"We need to get Optimus out of there, NOW!" Ratchet ordered.
"Let's lock on to his location and go!" agreed Arcee.
"As I recall, you said, 'it couldn't end any other way?'" Megatron could be heard as Optimus lay on the ground. Suddenly a bridge opened up and some of the Autobots came through with weapons blazing. Megatron was about to lay the killing blow, but they had arrived and stopped him from doing so. The volcano continued to erupt, increasing his power.
"Optimus! Let's go!" cried Arcee. Optimus looked back at Megatron before following his Autobots back through the bridge. "C'mon Bulkhead!" she called before Megatron could chase him.