Darkness Rising Part 2 here! Finally got it done!
This girl does not own Transformers, (but the OC's are mine bwahaha! The realm of Cybres is mine) but she wishes she did, because, frankly, that'd be awesome!
My Characters-Trans Counterparts Mentioned in this chap.
Dusk Greyman (Skyfyre Ivorra/Prime)- None
Karrick- Bumblebee
Silver Greyman (Silverstar Ivorra)- Arcee
Healer- Ratchet
Starscreecher- Starscream
Risktaker-Cliffjumper
Tomosal Ivorra- Optimus Prime
Nightiron-Bulkhead
(Human Counterparts: Same first, different Last)
Jack Wheeler- Jack Darby
Miko Tanikawa-Miko Nakadai
Rafael Cortez-Rafael Esquivel
Chapter 2
Deep Shadow
Ben POV
"And since you now know of our existence," Prime said to my students, "I fear that as of last night, the Decepticons know of yours,"
Jack nodded.
"Got it, if we spot any strange vehicles, call 911," he said, "Can…we go now?"
"Are you insane!?" Miko cried, "I'm living a dream here in Botswana! And I will not allow you or anyone else to shatter it!"
"It is best that you three remain under our watch," Optimus said, "At least until we can determine our enemy's intentions."
Dusk snuck off while he spoke. But I saw Optimus follow her with his optics…
She was trying something…
"Optimus," Ratchet said, "With all due respect, the human children are in as much danger here as anywhere!"
Jack's eyebrows shot up.
"Children?!" he asked, insulted.
"And what about Mr. Castora and those two girls?" Miko asked, "They're human too!"
"Me, Dusk and Amber been around them a while," I said, gesturing to the door where Dusk disappeared to when I said her name, and putting a hand on Amber's shoulder when I said hers.
"And that is saying something," Amber grinned.
"They have no protective shell!" Ratchet hissed, "If they get underfoot they will go…squish!"
He stomped his pede for emphasis, making my students jump.
"Be nice to my students, Hatchet," I growled.
He rolled his optics.
"Then for the time being, Ratchet," Optimus countered, "We must watch where we step,"
"And you've gotten a lot of practice at that," a new voice said as the soft thuds of a 'Bot's pedes entered the room.
A golden femme with jet-like wings and wheels on her pedes came into the room with a smirk.
"There are two of our number that you three have not yet met," Optimus said, "And the femme you see before you is one of them,"
Dusk knelt down to the kids.
"I'm Skyfyre Prime," she said, then added as she saw them glance at Optimus and then back at her, "Optimus is my adopted dad,"
"And there's one more," I said, walking up to Jolt's alt.
"Your car's one too?" Jack asked.
"Yep!" I said, as I touched Jolt's hood.
He painfully transformed and stood to his full height. If you looked really carefully at him, and knew him as well as we did, you could tell he was slightly shaking on his legs.
"This is Jolt, my guardian," I said, "We've known each other for about ten years."
"So do you have a guardian?" Miko asked Amber, "What about that other girl?"
"Dusk's guardian is the big boss 'Bot," Amber said, jerking her head towards Prime, "She had one before Prime, but he…he's no longer with us."
Dusk's optics dimmed slightly before brightening again.
"And yours?" Raf asked.
Amber shook her head.
"Same as Dusk's," she said, tears choking her.
Suddenly, an alarm went off.
"What's that?!" Jack asked.
"Proximity Sensor," 'Bee said.
"Proximity Sensor," Raf repeated, "Someone's up top!"
Amber and I looked at each other. We weren't the only ones able to understand 'Bee…
Raf understood him too!
"It's Agent Fowler," Ratchet grumbled.
Amber, Dusk and I looked at each other.
"Uh oh," we all three said in unison.
"I-I thought we were the only humans who knew about you guys?" Jack asked.
"What are we?" Amber asked, "Chopped liver?"
"Besides you three," Jack corrected.
"Four, counting my mom," I said.
"Special Agent Fowler is our designated liaison to the outside world," Dusk grumbled.
"As he tends to visit only when there are…issues," Optimus said, "It may be best if you do not meet him at this time,"
The three kids looked at each other.
"Over here!" Amber said, leading the kids over to a wall to hide just as the elevator came to the balcony floor.
Fowler stepped out, looking really, really ticked.
"Seven wrecks, thirty-four fender benders," Fowler yelled, "a three hour traffic jam, and a particular note, numerous reports of a speeding motorcycle of unknown make…a gold and blue flamed Corvette Stingray Concept, and a black and yellow muscle car…"
Dusk, 'Bee and 'Cee looked innocently at Fowler.
"I think we're losing our touch, 'Bee," Dusk said, "The last time it was seven wrecks and a four hour traffic jam,"
He really had to hold that laugh back.
"So, anything you care to get off your tin chest, Prime?" Fowler demanded.
"Which one does he want?" Dusk asked, smiling wickedly.
Fowler glared at her, "The older one,"
Optimus looked at him.
"We have the situation under control,Angent Fowler," he said.
"They're back…aren't they?" Fowler asked.
"If you are refering to the Decepticons," Dusk said, "I have doubts that they ever left."
"I wasn't talking to you," Fowler sighed.
Dusk grinned.
"Daily to do list: Annoy Fowler…Check." Dusk thought to me, making me snicker, "Make him mad…working on it."
"Your planet is much too valuable," Optimus finished, giving Dusk a sidelong glance.
"Then it's time to wake up the Pentagon," Fowler said.
Prime's gears clenched.
Uh oh. He's losing patience…
"Hear me, Agent Fowler," Prime said, "We are your best, possibly your only, chance against the Decepticon threat."
"Says you," Fowler hissed.
"That does it," Dusk snarled, "Now I'm mad. I don't care what Dad says about not hurting humans…the squishy's going down!"
'Bee grabbed her arms right as she started to go forwards.
"Duuusk!" he whined, "You're making it worse!"
Apparently, Dusk wasn't the only one that was mad.
"Hey, fleshy!" Bulkhead yelled, "Did anyone get splattered on that freeway?"
Fowler glared at him as Bulkead picked up one of Hatchet's tools.
"Team Prime knows when to use force," he said, as he started to crush it, "And how much to use."
"Bulk," Amber said, "No!"
The tool snapped.
"Bulkhead!" Ratchet cried, "I needed that!"
Dusk and 'Bee really tried to hold in their laughter, but they failed. 'Cee gave a tiny smile.
"Enough," Prime ordered, turning back to Fowler.
"Military involvement will only result in catastrophe," he said, "Perhaps you can condone widespread human casualties, Agent Fowler. I, however, cannot."
Fowler looked at him.
"Then do us both a favor and handle this, Prime," he said as he turned to the elevator, "Under the radar."
He got into the elevator and pressed the button.
"Or I will," he said as the door shut.
"Pretty big bearings…" Bulkhead said, "…For a human,"
Dusk snorted.
"Agent Fowler is concerned for his world, Bulkhead," Optimus said, "As he should be."
A small tap on my hand brought my attention back to the kids. I mentally winced at the hurt in their eyes. I was their teacher, the one who they could trust…and I blew it by keeping a secret this huge.
"I'm sorry kids," I said, feeling really weird saying it, "I couldn't tell you or anyone…"
"Government secret," Raf said, his dark brown eyes lightening up a bit, "Still stings a little, but I get why you didn't tell us."
"Anything else you've been hiding from us?" Miko asked.
"Well…" I said, "There's one more thing…but I'm not the one to tell you. Dusk is,"
"When did you find out about them?" Jack asked.
I looked down at Raf.
The little boy's eyes lit up.
"You were my age!?" he asked, smiling.
"Just a little younger," I replied, smiling at him, "I knew Optimus, Ratchet and 'Bee since I was your age. Met Jolt here when I was about thirteen."
"And you still cause enough trouble for many millenia!" Jolt quipped, kneeling down, "Don't let anything he says throw you off…most of it is exaggerated anyway,"
"Not all of it!" I countered.
"Did I say it all was?"
I opened my mouth to answer when the consol gave a beeping sound. We all looked up.
"Blasted Earth tech!" Ratchet groaned, "Cliffjumper's signal popped back online."
"Who's Cliffjumper?" Miko asked as the other 'Bots looked up hopefully.
"How is that possible?" Optimus asked.
"It isn't," Ratchet replied.
He gestured at the screen in disgust.
"Another bug," he spat, "The system's chock full of them!"
"If there's any chance Cliff's alive…" Arcee started.
"Ratchet, Jolt, prepare sickbay," Optimus ordered, as his battlemask shut, "We may need it."
Dusk snuck towards the Groundbridge, but froze as Optimus put a servo on her shoulder.
"I think you have done enough damage for today,"
"Aw, come on!" she begged, "Pleeeease! The only time I actually got to fight was four years ago!"
He cocked an optic ridge.
"Yesterday doesn't count," Dusk huffed.
"You may need all the warriors you can get, Optimus," Jolt supplied, "I can't fight, and Ratchet is needed at base as well…I still don't know everything I'm supposed to, so if anything happens to him…I won't be much help as a medic."
The elder Prime fought with himself, torn between his comrade and his daughter.
"Fine," he finally sighed.
Dusk gave a squeal of delight and got ready for departure.
"Hey!" Miko cried, "What can we do?"
Optimus and Dusk both looked at her.
"Remain with Ratchet," they both said with that eerie unison that only a Prime could give.
Miko gave a disappointed whine, pouting. And…to my surprise, so did the Hatchet. I looked up at Jolt, who was trying really hard not to laugh.
The Groundbridge fired up, and Optimus rallied the remaining 'Bots.
I looked back at my students as our friends went on the rescue mission.
"W-what just happened?" Jack asked.
"I transported them to the designated coordinates via the Groundbridge," Ratchet explained.
Jolt sighed and held up three fingers and ticked them off.
Three…
Two…
One…
"What's a Groundbridge?" Raf asked.
Jolt gave the 'knew it' gesture, making Amber and I snort.
Ratchet sighed and turned back to the computer.
"Scaled down version of Spacebridge technology," he grumbled.
Raf opened his mouth again, but I set my hand on his shoulder, shaking my head.
"I'll explain later," I promised.
"Since we don't currently possess the means…or the energon…required for intergalactic travel…" Jolt started.
"You're stuck here," Jack finished, "On Earth."
"With the likes of you, yes," Ratchet growled, facing the kids again, "But I…"
Jolt coughed into his servo.
"We," Ratchet corrected himself, "constructed the Groundbridge to enable us to travel from here to anywhere on your planet."
"Whoa!" Raf exclaimed, "Does it work for humans?"
Amber chuckled and nodded.
"Naturally," Jolt said.
"Amber just went to Paris yesterday and returned in a few hours," I supplied.
"You mean I could just shoot on over and visit my folks in Tokyo?" Miko asked.
"Within moments," Ratchet said, an evil grin suddenly formed on his faceplates.
"I don't like that look," Amber said, "Normally it means the mad scientist is about to come out…"
"Or he's gonna wrench somebody," I agreed.
"In fact," Ratchet said, optics gleaming, "allow me to send you there immediately, all five of you!"
"Watch it, Ratchet," Miko warned.
Jolt let out a loud, low growl.
"Don't even think about it…Hatchet," he threatened, "Send those kids off and I'll…"
"I was just joking, Jolt," Ratchet said, holding up his servos in a placating manner as he turned around, "And they say I have a bad sense of humor!"
Dusk POV
We all came out of the bridge ready to go, blasters at ready. My wings twitched anxiously in the cool underground air. I didn't like being underground and unfortunately it showed.
"Energon Mine," Bulkhead breathed, looking at the huge, glowing blue crystals.
"Judging by its scale…" Dad said, walking carefully forwards, "The Decepticons have been tunneling here for quite some time,"
"No kidding," I replied, trying to still my twitching wings.
"You did not have to come," he said, "Being underground unnerves you,"
"I can handle it," I said, gritting my teeth, "Just give me some time to adjust!"
A high pitched whining noise caught my attention and I snuck forwards, coming to a halt next to Bulkhead. The others came up, and we all looked at the 'Con miners.
A determination flickered over the bond I had with my dad. He stood up to his full height, and I joined him.
"Let's find Cliffjumper," he growled, coming out from behind the outcrop.
His footsteps thundered as he calmly and surely walked out into the open. The rest of us followed, blasters at ready. The 'Con miners all looked up at the sound of the heavy, thundering steps of five Autobot warriors (well, four and an Autari, but close enough!) They aimed at us and we at them and they opened fire. Some of them just blasted at us, others drove their drills towards us.
Bulk smashed a drill with his mace while the rest of us shot at our enemy. Dad calmly took aim and fired with perfect accuracy. Something that obviously came with practice.
And we charged.
Arcee dodged some of the blasts before leaping upwards and landing on the 'Con, knocking it to the ground. Another one shot at her and she leaped upwards again, landed on the 'Con's shoulders, twisted her whole body, and ripped the 'Con's head off with a screech of protesting metal.
I tore my eyes off the scene as she landed gracefully, like a cat.
'Bee leapt up into the air as well, gunning the 'Con miner under him down and landing on its chassis. He jumped out of the way as one of the drills came at him.
Dad picked up the drill, using it as a temporary shield, shot it once and then continued on.
I stayed by his side, my back against his and we fought as one, our movements matching one another. When one of us punched, the other blocked and vice versa. It was a fluid, quick, and very lethal dance with the enemy, something we both had picked up as we sparred in real life and in the Dreamscape.
That's when I saw the one 'Con he managed to miss…
Taulmaril appeared in my hands and I aimed, the arrow's fletching tickled my cheek, and I released…
Only to have the 'Con shot down by Dad.
"DAAAD!" I cried, "I had 'im!"
"What is that saying Amber uses with Ben?" he asked playfully, "Oh yes, 'you snooze, you lose'"
I glared at him, aimed my bow again and shot right past his helm. It was so close the fletching brushed against his finial.
He whipped around, just to see a 'Con miner with an arrow jutting out of its helm.
"What was this about snoozing and losing?" I asked wryly.
Amber POV
"What is this anyway?" Miko asked, poking at a piece of machinery.
"Broken," Ratchet said, absentmindedly as he walked by, "Don't touch."
With his back turned towards her, Miko tried to touch the machine again…
"Don't touch that either,"
"Is there anything in here we can touch?" Jack asked.
"Not really," I said, sadly, "I swear the Hatchet's got eyes in the back of his helm.
"Just be glad you're not one of us, Amber," Jolt whispered softly.
"Ahhh," I said, shaking my finger, "So that's how he knows when you guys do something stupid."
"And he wrenches us thoroughly," Jolt said, rubbing the back of his helm and wincing.
Ratchet glared at the four of us, brandishing a wrench at Jolt, who cowered a bit, and tapped on the computer. A warning popped up.
"How come you guys are using human computers?" Raf asked innocently from his position on the balcony with Ben.
"It certainly isn't by choice," Ratchet growled.
"It was handed down by from the previous tenants when we inherited this former missile silo," Jolt said.
"I've made modifications as I see fit," Ratchet finished.
"We," Jolt coughed.
The CMO gave a low growl of frustration as he tried to fix the problem…only to make it worse as more warnings popped up.
"I think I can fix that…" Raf said, softly as he took a laptop out of his backpack.
"Really," Ratchet said sarcastically, as Raf plugged his laptop into the computer mainframe, "You know this is complex technology don't you?"
Ben whispered into Raf's ear as Ratchet continued his little 'talk'.
"I mean, it isn't a child's toy…"
Raf looked back up.
"Now try," the small boy said, smiling.
Suddenly, all the error messages flashed green. They were fixed!
"Think he can fix my computer?" I asked, slackjawed.
Dusk POV
Bulkhead slammed his mace into a drill, sending the driver flying. Dad calmly shot at the flying target before switching his blaster for his servo.
Now they've done and made us mad.
I transformed into my ground alt and rammed into one of the 'Cons…then another…then a drill.
Lots and lots of pain on that last one.
Ok, so maybe the drill probably wasn't very smart on my part.
Dad blindsided the drill driver, flipping it over.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
"I'm fine," I answered as we drove through yet more 'Cons and finally into an opening.
The five of us transformed back to bipedal form and hid around some transport boxes.
Bulkhead gave a low, appreciative whistle.
"Quite the operation…" he started, right as a 'Con shot at us.
We all ducked as more shots came our way, switched our servos to blasters, and fired back. I was doing extremely well, must have been all that target practice Dad had me doing after Chicago.
"Hey, Dusk!" 'Bee said as he gunned down another 'Con, "Two already!"
"I'm on seventeen," I smirked.
He glared at me.
"I'll have no pointy-eared Halfling outscoring me!" he growled, turning back to the fight.
I shot again. Bang! Another down.
"Eighteen!" I said.
"Seven!"
"Nineteen!"
There was a five shot combo from 'Bee's blaster…and each one hit their mark.
"TWELVE!" he shouted.
"Will you two knock it off!" Arcee snapped.
"Yes 'Cee," I grumbled, "Kill joy."
"What was that?"
"Nothing, nothing,"
She suddenly froze.
"You ok?" I asked.
"It's Cliff!" she said, "I have a visual!"
"We'll cover you," Dad said as she took off, "Go!"
"She's gone!" 'Bee said, "And guess what?"
"What?"
"I've got you be-eat, I've got you be-eat!" he sang, "Twenty three!"
No. Fraggin'. Way.
"Not on my watch!" I shouted back, shooting at the 'Cons right as 'Cee made it to the top next to Cliff.
Arcee POV
I pulled myself up over the ledge and crouched next to my partner who was lying in a pool of dark purple liquid. I looked him over and gasped.
Someone had cut him in half.
I checked his systems quickly and couldn't believe it.
He was still alive!
The 'Cons shot at the pathway where I was standing, and the section that Cliff was lying on started to give way.
"Cliff!" I shouted, diving forwards a grabbing his servo just in time.
Rocks poured from the walls, showering me and my partner in dirty pieces of rubble. I grunted as I started to pull him up.
"Let's get you home, partner!" I said.
Cliff lifted his head and snarled at me, his electric violet optics burning with unholy light. I yelled, repulsed by what I saw, but I was too afraid to let go of him. Cliff thrashed, making me lose my grip on him, and he fell into the mine, down, down into the glittering energon crystals that were scattered across the cave floor like a human's necklace had broken, scattering the gems.
I stared at the place where he fell, servo still outstretched.
Dusk POV
We all heard 'Cee's yell and looked up, right as Cliff went plunging down into the depths of the mine.
Dad reached out his servo, but it was useless. Cliff's lifeless shell hit the energon crystals with a horrible, sickening, energon/energa chilling crunch. I shuttered my optics and leaned into 'Bee's shoulder.
An evil laugh filtered through the mine and we all looked up. It was…
"Starscream?" I asked.
It was! I looked right at him and had a hard time not laughing. He looked a lot different since Chicago…but then again, Amber did scrap him pretty good.
He looked like a femme! Tall, skinny, and even better…
He had heels. Like, stilletto heels!
"Prime," Screamer said as we all ran forwards.
"Which one ya want Screamer?" I asked, "I'd love to finish Amber's job!"
"I'd stick around," he replied, holding up a device, "But…I'm squeamish."
And he tossed his device down at us. It began to beep as Screamer leaped off the scaffolding and flew upwards in his F-22 form. The device landed smack into the energon and continued beeping.
Now, being around Que and Ironhide for a while…
When something beeps, you run. FAST!
"The joint's gonna blow!" I shouted.
"Autobots, roll out!" Dad ordered.
I stopped, looking up at a still frozen Arcee.
"'Cee! Move it!" I shouted.
She shook her helm and came down by my side. We both transformed and raced out, with Dad on our heels.
Suddenly, the bomb went off. A blaze of electric blue singed the back of my rear tires. Dad nudged me forwards, urging me to go faster.
"Ratchet!" Dad shouted, "Bridge us back. Use the arrival coordinates! NOW!"
A blaze of green, blue, and silver flashed to life in front of us. 'Bee and Bulk sped through the wide open bridge, Arcee followed.
"Hurry, Dad!" I cried as I zipped through.
His engines revved violently and the both of us shot into the base, transforming mid-air and landing fist down as the blast was cut off by the 'Bridge's closing.
I let out a sigh, wings flat against my back as I stood.
"Whoa," the kids breathed.
"Cutting it a bit close," Ratchet humphed, "How about Cliffjumper?"
Silence from us.
I bowed my helm.
"What was that explosion?" Miko asked, "Was there a fight? Can I come with next time?"
Arcee gave a low growl and glared at the girl.
"Look…" she started.
"Hey, Miko," Jack said, coming over saving the girl from Arcee's anger, "Let's go see what the 'Bots hide in their sock drawers…"
Amber and Ben bit their lips to keep from laughing.
"Seriously?" Miko asked as Jack dragged her away.
"Arcee," Dad asked, "What did you see?"
"Not Cliff," she muttered, crossing her arms, "At least, not anymore,"
"What?" I asked.
"He was mutated, butchered…" her voice cracked, "Like something from those 'Con experiments during the war…"
Suddenly, her knees gave out on her and she fell to the floor.
"'Cee!" I shouted as both me and 'Bee ran over to her.
"Arcee!" 'Bee cried, "Are you…?"
"I'm fine," she dismissed, "Just…dizzy,"
"Robots who get dizzy?" Miko asked.
"Robots with emotion," Raf said.
"Robots…who can die," Jack said with eerie finality.
Ratchet ran his scanner over Arcee, it turned red right over her left servo. There was a smoking, dark purple liquid on it.
"What is this?" Ratchet whispered.
"Don't know," Arcee said, holding her helm, "Cliff was covered in it, leaking it."
Jolt carefully scraped it off onto a slide.
"Go take a decontamination bath," he said, softly, "Now."
"Come on, 'Cee," I said, as 'Bee and I helped her to her feet.
"I got her," 'Bee said.
I nodded and let her go. I looked quickly at the kids, noticing they weren't watching, and returned to human form. I came up behind Ben and hugged him from behind.
"Uh, Optimus," Jack said, holding his cell phone, "I hate to bug, but…no bars,"
"A security precaution," he answered, "The silo walls isolate all radio waves."
"Well, if I don't call my mom like now I'm pretty sure the cops will be out looking for me," Jack said.
Confusion flickered over the bond and Dad leaned down.
"Have you broken the law?" he asked.
"Curfew," Jack said, "It's after 10 pm,"
"I better get home too," Raf said, "Or I'll be grounded for a year!"
"Earth customs," Dad said, "I hadn't considered."
I snorted.
"Really?" I asked, quietly, "And you've been here how long?"
"But the issue of your safety remains," he continued, ignoring me.
He turned to Bulkhead, who was just now coming up.
"Bulkhead, accompany Miko home," Dad said.
"AWESOME!" she crowed, "My host parents'll freak!"
"Wait for it…" I said.
"And maintain covert surveillance," he finished, "In vehicle form,"
"Curbside duty," Bulk said, nodding, "Got it,"
"Awww," Miko whined.
Dad turned to my brother, his son.
"Bumblebee, you'll watch over Raf,"
My brother's optics lit up, happily.
"Ratchet?" Dad asked.
"Busy!" he said dismissively as Arcee came out of the decom. Bath.
"Arcee," Dad said, giving her no real chance to back out, "You'll accompany Jack,"
Her gears hinged up.
"Oooo, still dizzy," she said.
"Liar," I retorted.
"You're fine, says your physicians," Jolt said, waving his servo.
She groaned.
"What about Skyfyre?" she then asked.
"Like he's gonna let m…her out of the Base," I huffed.
'Cee gave me a glare, and she collapsed into her alt, as did the other three.
The kids said their goodbyes and got ready to leave.
"Hey, Dusk," 'Bee asked, "How many 'Cons did Skyfyre get?"
"Final count…forty two," I said, proudly.
"Forty two…" he mused, "Not bad for a young Halfling Prime, I was sitting pretty on forty three."
And with that he tore out of base.
"That…UGH!" I howled, kicking a computer part and knocking it over, "This isn't over 'Bee! Not by a long shot!"
A/N Some more humor in this one. The kids'll find out about Dusk soon enough. Maybe right after Part 5. LOTR Reference! Did you spot it?
Title from TTL's: Deep Shadow
Anyway, hope you liked it. If you did, please R&R! :)
Qui vállë tóquetë, ván tecë (If no review comes from y'all; no story comes from me)
Máriessë ar mára tecië
Farewell and fair writing
Elhini Prime signing off.