Disclaimer: Don't own Transformers or Bleach.
Crys did not disappoint when ushering Ichigo out of the station, his new bodyguard in tow. 284 glared at the femme's back though Ichigo was sure the femme knew. He knew a silent warning in wing cant when he saw it. He used it enough on the twins when they thought they were getting away with something. When the glare was turned on him Ichigo returned it to the mechs surprise before he glowered at the back of Crys helm. Just as they were stepping into the waiting transport Ichigo saw 284 give one final look at the station. An emotion flitted across his face before the scowling mask replaced it. Ichigo caught a longing look at shadows hiding in the upper windows.
MTO's they may be but Ichigo would gladly go through training again if it proved that these mechs had the same emotions as the so-called sparked officers. Once he got a chance, he was sending Optimus a very pointed message about this.
"Hotel Lepidolite is one of our finest Hotels, they hosted the last several Primes and Vos's Winglords." The Transport drove through the ritzier areas of the city. The buildings, the lamp post, even the walkways were decked out in some sort of crystals. Some Ichigo could identify but the others and the more frequently used one he has never seen before.
Once they stop to allow opposite traffic Ichigo lets his curiosity out, "so what's with all the crystals?"
Crys gave an indulgent smile, somehow Ichigo called it more smug and mocking. "Our city uses the naturally growing crystals not only as art but as building materials. The most abundant crystal is what Praxis is best known for and only grows in Praxis. The offshoots from the main crystal from the Helix Gardens is the main foundation for Praxis. We find it easier to just trim the little sprouts instead of removing them."
Ichigo could understand that, yet he couldn't help but wonder; what will happen to the city if something happens to its main support?
Crys continued unaware of Ichigo's worries, "We fear not of being ambushed, our Crystals have been found to scramble most signals."
"Most?"
The femme smiles, "Do not worry, the signals that can't be scrambled are no longer in use."
"Don't you think that might be a reason to find a signal to scramble those as well?" Ichigo asks.
"And why would we; No one uses them so there is no reason to," Crys frowns. "It is best to put resources' on problems that are present."
Ichigo snorted, "I wouldn't discount things based on them being too old to remember. There is always someone who knows."
Crys gave him a strained smile, "and yet no one bothers to use such ancient things."
"But-
"Ah we have arrived," Crys steps out of the transport.
Ichigo clicks his glossia at the dismissal and scowls at the smirk the bodyguard gave him. Choosing to ignore the mech Ichigo stepped out and sighs. The transport had been cramping his wings. Judging from what he had seen so far, he had a longer wingspan then the mechs around him. He couldn't wait to get to his room and talk to the twins. He should be able to talk to them before they go through their final upgrades. And that would count on how much flak Jazz was going to give him for his little kidnapping. Ichigo hopes that his new bodyguard won't follow him in the room.
"Your guard has already been here and is prowling around the building," Crys informed him looking very annoyed.
Ichigo didn't care either way. He did send a quick ping to Jazz as a heads-up. "So, am I checked in or?"
A wing flick and a shoulder twitch Crys gave him a smile full of teeth, "yes here is your card key and your room and hopefully, your mech is on the fifth floor in Malachite suite. I will come to collect you first thing tomorrow. Due be on time Lord Ichigo."
Ichigo and Mech 284 watch her leave. Ichigo rolled his optics at her then look to the other mech. "I don't suppose that you have another name you rather be called?"
The big black and silver Praxian huffs, "Barricade," he rumbles.
"Alright, Barricade, shall we head up then?" Ichigo calls over his wings. He was already moving towards the elevator.
The mech huffs and marches up to lead Ichigo. The once-human snickers, "wait till you meet Jazz. You two can talk shop while I make a call."
"You are aware that they will be monitoring your comm calls; yes?" Barricade rumbles leaning against the wall's arms crossed.
"I'm aware and its already taken care of. Not like I'm trading secrets or anything."
"To repeat your own warning, don't underestimate of what can be used against you. Someone always knows." With that Barricade steps out the elevator after the doors ding. "Are you coming My Lord."
Ichigo sighs, "please no titles. They sound so weird attached to my name."
"A weird-sounding name for a strange Noble."
"Yeah, yeah tell me something I don't know, and I'm not a Noble." Ichigo scowls at the Enforcers back knowing that he could see it.
"Don't listen to him my mech, He's the worst kind of Noble that will throw himself in the thick of things to save one mech. Drives everyone crazy."
Jazz's sudden appearance causes both Barricade and Ichigo to jump. Barricade quickly shoves Ichigo behind him and raises his blaster at Jazz. The silver and blue mech only smiles vizor flashing in amusement. Ichigo flicks a rude gesture at the mech.
"Nice paint job," he snarks.
"Aww thanks the blue really brings out my optics don't cha think?"
"No," Ichigo shoves pass the laughing mech and into his room. Looking around he turns back to Jazz, "it's very…green."
Jazz and Barricade snorts, "well yeah, this hotel loves to decorate accordingly."
"I can see that." Ichigo looks past Jazz to Barricade, "mind giving us a minute Cade?"
The mech rumbles but steps out and shuts the door. With a roll of his wings Ichigo check to see if they were any eavesdroppers.
"No worries mech, only ears listening are mine," Jazz huffs tugging the young mech towards the berth room. "Now let's discuss your first mech napping."
Ichigo rolled his optics, "speaking of where is-
"I have him taking a nap," Jazz snaps. "Do you have any idea of what you just landed us in?"
"Yeah, I do." Ichigo knew how badly this could turn out, but he couldn't leave mech like that. Seriously they would have to give the mech a name. Ichigo was not repeating that long ass barcode.
Jazz rumbles his engine threatening, "Then why in the Pit did you just swipe Praxus most secreted trump card?"
"Wait; you knew about him?"
"Answer the question Ichigo," Jazz ignores the flyers question.
Ichigo scowls, if there was one thing, he hated was that people holding information from him. Soul Society did it, his father did it, Kisuke was notorious about it, and at one point his friends did it. It had happened so much that Ichigo stopped accepting the reasons behind the actions.
"No, you explain how you knew about him and didn't tell Optimus," Ichigo towered over the smaller mech. But Jazz was not fazed.
"Mech Optimus knew about him. He just didn't see way to step in without making waves. The MTO-
"He has a name!" Ichigo yells. Deep down he was sure the mech has a name, "That mech who was begging with his optics for help has a name just like you and me and every other person on this planet. At least give him some dignity in using it!"
Jazz stared at him in silence. Ichigo was unnerved at the silent staring, but he faced worst back in his old life. Then Jazz huffs turning away from the flyer. His horns flicking back and forth in agitation.
"Alright," he says. His voice almost a whisper. "Tell me why you endangered the mission for a mech…for Prowl, knowing what the consequences will be once Praxus finds out."
Ichigo had to think on his answer, he doubted that saying it was the right thing to do would fly with Jazz. "I just…I didn't think truthfully, Jazz, you seen him he look so bad. In another other place it would be abuse. Hell, he didn't even know if he was a MTO or not! Or that no mech should be in that condition that young."
"Still-
"And you calling me out," Ichigo took some joy in interrupting Jazz, "You gave him a name and before at the station you called him meching. And don't think I haven't notice that you tucked into berth. You know that giant one in the only room. If I look in there, will I see a chirping mech that is thoroughly cleaned and sparkly. With a discarded cube or two of low grade tossed to the side?" Ichigo smirks when Jazz huffs again and walks away.
"Silence is all the answer I need," Ichigo snickers at the affronted look Jazz sends him. "But seriously, I know what will happen once we get Prowl back to Iacon. And I know that my actions will have done a lot of damage to whatever you call this trust between Praxus and Optimus. I'll that all the blame I just couldn't leave Prowl there when I knew I could help him."
"Sheesh cool your jets Ichi I get ya I get ya," Jazz snorts and waves him off. "Let's figure out how to get him out of Praxus first. Then we can spin some tall tales to your loving Prime of a brother."
Ichigo snorts. If anything, Optimus will never let him out for any political missions again. Ratchet would be shouting 'I told you so's'. Yet Ichigo also knew how Optimus ticked, once meeting Prowl he rather doubted the mech would let Prowl return to Praxus. Optimus may look naïve and act like sometimes, but mech has a backbone of Tungsten with a side of steel. It was always satisfying watching mechs coming to realize that. And people called him stubborn, Optimus takes first place in that.
"So, any ideas?"
Ichigo had one but it was rather dumb and most likely to get shot down. "We could put him in a crate and send him to Ratchet marked as medical supplies." That earned him a swat to his helm, he never will figure how Jazz managed that. "Okay not the best but it would have worked!"
"Yeah right, on top of an angry medic and a confused Prime, we'll get hit with mech trafficking on top."
"Would not," Ichigo mulishly mutters.
Jazz stares out the window tapping some rhythm that Ichigo could not identify. Letting mech stew the flyer decides to check up on Prowl and to his surprise finds the mech awake and slipping off the floor.
"You okay there?" Ichigo rushes to help the younger mech up.
"Yes?" Prowl answers.
Ichigo blinks at the awe-struck expression Prowl gave him. "Is…everything okay; Prowl?" he repeats.
"You gave me a name," the younger mech whispers.
"Well Jazz gave you a name."
"But you defend for me to have it, and y-you said that I was a real mech and gave me a name." The newly named Prowl stumbles off the berth.
"Prowl?" Ichigo stumbles when Prowl slams into his middle.
"No one has ever given me anything before."
Ichigo's optics soften in understanding. He could guess how being given a name would be like given the whole world. Until now, Prowl had been called everything but a living thinking feeling being. Ichigo let's the younger cling a little longer before there was a knock at the door. Jazz was staring at them with a stony expression. Ichigo couldn't read the mech when he flipped back to being the Primes main operative. Ichigo would never admit that the mech standing before them caused a shiver to run down his back. The flyer knew that as of now he was not the most dangerous mech in the room.
"Got a hold of one my mechs, found a way for our little friend here to disappear," he says.
Ichigo felt Prowl tighten his hold in his middle, "He means out of the city and to my medic friend," he quickly assures while glaring at Jazz.
Jazz was unfazed, "In and out we won't be around when he drops by for pick-up."
"Then how will I know who to trust?" Prowl lets go of Ichigo and stares with a bit of challenge at the operative.
"I'll give you a code word, they'll have one as well. You'll reply to his."
It was a simple answer and Ichigo had heard of such things before. Yoruichi had given him the same type of instructions before. And to his limited knowledge it was one of the safer ways to identify an ally. So long as it's simple enough to remember but hard enough that it couldn't be randomly guessed by others.
"And you mech can get them out safely, and to Ratchet?" Ichigo asks. He was a little worry since he wouldn't know when Prowl would be taken or by whom.
"Yes, mechs a little aloof and hates ma guts but he'll loves getting rid of owed favors. And he owes me a few." Jazz takes Prowl by the shoulder mindful of the doors, "Now if you will excuse us, Ichigo. I have ta get Prowler here ready."
Prowl gave him a confused look, "but my name is Prowl."
The door shuts before Jazz could form a reply and Ichigo snorts. He flicks his wings back to the room entrance and decide he could, should, check on Barricade. He wasn't surprised to find the mech standing stock still in front of the door.
"Have you fueled yet Cade?" Ichigo asks.
To his credit, Barricade didn't look surprised at the question. But Ichigo did know wing speak and was able to see the small, surprised twitch. He guesses it was a rare kindness in being offered fuel or something.
"Yes or no, it's getting weird just staring at ya in the hallway," Ichigo sighs.
"No, I have my ration for the orn," Barricades deep voice came out like a rumble that started in his chest. The mechs voice was deeper than Optimus's and Ichigo didn't think that was possible.
"If you're sure," Ichigo was about to step back inside when the Enforcer stops him.
"Who was the other mech in your room?"
"Huh, you mean Jazz?"
"No," Barricade gave him a annoyed look. "The younger mech that is in your room."
"I-
"I know what I heard and sense," the dark mech steps into Ichigo's personal space. "Why do You have Him in Your room My Lord?"
Ichigo groan when he realizes. Those doors were just as sensitive as his own wings. How did he forget about that; How did Jazz forget about that? Then, Ichigo hears the enunciation on some of the words.
Squinting, the large flyer scowls down at the Enforcer. "Who do you think is in here?"
Barricade glares grinding his denta, "I'm talking about m-that young sounding mech."
"You might want to be more specific there Caders," Ichigo huffs acting bored. He had commed Jazz hoping that the mech would show up and help with this. That and he was trying not to come off as sounding like a sleazy politician.
The bulky mech growls and Ichigo was sure that the mech was close to ramming him. The once human had a suspicion on why but not as to how Barricade would know who was behind those doors. The mech was nearly chest to chest with him. Another growl and Ichigo was bracing himself when-
"Barricade?"
Prowl timid voice had both mechs snapping their helms towards the center of the room. Prowl stood with his wing folded and shoulders hunched. Ichigo had seen that body language on Yuzu a few times after their mother had died. Small kids are curl to those that didn't fit in what was seen as normal. Ichigo should know he had to deal it daily.
Without much care with Ichigo's person or the consequences. Barricade shoves Ichigo out of the way and stood almost protectively over Prowl. With one last glare towards Ichigo Barricade started talking to Prowl in some language the Ichigo only heard in the gladiatorial pits. Since he was considered Megatron's favorite he was never taught nor allowed near those who spoke it. Neither was Sunstreaker or Sideswipe.
Seeing as how he was not needed Ichigo went to make two cubes. Jazz had made sure that it was drilled into his helm that he was never to drink out of any unsealed cubes. So he would have to wait to get his later. For now, Ichigo could at least make two for Prowl and Barricade, even if the mech hated his guts and might throw back at him.
"…No brother, he gave me a name," Ichigo heard Prowl whispers. And what did he mean by brother; were him and Barricade related?
"What like sweet-wings, little bit, or is it-
"No!"
The shout had Ichigo peeking out of the kitchen. Prowl was hanging on to Barricade as the mech tried to storm over to the kitchen.
"It's Prowl, he named me Prowl!" the sound of pleading was just enough for Ichigo to stop what he was doing and storm up
"Why Prowl?"
"Because he is silent," Ichigo shoves one cube at Barricade non to gently. But places the other into Prowl shaking hands. "Take a seat. Your still too malnourished to stand for long."
"I could stand."
"Yeah, I know but you don't have to. Not unless you want to and trust me once Ratchet gets ahold of you. You'll be on berth rest for a while, or until he is satisfied." Ichigo smiles, the medic would not be happy with the mess of a mech he was sending him. No doubt Ichigo will be subjected to a very intense exam once he returns. "Don't think I hadn't noticed that you're shaking. I doubt that all of it is emotional."
Prowl looked down at the glowing pale cube. Ichigo would guess that the young mech felt ashamed of his weakness. Knowing what self-blame looked like that could do, Ichigo decided to put a stop to that. Before either mech could stop him, Ichigo plopped down next to Prowl.
"Drink and listen," he says. Barricade growls a warning, but it went ignored. "It is not your fault that your frame is weak." Prowl made to argue but Ichigo pushes the cube up to his mouth, "No, it's not your fault that you had a couple of assholes to take care of ya. They treated you poorly that you feel that everything wrong that happen is your fault when it's not."
"But if you are found with me in your possession then the repercussions would be fatal," Prowl wilts, "It is best you send me back."
Ichigo snorted, "I wouldn't send you back even if they got Optimus to order me to. Prowl you wouldn't be the first person I got myself in trouble for. And I doubt you'll be the last."
Prowl did not feel as assured as he wanted. "Still."
"Nah nope stop thinking about things that having happen yet. I'll deal with that bridge when I get to it."
Prowl and Barricade blink in confusion. Jazz was snickering behind them, "Just roll with mechs, I have learned that its best not to ask what he means sometimes."
"How would you know; I just met you," Ichigo shoots back then flicks him off. "Anyway, you're going to Iacon, no arguments. Ratchet will be looking after you and most likely the brats. They should be done with their final upgrades." Ichigo shrugs, "maybe you'll meet them in the medbay."
Barricade hums, "It would do you some good to have more friends," then he snorts, "Though I wonder if they are worst then you?" he glares at Ichigo, "I don't want Prowl learning to be a thug."
"Haa what was that; you calling my twins criminals?" Ichigo stood to his full height full of protective older brother rage.
Barricade stood as well with Prowl fretting on the couch. "Well can you blame me for wondering. A stranger that is a noble comes in a says he is taking my brother. Nobles can not be trusted to uphold their end of a promise. For all that I know your so-called twins aren't even real."
"They are!" Jazz pipes in, "Met the little pit spawns. Ichigo ain't lying about them or their origin. All three came from Kaon." He drapes himself over the couch next to Prowl who stares in more confusion. "Now my contact will pick Prowler here whenever, we won't know until Prowls gone."
Ichigo turns fully to face the lounging Jazz, "and how will we know that it was you contact that took him and not Praxian officials?"
Jazz chuckles, "He'll let us know. The mech is like that."
Barricade and Ichigo stared at each other coming to a silent agreement. They could not trust Jazz to handle Prowl's one chance at freedom. Prowl however ignores the two mech and gives Jazz his undivided attention.
"You trust him?" the younger mech asks.
Jazz shrugs, "about as far as my favors extend."
Prowl nods, "I rather you be truthful…can you ask him not to startle me; I sometimes freeze when startle…it is not a pleasant experience."
Jazz nods sensor horns twitching, "I can ask, but understand that if he needs to get ya quick he won't give warnings."
Prowl nods showing that he understood. "How long will the mission take; will he take me all the way, or will there be another contact?"
"If he has his way the entire trip should only take ya about one orn. One of my mechs will rendezvous with you to escort ya to Ratchet. By then, we should be about done here but just in case until we return to Iacon you'll remain in Ratchets care, and no one is to know that you exist…understand my mech? Ratchet will be the only one to know that your there. Once we get back then we will introduce ya to the Prime."
Prowl gave a nervous wing twitch, "And after?"
"What ya mean?"
"What will happen after I meet the Prime; will I be given to someone else or be tossed aside once my purpose is done?" Prowl began to feel anxious at his future. "Will I be nothing more then a tool to be used!"
Ichigo was suddenly in front of him, "Hey hey Prowl, can you grab my shoulders." Two smaller hands latched on to dark narrow shoulders. "Okay good you're doing good. Now do exactly what I am doing." Ichigo mimicked the act of taking a deep breath. Since Cybertronian's didn't need to breath Ichigo had to take a different approach to this technique. It worked on Sunstreaker a few times he was hoping that it would work on Prowl. "That's right just follow my movements," slowly Prowl began to clam down.
Venting was an act of drawing cooler air over heated inners when the automated systems couldn't keep up when a frame overexerted itself. Cybertronian didn't need it to survive as most could go to a medic to get repair if their cooling systems shut down. To Ichigo sometimes it was habit to draw a breath but he didn't have lungs so he sometimes would draw too much cool air in. Ratchet had had a fit the one time that Ichigo got too cold. While venting was not breathing and shouldn't work as the breathing technique should. Ichigo found that the repetitive movement was the same and since Prowl was about to overheat the extra cool air will do him some good.
Once he calmed down, Ichigo tried to get up, but the panicked expression on Prowls face had him stalling before sitting next to him. Barricade watched and nodded towards Ichigo while Jazz was staring with his helm tilted.
It was quiet before Jazz broke it. "I'll be honest mech. I don't know what will happen to ya. You could end up back at an Enforcer station or the Prime will take ya into his army. Or He will give ya your freedom and you decide what you'll be doing."
"Or" Ichigo added, "You'll stay with me and the twins." He says daring Jazz to argue. Ichigo will fight Optimus on this. "There you'll have access to a great medic, and you won't have to worry about having a roof over your helm."
Barricade flopped on the other side of Prowl. "As much as I hate to agree. I think that it would be best that you go."
Prowl whipped his helm around to gape at his brother. To hear him admit that was a surprise. Barricade was distrustful of any outside the cohort. Prowl knew of his distaste of any of the Elites that walk in and barrowed mechs and femmes only to returned them beat up and traumatized. He was very stubborn in his opinion on the matter and to hear him agree nearly sent his helm spinning.
"What!" Barricade asks annoyed. "At least you'll be taken care of and still be free to choose your own path."
Ichigo sighs, his inner com pings for his attention and he had to excuse himself. As the conversations fall into background noise Ichigo pulled to see who has been calling.
"Ichigo!
"Ichibro!"
Twin deep voices yell at the same time. Though they no longer had the high pitch squeaky voices that set his ears ringing. The sudden sound made him wince.
"Sunstreaker; Sideswipe, not so loud." Ichigo leans against the counter, "I was about to call you."
"Well, we decided to call you first!" Sideswipe chirp.
"You wanted to call him I was trying to finish my project before Ratchet tosses in the goo," Sunstreaker huffs.
"Sunny just grumpy cause of his paint, and He was getting worried. You didn't call and we thought that you got shot down."
"Or that slagger sold you off again," Sunstreaker snarls. "I get to punch him if he tried."
"No punching…unless I get first dibs." Ichigo laughs, "what project are you doing Sunstreaker; last I remember you were starting a new sketch?"
"I'm painting it now," Sunstreaker sounded dismissive, "I wanted to be done before Ratchet starts our upgrades. I wouldn't be able to finish it afterwards until I get back my coordination."
"I got done with everything!" Sideswipe pipes in, "I even left Iron butt and Optimus a present." The red menace sounded so proud.
But to Ichigo a sense of dread formed in the pit of his metal stomach. "Sides…you didn't leave prank; did you?"
"Mayyyyybe," Sideswipe sings.
Ichigo groans, now he will have to deal with the fallout of Sideswipes prank on top of bringing Prowl in. If Ratchet won't kill him Ironhide will with Optimus's help. Ichigo knew he was screwed.
"Sideswipe," he growls.
"Too late! Love you Ichi Bye!"
"Sideswipe?" Ichigo tried calling the younger mech back. Yet all he got was a busy signal, "that little shit!" Ichigo sighs at the forming helm ache.
"You, okay?" Sunstreaker asks at little softer, "You sound stressed."
"You could say that" Ichigo mutters. "But it's nothing I can't handle."
"If your sure," the yellow mechling sounded unsure.
It was a side of Sunstreaker that rarely came out. A softer side caring side he only showed to his twin and Ichigo. And at times Ratchet and Wheeljack. Not that he didn't care but they had been hurt until Ichigo came in that he didn't trust others seeing his softer emotions.
"Yeah," Ichigo smiles. "Just expect something when you two come out of the goo and help them out." It was a risk. Sideswipe would do it out of curiosity and chaos. Sunstreaker could and most likely would disappear into his art room. He knew that they would do the basics, but he was hoping that they would do more.
"…We'll try," Sunstreaker says, "do I want to know what is happen over there?"
Ichigo hesitated; he could tell Sunstreaker knowing that the mechling could keep a secret. Yet it could put him in harms way or be used against Ichigo. He couldn't take that risk with his family, he might have when he was younger but now, no he wouldn't.
"No, its best that you don't…at least not now. I'll tell ya when we get back okay."
"Yeah sure."
"Just mind Ratchet and Optimus and try to keep Sideswipe from causing too much chaos," Ichigo pleads.
Some humor creeps back into Sunstreaker's voice, "can't promise anything."
The flyer sighs, "worth a try." He chuckles, "stay safe."
"You need to take your own advice. You stay safe and come home in one piece."
Sunstreaker hangs up first. Ichigo sighs already missing the little terrors and his other friends. Another sigh he pushes off the counter to check up on Jazz and the two Enforcers. What he found was Prowl curled up on the couch fast asleep. Barricade was no where to be seen, most likely back out in the hallway. Jazz was back at the window; Ichigo could tell that he was having a silent conversation with someone.
Suddenly Ichigo was feeling the flight, his talks with Crys, and the Prowl thing come crashing down on him. "I'm going to bed," he calls out to Jazz but not being loud enough to wake Prowl. He got a small, distracted wave before dragging his feet to the large wing friendly berth. When hitting the berth, the only thought Ichigo had before oblivion got him was how soft everything felt.