Alright welcome back everyone! This chapter took a little while and in all honestly, I feel like I may have rushed a couple of scenes, but I hope you enjoy! But first the review response!
Leaf Ranger: Good to see you again and yeah that chapter was pretty dark, but I wanted to make it a little realistic when I was making that chapter. And fair warning future dungeons may be like that as well. Not all or the majority but a few. And are you talking about Star Saber21's Only Human? I read it and loved it, a good fic for anyone liking a bit of comedy and slice of life.
Atsik101: Dude you have no idea how much I want to make those Optimus' stats, but I have to keep things balanced-ish but no worries he will have some good stats and levels.
Saitamathewise: Oh yeah magic and the bots will go how you would think it will, but really with some of the artifacts they will come across, magic is pretty much proven.
Obsidianunkown66: the funny thing I actually wrote the name in the line. It's Old Nightmare by Korovamilkbar. And it was also a reference to More and meets the eye by David-el due to that Jack hating zombies due to Old Nightmare.
Ben Turner1: Yep, he will still gain dungeons by leveling up the skill, but this will encourage exploration. And different settings to write. I even have a couple of dungeons ideas that take place in Rome and Japan.
Squidzi Galaxi: Thanks dude and sorry but the shipping has sailed but don't worry romance won't take up too much of the story and it maybe a slow burn.
I don't own Transformers if I did I would have made a on screen crossover with G. .
Black Canyon Ridge Mines
When Jack snap out of it he when to his campsite and began breaking it down. He was not going to stay here any longer than he had too. Once that was done, he looked around and place his gear in his inventory then hopped on his bike and pedaled as fast as he could. He needed to get out of here, he needed to think, and he needed to know why giant robots were tracking him.
'You know why. They're tracking you whenever you enter a dungeon!' He thought to himself. Really if the system thinks he was going to fight those? Them? Whatever they are it has another thing coming…. Oh, who was he kidding, it's very likely he would have to fight them in the future. Emphasis on future because he has strong doubts that they are level fifty! Focusing Jack began to plan. Right now, he needed to get home. Once he does that, he will figure something out for the giant robots…. Hopefully.
It was a long ride back, one of which involved Jack's constant use of observe on every car. But he made it without running into those transforming robots. Once inside his room Jack tried to think of everything he knows.
One, giant robots are tracking him.
Two, they are tracking him whenever he enters a dungeon.
Three, they transform into cars.
Four, he knows the names of Optimus Prime, Bulkhead, Cliffjumper, Arcee, and Ratchet.
Five, none of that helps him.
Groaning in frustration Jack lays down in bed. So many thoughts where going on in his head. What are they? Why are they tracking him? What can he do? This was frustrating, like trying to look at an incomplete jigsaw puzzle and trying to guess what it was.
'Wait, maybe that what I should do? Find more puzzle pieces.'
[Quest Unlocked: More than meets the eye.]
[You have seen strange and mysterious robots that blend in the world. Discover the truth of their origins and why they are here.]
[Rewards]
[3000XP]
[1 uncommon chest]
[Gamer's Store]
[Failure]
[Your Death]
[Humanities extinction]
[The Earth will be destroyed]
[Extinction on other planets]
[This quest has been auto accepted]
Another quest that involves his death, what was with it with the system forcing him to do these things. 'Wait, if both were auto accepted could [Curious crystals] and [More than meets the eye] be connected.' It made sense, if he fails both means he dies and there were major consequences for the world. Seeing another notification Jack decided to go through them. He kind of ignore a few when he saw the robots.
[Through specific action you unlock a new skill]
[Sneaking LVL 1 (20/100)]
[Sometime the forward approach is just not the best move, but the sneaking in the shadows approach is. You are much better at sneaking than before.]
[10% chance of not being caught.]
[+5% more attack damage when sneaking.]
[+5% more critical chance.]
[Cycling leveled up!]
[Cycling] [LVL: 6(54/137)]
[You can ride a bike with a max speed of 40 mph.]
[Through constant cycling +2 CON, +1 STR, +3 DEX]
[By avoiding being almost caught +1 LCK]
[Observe leveled up trice!]
[Observe LVL: 7 (70/146)]
[Allows you to see names, titles, stats, and descriptions of people and animals up to 35 levels higher than you.]
He didn't get much like he did before, but his stats were much higher than they were before. So, it made sense. He went to his inventory and pull out his new spells.
[Ice wall LVL 1 (0/100)]
[Form a protective barrier of ice to block incoming attacks.]
[Durability 200/200]
[Size: 5ft tall, 3ft wide, 6in thick]
[Cost: 50 MP]
[Stone Skin LVL 1 (0/100)]
[Harden your skin at the cost of mobility]
[+50 defense]
[- 10 DEX]
[Cost: 25 MP]
Jack honestly was glad for these spells, so far all of his spells have been mostly offensive and with [War cry] being supportive. Now though he has some defensive abilities for when he gets hit. He took a look at [Instant Dungeon Creation], or IDC, and wondered if they could track him using this. He couldn't go to regular dungeons now, if he did, they could be waiting for him when he got out. He'll have to risk it tomorrow, for now he was going to get some rest.
Omega One
Ratchet watched as the others returned back from the scouting mission. "You're back sooner than I expected, was there any complications?"
"Yeah, doc bot, there was a human campsite there, still fresh too." Cliff jumper spoke up.
"Were you seen?" Ratchet asked, these strange energy readings were bad enough but having a human see them would be a problem they didn't need.
"Negative Ratchet, the human was nowhere to be seen. It was a possibility they were exploring the mine, so we had to be quick with our investigation. With that said we did recover a seismic scan of the area and mine." Optimus explained.
"Insufferable human interference." Ratchet grumbled. "Well, it's better than nothing. Did you managed to see the second energy reading? You arrived a minute after it appeared."
"We did find the location, a crevice in the rock wall, far too small for any of us to enter. Perhaps it is time for us to enlist agent Fowler's help to investigate." Ratchet made a face at that; he really did not want to resort to having the humans help but he will have to admit that a more subtle approach was needed.
The streets of Jasper
It was Sunday and Jack was walking aimlessly in town. He was planning to use the IDC, but he was going to try to find a good spot to do so. He wasn't about to use it near his home when those robots can track him. No, he planned to pick random spots in town to keep them off his back. As he continues to walk, he notices something off. He was on second street and there was a barricade cutting people off from the road. Walking up Jack tried to see what was going on. There were a couple groups of people were watching as a couple of men in hazmat suits were entering and monitoring the sewer. It was at this moment a green SUV pulled up. 'No, it can't be?'
[Name: Bulkhead]
[Title: ?]
[Race: ?}
[LVL: ?]
[HP: ?]
[MP: ?]
[SP: ?]
[CON: ?]
[STR: ?]
[DEX: ?]
[INT: ?]
[WIS: ?]
[LCK: ?]
Sure, enough it was one of the robots. Jack slammed down his panic with [Gamer's mind]. Stepping out of Bulkhead stood a slightly overweight man in a suit. His brown eyes were set in a focus determination that was enhanced by his strong jaw. He walked up to the crowd of people getting their attention.
"Everyone please move along. I am agent Blake of the health and safety bureau. We are simply checking the sewers for mold and structural damage. For your health and safety please move away from the area." "Agent Blake" announce.
"Like I'm buying that, not with the giant transforming robot you rode in with."
[New skill: Lie detection]
[Lie detection LVL 1 (25/100)]
[They say the world is built on lies, now you can see the strings that hold it together. Sorta.]
[10% chance to detect a lie]
Jack turned his attention back to "Blake", he was now watching as men set of curtains around the sewer entrance.
'This wasn't good, they are going to find all the mutated rats. Is "Blake" a robot too?' Jack looked at the agent and use observe on him.
[Name: William "Bill" Fowler]
[Title: Special Agent/ Badass]
[Race: Human]
[LVL: 45
[HP: 581/581]
[MP: 490/490]
[SP: 581/581]
[CON: 92]
[STR: 97 (-5)]
[DEX: 71(-20)]
[INT: 60]
[WIS: 54]
[LCK: 37]
[William Fowler was once an army ranger and quite proud of it. Stepping down after being injured for running decoy for his squadron, he now finds himself as liaison between ? and the United States government.]
Perks
[Trained Solider: Those with this perk have received military levels of training. + 3 CON per level, +2 DEX, STR, and INT per level.]
[Stubborn: Those with this perk are often set in their ways, while sometimes a boon it can be a hassle for them and those around them. 10% more likely to do something rash. 10% more likely to not work with others if they disagree with them.]
[Combat injury: Those with this injury have seen battle and didn't come out unharmed. -15 DEX due to injury.]
[Out of shape: Due to having a less than healthily lifestyle you have started to suffer from it. -5 to DEX and STR. 5% more likely to suffer from illness.]
Walking away Jack digested the information he received. There weren't robots acting like humans, but a government agent. That was a whole new can of worms. Does this mean the government build these robots for some big brother kind of deal? If so, why did they act so… well life like. The way they acted was too human. What was the point? Was their self-awareness an accident, or was it on purpose? Were they even built by the U.S. government? Jack groaned in frustration. It was like for every answer three more questions pop up. Shaking his head Jack went to find somewhere to use the IDC. It was a big risk now that he knows that one of the robots is in the town, but he needs to do this. After fifteen or so minutes of walking he found himself in a back alley.
"All right no one's around, [Instant Dungeon Creation: Empty]." All around him a blue cyan wave wraps around him forming a bubble of energy, after a moment it faded away. Taking a look around Jack found everything seemed to be the same, except the sky was now a swirling vortex of white and blue. After walking out of the alley Jack saw that there was no one on the sideways, stores, even the cars were empty. He was the only one. This. This solved a lot of his problems. He needed to train his powers but for the past week he couldn't find anywhere that didn't have people nearby. Now though, now he could practice without worry. Jack smiled at this. "Let's get to work."
Inside Rat's Nest
Special agent Fowler had seen many things in his life. Ever since he joined unit E, he thought he seen it all. Only for life to throw a curveball. Rats, giant rats. Really it wasn't too bad compared to what the bots normally do. At least that was what he thought until they found that giant monster. "Just what the hell did they stumble across? Really this thing looks like something Frankenstein cobbled together." He thought as he kneels down looking at the creature, he was broken out of his thoughts as his phone began to ring. "Fowler here." "I need you up top. We picked up another signal. It's in town about a mile away and I can't track it without blowing my cover." Bulkhead reported. "I'll be up." Turning to the other men. "Finish packing these things up, I have to look into something." Really, he just wonders what's next. Vampires?
Inside the IDC
Jack sent another wave of [Frost darts] towards the ice wall he created. It was the perfect practice in his opinion. He creates an [Ice Wall] and sent spells at it, once the wall breaks, he makes a new one. He already leveled it up twice so far.
[Ice wall LVL 3 (18/121)]
[Form a protective barrier of ice to block incoming attacks.]
[Durability 250/250]
[Size: 7ft tall, 5ft wide, 6in thick]
[Cost: 50 MP]
Yeah, it wasn't much of an improvement, but it was still good. Jack found it was a good way to pass the time at least. So far, he been using brute force and let's be honest if Old Pete had any more brains in his undead skull, he wouldn't have summoned more skeletons after seeing Jack boost himself. Now Jack began to think of some tactics for his fights. Maybe he could use [Ice Wall] to block some enemies in once he levels it up some more. After that he could just bombard them with his spells. Or he could use it as a way to escape it things are too dangerous. "Though I would have to level it up a lot more for that." Jack thought as he watched the wall crumble before him. Deciding it was time for him to leave Jack went to find a private place to exit.
With Fowler and Bulkhead
"Is this the place?" Fowler asked. Taking a look around it wasn't out of the ordinary. Just a back alley. Then again, the last one was just a sewer.
"Yeah, the energy signature was here. You see anything?"
Getting out Fowler looked around. It was a simple alley. No sewers or doors to either buildings. "Nothing that catches the eye. Do you have any scanners or something like that?"
"Already on it" Fowler nodded his head as he searched the area. For what he didn't know, maybe a secret door or mechanism.
"Scanners stay everything is all clear."
"And I found nothing. Do you have any idea what is going on?"
"None. All we know there's some kind of energy signature popping up around the area."
"After what we found in the sewers, I almost don't want to see the mine." Fowler groaned; a beeping caught his attention as he turned to Bulkhead.
"Another one and it's close."
"Well shit."
Three days later
Jack had a smile on his face. The last few days have been a huge grind for him, but he had a good schedule set up. Go to school, study at the library, train in the rec center, cast spells in the ID, go home and the results were paying off.
[Frost Darts LVL 10 (59/375)]
[Create spikes of ice to send at your target]
[Cost 5 MP]
[Number of darts 10]
[Damage per dart 15]
[Frost Bomb LVL 7 (5/176)]
[Send out a ball of ice that explodes on impact.]
[Cost: 40 MP]
[140 Damage]
[Radius: 9 feet]
[Ice wall LVL 5 (18/146)]
[Form a protective barrier of ice to block incoming attacks.]
[Durability 300/300]
[Max size: 10ft tall, 7ft wide, 1ft thick]
[Name: Jack Darby]
[Title: The Gamer]
[Race: Human]
[LVL: 13 (758/4350)]
[HP: 633/633]
[MP: 542/542]
[SP: 633/633]
[CON: 41]
[STR: 40]
[DEX: 45(+5)]
[INT: 34]
[WIS: 31]
[LCK: 21]
[AP: 0]
[$2180]
He wasn't getting as many stats from training as he did before, but he figured that was because they were much higher so that was fine. His spells were coming along nicely so that was a bonus, but he was having trouble with the [Stone Skin] spell. As it turns out simply casting it won't give XP, he needs to be in a fight for it to work. That was a pain but at least he was making progress. The IDC haven't leveled at all, none of his non magical combat skills either. At this point he tempted to redo the other dungeons. He hadn't tried that yet, but he's going to wait once he knows a way to hide from the robots.
That was still a mystery that he hasn't made any progress on; he was sure that they were connected to the crystals. Problem was he had no idea how to investigate without being caught. He could see it now, him being dragged away by government agents and then locked away for national security. Yeah, no thank you. Shaking his head Jack walked into the library.
Somewhere in the southern United States
"So, there I was, lights flashing in my rearview mirror. That's when it hits me. I'm double parked." Cliffjumper began as he and Bulkhead drove down the road.
"Another traffic ticket Cliff?" Arcee spoke over the coms.
"That's what? Your eighth ticket this month, I swear you and bee are keeping score." Bulkhead joked
"No better. The boot."
"Big ugly clamp on the wheel." Arcee groaned.
"Bingo."
"Primus I hate those things. So, what did you do?" Bulkhead asked.
"Well Bulk I waited until the police were down the street, then I popped the cap off and started driving away."
"And New York's finest soiled themselves. Doesn't that interfere with Optimus' rules?"
"Come on Cee, you know what I say, you mess with the bull."
"You get the horns." Arcee finished.
"I'm glad boss bot decided to have us in pairs right now, traveling the road alone was lonesome."
"Well, it's good to know I'm not bad company." Bulkhead joked.
"Like Jasper, Nevada is any more exciting. We're alone wherever we go on this rock." Arcee retorted.
"What about those energy readings, Cee? We still don't know the cause of them." Bulkhead asked. They have been looking into them and even Fowler was taking them seriously. Something about giant rodents.
"You have a point I guess, but we can't really investigate them since were too big."
"Aren't they investigating the mine today?" Before anyone could answer Cliffjumper picked up something on the scanners.
"Hold up. Bulk are you picking that up?"
"Yeah, let's go." The two drove to the source of the signal. Once they reach a cliff, they saw it. A large energon mine.
"That's a whole lot of energon."
"Enough to keep us going for a couple of years. I'm calling Optimus."
"Come on Bulk we can handle this."
"We can, but I would like some help loading this to the base."
"Fair point."
"Optimus come in."
"I read you Bulkhead. Is something the matter?"
"Cliff and I found a large amount of energon. Enough to keep us in good shape for years. We're going to need a servo or two with loading it."
"Understood, we will be joining moment."
Then a large shadow began to loom over the two Autobots. Looking up they saw a large ship floating above them.
"Optimus, scrap that! We need back up now! We have optics on the nemesis!" Bulkhead yelled through the coms. Several vehicons landed in front of the two.
"Well boys, I should warn ya, I'll leave you with a few dings." Cliffjumper jokes as his arms shifted to missile cannons. He fired onto the group as Bulkhead rushed in with his mace taking down any who got too close. Several cons tried to surround them but the two were watching each other's back making sure that the cons weren't getting a chance. Things were looking good until the nemesis fired a blast into the mine! This caused a massive explosion that caught many of those on the ground. Bulkhead landed on the ground hard. Getting up he saw Cliffjumper down, unfortunately for the red bot he was much closer to the center of the blast. Two vehicons went to grab him to take him prisoner.
"Not happening pit spawn!" Bulkhead roared out, switching to vehicle mode he rammed into one of the cons before transforming back and taking the other down. "Cliff! Can you hear me?! Say something?!"
Letting out a wet cough Cliff looked up. "I'm really glad I had some back up now."
Bulkhead let out a small laugh. Looking up he saw more vehicons flying down. Things weren't looking good. It was then a green portal appeared and the rest of the Autobots came through.
"Bumblebee, Arcee! Lay down covering fire. Ratchet you're with me!" Optimus ordered. The prime and medic raced down to their comrades as hails of blaster fire screeched overhead. Reaching the two Ratchet looked them over. "I'm fine doc just a few dents, Cliff is the one in trouble!"
"Ratchet I'll cover you three, get to the ground bridge!" Ratchet and Bulkhead nodded as they carried Cliffjumper away.
Up above them in the nemesis control room a slim silver Decepticon stood watching what was happening below.
"Optimus Prime. I thought we would be lucky to eliminate two Autobots today but killing you would surely bring me favor with lord Megatron. Prime our cannons! I want to see Optimus' charred head in my servos." He ordered.
Back on the ground the others were getting close to the portal as the nemesis cannons began to charge. Quickly the Autobots made it through the portal to safety just when the nemesis fired. Inside the control room the silver decepticon growled in frustration a grey decepticon walk up behind him.
"What is it Soundwave?"
"Like Jasper, Nevada is any more exciting?" came a recorded voice of Arcee.
"The Autobot Arcee, we may not have missed our opportunity to end an Autobot after all."
Omega One
"Quickly bring him to the berth. I need to address the damage." Ratchet ordered as they brought Cliffjumper to the med bay. Ratchet started to go over him, checking every injury.
"How bad is it Ratchet?" Arcee asked. Fear and worry in equal measure in her voice.
"Bad, but not dire. Severe damage to his energon tank, cracks throughout his entire frame, his one arm is barely connected by a few wires. He'll survive but he will be recovering for a while."
"It only hurts when I laugh doc." Cliffjumper mumbled out.
"Don't be making jokes kid, I dread to think what could have happened if you were alone out there."
"Ratchet is right Cliffjumper. With the Decepticons resurgence we must become ever vigilant for the safety of Earth and it's people." Optimus spoke. Arcee walked away towards the exit.
"Arcee where are you going?" Bulkhead asked.
"I need to clear my head." She replied as she transforms into her motorcycle alt and driving off before anyone could stop her.
"You may want to let her go. I know Cee and right now she's not in a talking mood." Cliffjumper advised.
"While that is understandable Cliffjumper, but she still needs to have backup for the time being. Bumblebee, please follow her." The young scout nodded his head as he went after Arcee.
Jasper Library
Stepping out of the library Jack had a smile, all his subjects were now at senior grade B+ and he was only a junior. If he keeps this up, he may be college level by the end of the year. As he walked to the sidewalk his phone began to ring.
"Hey mom, no I just got out of the library, no I won't be going to the dance. Experience have shown unless I'm installing carpet, I shouldn't try to cut a rug." 'Then again I could get a skill in dancing thanks to the system.'
[New quest: Boogie down!]
[Learn how to dance and reach LVL 10 in it!]
[Rewards]
[100 XP]
[+ 5 DEX]
[Dancing Shoes]
[Failure]
[Your mother, ?, and ? will tease you for a month]
[Quest has been auto accepted.]
'Okay that proves the system is sentient.' Jack grumbled before something caught his eye. Parked in front of him was a blue sports motorcycle.
"Beautiful." Jack muttered. "What, no mom I was talking about the sunset. I'll see you at home, love you, bye." He hung up and walked to the vehicle. "You are a piece of art. It will probably take me a few dungeon crawls but one day I'll have a ride just like you."
Looking around and seeing no one he got on. He knows he shouldn't have but he couldn't resist. He always wanted to ride one since he was younger. What he didn't know the motorcycle he was on was sentient.
'Scrap. Of all things to happen. Cliff is never going to let me hear the end of this if he finds out.' Arcee thought to herself. After she left the base things were going fine. She calmed herself down after nearly losing Cliffjumper. She wouldn't tell anyone this but after Tailgate, her worse fear was losing another partner. If Optimus didn't order everyone to be in pairs, she didn't want to think what would happen. But after few moments of driving, she saw a couple of vehicons fallowing her. She tried to ditch them by parking at the library, but now she had a teenager to deal with. 'And what did he mean by dungeon crawls.' It was then a pair of headlights shine on the two as the vehicons from before found Arcee. Acting quickly Arcee drove out of the parking lot and onto the road all with Jack still with her.
"Hold on kid!"
"Who said that?" Jack asked looking around.
"I did! Now hold on!"
Looking down with dread Jack used observe on the bike.
[Name: ?]
[Title: ?]
[Race: ?]
[LVL: ?]
[HP: ?]
[MP: ?]
[SP: ?]
[CON: ?]
[STR: ?]
[DEX: ?]
[INT: ?]
[WIS: ?]
[LCK: ?]
"Of course, I run into one of you. If a mac truck could be a giant robot, why wouldn't a motorcycle?" Jack muttered to himself. Unfortunately for Jack he wasn't quiet enough because Arcee heard him.
"What did you just say?" Any further questioning was ended as the vehicons started to shoot at the two. Trying to avoid them Arcee pull onto the highway, driving through traffic. Just as the two cons started to catch up a yellow camero drove up and slammed one into the guard rail.
"Friend of yours?" Jack asked.
"Family."
The two continue to race along the highway with the yellow camero trading paint with the two vehicons. One of them managed to outmaneuver the yellow sports car forcing it to spin out as its twin started to open fire again. Seeing the laser fire getting closer Jack took a chance, he turns to look at the two chasing them and threw a [Frost Bomb] at them. The small snowball size spell flew in the air before hitting the ground and detonating causing both of the pursuers to spin out.
Jack doubt he did any damage, but he was glad the force of the blast made them back off for now. Turning back to the front his eyes widen as the motorcycle began to speed up towards a part of the highway that was being worked on. Swallowing a scream Jack held on tight as the motorcycle launched them over the edge and landing smoothly in a drainage ditch.
"Whoa." Turning his head Jack saw his classmate Raf sitting there with one of his RC cars.
"You have no idea." He said getting off the bike. It was then the two muscle cars from before arrived, stopping before the three they transform into their robot forms. Hearing shifting metal behind him Jack turn to see the motorcycle has transformed as well. Unlike the other two it or should he say she had a thinner build and was smaller than them, well smaller for a giant robot anyway. She charges at them dodging laser fire before kicking one away and unleashing a series of punches on the other. Unfortunately for the blue fem bot the one she was punching blasted her, knocking her down. Seeing her down the two approached only to have the yellow camero from before to drive into them knocking them over. It too transforms into a robot, looking ready to fight until it heard a crushing sound. Looking under his foot to see Raf's toy car underneath it. Turning to the two boys he let a series of beeps.
"Its okay." Raf replied. The bot seemed to smile before a laser blast knocked him to the ground. The two vehicons approached and one step on his chest, blaster at the ready.
"Hey leave him alone." Raf yelled. This turned their attention to the boys. "Please?" Raf added meekly.
"Bad call. Run!" Jack yelled as he pulled Raf with him. The two ran with one of the vehicons following them. They found a drainpipe and quickly climb in, Jack turned around and created an ice wall blocking the path to buy them some time. It worked… for two whole seconds as a metal fist punched through it like cardboard. The vehicon reached for them before it was pulled back. They saw the yellow bot from before looking at them and giving a reassuring smile before it left.
"What did we just see?" Raf asked.
"Something we probably shouldn't have."
Back with the Autobots Arcee swept out the feet of her opponent while Bumblebee knock his back. The two vehicons got up and was ready to continue until a green SUV drove up and transform joining the other Autobots. Seeing they were outnumbered the two transformed and drove away.
"What took you?" Arcee asked.
"Traffic."
"{Optimus is not going to be happy about this.}" Bumblebee mumbled.
The next day-Jasper High
Jack walked out of the school and looked around for Raf. After escaping yesterday, the two parted ways, but Jack knew the kid had questions. Looking around he saw Raf standing by a tree deep in thought. What Jack didn't know was that he was being watched. Arcee was parked in her vehicle mode watching the teen walk out of the school. As she watches memories from the night before came to mind.
/Flashback/
"I would have been fine if it weren't for the human." Arcee said was she reported what happened.
"Human?" Optimus asked.
"A boy."
"{Two boys}" Bumblebee injected.
"There may have been another, but I was kinda busy at the moment. But that's not the issue. Optimus, he knew about you." As soon as Arcee said those words everyone in the base froze. All of them simply looked at Arcee as they let that sink in.
"Are you sure Arcee." Optimus asked.
"He said and I quote, "Of course, I run into one of you. If a mac truck could be a giant robot, why wouldn't a motorcycle?"."
"But how did a human teenager discover Optimus?" Ratchet question. Out of all of them Optimus was the most cautious when it came to their cover, if it was Bumblebee he would understand, the young scout tends to forget his hologram driver often.
"I think I know doc, and if I'm right Bulk and I are also caught." Cliffjumper spoke up. Seeing everyone looking at him he continued. "I tend to listen to humans talk and one of topics was how teens love to explore places they're not supposed to, like a mineshaft."
"The camper." Bulkhead gasp, they thought they were in the clear, but it seems that wasn't the case.
"Regardless of want the boy knows or not I'm afraid that the Decepticons will target them. Tomorrow we will bring them to the base." Optimus declared.
/The present/
Seeing Bumblebee drive away she watches the older teen walk into a nearby alley. Following him, she enters and drove in front of him.
"We need to talk." She began.
"Hey I get it. First rule of robot fight club is we don't talk about robot fight club." Jack said backing away. 'What do I do? They know me now and if I use IDC they'll know it's me they're tracking.'
Getting closer to him Arcee transformed. "Look, Jack was it? You need to understand your one of the few to know of our existence. That is why our leader Optimus wishes to speak to you."
Jack was about to use IDC when a voice interjected. "Dude what are you waiting for? Go with!" The two turned and saw a girl who Jack knew was Miko, an exchange student from Japan. There was only one-word Arcee could say to being caught…again.
"Scrap."
A few minutes later Jack found himself on Arcee, who was in vehicle mode, with Miko holding onto his back. He winced as the excited girl let out a loud cheer as they drove. "And why did we bring her?"
"Rules." Was all Arcee replied. Soon they came to a mesa and kept driving towards it causing Jack to panic a little, only for the side of the wall to open revealing a tunnel. As they drove in the three humans found themselves in an underground base. The base had rocky walls and concrete flooring with an insignia on it. There was raised platforms along the place, Jack figured it was for humans to be able to see what they were doing.
[For making logical conclusions +1 WIS]
'Now it starts to speak up. Ever since I met the bots, I swear it has been quiet.' Getting off of Arcee Jack and Miko looked around. He saw a white and red robot that made him think of an ambulance, years of being a nurse's son helped with that, the green one Bulkhead, and the red one, Cliffjumper, who look like he went through a blender.
"What happened to him?" Jack thought to himself. Miko in the meantime ran up to Bulkhead and started asking him dozens of questions.
"I thought there was only two?" The ambulance bot asked.
"Haven't you heard, humans multiply." Was all Arcee said.
"If you guys are robots, who built you?" Raf asked.
The ambulance bot seemed offended by that. "Puh-lease."
Hearing footsteps behind them they turn to see the biggest of them walk up to them.
"Optimus." Jack said without thinking. Catching everyone's attention.
"We are autonomous robotic organisms from the planet Cybertron. Also known as Autobots." Optimus informed them.
"Why are you here?" Jack asked.
"To protect your planet from the Decepticons."
"The jokers that tried to bump us off last night." Arcee injected.
"Alright why are they here?"
"Because our planet has become uninhabitable due to centuries of civil war."
"Why were you fighting." This time it was Raf who spoke.
"First and for most, for our control of our supply of energon, the fuel and life blood of Autobot and Decepticon alike. In the beginning I fought besides one I once called brother. But ideals can be corrupted and soon enough Megatron loss his way."
"Is there going to be a test on this later." Miko yawned out. Giving her a small glare Jack looked back at Optimus. "So, what does this Megatron or any of this have to do with us?"
"Megatron hasn't been seen in some time, but I fear his return is imminent and if that is true than your entire planet is in danger. And since you three know of our existence we're afraid that as of last night the Decepticons knows of yours."
"Got it if we see any strange vehicles call 911, can we go now?" Jack asked. In truth while this was informative for the teen, he had his doubts that it was a good idea to stick around. After all he was very low level and there was no doubt in Jack's mind that all of the bots here and the Decepticons were at least around level a hundred or more.
"Are you joking? I'm living a dream here in bot-swana and not going to let you or anyone else ruin it." Miko argued. Before either of them could say anything else, Optimus continued.
"For the time being I believe it would be better for you to remain here for the time being."
"Optimus I must protest; the human children are just as much in danger here." Ratchet pointed out.
"Children?" Jack mumbled as he looked at Raf and Miko who simply shrugged.
"They have no protective shell; one misstep and they will go squish." To empathize the point Ratchet did a light stomp on the ground.
"Then for the time being Ratchet we shall watch our step." Optimus said. Before anything else could be said an alarm went off.
"What is that?"
Bumblebee let out a few beeps which Raf translated to proximity alarm.
"Optimus, agent Fowler is on the roof." Ratchet informed.
"Aren't we the only ones who know about you?" Miko asked.
"He's their liaison." Jack told her. "I'm assuming." He added quickly as the others looked at him.
"That is true Jack, but I'm afraid that at this moment is not the right time for you to meet him. Please hide for now." The three teens quickly got around a corner before the elevator doors opened revealing Fowler, and he was not happy.
"Sixteen crashes, twenty fender benders and a three-hour long traffic jam. And to top it off, reports of a motorcycle of an unknown make and a yellow and black custom muscle car." That made Arcee and Bumblebee look a little sheepish.
"Anything you want to get off your tin chest Prime?"
"We have everything under control agent Fowler."
"There back aren't they."
"If you are referring to the Decepticons I doubt they ever left. Your planet is far too valuable."
"Then it's time to wake up the Pentagon."
"Hear me agent Fowler, we are your best and possibly your only defense against the Decepticons."
"I beg to differ." This offended a couple of the bots, with Bulkhead being the most vocal.
"Hey fleshy! Did anyone get flatten out there? Team Prime knows how much force to use and how to use it." To bring the point home he picked up a piece of equipment and crushed it in his servo.
"Bulkhead I needed that!" Ratchet complained.
Turning back to agent Fowler, Optimus continued. "The use of Earth's military would only end in catastrophe. You may be able to condone the widespread loss of human life, but I cannot."
"Fine, but you better get it under control Prime, under the radar or I will. It's was already bad with the mutated animals." Fowler said as he left.
"Pretty big bearings for a human." Bulkhead commented.
"Agent Fowler is merely worried for his planet Bulkhead, as he should be."
Elsewhere in an energon mine
"As you see my lord, we have been hard at work securing a vast energon supply. You bring me a sample." Starscream ordered.
"Starscream, from now on, I will be the only one who gives the orders." A large and imposing bot spoke from the dark cave.
"Of course, lord Megatron. Forgive me. I'm simply excited to see the army you no doubt gather during your three-year exploration."
"My pilgrimage has shown me something even greater. Behold Starscream, in my hand I hold dark energon." Starscream stared in shock as Megatron held up the dark crystal.
"Dark energon. The crystalize blood of Unicron, they say it is the anti-spark."
"Yes, and once, I unlock the powers hidden within it my victory over the Autobots will be assured."
"To think you found even a shard, I have heard it even has many powers even the ability to…resurrect the dead." Starscream whispered. Fearful that even speaking too loudly would make the crystal do something.
"Yes, tell me Starscream, are you willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for the decepticon cause?"
"That won't be necessary milord." He motioned for several vehicons to bring in a slab. Once they did, Megatron saw the slab had five bodies of drones laying on it. "Recently we set of a trap for the autobots, unfortunately they were able escape, but perhaps the bodies of the drones would be useful for your experiments."
Seeing the bodies before him, Megatron walked up to them, taking the shard he had he broke off enough pieces for each. Once they were inserted, he and Starscream watch as the crystal energon liquidated and flow throughout the dead drones. Soon they began to move but they weren't acting like obedient soldiers, no they acted more like rabid beast. They jumped up and charged two of the drones that were standing guard. They open fire on the undead, but it was fruitless, even being hit and injured the dead kept coming, not stopping for they knew no pain, no fear, and no remorse. Four of them soon came upon one and tore it apart while the last charge at the remaining guard. The drone put up a valiant effort, but it was no good. The undead tore the guard's arm off and even punch through the guard's chest. The five undead drones turn their attention on Megatron and Starscream. They charged at them but in a testament to Megatron's skill, he easily dodges each one as before in a smooth single motion he picked one up and spun around throwing it into the others forcing them all in a storeroom. This allowed Starscream to quickly close the door locking them in.
"Is that your plan, bring back dead Decepticons and have them destroy us!?" He yelled in fear.
"Those were no Decepticons, at least not anymore. These… Terrorcons, will become my new foot soldiers, once I learn to control them." Megatron replied. Then something caught his attention, the one mostly intact vehicon guard from before was getting up. It too had become a Terrorcon. It rushed Megatron before being cut in half by the decepticon leader, the two halves falling deeper in the main tunnel.
"And it seems that if there is enough of a cybertornian left, the body will be infected with the dark energon as well." Megatron grinned at the prospect. He, in theory, could send out his undead army and could not only replenish his numbers but could have even more troops than he started with.
"Starscream continue with the mining operations, I have research to do."
Omega One
Back at the base one of the computers began to make an alert. Looking into it Ratchet turn to Optimus. "Prime we're picking up a strange reading here."
"Is it like the others?"
"No, this one is different. Like it's a life signal but not one we recognize." Ratchet replied. What concerned him was the signals were weak, very weak. There was five, no make that six signals.
"Autobots. Prepare to roll out. Ratchet prepare a bridge." Optimus ordered; the others nodded knowing strange signals lately were causing a reason to be concern. Soon a massive green vortex opened, allowing Optimus and the others to drive through leaving behind three shocked humans.
"What was that?" Jack asked.
"That was a ground bridge a scaled down version of a space bridge technology." Ratchet said.
"And what's a space bridge." Raf asked. Ratchet groaned at this.
"An inter galactic form of travel allowing one to travel from one part of the galaxy to the other instantaneously. Unfortunately, we don't have the parts, or the energon to build one."
"Your stuck here." Jack realized.
[Quest complete: More than meets the eye.]
[You have met the Autobots and discovered why they are here.]
[Rewards]
[+3000XP]
[1 uncommon chest]
[Gamer's Store]
"With the likes of you yes." Ratchet grumble, clearly not happy about the fact.
"Come on doc, it's not so bad. I for one like this planet. The scenery is nothing you would see back home." Cliffjumper tried to lighten the mood, only to cough up some energon. Seeing this Ratchet went over and check on him.
"I'm fine doc."
"You're hardly fine Cliffjumper, if Bulkhead wasn't there or we were a minute too late then you would have died. So, don't go telling me your fine." This made the three humans eyes widen.
"They can die." Raf mumbled.
"They're not like any robot on Earth, they're not AI programs that could transfer from body to body. They're like us, if something happens to them, that's it." Jack softly spoke.
Energon Mine
Optimus and his team arrived in a cavern, looking around they were shocked to see so much energon and even more Decepticons. "It seems that the Decepticons have been here for a long time."
"All this energon, this alone could keep us going for years or a small town back home for months. What could the cons want with this much?" Bulkhead asked. Sure, the cons could be trying to fuel the nemesis or outlast them but even then, this was far more then needed.
"I am not sure, but we need to investigate." Optimus said before walking forward, stealth was out of the option, there was just no way around the army in front of them. Once the many drones saw him, they opened fire, some even got on a drill and tried to ram him down. The Prime merely brought up his ion laser and took out many of the drones. Bulkhead came in and knocked the mining drill away. Bumblebee ducked down before firing several blasts of his own while Arcee jump in the air to avoid some shots and blasted two more drones before landing. The four kept pushing until they made it to a larger part of the mines. They stared at the large operation before them. Piles and piles of energon being loaded and sent to the nemesis above. They didn't stare for long since more vehicons open fire on them. They spread out to avoid an explosive and started to move throughout the area.
Arcee and Bulkhead made it to the upper platforms while Optimus and Bumblebee continue to fight below. Soon Arcee picked up the signals from a nearby storage room.
"I found where those signals are! Cover me!" Quickly dodging laser fire, she made it to the control panel. While she did find it, strange there was no password but that changed when she opened the door. She was shock at the strange drones, they rushed out seemingly unaware of any of her hits or blast. One manages to knock her down and tried to rip her to shreds but she caught the con by the wrist, but it felt like a losing battle, the con didn't seem to struggle as she tried to push it away. Before anything could happen Bulkhead rush forward and slammed the five drones away.
"You okay?"
"Yeah, but there's something wrong with those drones. Nothing I did slowed them down." She grumbled, feeling a bit lightheaded. They didn't get a moment to rest as the crazed drones came back for more. Bulkhead picked up one and used it as a bat knocking away a couple of them. Arcee meanwhile slam one down onto her knee before shooting one-point black in the face. To her shock and horror, the drone simply looked back at her with half of its face being ripped off. It growled as it tried to lunge at her, but she dodges and kicked the drone away. Bulkhead took the one he was holding and ripped it in two. And threw it at the drones, but it just continued to crawl towards them. Seeing this Bulkhead just shot its head multiple times until it finally went down. Suddenly laughter started to fill the mine. Looking up they all saw Starscream standing on one of the higher levels.
"Hello Prime, I would stick around and chat but… I'm squeamish." He said as he held up an explosive. Activating it he threw it down and transformed into his jet form, flying away. Seeing this everyone transformed and drove as fast as they could. Energon throughout the mine was exploding adding to the blue fireball that was chasing the Autobots.
"Ratchet! Activate the arrival coordinates! Now!" Optimus radioed over the com link. As soon as he did the ground bridge appeared allowing the team through, Optimus had to jump in due to him being the furthest back. He landed in a crouch position as some of the blue flames washed over him. Not enough to actually harm him but enough were he felt it.
"Cutting it a little close. Did you find the signals?" Ratchet asked. Optimus turned to Arcee and Bulkhead, but he noticed they both seem disturbed.
"Arcee, Bulkhead, what did you see?"
"Some kind of sick experiment. They were drones but, they were butchered, leaking some sort of purple liquid." Arcee said.
"Yeah, and nothing we did seem to put them down for long, it wasn't until I blasted the head off one did it finally stay down. They just kept attacking like wild animals." Bulkhead continued. Suddenly both of them started to wobble. Arcee caught herself on a nearby crate while Bulkhead was brought to his knees.
"I'm fine, just a bit woozy." Arcee said as the others tried to help them up. Ratchet started to scan them before finding a purple ooze on them both.
"What is this?"
"Dunno but those cons were leaking it all over the place." Bulkhead said.
Ratchet scraped a sample off of Arcee to examine it. "Go take a decontamination bath. Now." Jack took this moment to use observe on the sample.
[?]
[The liquid form of ?, often thought to be a myth among cybertronians. Warning! Prolong exposure can lead to mutations, increase hostility, and insanity. Can animate inanimate objects, and the dead.]
Jack's eyes widen at the description. It was the same as the crystals he found. This put him in a bind. On one hand he could reveal the crystals he collected but they would ask questions, but on the other hand if the Decepticons were using the stuff that can't be good for anyone. Before he could do anything Raf spoke up.
"Optimus I'm sorry but I have a curfew, if I don't get home soon, I'll be in trouble." Taking a quick glance at his phone he saw it read nine thirty.
"Crap, I'm with Raf, if I don't get home soon, I'll be grounded until I'm fifty."
"Human customs, I hadn't considered. But the importance of your safety remains. Bumblebee, you shall watch over Raf." The young scout gave a smile.
"Bulkhead, you will watch over Miko."
"Sweet, my host parents are going to flip."
"While under undercover surveillance." Optimus continued.
"Curve side duty, got it." Bulkhead nodded, shrugging his shoulders to Miko who groaned.
"Ratchet-"
"Busy." Was the swift reply of the medic.
"In that case Arcee, you will accompany Jack."
"Still woozy." Arcee pretended.
"Your fine so says your doctor." Arcee simply glared at the bot.
"Come on Cee, it's not that bad. Besides you could use more friends. Don't want to become like old Ratchet, now would you?" Cliffjumper joked from the side.
Darby Residence
Jack could only describe the atmosphere as tense. He's sure his new…companion wasn't happy being a babysitter. Not that he was happy about it either, hard to level skills with someone who doesn't know what you could do watching you.
"Of course, I could tell them." Jack thought. Honestly, he was starting to think this was the only smart move. Raf saw him use ice magic the other day, he probably didn't say anything since they weren't alone or something, the Autobots were tracking him and he rather them not jump to conclusions. And then there are the crystals he found, those are bad news and these Decepticons are using them. Once they reached home and entered the garage Jack dismounted and turn to Arcee.
"Well, welcome to my home. Um, the bathroom is down the hall on the left and I would offer the pullout sofa but it's on the small size." Jack said trying to ease the tension. Arcee simply transformed and gave him a questioning look.
"And where would I find the cryobombs, in the hallway closet?"
"Cryobombs?"
"Yeah, like the one you use on the cons back at the highway."
"Wait you saw that; then why didn't you bring it up at the base?"
"We were going to, but Fowler and the cons interrupted. I also noticed you knew Optimus' name before he introduced himself, and when we were being chased you mentioned a transforming semi. So, Jack, how did you know?" Arcee asked, Optimus privately asked her not to question the teen but between almost loosing Cliff the other day and the rabid drones she had to face earlier she was not in the mood for secrets, especially potentially dangerous secrets.
"To answer most of those, I was camping by the mine when Optimus and the others showed up." Arcee nodded at that, it made sense and they already suspected it, but this was confirmation.
"As for the cryobomb? Well, there aren't and explosives in the house or any to begin with." Jack explained but the look she was giving him pretty much told him she didn't believe that.
"Then explain how you made all that ice appeared."
"With magic, here watch." Jack raised his hand to the side pulling his sleeve up showing that there was nothing hidden before casting [Frost Darts] towards an old box. Arcee's mouth fell open.
"How are you able to do that?" Never did she think a human could just create ice and weaponize it. Yes, some cybertornians could but that was after some upgrades or mods installed into them.
"Honestly I'll tell you when we return to base tomorrow, mostly so I don't have to explain everything twice."
"Fine, just don't think of running off in the middle of the night or I'll hunt you down."
"Sure thing." Jack said as he went to his room. Laying down in bad he let out a sigh of relief he didn't know he was holding. Today was stressful but at least some good came out of it. He now knows the bots are friendly, or at least in Ratchet's case neutral, and they may have an idea on how to deal with the crystals he found. The downside is the Decepticons he may encounter. But those are tomorrow's problems. For now, he was going to sleep.
"Jackson Darby! Do you want to explain to me why there is a motorcycle in the garage!" June's voice rung out the house. Jack bolted up with his eyes wide open. He completely forgot about his mother and her feelings about motorcycles. There was only two words he could say right now.
"I'm screwed."
[Name: Jack Darby]
[Title: The Gamer]
[Race: Human]
[LVL: 13 (3758/4350)]
[HP: 633/633]
[MP: 542/542]
[SP: 633/633]
[CON: 41]
[STR: 40]
[DEX: 45(+5)]
[INT: 34]
[WIS: 32]
[LCK: 21]
[AP: 0]
[$2180]
Chapter five done! This one was kicking my butt to write. Honestly, I thought of dragging out Jack meeting the Autobots until next chapter, but I wrote him into a wall, plus I wanted to get the story moving.
Cliffjumper lives, badly hurt and won't be seeing any action for a while but alive. This means Arcee wouldn't be as aggressive to Jack as she was in canon. But I needed some drama so knowing Jack had secrets was a source of one.
Stick around because there are going to be a few more changes one of which will potentially have a large impact on the world.
Have a great day and please reveiew.