AN: I hope you all are enjoying the story, so far. I had a lot of fun writing the first chapter; and I would like to have even more fun, moving forward. There will be chapters that follow the plot of Transformers Prime; and then some that follow the story of X-Men Evolution. Or sometimes, we may do both plots in one chapter.
Lastly, I plan on restoring Jack's family dynamic, at some point; and also, hopefully expanding upon it. Now, with all that said.
LET'S JUMP INTO IT!
Jack awoke the next morning, to the sound of The Professor's voice over the PA system. It was a reminder to all students, both original, and new; that they would be expected to meet up for training drills, later today. When Jack was finally awake enough; Scott approached him, with a box in hand. "Here! You're gonna need this. Training starts right after breakfast. Don't be late!" Scott said, as he placed the box on Jack's bed. After Scott left; Jack opened the box. Inside, was the uniform that he, and the rest of the class was expected to wear.
There were two places to eat, in the mansion; the dining room, or the kitchen. Most of the students would usually choose to eat in the kitchen; so Jack ended up joining them. He saw a bunch of kids, sitting at the table; with a large spread of food laid out. Jack had a stack of pancakes with maple syrup, some buttered toast, and a glass of OJ. He was halfway through his meal, when he noticed Rogue, sitting at the other end of the table.
He still felt guilty about the interaction they had yesterday. He wanted to apologize for making things awkward between them. He made it a point to remind himself to talk to her later. Maybe after they were done with their training session. When breakfast was done; the students met up in The Danger Room. Jack was in the control room. The teachers wanted him to see what he would be getting into; before just tossing him into the deep end.
Jack was wearing his new uniform. It consisted of a black body suit, with yellow gloves and boots; and a yellow belt. At the center of the belt, there was a buckle, with a red background; and a black X at the center of it. The shoulders had patches that also adorn the X symbol.
Jack took notice that the core group; all had there own unique outfits. Meanwhile, the new recruits, including himself, all had the same basic uniform. He figured that it must have been part of the process. Maybe once he gained more experience, he would get his own uniform. The one he was wearing now, was ok. But he did have his grievances about it.
Logan made it to the control room; and Jack got a glimpse of his uniform. The pants and lower torso were black; whereas the upper part was a bright orange color. It had orange boots and gloves. There was a gap between the gloves, and the shoulders; leaving some parts of his arms exposed. It had a belt with the X-Men symbol. Jack could also make out what looked like a mask, that was hanging behind Logan's neck. "The uniform looks good on you!" Logan told him.
"Yeah, I guess. But it feels like it's missing something. At least yours has a mask. Speaking of which; can I please see what your outfit looks like, with the mask down?" Logan obliged his son; and pulled his mask down over his face. The mask covered the top of his head; and stopped just short of his mouth. The top of the mask, including the part that rested on his nose, was orange. But there were parts of the mask, that were also black. It started from the eyes, and traveled up and away from the head; almost like two large black horns.
Jack had to admit, it looked rather menacing. But also, kinda cool. "You see, I would love it if my uniform looked anything like yours. Maybe in a different color. But I especially like the mask. Because, we're supposed to go into the field, when our training is complete. I mean, that is the idea, right? To use what we learn here, to be heroes. We have to show people, that Humans and Mutants can live together. But in the meantime, Humans will come to hate and fear Mutants.
I'm not ready to face that. My whole life, I thought I was normal; and that's all I ever wanted to be. I don't think I can give that up just yet. That's why I would like it if my uniform had a mask, just like yours. That way, at least I could maintain some sense of privacy."
Logan could see where his son was coming from. After all, Jack recently had the rug pulled out from under him. For the longest time, he thought he was Human; but now he finds out that he is something else. Logan didn't want his son to have to defend himself from the worst that humanity had to offer. The sad truth was, that people were probably going to hate him in the future. Jack shouldn't have had to deal with that; just because he was different.
"I get that. I'll talk to The Professor. We'll see what we can do about your uniform, going forward." Logan said. Jack was right. He was entitled to his own privacy. "In the meantime, what do you say that you get in on the action, down there?" Logan asked, as he pointed at what was going on inside The Danger Room. Jack looked down; and saw the other students dodging all sorts of crazy obstacles. The intensity of the obstacle course, made him hesitant to try for himself.
"Are you serious?" Jack asked.
"Yeah! You could use some training. Don't worry! Since you're a beginner; we'll start off slow, and then gradually build you up. Besides, you wouldn't want the other students thinking that we're taking it easy on you; just because you're the son of one of the instructors, do you?"
"I guess not!" Jack said in a nervous manner. Eventually, he joined the others in the obstacle course. Some of the obstacles, like the moving walls, or floors; were easy enough for him to avoid. But then some of the more advanced stuff, started to appear. He was grabbed by a metal tentacle; and suspended high in the air. He popped out his claws, and sliced through the tentacle; only to fall flat on the ground. Then a saw blade started buzzing towards him.
When the blade made contact with his claws, sparks started to fly; until the saw was stripped bare. He sliced through what was left of the saw. Thankfully, Jack's claws were more durable than anything in The Danger Room. The last things that Jack had to deal with, were some giant spider like robots; and laser cannons that popped out of the walls. "I'm starting to think that these people are crazy!" Jack said in a panic. The rest of the session involved him running, and dodging, and slashing through the remaining obstacles.
He avoided the attacks, when he could. But there were times when the robots would smack him around; or he would get blasted by the lasers. It was a good thing he had his healing factor to fix any of the damage that he received. He eventually completed the course; and left the Danger Room. Normally, after going through something like that training session; Jack would have been completely exhausted. But ever since his mutation manifested; it felt like he always had energy to spare.
Mr. McCoy had a theory for this. He said that because of Jack's accelerated healing; his body would generate far less fatigue toxins, than a normal person would. If any, at all. Meaning, that his stamina has now been boosted, to super-human levels. He could keep going, for a long time; before physical exertion starts to affect him.
But despite that; Jack couldn't shake this feeling that he had. If it wasn't for his healing factor, taking care of everything; he would probably be dead. Or at the very least, covered in bruises. By some stroke of luck; after he changed back into his normal clothes, he came across Rogue.
Now was the time for him to finally apologize to her. "Rogue! I just wanted to say I'm sorry for how things ended during our first meeting! I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable." Rogue honestly wasn't expecting any of this. She didn't think that Jack would apologize. Not that he had anything to apologize for, in the first place. He didn't do anything wrong.
"It's okay! It wasn't your fault. You didn't know about my powers!" Rogue stated.
"True, but maybe I was a little too forward."
"No! You were just being friendly, that's all. Tell you what; how about we just forget the whole thing?" She suggested.
"I would love that! Maybe you and I could start over? Because, I'd really like it if we could be friends!"
"Sounds good to me!"
"Jack Darby." Jack said, as he extended his hand to her.
Rogue accepted Jack's hand into her now gloved hand. "Rogue." She said, before the handshake ended. "So, you're Logan's kid, huh?"
"Yeah, it was a shock to me too!" Jack answered with a sort of chuckle. They began to talk; and get to know each other. "I didn't get a chance to tell you before; but I like your hair. It's nice. It's...different." Jack said, referring to Rogue's brunette hair; with a bit of a white streak in the front.
"That's one word for it! It makes me stand out. Sometimes it makes me a popular topic of conversation. People either love it, or they hate it. My hair is weird; and it makes me look weird."
"Not to me! I have a friend back, in Jasper. Her name is Miko. She has hair color just like mine; but she dyed it. So she has really obvious pink streaks in her hair. As strange as it may sound; seeing your hair, the way it is, is actually a comfort to me. It gives me a sense of familiarity. It reminds me of the way things used to be. You know, before all this craziness. Don't get me wrong! My life hasn't always been normal; even before coming here. But at least then, there was never a question about what I was; or who my father was."
Rogue had no idea what Jack was going through. Not every person was the same. Meaning, not everyone would take the news of being a Mutant the same. She once thought that they were all in the same boat. They weren't. Some people would love the powers they were born with. Others may thing that it would make them a freak. It's impossible to know how others will react to the reality that they're different. But regardless, Jack was a nice guy; and Rogue could see that. So, they spent even more time talking to one another.
Jack told her about his friends; and his life in Jasper. He left out the part about the Autobots, of course. Rogue's take away from his story, was that Jack had a good life. He had a mother who loved him; and what sounded like the most truest of friends. Then Rogue started to tell him about herself. Starting with the fact that she never knew her parents. Instead, she was raised by a blind foster mother; by the name of Irene Adler. But despite not knowing her parents; she thought of Irene, as a good mom.
"It turns out; there were only two things that I didn't know about myself. One was that I was a Mutant; and the other, was the truth about my dad. But, I can't imagine going through, what you've gone through. I can't imagine not knowing where I come from; or who my family is. A lot of the times, my mom was pretty strict. But I know that everything she did; she did because she loved me. She's a great mom. And the thought of not having her; just doesn't make any sense to me. I don't know if I could ever be as strong as you, Rogue!"
Jack had a lot; and yet, he admired Rogue. She could tell that he was being sincere. It made her happy to know that Jack was capable of such honestly, and kindness. The next part of her story, wasn't a happy one; but she continued on. She told him about how Mystique tried to manipulate her into joining the Brotherhood. About how she used her shapeshifting powers to try to trick Rogue into becoming a weapon to use against the X-Men.
She then went on to explain that Mystique claimed to be Kurt's biological mother. A fact she had concealed from him, all his life; even though she was masquerading as their school's principal. Both Kurt, and Rogue were able to make it through this; because they had their friends by their side. Jack had never met Mystique. But based on what he was learning about her; she sounded like a real piece of work. He would have to remember to be on guard; in case he ever came across her.
Jack wanted to comfort Rogue; and show his support. He knew he had to be wary of her powers. So, he carefully placed his hand on the part of her arm; that was covered by her shirt. No words had to be spoken between the two of them. Rogue knew that Jack was just trying to be decent.
Then The Professor rolled up to Jack; and asked if he could speak with him. He went with The Professor; and once they were alone, they began to talk. "So, Jack; have you given any more thought about staying? There's so much for you to learn. So much for us to teach you. You should know, there will always be a place here, for you; whatever you should decide." Charles told him.
"Thank you, Professor! For what it's worth; your dream is as noble, and unselfish as that of another man I know! And I would like to be a part of this. I really would! But I have friends back in Jasper. I have a life, and other responsibilities that I can't walk away from." However, the more Jack thought about The Professor's offer; the more he started to consider it. Then he came up with an idea. "But, what if I had the ability to still go to school in Jasper; and come here whenever I wanted?"
"How exactly would you do that?" The Professor asked. The state of Nevada was a long ways away. Driving from there to here, would take a great deal of time. Easily more than a day's journey. Charles was curious to know Jack's answer to this dilemma.
"How's not really important. But just suppose I had a way to come and go as I please. Would that be all right? Would I be allowed to attend your training sessions, everyday after school, in Jasper, if I could?" The Professor thought for a moment, before answering.
"Well, if you had a way to traverse such a great distance, in a short amount of time. And as long as you're sure that being a part of our group, is what you want. Then I suppose we could allow it. Let's give your way a try, shall we?"
"Thank you, Professor! I'd like to leave some of my things here, for when I do come back. Now, if you'll excuse me! I'd like to go and explain things to my roommate; before I go home to see my mom. You know, just because I can. Uh, see you tomorrow, I guess!" Before Charles could ask about any of that; Jack had already made a break for his room. He found Scott; and explained things as best he could. Scott understood about as much as The Professor did. He didn't know how Jack would travel so fast, between Jasper and Bayville.
He relaxed a bit when Jack told him not to worry about it. Everything was under control. After that, Jack left the room, and went to the garage; the same garage that he left Arcee in. To his relief; Arcee was still there, waiting for him. "Sorry it took so long! You ready to go home?" He asked her.
"So, what happened?" She wondered.
"I'll tell you when we get back." He answered. He and Arcee had to go someplace where they wouldn't be seen. So, they went to the most secluded spot they could find; the bottom of the cliff, that the mansion sat upon. Jack could almost make out what looked like a big metal opening, in the side of the mountain. He was guessing that, that was where the X-Jet came out of. Then he called for a Ground Bridge; and he and Arcee, both walked through it.
When he got home; Jack explained everything to all his friends, and his mom. Lying to them, wasn't something that he was comfortable with. He told them about the people he met; and about all the different places in the sub basement. He even told them about what happened in the Danger Room. Everyone was feeling a different emotion, when it came to his story. Miko was envious; and wanted to go with Jack, the next time he went back there. But as for June and Arcee, they were upset; but for different reasons.
Arcee was upset that Jack was thrown into a dangerous training session; that he had no way to prepare for. He wasn't ready; and if things had gone wrong, then he could've been seriously hurt. However, June was mad that Logan would allow her son to participate in something as awful sounding as "The Danger Room." She wanted to tear Logan, a new one. By the time she was done with him; he would need a healing factor to survive her wrath.
But then Jack pointed out that nobody forced him into the Danger Room. He had the power to say no. He told them of the dream that Charles Xavier had; and how he believed it to be a worth while one. He wanted to help the X-Men, if he could. So, he told his friends about his plan to go back, as much as he could. Of course, that would mean regular uses of the Ground Bridge. Ratchet would need to be convinced; to allow that to happen. Then, all Jack would have to do after that; is talk his mom into agreeing.
It took a while; but eventually, June came around. At first, she was against the idea of him being a part of the X-Men's mission; even if it was a noble one. But in the end; Jack managed to convince her. All her son ever wanted, was to have friends; and to live his life. After everything that's happened; it was clear that he would never have a normal life. But the only way that he would have any kind of life; is if the world didn't hate and despise Mutants. This was a fight, that needed to be fought.
Plus, she knew that this would give Jack and Logan, a chance to be a part of each other's lives. Against every motherly instinct that was screaming out for her to keep her child safe; she eventually agreed to it. So, it was settled. Everyday, after school and work; Jack would use the Ground Bridge to attend regular training sessions with the X-Men. Sometimes he would spend whole weekends at the institute; or every other weekend. It got to the point where it started to feel like a custody agreement between June and Logan.
Between school, Team Prime, the X-Men, and his day to day life; Jack was juggling a lot on his plate. But, he found a way to make it all work out. As a result of him spending more time at the mansion; he got to know more of the students. He even met Ororo's nephew, "Evan Daniels." He had dark skin, blonde hair; and the ability to generate sharp, bony spikes from his body. His codename was "Spyke." Jack also learned more about Kurt; the boy he met when he first came to the institute.
Apparently, Kurt could stick to any surface. That's probably why they called him Nightcrawler. But that wasn't even the best part. His more impressive power; was being capable of short-range teleportation. Basically, he could transport himself to any location, within a 2-mile radius. But he has to see where he's going; or at the very least, visualize the location in his mind. Jack had to admit; even with its limitations, that was a pretty cool power to have.
Every now and then, Arcee would accompany Jack, to the institute. But they both still made time for Team Prime. Today was one of those times. The day began with Arcee paying her respects to Cliffjumper's memorial site. Jack was with her. He wanted to shoulder this pain, with her. It was important for him to show her that he supported her, in all things. Arcee missed her old partner. She knew that he'd be here, if he could. She imagined that he would tell her to fight on.
The last thing Arcee did, was vow to find the one who took Cliffjumper from them. Then she and Jack, went back inside the base. It wasn't long after that; that Ratchet's scanners detected an ancient Decepticon energy signal. Optimus and the others, were going to investigate. But before they could even make it to the Ground Bridge; Jack asked if he could go with them. Arcee, as well as some of the others, objected to this. But Jack urged them to reconsider.
He said that a lot has changed since he was last in the field with them. He was no longer a helpless Human. Now, him and Arcee could be true partners. They could rely on one another. Plus, he asked them what the point of all those Danger Room sessions were; if he never got to put them to use. After arguing back and forth; Arcee finally asked Optimus to allow Jack to come with them.
He agreed, but only if he stayed close to Arcee. Jack may be a powerful Mutant. But that wasn't the same as saying he was unbeatable. Arcee was still his Guardian; and it was still her duty to protect him. After all of this was decided; they walked through the Ground Bridge, and headed to their destination.
The Harbinger
The Harbinger was a Decepticon warship; that long ago, was shot down by the Autobots. It was unknown why anyone would return here. Jack and the Autobots, were traveling down the halls of the ship; until they came across an unexpected site. They turned the corner, and saw Airachnid. The last time Jack encountered Airachnid, she had his mom kidnapped; and threatened to kill her, Jack, and Arcee. "Airachnid!" Arcee said with spite.
"Surrender!" Optimus ordered to Airachnid.
Airachnid started to flee down the hall. The Autobots gave chase; and passed a captive Starscream. He had been tied up in one of Airachnid's webs. Airachnid borrowed through the wall, and escaped. Arcee went after her. Arcee had a score to settle with her. Before Cliffjumper; Arcee had another partner. His name was Tailgate; and Airachnid murdered him in cold Energon. Arcee could do nothing. She could only watch, powerless, as Airachnid took him from her. But she wasn't going to let her get away, not this time.
"Arcee! Wait!" Optimus ordered. But it was as if his command fell on deaf audio receptors.
"Don't worry, Optimus! I'll go after her!" Jack said. Before Optimus could object; Jack was already halfway up the tunnel. When he reached the top; he saw that Airachnid had a hold of Arcee. Jack wanted to help his partner. After everything he's seen, and gone through; he was no longer afraid of Airachnid. He's beaten her twice before; and that was before he found out that he was a Mutant. "AIRACHNID! Let her go, or else!" Jack threatened.
"Or else what?" Airachnid asked, seemingly unafraid.
"I'll slice you apart!" Jack spoke.
"HA!" Airachnid laughed; before tying Arcee up, in a web, and throwing her to the ground. "If you recall; both times we met, you were at my mercy. You only survived because you had Arcee, and others, to fight your battles for you. Face it, Jack! Without your friends; you will always be where you belong, at my mercy!"
"Things are going to be different this time, Airachnid!" He said with confidence.
"Oh? How so?" She questioned, while preparing to strike.
Just then, Jack unsheathed his claws. Airachnid was surprised to see this. But she was even more surprised to see Jack, now charging at here. She tried to smash him with one of her spider limbs. But Jack's time in the Danger Room; made it all too easy to dodge her attacks. She again, tried to hit him with one of her limbs. Jack managed to block it with his claws; and then slice the limb off. Cybertronian alloy was tough. But not so tough; that his claws couldn't slash through it.
Airachnid reeled back, in pain. She examined her severed limb, before speaking. "Well, Jack! It seems that you've been keeping quite a few secrets. But don't think that it will be enough to save you!" She shot Jack with a stand of webbing, tying him up. But he used his claws to cut his way free. She started shooting lasers at him. He dodged most of the shots. One managed to hit him square in the chest; sending him to the ground. Airachnid was satisfied. She turned to Arcee, and spoke. "And there goes another one of your partners!"
Arcee struggled to get free. By this time, Airachnid was so preoccupied with Arcee; that she didn't notice Jack rising to his feet. "Ok, lesson learned!" Airachnid turned to see Jack with a big hole in his chest. "The next time you go toe to toe will a Decepticon; always make sure you've got protection!" He said as his chest was rapidly healing; and metal began to cover the now repairing bones. Jack was now completely healed; and he had covered his entire skeleton in metal, for extra protection.
"That's impossible! How are you still alive? What are you?" Airachnid asked, in shock.
"Doesn't matter! You won't be doing that again!" He said, as he charged at her. She fired more lasers at him. The ones that managed to hit him, did hurt. The blasts damaged his skin and muscles. But this time, his bones were strong enough to withstand the impact. The fight wasn't one sided. Jack had also managed to get in a few good licks. He used his claws to scratch, and cut away at Airachnid's armor. This caused her to leak Energon, in several areas. Unlike Jack, she didn't have the power to heal herself.
The fight probably would have gone on longer, if Optimus hadn't shown up at that point. Knowing that she couldn't win this fight, Airachnid retreated. She may have lost the fight; but she could still get what she came for. When she was gone; Jack walked over to Arcee, and cut the webs off of her. "Arcee! You know better than to engage the enemy alone!" Optimus scolded her.
"Not her! Not after what she did to Tailgate! She will pay!" Arcee said, with venom edged in her voice.
"Revenge will not bring back those we have lost. Is that understood?" Optimus asked her.
"Optimus! With all due respect! She wasn't alone!" Jack added. He noticed Airachnid's severed spider limb, on the ground. He tried to lift it; but it was heavy. He finally managed to get it off of the ground; even if it was only by a little bit. "Hey, Arcee! Check it out! Souvenir!" He said, while trying to lighten the mood. But she was not amused.
"What were you thinking? I had that!" She murmured.
"I was thinking that my partner could use a hand. And by the looks of it; I wasn't wrong! Arcee, I'm sorry if I overstepped! I just wanted to help!"
"I didn't ask for your help; and I didn't need it! This is personal! She took Tailgate from me! I have to be the one to make her pay! I can't have you fighting my battles for me." Jack felt a little put off by this. He just wanted to help. He was trying to do some good. But Arcee wasn't having any of it. Bumblebee and Bulkhead brought the tied up Starscream with them. Starscream wanted to make a deal. He would tell them anything they wanted to know, in exchange for them letting him join their side.
No one there was buying this, not even Jack. Granted, he hasn't known Starscream as long as the others have. But he knew enough to know that he couldn't be trusted. Starscream reasoned that he had no love for the Decepticons. They humiliated him, demoted him, and betrayed him. Megatron himself, even tried to terminate him. So why wouldn't he turn his back on them? None of them trusted Starscream. But there were aspects of his story, that were true. So they decided not only to use his information; but also, to take him with them.
Starscream's information wasn't wrong. He led them to a location of a powerful artifact, that Airachnid was after. Optimus knew that Starscream's loyalty to Megatron; has always been in question. If he has truly separated from the Decepticons; then his knowledge of their plans, could make him an invaluable ally. The others had serious doubts about that. But Optimus knew that without the hope of redemption for others; there would be no lasting peace.
Bulkhead removed Starscream from the trailer that Optimus was towing. He had cuffs to bind his hands; and a clamp that kept his wings together. They asked where the artifact was. He told them the location. It was then decided that Bulkhead and Bumblebee, would go with Optimus; while Arcee and Jack, would stay with the prisoner. Arcee begged Optimus to let her go after Airachnid, instead. But Optimus believed that her desire to avenge Tailgate; would only cloud her judgment.
When the three bots left; it was only Jack and Arcee, who were left to guard Starscream. "Is the clamp really necessary? I promise not to fly away! It's really giving me a crick!" Starscream complained.
"I can shove you back in the trailer!" Arcee commented. She was unsympathetic to his troubles. This only made Starscream whine even more.
"I'm not really so bad, you know. Megatron, he's the evil one."
"Tell it to someone who cares!" Arcee shot back.
"Someone like whom, Airachnid? What I wouldn't do to get my hands around her wretched throat!" He murmured, with spite.
"So, we can agree on one thing?" Arcee was amazed to find that she had even one thing in common with Starscream.
"Oh, you have no idea! She showed up, one day; and the next thing you know, she's acting like she runs the place. She whispered lies into Megatron's ears! Maneuvered to rob me of my rightful place!" He listed his grievances against Arcee's nemesis.
"Well, she terminated my partner!" Arcee said, while remembering that gruesome day, of long ago.
"What? She's taking credit for scrapping him now, too? That was my doing!" Starscream answered without thinking. He always was so desperate for credit; and a bit of a suck up.
"What? You weren't their!" Arcee said. She was off put by his claim. She replayed those events, a thousand times, in her head. The one thing that she was positive about; was that Starscream wasn't there when Tailgate died.
"Of course I wasn't! I don't know what I was thinking." He said, in a panicked state. He would have to choose his next words, very carefully.
"Who were you talking about?" Arcee inquired.
"No one! Who where you talking about?" Starscream tried to deflect.
"Tailgate!" Arcee stated.
"Who's Tailgate?" He asked. He honestly didn't know who she was talking about.
It was then that Arcee put all the pieces together. Starscream wasn't referring to Tailgate. He was talking about her other partner. "You were the one! You extinguished Cliffjumper!" The anger, was evident in her voice. Arcee pulled out one of her blades. She wanted to end him. But Starscream tried to weasel his way out of it. He attempted to trick her into believing that his troops, mortally wounded her partner. He said that Cliffjumper was begging for mercy. So, Starscream ended his suffering.
Now Arcee knew that he was lying. Cliff may have been a lot of things; but he wasn't a coward. He would never beg to Starscream. She shoved him to the ground. After Starscream was done begging for his life; Jack stepped in between him and Arcee. "Arcee, stop! Whatever he did, you can't; not like this. Optimus would never approve!" Jack told her. Even if she was right, that Starscream deserved it; he wasn't in a position where he could fight back.
"Get out of the way, Jack!" She instructed.
"Arcee, look at him! He's beaten! He's defenseless! You know this isn't right!" Jack lectured her.
Arcee took a moment; before she spoke again. "You know what, Jack? You're right!" She said, before she threw an object on the ground.
"What's that?" Her partner asked.
"The key to his cuffs." She answered.
"What for?" Starscream inquired, in a state of fear.
"Cliff would have given you a fighting chance." Said Arcee.
Starscream was too afraid to grab the key. Arcee then deployed her blasters; and told him to take the key. Jack thought that this was going too far. He has never seen Arcee like this. So full of anger, and hate. Starscream picked up the key; only to clumsily drop it. Arcee pitied him. She kept one of her servos, as a blasters; while transforming the other one back into a hand, to get the key. With an evil smirk; Starscream used this opportunity, to slash Arcee, right across the gut.
She started to leak Energon; before she fell to her knees. Starscream picked up the key, and uncuffed himself. He was now ready for a fight. Arcee was now on the defensive. Starscream commented that she was tougher to take down, than her former partner. At least, the one that he scrapped. Then he asked if Tailgate was even weaker than Cliffjumper. Arcee was able to get in a few hits. Starscream beat Arcee down; and sent her falling down a slope.
"You should have finished me when I was helpless to fight! Just like I finished Cliffjumper. Now, prepare to reunite with your partners!" Starscream said, as he prepared to strike the finishing blow. Before he could even lay a finger on her; he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his leg. He fell to one knee; and found three distinct claw marks on his leg. He then saw Jack, standing between him and Arcee. Both his claws were extended; and Energon was leaking down three of them.
"Not all of her partners are gone! Let's see whose claws are sharper!" Arcee looked up, just in time to see the fight between Jack and Starscream. Jack was fighting for her. To protect her. Just like Tailgate, or Cliffjumper would. He had her back. The same as any other partner would.
Jack and Starscream were clashing blades. Starscream was collecting quite a few wounds from the fight. "What are you?" He asked Jack
"You know, you're the second person to ask me that, today." Jack continued his assault. Starscream used his blaster to shoot Jack. But Jack just planted his feet; and took the blast, head on. "Is that all you've got?" He mocked Starscream. The fight ended, when Starscream had enough. He picked Jack up; and threw him into the side of a mountain. Some rocks fell on top of him; effectively burying Jack. That made Arcee angry. She got up, and re-entered the fight.
"THIS IS FOR CLIFFJUMPER!" That was the only thing that Starscream could hear; before Arcee slashed him across the face, with one of her blades. She continued to beat on him; until he was on the ground, with her standing over him.
"Go on! Do it! Megatron will only terminate me for treason; if I dare return to the Decepticons! You may as well be the one to put me out of my misery." Starscream quivered.
"As if I needed convincing!" Arcee spoke, as she raised her blade high in the sky.
"What? Wait! No!" Starscream managed to whimper out. He must not have thought that she'd actually do it. He was probably hoping that she would take pity on him.
She would have finished him off. But at that time; she saw Bumblebee standing atop the hill, watching her. Behind his eyes; she could feel a look of disappointment. This wasn't the Autobot way. Bumblebee looked up to her. He was desperately waiting to see what she would do. Whether she decided to spare Starscream, or end him. It was like everything hinged on what she did next. With a heavy Spark, she chose to let Starscream go.
Starscream was starting to leave; while Arcee was collapsing from her injuries. Thankfully, when she went down; Bumblebee was there to help her up. They went over to where Jack was buried; and began to dig him out. When they got all the rocks off of him; his body was healed within moments. His clothes, on the other hand, weren't so lucky. His shirt was almost completely destroyed. Jack came to stand up. "Ah, man! Not again! That makes two shirts ruined!" He lamented.
"Jack! Are you alright?" Arcee asked.
Jack turned to her. "No problem! Metallic skeleton!" He said, in an effort to reassure her. Sometime after that; Jack and the bots, made it back to base. It turns out; that the artifact that Airachnid was after, was The Immobilizer. It was a device used to cause paralysis to Autobots, and Decepticons alike. Airachnid used it to put Optimus and Bulkhead, in a form of stasis lock. Bumblebee was able to stop her, by breaking it. But thankfully, it wasn't so badly damaged, that Ratchet couldn't repair it. Because of that, he was able to reverse the stasis lock.
Optimus asked how Arcee was holding up; to which Ratchet answered, she was quite resilient. Optimus saw her sitting on a giant slab; with Jack, standing right beside her. Optimus decided to speak to her. "It is the external wounds, which heal the quickest." He could see that she was having a tough time. As her leader; it was his job to reassure her.
"I thought settling scores, would allow me to move on. Instead, I chased away our hope of winning this war, anytime soon." She was referring to the way she acted with Starscream. She let her anger and frustration, get the best of her. Starscream could've given them valuable Intel. But because of her, he is gone now; and so are any of the secrets that he would have spilled.
"Wisdom cannot be granted, Arcee. It must be earned. Sometimes, at a cost." Optimus taught her.
Arcee came to a realization, as she looked at Jack. "Jack! I want to apologize for how I treated you, after the fight with Airachnid. Both times today, you came to my aid. And I acted as though you were only in my way. I'm sorry!"
"It's okay! I get it! Plus, you had come across, not one, but two cons that took both your partners from you. Your anger was earned. Maybe I had no business, butting in, the way I did."
"No! You were just trying to help. I see that, now. You were watching my back. And that should go without saying. We are partners, after all!" She said with pride.
This caused Jack to smirk. "Always!" He responded with a thumbs up. This action made Arcee so happy; that she actually cracked a smile.
AN: I had a lot of fun writing this chapter. Also, I wanted to assure all of you; that there will be more family moments between Jack, June, and Logan, in later chapters.
So, I guess I'll see you all, next time.
And remember, if you didn't like something about this chapter; then that's all you have to say. Don't go out of your way to be a jerk in the reviews. Be honest, but fair!
STAY AWESOME!