We're back, everyone! Sorry for the long wait.
Now, as a forewarning, I originally wanted this chapter to have Bumblebee first witness and react to Yor and Loid's fighting skills/superhuman abilities in combat. However, that never made it into the chapter. I do plan for it to happen next chapter, but I wound up finding a good stopping point before I could write that part.
Being honest, it was for the best. No need to force a chapter to be longer than it should be.
That, and if you've been following my previously updated stories (Camien Odyssey and Silver Raven), you'll know that I wrote and uploaded two 15K to 20K word juggernauts of chapters one after another. Frankly, this is also a good return to forum with a shorter, breezier chapter for you all.
Anyway, special thanks and shout-out to Quantum01, Matrix Dragon, and SwapAUAnon for Beta Reading this chapter.
Mission 6: A Family Shopping Trip
"Are we there yet? Are we there yet?"
"Almost there Anya, just another minute," Papa said, looking back at her through Bumblebee's mirror, Not exactly sure why she's so excited though. It's just a trip to the supermarket.
Yeah! But I wanna make it fast! Anya bounced in her seat, looking outside at the passing buildings and cars. There was a new episode of Spy Wars that was gonna play soon and she didn't want to miss it. Ever since Bond was brought home, she and him always watched new episodes together. If they didn't make it home on time, he'd watch it without her!
"Anything in particular that you want to get, Anya?" Mama asked, smiling back at her.
"Peanuts," Anya answered right away as she hugged her plushie, Mr. Chimera.
What's that? Bumblebee wondered as Papa turned a corner, Is it some kind of Earth provision? I swear, humans have weird names for their food.
That last thought got Anya thinking; did giant robots eat? She learned that they could get drunk, which meant they could drink stuff too. If they could drink, they could eat, but what did giant robots eat? Did they eat scrap metal? Electicity? Or did they eat the kind of stuff normal people would eat like cereal? If they did eat stuff like that, what was Bumblebee's favorite food?
"You know Anya, you need to be careful not to eat too many peanuts," Mama warned, "If you do, you could get sick."
"She's right, Anya," Papa added, looking serious, "It's important to avoid eating too much of anything."
Anya sighed, both her parents sounding like those classes at school about eating vegetables and fruits and stuff. "Maybe peanuts shouldn't taste so good then," Anya muttered before a thought popped into her head and she asked, "Hey Papa, Mama, what's your favorite food?"
"Hmm?" Papa looked back for a bit, "Uh, why do you ask?" Anya shrugged, leading to Papa focusing on the road and thinking really hard, Let's see...
Mama, meanwhile, said, "Well, you remember the stew I cooked for you and Loid?" she smiled, "That's always been my favorite food, ever since my mother cooked it for me and Yuri growing up."
Anya smiled back, remembering how happy was when Mama made that for everyone. Thankfully, it was actually really good, unlike Mama's other attempts at cooking. Still don't know if assassins are terrible at cooking or if it's just Mama, Anya thought before looking to Bumblebee's radio. Seeing that Papa was still super deep in thought, she focused on Bumblebee to see what he was thinking.
Huh, speaking of favorite foods, I miss Chrome-alloy pie. Used to eat it when I could afford it before the war. After that it was mostly just Energon rations, Bumblebee thought, sounding like he really missed it. All it did was make Anya frown at the dead end. Part of why Anya asked was because she'd hoped maybe she could find some food for Bumblebee. She didn't know if he could eat anything besides Energon, whatever that was, and wanted to help. But it sounded like robot food wasn't really something she could get here. Didn't sound like anything she could convince Papa and Mama to get either.
Should probably check back with Papa, Anya looked over to her dad and started reading his mind, a bump in the road making the car jump as they turned a corner.
Hmm, it sounded like Papa was still thinking, I know there was something. But what?
Anya saw a few images flash through his head; a tall blonde woman making food, but it was all fuzzy. Like Papa couldn't remember these things very well. Is that- Anya blinked, Is that my grandma? and without thinking, asked, "Papa-"
"Huh?" Papa snapped out of it said, "Oh! Uh, sandwiches! That's my favorite food."
"..." Anya blinked, Papa's so bad at lying. Still, she was glad for the answer, mostly because she was pretty sure she was about to accidentally say something revealing. Instead, she clapped her hands and asked, "Can we have some later?"
"Certainly," Papa answered, but his thoughts sounded a bit sad, Almost wish I did have an actual favorite food though. Then again, after all those tasteless rations... more images filled his mind, this time of a younger him and a bunch of army guys sitting in a dingy room eating bland looking food. They all looked really miserable, and then Papa shook his head, ending the thoughts, Forget it Twilight, those days are over. All you can do is focus on the present and assure that it will never come again.
Papa really doesn't want to eat bland food anymore, huh? Anya thought, Maybe that's why he makes sure to cook everything super good?
So, do humans eat witches made out of sand? That sounds very concerning, Bumblebee thought, making Anya snicker a bit. Papa just raised an eyebrow and looked like he was gonna ask a question, but Mama beat him to the punch.
"Hey, Loid?" Mama asked, "Think I could give cooking the sandwiches a try later?" I've been practicing a lot since Camilla helped me cook the stew. This would help see if I've improved.
Anya felt a chill run up her spine, and Papa looked freaked out. Bumblebee, on the other hand...
Why did the atmosphere suddenly fill with this sense of dread? he wondered as Papa drove him into the parking lot of the market.
"I uh, think it'd be best if you let me do it, Yor," Papa's voice sounded just a bit scared, not that Anya blamed him. Mama looked sad that she wouldn't be able to cook, which Papa picked up on, "I'm sure you've been improving a lot since then, but it's been a while since I made my favorite type of sandwich, and I'd like to make them for the family." And hopefully prevent all of us from dying of food poisoning.
Thankfully, that cheered Mama up and she nodded, "Okay then, but think you could show me how you'd like them? I want to be able to make them for you and Anya."
"S-Sure. Maybe next week?" Papa kept a straight face despite how scared his thoughts were, all while Anya flatly stared as he parked Bumblebee. He only bought them another week before death came for them all. Taking her mind off that, she looked out the window and stared at the market.
"It's too bad Bond couldn't come with us."
"Well, this market has a strict 'No Pets' policy," Papa got out and said, "So I'm afraid it was out of our hands."
Mama got out next, "It was nice of Frankie to take care of him for us while we were out though."
Wonder how Bond and Uncle Scruffie are doing, Anya wondered as she hopped out.
"Okay, I'm at the edge of my rope," Frankie muttered as he laid his head on the table, "I can't believe I'm gonna do this," snapping it upward, he asked, "How do I get a girlfriend?"
Sitting across from him was the Forger's dog, Bond, staring at him with either indifference or. Honestly, his expression was hard to read. After what felt like a solid minute, the whole thing turned into a staring contest, Frankie awaiting some form of an answer until finally...
"Borf!"
"...that...sounds..." Frankie rose and pumped his fist into the air, "That's genius!"
"Borf!"
Eh, probably something boring, Anya shrugged, Mama calling her name as she took her hand. They started walking together, but someone called Mama's name, making them all stop.
"Yor?"
Anya coughed, I think I have heartburn, before realizing just who it was. All three of them looked and saw the man in question, leaving Anya to grumble, "Oh, it's Unkie."
Thankfully, she wasn't heard, with Mama running over to hug Unkie Yuri, who was apparently in the middle of putting groceries in the trunk of his car. During the hug, Unkie dropped the brown bag he carried, messing up the groceries as he turned a shade of blue from Mama's strength. She was quick to put him down and apologize, with Yuri laughing it off.
Think I saw this guy enter the Forger's building once, but then he left vomiting. Who is he? Bumblebee wondered, Anya thankfully feeling the heartburn pass in the process.
"Anya," Papa knelt down, "I heard you earlier, and it really isn't nice to say things like that about family members."
All Anya could do was sigh, "Okay papa. Sorry."
"I know he can be...well, a lot, but he's still Yor's brother," Papa said, gently patting Anya's shoulder, "It's important that we put up with him for her sake." Not to mention that gleaming SSS intel from him would be beneficial to Operation: STRIX, though I haven't been able to gather much, Papa stood up as Mama and Unkie approached, And sometimes I wonder if it's even worth it in the end.
"Hello Anya," Unkie greeted in a happy voice, though it sounded forced. He looked at Papa and held out a hand, sounding a bit more even, "Loidy."
As Papa forced a smile and shook Unkie's hand, he thought, Still, it's rather concerning to run into one of the State Security Service in civilian guise like this. Does he suspect anything? Perhaps it's just a coincidence, but it feels too convenient.
Spy vs. Secret Police mind games! Anya gasped in excitement and started reading Unkie's mind to see where he was in the brain war.
Gah! Great, just had to run into Loidy and Chihuahua girl while I was doing groceries, Yuri's smile became a bit more strained, Well it's not all bad. Least I got to run into big sis, and who knows? Maybe I can gleam something off Loidy to prove he's a spy!
Anya's smile left her, Oh, so he's really just here to buy things and not do any secret police bad guy stuff. That's...boring, but her smile did return, But it sounds like the mind games are starting now!
"So, Yuri," Papa began, "How have you been?"
Yuri replied, "Oh just paperwork at the moment, but I'm gonna be going on a short business trip to Frigis soon enough. So how about you? You've been treating my sister well?" You better be treating her well.
Huh, so he's Yor's brother? That explains the looks, Anya looked over to Bumblebee tuning out Papa's thoughts in the process, Kinda reminds me a bit of the Ambus brothers. Not to mention Jumpstream and her twin. Too bad she had to be related to Skywarp of all bots.
So giant robots can have brothers and sisters too? Anya wondered, happy at all the cool stuff she was learning.
"Honestly Yuri, sometimes I think you worry too much," Mama got Anya's attention back to the conversation. She saw her mom giggle while Unkie looked defensive.
"Hey, I wouldn't be a good brother if I didn't look out for you, would I?"
No, but you can definitely be overprotective at points, Mama's thoughts sounded tired. Apparently Unkie could get to her too sometimes.
"So, you mentioned something about Frigis? How do you feel about the trip?" Papa asked, Sounds like a potential cover story.
Why is he asking so many questions? Is he trying to probe me for information? Unkie's thoughts made Anya worry for a second, No, cool it Yuri. Can't jump to conclusions. Besides, on the off chance he's actually a spy, I can't let it slip that the trip's a front. Just play the part of the dutiful civil servant. Anya calmed down while her uncle smiled and answered, "A bit nervous, honestly. First time visiting Frigis, so I'm sure it'll be a new experience."
I don't know why, but it feels like there's a lot of tension between Loid and Yor's brother, Bumblebee thought before shrugging it off, Maybe I'm just imagining things. Probably just how humans interact with their in-laws is all.
Nope, just spies and secret police, and it looks like the mind games aren't going anywhere, Anya tugged at Papa's pant leg, "Papa, can we go get groceries now? And can I please bring Mr. Chimera?"
"Sure, just make sure he doesn't get lost," at Papa's answer, Anya went back to Bumblebee and opened the door, picking up Mr. Chimera.
"Huh, I see you got a new car," Yuri commented as Anya closed the door and rejoined her dad.
"Yeah, Loid got it recently," Mama said, standing next to Anya and patting her head, "Anya even gave it a name. Meet Bumblebee."
"I see," Unkie looked at Bumblebee for a bit with an even stare, Why did Loidy buy such a small car? There's barely enough room for two people, let alone a whole family. My sister deserves far better than that.
Bumblebee's awesome the way he is, Unkie. And Mama likes him just fine, Anya couldn't help but glare at him, though she hid it behind Mr. Chimera.
What's with this guy's stare? Feels really judgmental and it's weirding me out, Bumblebee sounded insulted.
"Well, it looks fine enough, but it seems a little...well, a bit too small," Yuri said, "Given that you guys recently got a dog, maybe a larger car would be beneficial? I could help chip in for one if you want."
Aaaaand I officially don't like this guy, Bumblebee fumed.
"Thanks, but we're fine with what we have," Papa answered with his usual smile.
"We honestly haven't had any issues, so we'll stick with Bumblebee," Mama smiled too, and much brighter than Papa.
Anya didn't smile, and instead had the same anger Bumblebee had. Her uncle had no idea what he was talking about. Bumblebee was the bestest car ever! She was gonna tell him that when suddenly, she got an idea. A genius idea that only a master spy like her dad could come up with. And with that idea, her eyes narrowed, and a smug grin overcame her face.
Heh, she ran over to Bumblebee and hugged his side, loudly saying, "Yeah! Mr. Bumblebee's the greatest car of all time! We're never getting a new one because any other car would be stupid! Besides, we love him so much!" she looked back to Mama and Papa, "Right?"
"Of course, Anya," Mama happily answered, It's nice to see how much Anya loves Loid's car. I'm not sure if that's normal for children her age to be this affectionate with motor vehicles, but Loid would say something if it wasn't, right?"
Papa just nodded, but he was also scratching the top of his hat, I mean, it's not like this is the first time she's been favoring to the family car, but this seems a bit more than normal. Maybe she's developing an interest in mechanical engineering from classes at Eden? If that's the case, then- that's when Papa's thoughts got way too fast and confusing for Anya to keep up with.
Uh...thanks, I guess? Bumblebee was confused too, and a bit flattered, Humans are really invested in their vehicles, apparently.
Unkie, however, was getting upset, Does sis really think Loid's car is that impressive? he shook his head, No, she's just going along with what Loid's kid is saying. Kids are weird.
Anya returned to hugging Bumblebee as her smug grin returned, hidden from everyone, and she said, "Mama, I don't think Mr. Bumblebee knows how much we care about him. He needs a hug. Can you help me hug him?"
"Uh, sure!" Mama walked over, Not sure if this is a type of game children play, but I'll play along. Anya seems to be having fun at least, she stood beside Anya and hugged Bumblebee with all her might, "We love you so much, Bumblebee!"
You gotta be kidding me! Yor really thinks this jalopy's that special? Yuri ranted in his head, looking super angry and glaring right at Papa, What's so impressive about it? Is it because Loidy bought it?
Ha! Too easy, Anya smirked, feeling as smart as Papa.
Huh, still feels weird, but it's also kinda nice, being hone-OW! OW! OW! OW! OW! OW!
Whoops, Anya panicked and heard the metal groan in Mama's grip, realizing this probably wasn't a good idea. She didn't know if she could just let go and tell her mom to stop without Bumblebee realizing something. If she did, then he'd wonder how she knew he was hurting and then run away. She had to think of something fast!
"Okay you two, I think we should head into the store now. Anya said she wanted to get back home in time to watch the new Spy Wars episode, after all," Papa cut in, approaching them, Not to mention Yuri looks like he's about to blow a fuse and a few people passed by staring at us. We'd better get going before we start a scene.
Thanks Papa! "Okay!" Anya let go and reached out to Mama, taking her hand while the other held Mr. Chimera tight.
Argh! Slag that hurt! Bumblebee was still in pain, but it sounded like he was recovering, Okay, I think that confirms the whole "human parents have insane strength" theory.
"It was nice getting to see you Yuri," Mama looked at her brother and grinned, "Well, we better get going. See you later!"
"Yeah, see ya later, sis," Unkie stepped aside, letting them walk ahead to the store. She looked back and saw that Yuri was leaning against Bumblebee, looking really angry.
Okay Bumblebee, let it go. Don't drive off. You gotta maintain cover, remember? she could still hear Bumblebee's thoughts from this far away, Besides, like it or not, he's Yor's brother. It'd be really rude to- then Anya saw her uncle's lips move. She didn't know what he said and couldn't hear him from this far away, but it definitely made Bumblebee mad. Actually, you know what? he snarled, FRAG THIS GUY!
Suddenly, Bumblebee's door slammed open, sending Unkie flying off and landing somewhere out of sight. Mama and Papa looked back at the noise, but saw only heard Unkie shout, "I'm okay!" and start running back to his car. Anya snickered while her parents looked at each other and shrugged. The three of them entered the market and began shopping.
So many different food stuffs to pick out! Anya ran ahead, pointing at all the things she wanted to get. They got some meats for burgers, noodles for soup, sandwich stuff for Papa (even if he didn't really care about sandwiches), some milk, coffee, tea, cookies, fruits, veggies, and a bunch of other things Anya didn't know how to say just yet. Then finally came the time to buy Anya's favorite snack. Picking it out from the shelf, she held it over her head, "Papa! Mama! Look, I found peanuts!"
"I suppose getting them won't hurt. See if you can put it in the cart," Mama picked Anya up to help her, but Papa interrupted.
"Actually, Anya, I don't think that's a good idea," he pointed at the sweets they already had, "We've already bought a lot of sugar as is; cookies, cake ingredients, ice cream, and such. I think were fully stocked as is."
"But Papa! I want peanuts!"
"No Anya, your father's right," Mama agreed, "Honestly, I didn't pay attention to how much we already had."
"Please?" Anya put on her bestest, most adorable pleading face.
"Anya..." he didn't look like he was gonna budge. Mama looked away, knowing she wouldn't be able to say no.
Guess it's time for Anya's secret weapon, Anya took a deep breath and shouted, "I-If I don't get peanuts, I'll stop studying for school!"
"What?" Papa and Mama gasped. "Anya, why would you do that?" Papa asked, a lot of people looking their way.
"Because I want peanuts!"
This is bad, Operation: STRIX is in danger now! Papa relented, "O-Okay, we can buy peanuts, but just this once, okay?"
Anya immediately cheered up, "Okay!"
Papa sighed and let Anya put the box in the cart, When did I become such a pushover? "Alright, looks like we can head home now."
"Yay! TV and Bond, here I come!" Anya let Mama put her down and ran ahead of them. They were at the checkout line in no time. After everyone else bought their stuff, it was Papa's turn. The register person scanned everything and helped bag them all, letting her dad pay and get both change and receipt.
"Have a nice day, BARK!" The register man said.
Bark? Anya looked at the man as they all walked out, realizing what that meant.
Hmm, Papa pocketed the change and stared at the receipt, Looks like a D cipher this time. Seems I'll have to meet with Handler tomorrow morning.
Anya gasped in excitement, knowing what that meant, Papa's got a new mission! This is gonna be so cool!
Well, that was a fairly straightforward mission, Loid re-entered Berlint General's consultation room through the escape route and dressing in his white doctor's coat. The mission parameters were simple; WISE had received word on members of a criminal gang smuggling military grade weapons into Ostania. If those weapons hit the streets, it'd be chaos, and war would certainly follow. With a file on one of their members, he was able to disguise himself and destroy the weapons and subdue the criminals. With that accomplished, he tied up the still living gang members for the authorities and snuck his way back to work, thankfully just in time for the end of the day.
"Still," he sighed, cracking his neck as he slipped into the halls for his office. Straightforward as it was, these things never got any less nerve inducing. The threat of discovery and death was always there, even for a spy with his level of skill. You only had to get unlucky once and that was it. But now there was something more to it; as a husband and father, he had more to lose if he perished on a mission.
Waving to his coworkers, his mind reminded him that they weren't truly his wife and daughter. That he and Yor agreed to their "marriage" for mutually beneficial reasons; to help allow Anya to attend Eden and to put Yuri's mind at ease. Likewise, Anya's attendance of Eden was to achieve her Stellas to bring them closer to Donovan Desmond so as to uncover his machinations, if he had any at all. It was all for the sake of the mission.
At least, that's what he frequently repeated to himself these days, yet bafflingly, with less certainty each time.
"Doctor Forger," his attention was drawn by the monotone, feminine voice just ahead of him. Looking up, he saw the familiar white hair and purple eyes of Agent Nightfall, currently in the guise of Doctor Forger's assistant, Fiona Frost. As she approached him, he noticed that in her hands was a clipboard held with great significance, indicating it was a disguised cipher.
"Ah, Miss Frost," Loid greeted, entering a more civil, polite persona as he exited his earlier musings, "I'm going to be heading out for the day soon. Do you need anything else?" As he spoke, he mouthed a completely different set of words that only his fellow spy could understand, 'Any last-minute orders from Handler?'
Nightfall handed him the clipboard, "Not for me, but the department head would like for you to review these upcoming appointments." 'Our analysts have delivered their reports on the excavated metal from the impact site. Handler forwarded them to us for memorization.'
"I see. Thank you," Loid took the clipboard, Agent Nightfall's hand still held out before she lowered it. "You have a good night, Miss Frost."
"You as well, Doctor Forger," Nightfall said, Loid hearing her footsteps fade into the background as he turned a corner, making his way to the office. When he arrived, he took a seat and began reading the report. While on the surface, it appeared as a list of patients and details pertaining to upcoming appointments, Twilight's eyes could make out the message hidden between the words. Reading the reports, his face dawned a confused frown.
No success in tracing the object's origins yet, but... he raised an eyebrow, Odd, the metals found at the site don't match any known elements? The new detail had his mind scouring for possibilities. Did the perpetrator discover a new element of some kind? If so, was this merely a test run for said element? They had no idea what the intent was, but if it was something sinister, then they had no way of knowing if/when they'd strike again. Before he could ponder any further, the chiming of his wall clock took him out of it, reminding him that he had to be off to pick up Yor and Anya.
Better get going. Don't want to be late, Loid finished reading, committing the reports to memory before disposing of them in such a way that there was no way to trace them. With that done, he hung his doctor's coat and left his office, saying his goodbyes to everyone. He walked across the parking lot and entered his car, Bumblebee as Anya referred to it, before driving out to retrieve his family and head home.
Home, for one reason or another, Loid smiled at that word, and he couldn't explain why.
Like I said, short but sweet chapter. Mostly Anya's POV, but I have the most fun writing for her. Aside from her just being such a fun character in general, her telepathy allows me to convey everyone's thoughts despite them not being the POV character. It's makes for a good work-around for my usual writing style with an in-universe justification, y'know?
Also, BEHOLD! WE HAVE OUR FIRST DISPLAY OF THE ANYA SMUG FACE!
I'd like to think that it's Spy X Family fic law that you must have Anya make the smug face at least once. But she's definitely gonna make it again later on.
From Bumblebee's POV, we have more namedrops for different Cybertronians he's met. First off is the mention of the Ambus brothers, Dominus and Minimus. Both of them originate from the original IDW continuity of comics, with Minimus being that series' version of Ultra Magnus. Now, as Ultra Magnus has already appeared in the side story for this fic, Camien Odyssey, I'll say here that Minimus Ambus and Ultra Magnus are two completely different characters in this continuity.
Jumpstream's also from the original IDW series, but as you can surmise, she's not from Caminus nor a Torchbearer here since Bumblebee knew her back on Cybertron. I decided to have her be twin sister to Skywarp since both are Outliers with the exact same ability: teleportation. Think of them like Dreadwing and Skyquake from Transformers Prime, where they were born from a Split-Spark. This is likely to come up again later on in the side story.
On the subject of Decepticons, for those expecting them to arrive soon, I will say that my plan is for one to arrive around Chapter/Mission 10 of this story, but that's subject to change since nothing's set in stone. So, I can't make any solid promises.
Anyway, we also got our first elongated scene with Yuri, our introduction to Fiona Frost/Nightfall, and a bit of follow-up on Bumblebee's pod. Let me know what you all thought of the chapter if possible.
Next time's definitely gonna be where Bee can see Loid and Yor fight, but it's also the chapter I've been really excited for: Yor learning how to drive.
...Primus have mercy on Bumblebee's Spark. He's gonna need it.
But until then, see you all next time for the Camien Odyssey update. Then after that, I got a new fic to get started on.