#STARSCREAM SHOWING UP TO HELP!!!!! AND TWITCH HUGGING HIM!!!!!!!

[bitter-goodbyes]

TAHT FINALE MY GOD

[vhaos-chaotic-writing]

(TFE) Starscream being a parent to the Terrans

Hear me the frag out - I've been watching the series (I'm rn at the 11th episode) and I'm loving it. It's a good show! I just fell in love with the found family trope, the Terrans are so damn adorable and when I saw Starscream (even when it was for just like 3 seconds) I went apeshit.

(★ ω ★)

And of course - I need to write about my favorite character taking the role of a parent because I can't just keep with the Hashtag and Starscream father-daughter scenarios!

WARNING: Fluff! Megastar, Starbee and Opstar hinted (yeah), Starscream being a parent even when he denies being it. Headcanons on how seekers act (?) Long ass post ngl

So, imagine Starscream was given the opportunity of 1) Not being locked up again, 2) Stay with the Malto family and 3) In general the opportunity to show he can have a change of spark just like Megatron did.

Why was he given the opportunity? When Optimus and Megatron saw how Hashtag and Starscream bonded after that near to death experience with the Dweller, and the sole mention of either Starscream leaving or being taken back to G.H.O.S.T HQ, had Hashtag begged to not take away Starscream, hugging him tightly and said seeker also get in a defense stance as he held back the young terran, both former leaders finally accepted and, after talking with both the Malto family and G.H.O.S.T (who begrudgingly accepted the situation), Starscream was welcomed into the Malto family's home.

Of course - conditions were placed on the table: Starscream was not allowed to leave the Malto family's territory without any type of vigilance and had to help around in the family. With a few complains and groans, the seeker accepted, smiling as Hashtag celebrated happily.

Aaand from there on, the seeker started to show how he was taking a parental role with the young terrans, as if it was natural.

Of course, the first one to recieve this treatment was Hashtag - the young terran was nearly always with Starscream, talking his audial off about anything and everything. But the seeker didn't mind. Of course, he still made some snarky comments here and there, but from time to time was invested in whatever his daughter Hashtag told him about. Hell, one time Optimus saw how Starscream gently snuzzled his helm against Hashtag's, optics closed as he... purred? And Hashtag was all happy, smiling and giggling at the small affection before she left with her siblings to another class with Bee.

Seekers snuzzled their sparklings. It made Optimus' spark giggle.

"I... thought you weren't one to snuzzle another bot."

Starscream yelped to then hiss at Optimus. "You saw nothing, Prime!" And quickly left to lock himself inside of the barn.

(. ❛ ᴗ ❛.)

Next ones to start bonding closely with the seeker were Thrash and Twitch. Twitch started to try and get better at her flying abilities and was often asking Starscream to teach her more - and Bee accepted since, well, he couldn't fly and the seeker was perfect to teach anything related to flying. The young femme terran always seemed to smile brighter whenever the seeker praised her for having done correctly her training and, even when the seeker always procalimed not liking hugs... hugged her back if she gave into her bursts of affection. With Thrash it was different - the young mech terran seemed to look after the seeker to find comfort whenever Mo, Robby, Dot or Alex were not around. And Megatron once got to hear Thrash and Starscream talk.

And Megatron has never heard Starscream speak so... softly to someone else before.

"It's just - I still sometimes feel like... we do not belong! And... and I'm scared Optimus and the others are going to be disappointed in us. That we are going to fail... to our small family." The young terran confessed, hugging his legs against his chestplate, sitting by the seeker's side.

Starscream gently wrapped one arm behind the terran to pull him close. "You shouldn't feel bad for feeling like... you are not enough. It is quite normal."

"Really?"

"Yeah - I've always felt that way back with my old team, and even back at my original home in Cybertrone." The seeker explains, to then look down at the terran. "But, be easy with yourself, Thrash - you are doing more than I've ever done or any of us have done. You do belong somewhere - to earth, to your family. You are doing an amazing job at becoming a greater Cybertronian-terran."

"You... really think so?". And it seemes like Starscream affirmed silently, as Megatron heard Thrash giggle and when he peaked a little, he found Thrash hugging Starscream. "Thank you, dad - I mean, Starscream!" and soon the terran left when Mo called for him, smiling brightly.

Starcream... chuckled. His optics held such fondness it made Megatron blush. He forgot how beautiful Starscream's calm expression was...

(✿◠‿◠)

On days later - Bee has been witnessing a silent bonding between Starscream and Nightshade, the latter following Starscream whenever he was going when none of them had tasks to do or anything in general to do.

Has also catched the seeker telling stories about Cybertron and Vos, his original home, to Nightshade and the other terrans. All the young terrans held surprised and awe expressions on their faceplates - and Bee saw just how truly happy Starscream seemed to speak about his culture and about their old home.

And has even seen Starscream aid Nightshade inside of their lab, teaching them new things and do, just like he has done with Hashtag, Twitch and Thrash, gently snuzzle his helm against the terran's.

"I'm proud of you, Nightshade." Oh, the sight made Bee's spark twirl.

(｡･∀･)ﾉﾞ

Starscream won't say it out loud, but his spark always feels warm whenever Jawbreaker acts as a small protector whenever Optimus or Megatron visit the family. The terran has seen how Starscream becomes tense and more irritable whenever either former leaders are visiting.

"Can you please stop being a hard to deal bot with and speak with me?" Megatron asks, following Starscream who keeps his helm up, arms crossed over his chestplate.

"I ain't going out on a small walk with you, I have better things to do!" Starscream said, finally turning to look at the bigger mech.

Before Megatron can say anything else, Jawbreaker is already between them, arms wide open as if protecting Starscream.

"Jawbreaker?"

"S-Starscream said he does not wish to speak with you!" Jawbreaker said, forcing himself to stand strong. Megatron was a little bit confused, but was soon frozen at seeing Starscream smile warmly, placing a servo on Jawbreaker's helm.

"My young knight." The seeker said jokingly but fondly, and the young terran smiled proudly as he looked up at the seeker. Starscream's smile disappeared as he looked back at Megatron. "So! If you are done being a dense mech, leave! Hmph!" The seekers turns around to keep walking, not before taking Jawbreaker's servo and the terran happily followed him. Like a sparkling does following its carrier or sire...

＜（＾－＾）＞

"Daaad!!!" A chorus of happy cries are heard as 5 terrans hug the seeker.

"W-what did I told you about calling me that?!" The seeker complains as the young terrans laugh cheerfully. But the seeker smiles fondly and tries to hug all the youngs as he gently snuzzles his helm against any helm he can reach, forgetting the three mechs who were watching the whole thing.

Oh, to say at least, Optimus', Megatron's and Bee's sparks were in love with the father-children scenario.

Vhaos out!

[fridaysmind]

Ooooh I'm so normal about yan!starscream with the religious theme and how reader's accidental touch basically makes him freeze and tamed him a little there "A single touch made a current run through all the circuits and the scarlet optics go out as he exhaled and lowered his twitching wings in pleasure." Eating this btw

i'm sure reader's just sooo confused about how quick his behaviour changed.. and the gag of star giving some cryptic message before immediately transforming into a jet and flying away again,leaving reader to even more confused made me laugh harddd, lol poor reader

Great work!!!! <3 💗💖💖

Yandere!Starscream x Autobot!Reader

Chapter 3

(Chapter 2 is here)

Oh, my Primus, thank you very much! Kind words warm my Spark! GN!Reader; Obsession; A departure from the canon; You x Ratchet (a little) TW! Minor character death, kidnap, injuries.

Too much had happened in the intervening time, and Starscream was still out of sight. This caused doubt and discussion among the Autobot base, but not for more than a few seconds, as another expedition demanded attention.

You are diligently putting everything in its place, disinfecting medical devices, helping to treat your friends, in short, fully immersed in the events, but when the base becomes quieter for a while, the edges of your EM-field seem to pick up something dangerous.

With a weary sigh, you clear another surface and feel the optics on your frame again, but when you turn around, you see only your leader, not taking his attention off the console. You can't remember the last time he ate or charged, but touching him about it is futile. The overwhelming urge to talk a little keeps you going, and you walk past Optimus, entering the medical bay and seeing Ratchet.

As the conversation progresses, you both broach the subject of someone else's presence as he digs through the thin wires of Bulkhead's broken device, nodding occasionally in response. Every now and then you stop your speech to look in the direction of something moving, but see no more than a bug crawling away in the vent of a missile silo. This whole thing is nothing more than paranoia, right? You want to hope so.

And even Ratchet suggests that everyone is on edge right now. Decrypting the files, missing and rescuing Optimus, the fading and rekindling hope of winning this long war. It all takes its toll on every member of your team. You approach the doctor from behind, silently watching the light and quick movements as he unravels, interlocks, reinforces the microchips and it calms your processor.

“You're right, we need to focus on our mission and when we rebuild Cybertron everything will fall into place” you gently hug your mentor from behind, wishing him a quiet job and go on to put things in order.

When. Not if, but when we rebuild Cybertron. It wasn't until long after you left that Ratchet found a faint smile on his faceplate. When did the mech get so attached to you?

***

“Optimus, you can't be serious. Wheeljack can't follow orders, he's simply out of control, and sending such a young Transformer with him...”

“Wheeljack is a skilled fighter, and you can fully trust your assistant just as I do.” your leader's voice is as usual calm and friendly in response.

The reason you rarely showed up on the battlefield was precisely because of Ratchet-he'd find a hundred reasons why you'd be better off staying near him. He needed your help in the medical bay, or you were being punished for bickering, or you had a suspicious limp, or whatever. But now he can do nothing.

Despite the seriousness of the task assigned to you, there was no point or time to argue. It was up to each of you to catch the artifact and snatch it out of the hands of the Decepticons.

The Decepticons...they had clearly become more ruthless, even though it seemed impossible. You can still remember when the base received a message begging for help. From whom? Arachnida! Despite the obvious reluctance of either of you to save this spider-woman, Bee and Arcee still arrived at the strange cave, but found nothing but the femme's dead body, mutilated so hideously you'd think she'd been torn apart by fangs. She had probably gotten a real beating in the power struggle after all, but none of you would miss her, anyway.

You greet Wheeljack with a welcoming smile as you emerge from the green funnel.

“Immediately note: Prime has decided that I should be the one to watch over you, not the other way around.”

The mech only chuckles in response to your words, sarcastically offering a servo as your peds step onto his ship. You accept the offered limb and a moment later you soar through the sky at high speed, continuing your dialog, from which you are distracted by Soundwave suddenly appearing on your tail. What luck...

The ship maneuvers, fires, and even hits its target, but the last shot of the Communications Officers drone causes the ship to burst into flames and hurtle towards the ground.

The best option is to split up. The bot rushes to snatch an unknown but clearly valuable resource from the enemy's servo, while you are left alone with the suddenly awakened blind and deaf Laserbeak and Rafael on the link.

Your limbs desperately press the drone into the ground while you hold out hope that the virus will take the Decepticons by surprise and the kid backs up your faith. You are distracted from the human cub speaking into the audio sensor by a strange hum approaching behind you, and you turn around.

The optics widen and the servos themselves let the metal bird flail about in panic, taking off and falling back into the dirt with no sense of space or time. The flock of creatures in the sky with the sickening sound of a battle scream was rapidly approaching and it was not difficult to identify the insecticons with horror, dozens of individuals, frenzied and ready to attack.

With your voice and limbs shaking, you tell your friends on the other side of the call of your extreme predicament and the green funnel of the Earth Bridge that opened up not far from you didn't take long.

Forgetting about the artifact and Laserbeak by Unicron, you rush towards your mentor, stumbling over your own peds, falling and resuming your run, but a huge insect crashes into you at frame flight speed, knocking you away from the portal, and you shriek in surprise and pain, rolling on the dirt next to the communicator's drone.

Unable to get up from such a powerful collision, you wheeze, try to at least crawl toward the medic's screams, and fall faceplate into the ground, blacking out.

Part 4 will be out tonight.

[copperbora]

⚠️EARTHSPARK SPOILERS REGARDING ✈️STARSCREAM ✈️ UNDER THE CUT⚠️

This fan theory post regards episode 21 of Transformers: Earth Spark, What Dwells Within, which revolves around our favourite flight frame Decepticon, Starscream, and the evidence that I believe that it shows of Starscream's complicated relationship with Megatron, possibly more excitingly his relationship with Skywarp (which points hopefully towards a future introduction of Thundercracker,) and other seekers in general as Novastorm is in it too. There's also implications of the fanon concept of seeker/flight frame sky hunger.

⚠️Spoiler alert: we finally get to spend some time with Starscream in this episode as it opens with him, Skywarp, Novastorm, Soundwave and Swindle attempting to escape from GHOST's Decepticon prison. Swindle and Soundwave being groundframes, they aren't able to keep up with the speedy seekers and end up being left behind as the trio of seekers make their escape. During this escape we learn a key rule of Skywarp's teleportation talent (spark sigma) in Earthspark: she can't teleport through solid objects.

Unfortunately for our erstwhile seekers, the Terrans are at the same time trying to reach their cave water and Novastorm, who is especially eager to escape, causing sonic booms, accidentally sets off a cave in, during which the bottom of the water cave collapses right on top of her and a chiding Skywarp.

That's when our boy Starscream shows up and at very long last the Terrans meet him (he immediately schemes to take them hostage in order to secure his and his seekers' escape from GHOST.)

Aw damn, Starscream you handsome devil. (Again: why do you have blue optics though? I mean, I'm okay with it, but it's still weird as frag.)

In this scene Starscream also shows that he doesn't have any issue whatsoever with being right in his fellow seekers' personal space as he grabs Novastorm's wing to pull it out of his way so that he can see the Terrans better (and scheme at them.) (This gesture feels a lot like the fanon notion of seekers being a rather snuggly group.) In a later episode he is not okay with Twitch affectionately hugging him in thanks and shrugs her off.

The Terrans appropriately run, accidentally straight into the lair of the Dweller, a hideous space monster that brings to mind a sparkeater of IDW lore, except it drinks Cybertronian's energon like an oversized vampire bat instead of nomming on sparks. (And it is significantly less cute than a vampire bat.) The Dweller initially tries to eat Thrash but spits him out as it discovers that nope, energon doesn't run in Terran fuel lines, so it goes for the energon-rich seekers instead, rushing straight at them.

This is where Starscream has a choice; he's standing between Novastorm and Skywarp in a narrow passageway - so who does he try to push to safety? Skywarp.

I really think that this can read as an implication of the beloved fanon concept of trinebonds. Starscream by default saves his trinemate; he doesn't even need to think about it. Novastorm isn't his trinemate: she belongs in trine to Acidstorm and Ionstorm (where the Pit are they?) Starscream doesn't even consider saving Novastorm instead of Warp.

Skywarp does share a bond of some sort with Novastorm though as she immediately rushes to Novastorm's rescue, pulling her from the tentacles of the Dweller. (I'm not sure what Skywarp and Novastorm's bond is - did they pack together after finding themselves seperated from their trines and other seekers? Are they sisters? Lovers, maybe?)

Meanwhile, Megatron is pissed off that Starscream has escaped and complains about it to Optimus Prime and Croft. Despite Croft's negative permission on going after Starscream (she's more concerned about keeping her creepy horrible secrets than a deadly seeker being loose,) Optimus helps Megatron to the place where Starscream escaped with his two seekers then promptly sets Megatron on hunting down Starscream, asking that Megatron bring Starscream back safe.

By this point in the episode it has been made clear that Megatron and Starscream have some serious trust issues - and that Starscream seems to have very good reason to fear Megatron. Hashtag, being a kid, is willing to listen to Starscream where adult Cybertronians have not and she and Starscream become friendly after she saves him from the Dweller and more importantly, states her willingness to hear his side of the story, despite her liking Megatron.

And, of course, after some more incidents with the Dweller occur, we do witness a pretty violent encounter between Megatron and Starscream as Megatron attacks Starscream unprovoked. Starscream tries to defend himself from his lifelong enemy but ends up pinned down and helpless by Megs.

Hashtag, again, saves Starscream's plating, putting herself between him and his old tormentor. (Yes, I'm a Starscream sympathizer.) Hashtag points out that they need to unite against a common foe (the Dweller,) which Megatron doesn't believe until the Dweller grabs him, at which Megatron gives it a literal taste of his fusion canon.

Unfortunately, the Dweller manages to grab Hashtag, and Starscream then attempts to pull her free! (Gee, Megs, is it so hard to be kind to your seeker? Look how loyal he is when somebody gives him the time of day!)

Starscream ends up being caught by the Dweller too, which takes him and Hashtag to its lair where we find Novastorm and Skywarp encased in grotesque giant magenta Dweller-spit crystals.

Starscream's gaze immediately goes to Skywarp as she taps the crystal encasing her to get his attention and looks pointedly at the ceiling. It's important to note that Starscream looks at Skywarp before she signals to him, again, potentially implying that a trinebond exists between them.

Skywarp looks pretty hilarious in this frame, ignoring the fact that she's stuck in the Dweller's spit crystal.

The Dweller lets go of Hashtag and Starscream, and Starscream, seeing the monster's attention fixed on the vulnerable young Terran, prompts it to attack him instead by yelling at it, telling Hashtag to run.

The Dweller's predatory attention now fixed on the Air Commander, Starscream follows Skywarp's tipoff and shoots a large crystal that is hanging from the ceiling above the Dweller, which crashes down on top of it! A fight endues in which Hashtag gets powered up by the cave water which splashed down when Starscream's shot caved the roof in and literally drags the Dweller into a watery grave, the water being toxic to it (which was implied in an earlier scene where it was trying to grab Skywarp who had fallen into a puddle of the stuff.)

The Terrans have their field day with the water, (which fails to help Robbie,) then outside against a sunset we see Starscream refusing to let Megatron put him back in a GHOST cell, which he calls a 'cage' (sky hunger?) Megatron asks if instead he could send Starscream somewhere where he would be safe (the Malto/Terran base?) but Starscream refuses, claiming that he will never be safe wherever Megatron is.

This really does imply that Megatron has abused Starscream a lot in the past.

Starscream takes to the sky at which Skywarp and Novastorm materialize as if they have been loyally waiting for him to takeoff and before teleporting away to Megatron-free safety, Starscream calls his friendly regards to Hashtag, a fledgling bond of friendship having formed between young Terran and Air Commander.

Skywarp is holding hands with Novastorm (lovers?) but she grabs Starscream seemingly happily (trinebond?) and after Statscream salutes Hashtag with his nullray they teleport away (presumably to go find Thundercracker, I like to think.)

I really liked this episode; I especially enjoyed how curious Starscream became in the map room, which to me implied his past as an innocent scientist and interstellar explorer. (Will we see Skyfire ever?) Also when rousing a stunned Skywarp and Novastorm to get up and run, whose pedes did Starscream kick? Skywarp's.

I really think that a trinebond was implied here in this episode, and that there really is some very bad energon between Starscream and Megatron. I dearly hope that future episodes and seasons of Earthspark will show us more of Starscream's story.

Throughout this episode the seekers generally stayed together, apart from the initial incident with the Dweller where Starscream doesn't help Skywarp save Novastorm from it. Furious at Starscream over this, Skywarp chooses a different path than her Air Commander, at which Hashtag goes to Starscream's rescue instead. (Evidence of Skywarp and Novastorm being lovers? Or sisters? Whatever bond they share, it exists outside of the platonic bond of trining that Skywarp has with Starscream.)

Anyway, a great episode which left me really hoping for more!

[potato-sauce]

My thoughts of transformers earthspark season 3

Maaaajor spoilers for all 3 seasons under the cut

Ok so I just finished season three and it's MARGINALLY better then season 2

I'm going to start with what I disliked and then move on to what I do like

Ok so I didn't like:

HOW THEY FURTHER DISSED STARSCREAM BRO hashtag showed ZERO remorse killing/knocking out spark extractor style starscream and it's just salt in the wound that it was hashtag who did it to him

I was a little upset that they didn't build on breakdown more, season one had an entire sequence about how breakdown prioritized bee over his own safety (one of my favorite episodes by the way) and now he's like, "yeah bee your my buddy but like the cons are my fam" WHAT HAPPEND TO YOU granted he did the wink thing which made my heart flutter so I'm not to mad

I was a little upset that the cons just left, I kinda wanted to see more of them, I really hope they build on it in a 4th season my thoughts on that later

I don't know if it's just me but the whole robbie and Izzy thing made me want to crawl out of my skin, not the fact that she was a quintesson just the whole romance portion brought me physical pain

Grimlock did not get a single line (unless you count his roars but even then he only roared like twice)

What I did like was:

It wasn't season 2

There wasn't as much decepticon hate and reversal of season ones main message likely because the cons were in one and a half episodes

The entire season finale. That's it full stop. I enjoyed it so much. In season 2 I wasn't a particular fan of the chaos terrans but I warmed up a bit, I also like that they built on the fusion thing more and made that one episode when jawbreaker and aftermath fused feel more then just a one off thing. I especially enjoyed when megatron helped prowl and prowl hugged megatron

My favorite episode was the one when prowl thrash and bumblebee try to find the origin of the hate plague

The sound track was FIRE

Prowl

Prowl

Prowl

I really like that megatron refers to twitch as little bird it's so cute

I like that they put more use to the terrans and everyone else

Over all this season tried really hard, and while it did have it's rough moments it was not as rough as season 2 (thank goodness that was a struggle) I don't really think there will be a season 4 I'll be for real with you guys

With cyberworld on the horizon (I think) and how poorly the toys have been selling and such I don't think we will see this universe again no matter how desperately i would want an episode or two based on how megatron and optimus became allies or what the decepticons did once they reach cybertron

But here's to hoping

[nevis-the-skeleton]

Starscream Earthspark

So, I saw all the episodes of Earthspark yesterday, and I'm so happy! I really have a lot to say about this series, which is really great, but here I'm going to focus on my favorite character. Those who know me surely know who I'm going to talk about X): Starscream!

We finally have a Starscream that is listened to and believed! I was so happy when Hashtag tried to put herself in his shoes, and even ended up standing up for him against Megatron. The fact that someone believed him, understood that he didn't deserve everything he went through made me feel so good and made me so happy.

I was so sad after TFP ended because the show seemed to show that Starscream deserved all the horrific abuse he suffered, both physically and mentally. Even in RID15 we are going in this direction, and I admit that it annoyed me. But when I saw the direction Earthspark was heading, I jumped for joy. We finally allow this more than misunderstood character to express himself and talk about his pain.

So, yeah, he's Starscream, and he's not really a good guy. But that doesn't justify all he's suffered at Megatron's hands. As Hashtag says, it wasn't all his fault. Not much is known about Megatron and Starscream's past yet, and I hope the show will expand on their history more. For example, how did they come to hate each other so much.

After, when Megatron and Starscream are fighting in the cave, I think if Megatron was so violent against Starscream, it's probably because there was Hashtag. He has such a bad image of Starscream that he must have thought the Seeker was attacking Hashtag.

Also, I think it's no exaggeration to say that Starscream must have suffered greatly at the hands of Megatron in this universe as well. Because Starscream literally tells him that he's not safe where Megatron is. So, we don't yet know how violent it was, but we can still have some guesses. There is also the hurt of Megatron's abandonment of the cause which is clear in Starscream.

Anyway, I'm really happy with Starscream's arc, and the development the Earthspark writers decided to give him. We see that he's going to go into redemption, just like Megatron, and it's nice to see that he's being given a chance too. Megatron has often had the right to a redemption arc (in IDW for example) but Starscream never (not really).

I also like that it was surely him who rallied the Decepticons helped the Terrans. When Twitch releases the others, and asks them for help, clearly none of them want to interfere. But as soon as Starscream arrives, everyone else arrives with him. So we can assume that he was the one who convinced them to help, and I think that's really great.

I can't wait to see what happens next and how the story will progress. There is still plenty to say about Earthspark, but here I focused on Starscream. I could also talk about the horrible death of Karen right in front of her brother John (poor John...), or the terrifying metamorphosis of Mandroid, or even the evolution of Robby and Mo (which is really cool).

PS: The fact that Starscream is practically adopting Hashtag is adorable X3. The hug scene with Twitch too, so not used to affection XD.

[marryaurorafate]

Dark Energon Infection

This story will be posted on my A03 as well but if you want to ask questions to the characters in the story or myself, please send them in my ask box

In space trillions of light years away, a dead planet awakens with purple optics, and with a roar, a dried well lights in dark light. Those who have fallen are now reborn in darkened skies to bring more to join the hive.

A seeker of different colors lands at the base of the Autobots in a beautiful forest filled with singing birds and lush green on Mobius, home to Sonic the Hedgehog and his friends. The war between Cybertronians has been over for well over 7 years and peace has been achieved. The seeker of Red, White, Blue, and Black smiled before walking into the base and was greeted by Cliffjumper. "Oh, Starscream, welcome. I didn't know you were coming." Cliffjumper said as he got up from his chair and walked over to Starscream to give him a handshake. Starscream shook Cliffjumper's hand. "I thought I'd stop by and see how things are going here, as things in New Vos have been a little slow." Cliffjumper just chuckled and the red sports car sat back down. "Aw is the Wing Lord bored?" Starscream just rolled his eyes at Cliffjumper's comment but perked up as he heard the purple spy vehicle Hashtag call out his name and run up to him.

"Starscream! You came! You came!" Hashtag gave Starscream a big once she got close enough. "Woah, hey there, Hashtag." Starscream returns the hug but is still getting used to the positive touch. "What brings you here Starscream?" He looked down at Hashtag and told the same he told Cliffjumper. "Things in New Vos were slow, so I thought I'd stop by. Also, have you gotten a new touch of paint? You have a different shade," Hashtag chuckles. "Yeah. Knockout helped me pick out a new shade of purple. He said it was Grape Purple". Starscream wasn't surprised Knockout was the one to help Hashtag get a new shade.

The other Terrans, Twitch, Thrash, Nightshade, and Jawbreaker, walked in with their human siblings Robby, and Mo. "Oh, seems like your family is here, Hashtag." Starscream looked down at Hashtag and watched her go up to her siblings to show off her new paint. Starscream saw Ratchet walk by in haste like he was doing something important. Not a surprise as Ratchet is always working in his med bay and needs Wheeljack or Drift to get him to relax and unwind a bit.

After a few minutes of walking around, Starscream hears screams from the rooms down the halls of the rooms and runs down them to see what is going on. What he saw was Ratchet holding back Optimus who had purple optics. Why did he have purple optics? Starscream shook his head and helped Ratchet lock Optimus in his room. "What happened? Who screamed?" Ratchet looked at Starscream and said, "He seems to have caught something, but I can't figure it out. He bit Knuckles though". Knockout walks in and, in a panicked tone, says, "Lock him up! I've seen one too many Zombie movies to see where this goes." Ratchet groans and replies, "Zombies aren't real, and the ones the Mobians have only infected organic matter. We aren't organic". Starscream pitched in and said, "I mean, it is better safe than sorry,y, Ratchet. Optimus is I'll, and he bit someone who is organic. It is best to put him in containment before anyone else gets hurt or worse". Ratchet just rolled his eyes and walked away as Knuckles was taken to the Mobian med bay. Knuckles looks at the bite on his arm and sees that a purple ooze is going into his body, and he starts feeling strange.

[cliff-and-the-kid]

Even if he would never say it out loud, Sierra had become his sparkling. Adopted or not, he claimed her as his bit lit. His little one to care for with Cliffjumper. Even if he butt helms with the Autobot, in the end he just wanted to do right by her.

And sometimes that ment showing the worst of himself. Claws split and tore open lines and wires, tearing them apart as he screeched. Six tendrils whipped and snapped, slicing and tearing into more. No one hurts his sparkling, not one gets near her.

Another screech as he slammed into another vehicon, using him as a lunching pad to chase. No one would hurt his sparkling, no one would take her from him.

He would get her back and burn them all.

No no no no no no no no no-

This isn't- this wasn't- this was not supposed to happen

She left, she got away, she stole Cliff right out of the interrogation room and escaped with him off the Nemesis and she went home and that was supposed to be the end of it-

But it's not. Because Starscream has found her.

Sierra doesn't know if the Air Commander wants to drag her back to the Decepticons or tear her into tiny shreds of scrap metal (or both, as Megatron has done to him so many times) but regardless, Sierra refuses to go down easily.

Too many other flyers in the sky, so she took to the ground, down into a mist-filled valley with looming trees and scattered pillars of rock, where her small frame can move quick and quiet, using all the tricks of scouting and evasion she's learned from Cliffjumper and Arcee and Bumblebee. It's not perfect. It won't last forever. But it should keep her one step ahead of Starscream's squadron until help can answer her distress beacon.

Or until whatever else is hunting said squadron catches up.

Visual sensors and scanning equipment don't work very well in the heavily shrouded environment, but sound travels just fine. Sierra heard the first Vehicon go down screaming, and there's only been a steady series of repeats since then. Whatever else is down here, it's catching up faster than Starscream's troops.

Maybe Sierra will get lucky and it's only after Decepticons.

Right, and maybe Screamer only wants a goodbye hug.

Wishful thinking at its finest.

She ducks around another rock formation and presses back against the water-smoothed stone, desperately trying to quiet her ventilations, freezing as one of the few remaining Cons goes running past her hiding place, calling on his comm for reinforcements.

Something dark blurs through the mist, and the words cut off with a shriek, a screech, and finally a dying gurgle.

Sierra doesn't so much as twitch a wingtip.

[primroseprime2019]

Con Job

"Alright! Chores are done! Now can we do some dune-bashing?!" Miko pleaded Bulkhead from her position on his shoulder as he walked into the command centre.

"I don't know, Miko. Last time, I spent a week picking sand out of my articulators. But there's a monster-truck rally in town," Bulkhead offered, causing Miko to light up.

"What is it with you and monster-truck rallies?" Paige asked as she leaned into Optimus, resting on his shoulder.

"They're awesome!" Miko answered casually.

"Optimus! I'm receiving a signal from a restricted band! It appears to be coming from a starship within the solar system," Ratchet reported, "It's an Autobot identification beacon!"

"So there are other bots out there?" Jack surmised.

"The masses scattered to the galaxy after Cybertron finally went dark. But 'Cons have been known to fake traps with false beacons," Arcee pointed out. Paige looked down at the mention of Cybertron but she was hiding her sadness at the fact that she was most likely the last Galatrian in the world.

And it hurt. Optimus, almost as if he sensed her sadness, gently brushed the girl's back with his digit before he looked back at the screens.

"Unknown vessel, this is Autobot Outpost Omega One. Identify yourself."

After some static, they got the answer they were looking for. And it made Bulkhead happy.

"I've had warmer welcomes from Decepticon combat grenades!"

"Wheeljack?!" Bulkhead exclaimed excitedly as he ran forward, causing Miko to nearly fall off his shoulder, "You old 'Con crusher! What are you doing all the way out here?!"

"Bulkhead? That you? What's with all the security?"

"The rock we're on is crawling with 'Cons. How soon can you get here and even the odds?" Bulkhead asked.

"Sometime tomorrow...if I put metal to the pedal."

"Another bot's coming here! How cool is that?!" Miko gushed excitedly.

"Wheeljack... I know him by reputation only. Can you verify his voiceprint?" Optimus asked.

"He is 1000% the real deal, Optimus," Bulkhead nodded.

"Aw, y'all wouldn't forget about us so easily, would ya?" A mech's voice asked playfully. Arcee widened her optics in surprise, "Jazz?"

"Us?" Jack repeated curiously. "I'm here with Jazz and Wheeljack," Prowl chuckled.

"Don't leave us out, ya old mech," another voice said and Primrose widened her optics with joy and surprise.

"WhiteRain, Nightwalker!" She said excitedly. "Hiya Prim," the other femme said.

"Hey, Rosie," Nightwalker said excitedly.

"New bots! And they sound cool!" Paige said happily. Upon hearing that, Optimus and Ratchet softly glared at the girl.

"You're all cool too," Paige said quickly with a smile and the others chuckled. "Whatever you say, Sweetspark," Ratchet chuckled.

"Who's the little lady?" Jazz asked. "You'll see her soon," Ratchet chuckled.

"We will send landing coordinates, Wheeljack. Safe journey," Optimus bidded.

"See you soon, buddy. I'll make sure you get a proper welcome," Bulkhead promised before the transmission was terminated.

"So...who's the boyfriend?" Arcee asked casually.

"Me and Jacky go way back. We were part of the same warrior unit: The Wreckers. Which means the 'Cons are gonna wish he never found us," Bulkhead proclaimed.

"Oh boy," Primrose grimaced as she facepalmed dramatically, "And I thought we had enough male ego around here!"

"Try living with them for as long as I have," Arcee retorted with a smirk.

"I don't know how you survive," Primrose chuckled.

"Hey!" Bulkhead exclaimed in mock offence.

◊◊◊◊

"Wheeljack? You old 'Con Crusher! What are you doing all the way out here?"

"Bulkhead? That you? What's will all the security?"

"The rock we're on is crawling with 'Cons. How soon can you get here and even the odds?"

"A war hero, hmmm?" Ember pondered aloud.

"We haven't much time. Makeshift!" Starscream called out.

Makeshift approached the three Decepticons. As soon as Makeshift was close enough, Soundwave stuck out his clawed tentacle and stabbed Makeshift. Within moments, Makeshift wasn't himself anymore.

"Let us give the Autobots a proper welcome," Ember said with a soft yet dark chuckle.

◊◊◊◊

"Wheeljack's ship is approaching the landing zone," Arcee reported happily.

"You think he's here to visit?" Raf asked.

"Maybe he'll stay! Hm, has to find his own human, though," Miko mused, "How about Paige?"

"No!" Bulkhead, Primrose and Arcee protested and Bumblebee glanced at Optimus who's shoulders tensed up with protectiveness upon hearing Miko.

"GroundBridge cycling up," Ratchet reported proudly, before sparks flew from the controls, causing him to grumble as he whacked it with his fist, "Blasted Scraplets! The equipment hasn't been the same since the infestation." "What are they like?" Paige asked, looking to Primrose, "the new bots, I mean."

"Jazz and Prowl are complete opposites of each other," Primrose chuckled, "Jazz is a bit of a musical delight while Prowl is a little by-the-book. WhiteRain is sassy and creative although her personality says different and Nightwalker's just a cowboy- rowdy and rambunctious."

"Him, Cliff and I would get into all kinds of mischief," Arcee chuckled. Paige smiled softly and she leaned into Arcee's neck cables.

"So Wheeljack's gonna land halfway around the world?" Jack began, "and then you'll just bridge him and the others here?"

"We can't risk revealing the location of our base. Just in case the Decepticons are tracking Wheeljack's ship," Optimus explained the reasoning behind this action.

"Someone wanna calm Bulkhead's pacing?" Primrose asked as she gestured to the pacing Bulkhead.

"Allow me," Miko smirked before approaching the railing, "Dude! I've never seen you so stoked!"

"You're gonna love Wheeljack! We were like brothers! And tonight, we're gonna party!" Bulkhead proclaimed.

"Sweet!" Miko cheered. The alarms went off.

"Bogies! Closing fast on Wheeljack's position!" Arcee reported.

"'Con scum!" Bulkhead exclaimed in anger.

◊◊◊◊

Wheeljack's ship, the Jackhammer, flew through the air, being tailed by five Decepticons who shot at the Autobot ship.

The Jackhammer dodged every shot except one. A blaster shot hit the engine and the ship made a huge dent in the desert as it crashed and skidded for a few feet.

The Vehicons landed and transformed into their bipedal forms. One of them took a step forward only to be met with a blaster to the chestplates and it fell to the ground.

WhiteRain, Nightwalker, Jazz, Prowl and Wheeljack stepped out of the smoke. Nightwalker's blaster was out and smoking.

"You trying to ruin our day, you're gonna have to try harder than that," Wheeljack said before he activated his battle mask and the five Autobots charged at the Vehicons, drawing their weapons.

◊◊◊◊

Echo watched the scene on the screen, her wings twitching slightly. Ember turned to Soundwave, "swiftly now. Before the other Autobots arrive."

Soundwave only nodded in response.

◊◊◊◊

"Open the bridge, Ratchet! We're missing all the action!" Bulkhead pointed out.

"I'll prepare sick bay," Ratchet decided as he activated the bridge.

"Who for? The 'Cons? This is Wheeljack we're talking about!" Bulkhead scoffed in disbelief before running into the portal with Arcee and Bumblebee following him.

"Why do I get the feeling that something bad is about to happen?" Primrose suddenly asked.

"Prim, you worry way too much," Firestorm teased her affectionately.

"I can't help it, Fire. It runs in the family!" Primrose defended as she jerked her helm in Optimus' direction.

"I heard that," Optimus called out from the other side of the room.

"You were meant to!" Primrose called back. "It's strange that Bulkhead only talks of Wheeljack and not of the other bots," Paige said, tilting her head slightly.

"Well Bulkhead and Wheeljack have known each other since the War began," Ratchet said, "trust me, imagine how their reunion will look."

◊◊◊◊

When Arcee, Bulkhead and Bumblebee arrived at the scene, they were expecting a fight. They were expecting to be attacked by the Decepticons. So they had their blasters ready to go. However, there was no need. Surrounding them were dismantled Decepticon warriors. Bulkhead could only stand and watch in pure amazement as Wheeljack ran his blade through the remaining Decepticon and he fell to the ground.

"I taught him that," Bulkhead chuckled proudly.

"Ever think we might need a hand here?" Nightwalker asked as he sheathed his blades and he and the others approached the three Autobots.

"What? And spoil the show?" Bulkhead scoffed.

"You missed one," Arcee said, placing her servo on her hip. WhiteRain unlocked her blaster and shot the remaining Vehicon right in the faceplates, taking care of it quickly.

"If this is all you got, then this planet is in much bigger trouble than I thought," Wheeljack remarked. Bulkhead widened his optics before he hurried up to the other two Wreckers and picked them up into a hug, laughing with joy.

Nightwalker chuckled as he and Arcee clapped servos together and patted each other's backs.

Jazz smiled as he rubbed Bumblebee's helm and Prowl chuckled. Arcee grinned as she watched the two Wreckers.

"Haha, watch the finish, you old wrecking ball," WhiteRain chuckled.

◊◊◊◊

The ground bridge opened and the Autobots ran into the base. Ratchet jumped slightly when the controls sparked and so did the ground bridge.

"Jacky, Rain, come here. Meet my other best buddy, Miko. She can wreck with the best of us," Bulkhead boasted.

"Hiya," Miko greeted.

"You keeping Bulkhead out of trouble?" WhiteRain asked as she leaned in closer.

"I try. But trouble finds us anyway," Miko answered. "More like you find trouble," Primrose chuckled as she hugged Nightwalker and WhiteRain.

"We're gonna get along just fine," Wheeljack chuckled and he walked up to Optimus, "Optimus Prime. It's a privilege."

"Likewise, soldier," Optimus said, "What have you to report from your long journey?"

"Been bouncing from rock to rock searching for signs of friend or foe. Now I find both," Wheeljack shrugged casually.

"We are few but strong. We have suffered losses. But we have grown. And we would relish welcoming a new member into our fold," Optimus said.

"I would be honored," Wheeljack smiled.

"Then let's get this party started!" Bulkhead cheered as he slapped Wheeljack's back and they bumped chests.

"Oh joy," Ratchet said sarcastically with a frown. Jazz looked around before he saw Paige hiding behind Arcee's pede.

Jazz smiled softly and he bent down on one knee and held his servo out. "C'mon out, Lil Lady. I won't hurt ya."

Paige looked up at Arcee who gave a reassuring nod and the girl walked over to Jazz before she climbed into his servo.

"You're a Galatrian," Prowl said, blinking in surprise, "I've heard of you but I didn't think there'd be one on Earth of all places." "She's so cute and tiny," WhiteRain said with a giggle.

Paige blushed and she waved her fist at the other femme, "I'm not tiny!" "Fiesty little thing," Nightwalker snickered.

◊◊◊◊

"The moment Makeshift passed through their GroundBridge, we lost their signal," Starscream announced, "the Autobot base is no doubt heavilly shielded to prevent us from locating it. No matter. I have complete faith in Makeshift," Starscream reassured himself as he and Soundwave walked into a prison cell with Wheeljack- the real one- hanging from energy-suspended shackles.

"Our inside man is already inside," Starscream said. Wheeljack looked at the two Decepticons with narrowed optics, "tell Megatron he's fragged in the helm if he thinks Bulkhead won't sniff out an imposter."

"Haven't you heard? Someone else leads the Decepticons now," Starscream said, a hint of bitterness in his tone.

"You? Ha!" Wheeljack scoffed with laughter. Starscream growled and raised his claws to strike the Autobot only for Soundwave to grab him by the wrist.

"Yes," Starscream hissed and he yanked his servo away, "yes he may be yet of use," he looked back at Wheeljack, "Makeshift is very good at keeping up appearances. He need only fool your friends long enough to open their ground bridge from within so that I may finally learn the location of the Autobot base and send in my strike team to stain its floor with the spilled energon of Optimus Prime."

◊◊◊◊

Loud electric guitar music filled the atrium as Miko played for the group, dancing a bit as she did. Paige and Raf sat nearby listening.

"Come on, Wheeljack! Show me what you got!" Bulkhead challenged as he caught the metal ball and threw it back, "Nice lob!"

"So...what's that about?" Jack asked.

"It's called lobbing. A favourite pass-time on Cybertron. Especially among the warrior class," Arcee clarified.

"Come on, Raf! Show us some moves!" Miko encouraged as the familiar beats filled the room.

"Oh, alright...," Raf sighed as he stood up...and did the robot.

"Of course. The robot," Jack laughed. Paige laughed as Bumblebee copied Raf.

"Oh the irony," Nightwalker laughed before he decided to join the two.

Paige watched Miko play her guitar and she walked away. "Hey Paige, can you sing something for us?" Miko asked, a smug grin on her face, "I'm sure Wheeljack would love to hear your voice for the first time."

Paige felt her cheeks warm up as everyone looked at her, even Ratchet. "U-um," Paige said and she glared at Miko, "you are so dead."

Miko stuck her tongue out at her. Paige sighed before she placed her phone on the amp and plugged it in.

"Said there's nothing that we can't do when we're dancing," Paige sang, "I can feel the music more when I'm with you. With your hands on me, I feel my heartbeat racing. Now."

"Had to let go of everything that I know," She continued, swinging her hips a little, "before, -ore, -ore. One, two, three, yeah, come with me. We can work it differently. One, two, three, and dance with me tonight! And maybe all our dreams are coming true. And, baby, I can feel you feel it too. So just let me move you. One, two, three, yeah, come with me. We can work it differently! Said one, two, three, and dance with me tonight. And maybe all our dreams are coming true and, baby, I can feel you feel it too. So just let me move you! Let me move you!"

"Yeah, little faster, little slower, it don't matter. 'Cause I never knew myself this good till now. And I hope you know this change in me forever. Forever," she did a little twirl, "had to let go of everything that I know. Before, -ore, -ore! One, two, three, yeah, come with me. We can work it differently. One, two, three, and dance with me tonight! And maybe all our dreams are coming true. And, baby, I can feel you feel it too. So just let me move you. One, two, three, yeah, come with me. We can work it differently! Said one, two, three, and dance with me tonight. And maybe all our dreams are coming true and, baby, I can feel you feel it too. So just let me move you! One, two, three, yeah, come with me. We can work it differently! Said one, two, three, and dance with me tonight. And maybe all our dreams are coming true and, baby, I can feel you feel it too. So just let me move you! Let me move you!"

She wasn't even aware Ratchet was staring at her with astonishment and the sudden applause startled her. She smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of her neck as her cheeks turned red.

"You weren't kidding. She has an amazing voice," Jazz said, his visor glowing with delight. "I agree," Prowl chuckled.

Paige blushed more and squeaked in surprise when Ratchet scooped her up into his servo. Jack smiled and shook his head with amusement. "Where's Optimus?" He asked Arcee, suddenly noticing the absence of the Prime.

"Went for a drive. Primes don't party," Arcee answered with a smirk. "But I'll be sure to show him this when he gets back," WhiteRain said with a grin.

"Comin' at ya!" Bulkhead warned as he threw the lob ball...that Wheeljack missed and it smashed into the GroundBridge controls.

"You know, I am attempting to perform sensitive calibrations here!" Ratchet snapped, "and you almost hurt Paige!"

"Sorry, Doc. Guess we're a little charged up," Wheeljack apologized as he picked up the ball and he gently patted Paige's head with a digit, "sorry, Kit. You built this bridge from scratch, huh?"

"I did," Ratchet nodded.

"That's quite a feat of engineering," Wheeljack complimented.

"Yes. It is," Ratchet agreed.

"Something wrong with it?" Wheeljack asked casually.

"I didn't care for the way it sounded after that last jump. I put it in shutdown," Ratchet answered.

"What if you need to use it?" Wheeljack wanted to know.

"Oh, I can't disrupt the defrag process without causing irreparable damage," Ratchet shook his head.

"So...how long will the defrag take?" Wheeljack questioned, his expression darkening.

"A few hours...if we're lucky. Maybe longer," Ratchet shrugged. Paige watched Wheeljack, frowning. Something was off about the Wrecker and his aurora only fed her suspicions.

After a while, the party ended and switched to that of Bulkhead and Wheeljack telling everyone, minus Ratchet, their stories of the war.

"So there we were. No communication. Low on Energon. Surrounded by 'Cons. So what does Wheeljack do?" Bulkhead asked teasingly, noticing the excitement on the faces of Jack, Paige, Miko and Raf, "Tell them, Jackie."

"What I do best," Wheeljack said.

"He chucks his only grenade smack in the primary heat exchanger!" Bulkhead revealed.

"Seemed like a good idea at the time!" Wheeljack defended his actions with a good-natured laugh.

"The joint went SUPERNOVA!" Bulkhead recalled, spreading his servos to prove his point.

"Awesome!" Miko gasped excitedly.

"Yeah. I'm still picking shrapnel out of my backside!" Bulkhead said as he rubbed at his backside in demonstration.

"I'm not surprised given the size of your backside," Arcee smirked and Nightwalker and Bumblebee snickered.

"There it is. Jackie's signature. One grenade. One shot," Bulkhead finished the story before noticing the expression on Wheeljack's face, "Hey. You alright?"

"What?" Wheeljack stuttered.

"You don't seem like yourself," Bulkhead observed.

"What do you mean?" Wheeljack demanded.

"I don't know. You seem...quiet," Bulkhead said. "I've been stuck in a can too long. I should go topside before things go stir crazy," Wheeljack shrugged.

"I have patrol in the morning. You can come with," Bulkhead offered.

"Let's go now," Wheeljack suggested as he immediately stood up, causing Paige's suspicions over the guy's strange behavior to rise.

"And break up the party?" Bulkhead protested, "Come on! The gang's loving you! You've gotta tell them about the Battle of Dark Mount Pass!"

"You tell them. You're better at it. How about if Miko here shows me the rest of your base?" Wheeljack offered.

"Yeah. Sure, Jacky. Go ahead," Bulkhead agreed hesitantly.

"Tour starts now," Miko declared as she and Wheeljack disappeared into the hallways, "Do you play any instruments? Can you fly? Have you thrashed more Decepticons than Bulkhead?"

"Typical Miko," Primrose couldn't help but mutter, before noticing Bulkhead's forlorn expression, "Hey. You alright, Bulk?"

"Yeah. Just out of sorts I guess, Prim," Bulkhead muttered. "Don't tell me you're jealous," Arcee teased with a slight smirk amongst the concern in her optics.

"That Miko's making a new friend?! Come on! Something...something's just not right about Wheeljack," Bulkhead said.

"Bulkhead, really?" Arcee sighed, thinking that Bulkhead was just overreacting, "He's travelled for galaxies. You haven't seen him in centuries. He could just be rocket lagged or...well, bots do change, you know?"

"Not Jacky," Bulkhead protested. Firestorm and WhiteRain looked at each other.

◊◊◊◊

Inside his prison, Wheeljack strugged against the confindments. His grunts of determination and occasional frustration were heard by the Decepticon guarding him. It annoyed the Vehicon to wit's end. Eventually, he had enough. He walked up to Wheeljack with his blaster unfolded from his arm and held it to his face.

"You're not going anywhere, Autobot," he proclaimed.

That was when Wheeljack took his only chance. He wrapped his legs around the Decepticon's neck. Immediately, the Decepticon struggled against his tight grip and started shooting laser blasts from his blaster.

"Blah blah blah," Wheeljack grumbled as he guided the Decepticon's target with his legs.

Within moments, Wheeljack managed to make the Decepticon shoot the control panel that kept the restraints that were restricting him active. With the control panel destroyed, Wheeljack was able to free himself. He fell to the ground when the sparks died and the cuffs shattered.

◊◊◊◊

"So, that's pretty much it. Energon stock pile, powerboard generator, armory; everything you need to blow the joint sky high," Miko remarked as she wrapped up her tour with Wheeljack.

"Where's this bunker located exactly?" Wheeljack wanted to know curiously.

"If I told ya, I'd have to rip out your spark chamber," Miko answered dangerously before a happy smile appeared, "Kidding! Just outside Jasper, Nevada! Though I don't expect that to mean too much to ya!"

"Can't say it does," Wheeljack lied, "So, any way out of here besides bridging?"

"Why? You're not planning to leave already, are you?" Miko asked nervously, "Come on. I'll show ya."

◊◊◊◊

"Almost there," Ratchet proclaimed as he continued working the damaged GroundBridge controls.

"Look. I know Wheeljack better than anyone," Bulkhead boasted.

"Hey," Wheeljack said as he walked into the room with Miko, "What are you guys talking about?"

"I was just telling the guys about you and me...at the Battle of Dark Mount Pass," Bulkhead answered casually.

"That's a heck of a story," Wheeljack remarked.

"Yeah. Tell it," Bulkhead requested with narrowed optics.

"Talk, talk, talk. How about after we go off-roading?" Miko suggested.

"Miko, stay out of this," Bulkhead warned. "Bulkhead, easy," WhiteRain soothed.

"I'm not sure I-," Wheeljack began to protest.

"Tell it!" Bulkhead persisted.

"Fine. If you wanna live in the past, Bulkhead," Wheeljack shrugged casually, "The Wreckers were trapped between a Decepticon patrol and a smelting pit. The 'Cons were vicious. Raining down on us with everything they had. Me and Bulkhead engaged the enemy. Left them for scrap. Then I made us a way out using their backsides as stepping stones to cross the molten metal. Isn't that how it happened?"

"Yeah. That's exactly how it happened...except for one little thing. I wasn't there," Bulkhead revealed, causing everyone to stare at the two of them in pure alarm.

"I'd already left the Wreckers to join up with Optimus. But you would know that if all you did was access Wheeljack's public service record," Bulkhead said as he poked Makeshift's chest, challenging the Decepticon.

"Bulkhead, what does that have to do with-WHOA!" Miko screamed as Makeshift picked her up suddenly.

"Miko!" Nightwalker and Bulkhead shouted as Makeshift stood near the ground bridge.

"Stay back. Or I'll squeeze her into pulp," he growled, holding Miko in a firm grip.

"Wheeljack! What are you doing?!" Miko exclaimed. "Decepticon coward," Bulkhead growled, "let the girl go and face me!"

"Don't fret," Makeshift said, "plenty of fighting to come."

"Is there a real Wheeljack!?" Jack demanded. "Oh indeed," Makeshift said with a smirk, "and I'm sure Mistress Ember is making sport of him." Primrose froze and her optics widened.

"You Pit-Spawned fragger!" Nightwalker snarled.

◊◊◊◊

"Are you certain we are at the coordinates we supplied to Makeshift?" Starscream asked Soundwave, which earned him a nod in response.

"Then what is taking him!?" The other Seeker snapped with impatience.

"Maybe they gave your boy such a hero's welcome, he got the warm and fuzzies and decided to switch sides." Starscream whirled around to see Wheeljack walking towards them, his optics blazing with bridled fury and his battle mask on.

"Do you not see you are vastly outnumbered?" Starscream taunted.

"I see fellas who might vastly enjoy me pound some dents into you," Wheeljack growled.

"Destroy him!" Starscream commanded and the Vehicons shot at Wheeljack who took out his katanas and charged at the Vehicons.

◊◊◊◊

"About time," Makeshift huffed as he activated the ground bridge. "You won't get away with this!" Primrose snarled.

"I already have," Makeshift remarked with a smirk.

◊◊◊◊

Wheeljack was having an easy fight with the Vehicons. And he was getting too close to Starscream. Said Seeker fired a missile at Wheeljack. The force of the explosion was enough to knock the Wrecker back but he managed to land on his pedes, slicing and dicing any Vehicon who tried to attack him. That was when Wheeljack jumped onto Starscream, putting the Seeker down for the count.

Wheeljack heard the sound of the ground bridge opening and he turned towards it. "Well, well," he murmured as a plan formed in his mind.

◊◊◊◊

Makeshift stepped back towards the ground bridge with Miko still struggling in his grip. "Let's get this party started," he said with a dangerous grin.

Wheeljack suddenly jumped into the base and kicked Makeshift hard. Miko flew across the air and Bulkhead quickly caught his charge. Makeshift hit the wall and was unconscious for a few moments.

"I'd shut that hole before the stink comes through," Wheeljack remarked. "Couldn't have said it better myself," Nightwalker said.

◊◊◊◊

Starscream coughed as he got up. Energon trailed down his jaw and he looked towards the ground bridge with wide, angry optics. "Enter the ground bridge now!" He shouted.

The Vehicons hurried towards the ground bridge only for it to close. Starscream let out a yell of anger.

◊◊◊◊

Makeshift took out his blades and he and Wheeljack circled each other. Bulkhead stepped forward, but Wheeljack stopped him. "Ugly's mine," he said.

That was when the fight began. The two went at each other. Swords clashed and sparks flew. Everyone watched, ready to intervene if needed.

Paige pulled Raf close to her in a sisterly fashion and Raf clung to her. "Which one's the real Wheeljack?" He asked.

"I lost track!" Miko exclaimed. "The one with the bright grey aurora," Paige said. Jack looked to her in confusion.

Makeshift slashed at one of Wheeljack's swords and charged at him. Wheeljack managed to claim one of the Decepticon's swords, using them both to knock him to the ground. He won.

"That's my Jacky," Bulkhead boasted proudly. Wheeljack deactivated his battle mask and looked to Ratchet, "you, hit the switch."

Ratchet nodded in response and turned to activate the ground bridge. "It's time to take out the trash," Wheeljack said and he smiled at Bulkhead, "all yours, buddy."

◊◊◊◊

The ground bridge appeared before the Decepticons once again. The Vehicons backed away for a moment.

"What are you waiting for?! GO!" Starscream shouted. The first few Vehicons quickly ran into the ground bridge.

Bulkhead held Makeshift's defeated form in his servos before he spun around and threw the Con right into the ground bridge. The first few Decepticons saw Makeshift hurling at them and they quickly turned tail and ran.

Starscream saw them and before he could even reprimand them, Makeshift slammed into him and the two fell to the ground.

Wheeljack smiled at Bulkhead, "nice lob."

◊◊◊◊

At the Decepticon warship, the Autobot ground bridge closed. Starscream got up and glared at Makeshift, "please tell me that you at least learned the location of their base."

"Indeed Commander Starscream. It is in a hidden bunker just outside of-" Makeshift's explanation was cut off by the familiar beeping sound. Starscream glanced at the bomb that was attached to Makeshift's hip.

"Whoa! Back! Back! Back!" He exclaimed as he hurried away. Makeshift stood where he was and he looked down at the bomb on his hip. "Oh no," he murmured before the bomb exploded, eliminating him and any Decepticon who stood too close.

"MAKESHIFT! YOU FOOL!" Starscream shouted in anger as he and Soundwave flew away.

In the control bridge, Ember and Echo stood in the control bridge. Ember frowned as she felt the ship rock from the explosion. "Starscream better not have ruined this ship," she muttered.

◊◊◊◊

In the Autobot base, things had returned to normal. Miko was playing her guitar while Bumblebee, Nightwalker, Jazz Jack and Raf were dancing. Paige hadn't joined them as she was leaning on the railing, watching them with a smile.

Ratchet groaned in annoyance, "it's like a recurring nightmare." WhiteRain and Prowl chuckled softly.

"Now that you're part of Team Prime, we need to pick out a vehicle mode for you," Bulkhead said, gently bumping Wheeljack's arm, "I have some ideas."

"Uh... about that, Bulk," Wheeljack said hesitantly, "now that my ship's repaired, I'm itching to know what else I might find out there."

"Wait! You're leaving? Why!?" Miko pouted. "Well... because some bots never change," Bulkhead said with a soft chuckle. Wheeljack smiled softly.

"Wheeljack, know that you will always have a haven here," Optimus said.

"Jacky never stays but he always comes back," Bulkhead said proudly and he and Wheeljack did a fist bump. "Feels like you just got here, Sparrow," Paige said with a playful smile.

Wheeljack chuckled and gently ruffled her hair, "yeah, well I'll be sure to let you know if I find any more Magic Users out in the galaxy, Kit." Paige smiled softly and she hugged his digit, "thank you, Jackie. That... that means a lot."

"Anytime Paige," Wheeljack said with a soft smile. "We'll see you off," Firestorm said with a soft smile.

◊◊◊◊

In the desert, the ground bridge closed up. Wheeljack turned to Bulkhead, "there's room for two Bulk. Even with a backside like yours. Who knows what we might find out there? Some of the old crew?"

Bulkhead furrowed his optic ridges and he glanced at Miko who looked down sadly. The wrecker looked back at his friend, "sounds like fun, Jacky. But my ties are here now. With them. With her." Upon hearing that, Miko smiled up at her guardian.

Wheeljack gave a respectful nod to his friend and he looked to Miko. "Anything happens to my favorite wrecker, I'm comin' after you," he threatened playfully.

"I'll take good care of him," Miko said reassuringly with a smile and she pulled out her phone, "now say cheese." With that, she took a picture of the two Wreckers.

Bulkhead and Primrose looked to Wheeljack. "WhiteRain," Bulkhead said, a spark of hope igniting in his optics.

"I'm here to stay, sweetspark," WhiteRain said and she kissed Bulkhead on the cheek. "And if I find any wreckers, I'll be the first to let you know," Wheeljack promised. "What's special between you and WhiteRain?" Miko asked curiously.

"She and Bulkhead are boyfriend and girlfriend," Primrose, Firestorm, Nightwalker and Arcee chorused. "Aw," Paige said with a smile as Bulkhead and WhiteRain blushed and Wheeljack chuckled.

The white Wrecker shook his helm with a smile before he saluted everyone and went into the Jackhammer. The door closed and the Jackhammer flew up into the air, disappearing through the clouds.

[codefluff]

Transformers Headcanons

Bumblebee

Hugs: is always happy to give or receive one! Oh, you want him to pick you up? Sure! He feels better about being smaller now, because he doesn’t have to worry as much about crushing you.

Cheek kiss: his cheeks are actually really sensitive, so he’ll definitely squirm happily at the contact

Belly kiss: chirps happily and lets you lay on top of him if you want

Neck kiss: doesn’t know what to think at first. What does that mean in human culture?? Nonetheless, he enjoys the tingly sensation.

Kiss on the lips: is definitely shocked at first, and tries his best to match you. He’s happy when you smile at him.

Tickles: his laugh is strange to someone hearing it for the first time, as it’s rather synth-y and staticky, but he is touch-starved and craves attention like this, so he loves it.

Being complimented: oh he totally hides his face, and his antennae twitch slightly from embarrassment

Being dominant: is really gentle and cautious with his movements, more out of being unsure than anything

Being submissive: if you want a reactive sub, booyyy you got it. Anything you do to him will most likely have him being a moaning mess

Cuddles: he loves it when you sit in his lap. He thinks you look like those earth-things that humans keep as pets.

Spark touching: is really scared at first, and shies away from you when you first reach out for it, but after you convince him you won’t hurt him, you touch it and he jolts a bit at first, but then just melts into it.

Optimus Prime

Hugs: he’ll happily give you a hug if you want one. He will pick you up and gently press you to his chest, chuckling a bit and saying that he would hug you like a human, but he doesn’t want to hurt you

Cheek kiss: flushes a bit, clearly not used to the attention

Belly kiss: his mouth twitches into a small smile. He can’t help but squirm a bit. It tickles!

Neck kiss: is absolutely adorkable. He flushes darkly and asks if you are sure. When you ask him what he means, he says ‘i thought this was some kind of human mating ritual…?’. It’s too precious

Kiss on the lips: he can’t help but smile at how cute you are and he will pet your head carefully as a form of affection

Tickles: is very ticklish, and has a surprisingly wheezy laugh. It’s also quite deep. He gets confused when he sees you flustered by his laugh.

Being complimented: thanks you, and tries adorably to compliment you. It usually sounds a bit odd, but he means well.

Being dominant: is extremely careful, and focuses on pampering you and making you feel loved.

Being submissive: is very patient and helpful with you trying to figure out how he works. He will most likely wind up being more embarrassed than you though once you find out how sensitive he is...

Cuddles: will hold you in his arms like a baby and do what you like. You want your hair played with? On it.

Spark touching: is a bit reluctant, but he can’t say no to that face. His spark is brilliant and bright, and he gets flustered if you stroke it or compliment him on it.

Megatron

Hugs: growls, but puts a hand on your back in return

Cheek kiss: recoils and stutters a bit as he chews you out

Belly kiss: is more confused than angry, wondering what your fascination is with his midsection

Neck kiss: gives you a curious look, but that’s about it

Kiss on the lips: at a loss for words at first, but then flushes and turns away

Tickles: has a deep, thrumming laugh, pounding his fist on the nearest solid object as some pitiful attempt to get the sensations to stop without touching you

Being complimented: grunts and acknowledges what you said, blushing a little bit

Being dominant: is somewhat rough, and enjoys watching you squirm

Being submissive: being what? In all seriousness though, the only way he’ll be submissive is if he wants to be. Which is more often than he cares to admit, especially if you’re a gentle type, as he loves being pampered.

Cuddles: this is his main form of apology. If he scares or hurts you, you can cuddle him for a bit. Or if you’re sad. Otherwise good luck. Also he is totally not playing with your hair. Nope. you’re just imagining things.

Spark touching: says no for a long time before finally caving and letting you do it. He is surprised by how much he enjoys it.

Starscream

Hugs: thinks your trying to attack him at first. Once you explain what hugging is, he demands a ‘do-over’

Cheek kiss: gets really blushy and squeaks out a confused thanks, not knowing what else to do.

Belly kiss: he growls a bit, frightening you. That is, until you see his flustered and rather pleased expression, encouraging you to continue. He also enjoys belly rubs, though he would never outright say it.

Neck kiss: after you finish, he touches the spot you kissed and looks at you with a look of wonder

Kiss on the lips: shies away if you linger long enough. He gets flustered with personal contact.

Tickles: like his name suggests, his laugh is loud and rather infectious. If you keep it up long enough, he may even snort, which embarrasses him to no end.

Being complimented: tries to ignore it at first, refusing to face you. Once you look at his face, you’ll see tears in his eyes as he asks why you say these nice things about him. If you continue to compliment him and comfort him, he will absolutely not know what to do, opting to just sit next to you and shyly grab your hand in his.

Being dominant: is sexy and knows it. He knows just about every kink in the book, so he has got it covered.

Being submissive: is surprisingly nervous at first. As long as you are patient and encouraging, he will be more than happy to have you overpower him more often.

Cuddles: won’t say it, but he loves it when you lay on his belly. He also enjoys it when you gently stroke his wings.

Spark touching: seems almost dejected when he shows you. Once your eyes adjust, you find out why. His spark is dim and damaged. Once you touch it, it seems to flare to life, brightening up a bit. He immediately gasps at the sensation running up his spine, before he finally relaxes into it, smiling ever-so-slightly.

Soundwave

Hugs: doesn’t really care. He lets you hug him whenever you want.

Cheek kiss: nods in acknowledgement

Belly kiss: tilts head curiously

Neck kiss: seems slightly impressed at your bravery

Kiss on the lips: looks slightly amused by your attempt

Tickles: no reaction for a bit, before you can finally hear a deep, robotic chuckle emanate from him, sounding almost musical in tone. He sometimes tickles you as well, almost as if asking you to do it again.

Being complimented: a smiley face appears on his screen, but that’s about it.

Being dominant: is definitely efficient, and doesn’t even try to give himself pleasure, as he sees no real point in it.

Being submissive: but if you insist on making him feel good, he’ll actually be quite flustered. He’s mostly silent, except for the occasional grunt

Cuddles: moves his tentacles toward you, offering to wrap them around you. If you decline, he will simply let you press up to him.

Spark touching: you can actually hear him hum a bit as you play with his spark, eventually hearing him speak a little, if he feels like it. Usually saying something along the lines of ‘i am pleased’

Blitzwing

Hugs: is surprised, and hugs back slowly

Cheek kiss: gasps, and glares at you half-heartedly

Belly kiss: jumps a bit, clearly surprised at your gentleness

Neck kiss: melts his icy demeanor instantly, instead turning him into a shy mess

Kiss on the lips: this. This is the kicker. He has no idea what to do. Kiss back, or will you think he’s weird? Don’t, but then you’ll be upset? Whatdoido

Tickles: has a smile that trumps the joy of christmas. It’s that cute. He will start speaking random gibberish while trying desperately to keep his composure, which of course won’t last very long

Being complimented: doesn’t think you’re talking to him until you say his name. Then he becomes a flustered mess

Being dominant: depending on what personality he is, you will get different treatments. Icy is gentle, hothead is rough, and random is… well, random

Being submissive: tends to switch between his personalities a lot the more pleasure he feels

Cuddles: is a little uncomfortable with it, as he doesn’t want to randomly change personalities and hurt you by accident, but he will let you snuggle up to him once in a while

Spark touching: doesn’t mind, and finds it quite relaxing

Please send me headcanons on these guys or ask me for other headcanons ;-; i need them in my life

[jellidile]

Weirdo (Skywarp x reader)

I went camping, and had some transformers feels. :D This Skywarp, is partially my own personality, and partially g1 Skywarp’s personality.

Skywarp was very confusing. He was confusingly nice and moody. Sometimes he would be bubbly and happy, and the next second he was cruel and harsh. Normally you only  saw the latter. Yet it still perplexed you when another decepticon would speak of his intense mood swings.

It was a normal morning when you awoke on the decepticon base. You slept on Skywarp’s desk. Like everyday, when you woke up he was crouched down so the top half of his face peeked over the top,

“Good morning (Y/N)!” He sang. His wings fluttering behind him. Smiling you sat up and waved. Too tired to talk so early,

“Today I was hoping you’d like to stay here with me!” It was odd, usually, Skywarp wanted to do something fun and exciting. But staying in his room? It just wasn’t like him,

“ ‘Warp? Are you okay?” The light of his eyes shifted away from you. His wings pointed downwards,

“So, do you wanna stay?” Something was wrong. He never avoided your questions. You sighed getting up and walking over to him. Sitting cross-legged in front of him. You crossed your arms. Skywarp grumbled placing his chin on the desk,

“(Y/N), I’ll be fine.” Sighing you gave in,

“If you say so. I’ll stay ‘Warp.” He smiled wide scooping you into his hands and pressing you against his cheek,

“Thankyouthankyou! This is why I love you!” Skywarp froze, chuckling,

“Well, that is. Out of the trine! You’re the best out of  the trine! TC isn’t even this, this nice!” He huffed as he placed you back down onto the desk,

“I want to show you something! Starscream and Shockwave finally got along long enough to finish-” Skywarp suddenly warped away, and in front of you appeared a human. Long raven hair fell messily over crimson eyes. A bright purple vest with silver lapels sat on top of a black button-up; sleeves rolled up to the elbows. Fingerless black gloves over pale skin. An orange tie wrapped around the neck. Dark purple pants led to black knee high boots- “our holoforms! Do you like it? I spent hours on it!” Sputtering, you were in shock. Skywarp was definitely a handsome human. He chuckled flopping onto your bed. Sinking into the pillows, Skywarp laughed,

“It’s so soft!” You smiled walking over to him,

“You aren’t sleeping in my bed tonight.” Skywarp looked back to you, pouting. You shook your head,

“Nope. Not gonna work. Unless you manage to render me completely speechless.” Skywarp grinned,

“Utterly speechless huh? I’ll take that bet! Just you watch (Y/N). You’ll be speechless ‘till tomorrow!” Laughing he teleported back to robot mode. The day continued on. You relaxed, read books, talked. Skywarp took a nap halfway through the day.

At some point in the evening you found yourself learning the Vosian alphabet. The symbols marked on Skywarp’s datapad were aligned just like a toddler’s book would have them. You found yourself lost in their blue glow in the dimly lit room. Skywarp chuckled,

“As much fun as it would be, I can’t teach you how to speak Vosian. Your human vocal cords would be shredded. I can try to teach you how to write stuff though.” You were about to ask what hello was, when Skywarp suddenly put you down. Teleporting back into his holoform from across the room. He sat in the corner, his hands covering his head. Nervous, you called out to him,

“Skywarp? Are you alright?” Clutching tighter he growled out a response,

“Leave me alone, please.” This is what you assumed to be his mood swings. Happy one second, then totally different the next. Taking a blanket from your bed, you slid down a ladder, that Skywarp had attached for you. Slowly you approached his huddled form. Curled into a ball his wild hair looked even messier. Still one crimson eye was visible, and clearly scared,

“Don’t! I don’t want to hurt you.” You huffed throwing the blanket down,

“Skywarp, you couldn’t hurt me if you tried!” This aggressive Skywarp apparently took that as a challenge because in the next second, you were pinned to the floor. A hand hovering above your neck,

“Shall we test that theory? I wouldn’t mind.” His eyes were dead set on your neck. Calmly you spoke,

“Skywarp, look in my eyes,” A moment passed and he did. They were wide, scared, angry, every so often they’d twitch. But he looked, and for a moment they softened,

“Do you really want to hurt me?” Heavy ragged breaths. That’s all you could hear. Until they turned into small hitches. Skywarp’s eyes filled, and tears flowed out of them. Pulling you onto your knees and then, into a hug. Skywarp sobbed into your shoulder,

“I don’t! I’m sorry! I just get so full of energy, and I can’t help it, it all just tumbles out unpredictably! I’m so sorry.” Sighing you rubbed his back. The blanket still lay within reach, so gently you wrapped it around his shoulders. Skywarp let go, pulling the fabric around him. After a few last sniffles, he calmed down,

“How did you know to do that? To calm me down, I mean.” You shrugged,

“I don’t know. Just came naturally.” He nodded,

“Okay. I guess you’re gonna leave huh? TC might let you stay…” You laughed,

“Why would I leave?”

“ ‘Cause I just flipped on you?” You simply smiled as you stood up. Hands on your hips,

“I don’t mind.” Skywarp hummed before teleporting back to his normal self. He held his hand out and you hopped on. Chuckling, he held you up to his face,

“You’re one weird human.” Huffing you poked his nose,

“And you’re one weird ‘con!” As he placed you back on the desk, he rested his head on his hands smiling,

“Y’know, you being weird makes you pretty cute.” You were about to respond, but found no words. He thought you were cute? There was a loud laugh, and you were tackled into a bear hug. With someone lying next to you,

“Told you I’d make you speechless! Soft stuff for me!” Pecking your cheek Skywarp cuddled close. With a sigh you pet his hair. A gentle blush covering your cheeks,

“ ‘Warp, you really are a goofball.”

“Do you think pigeons have feelings (Y/N)?”

“Shut up and go to sleep.”

[aristotleblinked]

self insert snippet

@balloonarcade​ I had some very awesome and exciting news today!! So I celebrated by writing. This is based off of a meme I did last month. It made me interested in what kind of person would have the relationships I got, so here you go!

I was young when the Decepticons were formed. I used to walk the dusty streets of Kaon after class to listen to the speeches. I didn’t have any legitimate gripe with the system. I was high caste. A born medic, but change was an attractive notion. I stood out in the crowds, bright white with red tipped wings. There would be hushed whispers, and fevered glances gathered around me. I ignored them. I kept my eyes on the mech who would eventually destroy everything, Megatron. He was charismatic even then when he had few followers, or deeds to his name. I still get breathless thinking about his sermons. They were electrifying.

He promised he would tear down the system, and build anew. In Megatron’s defense he did complete half his goal.

I went there for months just to eddy in the growing waves until Megatron singled me out one day, and said, “Do you see this? One of noble lineage here by their own volition. The words we speak are a universal truth that has reached even the most obstinate ear.” The crowd was deafening, chanting “Freedom, Freedom.” I chanted with them over the moon.

I can’t claim amnesty in ignorance. I was no easily led astray youngling. I danced with Overlord, and kissed Starscream. I would have gladly taken the Decepticon brand later that year. It was with great regret I had to pick a side when Orion Pax and Megatron split over irreconcilable differences. I went with the Autobots. My best friend and my future Conjunx had fell in with them.

It was the least I could do.

Pharma, Ratchet, and I were an unlikely group of friends. All different ages, Ratchet being the oldest, and I was the youngest. I volunteered at Ratchet’s clinic. The first time I met him he was bent over a half gone mech. He worked with blinding speed to save this life. It humbled me the gaps in our skill. When the overdose was under control he brought me back into his cramped office. I had to stand. Even the chairs were overflowing with records.

“I am bored of the way instructors dole out information. They go too slow. Hands on experience can only help me improve.” I told him.

Ratchet was flatly unimpressed, “You won’t last a week”

I lasted 3 years. It was hard I nearly gave up several times. Catching the odd hour of recharge where I could. I studied at Ratchet’s clinic in the quiet hours. I got slept on, puked on, and hit on. It was unforgiving and unrewarding work. You see the same patients again and again. A revolving door clinic. The day Ratchet put a blanket on me when I fell asleep cleaning the floor was the day I knew it would be worth it.

Ratchet started taking me out for drinks around the 1st year mark. I guess he felt bad for that barf thing. I’m not much for drinking, but the company was enjoyable. Ratchet knows how to party.  That’s how I met Pharma, perched on the back of a chair to hold Ratchet’s legs steady for a keg stand.

Pharma smiled and said, “Ratchet! I was wondering where you had gotten off to, and you must be the eager intern he’s been gushing about. I’m Pharma, Ratchet’s collegue. We should have have met sooner, but Ratchet loves to hoard all the talented young mechs for himself.” He mock scowled, and extended a hand. He caught the light. Gleaming, stunning. I fell off the chair and onto Ratchet. Not my finest moment.

It took me ages to untangle myself from Ratchet, he wasn’t much help, and Pharma laughed at us instead of being a gentlemech.

We kept in contact afterwords. It wasn’t often. We were both very busy people with different schedules, but when we could we would met for brief moments brushing wings over a shared glass of energon. It couldn’t last. We were doing these dalliances upon a backdrop of an ever worsening war. Medics were being overrun. Something was going to break.

I was diligently finishing up a report curled on my berth, we were all working late back then, when Pharma still covered in today’s gore turned to me and said, “Bond with me.”

My wings twitched. “I’m not in the mood for jokes.”

He put a leg on the bed so he could tower over me, hand braced on the wall by my face. “Good, because I wasn’t joking. Bond with me.” He was dead serious.

I put the report down. I wasn’t going to be able to avoid this conversation by ignoring him long enough unfortunately. “Make your case then.”

“It’s not going to stop. All of us thrown into the smelter for the sake of Megatron’s and Optimus’s pride.” He put his hand over my spark. “I would know if anything happened. They would have to inform me— I can’t live with the unknown. I’m not built for it.” He dropped his hand back to his side to await my judgment.

It didn’t take me long to come to a decision. I told him yes. Not right away, and I wanted Ratchet to be informed. He is my best friend. He was quite sour about that last requirement, but I remained firm. I like Ratchet, I really do. He’s sweet.

Ratchet had been startled, but congratulated us on the worst timing ever.

It happened perfunctorily in the dark. Instead of lingering in the morning he rushed over to the registrars office to make it official. I knew going in that it wouldn’t be a loving relationship, but I still found time to be disappointed. He came back with a cup of warm energon in hand and a certificate that said Conjunx Endura: Pharma of Tetrahax. He must have hidden his away already.

We didn’t get much time to celebrate. The war had pushed on to other planets, and medics were needed at the front lines. There was no sympathy for anyone, not even newly bonded Conjunxes. We were split 5 million light years apart.

The day before we were set to leave I interrupted Ratchet’s attempts to pack, so I could hug him. Neither of us tried to say anything, and he did hug me back, eventually. I spent the day with Ratchet and the night with Pharma. We tried to press the memory of each other into our hands, so we would have something solid to take with us.

In retrospect getting out of the shadows of those medical giants was what finally let me come into my own. It was nothing less than what I needed. It didn’t feel that way at the time.

I was bitter and angry. I threw myself into my work. It was all I had.

There was a lull in the fighting that let us come limping into the same base. It had been millions of years since we have been in the same room together. Pharma and Ratchet were strangers to me. They fought over the stupidest stuff, and I took on hours I didn’t have to just for the quiet. It took a while, but it did simmer down. We had to relearn how to be friends, too much had changed. I was now lingering in their rooms to reaffirm our relationships. I had lost too much to give up on them.

It couldn’t last. Any peace in this world was fragile. A brittle shell that only needed a light touch to shatter.

We get offered Messatine. You won’t be separated, the missive assures, as Conjunx Endura you are afforded certain privileges. Pharma would be the head as he is the senior medic between you. It would be challenging, but rewarding. Only a medic of your skills could manage it.

Pharma in some misguided display of affection threaded his fingers with mine, “I won’t go without you.”  

He thought he was being romantic, but it sounded like a threat. He has never had a problem leaving me in his flight trails before. I wasn’t as eager to head back into the fray. I had gotten a taste for the calm and was starved for more. It would be a good opportunity to show off the skills he earned. Ratchet was making noises about retiring, and Pharma was ready to fill the gap. A test for the new CMO. Can you turn this dismal situation around? Of course we can. I smiled at him. “Let’s inform Ratchet our plans have changed.”

Ratchet took the goodbye with all of his usual grace, and by that I mean avoidance. I found him watching the clouds skim the horizon. We swapped stories about the old clinic until it was time to leave again.

I never did get around to actually saying the words ‘Good bye.’ Ratchet probably preferred it that way.

[verdigrisprowl]

May 24 Blurr’s Horror Stream - The Host (2006 film)

Prowl wasn’t there. Not a whole lot happened. Film was pretty good though.

Welcome to the 'speedxstealer' room. The chat room has been cleared by the moderator. Scorponock: [ he is settled in the middle of the floor, gears turning in circles in his back ] ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave trudges in and sits a little to one side of his usual spot. He doesn't know if Prowl will show in the state he's in, but if he does, Soundwave means to obey the "nothing".* Scorponock: [ clicks claws at Soundwave in greeting. Chitters ] ItsyBitsySpyers: *Rumble and Frenzy trudge in tiredly after. The birds are absent getting repaints and everyone else is working.* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave nods hello to Scorponok.* Scorponock: [ blinks all four optics. Huddles back on the floor. ] ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Back again?]] Scorponock: [ looks around. Blinks] Me? ItsyBitsySpyers: *Nod.* Scorponock: Yez. Scorponock: I ztay with Blurr, yeez. Whirl: *trots on in and makes his way for the hammock* Hey, Scorp. Where ya been? Scorponock: Deeging for mateeerialz ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave twitches at this song. If looks could kill, he would be thinking about murdering someone right now.* Bevel: *trundles in finally* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Memories of that human who connected it to Jazz all the time. Bah.* Scorponock: [ taps claws on the ground ] But had to ztop deeging... Whirl: *flops back and gets settled* Teach's got you on mining duty? Lame. Scorponock: ... [tips helm this way and then that ] Nooo. I like to deeg! [ happy chitter] But Captain zaid no more! Whirl: *shrugs with one arm* Suit yourself. What're you lot up to, now? Scorponock: Zitting... not allowed to leeave zhe zhip! Scorponock: Part of deal. Scorponock: [ curves tail upward and then flexes it back down. Swish swish side to side ] Scorponock: (( lemme know when yall are ready. ) Whirl: ((i am!)) Bevel: [[ready ItsyBitsySpyers: ((ready)) FakeProwl: ((ye)) Scorponock: [ wiggles a little closer to Soundwave's pedes. Going to settle here and chitter ] Whirl: *sticks one leg out to push himself, rocking the hammock idly* Scorponock: Thankz for comeeng to moovie. Iz fun, yeez? ItsyBitsySpyers: *Will rest his fingertips on Scorponock's back. The twins make their way over to the hammock and knock on Whirl's back from below. Mind?* ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Yes. A good break from work.]] Scorponock: [ chitters and rolls helm under the fingertips for pets ] ItsyBitsySpyers: *Pets he will get.* Whirl: Sure thing, Scorp. *sticks his neck over the edge of the hammock and nods at the twins, shifting to make room for them. Scorponock: [ yes good. He might huddle closer ] ItsyBitsySpyers: *They hop in and get comfy, each giving a tired punch hello.* Whirl: *snorts and returns the gesture with his claws* You two look whooped. ItsyBitsySpyers: //Jus' a li'l.// Rumble lifts his head and squints. //Yo, Big Bit.// Scorponock: ( a perfect representation of me falling )) Bevel: Hey, Lil' Bit. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Sticks his tongue out at her and blows a raspberry* Whirl: *gonna swivel his helm in Bevel's direction as she's indicated and bob it at her in greeting* Bevel: *returns the gesture and waves to Whirl* Scorponock: [ climbs onto the couchand wiggles to Soundwave suddenly. Yes good. This sneak attack is going well. ] Scorponock: [ no one suspects athing ] ItsyBitsySpyers: *Can see Scorponock doing this. Doesn't mind.* ItsyBitsySpyers: //Always wanted to try that scrap.// Whirl: Alcohol? Or archery? Scorponock: [ half crawls on Soundwave and chitters at for nuzzles ] ItsyBitsySpyers: \\PFFFT.\\ //Archerin'. I had plenty of booze before, ptch.// FakeProwl: ((it's gorgeous and i love it)) Scorponock: (( yas! )) Whirl: *snickers* I was more referring to HUMAN high-grade. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave doesn't nuzzle, but he'll rest his arm on Scorponock in a half-afted not-quite-hug and scritch.* Whirl: And, hey, I know a guy. *pauses. ...Whirl's dispoisition towards Atomizer has gotten complicated recently* Whirl: I could /probably/ snag ya something. Scorponock: [ he will take this hug and whatever he can ] Whirl: ((the beb)) Whirl: ...holy damn, look at it. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[It's disgusting.]] Whirl: Kinda reminds me of Killer, in a weird way. Scorponock: [ chitters and wiggles claws ] Is monzteer! Scorponock: eet lookz cool! ItsyBitsySpyers: //Yeah? Like what?// Whirl: I think it's the face. That sort of unfolding... beaky thing. Whirl: I dig it. ItsyBitsySpyers: \\LOOKS LIKE THEM TREMOR WORMS.\\ FakeProwl: ((lmao what is this guy, a captain america knock off)) Whirl: Aww, what a face! Scorponock: (( he sure was )) FakeProwl: ((stupidly strong american heroic dude in a tight shirt)) ItsyBitsySpyers: \\KID'S DEAD.\\ Bevel: Oh no. Whirl: What a graceful leap! Scorponock: [ crawling more onto Soundwave to snuggle on him. Yes good ] Scorponock: I kneew feesh like deez. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Oof. Okay. Well. Not so much unlike Zori.* ItsyBitsySpyers: [[They ate humans?]] Scorponock: I keeled them! But not eat. That waz more of dee otherz jobz. ItsyBitsySpyers: //Nasty. Who wants t' eat fleshies?// Bevel: Lots of things. :( ItsyBitsySpyers: ((is this a horror or a comedy))' Bevel: [[I'm not sure at this point Scorponock: (( both )) Scorponock: Zhe Fallen keeled lotz of deez humanz. Scorponock: Not zhure if hee ate zem. ItsyBitsySpyers: \\HE AIN'T EATIN' 'EM NO MORE.\\ ItsyBitsySpyers: //Not without a face, heh.// Scorponock: He eez dead! [ clicks claws ] I deedn't like heem anyway Scorponock: (( me )) Scorponock: (( thats me )) Whirl: Yeah, Optimus relived him of that burden, didn't he? *dryly* Scorponock: Yeez... [ pouty tone ] He ruinz everyzhing. ItsyBitsySpyers: \\DUNNO. HE GOT DYIN' RIGHT.\\ Scorponock: No, hee came back. [pouts more ] Whirl: Need help killing him again? ItsyBitsySpyers: \\OURS AIN'T. PROBABLY ON ACCOUNT OF YA CAN'T BRING BACK SCRAP EARTHQUAKES SMASHED.\\ Scorponock: No... [huff] Scorponock: I leev wizh Blurr now. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Rumble gives Frenzy a solid punch in the jaw and points at Bevel with a hiss* ItsyBitsySpyers: *For once, Frenzy shuts up.* Scorponock: Beezidez.... wee might be in trouble. Scorponock: [ clicks claws and chitters at Soundwave ] Bevel: *very obviously trying to pretend she didn't hear that* ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Let him guess. The bounty.]] Scorponock: [ shakes helm ] Landed on wrong planeet. FakeProwl: ((pet humans)) Scorponock: I don't zhink zhey know about zhe bountee. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Then why trouble?]] Scorponock: Captain eez de... dee [chitters and hisses in his Cybertronian. Clicks and whirrs and screeches] Deetained. Whirl: *tilts his head* By who? ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave's free hand rubs at his temple. Of course Blurr got detained. Starscream's going to be upset.* Scorponock: [ clicks claws and looks at Whirl ] I zheenk he can talk heez way out. Scorponock: Blue mech took heem away. Whirl: That doesn't answer my question. Scorponock: He hazn't come back. Whirl: Blue mech? Scorponock: [ taps claws and chitters ] I recognize... but hee lookz deeferent. Scorponock: Zhey call heem Dreeft now. Whirl: Drift. Like--the one from your dimension? Scorponock: Zimilar, but not mine. Scorponock: Zame verze, deeferent deemenzion Whirl: *nods* Whirl: Well, I guess if he needs a rescue, he'll say something. Probably. Scorponock: Heez commz don't work.But hee can talk heez way out. Scorponock: [ snickering ] Hee made zhe Prime very mad! Make Capteen very exzited! Whirl: *snickers back* Hell, I'll BET. Maybe he'll get stepped on, like he always wanted. Scorponock: Maybee! Whirl: ((I like this movie but it's been mostly a slideshow urgh, and it's getting late)) Whirl: ((I'm gonna duck out, but assume Whirl stays, at least; he'll conk out on the hammock)) FakeProwl: ((man, don't kill it. eave it alive so you can follow it back to the girl)) FakeProwl: ((*leave)) Bevel: [[Seriously Bevel: [[I still don't get this monster's motivations. Is it keeping people for food? FakeProwl: ((that's my best guess)) FakeProwl: ((... if there's no virus then why are they cutting him up.)) FakeProwl: ((like, what is the benefit and who is benefitting from spreading a fiction about a virus)) Scorponock: Maybe it'll seem like less of a mistake? That guy poured that crap down the drain so that's probs the cause )) Bevel: [[...to keep him from telling anyone? Bevel: [[I want to know how these kids haven't starved tbh FakeProwl: ((was HE the guy that poured crap down the drain?)) Bevel: [[Maybe??? Scorponock: (( I don't know. The guy had like the mask on so I didn't really see his face)) FakeProwl: ((even so, tho, pretending that there's a virus doesn't cover up the fact that there's a mutant monster running around?)) Scorponock: (( mmm true )) FakeProwl: ((and also, who cares if he tells people that there's a virus? it wouldn't matter if he told people there's not a virus if they hadn't said there was a virus when there wasn't in the first place)) FakeProwl: ((**that there's NOT a virus)) Bevel: [[Ok so it is eating them. FakeProwl: ((apparently!)) Bevel: [[I thought they lobotomized him? FakeProwl: ((maybe he actually HAS been mutated and they just don't know that it's for real yet)) FakeProwl: ((he also didn't respond to anesthesia right)) Bevel: [[The dad did say he'd been, I guess addled or something that's probably not the right word at all, so maybe that impacted him somehow? FakeProwl: ((you would think that being brain damaged as a kid would, yknow, make things worse if he gets lobotomized as an adult. not cancel it out.)) Bevel: [[Just a little yeah FakeProwl: ((~fuzzy movie psychology~)) Bevel: [[Is Agent Yellow a joke on Agent Orange because this movie's been pretty anti-American with all the horrible US people and I would buy it FakeProwl: ((probably yeah)) Bevel: [[the blond guy at the beginning throwing the stone like a disc is still my favorite Scorponock: (( you mean mini Captain America? )) Bevel: [[yes FakeProwl: ((Private America)) Bevel: [[this whole family is a bunch of superheroes or something like wtf they're just sitting in the agent yellow cloud just fine while a bunch of other people are like vomiting blood Scorponock: (( right ? )) FakeProwl: ((i think the brother was vomiting too?)) Scorponock: (( I dig this guy throwing these endless cocktails )) FakeProwl: ((and he's bleeding out his ears)) Scorponock: (( it's like he has an inventory )) Bevel: [[isn't that the brother throwing cocktails? FakeProwl: ((yeah but wasn't he also bleeding earlier)) Scorponock: i believe so )) Scorponock: he is bleeding out his ears )) Bevel: [[Oh so he was Bevel: [[I missed that. It's skipping a bit Bevel: [[Aw yes archer to save the day FakeProwl: ((mmmm. barbecued mutant)) Scorponock: (( its probably gonna drop in a minute )) Bevel: [[I'm so proud of this *** up family avenging the little girl and the dad Scorponock: Right? )) Bevel: [[Sucks the kid died tho like dang way to break movie rules as I know them FakeProwl: ((maybe get the kids out of the cloud before trying to wake them up)) Scorponock: (( He's a cute kid )) Bevel: [[and they killed river monsters happily ever after Scorponock: (( yee )) Bevel: [[That was genuinely enjoyable Bevel: [[Not what I was expecting but still really fun FakeProwl: ((I liked it.)) Scorponock: It was fun )) Bevel: [[Thanks so much for streaming! Scorponock: Sure! ))

[crossroadsdimension]

World Collision -- Chapter 16

Dungeon Zone

Seeker didn’t want to set up camp in the small abandoned town that they’d come across.

“We’re too out in the open.” He motioned to the Time Barrier that was mere steps away from the front of a building with a red roof and busted-in doors. “Airam could very easily come through the Time Barrier and come after us, and summon who knows how many Dark Arms down on our heads as a result. We’re going to have to go in deeper into the World Zone before I’d feel comfortable setting up a base.”

“Oldale Town was never this close to the Petalburg Woods.”

Everyone turned and looked at Crystal, who ducked her head at the stares she was getting.

“I-I mean, there’s supposed to be another town with a Gym and a coastline between here and—“

“Is this your home zone, Crystal?” Myra asked in surprise.

Crystal looked over at Myra and nodded. “Y-yeah. This is my home, but…not like this. Everything’s all wrong.”

“If this is your world, then it’s going to be different from what I originally thought it was going to be.” Seeker frowned, folding his arms across his chest. “At least that explains why Sonic and the others aren’t involved in this.”

“Who?”

Seeker shook his head at Crystal’s confused expression. “Don’t worry about them; they aren’t here, so they were able to stay out of this. What I’m worried about is who we’ve got to go after in order to win this Zone back.”

Crystal gulped. “U-um…do you know about a Pokémon called Mewtwo?”

Myra blinked. “Didn’t you say that was your brother or something?”

Seeker groaned and dragged a hand down his face.

“How bad’s this cat-two thing?” Tony Stark folded his arms across his chest and frowned.

“A mafia organization created Mewtwo to be a genetic weapon,” Seeker replied. “They were planning on using him to take over the world.”

Myra gulped.

“But, his attacks are mainly psychic in nature.” Seeker looked over at Myra. “We might be needing your help in order to take him out, if your mind can stand an assault like what he could dish out.”

“Mythos is mine.” Crystal stepped forward and frowned at Seeker. “I know his moves and his limits, and I’m not limited by what he is. I can take him.”

“What if there are any Mew in the area?” Seeker argued.

Crystal hesitated, then shook her head. “Rosa and Catzin are too smart to let themselves be caught. They’re okay. They have to be.”

“We’ll have to see.” Nightwing looked around at the open clearing right in front of the forest. “You are right, Seeker; we’re too open here. We’re going to need somewhere more hidden.”

“If you are intending to enter the forest, I doubt that we will be able to follow,” Optimus said from where he stood towering over the rest of them.

“Agreed,” Megatron said in his rasping voice. “I suggest we remain here until the World Jumper has decided it is time to catch up with the rest of us, then find a way around to reach our Zone.”

“You’ll be leaving yourself vulnerable for if and when the Dark Arms decide to strike,” Captain America argued instantly.

“In case you haven’t noticed, fleshbag, it’s a little more difficult for us to conceal ourselves.” Starscream leaned down and sneered at the humans gathered below, causing those near his feet to back up a few steps. “We would be attracting their attention to all of us regardless of whether or not we stayed or went!”

Megatron shot Starscream a dark look as the silver mech with wings straightened himself up. “Yes. And I do not intend to insure that we are to lose every chance of finding a way to not only stop these pesky creatures, but also separate our dimensions. Go ahead without us; we will cover your tracks and give the Dark Arms a merry chase across the World Zones.” He grinned widely, showing more sharp teeth than Myra thought was possible to fit into a mouth.

Seeker inclined his head at that, then nodded. “All right. Everybody except for the Cybertronians into the woods. We’ll find a hiding place in there and plot how we’re going to return everything back to the way it’s supposed to be. The Cybertronians will watch our backs and keep an eye out for when Flare-Up follows after us; either she’ll come straight to us or leave this World Zone and help the Cybertronians in the Cyber Zone. Let’s go.”

Seeker turned and started into the forest, Nightwing falling into step next to him. Myra was quick to follow, Crystal right on her heels as the rest of the human-sized group split into groups of twos and threes.

“There’s something I should tell you about the Dungeon Zone,” Crystal said as they stepped into the trees.

“What is it?” Myra looked at Crystal with a frown as the other looked around at the trees.

“Forests and other places like these are giant mazes.”

“Mazes?”

“The locals call them Mystery Dungeons. We’re gonna have to get through one in order to find a safe place inside here, which is…probably the Petalburg Woods? I think?” Crystal looked around, and Myra noticed that the trees to either side of them seemed to be closer together than trees were supposed to be. It was almost like they had formed a wall. “Anyway, it’s not gonna be normal woods. And we’re going to have to watch out for wild Pokémon attacking us.”

“You mean, we could run into those creatures you’re always talking about? The ones that can do what we can?”

Crystal hummed as she nodded. “I can take them on, no problem. I’m pretty sure you can, too, since your powers are already Pokémon-ish. Just follow my lead and you’ll be fine!” She grinned and gave Myra a thumbs-up.

Myra blinked at Crystal’s sudden show of confidence, then nodded and smiled a little in reply. “Yeah. Okay. So what do we have to keep an eye out for?”

“Well, that depends. If this is the Petalburg Woods, it’s going to be Bug and Grass-Types, mostly. Your fire should scare them away at least, since it has the potential of burning the forest down if it’s powerful enough. If that doesn’t work, I can handle spitting Flamethrowers at them without a problem.”

Something shifted in the trees ahead of them, and Myra noticed suddenly that they were following a path that turned sharply to the left up ahead. She clenched her fists in preparation for whatever was coming through.

Something waddled around the corner – a green-brown creature with deep green spots all over its rounded shape. The frowning expression it had on its face almost seemed cute.

“A Shroomish?” Crystal blinked. “Well, that is common enough here—“

The little creature shrieked and shook itself, expelling a dust that was bright yellow in color.

Crystal reared back a little. “Flamethrower!”

The blast of flames that came shooting out of her mouth caused Myra to jump back in surprise as the attack engulfed the Shroomish in flames. The creature shrieked again, then dashed off into the trees, still screaming.

Myra stared at Crystal. “Did you really have to set it on fire?”

“It was either that or we got paralyzed from the Stun Spore it set off,” Crystal replied. “Come on; let’s keep moving before something bigger finds us.”

The two quickened their pace as the screaming faded behind them. Myra couldn’t help but look back to make sure that the thing wasn’t following after them.

“So, that was a Pokémon?”

“Yup. Shroomish are pretty common around here, but they’re normally found deeper in the forest. They like dark, damp places – like mushrooms.” Crystal tilted her head to one side, ears twitching a little. “Or are mushrooms like Shroomish?” She shook her head. “I’ll have to ask Professor Oak about that one when I find him again.”

“So, there are Pokémon like inanimate objects or…?”

“Well, that depends on whether or not the object was invented before or after the Pokémon. I think Voltorb came into existence because of an accident making PokeBalls, but no one’s exactly sure on that.” Crystal shrugged.

“Th-that sounds crazy!”

“Maybe to you, but it’s normal for me. But if you think that Voltorb sound crazy, wait until you meet my team! My first Pokémon has a giant flower growing out of—“

Something rustled in the trees ahead of them, causing Crystal to cut herself off and turn her attention to what was ahead of them.

A figure stumbled onto the path ahead of them, humanoid in shape but mostly colored green, with a large, round hat on top of its head.

Crystal stiffened. “No way…”

“What is it?” Myra stepped back. “Is it related to that Shroomish thing you took out earlier?”

The figure turned its blank gaze on the two girls, and Crystal sucked in a breath sharply.

“Not on my watch!” Crystal pushed a hand forward, and a blast of strange, purple energy blasted out and slammed into the creature, sending it flying back against a tree.

Something black and sparking flew off the back of the creature’s neck as it sank to the ground.

“Samuel!” Crystal ran forward, leaving Myra standing confused.

“Samuel?” Myra repeated.

Crystal ignored her, instead helping the strange-looking Pokémon to its feet as the creature shook its head, the dazed look leaving them.

“Bre?” the creature asked in confusion.

Crystal laughed and grabbed the creature in a hug. “Samuel! You’re okay!”

“Breloom?!” the Pokémon stared at Crystal in confused shock, then proceeded to repeat the word rapidly, leaving Myra even more confused.

“I’m fine; they haven’t gotten me.” Crystal showed the creature the back of her neck. “There are others in the forest who are free, too; they’re here to help us! But we have to get through the Petalburg Woods Mystery Dungeon first; think you can help?”

Samuel nodded quickly. “Bre!” He motioned for the two to follow him, then started down the path.

“You can understand what…he’s saying?” Myra asked as she fell into step behind Crystal.

“Yeah. Since I’m part Pokémon, I can understand what any creature from my world is saying.” Crystal smiled back at Myra. “Samuel is one of the Pokémon on my team; he’s a Breloom, which is mostly what it sounds like he’s saying when he talks.”

“Yeah, I noticed that. So, that Shroomish we ran into earlier would be saying its name over and over?”

“Yup! Breloom are actually the grown-up forms of Shroomish, so I probably Flamethrower’d one of Samuel’s cousins or something.”

Samuel snorted at that. “Bre.”

The trek through the woods continued on for what felt like a few more minutes, and then the path opened up into a small clearing with a strange statue in the middle of a creature with a smaller version of itself in a pouch on its stomach.

“Kangaskhan Rock.” Crystal let out a sigh of relief. “This is a good spot to stop for a quick breather. Maybe other people have come through here.” She started investigating around the statue as Samuel leaned against it with a tired sigh.

“Are these things important?” Myra moved closer to the statue curiously.

“In Mystery Dungeons, they’re vital for survival.” Crystal nodded. “They can store items, and work as teleport points if you get damaged to the point of being knocked out. Because it’s either you end up at one of these or kicked back to the entrance.” She nodded back the way they had come. “No one else has come through yet, so either that means we’re ahead of everyone else or they’re taking different paths through the woods.”

“Is that possible?”

“Yup! But other paths will only end up looping in on each other; they’d have to come through this way eventually. So, do you guys want to sit and wait here or keep moving forward?”

Samuel snorted and muttered something, motioning with one of the red, hoof-like paws on his front towards the path that led out of the clearing.

“What’d he say?” Myra looked at Crystal.

“He said there’s a better spot further in, but it’s being used by people controlled by the Dark Arms right now.” Crystal frowned in thought, tail twitching. “What are we up against, Samuel?”

“Bre-bre.”

Crystal’s frown deepened, and she gritted her teeth. “Dark-Types. Of course.”

“Dark-Types?” Myra repeated.

“The only Type that can resist Psychic attacks like what you and I can do.” Crystal shivered a little. “I’ve had…bad experiences with them, in the past. I’m moving past it, though.” She straightened herself, gaining a more confident expression. “And I know moves that can knock them out, and Samuel does too. You hang back while we take care of the Dark-Types; you can handle the rest of them.”

Myra blinked at that, then nodded. “Okay, then. If you’re so set on it, let’s get moving.”

Crystal nodded in agreement. “Samuel, come on!”

The next part of the Petalburg Woods was even darker than the first, and the two girls and the Breloom ran into more Pokémon as they went deeper in – more Shroomish, mostly, but there were some spider-like creatures that Crystal called “Ariados” that she also said weren’t supposed to be in the area.

“It’s almost like Petalburg and the Viridian Forest merged together.” Crystal frowned. “This can’t be good for the Pokémon that are living in the area.”

Myra thought she could see spiderwebs through the trees and figures that didn’t look human trapped inside them. She did her best to ignore them and hit the next Ariados with a purple Flamethrower as they kept going deeper.

Eventually, the path opened up again into another open clearing – this one far larger than the one they had reached earlier.

And this one had spiders on the outer edge and seven strange, jewel-covered imps running around every which direction.

“Sabeleye.” Crystal gritted her teeth. Then she raised her voice as she started glowing with a bright pink aura. “Hey, gremlins!”

The imps stopped running and looked over at the trio before pulling themselves together into a large clump.

Crystal threw a hand up above her head, the pink aura massing on her open palm. “Moonblast!”

The pink aura exploded in a bright pink flash that hit the weird-looking Pokémon and sent them flying back into the trees with a loud screech that sounded like rocks scraping together.

“Take care of the Ariados! It looks like they’ve got some people trapped in their webs!”

Myra looked around at Crystal’s yell as more Pokémon started coming out of the trees: six four-legged, black-furred, dog-like animals, with red and yellow eyes and snarls on their faces.

“Samuel!” Crystal barked. “Vacuum Wave!”

“Bre!” Samuel lunged for the Pokémon as Myra started covering her arms in purple fire, preparing to hit the giant spiders as they turned their attention from the wrapped-up bundles in their webs to the intruders.

“Yah!” Myra threw a fireball at one of the Ariados as it started to get close to her, but it pulled back, leaving the purple fire to burn into the grass.

Myra blinked a couple times. “U-uh—“

“Don’t just throw the fire! Direct where it should be hit!” Crystal encouraged. “Use the yo-yo!”

Samuel swung around and hit one of the dogs with his tail, sending it flying into a nearby tree with a triumphant yell.

“Got it!” Myra gathered fire in her hands again, a thin spindle of flame wrapping around her ring finger on her right hand before she threw the fireball again – this time with a curve.

The fireball hit the Ariados in the side, causing the creature to let out a loud screech as the “string” between Myra’s hand and the fireball dissipated before another fireball formed in her hand. An identical one formed in her left hand a moment later, and she started throwing them at the large spider Pokémon more quickly, using the “strings” to direct where the fireball was going.

One missed and Ariados, which leapt at her with an angered screech.

Myra unleashed a shockwave of purple flames on instinct. “Mental Blast!”

The shockwave caught the Ariados and sent it flying backwards. It landed a short distance away from Myra, legs in the air, unmoving.

“Bre-loom!” Samuel whacked the last of the large black dogs into a tree, then stood back, head held high. “Breeeee!”

Crystal laughed. “Yes, that was awesome!” She looked at the six dog Pokémon for a moment. “Help me see if they’ve got any black boxes on them like you did – I think one of them might be Mike.”

“Bre?!”

“Myra, can you get those bundles opened up? I think there might be some people I know trapped inside them.”

Myra nodded to Crystal’s request as the pink-eared girl started going through the fur on the back of one of the dog Pokémon. She reached the first of the six bundles of webbing and frowned at it before she set her hands aflame and started pulling away at the sticky white string.

A boy tumbled out of the first one, a red and gold baseball cap worn backwards on his head and with a matching jacket and shorts. A sprig of black hair was sticking out from under his hat, and there were a small number of red and white spheres attached to the belt at his waist.

Myra checked to see if he had a black box on the back of his neck and blinked in surprise when she found he didn’t have one. “Uh…”

“Gold!” Crystal leapt up as one of the black dogs she had been looking over started to get unsteadily to its feet. Crystal crushed a black box in her hand and ran over. “Is he—“

“He doesn’t have one and I have no clue why.” Myra shrugged.

“It’s because he’s part Electric.” Crystal looked up at Myra with a grin. “They don’t like Electric-Types because they mess with the circuitry of the MindTech. Come on – let’s check the other ones; there could be more people like Gold here!”

Crystal instantly went to the second one and started tearing it open; Myra followed suit and started working at the third.

The two pods of webbing opened to release two more boys: one dressed in red, with orange dragon wings on his back and a tail with a small spurt of flame on the end, and the other with brown, spiky hair dressed in blue, with a turtle shell affixed to his back.

“Red! Blue!” Crystal checked the backs of their necks and let out a relieved sound. “They haven’t been boxed, either. This must’ve been where they were holding caught prisoners until the Dark Arms could pick them up.”

“Then doesn’t that mean we should be moving on as quickly as possible?” Myra started pulling at the fourth pod’s webbing worriedly.

Crystal’s excited expression faded a little. “Yeah, yeah, that definitely sounds like a good idea.” She started pulling at the fifth pod’s webbing as Myra pulled out a girl with bright red flowers in her brown hair.

“So, who’s this one?” Myra lay the girl down gently on the ground and checked to make sure there wasn’t a black box on the back of her neck.

“That’s Leaf. She’s a Grass-Type, Red’s a Fire-Type, and Blue’s a Water-Type.” Crystal started pulling out a the fifth figure – a little girl with long, yellow hair and a straw hat on her head. “And this is Yellow – she’s a Normal-Type.”

“There’s such a thing as a Normal-Type?” Myra asked in confusion.

“Well, yeah.”

Myra turned sharply at the new voice and saw Gold starting to push himself up to his feet.

“They’re the only Pokémon that don’t have a Type they’re super-effective against,” Gold added. He brushed off his jacket, then paused and looked at Crystal as she started working at the final pod. “Wait. Crystal? What are you doing here?”

“Saving you, what does it look like?” Crystal gritted her teeth as she pulled a little harder on the strings that were holding the last pod together. “Man, this is stronger than the last ones – Myra, do you think you can—“

Something purple sparked from inside the pod, causing Crystal to stumble back with a yelp of surprise as purple electricity danced up her arm for a second.

The pod wriggled, and a muffled yell came from inside the pod seconds before it exploded with a bright purple flash of lightning. Myra pulled an arm up over her face to keep her eyes from getting hit by a large glob of the stuff.

“Guh! Man, if one of those things comes near me again, I’m frying it!”

Myra lowered her arm and stared at the figure who had just released himself from the pod of spider webbing: a dark-skinned teenage boy wearing a purple, black, yellow, and white outfit with a lightning-bolt shape on the black shirt he was wearing.

“Geez, and I thought that—“ The boy cut himself off and looked over at the rest of the group standing in the clearing before getting into a defensive stance. “Who are you?! Are you with them?!”

Crystal held up her hands. “C-could you calm down? Just a little bit? W-we’re not with the Dark Arms if that’s what you’re—“

He was instantly in Crystal’s face, purple sparks flying from his hair and fingers. “And how am I to know that for sure?”

“Hey!” Gold stepped forward and grabbed one of the boy’s hands. “I’ve got the Lightning Rod ability and I’m not afraid to use it.”

Even as Gold spoke, the purple sparks were starting to dart up Gold’s arm, causing the other to look at him sharply.

He pulled his arm from Gold’s hand. “Okay, okay, so you’re not with them. Who are you?”

“I’m Crystal, and these are Gold, Samuel, Mike, and Myra.” Crystal motioned to each of them in turn.

“I hope you’re not forgetting about us.”

Myra turned around sharply at the unfamiliar voice, her eyes widening when she caught sight of Red standing upright and with his arms crossed over his chest as Blue picked Yellow up and Leaf rose unsteadily to her feet.

Crystal turned and gained a sheepish expression. “R-right. I just wasn’t sure if you were going to wake up anytime soon.”

“Being out in the fresh air helps.” Red looked over at Myra and frowned a little. “You two shouldn’t be alone in the middle of the woods like this. We have a hideout not far from here.”

“You’re hiding out in the middle of the woods?” the dark-skinned boy asked, frowning.

“This entire area’s been taken over by the forest,” Blue replied flatly. “It’s not like we have any other choice. Come on; let’s get away from the Ariados nests before they wake up and start combing this part of the woods again.”

“There are more of us out here,” Crystal spoke up quickly. “People from other places that got mixed up in all this. We’re gonna need them to get where we’re going, too.”

“I’ll find them.” Leaf took off into the trees, a black dog from the pack of six loping off after her.

“U-uh—“

“The Mighteyna’s safe; I checked her,” Crystal gave Myra a reassuring look. “Come on; she’ll be able to find the others and get them to where we’re going.”

Myra frowned, then nodded a little. If Crystal was willing to trust Red and the others, then that meant it was probably safe to follow them.

“And what’s your name?” Gold looked over at the dark-skinned boy.

“…call me Static,” the boy replied in a guarded tone.