Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

[When night finally arrived, Brawl got up from the sofa, in order to leave the Combaticons district, humming happily, before being called]

Onslaught, coming out of his office: Where are you going? 

Brawl, stopping: Huh?

Onslaught: I ask where you are going.

Brawl: Why are you interested? You never ask Swindle or Vortex.

Onslaught: The rules have changed, and I'm going to have to scold Swindle and Vortex for not telling me where they were going. From now on, I'll keep an optic on you, because I'm tired of your scrap.

Brawl: ...But I don't want to tell you where I'm going.

Onslaught: If you don't tell me, then you can't go out.

Brawl: But that's-

Onslaught: Just answer.

Brawl: I'm going... I'm going to see a movie at the drive-in that you can see from the hill.

Onslaught, crossing his arms: What for? You have TV here.

Brawl, embarrassed: I-I find the drive-in more...nice...

Onslaught: Your reason is useless, so I don't want you to come out.

Brawl, indignant: What???

Onslaught: You heard me.

Brawl: But Onslaught!!!

Onslaught: No. Unless you find a better reason to get out.

Brawl, blushing with anger: I have a date!!!

Onslaught:  *Surprised*

Brawl:  *Frowns in anger*

Onslaught: ...

Brawl: ...

Onslaught: ...Huh? ...With whom?

Brawl, blushing with anger: But it's none of your business!

Onslaught: You're part of my team, so yes!

Brawl: I don't have to tell you!

Onslaught: No but am I dreaming or are you rebelling against me?

Brawl: I do!

[At these words, Brawl stormed out of the Combaticons' quarters, outraged at Onslaught's indiscretion]

Brawl , angry :  (I'm on his team when it suits him!)

[Onslaught, meanwhile, sat down on the couch, huffing in irritation and weariness. We couldn't do it any worse than him. Honestly, Onslaught really wondered what Scrapper was able to do that Onslaught clearly couldn't]

Onslaught , getting up :  (Might as well ask him for other advice...) 

[However, Brawl was coming towards the Insecticon area and thought for a while]

Brawl:  (Maybe Shrapnel will keep me from getting close to Bombshell again...)

[Brawl then felt someone pat his shoulder, and turned around in surprise, only to see it was Bombshell]

Bombshell, smiling: Hi.

Brawl, happy: Bombshell! Hi! I am very happy to see you again!

Bombshell: Me too.

Brawl, blushing: Hm- Uh- Can I give you a hug? I... I really want to give you one...

Bombshell, blushing in surprise: Uh- I... Yes, okay.

[Brawl then smiles happily, before hugging Bombshell, who felt his spark thumping pleasantly. Honestly, Bombshell couldn't remember feeling as good that with Brawl]

Brawl, smiling as he pulls back from the hug: Here we go?

Bombshell, also smiling: Yes.

*Brawl then takes Bombshell's hand, and the two leave for their date* 

[However, Kickback was sitting on the couch with Shrapnel, who was zapping channels one by one]

Kickback: ...I have a date with Drag Strip.

Shrapnel, surprised: Huh ~huh~?

Kickback: I have a date with Drag Strip, and I'm going to win.

Shrapnel: What are you talking about ~about~?

Kickback: Nothing, just letting you know I won't be here tonight.

Shrapnel: So... I'm glad you're on a date, but I'll admit I had a hard time seeing the connection to your date, and a win that I don't know about ~about~.

Kickback: You wouldn't understand.

Shrapnel:  *Confused*

*Knocking on the door*

Kickback, jumping of the couch: It's for meeee!!! *Stops in his tracks and calmly gets back into a more dignified position* This is for me, so I'm going to open.

Shrapnel:  *Raises an eyebrow in confusion*

*Kickback opens the door revealing Drag Strip*

Kickback: Heyyy, hi!

Drag Strip: Hi! Here we go?

Kickback: Of course! See you later, Shrapnel!

Shrapnel: ...See you later ~later~.

*Kickback leaves with Drag Strip and closes the door*

Shrapnel: ... (The further it goes, the less I understand his reactions...) 

[However, Hook and Scavenger returned, much to Scavenger's relief, to the Constructicons' quarters. Scavenger flopped directly onto the couch, and Scrapper gently patted his helmet]

Scrapper: I hope now you won't make the same mistake again.

Scavenger, tired: Never again.

Hook: We're far from done, prepare for worse tomorrow.

Scrapper: No need to be so harsh, Hook.

Hook: He has to learn the hard way, it's over to protect him! He's practically an adult!

Scrapper, hugging Scavenger: I can help you tomorrow.

Scavenger: No, it's okay, I can manage, I have to learn from my mistake.

Scrapper: ...Okay, fine...

Hook: That's good.

[Hook suddenly received a ping on his communicator, and blushed when he realized it was from Soundwave. Hook tried to hide his blushes, before coughing in embarrassment]

Hook: Well, I leave you, I have something to do.

Scrapper: A medical emergency?

Hook, lying: Yes.

Scrapper: ...Okay. Nothing serious?

Hook: No, not really, definitely someone exaggerating as usual.

[Hook then left, and Scrapper wondered who Hook go to see, as he suspected there was no rush. But since Hook had told him it wasn't a serious emergency, so it was mean it wasn't a big deal and Scrapper didn't have to get involved]

Scavenger: ... *Realizes* Oh! *Smiles *

Scrapper: Hmm? What makes you so happy?

Scavenger: Oh! It's true that I didn't tell you!

Scrapper: Not told me what?

Scavenger: Hook is on a date with Soundwave!

Scrapper: ... *Surprised* Huh? 

Chapter Text

[Hook walked to the comms room where Soundwave had invited him to, before arriving there and looking left and right, then finally knocking on the door. Soundwave opened the door, before smiling]

Soundwave, inviting: Come in.

*Hook nods before entering, and seeing a table and two chairs facing each other, with two cubes of energon*

Hook, smiling: That's cute. 

Soundwave, shyly: Hope you like it...

Hook: I really like it.

Soundwave, smiling and taking Hook's hand: You see me delighted.

[Hook blushed in surprise, before smiling shyly, and the two walked over to the table, before sitting face to face]

Soundwave, taking his energon cube: Let's toast.

Hook, smiling and doing the same: Let's toast. 

[However, Brawl and Bombshell got to the hill, and Brawl pointed to the outside cinema screen a little further away]

Brawl, smiling: Well, let's look from here, so we're sure not to get noticed!

Bombshell: ...Actually a cinema is like a big television.

Brawl: Well yes. There was no cinema where you lived?

Bombshell: There was no television to be honest. At the same time, no one was making films in the Colony.

Brawl, surprised: Really?

Bombshell, shrugging: That wasn't in the tasks to do.

Brawl, sits on the floor: It seemed strange living there... You were just working?

Bombshell, also sits down next to Brawl: ...Yes. It was rare to have his own mind, that what Shrapnel say. The Insecticons are there to serve their different Gyinawez, their mission ends there.

Brawl: ...How did you feel about that?

Bombshell: ... *Clasps his hands together* ...To be honest... I didn't feel much about that.

Brawl: Huh? How so?

Bombshell: Nothing...

Brawl: Alright, if you don't want to talk about it, I'll understand.

Bombshell: ... *Turns head towards Brawl, before looking away* ...I felt a lot of loneliness there. I didn't like this place.

*Brawl turns his head towards Bombshell in surprise, before be sad, and putting his arm around Bombshell's shoulder, then pulling him closer*

Brawl: I promise you'll never feel like this again...

Bombshell: ... *Smiles softly* Thank you.

[The movie's intro then began, and Brawl watched the giant screen play, excitedly]

Brawl, smiling: On the other hand, I have absolutely no idea what movie it will be! I'm not very good at organization, sorry about that!

Bombshell, smiling: I don't mind. It can be fun to plan nothing sometimes.

*Brawl smiles, before hugging Bombshell, who responds to the hug* 

[However, Onslaught arrived at the Constructicons' quarters, before hearing a commotion behind the door. He recognized everyone's voice, only Hook didn't seem to be there]

Scrapper: I have to tell you that I'm really surprised.

Scavenger: It's surprising but awesome! Isn't it?

Long Haul: Hm... Should we take that as good or bad news?

Mixmaster: A good one! What question!

Bonecrusher: Well yeah! Why would that be bad!

Long Haul: It's just that his independent side might push him away from us. I don't know how he acts when he has this specific emotion, maybe we should monitor it a little.

Scrapper: You worry too much. Just trust him.

[Onslaught scratched his helmet in confusion, wondering what they could be talking about, before shrugging his shoulders, thinking it didn't concern him. Onslaught knocked on the door, and waited a while, before seeing Mixmaster open it]

Mixmaster: Ooooh! Hi!

Scrapper, approaching with a smile: Onslaught, good evening, how are you?

Onslaught, smiling: Better now that I see you.

Scrapper, laughing softly: What brings you here?

Onslaught: I'd like to chat with you.

Scrapper: Alright. *To his team* See you later.

Mixmaster, laughing: See you later!

Bonecrusher:  *Winks*

Scavenger:  *Smiles*

Long Haul:  *Nods*

*Scrapper leaves with Onslaught, and Long Haul closes the door*

Scrapper: Where do you want to chat?

Onslaught: Why not in your workshop?

Scrapper, smiling: Okay.

[The two arrived at the workshop, and Scrapper opened it, before motioning Onslaught to enter. The latter entered, followed by Scrapper. Scrapper sat on the desk, and Onslaught on a chair]

Scrapper: So? What do you want to discuss?

Onslaught: Well... Sorry that's not very romantic, but it's about my team.

Scrapper: Hmm? What is going on?

Onslaught: They hate me.

Scrapper: Don't you think you're exaggerating?

Onslaught, sighing: No. Now, I can see that I'm doing it wrong... But I still can't improve... And my team isn't helping, since they clearly hate me!

Scrapper, thinking: What exactly happened, for you to come to this conclusion?

Onslaught: I'm trying to pay a little more attention to what they're doing, to avoid a new "Scavenger missing" event, but I'm just monitor them, and it's pissing them off.

Scrapper: I think you're focusing your attention on them awkwardly. The objective and knowing what they are doing, yes, but intimacy is important. The goal is more to know what they like to do, rather than to control what they do. You understand?

Onslaught: ...I think so.

Scrapper: Don't worry Onslaught, I'm sure they don't hate you.

Onslaught: Maybe you're right. *Gets up and walks over to Scrapper smiling* And even if they really hate me, there'll always be you to keep loving me. *Puts his hands on the desk, on both sides of Scrapper*

Scrapper, smiling, and putting his hand on Onslaught's cheek: Always.

[The two removed their protective masks before kissing]

Onslaught, hugging Scrapper: I'm glad I met you.

Scrapper, smiling lovingly: Me too. 

Chapter Text

[Drag Strip and Kickback arrived in a storage room, and Kickback walked in looking around]

Kickback, sly and ironic: I'm captivated by the room, it's really very beautiful. 

Drag Strip: Don't Make Fun! It’s not bad!

Kickback: Not bad for a bad date, mediocre for a great date. You know, the one so promised.

Drag Strip, nervous: (Cool disaster! Come on! You can do it!) It's just you who can't see all the beauty in this room!

Kickback: Hmm, hm. Yes of course... Why didn't you choose to do a date outside?

Drag Strip: Because.

Kickback:  *Raises an eyebrow*

[In truth, Drag Strip hadn't asked Soundwave, and had only thought of it when coming to get Kickback. Drag Strip didn't want to ask Soundwave for permission to release then, otherwise Kickback could have figured out that he hadn't prepared anything]

Drag Strip: Alright, please sit down!

Kickback: On the ground?

Drag Strip, hesitating: Um... Uh... *Takes a crate* Here!

Kickback: ...Drag Strip.

Drag Strip: What?

Kickback: You haven't prepared anything, admit it...

Drag Strip, nervous: How do you- I mean! Of course I prepared the date!

Kickback: To be honest with you, it would reassure me that you didn't prepare anything, because of all the dates I've had in my life, this is the most mediocre...

Drag Strip, embarrassed: I- Uh-

Kickback: I mean... There's nowhere to sit properly here. I can see you haven't planned anything to eat, not that it bothers me, I could eat that crate. But I'm not sure Megatron would be thrilled.

Drag Strip, annoyed: Alright! I admit it! I haven't prepared anything!

Kickback: Thanks for admitting it.

Drag Strip, accuser: But it's your fault!

Kickback, outraged: Me?!

Drag Strip: Yes! You ! You stressed me out, when you ask me when the date would be!

Kickback: I didn't make you do it today!

Drag Strip: Of course, it is! Your optics were begging me to go on a date together!

Kickback, blushing: That's wrong!

[It was true...]

Drag Strip, cocky: Admit it! You are completely in love with me!

Kickback, points Drag Strip: How about you?! You love me too!

Drag Strip:  *Surprise*

Kickback:  *Realizes and blushes*

Drag Strip, surprised: "Too"?

Kickback, ashamed: It wasn't- It was- *Runs away*

Drag Strip: Wait- Uh- What?!!

[Drag Strip felt his cheeks heat up and put his hands on them, before blushing even more]

Drag Strip , blushing heavily :  (What???) 

[However, Onslaught and Scrapper were sitting next to each other on the desk, just enjoying each other's presence]

Onslaught: Are you sure your desk can support my weight, because a military vehicle is different of a construction vehicle...

Scrapper, smiling: I'm sure my desk is solid.

Onslaught: *Smiles* ...By the way, Scrapper.

Scrapper: Hm?

Onslaught: ...Why do you hide so much that you don't feel the pain?

Scrapper: *Looks Onslaught with surprised* ... *Head down* Well... When you find out that someone doesn't feel pain... You tell yourself you can do whatever you want to this person, because whatever you do he won't be hurt... It's like hurting an object.

Onslaught:  *Frowns*

Scrapper: Before working with those in my group, I was in another site, and I inadvertently injured myself... At first, they thought I was just resistant to pain, then they finally realized that there was something else. So, they started "testing" how much I don't feel the pain.

Onslaught: ...

Scrapper: I tried to talk to the team leader about it... *Shrugs* But he said that since I didn't feel anything, it was okay... *Sadly* But they were wrong, my spark pain was there. I was sad to be treated like this. I was afraid that one day, one of their "tests" would go too far, and that I would die...

Onslaught:  *Brings Scrapper closer*

Scrapper: So I decided to leave the group, and I tried to find a job as soon as possible, and especially as far as possible from my old job, in order to prevent rumors about my condition from spreading. *Smiles* That's where I met my current team, and everything was better after that.

Onslaught, pained: I'm so sorry for everything you've been through.

Scrapper, smiling: ...It doesn't matter. I tell myself that it allowed me to meet the others, and that is more than enough for me.

Onslaught: ...You are brave. *Hugs Scrapper*

Scrapper:  *Smiles*

[Yes, it was hard, and honestly, Scrapper couldn't thank Hook enough for what he did for him] 

...In the past...

[Scrapper walked back into the building he was starting to build with his new team, having received a ping from Hook. Honestly, Scrapper found his team likeable, Hook was pretty tough, but he knew it was a mask to protect himself. Of what, that, Scrapper did not know]

Scrapper: Did you call me, Hook? (Is there anything he still wants to criticize?)

Hook: Yeah, there's something I need to check.

[Scrapper sighed, Hook tended to criticize everything he saw, and Scrapper was waiting for another nasty review]

Scrapper: What is it?

Hook: Sit there. *Points to a chair*

Scrapper: ... *Confused* Why?

Hook, annoyed: Do it! That's all!

[Scrapper crossed his arms in slight annoyance. Scrapper was supposed to be the leader of the team, but Hook tended to talk to him like he talked to others. It usually didn't really bother Scrapper, because he didn't like to be considered a boss, but Hook was really rude...]

Scrapper: I will, after you tell me why...

Hook: I told you, I have something to check.

*Scrapper sighs and sits down in the chair. Hook then takes a medical kit, and approaches Scrapper*

Scrapper, confused: What are you doing with that?

*Hook kneels in front of Scrapper, and suddenly grabs his leg, before taking a medical tool, and shoving it into his knee joint*

Scrapper, shocked: Eeeh?!! *Tries to pull his leg out of the grip of Hook* What are you doing?! Let go of me!

Hook, scowling: Stop moving! I'm trying to fix you!

Scrapper: I don't need repair!

Hook: When you walk, one of your legs is off by a degree, which means there's something stuck in your knee joint. Didn't you realize that? Normally it should hurt you...

Scrapper, surprised: How do you-

Hook: I was a doctor before I came here, and I was extremely talented. So, if I say you're hurt, you are. So? Any pain?

[Scrapper then felt trapped. If he said he didn't feel any pain, but it was true, then Hook would understand that he didn't feel pain. But if he ever lied that he was indeed in pain, but Scrapper was showing the wrong area, the result would be the same]

Scrapper:  (What am I supposed to do?!) 

Chapter Text

...Always in the past...

[Scrapper really didn't know what to answer, and decided to change the subject, in the hope that Hook would eventually forget his question]

Scrapper: ...I didn't know you were a doctor. 

Hook, continuing to fix Scrapper: ..."Were" is the right term.

Scrapper: What happened?

Hook, scowling: It's none of your fragging business!

Scrapper: ...You know, I used to be an architect, but I was kicked out, because the others claiming I was stealing their work.

Hook: ...People are all fraggers.

Scrapper: Do you believe me?

Hook: Yeah, I've seen some of the plans you're making on the sly.

Scrapper, ashamed: Ah...

Hook: They are a thousand times better than the construction scraps that we have to make, made by so-called great architects. *Looks at Scrapper* You have talent.

Scrapper: *Surprised* ...Thank you?

Hook: Don't thank me for telling the truth.

Scrapper: ... *Smiles*

*Hook manages to pull out a piece of foreign metal that was stuck in Scrapper's knee joint, and Hook's optics widen in surprise*

Hook, shocked: Anyone couldn't walk with that in their leg! Are you crazy?! Why didn't you say you were in pain?!

Scrapper, nervous: I... I don't- It's- Medicine is expensive...and...

Hook: ...Scrapper... There's no point in lying to me...

Scrapper, stressed: Lying to you about what?

Hook: There's a lot of sensitive circuitries in joint areas like the knee, and you were talking to me as if nothing had happened.

Scrapper, shocked: You- You didn't give me local anesthesia?!

Hook: I don't have one.

[Scrapper felt his spark tighten in fear and sadness. He was afraid that what he had lived before would repeat. He was sad that his team would soon treat him like an object. Scrapper liked them... He was sad, because he was going to have to leave again...]

Hook: ...You don't feel the pain, do you?

Scrapper:  *Squeezes the edges of the chair, head down*

Hook: Well, you're in luck, I'm a former doctor, and I'm gratis! So, in now I will check you up every day!

Scrapper, surprised: Huh? *Looks at Hook* Why?

Hook, getting up: Because I've never repaired robots that didn't feel pain, it's quite new for me, and I take it as a challenge! But just because you have a personal doctor doesn't mean you can afford do stupid things! Be careful!

Scrapper: Alright.

Hook: Good. Don't forget to see me every day, and if you ever fall, come see me. Don't wait for the end of the day. *Puts away the medical kit, and starts to leave*

Scrapper: ...Why are you doing this?

Hook, stopping and turning to Scrapper: ...It would be a shame if such a talented robot died.

Scrapper, blushing: I don't-

Hook: I told you, you've got talent, and I'll do anything so that one day everyone realizes it.

Scrapper: ...Thank you.

Hook: I already told you to-

Scrapper, smiling: Thanks to fix me. You too have talent.

Hook, surprised: ...Uh... Yeah, I know.

[Hook walked away and Scrapper got up, before feeling that indeed there is a different feeling in his leg now] 

...Back to the present...

[Brawl and Bombshell were watching the movie, a sort of story where a species of giant lizard breathing fire and a laser, and destroys a city. Brawl admitted he was really into the movie, because he loved that kind of stuff, but he didn't really know what Bombshell thought about the movie]

Brawl, turning to Bombshell: Are you okay?

Bombshell: Hm? *Smiles* Yes.

Brawl: Do you like it?

Bombshell: I... It's entertaining.

Brawl, smiling: Ah! If you don't like it, we can do something else!

Bombshell: No, it's fine. *Shyly* Being with you is enough for me...

Brawl:  *Blushes in surprise*

Bombshell:  *Blushes nervously*

Brawl: *Smiles and puts his hand on Bombshell's hand* ...Bombshell... I love you.

*Bombshell looks at Brawl, blushing, before looking at his hand in Brawl's hand*

Bombshell, blushing: ...I... *Looks at Brawl* I love you too.

Brawl:  *Surprised*

Bombshell:  *Nervous*

Brawl: I want to cry of joy.

Bombshell: Huh?

Brawl: Can I do a happy dance?

Bombshell, smiling: Well... Yes?

[Brawl then stood up, before circling around him, then starting to flap his arms around, before shouting in delight, and starting to sing loudly. Then he sat down on his knees again in front of Bombshell, before taking his hands]

Brawl, happy: I love you! I love you! I'm the happiest and luckiest mech!

Bombshell, smiling and laughing lightly: I love you too.

Brawl, hugging Bombshell: I'll never get tired of hearing you tell me that!

Bombshell:  *Responds to the hug and smiles*

Brawl, blushing: I... Can I kiss you?

Bombshell: *blushes in surprise, before looking at Brawl, and smiling shyly* Yes.

[Brawl smiled and removed his protective mask, and Bombshell did the same. The two looked at each other, before bringing their faces closer to each other, and kissing. Brawl circled Bombshell's waist, and Bombshell hugged Brawl's neck, then they lay down on the floor, before breaking the kiss]

Brawl, smiling: I love you with all my spark!

Bombshell, smiling: I love you even more.

[Brawl hugged Bombshell close to him, before kissing him again, and Bombshell then wished in the depths of his spark to stay with Brawl forever. Far from worries. Away from the problems. Away from it all. Just close to Brawl] 

Chapter Text

[Kickback stormed into the Insecticons' quarters, before jumping on Shrapnel, who was lying on the couch]

Kickback: IT'S A DISASTER!!!

Shrapnel: HUH ~huh~?!!

*Kickback falls on Shrapnel, and both fall off the couch*

Shrapnel, angrily: What’s wrong with you ~you~?!

Kickback, crying: My life is ruined!!! I lost!!! 

Shrapnel: What ~what~?

Kickback, getting up: I can't get out of here anymore. I am in total shame.

Shrapnel, confused and annoyed: I would really like some context ~context~.

Kickback , laying down on the sofa in a dramatic way: Let me die here!

Shrapnel: ...Well, can you explain?

Kickback, crossing his arms: ...I need to talk to Bombshell about this.

Shrapnel: But he's not there ~there~.

Kickback: Where is he?

Shrapnel: Outside I think ~think~.

Kickback: Ah yes. I have that feeling too. Weird.

Shrapnel: Would you rather wait for it, tearfully, or explain ~explain~?

Kickback: ...Turn on the TV.

Shrapnel, rolling his optics: Fine ~fine~.

[Shrapnel then sat back on the couch, with Kickback, and turned on the television. Kickback rested his head on Shrapnel's shoulder, before sighing, and Shrapnel patted his helmet, consoling him. Honestly, consoling others wasn't really Shrapnel's thing. Defend, yes. But to console he was rather clumsy. Despite everything, Kickback seemed content with this consolation]

Shrapnel:  (Still he's really hard to understand...) 

[However, Soundwave and Hook were chatting happily, before suddenly hearing footsteps, and someone knocked on the door]

Soundwave: ...I'm busy.

Megatron: Soundwave, it's Megatron, I'm going in.

[Soundwave and Hook looked at each other in dismay, and Soundwave stood up with panic]

Soundwave, whispering: You have to hide! He will come in!

Hook, whispering nervously: What?! Where?!

Soundwave, pointing to the closet: There! Quick!

*Megatron enters, and Hook runs to the closet, before hiding there*

Megatron: Have you received message from Blast Off?

Soundwave: Huh? ...No.

[In fact, Soundwave and Hook preferred to hide a potential relationship from others, due to their respective statuses. They weren't sure that Megatron would accept it, and it could gossip in the Nemesis...]

Megatron: I would like you to contact him.

Soundwave: ... *Looks discreetly at the closet, before looking back at Megatron* ...Alright.

Hook , in the closet :  *Rolls his optics and crosses his arms* (Damn Megatron...)

[Soundwave sighs quietly, before activating the communicator, to contact Blast Off]

Soundwave , sighing :  (Sorry Hook...) 

[Blast Off was walking to Cosmos' house, and honestly would have gotten there much faster if he could fly]

Blast Off:  (Scrap Law!)

[Blast Off suddenly received a ping from Soundwave, and then felt a chance coming. Yes! Surely the Decepticons would find a way to get him away from this cursed planet as quickly as possible! Blast Off gone in a alley, before accepting the call]

Blast Off: Yes?

Soundwave, via the communicator: This is Soundwave. How progress your mission?

Blast Off: I recovered the energon, unfortunately one of my wings is broken, and I have to wait for it to be repaired.

Megatron, via the communicator: Huh?! What ?!

Blast Off: I can't fly for two or three days. But maybe if you send someone, then-

Megatron, sighing in annoyance: No! We will wait, it is annoying, but not catastrophic.

Blast Off, nervous: But that's-

Megatron: It's not dramatic! You will tell me when you can leave!

Blast Off: ...Fine...

Megatron: Fine.

[The communication ended, and Blast Off clenched his fists in anger and fear. Blast Off angrily smashed a wall, before heading back towards Cosmos' house. It was a nightmare! A real nightmare!]

Blast Off:  (But what scrap did I get into?!) 

[Megatron sighed in annoyance, before turning to Soundwave]

Megatron: Let me know if you have any other Blast Off news.

Soundwave: Fine, Chief Megatron.

[Megatron started to walk away, before turning to the two chairs and the table]

Megatron: By the way, what is that? You are waiting for someone?

Soundwave, nervous: Ah! Well... It's just Rumble and Frenzy having fun moving things around...

Megatron: Oh. Really, these Sparklings are out of control.

Soundwave: Sorry.

Megatron: It's nothing. I go.

[Megatron then left, and Soundwave sighed in relief, before reaching the closet, and opening it]

Soundwave: Really sorry, Hook.

Hook, coming out of the closet: It's not your fault. It's Megatron who ruins everything. What an idea to come and see you at this hour.

Soundwave, shrugging: It’s always like that.

Hook: That's the problem with being the only competent mech in the Nemesis.

Soundwave, smiling: You don't count yourself among the competent? You should.

Hook, blushing: II was going to! In fact-

[Soundwave laughed softly, before taking Hook's hand, and intertwining his fingers with him. Hook blushed even more, but tried to hide it, putting his other hand in front of his face]

Soundwave, blushing slightly: You don't need to hide your emotions from me. I like seeing the different emotions you have. *Takes Hook's other hand*

Hook, blushing in embarrassment: It's- It's a reflex!

Soundwave, smiling: That's okay.

[Soundwave removed his protective mask, before advancing his face towards Hook's. Hook felt his spark beating terribly fast, as Soundwave was about to kiss him. But suddenly Megatron entered again]

Megatron: By the way Sound-

Hook and Soundwave:  *Paled*

Megatron:  *Surprised*

Soundwave, embarrassed and nervous: Ch-Chief Megatron...

Hook , ashamed :  *Hides his face in his hands*

Megatron: ...

Soundwave, nervous: ...

Hook, embarrassed: ...

Megatron, angry: What the frag?! 

Chapter Text

[Soundwave and Hook sat on the two chairs, as Megatron stared at them with his arms crossed, and a scowl on his face. Soundwave looked to the side in shame as Hook stared at his hands in annoyance. Honestly, it's been a long time since he felt so humiliated...]

Megatron, irritated: So... how long has been going on?!

Hook, scowling: (It's none of your fragging business!!!) ... 

Soundwave: What do you mean?

Megatron: That! Since when?!

Soundwave: ...The date? Or our love for each other?

[Hook looked at Soundwave in surprise, and the latter did the same, before lowering his head, blushing, but smiling discreetly. Hook, tried to hide his smile, and also blushed]

Megatron: ...Your date.

Soundwave: Just today, Chief Megatron.

Megatron: ...I don't agree with your relationship...

[Soundwave lowered his head in sadness, and Hook squeezed his hands in frustration]

Hook:  (Why this fragger interfere?!)

Megatron: What if you ever end up breaking up? Or if others find out?

Hook, bitter: Just because it ended badly between you and Orion Pax doesn't mean it will the same with us.

[Hook then quickly regretted what he had just said. In fact, he intended to think so. Megatron glared at him, and Hook paled in fear. Soundwave looked at Hook in shock, as Megatron walked over to Hook, growling]

Megatron, darkly: Dare to say it to my face again.

Hook: ...That's not what I meant.

Megatron, bitter: Maybe I should replace you with Knockout.

[Hook casted a look of anger and fear, and Megatron smiled wickedly]

Megatron: After all he is much less insolent.

Hook, growling: ...I'm better than him.

Soundwave, embarrassed: Chief Megatron.

[Megatron raised his hand, motioning Soundwave to be quiet, before grabbing Hook's arm, and pulling him towards him]

Megatron, grinning wickedly: That's right. You are also ready to defend your work no matter what, and this is a quality. That's why you're the best doctor. But I don't think my two best soldiers should be doing anything other than their job. Understood?!

[Hook and Soundwave looked at each other in dismay and spite]

Megatron, growling: Understood?!

Hook and Soundwave: ...Understood...

Megatron: Good!

[Megatron then took Hook with him, before turning to Soundwave, who stood up at attention]

Megatron: From now on, if you ever have to talk to each other, it will be purely professional.

Soundwave: ...Yes, Chief Megatron...

[Megatron and Hook exited the comms room, and Megatron slammed Hook hard against a wall, grabbing his neck]

Megatron, angrily: This is the last time you are insolent to me!

[Hook clenched his teeth in pain, as Megatron slammed him against the wall a second time]

Megatron, exclaiming: Am I clear?!

Hook, painfully: Yes...Chief Megatron...

[Megatron let go of Hook, who fell to the ground, before straightening up in pain. Megatron grabbed his arm brutally, then pushing him away, waving him to go away]

Megatron: I hope to see you at work tomorrow like always, Hook.

Hook: ...Yes, Chief Megatron.

[Hook walked away with a bitter feeling in his spark. Why did he have to sacrifice more things than the others, just because he was one of the few competent in this fragging ship?! It wasn't fair! Scrapper was competent too, and yet he could be with Onslaught]

Hook , stopping :  (The difference is that Megatron doesn't know about their relationship...)

[A feeling of intense jealousy and anger passed, against Megatron, against Onslaught...against Scrapper...against everyone. It wasn't fair! Why was life so hard on him?! Why didn't he have the right to be happy?! Everyone... Hook hated everyone!]

*Hook arrives outside the Constructicons area, and opens the door, seeing everyone on the couch. Hook walks wordlessly to his room, before slamming the door, and everyone looks at each other in confusion*

Mixmaster: ...Clearly there is a problem...

Scavenger:  *Worried*

Bonecrusher: We should go see what’s wrong.

Long Haul: I don't know if that's a good idea...

Scrapper: ...

[Scrapper stood up, before heading to Hook's room, and knocking on the door]

Hook, from behind the door: Go away!

[Scrapper looked at the others, then motioned them forward, before opened the door to Hook's room. If Hook really didn't want them to come, he wouldn't have answered, and the door would have been locked]

*Hook has his back to them, lying on his charging table, and Scrapper understands that means he doesn't want to talk*

[Scrapper and the others entered the room, and Scrapper walked over to the charging table, before sitting next to Hook, also with his back to him. Scavenger climbed onto the charging table, before hugging Hook, who didn't reject Scavenger. Mixmaster and Bonecrusher sat on the edge of the bed, and Long Haul was standing next to Scrapper]

Scavenger, pained: Don't be sad Hook.

[Hook then turns to Scavenger, before responding to the hug, and starts crying silently. Mixmaster and Bonecrusher then hugged him directly, followed by Scrapper and Long Haul. Scavenger then also began to cry, because Hook was sad]

Mixmaster, sad: Don't cry Hookie...

Long Haul:  *Pats Hook's helmet*

[Yes... Life was unfair... But Hook still blamed himself to have had hate against Scrapper, even if it was only one minute... On the other hand, he didn't really intend to tell the others what had happened... Hook was going to have to find an excuse...] 

Chapter Text

[Drag Strip was sitting with his back against a wall, still stunned by what had just happened. Did Kickback really just confess his love to him?! Truly ?!]

Drag Strip: ... (Now what am I supposed to do?!)

[Drag Strip got up, before walking out of the room, cheeks still flushed, before finally arriving in the Stunticons area, and entering. Drag Strip then saw Motormaster on the sofa, and widened his optics in surprise]

Motormaster, scowling: Where have you been?

Drag Strip : *Surprised*  ... *Scowls* It's not your business.

Motormaster:  *Surprised*

Drag Strip:  *Crosses his arms, smugly*

[Motormaster stood up angrily, before approaching Drag Strip, growling, but Drag Strip didn't back down this time]

Motormaster, angry: You piece of-

Knockout: May I know what's going on?

[Motormaster froze, as Drag Strip turned to Knockout with a big smile]

Drag Strip, approaching Knockout, while pointing at Motormaster: He thinks he's the boss and threatens me.

Knockout, looking at Motormaster, before smiling wickedly: Although I'm glad you're finally out of your room, I'll ask you to calm down.

[Motormaster clenched his fists in frustration, as Knockout turned to Drag Strip]

Knockout, smiling: So? How was your date?

Drag Strip: Uh... *Blushes slightly* That was weird...

Knockout: Oh?

Drag Strip, scratching his cheek in embarrassment: Yeah... I technically had a confession of love.

Knockout, smiling: Really?!

Drag Strip: Yeah! But it was weird!

Knockout, curious: Would you like to tell me more?

Drag Strip: Absolutely! *Briefly looks at Motormaster, before whispering to Knockout* But let's go somewhere else, there's someone indesirable who listen.

Knockout, smirking: Oh, yes, sure.

[Drag Strip and Knockout walked away to talk, and Motormaster clenched his fists in anger]

Motormaster , enraged :  (That filthy doctor glitch!) 

[However, Brawl and Bombshell returned to the Nemesis, and Brawl accompanied Bombshell back to the Insecticons' quarters]

Brawl, smiling: It was a great date, I hope we can do it again.

Bombshell, also smiling: I hope so too.

[Brawl smiles, before giving Bombshell a kiss on the cheek]

Brawl, happy: See you tomorrow!

Bombshell: See you tomorrow.

[Brawl then started to leave, before suddenly returning toward Bombshell, who looked at him, confused]

Brawl, blushing in shame: Actually, I feel stupid for not asking! But, we are sparkmate?!

Bombshell, confused: Huh? Well yes. No?

Brawl, exclaiming: Yes! Yes!

Bombshell, smiling: Awesome!

Brawl, happy, and blushing: You're the cutest sparkmate!

[Bombshell blushed in surprise, before smiling between embarrassment and happiness]

Bombshell, embarrassed: T-Thank you... You're cute too... I mean handsome! *Nervous* Sorry, I'm not doing this very well...

Brawl, smiling: I find that even cuter!

[Brawl then gave Bombshell a hug, who responded, the two looked at each other, before removing their protective masks and kissing. They finally broke their kiss, but didn't pull back from the embrace.  Brawl finally stopped the hug, and smiling happily]

Brawl, happy: S- See you tomorrow! For real this time!

Bombshell, laughing slightly: See you tomorrow.

[Brawl then leaves, and Bombshell enters the Insecticons district, before seeing Kickback and Shrapnel asleep on the couch, the television still on. Bombshell stepped forward, before turning it off, and Shrapnel wakes up]

Shrapnel: Ah, Bombshell ~bombshell~!

Bombshell: Hello, Shrapnel.

Shrapnel: You missed one weird thing of Kickback ~kickback~.

Bombshell: What happened?

Shrapnel: A date he lost. I didn't get it ~it~.

[Bombshell softly laughed, and Shrapnel looked at him in surprise. Did Bombshell just laugh? Shrapnel couldn't remember that ever happening, as long as he had known Bombshell. Bombshell had rarely, if ever, shown his emotions to Shrapnel and Kickback]

Shrapnel:  (Is it thanks to Brawl?)

[Shrapnel didn't know what Brawl had done to make Bombshell more able to show his emotions, but he had several clashing feelings about it. On the one hand intense jealousy ran through the spark of Shrapnel against Brawl, on the other hand Shrapnel was very happy that Bombshell was less closed to others, but Shrapnel was also a bit sad, because he felt like Bombshell didn't want not open to Kickback or him]

Shrapnel , pained :  (He doesn't trust us enough?) 

[However, Blast Off was coming to the hideous building that Cosmos lived in, and upon reaching the front door he remembered that one needed a code just to enter the building]

Blast Off , annoyed :  (Fraaaag...)

[Blast Off saw buttons to call the different tenants, and pressed where the name of Cosmos was displayed, but received no response]

Blast Off:  (...Seriously? Is he planning to sulk?)

[Blast Off tried a second time, but still got no response, and frowned in frustration. Blast Off decided to fly to the balcony window, even if it meant breaking the window]

Blast Off , annoyed :  (Nothing is right! It's all just a mighty nail in the foot!)

[Blast Off observed precisely where Cosmos' apartment was, before flying with his reactors after unfolding his wings behind his back, luckily, he didn't need his arm wings to fly, although currently his wing broken was blocking his transformation]

Blast Off:  (He's the reason I'm stuck on this damn planet, and he's sulking! That mech is just a- Urgh!)

[Blast Off arrived at Cosmos' balcony, and tried to open the bay window, but failed. Blast Off then broke it in anger, before entered into the apartment]

Blast Off, angry: Cosmos!

[Blast Off still received no response, and searched all the rooms for Cosmos, but he was nowhere to be found]

Blast Off , confused :  (Where is he?)

[Blast Off then remembered that in the names of the people living in this building, there was the name of Pharma. Maybe...he knew where Cosmos was] 

Chapter Text

[Pharma was in his apartment, quite annoyed. He couldn't carry Cosmos while flying, because he would automatically get arrested. But he also couldn't just take it and make it look like Cosmos was drunk, because they'd get arrested for that too. Pharma was therefore forced to wait for a Transporter, who took his time to arrive]

Pharma:  (At the same time what did I expect from a slow and stupid alternative mode like that...)

[Pharma looked at Cosmos, whom he had placed on his couch, and who still seemed to be asleep, although Pharma knew he had to give another dose soon. Suddenly, Pharma heard a knock on the door, and sighed in relief]

Pharma: (This idiot has finally arrived!) *Starts to open the door* You are l-

[But when he finishes opening the door, his optics widen in surprise to see it was Blast Off]

Pharma, surprised: Ah-

Blast Off: Are you expecting someone?

Pharma: ...Yes, indeed. What are you doing here?

Blast Off: I'm looking for Cosmos, do you know where he is?

Pharma: No.

[At the same time, Cosmos barely started to wake up from his forced stasis. Everything was still hazy for him, he had trouble understanding where he was. That's when he thought heard Blast Off's voice]

Blast Off: It's annoying, he's not at home, and I don't know where he could be, do you know of any places he could have gone?

Pharma: I don't know him that well.

[Pharma began to close the door, and the fear grown in the spark of Cosmos. He had to do something, anything to make his presence noticed, before the door closed. Fortunately, Blast Off grabbed the door, before starting to pull it towards him, to prevent Pharma from closing it]

Blast Off: Seeing as Cosmos is talkative, and clearly, he has come to see you very often, don't make me believe that you don't know where he is!

Pharma: Surely in a bar! Let go of my door!

[Cosmos desperately tried to move one of his arms, in order to grab a vase from the coffee table, because he couldn't scream. Pharma, on the other hand, was starting to get upset, and getting nervous, because he couldn't compete in strength with a military shuttle.]

Pharma:  (Fraaaag!)

Cosmos , the foggy mind :  (Please, I just want grap this vase to drop it...)

[Cosmos then managed to touch the vase, and knock it off the coffee table. The vase shattered on the ground, and this caught the attention of Pharma and Blast Off]

Pharma:  *Paled* (What?)

Blast Off: *Frowns angrily* Well, you tried my patience! *Pushes Pharma, and enters by force* Cosmos! Where are you?!

[Blast Off arrived in the living room, and saw Cosmos, who was lying on the sofa, visibly asleep. He then saw the broken vase on the floor, and frowned in confusion]

Blast Off:  (...Something is wrong...)

*Suddenly a big truck enters the apartment*

Pharma:  (Huh?! Stupid Roadbuster!)

Roadbuster: Here I am-

[Roadbuster freezed upon seeing Blast Off, the latter turned to Roadbuster in confusion, as Pharma clenched his fists in anger]

Pharma, pointing Blast Off: He’s an enemy! Stop him!

[Blast Off widened his optics with shock, and Roadbuster had a moment of confusion, before rushing towards Blast Off. Blast Off took Cosmos, before punching Roadbuster in the face, and running towards the balcony window]

Pharma, angry: No!

[Blast Off opens the window, before jumping off the balcony, and spreading the wings behind his back, then taking off]

*Pharma arrives at the balcony, and bangs his fist on the railing, before turning to Roadbuster*

Pharma: What are you waiting for?! Pursue them!

Roadbuster: But I can't fly!

Pharma, furious: You, the Rolling, you really are useless!

[Pharma then jumped off the balcony, before transforming, and began to chase Blast Off and Cosmos. Military shuttle or not, Blast Off was still slower than a jet!]

Pharma , furious :  (Wretch!)

[Blast Off, meanwhile, realized he was being chased by Pharma, and although he knew in battle he could compete, Blast Off didn't know if he could fully fight while holding Cosmos. Military shuttles were good at combat, not protection!]

Blast Off, attempting to awaken Cosmos, while attempting to sow Pharma: By Primus Cosmos! Wake up!

[Blast Off noticed that Cosmos seemed to wake up but barely, and Blast Off concluded that Cosmos was probably drugged by Pharma]

Blast Off , worried :  (Frag!)

[Pharma came up to them, and Blast Off frowned in anger, before pulling a blaster out of his slipspace, and turning to aim at Pharma, but Pharma easily dodged the shot. Blast Off growled, because although it was a medical jet, Pharma still had the agility and speed of a jet]

Blast Off , scowling :  (I never liked the jets anyway!)

[Pharma suddenly activated weapons on its wings, and Blast Off widened his optics with surprise]

Blast Off: Huh?!

Pharma, smirking: Surprise~!

[Blast Off dodged the bursts of fire, and tried to get as high in the sky as possible, unfortunately like he couldn't transform into its alternate mode, it couldn't pass into the stratosphere]

*Pharma continues to fire at Blast Off, and Blast Off attempts to fire at Pharma again, but he continues to manage to dodge. Blast Off can't try to attack directly Pharma, without fearing that Cosmos will be hurt*

[Blast Off decided to try hiding instead, but the problem was that Pharma was still faster than him, so Blast Off knew he couldn't outrun him. Pharma fired, and one shot hit Blast Off in the shoulder, and he dropped Cosmos in surprise and pain]

Blast Off, widening his optics with shock: NO!

[Cosmos was still in semi-consciousness, and felt himself falling, but his body still couldn't react. Blast Off rushed to retrieve Cosmos, but Pharma took the opportunity to get in front of him, activating a cannon that Blast Off had not yet seen him use]

Pharma, laughing: Farewell, accursed shuttle! 

Chapter Text

[Pharma was about to fire, but suddenly he was hit by another flying alt mode, which knocked him out of Blast Off's path, who managed to dodge the shot, and dash to catch up with Cosmos]

*Blast Off, grabs Cosmos, before looking up to see who helped him, but Blast Off is too far away to see him*

Blast Off:  (I must take the opportunity to outwit Pharma!) 

[Blast Off began to move away, in order to no longer be pursued, and to find a place where Cosmos will be safe. However, Pharma gritted his teeth in anger, and went back into his root mode, as the flyer that had attacked him flew away into the sky. Pharma clenched his fists in anger, recognizing this alternate mode]

Pharma, enraged: FROID!!!

[Pharma gone back to his alternate mode, before going after Froid, having a greater desire to destroy him than the other two]

Pharma: Come back here!!!

[Pharma catched Froid, before going back into his root mode, and grabbing his wings]

Cold, shocked: Hey?!

[Froid snapped back into his root mode in surprise, and Pharma smiled dangerously, as he held Froid's arms, who struggled against Pharma]

Pharma, smiling evilly: I finally catch you, Broken Flyer!

Froid: You know, I think we could talk about your tantrums, I'm sure it can be treated!

Pharma: Piece of-

[Froid suddenly kicked Pharma in the head, knocking him out of balance, and in doing so dropping Froid, who fell, before reverting to his alternate mode, and flying away. Pharma held his face in pain, before seeing Froid disappear into the alleys]

Pharma, furious: Miserable!!!

[Blast Off, meanwhile, managed to hide in an alley, and leaned Cosmos against a wall. Cosmos woke up with difficulty, as everything was still quite foggy for him, before he vaguely saw Blast Off]

Cosmos, confused and still quite sleepy: ...Where are we...?

Blast Off: ...In an alley... How are you feeling?

Cosmos: ...Weird...

[Blast Off heard footsteps, and turned around, before seeing Froid. Blast Off got a little defensive]

Blast Off: It's you who helped us? What are you doing here?

Froid: Yes. And to be honest with you, I followed you.

Blast Off, suspicious: What?

Froid: Since I got attacked, and dragged Cosmos into the problem, I thought it was possible Cosmos could get attacked too.

Blast Off, suspicious: You followed me, and I'm supposed to trust you?!

Froid: Did I tell you that?

Blast Off: Huh?

Froid: Did I tell you that you should trust me?

Blast Off: ...No.

Froid: So why would you?

Blast Off: ... Tss! What does it matter! Let's find a place to hide!

Froid: Do you want me to follow you?

Blast Off: I'd rather keep an optics on you! *Carries Cosmos behind his back* ...And then you've already been attacked once...so better we stay together... *Starts to leave*

Froid: ... *Smiles and follows Blast Off* See you're not that bad.

[Blast Off thought that argument was stupid, but part of him couldn't help but feel happy, to think that he could be more good as he thought... Cosmos, meanwhile, still felt sleepy, but not vulnerable like when he was with Pharma. Cosmos felt safe, protected by Blast Off, and Cosmos wrapped his arms around Blast Off's neck]

Blast Off: I have some shanix... We could go to a hotel. (I prefer not to say that I have enough for one night. Better that I keep enough shanix)

Froid: I have a few too.

Cosmos, a little sleepy: Me too...

Blast Off: Well, in that case, we can head to the hotel. Do you know a good one?

Froid: *Shrugs* I arrived not too long ago, and was sleeping in my ship.

Cosmos, foggy: ...Uh...I don't remember...

Blast Off, irritated: Well, I know you're drugged for the moment, but you could make an effort!

Cosmos, annoyed: I already can't find my favorite bar while being in great shape, and you want me to find a hotel?!

Blast-Off: Oh! So, you admit you have no sense of direction!

Froid: ...Otherwise just ask someone.

Blast Off: I don't like talking to people.

Cosmos, asleep: I don’t want right now...

Froid: Alright, I'll ask someone.

*Froid walks out of the alley, before approaching someone, and starting to chat with them*

[Honestly, Blast Off wondered how Froid managed to chat with people so easily, for Blast Off it was torture]

Blast Off:  (I guess being a psychologist helps...)

[Froid and the other mech continued to chat, and Blast Off was starting to think that get long. Blast Off scowled towards the two, before getting close enough to hear the conversation]

Mech: And I think that's why my Creator abandoned me when I was a sparkling...

Blast Off:  (What-)

Froid: Ah, I know it's hard, but you have to tell yourself many times that it's absolutely not your fault.

Blast Off, arriving: No, but I'm dreaming or you're doing a psychologist session?!

Froid: Huh?

Blast Off, to the mech: Where is this hotel?!

Froid: No need to be aggressive, he already told me.

Blast Off: So why keep chatting with him?!

Froid: ...To help.

[Blast Off froze in surprise, before scowling, and turning his head towards the mech]

Blast Off, unpleasantly: Go away!

[The mech walked off, not without glaring at Blast Off, for how rude he had been. Blast Off turned to Froid with a frown, and Froid sighed]

Froid: Would you like to discuss this?

Blast Off: Of what?!

Froid: Your bad moods?

Blast Off, indignant: No! Tell me where the hotel is!

*Froid says the way to Blast Off, and the three head off towards the hotel* 

Chapter Text

[The next day, Cosmos woke up, before looking around in confusion, then remembering that they had decided to go to a hotel. Cosmos realized he was on the only bed in the room. Froid, meanwhile, slept on the couch, and Blast Off slept while sitting on the floor. Cosmos thought that Blast Off must have been standing guard at some point]

*Froid wakes up in turn, before noticing that Cosmos is also awake*

Froid: Do you feel better?

Cosmos: ...I... Uh...

[Suddenly, tears started rolling down Cosmos' cheeks, as if all the stress and fear from yesterday had just come smack in his face]

Cosmos, crying in panic: What's going to happen now? Why did Pharma do this? I don't understand!

[Blast Off awoke with a start, before turning to Cosmos]

Blast Off, worried: What's happening?!

Froid, approaching Cosmos: I know the situation is stressful, don't worry, we'll find a solution.

Cosmos, crying: But if nothing works out?! Why is this happening to me?! I want to get my life back!!!

Blast Off, getting up: It's no longer possible!

Cosmos:  *Cries even more*

Froid, tired: Blast Off, can you please shush your mouth?

Blast Off, annoyed: But he has to face the truth!

Froid, irritated : There is always a time for the truth, except now is not the right time!

Cosmos, crying: We're all going to die!!!

Blast Off: Surely you, but not me.

Froid:  *Gives a judgmental glare at Blast Off*

Blast Off, whispering: But what???

Froid, patting Cosmos on the shoulder: Come on, you're safe here already.

Blast Off: Yeah, and at worst you only have to go from here! Either way, this planet sucks!

Cosmos, distressed: What?

Froid: Do me a favor and shut up.

Blast Off: What? But it is consoling! No? You can leave here! It's awesome!

Cosmos: ...

Froid: ...

Cosmos: No!

Blast Off: If you don't see the opportunities, that's not my problem.

[The other two gave Blast Off a rather look of judgment, and Blast Off got up, annoyed]

Blast Off: Pfft! You tire me! I go out!

[Blast Off left, slamming the door very loudly, already because it annoyed him, but at the same time he told himself that he could better keep watch that way. Cosmos, meanwhile, tried to stop crying, but it was quite difficult]

Cosmos, sadly: I'm sorry...

Froid: You don't have to apologize, it's normal that you're sad and scared... It's a complicated situation.

Cosmos, angrily: This is a crazy situation! Why am I in this situation?! It is not fair! *Sad* I just want to go home...

Froid: ...

Cosmos: Sorry for getting angry...

Froid: Don't worry.

Cosmos: ...What do we do now?

Froid: To be honest with you, I didn't expect to drag other people into this problem. I just wanted to find my friend...

Cosmos: He was kidnapped?

Froid: ...Uh... No. It's a bit more complicated.

Cosmos: Oh...

Froid: ...

Cosmos: ...There's something bothering me...

Froid: What?

Cosmos, embarrassed: It's... It's about Blast Off. Pharma told me that on Cybertron, we tend to reprogram mechs with his alternate mode, to make them war machines... And I wondered if it was true...

[A certain silence settled, and Froid seemed to consider what he was going to answer, before resigning himself to finally telling the truth]

Froid, sighing: Yes... That's right.

[Cosmos made a horrified face, and clenched his fists in anger]

Cosmos, saddened: It's horrible...

Cold: Cybertron was a complicated planet.

Cosmos: That's what I heard... With caste systems and all that...

Cold: ...Uh, yes.

*Blast Off opens the door*

Blast Off: We're going to buy some energon.

Cosmos: Huh? And risk being spotted by Pharma?!

Blast Off: Would you rather starve?

Cosmos, pouting: ...You're exaggerating...

Blast Off: ...You can't live in fear all the time. To solve this problem, it's not complicated, we're going to beat Pharma's face.

Froid: ...Blast Off, can I talk to you?

Blast Off: Huh?

*Froid comes out of the hotel room, and motions for Blast Off to follow him, which Blast Off does, motioning for Cosmos not to follow them*

Froid: ...Are you sure?

Blast Off: How so?

Froid: Blast Off, if Pharma went after Cosmos, it's because Pharma is linked to Sunder!

[A terrible fear passed through the spark of Blast Off, and all the assurance he had at the start disappeared, giving way to fear]

Froid: ...Personally, I think I'll keep looking for Sunder.

Blast Off , crossing his arms, and looking away : I intend to leave this planet soon...

Froid: And for Cosmos?

Blast Off: Let him fend for himself.

Froid: I understand your fear, but think of Cosmos-

Blast Off, angry: I don't give a damn about Cosmos! Besides, it's your fault if he finds himself in this situation! Why should I take care of him?!

Froid: ...

Blast Off: This mech is useless, there is nothing to save in him!

[Suddenly, they heard the window open as well as a thrusters noise, and the two returned to the room, to see the open window. Blast Off arrived in front of the window, before seeing Cosmos running away. Cosmos had left by jumping from the window and using his thrusters to cushion his fall]

Blast Off: No but-

[Blast Off also jumped out of the window, activating its thrusters, then chased Cosmos. Froid looked at how high the room was, before sighing]

Froid:  (It's not high enough...) *Sigh* (Guess I'll have to take the elevator...)

[Froid exited the hotel room, before heading for the elevator, and pressing the button. The doors opened and a large truck stood inside. Froid then felt a strange atmosphere appear]

Froid: ... (I'm going to take the stairs...)

[Froid started to leave, but the big truck suddenly grabbed his arm, before pulling him into the elevator with him]

Roadbuster: You're not going anywhere! 

Chapter Text

[Froid slammed into the wall of the elevator, as Roadbuster closed the door. Roadbuster grabbed Froid by the arm, and Froid suddenly took a repellant out of his subspace, before spray it on Roadbuster's face, who dropped Froid, and screamed in pain]

Roadbuster, shouting: ARGH! My optics!!!

[Froid managed to climb onto Roadbuster's back, and reach the hatch in the ceiling. He threw his empty repellent on the emergency stop button, and the elevator stopped. Roadbuster staggered because of the force of the stop, while Froid managed to get onto the roof of the elevator]

Roadbuster, enraged: You glitch!!!

[Froid saw an elevator door a little higher, and took the ladder to reach it]

Froid:  (On the other hand, will I be able to open it?)

[Froid reached the elevator door, and began trying to force it open, but to no avail]

Froid:  (Scrap...)

[Suddenly he heard crashing noises coming from the elevator, and saw Roadbuster pushing the metal roof of the elevator aside, before jumping up and grabbing the ladder, which made a horrible screeching noise. Roadbuster started to climb the ladder to catch up with Froid, and Froid turned pale, before trying again to open the elevator door, but nothing helps]

Froid:  *Frightened*

[Froid decided to keep climbing the ladder, hoping to find an already open elevator door]

Roadbuster, furious: Come back here!

[Roadbuster smashed the wall, causing a great vibration, and Froid almost let go of the ladder, but managed to catch himself in-extremis. The wall continued to shake, before finally stopping]

Froid, exclaiming to Roadbuster: Stop doing that! Otherwise, everything will fall apart!

[Roadbuster seemed to think, before glaring hard at Froid, and suddenly leapt up onto the ladder, and came up to Froid’s level. Roadbuster tried to grab his leg, but Froid avoided him]

Roadbuster, growling: You're starting to annoy me!

Froid, nervous: Ah... Sorry! This is one of my qualities!

[Froid jumped avoiding Roadbuster, before grabbing the elevator rope, and letting himself slide, before falling through the hole in the ceiling Roadbuster had made]

Froid , getting up with pain :  (Ouch! My hands! Ouch! My shoulder!)

[Roadbuster looked down in amazement, before seeing Froid deactivate the emergency button, and press one of the buttons to reach the floor below. Roadbuster growled before jumping off the ladder]

Roadbuster, enraged: NO!

[The elevator doors opened, and Froid jumped out, as Roadbuster landed on the elevator, one of the cables dropping, and knocking him off balance. Froid took the opportunity to flee, taking the stairs to go up to a higher floor]

*Roadbuster manages to get out of the elevator, and starts chasing Froid*

Roadbuster: COME BACK HERE!

Froid, scared : No thanks!

[Froid walked up several flights of stairs, and although he had taken the lead, he felt that Roadbuster was starting to catch up with him. Froid arrived at the top floor, and hoped it would be high enough for him to fly. Froid opened a window, and jumped at the window, as Roadbuster came and tried to grab him. But he couldn't, and Froid managed to escape, transforming, and flying]

Roadbuster, knocking on the edge of the window: FRAG! 

[However, Cosmos kept walking with anger and sadness. He knew Blast Off could be bad, but it was the first time he had received such hurtful words]

Blast Off: Cosmos! Come back here!

Cosmos, angry: Why are you following me?! Leave me alone!

[Cosmos quickened his pace, but Blast Off managed to catch up with him, and grabbed his arm]

Blast Off, irritated: I told you to wait!

Cosmos, angry, and trying to free himself: Let go of me!

Blast Off: No!

Cosmos, bitterly: You didn't just say I had to fend for myself! That I wasn't your problem, and that I was useless?!!

Blast Off: ...It’s-

Cosmos: Shut up!

[Froid suddenly arrived, after reverting to his root mode in an alley, so as not to be noticed by the police, and running towards them]

Froid: We have to leave and quickly!

Cosmos: Huh? Ah, what happened to you?!

Froid: I had to flee a big truck, let's go before we get caught! Other Pharma minions must be hanging around here!

Blast Off: ...Let's hide in an alley. We will notify later.

Cosmos, scowling: I don't want to follow you.

Blast Off, clutching Cosmos' arm, and growling: I'm not asking your opinion!

Froid: Calm down.

[Blast Off angrily released Cosmos' arm, before starting to walk away, and Froid took Cosmos' hand comfortingly]

Froid: Don't be mad at Blast Off, I'm sure he didn't mean it.

Cosmos, bitter: Allow me to doubt it...

Froid: ...You know, Blast Off is very worried about you.

Cosmos: ...

Froid: He really did everything to protect you, even if it meant having difficulties in his fight against Pharma.

Cosmos, surprised: ...Really?

Froid, smiling: Really.

Cosmos: ...Hmph! I will follow you! But that's not why I'm going to forgive Blast Off!

Froid: Yes, of course!

*Cosmos and Froid finally join Blast Off*

Blast Off: Are you done sulking?

Cosmos: I'm not talking to you. *Walks faster*

Blast Off:  *Irritated*

Cold: Don't get upset, it won't help.

Blast Off, annoyed: He's annoying.

Froid: ... *Scratches cheek in embarrassment* (You're much more so... Sorry...)

Blast Off: Let's go to an alley, and make a plan...

Froid: ... *Surprised*

Blast Off: Why you look at me like that?

Froid: Make a plan? But-

Blast Off, pouting and blushing in shame: At least make sure to help Cosmos...

Froid, smiling: You should try to apologize for what you said too.

Blast Off, blushing with shame: And then what else?!

[Blast Off quickened his pace, but avoiding catching up too closely with Cosmos, so that Froid wouldn't think he wanted to apologize] 

Chapter Text

[Hook was cleaning up his medical material, and was glad he managed to wake up before the other Constructicons, to avoid talking about what happened last night. Hook sighed quietly, so Barricade or Astrotrain wouldn't notice]

Hook: (Oh yeah...) *Turns to Barricade* You can get out. Scavenger did a pretty good job.

Barricade: Oh! Awesome! In that case I'm going!

*Barricade jumps off the repair table, and leaves the medical bay*

Astrotrain: ...I guess for me it's not.

Hook:  *Glares at Astrotrain*

Astrotrain: I just asked a simple question.

Hook, unpleasantly: Shut up if it's to say something stupid.

Astrotrain: ...

[The medical bay door opened, and Hook turned, before seeing Soundwave. Hook widens his optics in surprise, before quickly recovering, and continuing to wash his medical material]

Hook: What is it?

Soudwave: Prepare your medical equipment, a raid is preparing.

Hook: ...Alright.

[Soundwave walked away, and Hook gripped the scalpel he's been cleaning a little tighter, before pulling himself together]

Hook:  (Priority over my work.) 

[Soundwave, meanwhile, headed to the comms room, to warn the other Decepticons that a raid was about to begin. A terrible squeeze was on his spark, as the sadness reached him]

Soundwave:  (Maybe...if it hadn't been for the war...)

[Soundwave entered the comms room, and saw Rumble and Frenzy approached him happily]

Rumble: So?

Frenzy: Yes! You didn't tell us how it was!

Soundwave, smiling sadly: Oh... Well... It's not really important...

Rumble and Frenzy:  *Concerned*

Soundwave: A raid is coming. I must warn the other Decepticons.

*Soundwave then sits down without another word, before activating the ship's communication* 

[However, Swindle was sitting on the couch, zapping through the TV channels, and thank you Primus, without Vortex. Brawl suddenly arrived in the living room, coming out of his room, with a big smile]

Swindle, curious: What makes you so happy?

Brawl, happy: I- Bombshell and I are sparkmates!

Swindle: ... *Shocked* Huh?!

Brawl: It's really great!

Swindle: H-How?!

Brawl, blushing happily: Well, I did my declaration last night, during our date, and he replied to it this time! It was really great!

[Suddenly the speakers kicked in and they heard Soundwave's voice]

Soundwave, from speakers: A raid is about to begin, get ready.

[At this point, Swindle's spark stopped beating for a moment, and Swindle paled in horror]

Swindle , stressed :  (No...)

Brawl, noticing Swindle's stress: Hey! Do not worry! We just can't turn into Bruticus! It’s okay!

Swindle, smiling nervously: Uh-Yes-Ha! Ha! I- I'm just going to go to my room to mentally prepare...

[Swindle then walked to his bedroom, before locking the door, and opening the screen on his arm with a shaking hand to contact Lockdown]

-THE-RAID-WILL-BEGIN-

[Swindle waited a moment, and closed his optics in hopes that Lockdown wouldn't get the message. But...]

-WELL-RECEIVED-

[Swindle slumped, before falling to the ground sadly]

Swindle , saddened :  (I’m sorry Brawl... Sorry... I'm sorry...) 

[However, Knockout had waited so long for this moment, that he almost jumped for joy when he learned that a raid was about to begin. Finally! He was going to be able to get rid of Hook]

Knockout:  (Oh I can’t wait more longer!) 

[Barricade headed for the exit, to leave, before crossing paths with Megatron]

Megatron: You don't stay? I'll pay you to participate in our raid.

Barricade, smiling: Why? Lack of staff?

Megatron, coldly: I don't have to answer you.

Barricade, thinking: Hm... Why not... How much?

Megatron: 300 shanix.

Barricade: Oh, no thank you. Being a mercenary pays a lot more, and now you're asking me to be a soldier, it's not the same thing.

Megatron, irritated: ...Tss!

Soundwave, arriving: Considering you had to stay at our medical bay, 300 shanix seems like a fair amount.

Barricade: ...

Megatron:  *Smiles triumphantly*

Soundwave: So, you accept, or you leave. It's more of a gift to you.

Barricade, annoyed: Pff! Alright! But it's because I'm in a good mood!

[Barricade then leaves to go back to the ship's common lounge, hopefully he can talk to Swindle. Megatron, meanwhile, put his hand on Soundwave's shoulder with a big smile]

Megatron, congratulating: You are very competent! Well done!

*Soundwave just nods in thanks*

Megatron: Did you tell Hook personally before telling the others.

Soundwave, responding neutrally: Absolutely.

Megatron: And?

Soundwave: And what?

Megatron: How did he react?

Soundwave: ...Was he supposed to react?

[Megatron then smiles, before patting Soundwave on the shoulder, and leaving]

Megatron, walking away: That's good, Soundwave. It is very good.

[Megatron then left to head for the common room, and Soudwave stood in front of the hallway leading to the exit with a strange feeling in his spark]

Soundwave , bitter :  (What am I to you? A cyberdog?)

[Megatron then arrived in the common room where everyone was, and stepped forward]

Megatron: Well, the last raid was a real disaster, but this time I think everything will go perfectly well. We will succeed and destroy all those Autobots!

[Knockout then grins evilly, as Swindle lowered his gaze in sadness]

Knockout:  (Oh dear Megatron...)

Swindle:  (...Oh Brawl...)

Knockout and Swindle:  (You're not ready for what's to come!)

Chapter Text

[After Megatron's speech, a battle cry rose in the room, many motivated for the destruction of the Autobots, others for gaining energon, and others, the more idealistic, for advancing the war]

Starscream, sarcastically: So, what's your plan, great Megatron?

Megatron, glares at Starscream: We are going to attack a human base, and thus convert this energy into energon.

Starscream, ironic: To change.

Megatron, ignoring Starscream: The Constructicons have built a machine, based on Shockwave's plans, to speed up the production of energon. They are the ones who will activate it, and protect it when the Autobots arrive, if ever some manage to get past our defense. *To the Constructicons* Make sure your monster doesn't destroy everything!

Hook: It's more at the Combaticons that you have to say that.

Scrapper: Hook!

Onslaught, outraged: I beg your pardon?!

Hook: You heard me.

Vortex: Anyway, we can't for the moment.

Hook: Which makes you even more useless.

Onslaught, angrily: You better take it back!

Megatron, exclaiming: Enough!

*Everyone is silent*

Megatron, irritated: I thought you were more capable to control your team, Scrapper.

Scrapper: ...Sorry.

Hook:  *Clenches his fists in frustration*

Megatron: Although Hook isn't wrong about Bruticus.

Onslaught, shocked: Ch-Chief Megatron?

Megatron: But anyway, it doesn't matter, since Blast Off isn't here.

Onslaught , annoyed :  (Whose fault...)

Megatron: Whatever. The Stunticons will transform into Menasor, and Knockout you'll be there if one of them ever gets hurt.

Knockout: As you want, Chief Megatron.

Megatron: Excellent! In that case... Decepticons, rise up! 

[At the Autobot base, they soon received a ping for abnormal activity near a dam]

Blaster: Wow... It must be the Decepticons.

Prowl: Warn Optimus.

*Blaster nods and runs for Optimus, while Bumblebee takes a closer look*

Bumblebee: The good news is that there is only forest around this dam.

Jazz: It will still be necessary to protect the humans who manage it.

Prowl: ...The priority is to prevent the Decepticons from getting energon, not to protect the humans.

Optimus, arriving: A life is more important than a battle, Prowl.

Prowl, bitter: That's why we lose.

Ironhide, scowling: Watch what you say.

Prowl:  *Shrugs*

Optimus: Hm... We have to hurry. Everyone gets ready to defend the dam! Autobots, roll out! 

[However, the Constructicons were placing the machine in the dam, in order to transform the energy produced to energon, and Knockout observed Hook from a distance, before analyzing which victim he would choose to get the medic away from his team]

Knockout:  (Hm... So...)

[His gaze quickly fell on Vortex, as Knockout remembered how rude that helicopter had been, plus it was an alternate mode that was pretty easy to make fall]

Knockout , smirking :  (A little shot in the propellers, and he'll crash automatically.)

[Obviously the helicopter fall was pretty random, but the point was just to get Hook away from his team and the other Decepticons]

Knockout , grinning evilly :  (Ha! Ha! Ha! I can't wait!)

[The few humans that were in the base were deeply terrified, and afraid of being spotted if they ever tried to escape]

*The Constructicons finish placing the machine and activate it*

Megatron: Excellent! Now, let's start extracting the energy from this dam!

Soundwave: ...The Autobots are coming.

Megatron: In that case. Tell the Decepticons to give them a proper welcome.

Soundwave: Yes, Chief Megatron.

[The Autobots arrive, and see the dam. They dispersed to be able to attack on almost all fronts. Ratchet and First Aid were waiting a little further back, in case of a potential injury]

Prowl: Ironhide and Bumblebee, with me.

Ironhide: Why?

Prowl: ... *Irritated* Because I'm telling you.

Bumblebee, trying to calm the tension: You're strong, and I'm small, and Prowl is good at strategy, I think we're going to be the ones to try to get into the dam.

Prowl: ...Yes.

Ironhide: Alright.

Bumblebee:  *Smiles*

Optimus: Take care of yourself.

Ironhide, chuckling: Don't worry about us, and kick Megatron's ass instead!

Jazz: It's gonna be fun!

Sideswipe, to Sunstreaker: I'll smash more Decepticons than you!

Sunstreaker: No, me!

[Sideswipe and Sunstreaker were quick to charge into the fight, and the other Autobots did the same. Prowl, Ironhide and Bumblebee continued to advance in order to enter the dam, and prevent Megatron's plan]

Prowl: According to Jazz and Mirage, the Constructicons have built a machine to extract energy faster and convert it into energon.

Ironhide, skeptical: Can Mirage be trusted?

Bumblebee: ...

Prowl: Jazz was with him.

Bumblebee, sheepish: You're not nice about Mirage...

Prowl: Sorry, Bumblebee, but this is war, and this is no time for kindness.

Bumblebee: But that's-

Prowl, curtly: No.

[The three moved forward, as the fight continued. Vortex, however, amused himself by shooting a little at anything that moved, disregarding, as usual, Onslaught's directives]

Onslaught, furious: VORTEX! ARE YOU GOING TO LISTEN TO ME ONE DAY?!

Vortex, giggling: NOOOOOOO! HA! HA! HA!

*Onslaught turns to Brawl and Swindle in dismay, only to realize that-*

Onslaught, annoyed: Where's Swindle?!

Brawl, looks around in confusion: Huh? But he was there!

Onslaught: Nevermind! Too bad for these two imbeciles! I'm going to come up with a new strategy based on you and me. 

[However, Swindle had received a message from Lockdown telling him he was coming soon, and asking him for the coordinates, which Swindle did, while staying hide from the Autobots and other Decepticons. Swindle received another message, giving just coordinates, and Swindle figured out that was where he was supposed to go with Bombshell]

Swindle: ... *Inhales and exhales so that his spark beats at a normal rate* (The goal is to find Bombshell now.) 

Chapter Text

[Swindle looked around to find Bombshell, but couldn't find him]

Swindle:  (Frag... I have to find him!)

[Swindle came discretely into the battle, while avoiding the area where Onslaught was, otherwise, clearly, he was going to prevent him from accomplishing his mission. Swindle suspected that Bombshell had to be a little further back, as fighting wasn't necessarily his forte]

*Swindle sees Bombshell, on top of a hill, obviously placing a cannon, probably also based on Shockwave's plans*

Swindle, approaching: Bombshell! Do you want help?

Bombshell, turning to Swindle: Huh? No thanks. What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be with your team?

Swindle: ...Megatron gave me another order, and we have to do it together, it's a little further.

Bombshell: ...Why?

Swindle: Because Megatron.

Bombshell: ...Hm... Okay.

*The two walk away*

Swindle: You know, I'm still surprised that Megatron doesn't take advantage of your Capacity more.

Bombshell: ...I made him think I don't control it very well. *Shrugs* Well, I'm not quite good at it, but more than Megatron thinks.

Swindle: Oh... It's nice of you to tell me.

Bombshell: You're Brawl's friend, so I trust you.

[An awful weight fell on Swindle's spark, and he had to force a smile]

Swindle, smiling: So, can we say we're friends?

Bombshell: ... *Smiles* Yes, why not.

Swindle: Where are Shrapnel and Kickback?

Bombshell: They fight.

Swindle:  (Good... They won't come to help you...) 

[However, Knockout was readying a very powerful blaster, so it could shoot high and hard enough to hurt Vortex]

*Knockout watches Menasor fight, and since neither of them seem hurt, Knockout smiles because he can do his mission easy*

[Knockout saw Vortex firing at the Autobots from the air, in his alternate mode. Knockout calibrated his weapon, before grinning evilly, while making sure Hook would see Vortex fall]

*Knockout fires, and the shot directly hits Vortex's propellers*

[Vortex felt a sharp pain in his blades, and screamed, before starting to spin, out of control]

*Vortex fails to get back into its root mode, and falls quite far from the battle area*

[Vortex crashed into his alternate mode, and did several rolls, before managing to get back into his root mode]

Vortex, painful: Uuurgh... 

[However, Ratchet and First Aid heard a huge crash, as they healed Bluestreak's arm, as well as Wheeljack as he had attempted to make a machine, which had just exploded]

Ratchet, turning to where the noise was: Huh? *Gets up* Take care of them, First Aid. I'll see what it is.

First Aid: Huh?! Uh- Alright!

[Ratchet pulled a blaster out of his slipspace, before approaching, and spotting Vortex. Ratchet gasped in fear, before hiding behind the bushes, and watching discreetly]

Ratchet, worried: (Fraaag...) 

[Hook had seen Vortex fall, and gritted his teeth in anger. If there was one person he didn't want to fix it was Vortex. He could always pretend not to notice]

Megatron: Hook! What are you waiting for?! Go fix Vortex!

Hook: But the machine-

Megatron, darkly: Don't question with my orders!

Hook: ...Yes, Chief Megatron...

*Hook then took his medical kit, before running since he couldn't transform in the forest, in order to join Vortex*

[The other Constructicons watched him go, and Scrapper frowned in concern. Scrapper unfortunately didn't have time to ask Hook what happened last night]

*Megatron suddenly grabs Scrapper's arm, and bring him closer*

Megatron, growling: Watch your team a little better! I've been kind to Scavenger's case!

*Megatron looks at Scavenger, who hiding behind Bonecrusher*

Megatron, looking Scrapper: But Hook is getting cheeky each day, and that's because you're too nice to him! I can't afford to hit him, because he's one of the few doctors we have! But if he continues to be insolent, I'll hit you! Understood?!

Scrapper: Understood.

Megatron, abruptly releasing Scrapper: Good!

*Megatron readies his cannon, before turning to Soundwave*

Megatron: I'm going to fight Optimus. Make sure everything is going perfectly well.

Soundwave: Yes. 

[Hook meanwhile ran over to where Vortex had crashed, while grumbling that this copter was an incompetent. Obviously, in addition, he had to be quick, because if the Autobots ever managed to get into the dam, the Constructicons were supposed to form Devastator]

Hook , angrily :  (What a fool!)

[Hook arrived where Vortex was, but what he didn't know was that Knockout was there too]

Knockout , smiling evilly :  (Perfect.)

[Ratchet sighed in exasperation, because he was going to have to warn at least one group of Autobots to come and help them. Because even though Vortex was injured, this mech was crazy enough to fight even in this state. And Ratchet was worried there were the other Constructicons with Hook]

*Hook arrives at the Vortex level, and analyzes the damage, before taking out his first aid equipment*

Hook, growling: You're an unconscious fool! If we lose, it will be your fault!

Vortex, sneering: You're being mean to me~! *Grits teeth in pain*

Hook: That'll teach you! I'll make the repairs to you first, before taking you to a safe place! I'll completely fix you in the medical bay! You will be out of the game throughout the battle!

Vortex, trying to get up: I can still fight!

[But Vortex collapsed immediately after trying, and sighed in irritation. He was going to make whoever shot him in the propellers pay!]

Hook: Good! Now that you've realized you're an idiot, let me do my job!

[Hook began repairing Vortex, and Ratchet was afraid to walk away, as he was afraid of being noticed. Suddenly, another Decepticon arrived, but this one Ratchet didn't know him. A red sports car, which was apparently Velocitronian]

*Hook notices Knockout, and scowls, before standing up*

Hook, scowling: What the frag are you doing here?

Knockout, smiling: Me? Not much!

[Knockout pulled out his blaster which was hidden behind his back, before suddenly shooting Hook in the spark!]

Knockout, grinning evilly: I just came to supersede you! 

Chapter Text

[Hook backed up in shock, puting his hand onto the area where he had been shot, with pain. His vision blurred, and he felt himself stagger, before collapsing to the floor]

Vortex, shocked and turning to Knockout: What the-

[Knockout then aimed his blaster at Vortex's face, before shooting him in the head]

Knockout, coldly: There. No witnesses.

[Knockout walked away, but dind't know that Ratchet had been there, and had seen everything]

Ratchet, shocked: (What the...) *Gets up and runs to join First Aid* First Aid!!!

First Aid, finishing up fixing Wheeljack: What?

Ratchet, panicked: Medical emergency!!!

First Aid, worried: What's going on?!

Ratchet: You'll see by yourself! MOVE!

[Ratchet took the medical kit, and a machine allowing to keep a spark stabilizated, while telling First Aid what else he needed to take, before running to where Hook and Vortex were]

Ratchet: Bluestreak, call Ultra Magnus! We need someone to transport them back to base!

Bluestreak: Okay!

Ratchet , worried :  (I hope it’s not too late) 

[Hook was cold, and he couldn't move... He was in pain too... So painful... Hook's vision was starting to flicker, he was in pain... More and more pain... Hook's breathing became rapid... He was scared...]

Hook , horrified :  (I'm going to die!)

[Hook didn't want to die, he didn't want to! ...But... Why didn't he want to? What was the point of living like this? His life before the war? Insignificant! His life during the war? Insignificant! On Cybertron he wasn't allowed to be what he wanted to be... And now... He wasn't allowed either...]

Hook: ... (I'm going to die...)

[Hook's optics flickered, before going completely grey]

*Ratchet and First Aid arrive, followed by Bluestreak and Wheeljack, at Ratchet's request*

Bluestreak, surprised: But-

Ratchet: Watch the area while First Aid and I stabilize them, waiting for Ultra Magnus to arrive!

Wheeljack: Uh-Ratchet, do you need to change your optics? They are Decepticons! And not the friendliest!

[But Ratchet didn't even listen to him, instead he approached Hook, and removed the visor of the camion crane, before seeing that his optics were off]

Ratchet, worried: (Frag!) First Aid! Take care of Vortex!

First Aid: Okay!

Ratchet , starting to place the machine to stabilize the spark on Hook :  (Please! Don't die!) 

[However, Swindle and Bombshell continued to move away from the battle zone... To inexorably approach Lockdown. Swindle felt his spark beat faster and faster with every step he took. Every step that brought him closer to an action that would be irremediable]

Bombshell: Why are we so far away?

Swindle: I told you, it's a little further.

Bombshell, stopping: Swindle.

Swindle:  *Paled*

Bombshell, suspicious: What is this mission?

[Swindle suspected as much. He knew he couldn't fool Bombshell any longer without him becoming suspicious. But Lockdown's ship wasn't far away, and Lockdown was probably waiting...]

Swindle: I'll explain when we get there!

Bombshell, step back: I don't want to follow you...

Swindle, stressing: (No!) Come on! *Walking towards Bombshell, smiling* We're friends, and friends trust each other.

Bombshell:  *Frowns and backs away again, defensively*

Swindle, nervous and stepping forward a bit more: It's hurtful you know. Besides, if we don't complete this mission, Megatron will be really angry.

Bombshell, on the defensive: Don't come near me. I was wrong to trust you. I don't know what dirty trick you're up to, but-

Lockdown, arriving: You mean "you two"! *Stands next to Swindle*

Bombshell:  *Surprised and confused*

Swindle:  *Closes his optics in shame*

Lockdown, smirking: Thanks for bringing him here, Swiny. I take care of the rest!

[A great fear passed through Bombshell's spark, as he felt that if he didn't walk away right away, he would never see Kickback, Shrapnel...or Brawl again...]

*Bombshell runs away, before starting to go into his alt mode, but Lockdown chases him, and tackles him to the ground, to prevent him from transforming*

[Bombshell fell facedown, and was held down by Lockdown. Lockdown kept Bombshell's face on the ground with his hand, and held it down by putting one knee on his back]

Lockdown, grinning evilly: Got you~!

[Bombshell couldn't see Lockdown in the position he was in, so he couldn't use his mind control, and he knew he couldn't reach Lockdown's helmet with his hands]

*Bombshell struggles, trying to free himself from Lockdown's grip, but Lockdown just puts a little more pressure on Bombshell's back, who clenches his teeth in pain. Swindle watches Lockdown hold down Bombshell, and a terrible guilt begins to crush him. But Swindle can't help him*

[Swindle had to choose between himself, or his friendship with Brawl and the love Brawl had for Bombshell. And Swindle chose himslef, because he was a selfish mech]

Swindle , closing his optics :  (Sorry... I'm sorry...)

[A terrible fear passed through Bombshell's spark, as well as anger against Swindle! Bombshell couldn't understand why Swindle had done that! Was he so angry against him?! No, it was something else! But what?!]

Bombshell , clenches his teeth in pain :  (Why?!)

[A terrible fear passed through the spark of Shrapnel. Terrible fear passed through the spark of Kickback. As well as great anger. But Shrapnel and Kickback knew it, it wasn't their emotions! Bombshell was in danger!] 

Chapter Text

[Shrapnel turned his head to where he sensed Bombshell was, before looking back at his enemies]

Shrapnel , frowning in concern :  (I must finish this fight quickly!)

[Mirage noticed that Shrapnel seemed much less interested in the fight all of a sudden, and wondered why. On the other hand, Cliffjumper didn't pay more attention, and rushed towards Shrapnel, before receiving a powerful punch from him]

Shrapnel, growling: I don't have time to play with you ~you~!

[Shrapnel transformed into his alternate mode, before directly flying vertically, and go away into the sky]

Cliffjumper, suspicious: Why is he flying away? Do you think it's related to some twisted plan of Megatron?

Mirage: I don't really know... 

[Kickback, meanwhile, was desperately trying to leave, in order to join Bombshell. But of course, he had to come across the insufferable twins!]

Kickback, worried: Leave me, I have something more important to do!

Sunstreaker: And we're supposed to care?

Sideswipe: Ouch! It hurts! You hear that, Sunny. The insect has something else to do!

Kickback: ... *Frowns* Go away!

[Sunstreaker and Sideswipe frowned in anger as Kickback got into a fighting stance, he really had no time to waste!]

Kickback:  (I have to hurry!) 

[However, Lockdown pulled out a strange, circular, glowing device, before placing it on Bombshell's chest plate. Four claws came out and dug into Bombshell's breastplate, causing him to scream in pain]

Lockdown: There you go, it's a Capacity Stopper.

[Lockdown pulled his grip back against Bombshell, who put difficultly his hand in the area where the machine was, in pain. Bombshell felt like his limbs were ripping into a billion pieces, and couldn't move without it hurting horribly]

Swindle, worried: But- Take that off! It hurts him!

Lockdown, shrugging: Of course, stopping a Capacity isn't natural for an outlier.

Swindle: Then why are you-

Lockdown, approaching Swindle in annoyance: Because my job is to bring him back, and I don't want he do a mind control against me! Do you understand that?! *Moving away from Swindle to get closer to Bombshell* You've become too kind Swindle. Is it because of this Insecticon, or the excavator?

Swindle: ... *Lowers his head*

[Bombshell had difficulty breathing, and was ventilating rapidly without being able to make the pain go away, he could not speak either. Suddenly, they all heard a loud buzz, and Shrapnel charged straight at Lockdown, before crashing into him, and knocking him to the ground]

Shrapnel, enraged: GLITCH ~glitch~!!!

[Lockdown tried to push Shrapnel away with his hook arm, and Shrapnel roughly bited Lockdown's arm, who screamed in shock, before punching Shrapnel in the face, who didn't let go despite everything!]

Lockdown, gritting his teeth in anger: Frag! Glitch!

[Shrapnel ripped cables from Lockdown's hook arm, but was quite confused to see no energon. But he quickly moved on, as he gave a mighty punch to Lockdown's face]

Shrapnel: Swindle! Run away with Bombshell ~bombshell~!

[Swindle looked at Shrapnel with surprise. Shrapnel didn't realize he was the one who brought Bombshell to Lockdown. If Swindle could made up for his mistake, then maybe he-]

Swindle:  (No... I can't!)

[Swindle turned to where Lockdown and Shrapnel were fighting, before he felt the world spinning around him. He... He had no choice... Swindle suddenly transformed into his alt mode, and activated his cannon, before firing directly at Shrapnel]

*The shot hits his shoulder hard, and Shrapnel is thrown to the side. Shrapnel painfully sits up with shock*

Shrapnel, shocked: Wh-What ~what~?

[Lockdown got to his feet, before grabbing Shrapnel's injured shoulder, who clenched his teeth in pain, before attempting to fight back. But Lockdown kneed him in the stomach, before grabbing his neck, and lifting him off the ground]

Lockdown, scowling: I admit I didn't expect this...

[Shrapnel struggled as best he could, but couldn't release to Lockdown's grip! Bombshell watched helplessly and tried desperately to get up but was unsuccessful]

Lockdown: Better get rid of you. I have a feeling you're going to be a problem otherwise.

[Lockdown then stabbed with his hook straight into Shrapnel's spark, who couldn't even manage to scream in shock and pain. Swindle widened his optics with horror, and Bombshell watched as Shrapnel's body fell to the ground, the optics off, and his body gradually losing his colors]

Bombshell:  *Horrified*

[Bombshell felt tears roll down his cheeks, as he felt it was too late for Shrapnel, and life had left him. If only he hadn't followed Swindle. It was his fault. It had always been his fault.]

Swindle, backs up in horror: You- You killed him-

Lockdown, turning to Swindle: Well, what?

Swindle, horrified: You didn't have to do this! You-

Lockdown, darkly: Do you want to be next?

Swindle:  *Paled in fear*

Lockdown: That's what it seemed to me.

[Lockdown approached Bombshell, before carrying him, and started to leave with him. Bombshell's and Swindle's optics met for a brief moment, and Swindle couldn't recall receiving a greater look of hate and coldness than at that moment]

Swindle:  *Sad and scared*

[That horrible emotion came back to Bombshell's spark, but this time he couldn't do anything but feel a horrible pain and bitterness inside him. But if he could... He would have slaughtered that robot and Swindle]

*Lockdown arrives at his ship and walks inside, before tossing Bombshell into a cell, and come back outside*

Lockdown, grinning evilly at Swindle: It was a pleasure working with you! Looking forward to seeing you again, Swiny!

Swindle: ... *Clenches his fists in sadness and anger*

[The doors of Lockdown's ship closed, and the ship took off, before disappearing from view of Swindle, who lowered his head, devastated] 

Chapter Text

[Soundwave didn't understand what had happened, but the Constructicons had suddenly become agitated, and left leaving the machine behind. Soundwave couldn't leave the machine, but a fear took hold of his spark. Had something happened to Hook?!]

Soundwave:  *worried* 

[However, the commotion was much the same for the Combaticons. Onslaught and Brawl looked at each other in shocked, sensing that something was wrong with Vortex. Blast Off had jumped slightly at the strange but brief emptiness he had felt. Swindle on the other hand hadn't felt it, for he had been preoccupied with other things, and his bond with others was not strong enough to go above his own emotions]

Swindle, sighing: ...How am I going to watch Brawl now? *Turns sadly to Shrapnel's lifeless body* ...I'm sorry...

[Swindle suddenly heard a buzzing sound, and paled in fear, before running off, because he couldn't transformed into his alternate mode because of the forest. Kickback arrived, and reverted to his root mode, before looking around in panic, having successfully ran away from the twins]

Kickback:  (Bombshell! Where's Bombshell?!)

[Kickback had a feeling Bombshell was even further away now. Suddenly his gaze fell on Shrapnel, and Kickback froze]

Kickback, horrified: ...Sh-Shrapnel?

[Kickback moved closer to Shrapnel's body, shaking, before kneeling down beside him, and lightly shaking him on the shoulder]

Kickback, smiling in shock: Hey... Shrapnel... That's not true, huh? You are not dead. You are playing a joke on me. Right?

[But no matter how hard Kickback tried to wake Shrapnel, he was still asleep. Tears streamed down Kickback's cheeks as sadness washed over him]

Kickback, crying: No... No! NOOOOO!!!

[A desperation-filled scream filled the forest, as Kickback held Shrapnel's lifeless body close to him. Little by little the cries gave way to tears, and soon to fear]

Help me...

[Kickback's breathing grew faster and faster, as he stared at the energon on his hands]

I do not want to die...

[The screams mixed in his mind. The Arachnidas were attacking his colony]

KICKBACK! SAVE ME!

[Kickback ran away. He had fled. He had abandoned them. Shrapnel was dead. The Orthoptera were dead too. Bombshell was gone. Kickback was alone. Kickback should have stood alone]

*Kickback looks around in panic*

[Noises are heard. The noises surrounded Kickback. Kickback couldn't run away anymore. The energon on his hands began to expand]

*Kickback stands up in horror*

[The noises grew closer, the energon spread, the screams intensified. Kickback attempted to remove the expanding energon, but failed]

Kickback, terrified: NO! GET IT OFF!!!

[The energon on him began to show distorted faces, the screams became deafening]

YOU HAVE ABANDONED US!

YOU SHOULD HAVE DIE WITH US!

[Kickback fell to his knees on the floor, and put his hands on his audio-receivers, but the screams were embedded in his processor]

KICKBACK!

KICKBACK!

???: KICKBACK!

Drag Strip: KICKBACK!

[Kickback turned with terrified optics to Drag Strip, before wrapping his arms around him and starting to cry. Drag Strip froze in shock, before consoling him as best he could]

Drag Strip:  *Worried*

[Drag Strip didn't quite understand what happened, he only caught Kickback's commotion, and saw him running away when Drag Strip was in Menasor. Drag Strip then followed him, as best he could as he had to dodge a lot of Autobots. When he arrived, Shrapnel was dead, and Kickback was in a panic attack]

Drag Strip, consoling as best he can: C-Calm down! I- What happened?!

[But Kickback seemed too shocked to explain anything, so Drag Strip just hugged Kickback tighter]

Drag Strip, saddened: Don't cry! 

[However, the Constructicons got to where they had felt Hook's bond, but there was nothing. Scavenger felt energon on the ground, which someone had obviously tried to hide, but nothing else]

Scavenger, worried: Where- Where's Hook?!

[Scrapper looked around with immense concern. They heard noises, and all took their blasters, before realizing it was Onslaught and Brawl]

Onslaught, surprised: Scrapper?!

Scrapper, surprised: What are you doing here?

Onslaught: We felt that Vortex had a problem. But all ends here.

Scrapper, worried: It's the same for Hook...

Onslaught, frowning: But where are they?! 

[However, Ratchet was on the Alternate Mode of Ultra Magnus, desperately trying to keep Hook's spark working, while First Aid did his best to keep Vortex's life signals active. Ratchet and the others had done their best to hide the energon that was on the ground, as well as the tire tracks from Ultra Magnus. The goal was that no one would know they took Hook and Vortex]

Ratchet , frowning :  (We must be careful... After all, it was a Decepticon who tried to kill them...)

[Wheeljack had also put on a gestalt link jammer, otherwise the Constructicons would have no problem to finding Hook]

Ratchet, worried: Hurry up, Ultra Magnus!

[Ultra Magnus accelerated, and Ratchet looked at Hook's vital signs, only to notice that they were changing, which meant he was starting to wake up. Except that in the current situation, it was not good at all. To keep his spark alive, Ratchet had been forced to place his hand in Hook's spark with a machine. And the problem was that it could cause different reactions in different patients]

Ratchet: Scrap! First Aid! I need somniferous! Fast!

First Aid, surprised: Huh?!

Wheeljack: Pass them to me! I'll give them to Ratchet!

First Aid: I-I'm busy! Uh- Take the box! It should be there!

Ratchet, angry: It "should be", First Aid?!

First Aid, panicked: I'm not sure!

[Wheeljack took the box and began frantically searching. But it was too late, and Hook woke up with immense pain in the spark. He grabbed Ratchet's arm, and crumpled the metal of his arm]

Ratchet, screaming in pain: OUCH! WHEELJACK!!!

Wheeljack, panicking: Uh- Wait! Wait!

[Ratchet tried his best to keep his hand in Hook's spark chamber, but it was extremely difficult. Suddenly, the crane cable grabbed his neck, and tried to pull him back]

Ratchet: ARGH! HOOK! STOPPED!!!

[Hook couldn't see anything! He couldn't heard anything! He just felt this horrible pain inside him! He wanted it to stop! Why didn't he feel others anymore?! Where were the others?! Were they dead too?! No! It was he alone who had died! And now he was alone in pain and loneliness...]

Wheeljack, finds the somniferous: Find it!!!

Ratchet, furious: HURRY UP!!! 

[Wheeljack prepared the needle, and stuck it in Hook's neck, who jumped in fear, before panicking when he felt the liquid race through his circuits. The crane cable then dropped Ratchet, instead going after Wheeljack, and began twisting his arm]

Wheeljack, closing his optics in pain: ARGH! FRAG! 

[The somniferous finally work, and the crane cable released Wheeljack, as Hook slowly slipped back into unconsciousness] 

Chapter Text

[Soundwave heard noises and saw Prowl, Bumblebee and Ironhide enter. Soundwave frowned, before ejecting Rumble and Frenzy from his subspace, who reverted to their root mode, while Soundwave pulls out his blaster]

Soundwave, coldly: Stop there, Autobots.

Rumble: Take one more step, and we'll destroy you!

Frenzy: Boo! Ha! Ha!

Ironhide, growling: You'll see who will be des-

[But Ironhide didn't even have time to finish his sentence, when Barricade fell on him from above, and smashed the face of Ironhide against the ground. Barricade bounces off him before grabbing Prowl's arm, and crushing Ironhide again, before ghosted into the ground]

Bumblebee, shocked: Huh?

[Ironhide and Prowl were picked up by Barricade, and ghosted the floor with him, to reach the lower floor. Leaving Bumblebee alone against Soundwave and his cassettes]

Bumblebee: *Paled *

Soundwave, frowning: ...

Bumblebee, unsure: Uh... Stop that machine!

Soundwave: No.

Bumblebee: Please?

Soundwave: No.

Rumble: ...Do we hit him?

Frenzy:  *Shrugs*

Soundwave: ...Let's catch him.

Bumblebee: Oh scrap... 

[However, Ironhide lands hard on the floor of the lower floor, and tries to grab Barricade, but he only ghosted through him. Prowl attempted to free himself from Barricade's grasp, but was unsuccessful]

Barricade, bringing Prowl closer to him: Hello, Prowlie! You missed me?

Prowl, growling: Get off me!

Barricade: Alright.

*Barricade drops Prowl, who backs up, before getting into combat stance. Ironhide rears up, running through Barricade, failing to knock him off balance. But at least he's also in combat position*

[Ironhide tries to punch him from behind, but his fist ghosted through Barricade, before Barricade suddenly pulls out a blaster, and points it at Ironhide. Prowl pulls out his blaster, and fires Barricade's blaster, but the shot ghosted through]

Barricade, sneering: Failed~!

[Ironhide couldn't dodge, and the shot hit him in the neck, turning out to be tranquilizers. Ironhide was surprise, before staggering, and collapsing to the ground]

Barricade, smiling: There!

Prowl, confused: ...What is that?

Barricade: A sleeping blaster. I don't want kill one of your teammates.

Prowl: I've known you with more questionable morals.

Barricade: I didn't mean to shock your pretty spark.

Prowl, blushing with anger: Shut up!

Barricade, smiling: Don't take it that way. *Points sleeping blaster at Prowl* If the war ever ends, I'll ask you out on a date.

Prowl, rushing angrily towards Barricade: Don't talk nonsense!

[Barricade fired at Prowl with his blaster, but Prowl dodged, before attempting to hit Barricade, but ghosted him, and Prowl fell full length to the ground]

Barricade: You make me laugh! You are too impulsive!

[Prowl whirled around, but it was too late, and Barricade fired a tranquilizers into Prowl's neck]

Barricade, sneering: Too bad! 

[Bumblebee, meanwhile, would be lying if he said he was not in difficulty. In fact, it was mostly because he didn't want to shoot Rumble and Frenzy, they were younger than him, and he didn't want to fire Sparklings. But Soundwave was unattainable!]

Bumblebee:  (I have to find a way to destroy this machine!)

[Rumble would have liked to shake the ground, as he knew how to do so well, but his Creatie told him that it was a bad idea. Frenzy on the other hand was free to send out his hypersonic scream, and he did exactly that. Bumblebee jumped to the side to avoid the attack, which destroyed a control panel]

Frenzy: Oh! Miss! Hope it wasn't important!

Soundwave: No.

[Suddenly they heard a strange noise, and Frenzy panicked]

Frenzy: Oh noooo! It was important!

[But Soundwave knew it wasn't the dam that made that noise, it was the machine!]

Soundwave: What?!

[Mirage then appeared in front of the machine, cables torn out by hand]

Mirage: I'm used to being pickier, but I really didn't want to let you win!

Bumblebee, smiling: Mirage!

Mirage: Thanks for distracting them, Bee.

Bumblebee, laughing: Ha! Oh really?

[Soundwave had to admit he didn't know how to react. He couldn't fix the machine, and the Constructicons still wouldn't come back!]

Soundwave: Frenzy! Rumble! Priority to get rid of intruders!

[Soundwave then activated a machine gun on his shoulder, before aiming it at Mirage, but the latter suddenly disappeared. Rumble and Frenzy were about to attack Bumblebee, but Mirage appeared in front and took them prisoner in transparent cubes]

Soundwave, frowning: (Solid Illusion!)

Mirage: Would you rather surrender or fight?

Soundwave: ... *gets into a fighting stance* Fight. 

[Knockout, however, was watching the fight against Optimus and Megatron battling on top of the barrage, and while it was incredible, neither of them managed to get the upper hand]

Knockout:  (Hm...) *Takes out his blaster* (Maybe I should help out a bit.)

*Knockout points his blaster at Megatron, and fires*

[Megatron punched Optimus in the face, who fell to the ground. But Megatron took a shot in the back, and cried out in pain, before staggering. Optimus widened his optics with shock, before seeing Megatron recoil in pain]

Optimus: Megatron! Watch out!

[Megatron slipped, before falling off the top of the dam, and plummeting into the water. Optimus approached the edge, but failed to see where Megatron was. Knockout, meanwhile, saw Megatron emerge from the water, clutching his side]

Knockout:  *Smiles*

*Knockout runs towards Megatron, with his medical kit*

Knockout: Primus! Chief Megatron! Don't worry! I will take care of you!

Megatron, stopping angrily: No! *Contacts Soundwave* 

[Soundwave pinned down Mirage and Bumblebee behind a wall, strafing them, before being interrupted by a call from Megatron]

Soundwave, answering: Chief Megatron?

Megatron, in the communicator: Tell Skywarp to come right now! I'll give you the coordinates! And sound the retreat!

[Soundwave glared at the two Autobots, but did as request anyway, and messaged Skywarp. Soundwave also managed to take some of the energon that had managed to be produced, as well as his two Sparklings]

*Soundwave sends a signal to everyone to sound the retreat, before leaving* 

[Skywarp suddenly arrived in front of Megatron and Knockout, and Knockout gasped in surprise, as he came close to reaching for his blaster to shoot Megatron]

Skywarp, surprised: Oh well scrap!

Megatron, growling: Spare me your comments, and take me to the medical bay!

Knockout: I could come with you!

Megatron: No!

Knockout, sneering: Would you rather it be Hook?

Megatron: Neither Hook nor you.

[Skywarp then teleported away, and Knockout froze in surprise. What he mean "Neither Hook nor him"?!] 

Chapter Text

[All the Decepticons returned to base... well almost all of them. Scrapper and the other Constructicons looked around in immense concern. Hook was nowhere, and they no longer felt the connection]

Scavenger, blanched: Do you think he's-

Scrapper, worried: No hasty conclusion! 

Mixmaster, stressed: But he's nowhere!

Bonecrusher, nervous: We no longer feel the connection with him!

Long Haul, frowning: We need to tell to Megatron or Soundwave! It’s not normal!

Soundwave, arriving: To tell me what?

Scrapper: Soundwave, Hook disappeared!

Onslaught, arriving in turn: Vortex too...

Scavenger, worried: I detected energon on the floor, the last place we felt the link!

Soundwave, frowning in concern: What?

[Suddenly the door to the common room opened, revealing Kickback and Drag Strip, along with Shrapnel's body. At that moment, a huge silence fell, as the two walked forward, and deposited Shrapnel's body on the ground]

Kickback, crying: Is that... Is Hook or Knockout there? Can we save him?

[No one spoke, and Drag Strip lowered his head in sadness]

Drag Strip, sadly: Kickback... He’s...

Kickback, clenching his fists: Don't finish that sentence...

[Brawl watched with sadness and concern, and Swindle lowered his head, racked with guilt. Brawl advanced towards Kickback, with growing fear in his spark]

Brawl: Where... Where's Bombshell?

[At this question, Kickback looked up at Brawl, before letting his tears flow even more]

Kickback: He- He was in danger... He disappeared... He- *Cries*

[At that answer, the world of Brawl crumbled around him, and he recoiled in shock. No... Not Bombshell... Why? Why?! Brawl ran out of the common room, and Onslaught ran after him]

*Onslaught comes out of the common room, before seeing Brawl, and walks towards him*

Onslaught: Brawl! Wait!

Brawl, crying: Leave me alone!

Onslaught, stopping: ...I'm sorry... Was... it was with Bombshell that you had your date?

Brawl, stopping in turn, bitterly: It's none of your fragging business!

Onslaught: ...It's true. But in a way, I see it affecting you. You don't have to answer me now. But when you want it, know that I will be there for you.

[Onslaught starts to leave, before hearing Brawl calling him]

Brawl, turning to Onslaught with tears in his optics: I loved him... I love him. And now he's gone.

Onslaught, stepping forward: ...I... I can't understand your pain, but I can imagine it. I don't know how I would be if I lost Scrapper. But I'm sure the pain would be immeasurable.

Brawl: ...  *Tries to dry his tears* Yeah.

Onslaught: There is no shame in crying. What happened is terrible. *Arrives at the level of Brawl and puts his hand on his shoulder* Let's go back to our quarters...

[Brawl looked at Onslaught, before giving him a hug. Onslaught's optics widened in surprise, before awkwardly responding to the hug]

Brawl, crying: Thank you...

Onslaught: ... *Gently pats Brawl's helmet* That's my role...

*Brawl pulls out of the hug, and he and Onslaught leave to go back to their quarters* 

[Knockout angrily arrives at the medical bay, only to see several injured people inside, but he ignores them, going straight to the private room where Megatron was being repaired]

Knockout , annoyed :  (The only doctor was Hook it seems to me! So, what all of this mean?!)

[Knockout entered, and suddenly saw a strange purple robot, a cyclops with a yellow optic and large antennae, fixing Megatron]

Megatron, growling: It doesn't seem I gave you permission to go inside.

Knockout: Wh- I- Who is that?!

Shockwave: My name is Shockwave. You are probably Knockout.

Knockout: Shockwave? The scientist on Cybertron?

Megatron: Yes, he is also my personal physician. To avoid assassination attempts during my repairs. He's one of my most trusted Decepticons.

Knockout:  *Distressed*

Shockwave: Could you leave, now that you've had your answers.

Knockout: I- Uh- Yeah...

[Knockout walked out of the room in dismay. He was going to have to revise all his plans! What a scrap!]

Starscream: Well? What are you doing? There are robots waiting to be fixed.

Knockout: ...I am only assigne to fix Stunticons. *Starts to leave*

Starscream, grabbing his arm abruptly: Hm... Except that Hook is nowhere to be found. So, until we find him, you're going to replace him. Understood?

Knockout: Wh-

Starscream, smiling evilly: Understood?

Knockout, frowning: Fine.

Starcream: Perfect! Then go! 

[However, Lockdown was flying to Antilla, as he needed to get his arm fixed, and the problem was that his arm with the hook was a bit too peculiar to fix with just a med kit]

Lockdow , growling: Damn Insecticon. But...

*Lockdown gets up, before approaching the cell where is Bombshell*

Lockdown, grinning evilly: It was worth.

[Bombshell gave to him a glare, but it was the most he could do with the machine blocking his Capacity. The pain was still awful, but it was nothing compared to Bombshell's sadness]

Lockdown: Because of your friend. *Chuckles* I mean your dead friend. I'm gonna have to stop somewhere, so you're gonna have to put up with that machine longer.

[Lockdown then walked back to the control room, and Bombshell gritted his teeth in anger. Bombshell closed his optics, the pain was becoming unbearable. Honestly, Bombshell felt like he was dying. But maybe it would be better that way. If he hadn't existed...surely Shrapnel would be alive...He and Kickback would have lived happily in the Colony...]

Bombshell , crying :  (Shrapnel...Kickback... I’m sorry...) 

Chapter Text

[Megatron, having finished being repaired, had returned to the throne room, with Shockwave at his side. Megatron sat on his throne, as Soundwave and Starscream entered the room.]

Soundwave, worried: Chief Megatron. I have bad news.

Megatron, annoyed: What is it?

Soundwave: Vortex and Hook have disappeared. Shrapnel died, and Bombshell disappeared too.

Megatron, shocked: WHAT?!

Starscream: For the moment Knockout is repairing the wounded. But Hook clearly did not return from the raid.

Soundwave: Just like Vortex. As well as Bombshell. Kickback brought back Shrapnel's body, and is currently doing his funeral.

Megatron, sighing: What a disaster... Where were Hook and Vortex last seen?

Soundwave: Personally, the last time I saw him, was when he went to fix Vortex. Soon after, the Constructicons were very restless.

Starscream: The Combaticons too.

Soundwave: Scavenger said he detected energon hidden under the dust.

Shockwave: It's possible he was captured by the Autobots.

Megatron: No, knowing Optimus, he would have told me that a long time ago. 

[However, in the Autobots’s base, Ratchet and First Aid had managed to stabilize and repair Vortex and Hook. Optimus then walked into the medical room, a worried look on his face]

Optimus: Ratchet, may I know why Wheeljack told me that I absolutely had to not tell Megatron?

Ratchet, turning to Optimus: Because that's what I asked him to tell you.

Optimus: Why?

Ratchet: ... *Looks at First Aid* Let's talk about it in your office. First Aid, watch the injured.

First Aid: Yes!

[Optimus and Ratchet leave the medical room, heading for Optimus's office. The latter opened the door, motioning for Ratchet to pass. The two entered, and Optimus sat down at his desk]

Optimus: I'm listening.

Ratchet: It was a Decepticon who tried to kill them. It would be dangerous to them...

Optimus, surprised: A Decepticon?

Ratchet: A red sports car. Clearly a Velocitronian.

Optimus: Hm... I understand your fear Ratchet, but the best thing would be to warn Megatron.

Ratchet, frowning: Who's to say it wasn't Megatron who asked that robot to kill them?!

Optimus: Ratchet, be reasonable.

Ratchet: Now is not the time to be reasonable, but to protect.

Optimus: ...Ratchet... I'm afraid your opinion is biased...

Ratchet, angry: Nonsense!

Optimus: Look, I know the past you have with Hook... And I'm afraid that doesn't give you the best judgment of the situation.

Ratchet, pursing his lips in a thin line: ...

Optimus: ...Nothing says Megatron did that. Why kill his only doctor.

Ratchet: The other robot said he wanted to take his place.

Optimus: Hm...

Ratchet, concerned: Please... Optimus...

Optimus, sighing: Very well. They will not be considered as prisoners, but as robots who need protection.

[Ratchet then smiled, before becoming serious again, and walked out of the room, nodding]

Ratchet , clenching his fist in victory :  (Yeah!) 

[However, Kickback was doing the mourning ceremony for Shrapnel. With him was Brawl and Drag Strip, wanting to support him as best they could, although Brawl also had his own pain to deal with]

*Kickback surrounds Shrapnel with fabric*

[Kickback was doing the Orthoptera mourning ritual, although normally that consisted of surrounding the dead with leaves, leaves large enough for that, were too far out on this planet. Kickback then took the body of Shrapnel, before jumping on the tallest tree in the forest, and going to its top]

*Kickback ties the fabric casket to a branch of the tree*

Kickback, closing his optics with sadness: *Claps his hands and buzzes his wings three times* May the Great Goddess take away your sufferings and sorrows... *Holds back crying* May all your regrets remain only attached to the fabric ... May you find peace in the cycle of life that you will now accompany...

[Kickback jumped out of the tree, and landed on the ground. Brawl and Drag Strip approached him, and Kickback lightly dried his tears]

Drag Strip: ...What are you going to do now?

Kickback: ... *Determined* I'm going to save Bombshell.

Drag Strip, surprised: Huh?

Brawl, hopeful: Do you think there's a chance to save him?!

Kickback, nodding: I feel him! He's far away, but I can feel where he is! He is alive and I intend to find him and save him!

Drag Strip, worried: But- You realize that it is surely the one who killed Shrapnel who kidnapped Bombshell!

Kickback, frowning: Further reason.

Drag Strip: No! That means this robot is strong and dangerous!

Kickback: I'm not asking you to come anyway.

Brawl: I come with you! We're going to save Bombshell!

Kickback: ...*Smiles* Bombshell is lucky to have you.

Brawl: *Surprised* ... *Smiles*

Drag Strip: But you are crazy! If you do that, you will be charged with treason!

Kickback, frowning: So be it! I don't care about this war anyway! We stayed because we had no right to be neutral, and we hoped for protection! *Frowns* And now look!

Brawl: ...I wouldn't give up on Bombshell...

Kickback: We need to find a space-ship!

Brawl: That's right... Energons too!

Drag Strip, distressed: But- But-

Kickback: Oh yeah! But I can also eat organic stuff.

*Drag Strip sighs, realizing he's not going to be able to reason with them*

Drag Strip, grumbling: Barricade, he has a space-ship...

*Kickback and Brawl turn their heads to Drag Strip in surprise*

Drag Strip, blushing with anger: What?! Don't make that face! I- I'll help you... I know how to fly a space-ship too...

[Kickback and Brawl both hug Drag Strip, thanking him a thousand times]

Kickback, smiling: You're the best Drag Strip!

Drag Strip, blushing: O-Of course!

Brawl, exclaiming: Yeah! We're going to smash everything!

Kickback: So! We are getting ready! Tonight, we'll leave by taking Barricade's ship!

Brawl, determined: Yeah!

Drag Strip: Hoping everything goes well...

[Kickback turned and looked up at the coffin at the top of the tree, before smiling between sadness and determination]

Kickback:  (Don't worry Shrapnel! I’m going to save Bombshell!) 

Chapter Text

[Lockdown arrived at the planet of Antilla, but did not land on the planet with his large ship. Instead, he hovered around the planet's orbit, and took a mini-ship to head for Antilla. Out of the question to bring the Insecticon with him, he had a great value on the black market, and he would have had him stolen very quickly]

Lockdown:  (Normally he can't get away, this machine so far has never let me down) *Rubs his arm with the hook with a scowl* (And when I'm done with this mission, I'll go revenge on this miserable Outlier who did this to me! I won't be fooled again!)

[Lockdown lands on the planet Antilla, and exits the mini-ship, before heading towards a building and entering it. Lockdown walked through the hallways, before knocking and entering a lab]

*An infernal circular saw sound was heard, and Lockdown approaches the scientist*

[He was a Flyer, light blue and white, with an orange protective mask and yellow optics. The robot was so focused on his work, that he didn't hear Lockdown approaching. At the same time with all this racket it would have been complicated]

Lockdown: Brainstorm!

Brainstorm:  *Keeps on working*

Lockdown: ... *Pats Brainstorm on the shoulder*

Brainstorm, startled with fear: WOUAAAAH!!! WHAT IS THIS?!!

[Lockdown dodged Brainstorm's circular saw, which staggered backwards, before falling to the ground]

Brainstorm: Ah-Oh! *Smiles* Lockdown! Hi!

Lockdown: Hi.

Brainstorm, getting up: What's your visit worth to me? Ah! Capacity blockers not working?!

Lockdown, sneering: No, it’s work very well.

Brainstorm: So?

Lockdown: I got my arm bitten off.

[At these words, Lockdown showed his hooked arm, with the cables and circuits torn out]

Lockdown: If possible, I'd rather not lose that arm either.

Brainstorm: After that it's not really an arm. Because your real arm is completely beyond repair.

Lockdown, bitter: I know.

Brainstorm, pointing to a repair table: Sit down! I'm back with the material! No need for anesthetic of course! Since you can't feel anything on that arm anymore.

Lockdown, sitting on the repair table: I should teach you tact, it'll save you trouble. 

Brainstorm: What do you mean?

Lockdown: Forget it. Do that quickly. I have a mission to accomplish.

Brainstorm, taking the gear: That's why you're hurt?

Lockdown: Yes.

Brainstorm: What is this mission?

Lockdown, smirking : Oh, you know I'm not going to tell you.

Brainstorm, smiling sincerely: Aww! Even after everything that's happened, you still don't trust me?

Lockdown:  *Shrugs while smiling*

Brainstorm: It's thanks to me that you have an arm, even if it's not the best in the world. This Outlier had really come close to slaughtering you.

Lockdown, scowling: I remember it very well.

[Oh yes... Lockdown remembered it awfully well...] 

...In the past...

[Lockdown was entering the atmosphere of planet Velocitron. He had a fairly simple mission of assassination. Apparently, there was a robot who advocated a little too much freedom for all, and who was a little too listen. Lots of mechs were starting to listen to him, and it was causing a problem for the Velocitron Senate]

Lockdown:  (It's apparently a race car, it's kind of weird that it's a mech with this alternate mode who fights for equality, since they're privileged. But hey, at least he’ll be easy to kill.)

[Lockdown lands on Velocitron, in the black market, before exiting his ship. Lockdown already knew how to kill him, the main thing being that no one gets in his way, especially any military vehicle, because it was mainly this type of alt mode, in addition to slow vehicles, that followed his cause]

Lockdown:  (Getting it to a secluded spot shouldn't be difficult, but I'll wait until dark anyway.)

[As night fell, Lockdown waited in an abandoned building. He had managed to hack into a channel of this resistance group, and had written to the one he was to assassinate, pretending to be someone he trusted, and asking him to come here]

Lockdown:  (It shouldn't take too long...)

[A red and gold racing car with green optics entered the building, and looked around, visibly looking for the person. Lockdown chuckled, he liked this kind of easy mission, even more when it was to kill someone]

*Lockdown comes out of hiding, giggling*

Lockdown: I don't think the one you expected will come.

[The racing car turns to Lockdown, and frowned. But apparently more because annoyance than fear, or concern]

Lockdown , intrigued :  (Hm...)

[The building was lit enough by the light of the night for Lockdown to be able to see clearly enough, because unlike that race car, Lockdown was not able to see in the dark]

Lockdown, sneering : See, it turns out the Senate doesn't like what you're trying to do, so they sent me to kill you. If you're begging me, or if you're paying me better than the Senate, then I'll spare you, Ransack.

[Of course, Lockdown wasn't going to spare him no matter what, but if he could earn bonus shanix he wouldn't say no. Ransack looked at Lockdown with contempt, before sighing in annoyance]

Ransack, coldly: Supplication isn't my thing, and I don't want to pay you. *Gets into a fighting stance* So all I must do is kill you.

[Lockdown frowned in surprise and confusion, he wasn't expecting this reaction]

*Lockdown pulls two hooks out of his subspace, and takes one from each hand, before chuckling*

Lockdown: If that's what you want, but I honestly doubt you'll have a chance. You don't even have a gun.

[Ransack smiles slightly, before suddenly disappearing from Lockdown's field of vision. Lockdown recoiled in surprise, before whirling around, feeling Ransack reappear behind him. Lockdown tried to attack him with his hooks, but got kicked in the stomach, and took off backwards, before crashing into a wall]

*Lockdown gets up, groaning, before realizing he's missing a hook*

Ransack, twirling the hook in his hand, chuckling: Thanks for sharing. *Points the hook in the direction of Lockdown* Now get ready to die! 

Chapter Text

...Always in the past...

[Lockdown stood up, before clenching his fists in anger]

Lockdown, growling: Do you think because you have one of my weapons, you will be able to beat me?!

Ransack, contemptuous: Do I have to answer this stupid question?

[Lockdown rushed at Ransack angrily, before attempting to attack him with the hook. But Ransack was so fast that he had no trouble dodging, and hit Lockdown's arm, causing him to feel a sharp pain]

*Lockdown gets back with shock and pain, before grabbing his arm*

Lockdown , paled :  (My- My arm!)

[Lockdown couldn't move it anymore. In fact, he didn't feel it at all, while he let go of his hook, which fell to the ground]

Lockdown, angry and scared: What have you done to me?!

Ransack, coldly: Oh that's right! The Senate couldn't tell you, since they don’t know about it too! I have a Capacity that paralyzes everything!

Lockdown , clenching his teeth in dread :  (What?!)

[For real?! It changed everything! Lockdown wasn't ready to fight an Outlier, especially not with such a dangerous Capacity! But if he fled, he would be a laughingstock! Defeated by a Velocitronian that isn't even a military vehicle! Out of the question!]

*Lockdown takes a blaster in his slipspace with his hand still valid*

Lockdown, exclaiming: I'm going to slaughter you! Miserable!

[Lockdown fired, but Ransack suddenly found himself in front of him, before cutting the hand holding the blaster, with the hook. Lockdown then felt the same pain as his other arm, except this time his hand had been severed, and the pain disappeared as if his hand had never existed!]

*Lockdown steps back in fear, as both arms are paralized*

Ransack, darkly: You still don't seem to understand. You are not the hunter here. But my prey!

[Lockdown managed to send an emergency message over his radio, telling his mini-ship to come here. Lockdown then began to flee, hoping his mini-ship would arrive as soon as possible!]

Ransack , laughing : Aww! Poor little bounty hunter! Are you scarred?!

[That damn outlier was playing with him, and Lockdown couldn't stand it, but he also knew that if he stayed, he was going to die! Suddenly, Ransack appeared in front of him, and Lockdown suddenly stopped, before falling backwards, terrified]

Ransack, darkly: Don't think you can escape me so easily! I will slaughter you! You can't attack me or my cause, without get the consequences!

[Suddenly, the mini-ship appeared, and this distracted Ransack's attention enough, to make that Lockdown managed to escape and climb into it]

Lockdown: Order to attack! Activate all the weapons and strafe him!!!

[The ship began firing at Ransack, but Ransack manages to leave before being hit. The mini-ship rose in the sky, the objective being to flee quickly. Lockdown had managed to survive, but not without consequences. Are his two arms going to be forever paralyzed?!] 

...Back in the present...

[In the end, his arm which had been paralyzed regained its mobility, as it was apparently temporary. But, for his severed hand, even by placing a new one there, the latter did not work. It was as if his hand had never existed on his other arm, so now he has to settle for a hook]

Lockdown , growling :  (Wretched Outlier! You'll see I'll get my revenge!)

[Brainstorm finished repairing the arm, and smiles proudly]

Brainstorm: There you go! As if it had never been bitten!

Lockdown: Fine, I leave.

[Lockdown leaved the room, and Brainstorm sighed]

Brainstorm:  (A thank you, it doesn't hurt...)

[Lockdown re-entered his mini-ship, before leaving the atmosphere, and rejoining his ship. Lockdown returned inside the ship, before approaching the cell room, where Bombshell was]

Lockdown: Look, I no longer have any marks from your friend. Like what his death was really unnecessary.

[Bombshell clenched his fists in rage, before buzzing his wings in anger, and giving him a look of hate]

Lockdown, arching an eyebrow: Hm... You shouldn't give me that kind of look. Whoever asked me to capture you wants you intact. *Suddenly grabs Bombshell through the bars before slamming him into the electrified bars* But I can still hurt you really, really badly!

[Bombshell couldn't cry out in pain, the shock was too intense. Lockdown dropped Bombshell, which collapsed to the ground, spamming in pain]

Lockdown, pensive: Now that I think about it, I didn't tell you who paid me to capture you... *Chuckles* You wanna try to guess?

[Bombshell didn't answer, but at the same time with the shock he had just taken, and the machine that was still on his chest, he couldn't say much. Lockdown was playing with him, and Bombshell couldn't stand it]

Lockdown, sneering: It was the Gyinawez of your Colony who asked me to bring you back.

[Bombshell's optics widened in shock and fear, before staring at Lockdown in terror]

Lockdown, smirks: Hm... Judging from your optics, you don't seem to like your Gyinawez. Why? *Shrugs* Well, I don’t really care. As long as I earn my bounty, I don't care why he wants to capture you. He gave the excuse that you were a criminal, but to be honest, I don't really believe it.

[Lockdown then walked away, chuckling, as Bombshell's head began to spin. He had too much pain and sadness to bear. And fear... Fear added, spread in his spark, and Bombshell fell unconscious] 

Chapter Text

[Knockout entered a room, where he was sure there would be no one there, before taking a tablet out of his subspace, and activating the hidden network communication, so that Soundwave does not pick up the signal]

Knockout , nervous :  (Come on, Ransack, responds...)

[Ransack appeared on the tablet screen, visibly annoyed. At the same time, when wasn't he?]

Ransack: What do you want? Unless you've accomplished your mission, I don't want you to contact me!

Knockout: I have a problem.

Ransack: ... *Frowns* What do you mean?

Knockout: Shockwave is the personal medic of Megatron...

Ransack, surprised: Huh? Megatron is smarter than I thought.

Knockout: What am I supposed to do? Get rid of Shockwave?

Ransack: If I were you, I'd be careful about Shockwave.

Knockout: He's just a scientist.

Ransack: You should learn to avoid underestimating people. You cannot have him by force, nor by intelligence.

Knockout, scratching his helmet in frustration: So, what am I supposed to do to kill Megatron?!

???: Have an ally, maybe?

[Knockout turned his head in surprise, before seeing Starscream, and paled]

Ransack: ...Always there when it comes to betraying Megatron, Starscream.

Starscream, chuckling: I'm surprised you know it's me. I thought you were blind.

Ransack: I recognize your unbearable voice among a thousand.

Starscream:  *Closes his optics, offended*

[In truth, Ransack wasn't really literally blind, but he wasn't going to explain that to Starscream]

Knockout, pale: What do you want?!

Starscream: I told you! I want to ally with you, to kill Megatron.

Knockout, surprised: Huh?!

Starscream: Yes, on your own you won't be able to do anything, on the other hand with me, you will have a drastic advantage!

Ransack, sneering: You tried so hard to kill Megatron, he's keep an optic on you all the time. I don't see what you're going to do.

Starscream, annoyed: I'm an expert in this!

Ransack: Expert at failing?

Starscream, angrily: No! To try to kill him!

Ransack: "Try" as you say.

Starscream:  *Clenches his fists in rage*

Knockout: Could you help me make sure Shockwave isn't here to fix Megatron?

Starscream, sneering: Of course. If there is only you as a doctor, he will be obliged to accept that you fix him!

Knockout: But how do you plan to get rid of Shockwave?!

Starscream: Unlike you, I have more than one ally who can help me get rid of Shockwave. All Seekers listen to me.

Ransack, unconvinced: So why so far have they never helped you against Megatron? Simple question I ask myself.

Starscream, smiling evilly: We're talking about Shockwave here, it's not the same. I just have to make the other Seekers believe that Shockwave is a traitor. He can't do anything against all of us!

Knockout: ...Do you think it can work?

Starscream: I'm sure.

Ransack: ...I hope so for you anyway.

Starscream: ...*Frowns* What do you mean?

Ransack: If you fail, it's going to be bad for you. Just saying.

Starscream: I wouldn't fail.

Ransack, ironically: Yes, of course.

[Ransack honestly had not many faith in the success of this plan, as Starscream was still dogged by absurd bad luck. But he couldn't see how to get rid of Megatron otherwise, without causing a problem for his planet. So, he was going to give this plan the benefit of the doubt]

Starscream: So? Deal?

Knockout, suspicious: ...Fine. But no trickery.

Starscream, sneering: Come on, that's not my style. I give you my contact, it will pass below the radars of Soundwave. Don't contact me first, I will.

Knockout: Alright...

[Starscream walked away, smirking, as Knockout took Starscream's contact]

Knockout: ...Do you think I can trust him?

Ransack, sarcastically: Is that a real question?

Knockout, scowling: At the same time, I don't really have a choice.

Ransack: Despite everything, stay on your guard and succeed in this mission. Otherwise, you are dead.

[Knockout hesitated whether it was a warning or a threat]

Knockout: Well... 

[However, the Constructicons were in their quarters, with immense concern in their spark]

Scavenger, distressed: I know...you told me not to jump to conclusions...but...

Mixmaster, worried: We still don't feel the connection.

Bonecrusher, frowning: I'm afraid that...

Scrapper, also worried: No!

Long Haul, saddened: Let's be realistic...

Scavenger, starting to cry: Hook is most definitely dead!

Mixmaster, bewildered: But how?!

Bonecrusher, clenching his fists: If only we had stayed with him!

Scrapper, stressed: He's not dead! Stop saying that!

Long Haul, sadly: Who are you trying to convince, Scrapper?

[Scrapper lowered his head in sadness and bewilderment. Hook couldn't be dead. It was not possible. No!]

Scrapper , nervous :  (Please! Hook! Where are you?!) 

[Hook flashed his optics in pain, horrible fatigue tugging at him, and his spark still hurting. Hook looked around with difficulty, he couldn't recognize the place, his sight was still too blurry for that. He briefly heard voices, and had the reflex not to show that he was awake, by calming his heartbeat, so that the monitor would not betray him]

Hook , painfully :  (Where... Where am I? I'm not dead?)

[Hook slowly began to make out the place, and guessed it was a medical bay. Suddenly the area becomes clear to him, he was in the Autobot Ark! A rapid beat played on the monitor, but luckily no one noticed]

Hook , worried :  (I was captured by the Autobots?!) 

Chapter Text

[Hook observed the machines around him, and those placed on his spark. He was quite confused to see that the Autobots had put a lot of effort into trying to save him]

Hook:  (...Did Ratchet do this? Why?)

[Hook discretly checked to see if he could move his limbs, especially his hands, and he was quite relieved to find that he could. But looking again at the machines on his Spark, Hook noticed that one of them was strange, and he didn't recognize it!]

Hook , worried :  (What is it?! Is that why I don't feel the connection with others?! Why would the Autobots want to hide that they captured me?!)

[Hook felt fear before quickly felt anger, and raised his arm, before grabbing this machine, and snatching it brutally. All the monitors were alarmed because doing that was extremely dangerous for his Spark!]

Ratchet, surprised: What?!

First Aid, distraugh : He ripped off the gestalt link jammer!

[Hook felt immense pain go through him, but he also felt his connection to others again. They were worried and sad. Ratchet and First Aid ran to Hook, and First Aid took the machine, as Hook tried to get up. He had to join his team! Ratchet did his best to keep Hook on the repair table, and was still happy that Hook didn't currently have his full strength]

Ratchet: Hurry up, First Aid!

First Aid, panicked: Yes! Yes!

[First Aid managed to get the machine back on Hook's spark, while Ratchet managed to grab a needle, and put some soporific into Hook's neck. Hook violently pushed Ratchet, who had lost his hold on him. Hook tried to get up, while grabbing First Aid by the neck, before gradually falling into unconsciousness, and losing contact with his team]

Ratchet, approaching First Aid: Are you okay?

First Aid, getting up with pain: Uh... Yes...

Ratchet, worried: I hope that the others Constructicons didn’t feel where Hook is.

First Aid: ...I also hope... 

[Constructicons were restless again, they had felt the connection to Hook]

Scavenger, crying with joy: Hook is alive!

Mixmaster, smiling: He's not dead!

Bonecursher: Where is he?!

Scrapper: I don't know! I couldn't locate him!

Long Haul: Soundwave must be warned! We have a chance to find him! 

[Soundwave was working in the comms room, but in truth he was struggling. The thought of not knowing where Hook was, and that he might be dead, put a terrible weight on his Spark. Rumble and Frenzy were also worried, they liked Hook a lot...]

Rumble: Creatie Soundwave... Where do we start to find Hook?

Soundwave: ...If Megatron doesn't give me the order, there's nothing I can do...

Frenzy: But it's Hook we're talking about!

Soundwave, saddened: ...

[Suddenly, Soundwave and his Sparklings heard a knock on the door, and Soundwave went to open it, before seeing the Constructicons. A new worry crept into him, as he feared another bad news about Hook. But gradually his concern turned to hope, when he saw smiles on the faces of the Constructicons]

Scrapper: We felt the connection with Hook again!

Scavenger: He's alive!

Long Haul: We lost it again...

Bonecrusher: So, we don't know where he is!

Mixmaster: But I think our link is artificially blocked!

Soundwave, surprised: Artificially?!

Mixmaster: I'm sure!

Soundwave, smiling: But then-

Scrapper: Yes, he's alive! It's certain!

[But gradually Soundwave's smile faded, realizing something]

Soundwave, frowning: Could mean he was kidnapped...

Long Haul: By the Autobots?

Soundwave, thinking: Hm... Megatron said that normally Optimus would have warned him if that was the case...

Scrapper: But let's say Optimus didn't...

Soundwave: ... *Turns to Rumble and Freny* Frenzy...You're on a mission to spy on the Autobots tonight. Tell me if you find Hook.

Frenzy: *Surprised* ... *Smiles* Alright! 

[However, on Lithone, Blast Off, Cosmos and Froid were hiding in an alley, so as not to be found by Pharma...or Sunder... Blast Off was afraid... Afraid of facing Sunder… He didn't want to be reformatted again... He had already lost so much of his original personality... In fact... he couldn't remember very well... How was he before? Was he nicer?]

Blast Off:  (...Whatever...)

[It was a lie he was telling himself of course... But it was better than admitting that he hated who he was now...]

Cosmos: ...What do we do now?

Blast Off, scowling: My proposal to leave the planet still stands...

Froid: I thought you wanted to help Cosmos.

Blast Off: Maybe against Pharma, but if that means fighting Sunder, no!

Cosmos: *Tilts his head* Who is Sunder?

Froid: ...

Blast Off: ...

Cosmos, sarcastic: Don't all answer at the same time...

Blast Off, scowling: It's a fragger.

Froid:  *Glares at Blast Off*

Blast Off: You know I'm right.

Froid: I still won't allow you to insult him.

Cosmos: ...Uh... What's going on?

Blast Off: Nothing...

Froid: It's complicated...

Cosmos, angry: Oh no! I'm tired of people hiding things from me! I'm in the same scrap as you two! So, I deserve answers!

Blast Off, scowling: ... *To Froid* You just have to tell him...

Froid: ...Sunder is a mnemonicsurgeon, I'm not sure there's that job on Lithone.

Cosmos: No... what is it?

Froid: Hm... The job is to get into someone's mind, to erase traumatic memories. At least that was the basic idea... But people with bad intentions...

Blast Off: Sunder for example.

Froid, scowling: Shut up. Anyway, some have decided to harm with it, to the point of completely reprogramming robots...

Cosmos, paled:  That's- That's awful... And...is that the case with Sunder?

Blast Off: Yes.

Froid: No.

Blast Off, annoyed: Yes!

Froid: Not the one I know!

Blast Off, angry: Except that the current one is not the one you knew! He is no longer your "friend", but an enemy!

Froid, saddened: ...You don't understand anything...

Cosmos: Is he the friend you want to find?

Froid: ... *Nods*

Cosmos: ...Why?

Blast Off, crossing his arms, sarcastically: Because he's his "friend"!

Froid:  *Sad*

Cosmos: ...He's not just your friend... Right?

Froid:  *Nods*

Blast Off, frowning: What do you mean?

Froid: I lied to you. Sunder and I... We used to be sparkmates... 

Chapter Text

[Blast Off widened his optics with shock, before putting his hands on his helmet]

Blast Off, exclaiming: WHAT?!

Froid: Well we "were", because this Sunder hates me.

Blast Off: You're even crazier than I thought.

Froid: I know it's hard for you, but we don't know the same person.

Cosmos, confused: This is all confusing.

Blast Off, annoyed: This is all crazy!

Cosmos: But last time you said you wanted to save him. But of what?

Froid: Of himself I would say.

Blast Off: Good luck with that.

Cosmos:  *Casts a judgmental glare at Blast Off*

Blast Off, annoyed: What?!

Cosmos, rolling his optics: Whatever. What do we do? I don't feel like fighting robots.

Froid: ...To be honest, I really don't know...

Blast Off: Well-

Cosmos: I would not leave my planet.

Blast Off, shrugging: Alright, whatever.

Cosmos, sighing: I'm hungry...

Blast Off: Too bad. It's too risky to go somewhere to buy energon.

Cosmos: *Grumble*

Froid: Blast Off is right...

Cosmos: ... *Sigh* I feel like I'll never get out of this dire situation...

Blast Off, sighing: Okay... *Starts to leave* I'm going to get some energon...

Cosmos: Huh?!

Froid, confused: Didn't you just say it was dangerous?

Blast Off: I'm sick of hearing Cosmos complaining.

Cosmos: Between nice and unpleasant.

Blast Off: Stay here, I'll be right back.

[Blast Off walked off, exiting the alley, and Cosmos sat on the ground]

Froid, approaching Cosmos: Do you want to talk a bit about how you feel?

Cosmos: I don't really know...

Froid: ...

Cosmos: I'm scared, really. I'm still quite angry. Especially since I have the impression that you want to put me aside.

Froid: Oh! I'm sorry you were made to feel this way! It's just that we didn't want... I didn't want to involve you in this...

Cosmos: ...I understand. But now it's better that I know everything.

Froid, smiling: You're right, sorry.

Cosmos, also smiling: Thank you for understanding me.

[Suddenly, the two heard a noise, and turned around, before seeing Roadbuster and Pharma]

Pharma: Finally, trash bunch, I find you.

[Cosmos and Froid paled, and Cosmos transformed in an attempt to take off, but Pharma did the same, before abruptly stopping him by stepping in front of him]

Pharma, sneering: Where are you going?

[Pharma punched Cosmos, which unsettled him, causing him to crash to the ground. Roadbuster managed to grab Froid, who struggled, but couldn't get the hold released. Cosmos went back into his root mode, and tried to get up, in pain, but Pharma suddenly turned his arm into a chainsaw, before thrusting it threateningly in front of Cosmos' face]

Pharma: In your place, I wouldn't try anything. Luckily, eventually I want you both alive.

[Pharma thrust a syringe into Cosmos's neck, which widened his optics in fear, before slipping into unconsciousness. Pharma then approached Froid, who was held down by Roadbuster]

Pharma, contemptuous: You will have really been a pest until the end.

Froid: Oh come on, Pharma, don't think that of you.

Pharma: *Grits teeth in anger* Shut up! Shut up! You're lucky that I decided to let you live! *Laughs* Well, “luck”, I'm not so sure after all.

[Pharma stuck his syringe into Froid's neck, placing the somniferous, and Froid being forced to sleep]

Pharma, smiling evilly: Fine, Roadbuster, take them! 

[Blast Off, meanwhile, approached an energon stand, while looking around that there weren't any Pharma's minions]

Blast Off, to the energon vendor: Excuse me, could I have three energon cubes.

Seller: A I'm out of it, sorry.

Blast Off: ...Frag. What is your "energon" stand useful for then?

*Blast Off starts to go, before being called by the seller*

Seller: Wait! I must have some left in the back room. Follow me!

[Blast Off watched the salesman go into the back room, and after a slight hesitation followed him, not without remaining on his guard, and the two crossed the corridor, before arriving in front of a door]

Blast Off:  (Best to be on the safe side. Though I think I can easily destroy this vendor if it's a trap.)

[The salesman opened the back room before going inside, and starting to search for the energon, while Blast Off waited in the hallway, keeping an eye on the salesman. Suddenly, Blast Off felt the atmosphere turn chilly and suffocating. He felt this strange feeling, he felt the fear rising]

*Blast Off steps back in fear, before slamming into the wall behind him*

[No... There was no wall behind him. Blast Off looked up, before seeing a smile and swirling black optics he wished he'd forgotten]

Sunder, grinning evilly: Hello, Blast Off.

[Blast Off widened his optics with horror, and felt paralyzed with fear, as none of these members moved. Anyway, Blast Off couldn't get away, the only way out of the corridor, Sunder was blocking it. The rest was a dead end]

*Sunder places his hands on Blast Off's neck, before pulling his needles out of his fingers*

[Blast Off was struggling to breathe, and was trying to stare only ahead. It wasn't all real. Sunder was not there. He was just having a nightmare. Just a horrible nightmare]

Sunder: I thought of something funny. And I'd like to test it on you.

[No! It was all real! He must ran away! Never mind that the exit was inaccessible! If he had to smash the wall, he would! Blast Off got out of Sunder's grasp, before heading for the back-room door, in order to smash it, and then smash the wall afterwards]

Blast Off , terrified :  (I must run away!)

[But Blast Off felt brutally pulled back, before being violently tackled to the ground. Blast Off struggled in panic, but he couldn't match Sunder's strength. Sunder's smile was still there, as he jabbed his needles into Blast Off's neck, and everything went black around him] 

Chapter Text

[Drag Strip was with Kickback and Brawl, the three thinking of a way to take Barricade's ship and energon, unnoticed]

Drag Strip: What a stupid idea we are having...

Kickback: It’s not stupid. Just not fully prepared yet.

Brawl: Oh! I know how to do it!

Kickback and Drag Strip, surprised: Really?!

Brawl: Yeah! Just ask Swindle!

Kickback: ...

Drag Strip: ...

Kickback: Uh...Can you more explain?

Brawl, smiling: I ask Swindle how we are supposed to steal a ship and energon, he tells me, and voila!

Kickback, thinking: Hm...

Drag Strip: This idea sucks!

Brawl, offended: You have a better one perhaps?!

Drag Strip: Grr- I-

Kickback: Thanks Brawl, go ask him please.

Brawl, leaving: Alright!

Drag Strip:  *Dismayed*

Kickback: ...What? His idea’s not bad.

Drag Strip:  *Makes a face-palm* 

[Brawl arrived in the Combaticon district with determination. He was going to save Bombshell! Oh yes, he was going to! Swindle was sitting on the couch, zapping through the TV channels]

Brawl, opens the door and exclaiming: Swindle! I have a question!

Swindle, jumping: Huh?!

Brawl, approaching: You see, as you're a pro at stealing and other stuff of all kinds, I was wondering something.

Swindle, nervous: Uh...what?

[Swindle was scared. Had Brawl found out what he had done?! Was he expecting him to confess everything?!]

Brawl: Suppose you have to steal energon and a space ship, how would you go about it?

Swindle: ...

Brawl: ...

Swindle, confused: What???

Brawl: Well, since you're a pro to steal, I was wondering if you knew.

Swindle: But why do you want to know that?

Brawl: Well... why not? Unless you don't know, in which case I'll ask someone else.

Swindle: Of course, I know!

Brawl, smiling: Really?!

Swindle, crossing his arms: Of course.

Brawl, impatient: So?

Swindle: So, first of all, you have to check if there are any cameras in the room where you want to steal the energon, so that you don't accidentally activate the alarm. You also have to be pretty quick.

Brawl, thinking: (Maybe Drag Strip could do it in this case...)

Swindle: As for the space ship, already you must check that it is not monitored. Then be able to get it off the ground quickly.

Brawl: Hmm... Okay! Thanks!

[Brawl then leaves, and Swindle watches him go in confusion, before thinking]

Swindle: (He's not going to try to do that?!) ... *Laughs* Nooo! Why would he do it? 

[Brawl joined Kickback and Drag Strip, before explaining what Swindle had told him]

Kickback: Hm... For the energon in this case, I'm going to do it!

Drag Strip, indignant: What?! I am the fastest!

Kickback: But I'm more agile than you!

Drag Strip: Whaaaat?!!

Brawl: Uh-

Kickback: Yeah, mech!

Drag Strip: I will prove to you that I am more agile than you!

Kickback, mocking: Ha! Ha! Ha! Sure!

Brawl: Otherwise-

Drag Strip, angry: I'm going to make you eat your insolence!!!

Kickback, also angry: And me your vanity!

Brawl, exclaiming: WOW!

*Kickback and Drag Strip shut up*

Brawl: Best would be if Kickback steals the energon though, while I look out for the ship, and Drag Strip gets inside to start starting it!

[The two looked at Brawl in surprise, before looking at each other, and a certain silence settled]

Drag Strip, crossing his arms: Yeah, of course I was going to suggest it.

Kickback:  *Gives an unconvinced look*

Drag Strip: I forbid you to look at me like that!

Kickback: *Continues*

Drag Strip, smirking: Give me a look full of love instead, after all you wondered if I loved you "too"!

[Kickback closed his optics in frustration and shame, before sticking his tongue out, and starting to walk away]

Kickback, annoyed and blushing: That's not even true!

Drag Strip, mocking: Oooh yes! It is!

Kickback: Get frag! The three of us meet here tonight, at 11:00 p.m. Earth time!

[Kickback would have preferred to leave earlier, but unfortunately stealing a ship required stealth, which they couldn't have in broad daylight]

*Kickback walks away, and Brawl scratches his helmet in slight confusion*

Brawl: Uh so...

Drag Strip, thumbs up: Yeah, we'll do what you suggested.

Brawl, smiling: Great!

Drag Strip , starting to leave : See you later, it's better that we don't all stay together, it might seem suspicious.

Brawl: Oh- Uh... Yeah.

[Drag Strip walked away, and Brawl sighed. If Bombshell had been there, he could have spent time with him. Brawl then clenched his fists, while trying not to get demoralized. They were going to get there! They were going to find Bombshell!]

Brawl , determined :  (Don't worry, Bombshell! I'm coming!) 

[Kickback arrived towards the Insecticons quarters, and opened the door, before entering the living room. A huge void came over him then, seeing neither Shrapnel nor Bombshell in the room, and knowing very well that he would never see Shrapnel again, and that there was also the same risk for Bombshell]

*Kickback approaches the sofa, before sitting on it*

[The silence was deafening... Tears welled up in Kickback's optics, before he ended up crying out loud. He wanted Bombshell and Shrapnel to be with him. He wanted Shrapnel alive. He wished he could live happily with those he considered his family] 

Chapter Text

[Night came, and Kickback, Drag Strip and Brawl met at the place and time given by Kickback]

Kickback: Okay, you know what you need to do?

Drag Strip: Of course!

Brawl: Yeah!

Kickback: Good, I'll take some energon, and I'll meet you in ten minutes at the spaceship!

Brawl: Alright!

[Kickback left for the energon storage room, while Brawl and Drag Strip left for Barricade's spaceship. Kickback arrived at the storage room, and having already checked where the cameras were, he avoided them, so as not to be noticed by Soundwave]

Kickback:  (So far so good!) 

[Soundwave, by the way, wasn't actually very focused on the cameras, giving directions to Frenzy to infiltrate the Autobot ship]

Soundwave: If you ever see Hook, don't try to save him on your own, come back here, report to me, and then we'll send a team to get him! Understood?

Frenzy: Understood!

Rumble: We're counting on you!

Frenzy: Don't worry! 

[Kickback, at the same time, arrived at the crates of energon, and took one, then a second, before making the trip in the opposite direction, and running to join Drag Strip and Brawl]

Kickback , smiling :  (We did it!)

[Drag Strip entered the spaceship, while Brawl stood watch, and Drag Strip prepared the spaceship to start. Brawl then spotted Kickback, rushing out, and running towards them. Brawl smiles, before letting Kickback enter first, then enter as well, and the cargo bay closed]

Kickback, putting down the crates: So?

Drag Strip: It's good! It will take off soon! It's just a bit longer because I don't have the master key, but we can do without. 

[However, Barricade was heading back to his spaceship, deciding to leave in the evening, in doubt that Megatron would still want to ask him for something below his fee. He was the scammer in the story, he wasn't going to let himself be scammed]

*Barricade arrives at his spaceship, before seeing it taking off*

Barricade, shocked: Huh?!!

[Barricade went into his alternate mode and angrily rolled towards his spaceship. The rain began to fall, and lightning suddenly dotted the sky, but that didn't stop Barricade, who managed to reach the ship, before it took off completely, and Barricade ghosted through it]

*Kickback, Brawl and Drag Strip turned back to see Barricade, then paled*

Barricade, enraged: What are you doing?!! 

[The storms continued to beat down in the sky, and on the earth. Shrapnel's coffin was tossed about in the wind and rain, before suddenly a thunderstorm hit it full force! The cloth coffin was torn and shredded. Shrapnel's body was lifted by the lightning, before his colors gradually reappeared, and his optics turned back to red]

*Shrapnel looks at his hands, which are surrounded by electricity like the rest of his body*

Shrapnel, confused: Huh ~huh~?

[Shrapnel quickly moved his arm to release the electricity, but thrown a bolt of lightning instead]

Shrapnel, shocked: ...

[Shrapnel heard a flash in the distance, and turned his head, then saw a spaceship take off in the sky, and felt like he felt Kickback's energy in it. With him were three others, and one of them was very hostile]

Shrapnel , frowning :  (Kickback's in danger!) 

[Brawl attempted to attack Barricade, but all his punches went ghosted through it. Brawl recoiled in surprise, as Kickback paled in fear. Drag Strip was trying to stay focused on commanding the spaceship, but knowing that Barricade was here, make him too stressed to control perfectly!]

Barricade: You're going to do me the favor to land that fragging spaceship!

Kickback, determined: No way!

Barricade: In that case I would do it myself!

[Kickback didn't know what to do, they couldn't compete with an intangible robot! Drag Strip turned his head towards the fight, before looking the space, to suddenly see lightning rushing at them]

Drag Strip, panicked: AAAAAH!

[Lightning shattered the glass of the ship, before standing up, and glaring at Barricade. The electricity around the person disappeared, and Kickback widened his optics with shock, not realizing who he was really seeing]

Kickback, confused, and feeling his tears well up: ...Shrapnel...?

[Brawl and Drag Strip's optics widened in surprise, as Barricade frowned in confusion. The ship began its self-repair, and Barricade felt anger rising]

Barricade: That's enough, I'll bring you all down here and now!

[The spaceship reached the atmosphere, causing quite a bit of turbulence, but the turbulence quickly died down, and Barricade pulled out a blaster, before Shrapnel reached out his hand]

Shrapnel: Hey! Drop that ~that~!

[Suddenly, a bolt of lightning shoots from Shrapnel's hand, and the attack was so quick, that Barricade couldn't dodge or ghosted through it. Barricade took off backwards, before crashing into the back wall, and fell unconscious from the shock of the attack. All watched Barricade crumble, before turning to Shrapnel]

Shrapnel, nervous: Uh... I just wanted to point him ~him ~...

Kickback, approaching Shrapnel: You- You're alive?

Shrapnel, confused: I was dead ~dead~?

[Kickback touched Shrapnel, to make sure he wasn't hallucinating, and got a little electric shot]

Kickback, surprised: Oh! Ouch!

Shrapnel: Sorry, I got hit by a lightning bolt ~bolt~!

Drag Strip, confused: What?

Brawl, stunned: You came back from the dead...

Shrapnel: But what are you talking about-

[Shrapnel didn't have time to finish his sentence when Kickback gave him a hug, before starting to cry. Shrapnel froze for a moment in surprise, before stroking Kickback's helmet, and responding to the hug]

Shrapnel: Eh- Don't cry ~cry~...

Kickback, crying with joy: I'm so happy to see you again!

Brawl, smiling: Without lying, me too, mech!

Drag Strip: We all thought you were dead!

Shrapnel: ...

[Shrapnel had to admit he was quite confused, he briefly remembered that Bombshell was in danger and-]

Shrapnel, worried: Bombshell? Where's Bombshell?!

Kickback: We think he was kidnapped...

Drag Strip: You were there though. No?

Shrapnel, frowning: I...I can't quite remember...

Kickback: ...Don't worry, it doesn't matter. Anyway, we're leaving to save Bombshell!

Shrapnel: ...Is that why you take a spaceship ~ship~?!

Brawl: Yup!

Drag Strip, driving the ship, while explained: We're getting to the space bridge soon. Apparently, Kickback senses where Bombshell is.

[Shrapnel looks towards the space bridge, before nodding]

Shrapnel: I feel him too ~too~. 

[In the distance, however, Bombshell gasped in surprise, as he felt a connection to someone he never thought he'd feel again]

Bombshell: (Shrapnel...)

[There was no doubt Shrapnel was alive, and despite his own situation, Bombshell couldn't help but smile happily] 

Chapter Text

[Kickback, Drag Strip, Brawl, and Shrapnel were considering what to do with Barricade. They clearly couldn't bring him back to the Nemesis, already because they were too far away for that now, and especially because otherwise Barricade would warn Megatron of their escape]

Drag Strip: ...We throw him into space.

Kickback: Eh?!

Brawl: Uh... If he survives, we'll be in trouble.

Shrapnel: We kill him, then throw him into space ~space~.

Kickback, indignant: But we're not going to kill him!

Drag Strip: If we don't kill him, he's going to kill us! So, between his life and mine, the choice is not difficult!

Brawl: Or we can put him on the first planet we see - No, because if he manages to follow us the result is the same...

Shrapnel, shrugging: We're putting him in the prison of the ship ~ship~.

Drag Strip, shaking his head to say no: He will ghost through it.

Shrapnel: Really? Then why didn't he ghost through the lightning ~lightning~?

[A certain silence settled, before everyone began to think]

Kickback: Hm...

Drag Strip: It's true that...

Brawl: He can’t ghost through lightning?

Kickback: Or he didn't have time to react.

Shrapnel: So, we can say that, if he wakes up, I electrocute him ~him~!

Drag Strip: But you can't do it now, normally. You had being hit by a lightning, okay, but all the electricity probably go now.

Shrapnel: Oh damn. So, we throw him into space-

[Shrapnel pointed to the cargo hold, and suddenly a bolt of lightning shooted out of his finger, crashing directly into the back wall, and everyone jumped in surprise]

Everyone:  *Shocked*

Shrapnel, nervous: ...Uh... I think I still have electricity ~electricity~...

Kickback, shocked: ...I... I think too...

Brawl: I suggest we keep the idea that Shrapnel electrocutes him if he wakes up.

Drag Strip: ...Okay. 

[However, Frenzy managed to infiltrate the Autobot base, and headed straight for the prison room. But Frenzy didn't see Hook and decided to look elsewhere, not wanting to despair at the thought of finding him]

Frenzy , determined :  (He's with the Autobots! That's for sure!)

[Frenzy started looking through all the rooms, one by one, before arriving in front of the medical bay. Part of him hoped to find him there, but on the other hand, he didn't want Hook to get hurt...]

*Frenzy manages to enter the medical bay*

[Frenzy looked around, before widening his optics with shock, seeing Hook on one of the repair tables, with lots of machines, that Frenzy didn't know, around him]

*Frenzy approaches Hook worriedly*

Frenzy, worried: Hook!

[Frenzy noticed that Hook seemed sleeping, and shook him in an attempt to wake him up. Hook blinked his optics with difficulty, before he seemed to catch sight of Frenzy. Due to the forced load, he couldn't speak, and his CPU was still too foggy to really react]

Frenzy, worried: Hook! What did they do to you? Are you doing well? Don't worry! I will warn Soundwave!

[Frenzy then also noticed Vortex on another repair table, and frowned in confusion. He didn't understand why the Autobots had decided not to tell them they had Vortex and Hook]

Frenzy, angrily: (What a bunch of fraggers!) *Worried* I have to go! Don't worry! We'll get you out of here!

[Hook wanted to answer, but he couldn't. He wanted to warn about Knockout. He wanted to know if his team was doing well. He wanted to remove this machine that prevented him from feeling his team. Hook was ashamed of it, but he was scared... Frenzy walked away through the vent, and Hook watched him go without being able to say or do anything]

*Hook feels tired again, and goes back to sleep without being able to control it*

[Frenzy got out of the Ark, and started running, desperate to free Hook from here. Frenzy suddenly saw the Constructicons, hiding behind a rock]

Frenzy, surprised and stopping: What are you doing here?!

Scrapper, concerned: Have you seen Hook?

Scavenger, worried: Is he okay?!

Bonecrusher, angry: Let's destroy those damn Autobots! It is sure that they kidnapped him!

Frenzy: Uh- I have to warn Soundwave first, it would be dangerous to directly attack their base.

Mixmaster, frowning : So he's in!

Long Haul: Let's go warn Soundwave.

Frenzy: Are you taking me?

[Long Haul gestured that he could, before going into his alternate mode. Frenzy then went up, but suddenly they saw the Aerialbots in the sky]

Scrapper, exclaiming: Roll!!!

[Everyone else transformed, before rolling, in order to flee, as the Aerialbots fired at them]

Slingshot, sneering: Look at those pathetic mechs!

[Suddenly, Slingshot took cannon fire, and Silverbot spotted Onslaught downstairs in his alt mode, firing back at them. Skydive caught Slingshot before he crashed, and flew away, followed by the others, preferring to get their teammate to safety]

*Onslaught goes back to his root mode, before approaching the Constructicons, and Frenzy*

Onslaught: Everyone is fine.

Scavenger: I think so...

Scrapper, to other Constructicons: All good for you?

Mixmaster: Fortunately, yes.

Bonecrusher, furious: I should have thrown a rock at them!

Long Haul: Let's go back to base.

[All of them transformed before returning to the base, and upon arriving entered it. Frenzy jumped straight out of the Long Haul's dumpster, to join Soundwave, and the others went back to their root mode]

Scavenger, following Frenzy: You didn't tell us what you saw!

[The others followed in their turn, but Scrapper suddenly felt strange, as if an big fatigue was tugging at him. His head was starting to spin, and Scrapper put a hand on the wall, to hold himself up, before seeing energon dripping onto the floor]

Scrapper, dizzy and tired: Ah...I...Onsl-

[Scrapper staggered, before collapsing to the ground, and the others turned with shock]

Scavenger, panicked: Scrapper!!! 

Chapter Text

[Onslaught ran to Scrapper, followed by Scavenger, then Long Haul, Mixmaster and Bonecrusher]

Onslaught, worried: Scrapper!

Scavenger, panicked: Oh no! He is hurt!

Long Haul, frowning: One of the shots hit him!

[Onslaught carried Scrapper, before heading straight for the medical bay, and the other Constructicons came with him. Onslaught arrived at the medical room, and Knockout turned to them, before frowning]

Knockout: Huh? What has happened?

Onslaught: He got shot! Fix him!

Knockout, sneering: With a little more politeness, yes!

Onslaught, growling: What?! Do you think that-

Scavenger, pleading: Please! Fix him! Please!

Knockout: Fine!

[Onslaught put Scrapper on one of the repair tables, while Knockout took his gear. Scavenger was terribly angry against himself, he should have been more attentive. If Hook had been there, he would have directly verified that Scrapper had not been hit]

Knockout: Okay, get out, I'll take care of him.

Scavenger, concerned: Huh? But-

Knockout, bossy: Out.

[All reluctantly exited, and Knockout began to fix Scrapper, only to find that the injury had been made worse from a transformation right after taking the hit. How? While continuing to repair, Knockout noticed something strange, he couldn't find the pain circuits]

Knockout: ... *Smiling evilly* Hm?

[It was a fairly rare deformity, and Knockout had never seen one before. It was interesting. Knockout wondered if Megatron knew. If not, telling him might make Megatron give him some of his trust]

Knockout, laughing: Ha! Ha! Ha! (At the same time being helped by Starscream, on my side, I'm going to make Megatron trust me completely.) 

[However, Frenzy was telling Soundwave what he had seen, and Soundwave looked worried]

Frenzy, exclaiming: Good! Now we must warn Megatron, and then go get Hook!

Soundwave, stopping: No, wait. Something bothers me. Why didn't the Autobots tell us they have Hook and Vortex?

Franky: I don't know...

Rumble, impatient: Who cares! We gotta go free Hook!!!

Soundwave, getting up from his chair: No. There is something that is not normal...

Frenzy, confused: What do you mean?

Soundwave: Hiding POWs...even Megatron wouldn't. The Autobots must have a good reason...

Rumble, confused: I don't understand.

Soundwave: If they didn't tell us they have prisoners, that means Hook and Vortex aren't considered prisoners. But like robots needing protection.

Frenzy: Huh?

Rumble: “Protection”? If there are many mechs who don't need it, it's these two...

Soundwave: No... From what you told me, Frenzy, both were in intensive care, which means someone made an attempt on their lives. And he's probably a Decepticon, that's why the Autobots don't want to warn us.

Frenzy, shocked: There's a traitor?!

Rumble: Starscream!

Soundwave, worried: Starscream has always tried to kill Megatron, never anyone else...

Rumble: Let's ask the Autobots who they saw!

Soundwave: No... The Autobots would say they don't have prisoners...

Franzy: Why?

Soundwave: Because if a Decepticon tried to kill them, then they can't trust any Decepticons...

Frenzy: But why try to assassinate Hook and Vortex?

Soundwave, looking at the monitors: That's something we're going to have to figure out, in order to find out who the traitor is, and what his intentions are... 

[Cosmos woke up, before turning pale, seeing that he was in a prison, where it was completely dark. Luckily, Cosmos could see in the dark, so he could see around him. Cosmos stood up, before approaching the bars in fear]

Cosmos, panicked: Help!

Froid: ...Cosmos is that you?

[Cosmos turned, before seeing Froid, and approached him with relief]

Cosmos: I'm glad to see you! I was afraid of being alone! On the other hand, I do not see Blast Off! Maybe he managed to avoid getting caught! How are you?! Where are we?!

Froid: ...I don't know... What do you see?

Cosmos: I- I see jail bars, and- Wait. Why “what do I see”... Can't you see?

Froid, stressed: I... I can't see anything in the dark...

Cosmos, confused: Huh?

Froid: When... When I was still on Cybertron, criminals ripped my optics from me...

Cosmos, turning pale with horror: What? But why?

Froid: Glider optics are very popular, because unlike the optics of other Flyers, they are compatible with Wheelers... Many Wheelers wanted to be able to see in the dark...

Cosmos: But why they didn't you give you other optics like yours...

Froid: Gliders are rare, and if glider optics are compatible with Wheelers, the reverse is also true... And Wheelers optics are less rare...

Cosmos, shocked: You mean that-

Froid: Yes, they gave me Wheelers optics to fix me, and since I don't have headlights, I can't see anything in the dark anymore, if there is no light source. So...sorry in advance, I might not be very helpful to you...

Cosmos, worried: Don't apologize. It's not your fault...

Froid, smiling sadly: You're nice...Sunder was like you before, just a little less confident.

Cosmos: Really?

Froid, shaking his head: Yes... Actually, I don't think it was lack of confidence, but he was quite nervous around people... Yet when it was necessary to be there for someone, he did his best to help...

Cosmos, smiling: You still seem to love him...

Froid, laughing sadly: Unfortunately for me. Maybe it would have been easier, if it hadn't been... But I can't help but think back to the good times, and I want to find the one I loved...

Cosmos: I'm sure you'll find him.

Froid, smiling: Thank you.

[Faced with the deep darkness that surrounded him, Froid couldn't help remembering the day when he had lost his sight of the night...] 

Chapter Text

...In the past...

[Froid was locking the door to his clinic, and Sunder was waiting next to him looking at the stars, in the past Sunder had sky blue optics. Froid put the key in his subspace, before approaching Sunder. Sunder always accompanied Froid to the subway, even though it was completely on the other side of where Sunder lived]

Froid, smiling: You know, you don't have to accompany me every time.

Sunder, embarrassed: Does that bother you...?

Froid: Oh! No! It's just for you. It makes you walk.

Sunder, looking away: If it's make me spend a little more time with you, that's fine with me...

[Froid smiles, before taking Sunder's hand, who smiles softly in return. The two walked towards the subway, then upon arriving they both went down the stairs, and Sunder had to lower his head slightly. Sunder couldn't take the subway because the wagon was too small for him]

*The wagon arrives, and the doors open*

Froid, getting inside: See you tomorrow.

Sunder: See you tomorrow.

[The doors closed, and Froid saw three more mechs in the wagon. The subway started, and he then briefly saw Sunder, who made a worried face. At that moment, Froid should have understood that the mechs nearby didn't have good intentions]

*Froid sits on one of the seats, before seeing the three mechs get up*

[Froid frowned, before realizing that they were approaching him. Froid then felt an uneasiness pass through him, and got up in turn, deciding to go to another part of the subway, hoping that there would be people there]

*Froid feels himself being pulled back, and sees one of the mechs, who looks at him with an evil smile*

Mech 1: Hey! Love your optics! Are you giving them to us?!

[Froid turned pale and pushed the mech away, freeing himself from his grip, before trying to run away. But he was brutally tackled to the ground by two of the mechs, while the other took medical equipment out of a bag]

*Froid struggles desperately to free himself, but he doesn't have enough strength to do so*

[The last thing Froid remembered was the machine to remove his optics approaching him, before he felt a horrible pain and everything went black... ...Then...he woke up in the hospital]

*Froid looks around in confusion, in fact he is surprised that he can still see*

[Froid then saw Sunder, who was looking out the window, before seeing that Froid was awake, and approaching him with concern]

Sunder, worried: How are you feeling?

Froid, standing up: Confused. Do I still have my optics?

[At this question, Sunder tensed, before looking elsewhere, and Froid understood]

Froid: They're not mine, are they?

Sunder: No...

Froid, smiling : Well, well at least I have new optics!

[Froid didn't want to worry Sunder more than that, and preferred to act as if nothing had happened. The doctor arrived in the room, and looked at the notepad for a moment, before returning his gaze to Froid]

Doctor: Hm... I need to tell you something about your optics, and I'll do it quickly, because I have other patients to take care of.

Froid , discreetly rolling optics :  (It's said in such a nice way.)

Doctor: Since Gliders are rare, we couldn't find other optics of the same mode, so instead we gave you Wheeler optics.

[Froid and Sunder looked at the doctor in shock, before both looking at each other, and Froid frowned in anger as he turned to the doctor]

Froid, angry: What?!

Doctor: It's the best we could do. And then, if you didn't have this alternate mode, none of this would have happened.

Froid, outraged: Oh, because it's my fault now?

Doctor, annoyed: No matter, I have other things to do. *Starts to leave* I don't see why I should justify myself to a Broken Flyer. I would ask you to leave.

[A little later, Froid and Sunder arrived at the clinic, and Froid opened the door, before entering, followed by Sunder]

Sunder: Are you sure you want to work? You can rest a little.

Froid: I'm fine.

[A silence came in response, and Froid understood that it was because Sunder didn't believe him, and was worried about him]

Froid, sighing : Stop worrying...

Sunder: I'm right to be worried, you were attacked, and you're acting like nothing happened. Besides, I felt that there was something wrong with them, I should have reacted more quickly.

[Froid then walked towards Sunder, before giving him a hug, to which the latter responded]

Froid: I assure you that you have nothing to worry about, and it's not your fault. *Stops the hug* Let's go to work.

Sunder: ... *Nods*

[Froid knew he hadn't been able to convince Sunder, but that didn't matter. What happened...wasn't serious... Evening came, and Froid was locking the door]

Froid, realizing: Ah! I forgot something in it. Leave without me.

Sunder: Hmm? What? I can help you find it.

Froid, entering the clinic again: No, no. It's good! You can go.

[Froid returned to the clinic, with the spark beating. Froid hadn't realized how dark it would be, how much darkness would engulf him. Froid was terrified, he had already had difficulty seeing with the street lights, and he knew that by the time he got home, the curfew would have turned off all the lights in the city. He hadn't managed to defend himself when he could still see. So, what would happen now?]

Sunder, worried: ...Froid.

[Froid saw Sunder enter the clinic again, and approached Froid]

Froid, looking away: I told you could leave without me...

Sunder: If I left while you were in trouble, I'd be a terrible friend... Besides, I don't want you to come home alone. Just don't take the subway. I'll walk you home.

Froid: Your house is the opposite of mine...

Sunder: So what?

Froid: ...

*Froid puts his face in his hands, before crying*

Froid: Sunder...I'm scared. I'm afraid of the dark. You don't realize how dark it is outside. I didn’t realize how lucky I was to have my optics. *Bitter* And they took them from me as if they were their property. *Scared* I don't want to go outside...

[Sunder looked at Froid for a moment, before picking Froid up and carrying him]

Sunder: You don't have to worry, because this time, I won't leave you. And, well, I don't know how to fight, but if there are ever malicious robots... *Uncertain* I would hit them.

*Froid smiles, before hugging Sunder*

Froid: Thank you.

Sunder: And then if you ever get scared... Think of something that reassures you. I think of space.

Froid: Space is pretty, but I've only ever been able to see it from the ground.

Sunder: I'll show you someday, if you want.

Froid: That would be great.

...In the present...

[Froid heard a sound of metal, and concluded that it must be Cosmos trying to break down the door]

Froid: Stop, you'll hurt yourself.

Cosmos: But we have to get out of here!!!

[Suddenly, the prison doors opened, and Cosmos stepped back in surprise]

Cosmos, stammering: The door open itself.

Froid, surprised: Huh?

[Cosmos walked towards Froid, and helped him up, before the two moved towards the exit. Froid honestly had a very bad feeling]