Archive of Our Own

PART ONE: FALL OF CYBERTRON

The vast, silent expanse of space. Stars twinkle in the distance, and the remnants of destroyed spacecraft drift aimlessly. The camera slowly zooms in on a lone, massive spaceship, the Ark, floating in the void. The voice of Optimus Prime begins to narrate.

In the beginning, there was peace. Cybertron, our home, was a beacon of prosperity and harmony. The Senate, once corrupt, was cleansed, and for a time, we thrived. But as the saying goes, all good things must ultimately come to an end.

Flashbacks were shown of a vibrant Cybertron, bustling with life and activity. The Senate chambers are shown, once filled with deceit, now reformed and just. The scene shifts to the rise of the Decepticons, led by Megatron, as they begin their assault on the planet.

The Decepticons, led by the tyrannical Megatron, sought power above all else. Their hunger for control ignited a war that would span millennia, leaving our world a barren wasteland.

Scenes of intense battles on Cybertron were now shown. Autobots and Decepticons clash in fierce combat, cities crumble, and the once beautiful planet is reduced to ruins. The camera focuses on Optimus Prime, standing resolute amidst the chaos, rallying his troops. He stands tall with a powerful and commanding presence, his frame adorned in his signature blue and red color scheme. The blue covers his legs, forearms, and parts of his torso, while the red dominates his chest and shoulders. His silver accents highlight his lower legs, waist, arms, and head, adding a metallic sheen that emphasizes his robotic nature. A notable feature is the ‘Megatron scar’ on the right side of his chest, a testament to his battles and resilience and given to him by his nemesis.

Optimus wields an Energon Axe in his left hand, its blade glowing with an intense orange-yellow hue, and an Energon Spear in his right hand, similarly glowing at the tip. His left forearm is equipped with an Elbow Rocket, a small but powerful protrusion, while his right arm features an integrated Blaster. His head is crowned with silver faceplates, blue eyes, and antennae-like structures on either side, giving him a regal yet battle-ready look.

(Art by NSnicolass)

In the face of this tyranny, I formed the Autobots. We fought back with all our might, but the cost was great. Cybertron, once a jewel of the cosmos, became a war-torn shadow of its former self.

The present, aboard the Ark. The Autobots are preparing for their final stand. Optimus Prime stands at the helm, looking out into the void of space.

Optimus Prime: My name is Optimus Prime, and this is the story of the Fall of Cybertron and our journey to a new world. A world called Earth.

The camera pans out, showing the Ark drifting towards a distant blue planet. The scene transitions to a fierce battle on Cybertron, where the Autobots are making their last desperate attempt to escape. Two seekers shoot at the group, one blue, and one green.

Green Seeker: Oh, I love shooting Autobots!

He shouts as he laughs manically, firing from a machine gun, while the Blue one presses the comlink on his ear.

Blue Seeker: Starscream, I need air assistance!

Meanwhile, on a tower, Starscream, the second-in-command of the Decepticons, shoots down while leaning for cover. He features a predominantly white and gray color scheme, accented with red and blue details that highlight his aggressive and agile nature. Starscream’s large, angular wings are a standout feature, resembling those of a fighter jet. These wings are white with red stripes, adding to his aerodynamic design and giving him a formidable presence. His head is silver-gray with sharp features, including two pointed red elements on top that resemble ears or horns. 

The torso is muscular and designed to look like the cockpit of a jet, with a prominent yellow chest piece and red accents on the sides. His arms are bulky, with white upper arms and forearms that have blue and red details. The hands are articulated with individual fingers, suggesting dexterity and strength. Starscream’s legs are sturdy and mechanical, primarily white with blue thighs and red accents around the knees. The feet end in pointed tips that resemble the nose cones of jets, colored in blue, enhancing his sleek and powerful look.

(I don’t know the artist for this work)

Starscream: Not happening, you fool! The skies are too dangerous at this time!

Green Seeker: This is the best the Autobots have?

As they continue shooting, a purple turret the Seekers had on the floor fires an explosive shot, that hits the Autobot cannons, vanquishing them.

On Cybertron, explosions rock the landscape as Autobots and Decepticons engage in brutal combat. Optimus Prime leads the charge, his voice commanding and filled with determination.

Optimus Prime: Autobots, hold the line! We must give our brothers and sisters time to board the Ark. 

Jazz, Optimus’s music-loving second-in-command, was shooting from his shoulder cannon, while using his car shields to protect him and his allies from incoming blasts. He has a predominantly white and silver body, with blue-tinted windows on his chest that add a touch of sophistication. His design is accented with black and red detailing, including a prominent number ‘4’ on his door-wing elements, which gives him a sporty look. Jazz’s head is silver with a blue visor-like eye, giving him a futuristic and cool demeanor. His shoulders feature visible tire components, emphasizing his transformation capabilities. The intricate mechanical components throughout his body showcase his advanced engineering and readiness for action.The red and blue stripes and the black grille section on his abdomen add to his distinctive and stylish appearance, making him a standout member of the Autobots.

Jazz: Optimus, the Decepticons are closing in! We need to move now!

Optimus Prime: Stay strong, Jazz. We will not falter. For Cybertron, for our future, we fight!

The scene intensifies as the Autobots push back against the Decepticons, fighting with everything they have. The camera focuses on Optimus Prime, his eyes filled with resolve. 

Optimus Prime: Where’s our reinforcements? Where’s Bumblebee?

On cue, a familiar yellow car starts driving through the battlefield, with out of the hood two turrets coming out and shooting two Seekers down, and bumping into one to crashland as the car transforms, featuring a predominantly yellow and black color scheme, which highlights his agility and youthful energy. His design incorporates car elements, such as wheels on his shoulders and lower legs. The chest area resembles the front end of a car, complete with headlights and a grille, giving him a robust and recognizable look. He also has two large, wing-like structures protruding from his back, likely parts of his vehicle mode’s rear, adding to his aerodynamic design.

His arms and legs are armored with intricate mechanical details, suggesting both strength and flexibility. His head is characterized by two horn-like projections, blue eyes, and a yellow faceplate that covers the lower half of his face. This is B-127, or his friends like to call him, Bumblebee.

(Art by OptimusHunter29)

Bumblebee: (Beeping in Cybertronian Binary) Sorry I’m late, boss, the traffic was crazy.

Autobot reinforcements arrived, as blasts and planes blazed towards the sky, as missiles hit a glowing purple forcefield, belonging to a Cybertronian who is predominantly purple, with varying shades that create a sense of depth and mechanical complexity. His physique is robust and armored, with broad shoulders and a powerful stance. His head features a singular red eye, characteristic of his design, and lacks any other facial features, giving him a cold and calculating look. Angular protrusions on either side of his head resemble ears or fins, adding to his alien appearance.

The chest area is large and pronounced, with lighter purple highlights suggesting a power source or energy core. His arms are thick and muscular, with darker purple segments on the upper arms and lighter shades on the forearms, ending in a claw-like hand with three sharp fingers. His legs are sturdy and powerful, tapering down to pointed feet that provide excellent balance. Red accents run down his legs, indicating energy channels or conduits. Additionally, one of his arms is a canon. The Decepticon scientist Shockwave as he blasts down.

(Art by lynmov)

Shockwave: Soundwave, is Lord Megatron on his way here?

Right next to him, is another Deceptcon who features a predominantly dark color scheme with shades of deep blue and black, giving him a stealthy and formidable look. His physique is robust and armored, with broad shoulders that are sharply angled. The chest area is prominent, with circular red details that could represent lights or buttons on the lower part of his torso, suggesting a source of power or control.

His head is sleek, with a glowing red visor, giving him a mysterious and menacing appearance. The helmet-like head has sharp angles and protrusions at the top, enhancing his aggressive look. His right arm is significantly bulkier than the left, ending in a large hand or claw, adding to his mechanical and formidable nature. This was Soundwave, head of communications, who just silently nods as he shows a signal of Megatron approaching.

(Art by RennyYeti)

On cue, a squad of Seekers flew in the air, firing missiles down on the fleeing Autobots, hitting the ground to cause explosions and killing them.

????: Optimus, we need to go. He’s coming.

A female voice said to Optimus through the comlink, making his blue eyes raise in worry.

Optimus Prime: Autobots, fall back! Megatron is coming! Get to the tower! 

He ordered, giving covering fire to buy his fellow bots time to escape, but he then spots a familiar helicopter in the air, before transforming and landing on the ground as an explosion blew in the background. He stood tall with a predominantly silver and grey color scheme, giving him a metallic and battle-hardened look. His chest is broad and angular, featuring red accents and a prominent Decepticon insignia in the center, symbolizing his leadership and power.

His head is helmeted, with narrow red eyes and silver facial detailing that gives him a perpetual frown, enhancing his menacing demeanor. The helmet has a central crest that points upwards, flanked by two smaller protrusions on either side, adding to his aggressive look. One of the most striking features is the large, angular wings on his back. These wings protrude significantly, featuring sharp points and a mechanical aesthetic consistent with the Transformers’ design. The wings have bold red detailing that highlights their shape and adds to Megatron’s intimidating presence.

His shoulders are wide, with large, armor-like pieces extending upwards, colored in gray with purple and black detailing. His arms are bulky and powerful, with the right arm ending in his Fusion Cannon, a signature weapon that underscores his destructive capabilities, while the left arm has a regular hand with fingers. Both arms feature red circular accents, adding to his formidable appearance. The waist area is narrower, leading to thick, sturdy legs that end in large feet, designed for stability and strength. Red accents on the knees and ankles further highlight his mechanical and powerful design.

(Art by 2-ee)

Optimus Prime: Megatron…….

The infamous leader of the Decepticons looks at his former friend across the battlefield, his furious red eyes narrowing and sharing the same bitter look as he then raises his cannon arm.

Megatron: RALLY TO ME, MY DECEPTICONS……..ATTACK!!!

With this roar, the Decepticons all united, advancing as Megatron roars, hitting one Autobot with his arm cannon, before grabbing another one by the face and slamming his face to the ground, before finishing him off with a purple blast. While the Autobots retreated, Starscream, Soundwave, and Shockwave lined up next to Megatron on both sides.

Megatron: Starscream, destroy the launch pad. Nobody leaves!

Starscream follows his orders as he and a pair of Seekers flew to the tower, which the Ark was on, as the Autobots ran inside.

Optimus Prime: Ratchet, start the ship, we’re leaving now!

In the ship’s command center, Ratchet and some mechanics started the Ark’s engine. He features a predominantly white color scheme, accented with orange and black. His face is distinctive with silver features, blue eyes, and an orange crest or marking on the forehead. The chest area prominently displays an orange cross symbol, indicative of his medical function. His shoulders are broad with orange and black detailing, leading to arms that have multiple layers of armor plating and mechanical components. Each hand has five fingers, detailed with black joints, suggesting precision and dexterity.

Ratchet’s midsection is narrower, contrasting with his broad shoulders and chest. His legs are sturdy and powerful-looking, with heavy armor plating. The thighs are predominantly white, while the lower legs incorporate more red detailing. Angular patterns and various small details like vents, bolts, and panel lines contribute to his high-tech, mechanical aesthetic.

(Art by OptimusHunter29)

Ratchet: On it, starting the engines now!

On cue, the Ark started flying, about the time Starscream and the Seekers opened fired open the tower and Ark, but the ship’s shields protected, while its turrets came out and shot down the Seekers, allowing the ship to safely leave, which Megatron sees, as he takes off his helmet, showing his scared face.

(Art by RennyYeti)

Megatron: Run all you’d like, Autobots! You cannot escape your inevitable doom!

He roars, as Shockwave looks at him.

Shockwave: What is your command, Lord Megatron?

Megatron: The slaughter must go on, Shockwave. On this day, we let those who dare challenge us know……MEGATRON IS COMING!!!

He roars as he raises his fist in the air, followed by the other Decepticons raising their arms and roaring in triumph, as Optimus is seen looking down at his home with a look of sorrow and sadness as he looks down,

Optimus Prime (Voiceover): And so, our journey begins. A journey of hope, of survival, and of a new beginning. This is our story. This is the story of the Transformers: Earthbound.

The screen fades to black, with the title “Transformers: Earthbound” appearing in bold letters.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(4 Years Later)

(Earth)

(-New York City)

The middle school bell rings as the kids walked out, talking and conversing.

????: And I’m thinking we can go out tonight and test the project out tonight, see if we can get any readings.

One voice belonged to a 12-year old boy. Okay, he's twelve and a quarter. A very big quarter! He's very specific about that. He has light brown skin and spiky brown hair, which adds to his energetic look. Raf wears large, square-framed glasses that give him a distinctive and intelligent appearance. is dressed in a beige long-sleeve shirt with rolled-up cuffs, paired with dark pants. He also sports an orange scarf, adding a splash of color to his outfit, and white sneakers with orange accents, which complete his casual yet practical look.

(Art by adabofblessings)

???? #2: Really? Or are you just hoping to deliver it to NASA so that you can be hired, Raf?

Another voice casually teased, belonging to a 13-year old girl. She has red hair styled into two upward-pointing tufts that resemble small wings or horns, held in place by a pink hairband. Her skin tone is peach, and she has large blue eyes with black pupils and thin eyebrows. She wears an orange jacket with rolled-up sleeves over a white shirt that has a small black detail on the collar. The jacket features two visible pockets and a badge or emblem on the left side of her chest. Her legs are elongated and slender. Her feet are large compared to her body proportions and have an organic shape, colored beige with darker beige accents. Noticeably, she also has a weird key that she wears around her neck like a necklace.

(Art by Kabukiaku)

Raf blushed in embarrassment.

Raf: N-No, Sari, and if you ever say that again, I will tell Miko about your-

At that moment, the girl Sari quickly covered his mouth with her hand to prevent Raf for saying it out loud.

Sari: Ok, ok, I’m sorry. No need to make it personal.

She releases his hand as she sees a car drive up.

Raf: You’re not gonna tell your dad about this, are you?

Sari: Nah, he’s probably gonna keep me stuck in my house, so it’s our little secret.

She said, using a “hush-hush” gesture as the two kids approached the car, with Sari opening the passenger seat to sit next to the driver, who was a man wearing a white short-sleeved shirt with rolled-up sleeves, paired with blue overalls that have a front bib pocket. The overalls are secured with a brown belt, while he was also wearing brown gloves and boots.

????: Had a good day, kiddo?

Sari: Yeah, dad.

She said with a smile as her father looked at Raf.

????: Hey, Raf, you need a ride?

Raf: (Shakes his head) No, need, Mr. Witwicky, I’m sure my parents are on their way.

Frowning when the boy brought that up, he immediately waved his hand.

Spike: You know you can call me Spike, Raffy, and don’t worry, I’ll let your parents know that I got you.

After taking a second to consider, Raf decides why not as Sari gives a concern, which Spike returns with a “Let’s not bring this up while he’s here” look, which she immediately agrees. After driving for a while, Spike takes them to his house, moving his car into his garage, which doubles as his workshop. The car pulls into the driveway, and the garage door opens to reveal a space filled with tools, parts, and a partially assembled motorcycle, before Spike turns off the engine.

Spike: Alright, kids, we’re here. Raf, you can head inside. Sari, I need to talk to you for a minute.

Sari smiles at Raf to let him know it’ll be fine, which Raf nods to.

Sari: Go on ahead, Raf. I’ll meet you inside in a bit.

Raf: Okay, see you in a few, Sari.

As Raf heads inside the house, Spike and Sari step out of the car and walk towards the garage. Spike leans against the workbench, looking thoughtful.

Spike: I’ve been thinking a lot about Raf lately. It’s tough seeing him get ignored by his family, even when he’s trying so hard to get their attention.

Sari sighed, feeling really bad for the young boy who grew up in such a large family, yet was outcasted and alone, neglected by even his older family members.

Sari: Yeah, it breaks my heart. He’s such a great kid, and he deserves so much more. I feel like he’s my little brother sometimes.

Spike nods, feeling at least good that his little girl cares for the boy so much, since they were young.

Spike: I know what you mean. That’s why I was thinking… Maybe we could adopt him. Make him a real part of our family.

Sari’s eyes widened in surprise and a gasp blew past her lips. Adopt? As in, Raf could be her brother? For real? A part of her feels really happy at that, but the other part felt really worried, mostly with the big you-know-who.

Sari: Adopt him? But what about his parents? What if they don’t agree?

Sensing her worries, he patted her shoulder tenderly.

Spike: I’ll handle that part. We’ll talk to them and see what they think. But ultimately, we’ll ask Raf what he wants. It’s his life, after all.

Despite her worries, Sari was hopeful, smiling softly as she wondered what having Raf as her brother would be like.

Sari: You’re right, Dad. I just want him to be happy.

Now, with that out of the way, Spike decided to change the subject to a lighter tone, even smirking a bit.

Spike: Speaking of happiness, have you confessed your feelings to…..Oh, what was her name again? Miko Nakadai?

Sari’s reaction was to blush furiously in embarrassment as she squealed, making Spike laugh gently.

Sari: DAD! It’s Miko, and no, I haven’t yet. I’m planning on it, but I’m so nervous. What if she doesn’t feel the same way?

Sari said as she sits down on the workbench, which led to Spike hugging her close.

Spike: Oh, Sari. You’ll never know until you try. And even if she doesn’t return your feelings, you can still be friends. Just be honest with her.

Once again, Sari felt reassured and smiled, knowing that at least another hopeful thing to consider. She is lucky to have had such a great dad, and no way anyone could replace him.

Sari: Thanks, Dad. You’re the best.

Smiling at this, he hugs his daughter tightly, as she told him this countlessly, but he always enjoyed hearing it every time.

Spike: Anytime, kiddo. Now go hang out with Raf. I’ve got a motorcycle to fix.

Sari heads inside to join Raf, while Spike gets to work on the motorcycle, a content smile on his face, while listening to some music. By the time he was done, it was 7:00, and he figured he should perhaps take the time to discuss with Sari and Raf.

Spike: Hey, kids, what do you want for dinner?

He asked, though surprisingly, he didn’t receive a reply of any kind. Strange, perhaps he should say it louder. 

Spike: Hey, what do you kids want for dinner?

Again, no response, leading Spike to walk up to Sari’s room and noticed the door was barely creaked open.

Spike: Sari? Raf?

He asked, as he entered the room to find…..No one was there, immediately making him concerned as he didn’t see them hiding anywhere, and spotted the only window in her room opened.

Spike: Oh, no…….

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Forest)

Sari and Raf sneak out of the house and make their way into the forest in their neighborhood. The night is calm, with the moon casting a soft glow through the trees. They find a small clearing and settle down.

Sari: Alright, Raf, let’s see what you’ve got.

Sari whispered as she crosses her arms, making Raf grin.

Raf: Just wait and see. This project is going to be awesome.

He pulls out a small laptop and sets it up on a makeshift stand, and immediately begun typing, which Sari couldn’t help but giggle at.

Sari: You and your gadgets. What exactly are we looking for again?

Raf: Potential readings from outer space. You know, like signals or anything unusual. It’s a long shot, but who knows what we might find.”

Sari: Well, if anyone can find something, it’s you.

That got a smile from Raf and the two shared a laugh as he continued to set up his equipment. The laptop screen lights up, displaying various graphs and data points.

Raf: Okay, everything’s set. Now we just wait and see if we pick up anything interesting.

Sari sits down next to him as they looked at the computer.

Sari: So, what do you think we’ll find? Aliens? Secret government satellites?

That made Raf smirk in thought, wondering if he should also give his results to the NASA officials. Some pride was in his heart as he thought about the possible discoveries of a lifetime he could make.

Raf: Maybe both! Or maybe just a lot of static. But it’s worth a try.

Suddenly, the laptop starts beeping loudly, as they see an orange flash of light passing by in the sky, and the screen shows massive readings, surprising the kids as Sari leans in.

Raf: Whoa, look at this! These readings are off the charts!

Sari: What does it mean? What was that?

Before Raf can answer, a familiar yellow car appears at the edge of the clearing, its headlights shining brightly on the pair, making Sari shield her eyes. The car honks loudly, startling them.

Sari: What the—?

Raf: What is a car doing here? I didn’t even hear it coming.

The car honks again, as if urging them to leave, which Sari picks up on and stands up.

Sari: Um…..I think he wants us to go. Something must be up.

Knowing it was better to follow along and not get in trouble, Raf quickly packs up his laptop.

Raf: Yeah, let’s get out of here.

Sari and Raf are about to leave the area when they notice something unusual in the sky.

Sari: Hey, Raf, do you see that?

She points her hand to the thing coming, which was getting closer, which Raf adjusted his glasses to make sure he wasn’t hallucinating.

Raf: Yeah, what is that?

It got close enough for them to note its appearance, the first thing being it had a predominantly dark color scheme, featuring shades of black and red. Its body structure is mechanical and avian-like, with sharp, angular features that give him a sleek and precise appearance. The head is small compared to his body, with red eyes and a beak-like structure, possibly for combat or sensory purposes. Its two large wings are spread wide, each wing having three distinct segments with pointed tips resembling feathers. The wings also feature circular red patterns, which could be interpreted as mechanical details or energy sources. The limbs are slender and segmented like those of an insect, ending in clawed appendages that suggest agility and dexterity.

(Art by RennyYeti)

It let out a screech as it flew above the pair, sharpening its claws to attack the hood of the yellow car, scratching and making sparks fly as the car immediately drove to a tree to get it off, while the kids were shocked by this.

Raf: What the heck is that thing?!

Sari’s response was to grab him by the arm and run behind a rock for cover as she looked behind it, and were in for another surprise, with the yellow car transforming, revealing Bumblebee, as he started slamming the birdbot to the ground.

Sari: What……Is that?

Sari asks in awe and astonishment, while Raf had literal stars in his eyes at what he saw was amazing.

Raf: No way… the car is a robot!

Bumblebee stands tall as he throws Laserbeak through a tree, but the bird’s sharp wings sliced through it and flew in the air, Bumblebee’s optics scanning the area. Laserbeak flies off him and heads towards a cliff where Soundwave is watching. Soundwave transforms into an armored truck and charges down towards Bumblebee.

Sari: “This is insane! Are we dreaming?”

Raf: “I don’t think so. This is real!”

Soundwave barrels into Bumblebee, knocking him back. Bumblebee quickly recovers, rolling to his feet and charging at The Decepticon. The two clash, exchanging powerful blows, as the Autobot ducks under a swing from Soundwave and delivers a swift uppercut, sending Soundwave staggering back. Soundwave retaliates with a spinning kick, but Bumblebee blocks it with his forearm. The two combatants circle each other, their expressions and body language filled with animosity. Bumblebee’s optics narrow as he lunges forward, tackling Soundwave to the ground. They grapple, each trying to gain the upper hand.

Soundwave manages to throw Bumblebee off and transforms back into his truck mode, ramming into Bumblebee. Bumblebee rolls to the side, avoiding the full impact, and transforms into his car mode, speeding around Soundwave. He transforms back into robot mode mid-air, landing a powerful punch on the Decepticon’s hood. Soundwave transforms back into robot mode, and the two continue their fierce battle, trading blows and dodging attacks.

Throughout the fight, Sari and Raf watch in awe and disbelief, unable to tear their eyes away from the spectacle, as Sari slowly pulls out her phone to record the entire fight, the clash of metal echoes through the area.

Sari: This is insane…

She mutters under her breath, before her phone rings. It’s Spike, who meanwhile, was driving in his car, trying to find the kids, which she quickly answered, his urgent voice being heard over the phone as Sari glances at the fight.

Spike: Sari! Where are you and Raf?

Sari:We’re in the woods. You’re not gonna believe what’s going on, it’s getting really bad!

Spike: Stay put! I’m on my way!

With that order, Sari and Raf move to a safer spot as the fight intensifies. Soundwave releases something else: A mechanical panther with a sleek, dark gray body. It had glowing yellow eyes, and purple highlights and accents, including circular patterns on the shoulders, hips, and along the tail, which ends in a striped pattern with alternating dark gray and purple bands.

(Art by elioo)

It lunges at Bumblebee, which caused some beeps as he struggles to get the panther off of him, and is ultimately caught off guard by Soundwave’s mechanical tentacle, which springs from his chest and strikes Bumblebee in the back, electrocuting him with purple electricity, forcing him down, as Soundwave coldly stares down at him.

Sari watches in horror as Bumblebee struggles, as more tentacles from Soundwave’s chest hold him down. After a bit of a mental debate, she runs towards the downed Autobot.

Sari: What am I doing? What am I doing? What am I doing?

Just as the Decepticon was about to finish him off, the small redhead steps in front of Bumblebee defiantly, her arms spread out protectively, much to the yellow bot’s surprise.

Sari: Leave him alone!

She shouts, but Soundwave pauses, and just stands there, menacingly without saying a word, making Sari shake a bit in fear of what he is doing. In Soundwave’s point of view, his red scanners examine Sari, with a lot of question marks, given that Soundwave has never seen a human before. After taking a look at Sari and Bumblebee some more, he then motionlessly points a mechanical finger at her.

Soundwave: Laserbeak……..KILL.

Sari’s eyes widen as Laserbeak lets out a screech and suddenly swoops down from the trees, and just when the child tries to run, he latches his claws on Sari by the arms, lifting her into the air as Sari screams. Spike arrives just in time in his car, quickly heading out to see the horrifying sight of his daughter being lifted by the mechanical bird, his face contorted in fear, as he runs towards them, while a terrified Raf could only watch from his spot.

Spike: SARI!

Raf: NO!

Laserbeak just kept flapping his wings, bringing the human child up higher and higher as she looked down, watching the ground seemingly shrinking in the distance, while she struggled.

Sari: Let me go! Put me down!

At that, Laserbeak stopped just below the clouds as the moon shined on them both, making Sari look up to see the bird giving a slasher smile, and then……He released his talons. Time seemed to slow as Laserbeak dropped Sari, as the girl screamed as she fell down, the world moving in slow motion. Sari’s hair and clothes flutter in the wind, her eyes wide with fear. Bumblebee, restrained by Soundwave, watches in terror, while Spike runs desperately, hoping to try and catch his little girl, outstretched hand reaches for her, his face a mask of desperation. Sari takes a look to see the ground growing closer, and just as it seems this would be the end, something starts blowing past the trees, the familiar sound of wheels driving against the ground, and a red and blue truck bursting from the trees, transforming mid-air into Optimus Prime, as Spike watches in surprise. He lets out a yell, as he catches Sari gently in his mechanical hand as he lands, skiing across the pavement as he gently holds the shaken Sari close,the impact cushioned by his large legs, before slowly putting her down.

Optimus Prime: You’re safe now, child.

The Autobot leader said softly in reassurance as he looked towards Soundwave as Bumblebee let out happy beeps, as the Prime’s eyes narrowed.

Optimus Prime: This ends now.

He releases his Energon Axe, letting out a yell as he charges at Soundwave, forcing the Decepticon to fire sonic blasts at him, which he dodged, as Spike runs to Sari, catching her in a tight hug.

Spike: Sari! Oh, my god, are you hurt? Are you ok?!

Despite being shaken by her near-death experience, Sari still hugs Spike close, letting out some tears as Raf also runs to join in the hug, as she looks to see Optimus charges at Soundwave, his Energon Axe glowing fiercely. He swings it in a wide arc, forcing Soundwave to block with his arm. The impact sends shockwaves through the ground. Bumblebee, recovering from his earlier struggle and being released, joins the fray, targeting Laserbeak with rapid blaster shots. The two Autobots quickly synchronize their attacks. Optimus delivers a powerful uppercut to Soundwave, sending the Decepticon staggering back, which Bumblebee takes advantage of the opening, transforming into car mode to speed around Soundwave and deliver a high-speed ram to his side, knocking him off balance.

Laserbeak and Ravage leap into action to defend their master. Laserbeak dives at Optimus, who deflects the attack with his Energon Spear, while Ravage pounces on Bumblebee, claws slashing. Bumblebee grapples with the minicon, using his agility to dodge and counter with swift punches. Optimus then grabs Laserbeak mid-dive and slams him into the ground, creating a crater. Bumblebee, now free from Ravage, transforms and speeds towards Soundwave, launching himself into the air to deliver a powerful kick to Soundwave’s chest. Optimus follows up with a devastating axe strike to his chest, the orange energy sending the Decepticon back as an orange glowing scar was now on his chest. Realizing he’s outmatched, Soundwave summons Laserbeak and Ravage back into his body. He transforms into his vehicle mode and speeds away, leaving Optimus and Bumblebee victorious.

In the aftermath, Optimus sheathes his weapons, and then looks at the human trio, kneeling down as his face plate reveals his face.

Optimus: Are you three alright?

The humans just looked at him and Bumblebee in confusion and concern, as Spike let go of Sari, and placed her behind him as he approached Optimus.

Spike: What…..What are you? No wait, that sounds rude, who are you?

Optimus rises up on his feet in response.

Optimus: I am Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots, and this is one of my loyal comrades, Bumblebee.

In response to his introduction, Bumblebee takes a bow, his radio letting out a “Hello There!” from Star Wars, while Sari tilts her head.

Sari: Auto…..Bots?

Meanwhile Raf was rushing to examine Bumblebee, taking out a take to measure his size, while giddying like an excited fanboy, much to Bumblebee’s uncomfortability. 

Raf: Incredible! You can transform into vehicles, and can speak english?! Where did you come from?! Can you transform into other vehicles?!

Sari chuckles at Raf’s behavior, that is until, however, she spots a bunch of cars driving in the area, with them having a military aesthetic, which lets Spike know that those are government cars, as one car parks in front of the family, with the door opening up to reveal is a man wearing a gray suit with black lapels, pockets, and cuffs, giving him a polished and professional look. Underneath the suit jacket, he sports a yellow shirt and a black tie, adding a touch of contrast to his outfit. A badge or emblem is visible on the left side of his jacket’s chest area, indicating his official status. His dark hair is neatly styled, complementing his serious demeanor.

(Art by Kevfilms2x2)

Spike stands in front of the kids as he looks at the man in glasses.

Spike: Who are you people?

The man responds by pulling up his badge, showing the name “William Fowler.”

Fowler: Name’s Fowler, from NEST, and you three are coming with us……..