#hardygal writes fanfiction

[hardygalwrites]

Originally posted to FFN a little after the 14th of November, 2016

Simply archiving a writing challenge I did back in 2016 up to 2017 and featuring my favourite writing pieces from each week of the challenge here on Tumblr :]

← Week 13 (SS) – Week 15 (SS) →

Cartoon: Transformers Prime / Robots in Disguise 2015

Characters: Smokescreen, Knock Out, and Bumblebee, with appearances from numerous other characters (even ones not featured in the cartoons)

Synopsis: An Autobot Elite Guard rookie, a Decepticon medic turned Autobot, and an Autobot scout turned warrior turned street cop - three very different bots with a wide range of stories to tell. And we are going to spend the next year exploring said stories through daily-written drabbles, be they angsty, humorous, gut-punching, or just plain odd! Who doesn’t love a challenge? (2016 to 2017)

—

Reign

"Primus, I need a break," Smokescreen muttered, wiping the energon away from his mouth. He turned to Megatron, smirking tiredly. "That all you got?"

Megatron snarled and lunged at the smaller bot. Smokescreen gasped, nearly collapsing as the warlord seized one of his doorwings in a vice.

"Do not think you can even hope to challenge me, Autobot," Megatron said harshly, shaking him. "You may have the Matrix of Leadership, but you are no Optimus Prime. You are simply an Autobot lackey who happened to be in the right place at the right time."

Smokescreen scoffed. "Tell me something I don't know."

Recall

There was actually very little Smokescreen could recall from his past. He could remember being handed off to a certain Autobot squad for nurturing - not like he'd received much nurture, seeing as Prowl was the head of said squad - but everything before then was blank. Which was strange considering that he hadn't been all  that  young when he'd been handed off.

If he thought hard enough about it though, he could recall some small things; a bright light, a vast room, murmurs and occasional shouts, and a smiling voice saying, "...hope indeed. Oh, newspark, you are destined for great things."

Miracle

Smokescreen pulled himself upward, using the restraints holding his arms to his advantage, then dropped his weight sharply. The restraints remained as firm as ever, and another stab of pain jolted through his already aching shoulder joints.

Smokescreen groaned. "Maybe I should change tactics."

The bot hanging beside him scoffed dully. "Give it up, kid. You've been at it for days now. What makes you think you'll make it out now?"

"Beats giving up," Smokescreen retorted. "Like you."

"C'mon, kid... No one's ever escaped from this ship. It'd take a miracle."

"Good thing I'm the kinda guy who's willing to believe in miracles."

Cavity

Smokescreen had come with complaints that his transformations felt 'uncomfortable', a problem that had been ailing him since sometime after escaping Megatron's warship. Ratchet scanned him, and discovered that there was a large cavity in the young bot's torso area. Ratchet was baffled, but he was forming a theory.

"Smokescreen," he said slowly. "When the Omega Key was extracted from your chassis, how did it feel?"

"Why?"

"Answer the question."

Smokescreen shrugged, scowling. "I dunno. Kinda painful, I guess. Like a part of my protoform was being pulled out."

"Well..." Ratchet muttered. "According to these readings, that seems to be essentially what happened."

Little

The sparkling held up the glitch-mouse, grinning proudly. "Can I keep it?"

Prowl's answer was short. "No."

"Please!"

"No, Smokescreen," Prowl repeated firmly. "We have enough of a problem with these pests as it is."

The sparkling's demeanor changed abruptly; his doorwings dropped and his smile fell. "Like me?"

This caught Prowl off guard. "What?"

Panic flashed across the sparkling's face, and he lowered his helm. "Nothing, never mind." He turned away, the glitch-mouse still cradled in his servos. "I'll put 'im outside."

Doorwings miserably limp, the sparkling trudged out the office, leaving Prowl to wonder what had just happened.

[elite-guard-hardygal]

Fanfiction.Net Link

Whumptober 2020 Day 16: A Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day | Forced to Beg

@whumptober2020

Anime/Manga: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure (Part 1: Phantom Blood)

Characters: Jonathan Joestar and Dio Brando

Rating: T

Genre: Suspense and Family

Synopsis: During a visit to London, Jonathan and Dio are confronted by some less than savoury characters.

Author’s Notes: Wow, this is spectacularly late. This oneshot really did just spiral out of my control until I finally reigned it back in. Enjoy some fifteen year old Jonathan and Dio whump, with a side of Jonathan trying to be a good brother.

—

“Seen enough of London yet?”

“You do not have to accompany me,” Jonathan said, perhaps a little more shortly than he should have. “You are welcome to go back.”

“I’ve already told you, Father insisted I accompany you,” Dio retorted. “He seems to think you will get yourself lost. I am more inclined to believe you will get yourself killed.”

“That’s not funny, Dio.”

“Good thing I am not joking then.”

Jonathan glanced at his adoptive brother strolling alongside him. Dio’s golden eyes appeared to sharpen as he walked, staring down the crowded path ahead of them.

“Here in London, there are plenty of streets and alleyways that would better be described as deathtraps for the unsuspecting. One misstep, one wrong turn, and you could end up dead in the gutter, shoes gone and pockets empty.” Dio glanced, in turn, at Jonathan. “And we would not want that, would we, JoJo?”

It was hard to tell if Dio was toying with him - something that Jonathan would definitely not put past him, especially after their recent argument - but the severity of Dio’s words and eyes still took Jonathan aback. He frowned, turning his gaze back towards the path ahead.

“No, I suppose not…”

George Joestar had come to London on business. As his sons were both fifteen years old, practically men now, he had seen it prudent for the two of them to accompany him, if for no other reason than to acquaint them with the responsibilities of his occupation.

If Jonathan was being entirely honest with himself, he considered his father’s occupation just a bit beyond what his own mind could grasp. All talk of enterprise, investment, and trade meant very little to Jonathan, no matter how hard he tried to make sense of it all. He never did have much of a head for numbers. All that said, Jonathan still made an earnest attempt to listen to and understand his father’s business meetings.

Dio did not seem to have a problem understanding the trade, which honestly did impress Jonathan. When Dio’s accomplishments were not being compared to his own, Jonathan found that there was a lot to admire about his adopted brother, and it made Jonathan want to improve himself in turn. In the case of their father’s trade, however, Jonathan wondered if this was one of those cases where certain people were just more suited to certain tasks than others.

No, Jonathan’s frustrations with Dio concerned something else. One of the men that George Joestar had met with had recently invited the Joestar family to his place for dinner. While there, the man introduced them all to his own family, including one of his daughters - a lovely young lady around Jonathan and Dio’s age.

While conversing with her had certainly been a genuine delight, and Jonathan found her to be rather charming and remarkably intelligent, much of the young woman’s attention had been stolen primarily by a certain blond headed young man. Dio’s behaviour towards her seemed to go just a little beyond that of a gentleman speaking to a lady, and she, in turn,was clearly infatuated.

Dio had been dismissive when Jonathan brought it up that morning. That had shocked Jonathan, who thought that Dio had been making an honest attempt to pursue the young woman. When Jonathan pointed out that the woman was clearly taken in by Dio’s behaviour, and Dio remained dismissive, an argument started. Jonathan was obviously appalled at the thought of toying with a young woman’s feelings, while Dio claimed that none of it was Jonathan’s business and that Jonathan was overreacting.

Their father ended up stepping in before Jonathan’s agitation rose to the point of shouting. After hearing what the argument was about, George lightly admonished Dio for being cavalier with the young woman’s emotions, whether intentionally or not. Dio, who had remained cool and aloof throughout the whole argument, accepted the admonishment and apologized.

Grateful that his father had taken his side, but still irked by Dio’s insincerity, Jonathan left with the declaration that he would be taking a walk about the city. The hope that he would be able to clear his head through a long stroll did not last, as Dio joined him shortly after.

Now though, as the walk dragged on, and Jonathan turned everything over in his mind, he wondered if he was being unfair. Perhaps Dio had not realised he was being callous.

(Memories of his early life with Dio sprang to mind in protest, as they often did whenever Jonathan tried to move past Dio’s more objectionable moments in the present day. This one was of a despondent, blond haired girl. Though his heart stung, Jonathan pushed it back like all the others).

“Listen, Dio,” Jonathan said slowly. “I suppose I may have… overreacted earlier. Or rather, I assumed the worst of you when you said you had no interest in Miss Langford. I’m sorry.”

Dio glanced at him. “...You apologise too much, JoJo. Keep it up and I may stop believing you.”

“We’re brothers now, Dio,” Jonathan pressed. “I know we have our disagreements, but I do want us to get along regardless of them. Don’t you?”

Dio did not respond, seemingly distracted by one of the surrounding shops.

The street that the two of them were on now was rather cramped. It left no room for carriages or horses, instead bustling with throngs of people looking to get from one place to another. Jonathan had pardoned himself many times now trying to navigate his way through the crowd without accidentally bumping into or against someone. He could not even begin to imagine what it would be like to grow up in such a place. Even on its busiest days, the town at home seemed less crowded than the widest streets in London.

Jonathan felt a pang of disappointment when Dio did not immediately answer his question, only for Dio to say lightly, casually, “I believe we’re being followed.”

“Oh?” Instinctively, Jonathan went to look over his shoulder.

“Don’t look, you fool,” Dio bit out. “They will know we’re on to them if you do that.”

“Who are they?” Jonathan asked, turning his glance into an offhand observation of one of the nearby apartments.

“Pickpockets, more than likely. A pair of men looking to take advantage of the two rich boys who have wandered carelessly into a less than savoury part of town.”

Dio sounded amused, but Jonathan did not find the situation all that funny.

“How do we avoid them?” he murmured.

“Simply keep a tight hold on your wallet, JoJo,” Dio said carelessly.

“Perhaps we should make our way back towards the main streets…”

“Also a viable course of action.”

Jonathan began to look around, earnestly taking in his surroundings for the first time since he had started his impromptu walk. “Where exactly are we, anyway?”

“What makes you think I know? I’ve been following in your footsteps this entire time, JoJo.”

Dio was definitely toying with him now. Holding back a sigh, Jonathan looked down a right turn in the narrow street. It led down a largely empty pathway, through which the afternoon sun shone through, unfiltered by any surrounding buildings.

"I thought Father sent you after me to make sure I didn’t get lost,” Jonathan stated, turning in to the pathway.

“And I decided that you were more likely to get killed,” Dio said in lieu of a retort.

Jonathan actually did sigh this time as the two of them turned one last corner. “Dio, if you’re still angry at me or–”

Three figures suddenly stepped into the alley in front of Jonathan and Dio, cutting off their path to the open street. Trepidation set in, and Jonathan glanced behind to see another two figures turning the corner.

Dio scoffed. “Recall what I said earlier about deathtraps, JoJo...?”

“Dio, please, not now...”

The tallest of the three men in front of them spoke up, a wide and disconcerting smile on his face. “Now what’s a pair of fancy lookin’ young men such as yourselves doin’ around here?”

“As if our business is of any concern to you,” Dio said snidely.

In spite of his aloof attitude, Jonathan could tell that Dio was just as tense as he was. His shoulders were rolled back and his hands were clenched. Jonathan, for his part, tried to remain calm.

The tall man’s smile took on a more obviously dangerous edge. “Fair enough, and I suppose it’s clear what we’re really after, anyway.”

The rustle of clothing had Jonathan turning around completely. The two men who had approached from behind now each had a fist decorated with a set of well worn brass knuckles. At the same time, Dio shifted into a defensive position beside Jonathan, focus fixed on the three men ahead of them.

Jonathan’s heart thudded in his chest, and he fought the urge to wipe away the sweat forming in his palms. “There is no need for violence…”

“Ha ha! Well, aren’t you a smart one?” the tall man exclaimed. “All right then, hand over those wallets.”

“One more step,” Dio snarled, “and I will ram your own weapons down your throat.”

Jonathan gripped his adoptive brother by the shoulder. “We have nothing on us.”

He was telling the truth, at least as far as he himself was concerned. Jonathan did not have any money on his person.

“Don’t make me laugh again, boy…! Young men as well groomed as you two are bound to have a pound or two tucked away in those fancy clothes of yours…! An’ me an’ the lads are more than willin’ to tear you apart t’ find out.”

The two men in front of Jonathan inched forward, cracking their knuckles, leering at him. He was nothing but prey in their predatory gaze, and Jonathan felt like it too. He hoped they could not see him swallow as he fought to keep his fear at bay.

“Just try it then…!” Dio snapped, wrenching his shoulder from Jonathan’s grasp.

“I said we have nothing on us,” Jonathan said pointedly. “Even if we did, I do not respond favourably to threats and violence.”

“Oh…” The tall man’s voice dropped, sending a chill down Jonathan’s spine. “I am willin’ t’ bet you don’t.”

Dio lunged forward.

“Dio–!” Jonathan’s protest was immediately cut off by a blow to the face, knocking his cap off and sending the Joestar heir staggering back. He recovered quickly and faced the two men in front of him.

“Oi, the lad can take a hit…!” one of the men laughed.

“No need t’ hold back then,” the other said. “Not like we was plannin’ on it anyway.”

Jonathan assumed a boxing stance, teeth grit, worry and fear forcibly cast aside. He really had hoped to avoid any violence, but it looked as though he would not be given much of a choice.

The fight was difficult. His opponents were older than him, more experienced, and just as strong, if not stronger. Both Jonathan and Dio largely matched their opponents equally in height, the tallest man being the exception, but Jonathan was not so naive to assume that gave him much of an advantage. The men still outnumbered him and Dio more than two to one. The odds were not in their favour.

Jonathan knew better than to dwell on his disadvantages, though. He had been working hard to improve himself over the past two years, and while he was not yet quite as fast or agile as Dio, Jonathan liked to think that he had become a lot harder to knock down. Indeed, in spite of every strike that the two men managed to land on the young Joestar, in spite of every moment that Jonathan was staggered, not once did he fall. Jonathan held his ground.

In the end, after withstanding many painful blows himself, Jonathan managed to knock both his opponents down. They were not unconscious, merely stunned, but it gave Jonathan the chance he needed to step back, to breathe–

Someone screamed. Jonathan spun around to see Dio on his knees, arm being twisted viciously behind his back by the tall man.

“Dio!” Jonathan rushed forward.

At Jonathan’s cry, the tall man’s focus turned immediately on the young man charging towards him. The tall man yanked Dio to his feet, wrapping his other arm around Dio’s throat and pressing a knife just below Dio’s eye. Jonathan stopped in his tracks, his drive extinguished by a cold horror.

The man laughed, showing off a blood stained smile. “You really are a smart one…!”

Laying sprawled out on the ground, the other two men who had accompanied the tall man groaned as they slowly regained whatever senses Dio had knocked out of them. Jonathan only noticed them peripherally. All his attention was on the man currently holding a knife to his brother’s face.

“I haf’ta admit,” the tall man said, sounding just a little breathless, “you two put up a far greater fight than I expected from a couple rich boys. But that don’t matter.”

The knife pressed deeper into Dio’s skin, drawing a trickle of blood.

“No, don’t!” Jonathan shouted frantically.

“You bastard…!” Dio struggled fruitlessly in the tall man’s grasp. His teeth were bared in a snarl, and there was a slightly wild glint in his eyes.

Jonathan recognized that look. DIo felt cornered.

“Hand over your wallet, and I’ll consider not carvin’ off your friend’s face,” the tall man hissed.

“I told you, I don’t have it on me…!” Jonathan cried, a pleading desperation colouring his voice.

“Don’t lie t’ me, boy!”

“I’m not, I–!”

The tall man flipped the knife around in his hand and stabbed it into the top of Dio’s shoulder. Dio screamed.

“Stop ! Wait, please, stop!” Jonathan’s voice peaked. To his utter relief, the tall man stopped, the knife no more than halfway into Dio’s shoulder. “I- I don’t have any money, but I do have something else…!”

Slowly, so the tall man would not think he was doing anything rash, Jonathan reached into his waistcoat pocket.

“This pocketwatch…” He held up said item by its silver chain. “It is bound to be of some significant worth to you.”

The pocketwatch had been a gift for Jonathan’s most recent birthday, given to him by his father. It was a fine piece, and Jonathan was fond of it, but...

“You can have it, it’s yours. Now please let my brother go.”

“JoJo, what are you doing?” Dio growled, whatever anger or frustration he was trying to convey ultimately blunted by the pain in his voice.

The tall man pulled the knife from Dio’s shoulder, drawing a tight groan from the young blond, and laughed again. “Well, now…! An’ here I thought you said you didn’t respond favourably to violence.”

Jonathan opted not to respond. Someone snatched the pocketwatch from his hand. It looked as though the tall man’s compatriots had recovered, including the two men that Jonathan had faced.

“Still,” the tall man said carelessly, “after all the trouble you boys have put us through, I think we’re deservin’ of a little more.”

Jonathan’s heart sank. “That is all I have on me, I swear…!”

“Well ain’t that a shame?” The tall man returned the knife blade to Dio’s face. “Guess we’ll just have to take this one’s life as compensation.”

“No–!”

“Stop it, JoJo!” Dio glared up at the tall man, pure hatred flashing in his eyes. “These pieces of trash wouldn’t dare.”

The tall man’s face morphed into a glare of his own. “You willin’ t’ bet your life on that, boy...?”

The knife cut into the base of Dio’s neck, instantly drawing blood and a stifled gasp.

“Stop, please!” Jonathan shouted.

“You had best give us somethin’ then!” the tall man shouted back.

“I have nothing left to give!” Jonathan watched as the knife cut deeper, and he could not keep his voice from peaking a second time as he pleaded, “Please, I’m telling the truth…!”

“Well, if you really have nothin’ left t’ give us…” The glare faded into a sly smile, and the tall man removed the knife from Dio’s neck. “...then how about you give us a show?”

“A… show?” Jonathan echoed, confusion overtaking his panic.

“The way you say ‘please,’ all polite an’ sincere-like. I think we’d like t’ hear more of that, right, lads?”

The other four men responded affirmatively with grinning and laughter.

“Basically,” the tall man continued, “we want t’ hear you beg.”

They wanted him to… beg?

“Well? Get on with it, then!” The tall man traced the knife blade down Dio’s temple. “Beg for this one’s life and maybe I’ll consider lettin’ the both of you go.”

“Do not listen to them, JoJo…!” Dio hissed. “They’re bluffing!”

Were they though? The cruelty in the tall man’s smile, in his eyes, was undeniable. Even if Dio was right, and these men had no intention of taking their lives, the tall man had already stabbed Dio - Jonathan had no guarantee that they would not do worse.

“Killing either of us right here, right now, would pose too great a risk! They would not dare do something so stupid – Ghk…!” Dio choked as the tall man tightened his arm around Dio’s throat.

“Shut up, boy,” the tall man growled, before returning his sights back to Jonathan. “What’s the hold up? Too high and mighty to give us a bit of a beg?”

For a moment, a deeply shameful moment, Jonathan hesitated.

The tall man shrugged. “Suit yourself then.” And began to carve the knife down Dio’s temple.

“Wait, no, please! Please, I…!” Jonathan swallowed. His panic or his pride, he did not know, but they were either way irrelevant in the face of the fear he felt for Dio’s wellbeing.

“I beg you,” Jonathan said hoarsely. “Please, spare his life.”

“Jo...Jo…” Dio had turned his glare on Jonathan now even as he clawed at the tall man’s arm with his free hand, disbelief flashing amongst the wild anger. “What the hell are you doing…?!”

“Ha!” The tall man scoffed. “Come on, is that the best you can do? Show some respect to your elders, boy! You can do better than that!”

Jonathan clenched his fists at his sides, and bowed as he had been taught to do. “Please, sir, I beg you, spare his life…”

“JoJo…!” Dio snapped, his voice still tight and breathless, but no less frustrated.

“Hmm, better,” Jonathan heard the tall man say. “But not good enough. I know you’ve been livin’ the high life an’ all, but even a rich boy ought’a know how t’ beg. On your knees, boy, an’ let us know you mean it!”

“Don’t you dare!” Dio veritably screamed. “JoJo, I swear to god, if you don’t stop this…! JoJo!”

Jonathan could only apologise mentally to Dio as he dropped down to his knees. Whether Dio actually cared about Jonathan’s dignity, or if he simply did not want Jonathan to do something like this for his sake - Dio always did seem to despise being in what he perceived as debt to others - Jonathan was still resolved to do anything within his power to save him. And if that meant humiliating himself, well…

What kind of gentleman could really say he had held on to his pride when, in trying to preserve it, he caused others to suffer?

On his knees, palms turned up, Jonathan said, “Please, please, let him go. Please, I beg of you…”

“JoJ–!” The repetitive cry was cut off as the tall man clamped his hand over Dio’s mouth, allowing the knife blade to rest against Dio’s cheek. Dio began screaming in earnest, sheer fury clear in every squirm and struggle.

“Keep at it, boy!” the tall man bellowed over Dio’s muffled yells.

Jonathan clenched his fists and slammed his palms onto the moist cobblestones in front of him. “Please, I’m begging you…! Let him go! I don’t know what he thinks, but he is a brother, my brother…! We don’t always get along, and I often have trouble understanding him, but I want to keep trying–!”

Jonathan’s voice peaked and wavered dangerously. His eyesight blurred.  No, don’t cry, Jonathan told himself, he was far too old to cry.

“Please…! Spare my brother’s life, I’m begging you, spare his life…”

One of the other men in the group laughed. “Sounds like the lad’s ‘bout t’ cry!”

Something struck against the back of Jonathan’s head, and he fell to the ground completely, face pressed against the cobblestones. Before he could even attempt to get back up, Jonathan felt a shoe slam itself down on his head with enough force to make his vision go white.

Dazed, Jonathan could not even hear what was being said around him. By the time his senses dragged themselves back to awareness, someone kicked him in the side, forcing a scream from Jonathan’s lips as the shoe connected with an injury he had received during the fight.

“Fockin’ ‘ell, ‘e is soft,” one of the men scoffed.

The shoe returned to Jonathan’s head, the subsequent increasing weight drawing another cry of pain.

“Best continue your snivellin’, boy–”

Someone screamed. Through the fog in his mind, Jonathan registered that it was not Dio who had done so.

The weight on his head suddenly disappeared, and Jonathan could hear shouts of alarm and panic, alongside a familiar voice snarling threats, and more screaming. As Jonathan pushed himself upright, someone stumbled into his blurring field of vision. It was the tall man, cursing and screaming as he lurched down the alleyway from which he had come, clutching at his face with blood covered hands. The tall man quickly disappeared around some corner, just as Dio entered Jonathan’s line of sight.

“Damned coward…!” Dio shouted into the alley. “Get back here so I can make you eat your own blade!”

“Dio…?” Jonathan tried to get to his feet, only for the pain in his head to force him back down to his knees with a groan, clutching his head.

“JoJo…”

The sound of rapidly approaching footsteps acted as Jonathan’s only warning before Dio grabbed the lapel of his jacket.

“What the hell were you thinking?!” Dio shouted furiously. “I told you it was all a bluff, and yet you went and submitted to them anyway! You damned fool, why the hell would you do that–?!”

Dio suddenly pulled back with a cry, grabbing at his shoulder.

“Dio…!” Jonathan gasped.

“I’m fine!” Dio snapped. He threw the tall man’s knife - which Jonathan only now realized that Dio had been holding - to the ground, before again covering his wounded shoulder.

Jonathan watched him, not yet daring to speak. When Dio did not continue his rant, all his glares and attention focused on his injury, Jonathan let out a breath.

“Dio.” Jonathan received a glare in response, but he met it readily. “Even if you were right, I could not risk even the slightest chance that those men would kill you...”

Dio growled and turned his glare towards a nearby wall. “So you chose to submit,” he said through grit teeth. “Damn you, JoJo, how the hell could you throw away your pride so easily?”

“We’re brothers now, Dio, I’ve told you this before.” Jonathan tilted his head, trying to get Dio to look at him again, see that he meant what he was saying. “There is a lot I have yet to understand about you, and a lot I... have to move past… but regardless, I value the bond we have. If I must humiliate myself to save your life, then so be it. I will not apologise for that.”

Finally returning Jonathan’s gaze, Dio regarded him with a dark scowl. “Such selflessness is liable to get you killed one day, JoJo...”

“So be it,” Jonathan replied decisively.

Dio scoffed. A stretch of silence followed. Then, Dio approached Jonathan and held out a hand.

“How is your head?”

Jonathan tried to hold back as smile as he grasped Dio’s offered hand and allowed himself to be pulled to his feet. Another stab of pain had Jonathan clutching his head again, but he managed to remain standing.

“Still aching,” he admitted. “But nothing a bit of rest won’t mend. How is your shoulder?”

Dio pressed his hand back over his most severe wound. “It isn’t serious. The knife blade did not cut too deeply.”

“Oh, good,” Jonathan said with some relief. “We should head back, then. Father is probably wondering about us by now, anyway.”

Dio ‘hmph’d in response, and the two young men soon finally made their way out of the alley and onto the main streets.

After some time spent simply walking, trying to ignore the looks both he and Dio were receiving, Jonathan thought to ask, “Ah, Dio, I am wondering: how were you able to escape that man’s grasp?”

“I bit him.”

“You… What?”

“I bit him,” Dio repeated nonchalantly. “And I would have done far worse if he hadn’t run off.”

“Dio…!” Jonathan exclaimed. He knew (from firsthand experience) that Dio was not above using underhanded tactics, but still, biting someone?

“It was disgusting,” Dio admitted with a grimace, “but my options were limited, and with you submitting to getting your head kicked in, would you rather I had just done nothing?”

“...I see.” It certainly would not have been the first tactic Jonathan would have resorted to, or even thought of, but he could not deny that Dio had saved both of them as a result. “Thank you, Dio.”

Dio waved his hand. “Yes, well… I doubt it would have been as effective if they all had not been distracted by you.”

Jonathan could not hold back the smile this time.

“You look like an oaf when you smile like that,” Dio scoffed. “Especially with all those cuts and bruises.”

“Ha, sorry,” Jonathan chuckled.

Dio simply rolled his eyes and continued to lead the way onward.

[the-lupine-sojourner]

I Promised, Didn’t I? [Traitor(?)!Reader/Izuku Commission] [Fantasy!AU]

Ta-da! Here it is at long last, @elite-guard-hardygal​!! So sorry to keep you waiting so long! TT^TT

Anyway, Hardygal commissioned this fanfiction based on some ideas they had and the song ‘Not while I’m Around’ from the Sweeny Todd movie. I like the song and the idea behind the commission, so I was eager to get to work on it, but then I got distracted with work and Miraculous Ladybug cus I was too curious as to what was going on so I binged the latest episodes--anyway, on to the commission! 

If you want one for yourself, all you need do is ask! Here’s Info on My Commissions. 

As always, I give the word count for my commissions. This one sits at 3807-ish cus there was just so much story there, I couldn’t stop writing! XD 

Ok, that’s all for now! Hope you all had an amazing Thanksgiving! :)

God Bless and Happy Holidays!

~The Lupine Sojourner

(Here’s a cute Izuku GiF cus why not?)

There he was; Eijiro Kirishima, the one you’d been sent to observe and eventually turn over to your boss, Kai Chisaki. 

He and his group were...less than thrilled that a rogue barbarian king named Katsuki Bakugo and his companion, Eijiro, and their group of friends had been taking down his thugs and operations left and right, and as such Kai himself had sat you down and told you about sending his stealthier cronies to track and observe Eijiro and his friends, taking note of their relationships and which member would cause the most damage if they were to be...removed. 

Eijiro was, apparently, one of the most innocent and a key player in keeping another group, led by Izuku Midoriya (another target, turns out), in fairly good terms with each other.

Eijiro was also married, after a somewhat fast-paced romance, to one of the most powerful magic-wielding adventurers in recent memory, Takara Yamada. 

Only Shoto Todoroki, a rather reserved fellow who ran from his princely duties to find a cure for a curse that befell him, his fiance and bodyguard, Momo Yaoyorozu, and Izuku Midoriya (who was trying to find the missing king, Toshinori Yagi) could best Takara in terms of power and the way they use it. 

The Chisaki told you to help hunt down Eijiro to unbalance Takara and the other powerhouses so it would be easier to kill them. 

“Hey, are you okay?” 

You look up. You’d been so wrapped up in your thoughts you hadn’t realized you were standing in the middle of the street, staring into space. 

“Oh, y-yeah. I’m fairly new to the area, and was just getting my bearings. I look like that when I’m concentrating.” 

Eijiro smiles. “Well, um, do you have a place to stay tonight?” He asks. 

You chuckle. “Yes. The tavern, for now.” 

“You should stay with me and my wife instead! She’d love you!” You act like you were surprised, but thanks to Chisaki you knew this was typical for Eijiro. 

He always strove to help those he could. Poor naive boy.

Well, it would provide you an in with your targets. “Oh, no. I couldn’t ask you to do that. Really, I’m fine. I’m asking around for jobs, and I’ve got plenty of money to last me till I got a steady job.” 

“It’s honestly no trouble. Takara would love to meet you.” You act like you were flattered and shyly accepting of the generous offer, and you could genuinely appreciate what this meant to him and his new wife. 

Chisaki had even told you of rumors about Takara and what would happen in around 6 months. 

You hope that rumor wasn’t true. You’d hate to make a child an orphan like you were before Chisaki snapped you up. 

“Oh! I just realized; I don’t know your name.” 

“Oh you’re right! And I don’t know yours, come to think of it.” You give the name you were told to use, Koi Dirisk. 

“Lovely name. I’m Eijiro Kirishima.” 

“Pleasure.” You shake hands and try not to think of the future too much.

=#=#=#=#=

“Darling, I’m home!” Eijiro calls, smiling broadly as he walks into the house. 

“Perfect time! That deer you got this morning is just about cooked.” Comes a female voice, approaching. 

Then, Takara comes into your view. She was...prettier than you thought she’d be. The description hadn’t done her justice, though you suppose that was either to avoid attachments or because the Chisaki were focused on the basics rather than her beauty. 

“Oh. Eijiro, you didn’t mention a friend.” She says and you can tell she’s surprised but not angry or about to throw you out. 

“She’s new to the area. Her name’s Koi. I offered to save her some money until she gets her feet under her.” Takara nods, smiling warmly at you and you feel your heart clench at the prospect of what will happen. You glance at her stomach as she walks over. It was starting to show, her pregnant belly. Just enough that you could confirm the rumors about Takara. 

“Well, alright. We’ll see what we can do.” The two of you shake hands and you almost feel sick at the thought of turning this young bride into a widow so soon after her nuptials. And the kid would grow up without their wonderful parents.

And yet, you had to do what Chisaki said, or you’d be the next victim of his awful magic, creating deadly spikes out of the ground or simply destroying the body from within. 

You’d been a witness in many executions now, and yet you hadn’t turned him in. You couldn’t. 

You subtly shake yourself as Takara offers to show you around and to your borrowed room. You had to play the part for now. 

The house was amazing, cozy and charming. The perfect place for a family, complete with a room for the upcoming child. 

As soon as the tour was over, Takara returned to the kitchen and finished the meal preparation. 

“So what brings you into town?” That question had come up fairly quickly as you ate dinner. 

“Ah you know; traveling the world, seeing the sights, getting some exploring done before it’s too late.” That was what Kai wanted you to say. You felt the food turn to dust and ashes in your mouth as you lied. 

This poor family would be torn apart and they had no idea. 

=#=#=#=#=

“You established contact with Kirishima?” 

“Yes.” You report in a small side room in a local tavern a day or so later. 

“Good. Does he trust you yet?” 

“Not sure. We’ve barely begun a friendship, much less trust at this stage. We’re going to do some magic practice later. That should help.” 

“Y/N, are you having second thoughts?” Kai asks suddenly, leaning over a little. 

“Not at all. I just noticed Takara Kirishima is in fact pregnant. She seems to be in the first trimester.” 

“Is that a problem?” You knew the right answer. 

“No. Just thought you should know.” 

“It’ll make it easier for us to take care of her when the time comes. Good work.” You nod, swallowing subtly. 

“Right. I’ll report to you again when I find the others in the group containing Izuku Midoriya.” Kai Chisaki nods, humming. 

“See that you do, Y/N.” 

“Yes, sir.” You reply, knowing the right answer.

=#=#=#=#=

Things only got worse as you were introduced to Izuku Midoriya. 

He was even dressed like a proper gentleman, acting so polite you felt your heart clench at having to look at him like an enemy, scanning for weakness. 

And so far, his main weakness was his easygoing, friendly, fairly trusting nature. Practically as soon as you were introduced to him, he was shaking your hand and talking about how ‘any friend of Eijiro and Takara’s is a friend of mine’. 

You wanted to throw up. How could these people trust you so easily? Didn’t they want to know more about you? 

So far, you’d been all but blindly taken in, asked the bare minimum of questions, and accepted as a new ally and friend by these people. 

You tried to just continue like nothing was wrong. 

=#=#=#=#=

“You sure know how to go on the offense there, Koi.” Izuku notes, smiling that damn warm smile of his as you two sparred. 

“Well, my instructor was a victim of assault. It made her paranoid, and she passed that on to me. She told me ‘end the fight before the tricks up their sleeves come out’.” 

Most of that was true. She was a victim of assault, but for being a villain, not in a random act of violence.

Izuku pauses. “That’s fair advice.” He concedes. “I wish I could help everyone, you know. It just doesn’t work that way sometimes.” 

“But when you see something, you do something, right?” 

“Of course.” 

“That’s all anyone can do, if they even decide to do anything.” You weren’t sure when you started getting emotional, but here you were. “Most people are too afraid.” 

“Well, yeah, but the ones that aren’t afraid can mean a life is saved and a villain is apprehended.” 

You weren’t sure, but you’d swear he was saying something between the lines. A subtle chill went down your spine. Did he know? Or was it just coincidence?

You couldn’t be sure, so you made a few solid excuses to avoid him for the next few days. You had to get your story straight in case you were questioned. 

Kai was pleased you were in contact with his next victim already, and had sparred with him. “Did he have any weaknesses in his fighting style that you noticed?” You shook your head. 

“Not many. He’s sharp as a sword and quick as a spooked rabbit. We’ll have to be quicker and hit harder.” 

“Excellent insight, as always, Y/N.” Kai smiles, curled finger lifting your chin to make you look at him. “You know you’re indispensable to me, dear. No one else has quite your ability to blend into any role I assign them.” 

You nod, forcing a smile. “I try, sir.”

“So get out there and keep trying.” You nod and leave, trying not to let your stormy emotions show. You were growing to hate this assignment with a fiery passion. 

You’d killed people and betrayed many others to their deaths, but never had you had to be a part of a man’s death with a pregnant wife. Normally, it was single people you dealt with. 

At night, you cried yourself to sleep as quietly as you could. Surely, there had to be some way to save Eijiro, Izuku, and their friends, right? 

You couldn’t think of anything and it was tearing you apart. You hated every mission you were sent on, but what choice did you have? Kai Chisaki had practically raised you, lording that over you to manipulate you into doing his bidding. 

Somehow, you had to save these people. 

Gods above, they were your age! How were you supposed to help kill them?! 

=#=#=#=#=

“Hey, are you okay?” Takara asks over breakfast. You probably looked like shit.

You spent too long crying and still looked like it. 

“Didn’t sleep much last night.” 

“Anything you care to talk about?” 

For a fleeting moment, you thought of saying ‘screw it’ and telling them the truth, but that was suicide and these people would die, anyway. “Not really. Sorry.” 

“No, that’s okay. It’s not easy opening up. I get it.” Takara assures you gently, smiling warmly at you. “Just know you got two ears whenever you need to talk to me, okay?” 

You fake a smile and continue eating. “I appreciate that.” Unfortunately, it didn’t spawn any plans to allow everyone in this scenario to survive. 

=#=#=#=#=

The cruelest part of Kai’s undercover assignments he gave you was the few weeks you were given to get to know the victims and earn enough of their trust that they’d follow you into the trap the Chisaki laid out for them. 

Usually, he talked you into hating the people by portraying himself as the victim, claiming these people betrayed him and left him no choice but to seek retribution. 

And you always took his side after all he’d done for you. 

But now...now you weren’t so sure.

How could killing people your age, who were just settling into life and starting families, be in any way a good thing, like Kai was claiming?

He’d just given you the week’s notice so you can get a plan for how and when you would lead the targets into a trap.

“Hey, are you okay?” Izuku asks, sitting beside you in the cool evening air atop a hill. About an hour ago, you’d probably have seen a gorgeous sunset if it weren’t for the tears going down your face. 

You subtly wipe them away. “Yeah. You?” He nods, gently wrapping his arm around your shoulder. Your cheeks flush a little. Izuku was so...genuine and friendly. 

He didn’t deserve to die. 

“I think I am. Did you come up here to watch the sunset?” He asks, and you can tell he knew precisely why you were here.

“Something like that.” You reply glumly. You’d gotten closer to Izuku over the few weeks you’d known him, and you hated yourself for getting so caught up in the part you were playing that you could almost forget why you wore the mask. 

Almost. 

“You know, I’ve always liked taking moments to just sit and...be myself. Everyone looks to me as a leader and I hate to let people down.” 

You nod. “So you only let yourself feel things when you’re alone.” You murmur. 

Izuku squeezes your shoulder gently. 

“You can be yourself around me, you know that, right?” You bite your lip. 

“I know.” It was the right answer...right? 

Izuku leans his head on yours, and you lose your train of thought. 

“You ever feel like we were destined to meet?” He asks. “I mean--um...not necessarily romantically, just- -I- -ah, not that I am opposed to that, Koi! I just- -crap I made it weird…” You laugh. 

“Izuku, I feel the same.” It wasn’t destiny, though; it was Kai. However, you couldn’t deny a feeling that beyond Kai, like maybe there was something there. You two seemed like strings being woven together for a tapestry. 

“Oh, good.” He chuckles nervously as you readjust yourself against his strong chest. “What I was trying to say is, um…” He clears his throat, “nothing’s gonna harm you. Not while I’m around…” He sings softly all of a sudden. 

You sigh. Even his voice was amazing. Honestly, given time, you may have fallen truly in love with him, but...he was a target of the Chisaki. 

There’s no way he’d survive. 

“I’m sorry. It’s something my mother would sing to me when I was little.” He apologizes. “It was dumb, I’m sorry.” You chuckle. Maybe, just for one night, you could let go and truly enjoy yourself. You snuggle up to Izuku. 

“No, no. Go on. I’m sorry.” 

Izuku starts over, and continues from there. “Demons are prowling everywhere, nowadays. I’ll send em howling, I don’t care. I got ways.” You smile, almost believing him. If he somehow, by some miracle, survived the week, you could see yourself maybe giving him a shot, regardless of the consequences. “No one’s gonna hurt you, no one’s gonna dare. Others can desert you. Not to worry! Whistle, I’ll be there! Demons will charm you with a smile, for a while, but in time...” That, you felt, was Izuku talking like he knew about Kai and your undercover work. In case he didn’t, you snuggle closer as if charmed by his words. And you were, but you were also a little wary. If he knew, it might mean danger for you, especially if Kai found out. “Nothing can harm you. Not while I’m around…” 

You two sit for a moment in silence, enjoying each other’s company.

Your heart ached to tell him everything while part of you knew better so you sat there, wondering what to do. It’s then you reach a decision.

Izuku was one of the most powerful magic wielders to date. If anyone stood a chance at saving himself and his friends, it was Izuku. But only if he knew it was coming. 

“Hey, um, Izuku..?” You begin, wondering how he would react. As long as he survived, though, it didn’t matter what he thought of you. You could rebuild trust eventually, but only if he survived. “I don’t want anything to harm you, either. Not...not while I’m around.” You weren’t singing, you were looking him in the eye. You had to do this. You knew it was the right thing to do. “I- -”

“Whatever it is, Koi, you can talk to me. I want to help you. Just tell me what you need to overcome.” You take a breath. “Koi, I won’t let anyone hurt you, I promise.” 

He had no idea...no idea you were about to shatter his perception of you. 

“I don’t want to hide anything from you…” You began. “But this...this is big.” Izuku perks up now that he’d started to crack at the armor you put around your secrets. He let you talk, his eyes betraying his eagerness to know more. You closed your eyes. “I...when I was young, maybe 6 or so, my village was attacked and burned by a villain group that was trying to get themselves started. For days afterward, I wandered around, homeless and an orphan…” You were shaking. You had never ever confided in anyone like this, and yet...you knew you had to keep going. Izuku’s warm, steady hand on yours helped ground you. You opened your eyes focused them on him and somehow found the strength to keep going. “And then someone took me in. I didn’t know it at first, but he was a villain. He wasn’t famous yet, and he hadn’t done anything flashy or impressive, but his magic was devastatingly powerful and he had convinced many people to join him.” Izuku’s eyes go wide. 

He could fill in a few blanks just fine, but he kept his mouth shut, afraid Koi would stop talking if he dared utter a word. 

“He told me his name was Kai Chisaki and he wanted me to be his spy, his little chameleon. I’ve been sent on many assignments, I’ve done so many horrible things to people, but I always thought Kai was right. He always made me think it was the right thing to do.” Tears formed in your eyes. Izuku hadn’t said a word. You didn’t know if that was a good thing or a bad thing but you kept going. “But this time, for the first time, he made me go undercover with people my age, just starting out in life. I...I’ve grown to like you all a lot, even that barbarian king. You all accepted me with hardly any questions and Takara’s pregnant, and...and I can’t keep going on like I don’t know what’s coming. I made up the story about King Toshinori, and about my eavesdropping on those villains. It was a cover so I could remain a chameleon without you and Eijiro and the others ever suspecting I was the leak. You’d be ambushed and dealt with quickly so you’d stop interfering with Kai’s plans.” 

You swallow. You’d done the hardest part, now you had convince him that you wanted to help him survive and protect him. “Now, I want to help you, Izuku! I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you sooner! It’s just...Kai is terrifying! I know that’s no excuse, but…” You take a breath before you broke down in tears. “I don’t want the Chisaki to kill you or your friends. I...I want to protect you and make sure nothing harms you! I promise I’ll do my best to protect you and everyone else!” At this point, you couldn’t hold the tears back anymore. You tried not to be overdramatic, so you took deep breaths to steady yourself. “I understand if you don’t want anything to do with me, Izuku. Just know that I will protect you, no matter what. I’ll do what I can to make up for what I’ve done.” 

You stood there, trembling as you waited for his reaction. 

Izuku was stunned. He’d had had his suspicions about you from the time you avoided him for a few days. He checked on your excuses and they didn’t quite pan out, but he always thought maybe he was wrong. Now...he knew he was right. There was more to you then meets the eye. 

But at least you had come forward and confessed in time to ensure everyone survived. That was what was important. 

While he was hurt that you’d only joined his group as a ploy to kill him, he knew if he didn’t do something to make sure you knew he wouldn’t abandon you, he’d lose you and you’d think he hated you. 

And that wasn’t true at all. In fact, it was the opposite. He’d grown very fond of you and was proud that you were coming forward and warning him about the impending ambush. 

This way, he could be prepared and deal with the villains while still maintaining Koi- -or whatever your name was; Koi was likely a cover- -’s cover before you were found out and killed for your betrayal. Izuku knew Kai wouldn’t take kindly to his spy revealing herself to the enemy, much less getting so attached to them. 

“So...what’s your real name?” He asks, giving you a small smile. 

Your eyes go wide. You hadn’t expected that reaction at all.

Izuku didn’t seem to hate you for your role in Chisaki’s plan. At least, not right now. 

You wipe your eyes. “W-what?” 

“What’s your name?” He repeats, smiling at you. “I’m guessing Koi isn’t your real name.”

Hardly knowing how to feel, you let out a nervous chuckle. “N-no, it’s not. I’m, uh...Y/N.” You murmur, unsure how to take Izuku’s reaction. 

Izuku’s smile goes wider and he holds out a hand as he stands. “Well then, Y/N, we’ve got work to do if we’re gonna survive the attack from the Chisaki group. C’mon.” 

You hesitate, then take the hand, letting him help you up. “Izuku...I don’t know...I don’t want everyone to know and hate me.” 

“Trust me, they’ll be thrilled you joined our side against someone like Kai Chiaski and want to help them survive. Eijiro will side with you, I know it.” 

“Katsuki will kill me…” You moan, suddenly remembering the barbarian’s temper and explosive magic he could barely control. Those factors combined sent a chill down your spine. But maybe you deserved it for befriending them under such treacherous circumstances.

“I’ll handle Katsuki. He’ll be happy as long as he has villains to fight.” 

While you appreciate the thought of Izuku convincing Katsuki to not kill you, you knew it was a long shot at best.

“I’ll be one of those villains.” 

“No you won’t.” He assures you. “Y/N, trust me. I’ll talk to him. I know how to handle the barbarian king. You just need to talk to Todoroki and Momo, and we’ll get a plan together.” 

Shakily, you nod. “I...I guess, yeah. Yeah, I’ll do that.”

“Nothing’s gonna harm you, Y/N.” Izuku says, leaning his forehead against yours. “Not while I’m around. I promised, didn’t I?” 

You try to believe him as you walk back into town, hand in hand. 

There were so many unknowns going through your head, but one thing was for sure; you and Izuku were going to figure it out together. 

[hardygalwrites]

Originally posted to FFN on around the 3rd of October, 2016

Simply archiving a writing challenge I did back in 2016 up to 2017 and featuring my favourite writing pieces from each week of the challenge here on Tumblr :]

← Week 7 (KO) – Week 9 (BB) →

Cartoon: Transformers Prime / Robots in Disguise 2015

Characters: Smokescreen, Knock Out, and Bumblebee, with appearances from numerous other characters (even ones not featured in the cartoons)

Synopsis: An Autobot Elite Guard rookie, a Decepticon medic turned Autobot, and an Autobot scout turned warrior turned street cop - three very different bots with a wide range of stories to tell. And we are going to spend the next year exploring said stories through daily-written drabbles, be they angsty, humorous, gut-punching, or just plain odd! Who doesn’t love a challenge? (2016 to 2017)

—

Lord

"So, you are a bot of science as well as medicine."

Knock Out nodded respectfully. "Yes indeed, Lord Megatron. Though I will admit I enjoy disassembly more than reassembly."

"I see. And what of your combat skills?"

"I'm a medic, my Lord, not a field bot. I rely largely on Breakdown for the heavy lifting. However, I do know very well how to hold my own in combat."

"Good. Then I believe you have all the skills I deem necessary."

"I am deeply flattered, Lord Megatron."

"Welcome to my inner circle, Doctor. I trust you will not waste this opportunity."

Saw

"Why rotary saws?"

Knock Out looked up from his datapad. "Come again?"

"Well..." First Aid fidgeted nervously. "You're a medic. Why, out of all the tools you could've had built into you, do you have rotary saws?

Knock Out grinned one of those sly grins that always made First Aid's anxiety skyrocket. "Well, they may not be terribly precise," the medic said, extending his saw. "But they cut faster than any blade and work like a charm, especially in terms of disassembly."

"Ah."

Knock Out raised an optic ridge. "Any thoughts you want to share, nurse?"

"What? No, nothing," First Aid lied.

First Meetings

Knock Out had just finished tending to a bot with a missing arm. Stepping back, he said, "It's only a patch job, but I'm sure there's some bot you can contact who can provide you with a replacement arm."

The bot lifted and lowered the remnants of his arm experimentally, and nodded. "Hey, thanks, doc."

Knock Out froze. Staring at the bot with a narrowed gaze, he asked, "What's your name?"

The bot grinned, a very cocky grin for a bot with a missing arm. "Name's Breakdown, doc."

"Well, Breakdown," Knock Out said with a genuine smile. "You are welcome."

[hardygalwrites]

Originally posted to FFN a little after the 19th of June, 2017

Simply archiving a writing challenge I did back in 2016 up to 2017 and featuring my favourite writing pieces from each week of the challenge here on Tumblr :]

← Week 44 (KO) – Week 46 (BB) →

Cartoon: Transformers Prime / Robots in Disguise 2015

Characters: Smokescreen, Knock Out, and Bumblebee, with appearances from numerous other characters (even ones not featured in the cartoons)

Synopsis: An Autobot Elite Guard rookie, a Decepticon medic turned Autobot, and an Autobot scout turned warrior turned street cop - three very different bots with a wide range of stories to tell. And we are going to spend the next year exploring said stories through daily-written drabbles, be they angsty, humorous, gut-punching, or just plain odd! Who doesn’t love a challenge? (2016 to 2017)

—

Not the Same as Wanting to Stay Alive

"Looking at all those blasters, realizing that there may be no way out, all I could think was..." Bumblebee sighed, rubbing the back of his helm. "'...I don't want to die.'"

He glanced at Jazz and sighed again. "I know, it's stupid, but-"

"I never said it was stupid, 'Bee," Jazz responded. "It's a perfectly understandable reaction."

Bumblebee scoffed. "Yeah, for a coward, maybe."

"'Bee you are not a coward. Cowards just wanna stay alive. The bots who wanna do more with their lives? The bots who don't wanna leave their friends behind? They're the ones who don't wanna die."

Not Fair

"...he's just a kid."

"C'mon, Sides," Sunstreaker muttered. "We of all bots know the world doesn't work like that."

"I know, it's just..." Sideswipe sighed. "He's already been through a lot. Then he stumbles into Megatron's capable servos, and it ain't enough he's been tortured, fraghelm had to take his voice too. You gotta feel sorry for the kid."

A beaker shattered against the wall beside the twins. They turned to see Bumblebee, still sitting on the medical berth, glaring furiously at them.

"Bumblebee, I needed...!" Ratchet cut off with a frustrated growl and turned on the twins. "You two, get out! Now!"

Not Always in Arms

Bumblebee whirred, shaking his helm. *We've been doing target practice for awhile now. How about a race?*

Smokescreen looked taken aback. "A... what?"

*A race,* Bumblebee repeated. *You know, a competition? Whoever covers a set course the fastest wins? A race!*

"Yeah, I know what a race is, I just..." Smokescreen shrugged. "I assumed all of you had the 'training, missions, or bust' kinda mentality. Which is fine-"

*Do you want in or not?*

"Slag yeah!" Smokescreen laughed.

*Great! Follow me!* Bumblebee ran from the training room with Smokescreen at his heels. *Two patrols say I beat you?*

"You're on!"

[hardygalwrites]

Originally posted to FFN a little after the 12th of December, 2016

Simply archiving a writing challenge I did back in 2016 up to 2017 and featuring my favourite writing pieces from each week of the challenge here on Tumblr :]

← Week 17 (KO) – Week 19 (KO) →

Cartoon: Transformers Prime / Robots in Disguise 2015

Characters: Smokescreen, Knock Out, and Bumblebee, with appearances from numerous other characters (even ones not featured in the cartoons)

Synopsis: An Autobot Elite Guard rookie, a Decepticon medic turned Autobot, and an Autobot scout turned warrior turned street cop - three very different bots with a wide range of stories to tell. And we are going to spend the next year exploring said stories through daily-written drabbles, be they angsty, humorous, gut-punching, or just plain odd! Who doesn’t love a challenge? (2016 to 2017)

—

New Pet

It was just a glitch-mouse. A simple, rather insignificant little specimen that had been brought to the medbay to be used as a test subject.

Knock Out had recently become rather attentive to the little thing, allowing no one but himself to take care of it. First Aid had once joked that if he didn't know Knock Out better, he would've said that the doctor was growing fond of the little creature.

Knock Out then pointedly asked him if there was some inventory he ought to be doing, and First Aid knew that that marked a permanent end to the conversation.

Fabulous Bad Guy

Knock Out smirked at the Autobot who'd just entered the cavern. "Ah, finally. I was wondering what was taking you."

"Wait," Smokescreen laughed. "Don't tell me you were actually waiting for me to show up. 'Cause that would just be stupid, even for you."

"Well, I needed someone to witness yet another one of my victories."

"You stuck around to gloat?" Smokescreen scoffed. "Wow, that is stupid. Guess you haven't been watchin' any human films lately."

"Considering how pathetically bad you Autobots are at retrieving Predacon bones, I think my decision is well founded." Knock Out turned to the Vehicons awaiting his command. "Sic him."

Kindred Spirit

"I tried playing with the other kids..." The sparkling paused to suck on his energon treat. "But they're boring, and they don't like playing any of the games I do. Can I have another one?"

"I don't think so." Knock Out moved the bowl of energon treats out of reach.

The sparkling rolled his optics. "Why not?"

"As a doctor that would just be plain irresponsible of me, as dull and grown-up that may sound. Also..." Knock Out dusted off the sparkling's shoulder. "...Take it from a grown-up, if you're going to have an impeccable finish, you must have impeccable denta to match."

"Fine."

[hardygalwrites]

Originally posted to FFN on the 8th of August, 2017

Simply archiving a writing challenge I did back in 2016 up to 2017 and featuring my favourite writing pieces from each week of the challenge here on Tumblr :]

← Week 52 (Misc.) – END

Cartoon: Transformers Prime / Robots in Disguise 2015

Characters: Smokescreen, Knock Out, and Bumblebee, with appearances from numerous other characters (even ones not featured in the cartoons)

Synopsis: An Autobot Elite Guard rookie, a Decepticon medic turned Autobot, and an Autobot scout turned warrior turned street cop - three very different bots with a wide range of stories to tell. And we are going to spend the next year exploring said stories through daily-written drabbles, be they angsty, humorous, gut-punching, or just plain odd! Who doesn’t love a challenge? (2016 to 2017)

Note: This drabble was partially inspired by the video Transformers Prime AMV: On Top of the World by RintinDestiny. The AMV is over eight years old, and if you are a Transformers Prime fan, it is very likely you have already seen it. But on the off chance you haven’t, you should totally check it out - even after all these years, it never fails to make me giddy and encapsulate a lot about what I love about this show and even this franchise.

—

On Top of the World

"We made it." Bumblebee laughed - a short but genuine laugh. "Primus. How 'bout that?"

Smokescreen also laughed as he slowly sat himself down. "Now that... That was epic."

Knock Out joined Smokescreen with a small scoff. "I admit... I do feel a bond of trust has been built following this adventure. And slaggit if I hope to never re-live it."

"I'm kinda with you on that one," Bumblebee chuckled, sitting down alongside him.

"Yeah, I think we all could do with some rest," Smokescreen agreed.

The three bots hummed in agreement and watched as the sun set on their reborn planet.

[hardygalwrites]

Originally posted to FFN on the 31st of July, 2017

Simply archiving a writing challenge I did back in 2016 up to 2017 and featuring my favourite writing pieces from each week of the challenge here on Tumblr :]

← Week 50 (Misc.) – Week 52 (Misc.) →

you would not believe how little these two actually show up on screen at the same time . . .

Cartoon: Transformers Prime / Robots in Disguise 2015

Characters: Smokescreen, Knock Out, and Bumblebee, with appearances from numerous other characters (even ones not featured in the cartoons)

Synopsis: An Autobot Elite Guard rookie, a Decepticon medic turned Autobot, and an Autobot scout turned warrior turned street cop - three very different bots with a wide range of stories to tell. And we are going to spend the next year exploring said stories through daily-written drabbles, be they angsty, humorous, gut-punching, or just plain odd! Who doesn’t love a challenge? (2016 to 2017)

—

But You're Not

It frustrated Ratchet when bots came to him saying Bumblebee wasn't acting like himself. Did they really expect him to just bounce back after what had happened to him? No bot could just bounce back from something like that! Some bots just hid their trauma better than others, and Bumblebee, for all his field experience, had never been through something that required him to learn that skill.

'Until now,' Ratchet thought sadly.

He may have been born into this war, but Bumblebee was still a youngling.

'Well... not anymore.'

Ratchet watched as Bumblebee angrily pushed a concerned comrade aside. *I said I'm fine!*

Few is Better than None

Bumblebee nudged his teammate. "C'mon, Smokescreen, what's wrong?"

Smokescreen sighed. "I don't wanna sound childish or anything, but honestly, I'm kinda jealous of you guys. Everyone who's come home so far either knows or recognizes at least one of you as friends, or even heroes. And I know, I know - reputation, being known, that's not important - but still! That's something I've wanted for as long as I can remember, and I can't help but feel... kinda disappointed I wasn't able to get there."

"...Well... At least  we  know you. And personally, I'm glad we do. That's gotta count for something."

"Heh. Thanks, 'Bee."

War Stops For No Age

Bumblebee was a fine soldier. Inexperienced, a little overenthusiastic, and sometimes even naïve, but he still had the makings of a warrior. That didn't stop his comrades from teasing him and treating him like the little brother he was (much to Bumblebee's vocal indigence). Because though Bumblebee's comrades certainly respected him as a fellow Autobot and soldier, they were also aware that Bumblebee was still a kid. It was all they could do to ensure he kept that youthful enthusiasm for as long as possible.

Because in the end, war doesn't care who you are. If they didn't care, no else would.

Who is to Say What is Dark?

"You are not me," the other bot drawled. "I wouldn't be caught dead with my finish in that state."

Knock Out scoffed. The bot looked just like him, barring the paint color, state of the finish, and general demeanor. Honestly, did this bot get any medical work done with the amount of time clearly dedicated to that spectacularly pristine, red finish?

"Perhaps you're a clone," the other bot mused, again with that unnecessary drawl. "I'm sure you wouldn't mind if I do a little... examination?" He brought out a buzzsaw.

Knock Out sighed. Figures his counterpart in this world would be a maniac.

You Just Made a Big Mistake

The 'Cons outnumbered him significantly, he wasn't exactly in peak physical condition, and he had absolutely no one to back him up. Bumblebee wasn't discouraged, though. No, he was angry.

It wasn't often Bumblebee got angry. Frustrated and annoyed maybe, but not angry. But these 'Cons seemed determined to get a rise out of the young leader. And considering what they’d done, Bumblebee acknowledged that they had succeeded.

"I don't know what you want," Bumblebee said, vocals dangerously low. "I don't know if this is part of some overcomplicated scheme, or what. And right now, I don't care. Give me back my team."

[hardygalwrites]

Originally posted to FFN around the 26th of June, 2017

Simply archiving a writing challenge I did back in 2016 up to 2017 and featuring my favourite writing pieces from each week of the challenge here on Tumblr :]

← Week 45 (BB) – Week 47 (BB) →

Cartoon: Transformers Prime / Robots in Disguise 2015

Characters: Smokescreen, Knock Out, and Bumblebee, with appearances from numerous other characters (even ones not featured in the cartoons)

Synopsis: An Autobot Elite Guard rookie, a Decepticon medic turned Autobot, and an Autobot scout turned warrior turned street cop - three very different bots with a wide range of stories to tell. And we are going to spend the next year exploring said stories through daily-written drabbles, be they angsty, humorous, gut-punching, or just plain odd! Who doesn’t love a challenge? (2016 to 2017)

—

Deadline

"This report is a day late."

Bumblebee shrugged. "I've been busy cleaning up the rec. room, like you ordered. I worked really hard, if that means anything."

Prowl scoffed. "Well, now you can work really hard on cleaning the energon tanks."

"What?"

"Bumblebee, the late report and insistently nonchalant attitude just goes to show you don't regret anything, so until you at least act as though you're trying to be a proper soldier, I can't let this insubordination go unpunished."

"It was a prank!"

"Conversation over. Get out of my office."

Bumblebee groaned. "You suck, Prowl."

"So I've been told. Get out."

Forgotten Absence

Bulkhead rubbed the back of his helm. "It's not really my kind of music, but hey, if it makes you happy, I won't stop you."

Bumblebee nudged the large bot with a look of mock indigence. *Hey, it's good music! Jazz would agree with me!*

He faltered and his doorwings wilted. Bulkhead quickly placed an encouraging servo on Bumblebee’s shoulder.

"Hey, kid,” he said. "I'm sure Jazz and the others got Optimus's message. They'll be here in no time, and we can spend all night debating about music."

*Yeah.* A little brighter, Bumblebee nudged his comrade again. *I'd totally win, though.*

Going Mental

"Well, according to my scans, there doesn't appear to be anything wrong with you, physically or mentally." Ratchet frowned thoughtfully. "And you say this is nothing like the way it was before? With Megatron?"

Bumblebee shook his helm as he stepped out of the scanner. "No, it's just voices, blank spots in my memory banks, and small processor-aches, but it feels nothing like it was when Megatron was in there."

"But you're afraid it may be something akin to that situation," Ratchet surmised.

"Well, yeah." Bumblebee rubbed the back of his helm. "I mean, it's either that or I'm going crazy, right?"

Random Singing Party for No Reason!

It started small. Russell was channel surfing and started singing some pop song under his breath. Denny passed by, heard the song, and started singing along with his son. Grimlock caught on next, singing along at the top of his vocals, with Sideswipe coming in not long after. Soon, Bumblebee could hear almost his entire team practically shouting the song from the other side of the scrapyard.

It didn't stop at one song, either - someone would always jump in with another song, and the others would follow suit. It was, strangely enough, extremely enjoyable ambiance, and Bumblebee smiled as he continued cataloging artifacts.

[hardygalwrites]

Originally posted to FFN a little after 29th of May, 2017

Simply archiving a writing challenge I did back in 2016 up to 2017 and featuring my favourite writing pieces from each week of the challenge here on Tumblr :]

← Week 41 (KO) – Week 43 (KO) →

Cartoon: Transformers Prime / Robots in Disguise 2015

Characters: Smokescreen, Knock Out, and Bumblebee, with appearances from numerous other characters (even ones not featured in the cartoons)

Synopsis: An Autobot Elite Guard rookie, a Decepticon medic turned Autobot, and an Autobot scout turned warrior turned street cop - three very different bots with a wide range of stories to tell. And we are going to spend the next year exploring said stories through daily-written drabbles, be they angsty, humorous, gut-punching, or just plain odd! Who doesn’t love a challenge? (2016 to 2017)

—

Subconscious

Everything was black in every direction. The only things Knock Out could see were the two bots accompanying him. "It's a blank landscape, essentially. It won't be blank for long, though."

"Is any of this comparable to what you have experienced with the patch?" Ultra Magnus asked.

"No," Bumblebee said uncertainly.

Knock Out shook his helm. "Again, the similarities between this machine and the patch are rudimentary at best. This machine can examine everything down to our subconscious, things that we ourselves might not even be aware of."

He smirked. "I sure hope neither of you are afraid of your own minds."

Repair Bay

The arena master turned to Knock Out as Arcee was led away. "Thank you, doctor."

"Anything to help Arcee continue in sending your bots to my medbay," the medic replied.

"Yes, in that way, she is one of my favorites. One of the few Autobots willing to behave as any warrior should in the arena."

"Well, it's fortunate you need my medical expertise, or you'd have one more bot to add to your list of favorites," Knock Out said smoothly. "Just inform your 'warriors' that I'm capable of reattaching any severed limbs, so long as you don't happen to misplace any of them."

Somewhat Concerned

"I'll admit, I was rather... concerned when I heard what had happened, especially when Lord Megatron refused to launch a rescue mission." Knock Out turned on his partner, exasperated. "But humans, Breakdown, really?"

"I screwed up big time, and this..." Breakdown tapped at his empty optic socket. "...is gonna remind me not to screw up again."

Knock Out sighed, and nodded. "Well, the important thing is you escaped, and no doubt those humans are now nothing more than stains on the ground. Not like I would expect anything less of you."

"'Course not. It'll take a lot more to put me outta commission."

Wallowing

First Aid muttered agitatedly as Knock Out scanned the patient. "I didn't mean to hurt him... I mean, I was just trying to make him stand down."

"Well, you certainly did that," Knock Out said. "He's not exactly comatose, but he won't be waking up any time soon either. I must say, I'm impressed, an idealistic pacifist like you taking out a comparatively large threat like this."

The nurse pressed a servo against his helm. "I... I didn't think it would... I didn't want to..."

"First Aid, please, if you must wallow in self-pity, could you please wallow somewhere else?"

[hardygalwrites]

Originally posted to FFN on the 1st of May, 2017

Simply archiving a writing challenge I did back in 2016 up to 2017 and featuring my favourite writing pieces from each week of the challenge here on Tumblr :]

← Week 37 (SS) – Week 39 (SS) →

Cartoon: Transformers Prime / Robots in Disguise 2015

Characters: Smokescreen, Knock Out, and Bumblebee, with appearances from numerous other characters (even ones not featured in the cartoons)

Synopsis: An Autobot Elite Guard rookie, a Decepticon medic turned Autobot, and an Autobot scout turned warrior turned street cop - three very different bots with a wide range of stories to tell. And we are going to spend the next year exploring said stories through daily-written drabbles, be they angsty, humorous, gut-punching, or just plain odd! Who doesn’t love a challenge? (2016 to 2017)

—

Witness

The trainees pushed and shoved each other in an effort to see what was happening, exclaiming in shock and disbelief.

"What's going on?" Smokescreen managed to push himself to the front of the group, and he looked up. "Woah."

A bright star streaked through the sky. Even in their confusion, the group was strangely hushed as they all watched it rise higher and higher. Soon, the star was a barely visible speck in the dark sky. The ground gently shook beneath their pedes, drawing more confused exclamations from the trainees.

Smokescreen, strangely enough, found himself at a loss for words...

I Believe I'm in Need of Medical Attention

He was holding an energon stained knife. Pretty much all of the energon was his. He glared at the bot held against the wall, prepared to change that.

The door crashed open. He didn't really pay any attention. He just wanted to pay back every minute of agony he had-

"Smokescreen!" Ultra Magnus said firmly.

Smokescreen blinked. He stepped back, dropping the knife, and Moniker fell to the ground. Ultra Magnus and a team of bots stood out of the corner of his optic.

"...Hey, chief." Forcefully steady, Smokescreen checked his clock; three hours, forty-one minutes. "You're a... bit off schedule."

Level Up

"Yeah, the Elite Guard. That's... Wow."

Smokescreen's doorwings lowered. "What's wrong? I thought you'd be happy for me."

"I am!" Bluestreak exclaimed. "I mean, the Elite Guard! That's really impressive! But... you've already been part of the squad this long. I guess I was hoping that Prowler'd be the one to toughen you up. It certainly makes family reunions easier."

Smokescreen laughed, but it wasn't entirely sincere. "Yeah, I was kinda hopin' that too. But c'mon, Blue, this is the Elite Guard! The best of the best! With them, I'll finally get the training I need to actually do something in this war!"

Hailing from Nowhere

An otherworldly shriek sounded from the end of the hall. Smokescreen paused, doorwings dipping instinctively.

The arena master laughed. "Scared, Praxian?"

Smokescreen scoffed, doorwings stiffening. "In your dreams, pal." He resumed his weapons check. "And I'm not Praxian."

"Indeed. Then where is it you hail from, youngling?"

"Slag if I know. There wasn't much to hail from by the time I came 'round."

"Interesting. A no one hailing from nowhere."

"If that's how you wanna view it, old timer, fine." Smokescreen finished his weapons check and activated his cannons. "But this no one's gonna kick your aft when he gets outta here."

[hardygalwrites]

Originally posted to FFN on the 17th of April, 2017

Simply archiving a writing challenge I did back in 2016 up to 2017 and featuring my favourite writing pieces from each week of the challenge here on Tumblr :]

← Week 35 (BB) – Week 37 (SS) →

Cartoon: Transformers Prime / Robots in Disguise 2015

Characters: Smokescreen, Knock Out, and Bumblebee, with appearances from numerous other characters (even ones not featured in the cartoons)

Synopsis: An Autobot Elite Guard rookie, a Decepticon medic turned Autobot, and an Autobot scout turned warrior turned street cop - three very different bots with a wide range of stories to tell. And we are going to spend the next year exploring said stories through daily-written drabbles, be they angsty, humorous, gut-punching, or just plain odd! Who doesn’t love a challenge? (2016 to 2017)

—

All My Fault

The sparkeater nightmares from his sparklinghood were still fresh. The events of Tyger Pax and the subsequent nightmares weren't easily forgotten either. Recently, a new wave of nightmares had been coming for him. He supposed these particular nightmares were an inevitable part of becoming a leader, but they hit a little too close to home.

He would be with his team, and things would quickly descend into madness. One by one, his entire team would fall despite his best efforts to protect them, until he was left alone with the knowledge that it's all his fault, all his fault, all his fault...

Nervous

"Bumblebee, you scout ahead and see what we're up against."

"You got it."

"Recon only, all right? And be careful!"

"Relax, I'll be fine!"

Bumblebee was starting to reconsider that stance as he wandered about the very abandoned looking building. Under any other circumstance, Bumblebee would've felt secure enough to essentially throw stealth to the wind. But there was something about the dead silence and utter darkness that had him keeping to the walls.

"Don't be so paranoid," Bumblebee muttered, turning a corner. "Keep it-"

His headlights illuminated several Decepticon corpses, strewn about the hallway, grey and lifeless.

"Oh... good..."

Better to be Happy

Today, Ratchet had suggested some form of speech therapy to help him get used to the new voice box. Bumblebee had only nodded in response, before leaving to aimlessly wander the halls once again.

Later, a nervous Sideswipe asked 'Bee if maybe he wanted to play capture-the-flag later. Bumblebee wanted to refuse with some cutting remark. He also wanted to accept with an enthusiastic exclamation. He could not muster enough emotion to care about doing either of those. Ultimately, Bumblebee forced a smile and nodded.

Sideswipe lit up. "Great! See you soon!"

As soon as Sideswipe turned away, Bumblebee's smile disappeared.

[hardygalwrites]

Originally posted to FFN around the 2nd of January, 2017

Simply archiving a writing challenge I did back in 2016 up to 2017 and featuring my favourite writing pieces from each week of the challenge here on Tumblr :]

← Week 20 (KO) – Week 22 (BB) →

Cartoon: Transformers Prime / Robots in Disguise 2015

Characters: Smokescreen, Knock Out, and Bumblebee, with appearances from numerous other characters (even ones not featured in the cartoons)

Synopsis: An Autobot Elite Guard rookie, a Decepticon medic turned Autobot, and an Autobot scout turned warrior turned street cop - three very different bots with a wide range of stories to tell. And we are going to spend the next year exploring said stories through daily-written drabbles, be they angsty, humorous, gut-punching, or just plain odd! Who doesn’t love a challenge? (2016 to 2017)

Note: Here is where some Bumblebee drabbles may get a tad confusing, as some of them are set during the war on Cybertron and thus feature the WFC version of Sideswipe. Just know that in my headcanon, more than one bot can have the same name. Thus WFC Sideswipe and RiD2015 Sideswipe exist in the same universe, but are just two different bots with the same name.

—

This Isn't Over!

Bumblebee had been feeling uneasy all week, and sleep hadn't been coming easy. Frustrated and tired, he decided to go for a short drive. He didn't get far; the uneasiness that had been plaguing him all week attacked in full force, and he transformed, reaching slowly for his Hunter.

Then, he stopped himself. 'Ugh, don't be so paranoid. Nothing's out there.'

"Hello, Bumblebee," said a familiar voice.

He froze. "No..."

"I told you this wasn't over."

Bumblebee spun around, just in time to see a pair of yellow eyes glaring at him from the darkness before they leapt at him.

Versus

"Slag." Bluestreak lowered his rifle. "Sunstreaker's watching the flag."

"We need a diversion," Sideswipe muttered. "'Bee, make yourself a target."

"What?" the youngest Autobot exclaimed. "Why me?"

"You're loud, you're noticeable, and you 'killed' Jazz. If we could stand to lose anyone, it would be you."

"I'm sorry, I'm just not that great a shot!"

"Add that to the list of reasons we could stand to lose you."

"I'm not gonna give myself up to Suntreaker!" Bumblebee hissed. "He takes the game way too seriously!"

"Yeah, me too."

"Who died and made you leader, anyway?"

"Jazz. After you 'killed' him. Now get out there!"

Survivor

"A fight. Hand to hand combat, just you and me. If you win, then I'll let your friends go." The warrior indicated towards Grimlock and Strongarm's unconscious forms. "If I win, well..." He shrugged, chuckling. "I'm sure you've read my rap sheet. Use your imagination."

Bumblebee lowered his weapon. "Deal."

"So eager! I admire that." His opponent loosened his joints confidently. "I should warn you though, I was a gladiator - a survivor of the Pits of Kaon. Consider that."

"And I've faced a few gladiators in my time. So far, I'm still standing." Bumblebee raised his fists readily. "Consider that."

Dilemma

"You're old enough. Remember the War?"

Bumblebee's optics flickered to the bot's armed blaster as he replied. "Yes, I remember."

"Then you know how brutal the 'Cons are. How much those slaggers just love bringing destruction and misery wherever they go." The bot approached Bumblebee, optics pleading for him to understand. "You know why I'm doing what I'm doing!"

Bumblebee vented deeply. "I of all bots know how... brutal the Decepticons can be. But the War is over. And Primus, I know that doesn't make anything that happened better, but we can't go around killing other bots because of it. Not anymore."

[hardygalwrites]

Originally posted to FFN on the 20th of February, 2017

Simply archiving a writing challenge I did back in 2016 up to 2017 and featuring my favourite writing pieces from each week of the challenge here on Tumblr :]

← Week 27 (SS) – Week 29 (KO) →

Cartoon: Transformers Prime / Robots in Disguise 2015

Characters: Smokescreen, Knock Out, and Bumblebee, with appearances from numerous other characters (even ones not featured in the cartoons)

Synopsis: An Autobot Elite Guard rookie, a Decepticon medic turned Autobot, and an Autobot scout turned warrior turned street cop - three very different bots with a wide range of stories to tell. And we are going to spend the next year exploring said stories through daily-written drabbles, be they angsty, humorous, gut-punching, or just plain odd! Who doesn’t love a challenge? (2016 to 2017)

—

Prepare for Trouble

"Hey, can we stop talking about work? Just for a bit? I mean, I haven't seen you for awhile. I want to hear how you're doing from you, not from some weekly message."

Before Prowl could reply, a certain adolescent sparkling ran up to the two strolling bots. "Prowl, guess what!"

"Not now, Smokescreen," Prowl said automatically.

Prowl's companion broke into a grin. "Ah, so this is the kid you've been telling me about!"

Smokescreen stared at the bot, bemused. "Prowl's been talkin' about me?"

"Yeah! Prowler's told me all about you! I'm Bluestreak, by the way."

"Oh!" Smokescreen quickly saluted. "Smokescreen."

Welcome to the Family

"So, if you're not an officer, and you're not a new squad member, then what are you?"

Bluestreak couldn't help laughing at the sparkling's utter confusion. "I'm just an old friend of Prowl's. Well, I think of him more as a brother, really."

Smokescreen frowned. "You're his brother?"

"No, no," Bluestreak laughed. "Not exactly. See, after my home was destroyed, Prowl took me in. He watched over me, helped me get better, and even trained me. So in that sense, I view him as my big brother. Which, hey! When ya think about it, kinda makes you my brother too!"

Hope It's Worth It

"And you're positive it was the Alchemor?"

Jazz shrugged. "Pretty positive. I just kinda took Bumblebee's word for it, and believe me, that bot's word always means somethin'."

"Yeah, tell me about it." Smokescreen sighed, pressing a servo to his helm. "Earth... Primus, that's gonna be real pain in the aft to get to."

Jazz tilted his helm, a sign of mild concern. "Kid, I don't know exactly what you're hopin' to do, but I can tell a lotta big bots are gettin' really jumpy about it. So whatever you're doin', for your sake, I sure hope it's worth it."

"Yeah, me too."

Marks of a [Youngling]

"Hello, sir. My name is Smokescreen. I've been assigned to be your bodyguard."

The words were practiced, respectful and to the point. The bot who spoke them stood rigidly, faceplates neutral, like one standing before a commanding officer - all marks of a trained soldier, ready to take orders and obey them.

But there was something about the way his doorwings nearly quivered in their stiffness, about the way his faceplates struggled to remain neutral, that suggested something else - a youngling who wanted to be anywhere but here.

The archivist smiled warmly. "Hello, Smokescreen. My name is Alpha Trion. I am very pleased to make your acquaintance."

[hardygalwrites]

Originally posted to FFN a little after the 23rd of January, 2017

Simply archiving a writing challenge I did back in 2016 up to 2017 and featuring my favourite writing pieces from each week of the challenge here on Tumblr :]

← Week 23 (BB) – Week 25 (SS) →

Cartoon: Transformers Prime / Robots in Disguise 2015

Characters: Smokescreen, Knock Out, and Bumblebee, with appearances from numerous other characters (even ones not featured in the cartoons)

Synopsis: An Autobot Elite Guard rookie, a Decepticon medic turned Autobot, and an Autobot scout turned warrior turned street cop - three very different bots with a wide range of stories to tell. And we are going to spend the next year exploring said stories through daily-written drabbles, be they angsty, humorous, gut-punching, or just plain odd! Who doesn’t love a challenge? (2016 to 2017)

—

Faith and Ramifications

"Launching the Allspark." Ratchet shook his helm wearily. "What on Cybertron is Optimus thinking?"

"I'm sure Optimus knows what he's doing," Bumblebee said reassuringly.

"Bumblebee, I'm not sure you understand the ramifications such a drastic action would produce."

"I understand it'll produce a real ramification for the 'Cons."

"The Allspark is so much more than a potential weapon, Bumblebee! These ramifications will end up affecting all of us in the long run. If Optimus has made the decision to launch the Allspark, then all of Cybertron had better hope he knows what he's doing."

"And he does! Optimus always knows what he's doing!"

Petty Arguments

"Okay, so you don't like their music," Bumblebee said shortly. "That's fine. But I do, so could you please stop criticizing?"

"I'm just giving my opinion," Sideswipe muttered.

Strongarm scoffed. "Since when did we start listening to your opinions?"

Sideswipe glared at her. "I'm sorry, but at what point was this conversation any of your business?"

"Sideswipe," Bumblebee said warningly.

"What? It's true! She's always butting in on stuff that's none of her business!"

"Hey!" Strongarm snapped.

Bumblebee quickly stepped between the two. "Strongarm-!"

"No point in denying it!" Sideswipe called.

"Sideswipe, enough!"

"What's everybody shouting about?" Grimlock bellowed.

"GO AWAY, GRIM!"

Anniversary

Bumblebee could remember the exact date he had lost his voice. How could he not? Even as he improved and his psyche healed, that date never failed to make Bumblebee feel as though he were back to square one.

After the revival of Cybertron, things changed.

Arcee watched from a distance as Bumblebee chatted with Smokescreen, laughing as he teased the other mech about something or other.

"Hey, Bulk," she called to the nearby Wrecker. "Isn't today supposed to be 'Bee's moody day, or something?"

Bulkhead saw where Arcee was looking, and chuckled. "Guess he forgot."

Arcee smiled. "Guess so."

[hardygalwrites]

Originally posted to FFN a little after the 5th of December, 2016

Simply archiving a writing challenge I did back in 2016 up to 2017 and featuring my favourite writing pieces from each week of the challenge here on Tumblr :]

← Week 16 (SS) – Week 18 (KO) →

Cartoon: Transformers Prime / Robots in Disguise 2015

Characters: Smokescreen, Knock Out, and Bumblebee, with appearances from numerous other characters (even ones not featured in the cartoons)

Synopsis: An Autobot Elite Guard rookie, a Decepticon medic turned Autobot, and an Autobot scout turned warrior turned street cop - three very different bots with a wide range of stories to tell. And we are going to spend the next year exploring said stories through daily-written drabbles, be they angsty, humorous, gut-punching, or just plain odd! Who doesn’t love a challenge? (2016 to 2017)

—

Temporary Caretaker

Red Alert pat the sulky sparkling on the helm. "Just keep an optic on him while I contact the caretakers."

Knock Out eyed the sparkling warily. "Why? Surely you can handle one sparkling."

"And you can't?" Red Alert retorted. "It won't take long, just a few minutes. Don't do anything stupid." She turned to leave.

"Wait!" Knock Out shouted. "Just what do you expect me to do with this?"

But Red Alert had already left the room. Knock Out groaned and looked down at the sparkling, who simply crossed his arms and stuck out his glossa. Apparently he wasn't too thrilled about the situation either.

Silent Mourning

"And you found no body?"

Dreadwing shook his helm regretfully. "Nothing."

"Hmm." Knock Out's back remained facing the seeker.

"I know how great a friend Breakdown was to you, Knock Out," Dreadwing said solemnly. "I am deeply sorry for your loss."

Knock Out was silent for a moment. "Well, this is war. Breakdown knew the risks, as do we all. Thank you for your time, Dreadwing."

The Decepticon SIC took that as his cue to leave. But just before the medical bay doors could close behind him, Dreadwing turned and caught a glimpse of the good doctor leaning heavily over his desk.

Theatre

Everyone knew that the doctor was a former Decepticon. That didn't stop the medical students' fascination as said doctor gave an in depth lecture, complete with a dissected corpse. One of the weaker students nearly purged his tanks, and the doctor sent said student a warning look.

"Careful," he drawled. "If a single droplet of your fluids so much as touches my finish, you'll be joining our unfortunate friend on the dissection table."

The students laughed.

The doctor raised an optic ridge, then smirked. "I guess that did sort of sound like a joke, didn't it?"

They quickly stopped laughing.

Not Really An Autobot

They'd broken into the medical bay, a vicious but desperate group of Decepticon stragglers, demanding medical supplies. Knock Out, never one to argue with a mech holding a gun to his face, told them to help themselves. The leader of the group shoved the medic aside.

Knock Out examined the new scratches on his chestplates. "You shouldn't have done that."

"Yeah?" The leader smirked, showing off his blaster. "What'cha gonna do about it, Autobot?"

"Oh, I may have joined their team..." Knock Out got to his pedes, an unnerving smile on his faceplates. "...but I can assure you, I'm no Autobot."