Archive of Our Own ^beta

As the sun hung high above the junk-strewn expanse of the scrap yard as it was casting a warm glow over the mismatched pile of car parts, machinery, and rusted metal. At the time, Russell crouched next to an old car hood as he was holding a battered comic book in his hands and the glossy had a cover that was displaying a dramatic clash between a caped hero and a shadowy villain.

Nearby, Grimlock was towering over as there was metallic copper and he leaned down with genuine curiosity as his own massive dino-like form nearly was blotting out the sun. On the other hand, Sideswipe was ever the sleek and sarcastic Autobot as he stood with his arms crossed and he was smirking at the scene.

"So, you’re telling me," Grimlock rumbled, his optics gleaming with interest, "that this guy with the cape can fly and shoot lasers from his eyes? That’s awesome!"

Russell grinned. "Yeah, but he’s not just strong; he’s all about truth and justice. He’s the ultimate hero."

Sideswipe snorted. "Pfft, truth and justice? Sounds boring. Now, this guy," he pointed at a panel in the comic book showing a grinning, devious-looking villain, "he’s got style. I mean, look at that grin! This guy knows how to have fun."

"Fun?" Russell frowned. "He’s the bad guy! Heroes are the ones who save the day, not wreak havoc!"

"Details," Sideswipe said with a shrug. "Villains have all the best lines, anyway."

Grimlock scratched his head with a large claw. "So... we’re gonna pretend to be these characters? Like, uh, what do you call it? Role Playing?"

"Exactly!" Russell said enthusiastically. "It’ll be fun! You guys pick who you want to be, and we’ll act it out."

As the three debated who would take on which role, Bumblebee strolled into the yard as he wanted to check in what they were doing. Bumblebee’s bright yellow plating gleamed as he approached as he was curious about what they were talking about as it was like an animated conversation between the three of them.

"Hey, what’s going on here guys?" Bumblebee asked, his voice carrying a mix of curiosity and amusement.

Russell looked up and grinned. "We’re talking about comic book heroes and villains. We’re gonna roleplay as them!"

Bumblebee tilted his head, a flicker of nostalgia crossing his optics. "Roleplay, huh? That takes me back... I used to do that kind of thing."

Sideswipe's optics widened before he burst into laughter. "Wait, you? Roleplay? Oh, this I gotta hear. What did you do, pretend to be a fearless gladiator or something?"

Bumblebee shot him a mock glare. "Ha Ha… Very funny, Sideswipe. For your information, I roleplayed with some humans—friends of mine. Jack, Miko, and Raf. Especially Raf." His voice softened as he said Raf’s name, a flicker of longing in his tone.

Russell perked up, intrigued. "I heard you mentioned them before. Who were they? Jack, Miko, and Raf?"

Bumblebee smiled, the memory tugging at his spark. "They were some of the closest human friends I ever had. Jack was smart and brave, Miko was full of energy and loved action, and Raf… Raf was like my little brother. He could understand me even when my voice box wasn’t working right. We had so many adventures together. I miss them." His voice trailed off, and he looked away, the weight of the years showing in his stance.

Russell frowned, sensing Bumblebee’s sadness. "Why haven’t you contacted them? Or tried to find them?"

Bumblebee sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "I wanted to, but things got… complicated. With everything that’s happened here on Earth, there just hasn’t been time. And honestly, I don’t even know where they are now."

Before the conversation could continue, Fix-It rolled into the yard, his small, fidgety form buzzing with energy. His scanner arm beeped as he approached. "There you are!" Fix-It said in his usual hurried tone. "I’ve been searching for you all. I have some data regarding Steeljaw's possible location. It’s preliminary, but it might be worth investigating."

Bumblebee straightened, his demeanor shifting back to leader mode. "Good work, Fix-It. Send the data to the command console. We’ll review it soon."

As Fix-It scurried off, Russell glanced at Bumblebee. "You know, Bee, maybe when things calm down, we could help you look for them. Jack, Miko, and Raf, I mean."

Bumblebee smiled, a spark of hope lighting in his optics. "Thanks, Russell. That means a lot. But for now," he gestured at the comic book, "what do you say we figure out this hero and villain thing? Maybe I’ll even join in."

Sideswipe grinned. "Oh, this I’ve gotta see. What role are you taking, Bee? The noble hero or the brooding anti-hero?"

Bumblebee chuckled. "I’ll surprise you. Let’s just say… I’ve had plenty of practice."

As the group dove into their playful roleplay, laughter filled the scrap yard, the weight of their challenges momentarily set aside. Yet in the back of Bumblebee’s mind, memories of his old friends lingered, a reminder of the bonds he once shared and the hope of reconnecting someday.

With the quiet hum of the command center was a stark contrast to the lively chatter in the scrap yard. Strongarm stood at attention near the console, her posture disciplined and her optics scanning the screens for any updates. Drift, ever composed and stoic, stood beside her, his arms folded as he observed the steady stream of data being displayed.

Fix-It scuttled between terminals as his own small frame was buzzing with excitement as he worked to compile a detailed report. Fix-It’s scanner arm beeped rhythmically as he downloaded more information about Steeljaw’s potential whereabouts, especially what he could do when he does return.

“Fix-It,” Strongarm said, her voice crisp, “what have you found so far? Do we have a confirmed location?”

Fix-It looked up, his optics wide. “Ah, not quite a confirmation yet, Strongarm, but there are patterns! Yes, patterns of Energon traces in abandoned industrial zones, and—oh! A sighting of a suspicious vehicle reported near a warehouse two cities over!”

Drift stepped forward, his expression serious. “This information must be handled with precision. Steeljaw is cunning and will not leave obvious trails. Cross-reference these locations with his known movements.”

“Yes, yes! Cross-referencing now!” Fix-It chirped, his fingers darting over the keyboard.

The door to the command center slid open, and Danny strolled in, his attention glued to his phone. Danny was grinning as he held up the screen as he was seemingly oblivious to the focused atmosphere around him. “Hey, everyone, check this out!” Danny said, waving his phone.

Strongarm turned, frowning slightly at the interruption. “Danny, we’re in the middle of an important—”

“Yeah, yeah, super important stuff, I get it,” Danny interrupted, stepping closer. “But this? This is crazy! Look!”

Danny thrust his phone toward Strongarm and Drift. On the screen was a picture of a small container, it's clear walls revealing a shard of something crystalline inside. The shard glowed with an otherworldly blue light as it was pulsating faintly. Strongarm leaned in, her optics narrowing. “What is that?”

“It’s a diamond shard!” Danny said excitedly. “Or at least, I think it is. Found it when I was in the city earlier today. Get this—it fell on my head! Out of nowhere!”

Drift raised an eyebrow, his tone skeptical. “It fell… on your head?”

“Yeah!” Danny said, grinning. “Weird, right? But hey, it’s my lucky day! Look at it—it’s glowing! Someone’s gotta want to buy this for, like, thousands. Maybe even millions of dollars!”

Strongarm exchanged a glance with Drift, her frown deepening. “Danny, don’t you think it’s odd that something like this just fell out of the sky? It could be dangerous.”

“Dangerous? Nah!” Danny waved off her concern. “It’s just a shiny rock. A valuable shiny rock. I’m telling you, this thing’s gonna make me rich!”

Fix-It scurried over, his scanner arm extending toward the phone. “A glowing shard, you say? Fascinating! Let me scan it—there could be Energon or Cybertronian properties!”

Danny pulled the phone back, holding it protectively. “Whoa, whoa, no scans! What if it messes with the value? I’m gonna sell this thing, not experiment on it!”

Strongarm sighed, crossing her arms. “Danny, this isn’t just about money. If it’s glowing like that, it might not even be from Earth. You need to let Fix-It examine it.”

“Not a chance,” Danny said with a chuckle. “This baby’s gonna fund my dream vacation. Maybe even buy me a new car! Anyway, I’ve got other stuff to check on. See ya!”

With that, Danny turned and strolled out of the command center, humming to himself. As the door closed behind him, Strongarm shook her head in exasperation. “Unbelievable. He’s treating it like some kind of toy.”

Drift remained silent as his own gaze was lingering on the door. “Well… There is more to that shard than he realizes. For some reason its energy…it somehow feels unnatural.”

Fix-It nodded rapidly, his scanner arm twitching. “Yes, yes! It could be connected to Cybertronian technology! Or worse, it could be dangerous! We must investigate!”

Strongarm straightened, her resolve firm. “Agreed. We’ll track Danny down and get another look at that shard. If it’s connected to Steeljaw or any other threat, we need to know.”

Drift nodded solemnly. “Then let us move swiftly. Time is of the essence.” As they began making plans, the faint hum of the glowing shard lingered in their minds, a mysterious presence that hinted at bigger challenges to come.

As the command center erupted with a piercing alarm, the red warning lights were casting an urgent glow across the room. Strongarm’s optics snapped to the console as she quickly approached and her own fingers were flying over the controls. Drift followed, his calm demeanor unshaken but his focus sharp.

“What’s going on, Fix-It?” Strongarm called out as the small Autobot’s face appeared on the screen.

Fix-It’s usual jittery movements seemed even more pronounced. “Unidentified humans detected at the front gate! Two of them, dressed in strange attire—suits, ties, and glasses! They arrived in a black car!”

Drift frowned. “This is unusual. Humans do not typically approach our location unless they are lost… or have a purpose.”

Elsewhere in the scrapyard, Bumblebee, Sideswipe, Grimlock, and Russell were immersed in their roleplay. Grimlock roared dramatically, pretending to be the comic book villain, while Russell and Sideswipe valiantly acted as heroes trying to stop him. Bumblebee, playing a wise mentor, was watching with amusement, occasionally throwing in a quip.

“Grimlock, you’re supposed to lose,” Russell teased, dodging a mock swipe from the Dinobot.

“Lose? Villains don’t lose!” Grimlock bellowed, stomping his foot, shaking the ground beneath them.

“Guys,” Bumblebee chuckled, “I don’t think the comic book heroes ever dealt with a villain this big.”

The fun abruptly ended when the alarms blared through the yard. Everyone froze, their roleplay forgotten. “What now?” Sideswipe groaned, lowering his imaginary weapon.

Bumblebee’s tone turned serious. “Alarms mean trouble. Let’s move.”

The group rushed to the command center, where Strongarm and Drift were already gathered. Fix-It’s face was still on the screen, his scanner arm twitching nervously. “Bee!” Strongarm called as the team entered. “We’ve got visitors. Two humans at the gate, and they don’t look like your average civilians.”

Russell peered over the console to see the live camera feed. Two men stood outside the gate, dressed in sleek black suits with ties and dark glasses. A shiny black car idled behind them, its engine purring faintly. “They look like spies… Super spies,” Russell remarked, his brow furrowed.

Before anyone could speculate further, Danny burst into the room, his phone in hand and a grin on his face. “Oh, those guys? They’re here for me!”

The team turned to him in surprise. “Wait, what?” Strongarm asked.

Danny held up his phone, showing a message. “I got a text a few minutes ago. They’re interested in the shard! You know, the glowing one I told you about.”

Bumblebee’s optics narrowed. “Danny, you’re saying these people want to see this shard thin?” Wondering what Danny was talking about but Bumblebee went with it for now.

“Exactly!” Danny said, beaming. “I told you it was valuable! These guys are probably collectors or something.”

Grimlock tilted his massive head. “What shard thing? Why do they want the shard? But what I think that I know about a shard is that it’s just a glowing rock, right?”

Bumblebee turned to Grimlock. “Yes Grimlock.”

Grimlock nervously smiled as he put his hand behind his neck. “Okay good.” Grimlock chuckled.

Russell chimed in, shrugging. “So… That’s what I thought too. It’s junk, isn’t it?”

“It’s not junk!” Danny snapped, clutching his phone defensively. “It’s my ticket to the big leagues!”

Sideswipe stepped closer, his tone skeptical. “Danny, don’t you think it’s a little weird that these guys showed up here? How’d they even know you had it?”

Danny hesitated for a moment before brushing off the concern. “Look, they messaged me. They must have seen me post about it online or something. Doesn’t matter. I’m letting them in to see the shard.”

Bumblebee’s expression grew serious. “Danny, this could be more dangerous than you think. We need to be cautious.”

“Yeah, yeah, caution. Got it,” Danny replied dismissively. He started toward the door. “I’ll just let them in and show them the shard. No big deal.”

Strongarm stepped in his path. “Wait. If you’re going to do this, we need to stay hidden. If these people are after something more than just a glowing rock, we need to be ready.”

Danny sighed but nodded. “Fine. Hide, do your spy thing, whatever. Just don’t mess this up for me.”

As Danny headed to the gate, the Autobots quickly dispersed, hiding behind various scrap piles and equipment. Russell crouched behind a stack of crates, his heart racing. From their hiding spots, the team watched as Danny approached the gate, his confidence unshaken. The black car remained ominously still, the two men waiting silently. The air grew tense as they prepared for whatever was about to unfold.

At the time, Danny strolled up to the two men standing at the gate, the glowing shard’s container tucked under his arm. He squinted at them, sizing them up. The pair didn’t exactly scream "professional buyers." They were young, probably in their mid-to-late 20s, and though they wore sleek black suits and dark glasses, their body language betrayed an air of nervousness.

“So,” Danny started, his voice cautious but curious, “you’re the guys who messaged me?”

The taller of the two stepped forward, flashing what he probably thought was a confident smile. “Yes! That’s us,” he said, extending a hand. “I’m Agent Vince William Fowler.”

Before Danny could react, the other man gave Vince an irritated glare and muttered, “Seriously? The full name?”

Vince shrugged with a grin. “What? It sounds cooler this way.”

The second man sighed, visibly cringing before stepping forward and reluctantly introducing himself. “And I’m Agent Jack... Triple Darby.” His tone was flat, and as soon as the words left his mouth, Vince burst into a chuckle.

“Triple Darby?” Danny repeated, raising an eyebrow.

Jack groaned, shooting a look at Vince. “It’s just Jack Darby. He thinks adding ‘Triple’ makes it funny.”

Vince, still chuckling, jabbed Jack lightly in the arm. “Lighten up, Triple D. It’s a solid nickname!”

Jack responded by smacking Vince on the shoulder. “Could you not?”

Danny blinked, staring at the two in confusion. “You guys are… definitely not what I was expecting.”

Jack straightened his tie, his tone growing more professional. “Um… Anyways, we’re here for the shard. We were told you have it, and we’re willing to pay. No games.”

Vince nodded eagerly and gestured to a sleek black case they’d brought with them. “We’ve got the cash. Millions, just like we promised. All legit.”

Danny’s eyes widened as he eyed the case. “Millions?”

“Millions,” Vince repeated, his grin widening.

Danny’s skeptical expression softened into a satisfied smirk. “Alright, fine. Come on in.” He opened the gate, motioning for the two to follow. The pair exchanged a quick glance before stepping inside, their eyes darting around the scrapyard. Danny led them toward the command center, walking briskly with the container still under his arm.

Inside the command center, the Autobots and Russell were hidden among the various equipment and behind crates as they were watching the scene unfold. Bumblebee crouched low, his optics trained on the newcomers. Strongarm and Drift stood ready as they were quietly assessing the situation.

Once they entered, Danny stopped and turned toward Russell, who was peeking out from behind a stack of monitors. “Hey, kid! Come meet the guys who are gonna make me rich!”

Russell reluctantly stepped forward, glancing at the two men. “Uh… hi?”

Vince immediately crouched down to Russell’s level, his grin widening. “Hey, little dude! Cool spot you’ve got here. Do you work here or just hang out and look awesome?”

Russell blinked, confused by the sudden attention. “I, uh… just live here.”

Vince gave him an exaggerated nod of approval. “Nice. Living in a scrapyard and still managing to be cooler than most people I know. Respect.”

Jack rolled his eyes and gave Vince another light smack on the arm. “Can you not?”

“What? I’m just saying the kid’s cool,” Vince said, feigning innocence.

Russell frowned, clearly unsure what to make of Vince. “Thanks… I guess?”

Danny chuckled, shaking his head. “Alright, enough bonding time. Let’s talk business.”

As Danny placed the glowing shard’s container on a nearby table, the Autobots remained hidden as they were watching the interaction closely. As there was something about these two that didn't quite add up, and Bumblebee’s optics narrowed as he tried to piece together their motives.

“Keep your guard up,” Strongarm whispered to Drift, her voice barely audible. “These two don’t feel like ordinary buyers.”

Drift nodded slightly, his sharp gaze fixed on the two men. “Agreed. We should observe carefully.” While the Autobots remained hidden, the tension in the room began to build as Danny prepared to showcase the shard to his unusual guests.

From their hiding spots, the Autobots watched intently as Danny placed the glowing shard’s container on the table in front of Vince and Jack. The eerie blue light from the shard cast faint shadows across the room, illuminating the faces of the two men. Bumblebee crouched low behind a stack of crates, his optics narrowing as he focused on Jack.

There was something familiar about him, something Bumblebee couldn’t quite place. The way he moved, the slight furrow of his brow when he was deep in thought—it tugged at a memory long buried under years of battle and responsibility. Danny stepped back, grinning as he gestured to the shard. “Here it is, boys. The famous glowing diamond shard. Are you still interested?”

Vince’s face lit up as he nudged Jack. “Told you it was legit! Look at that glow!”

Jack reached out, his hands steady as he carefully picked up the container. The blue light reflected in his glasses, giving him an almost otherworldly appearance. He studied the shard for a moment before nodding. “Yeah, this is it. Perfect condition.”

As Vince handed over the sleek black case, Danny eagerly took it and popped it open. His eyes widened at the sight of neatly stacked bundles of cash. “Whoa,” Danny breathed, running his hand over the bills. “You guys weren’t kidding. Millions, huh?”

“Told you we were serious,” Vince said with a smirk.

Jack, still holding the container, exchanged a quick glance with Vince. His voice dropped slightly as he murmured, “This has to be one of them. The glow, the energy signature—it’s exactly what we’ve been looking for.”

Vince nodded, his smirk fading into a more serious expression. “No doubt about it. This is the real deal.”

Danny frowned, catching a bit of their exchange. “What are you guys whispering about?”

Jack straightened, his face unreadable. “Just admiring the craftsmanship. We’ve seen a lot of fakes out there. This one’s... unique.”

Danny raised an eyebrow but didn’t push further. “Well, as long as the cash is real, I don’t care what you think about the shard.”

Jack and Vince moved toward the door, the container secured under Jack’s arm. As they walked, Bumblebee’s optics widened. It hit him like a jolt of electricity. That posture, that voice—it was him. “Jack?…” Bumblebee whispered to himself.

A flood of memories surged through him. Jack, the brave human boy who had fought alongside him and the Autobots against the Decepticons. Jack, who had worked with Raf and Miko to protect Earth and maintain their secret. And Vince—Bumblebee remembered him, too. The cocky teen who had once mocked him during a street race before Knock Out’s attack turned the whole event into chaos.

Bumblebee’s spark ached at the realization. If Jack was here, there was a chance he was still in contact with Raf. The thought of reconnecting with one of his closest human allies made Bumblebee’s spark race with hope. Russell, crouched nearby, noticed Bumblebee’s intense stare. He crept closer and whispered, “Bee? What’s wrong?”

Bumblebee didn’t respond immediately. His optics were locked on Jack as he and Vince stepped out of the command center, the shard in hand. Finally, Bumblebee turned to Russell, his voice low. “That’s him. That’s Jack Darby.”

Russell frowned, confused. “Who?”

“One of the humans I told you about,” Bumblebee explained. “Jack, Miko, and Raf—they helped us fight the Decepticons years ago. Jack was one of us.”

Russell glanced toward the door where Jack and Vince had just exited. “Wait, you know that guy? And you think he knows Raf?”

Bumblebee nodded slowly. “He has to. And if he does… maybe Raf is still out there.”

The possibility sent a wave of emotions through Bumblebee—hope, longing, and a touch of sadness. So much time had passed, and he had thought his connection to his human friends was lost. But now, Jack Darby was here, and with him there was a chance to rekindle those bonds.

As Bumblebee’s mind raced, Russell placed a hand on his arm. “What are you gonna do?”

Bumblebee’s optics narrowed with determination. “I’m going to find out why Jack is here—and if he’s still in contact with Raf.”

As the Autobots gathered in their hiding spots as Bumblebee straightened up, his optics glowing with determination. “You can’t be serious, Bee,” Strongarm whispered harshly, peering around a pile of scrap. “If that really is Jack Darby that you say he is, what do you expect to accomplish? He might not even recognize you!”

“He might not have seen me,” Bumblebee replied quietly, but his tone was resolute. “If it’s him, I have to talk to him. I can’t let him leave without knowing for sure that it’s really Jack.”

Drift folded his arms. “Rushing into an encounter without a plan could compromise us. Do you think he will even acknowledge your presence?”

Sideswipe chimed in, a smirk on his face. “What if he’s, like, too cool for us now? All grown up and mysterious?”

Bumblebee shot him a look, silencing the banter. “I don’t care how it looks. This might be my only chance to reconnect with someone who helped save this planet. Jack helped save Cybertron. Jack was family once.”

Russell nodded in quiet support. “I think Bee’s right. If that’s really Jack, we owe him at least a conversation.”

Fix-It’s voice crackled through the comms. “Be careful, Bumblebee. They could be dangerous. I’m still running scans on their vehicle, but it’s shielded. Advanced tech for humans!”

As the Autobots debated, outside, Jack and Vince reached the front gate. Vince grinned, practically bouncing with excitement. “Man, I can’t believe we actually got one of the shards! That’s three now. We’re on a roll!”

Jack nodded, his expression calm but satisfied. “Yeah. Another piece of the puzzle. Two back at base, and now this one. We’re getting closer.”

Vince stuffed his hands in his pockets and leaned closer to Jack. “You think The Black Order is tracking us? What if they send someone after us right now? Like, one of their ‘bad guys’?”

Jack shot him a sidelong glance. “Not likely. Raf made sure their trackers are blocked. So, they won’t be able to track us down. He’s always ten steps ahead of those guys.”

Vince let out a relieved breath. “Good. I’d rather not have to deal with more of their creeps today.”

When the two reached their sleek black car as the shard was secure in its container. Vince slid into the passenger seat while Jack walked around to the driver’s side. The car’s engine purred to life as there was a low hum that sounded more advanced than any standard vehicle that could be heard.

Inside, the Autobots watched the scene unfold on the monitors. “They’re leaving!” Strongarm hissed. “Bee, if you’re going to do something, now’s the time. But please, don’t make it all out. We also can’t blow our cover either.”

Bumblebee’s resolve hardened. He stepped out from behind his hiding spot, moving quickly toward the front gate. “Bee, wait!” Strongarm called, but he didn’t stop.

As Jack opened the driver’s side door, Bumblebee stepped into view. Bumblebee’s large frame cast a shadow over the car as his glowing optics locked on Jack. Jack froze, his hand on the door, staring up at the familiar Autobot. Vince noticed the hesitation and leaned over. “What’s the holdup?”

Jack didn’t answer right away. His eyes widened slightly as recognition sparked. “...Bumblebee?”

Vince tilted his head. “Bumblebee? You mean the bee that flies around and buzzes. I hate seeing those things. They make me… well, they’re just annoying.” Vince nervously chuckled under his breath.

For a moment, Jack kept staring at the bot that he once knew back when he was younger. Vince was too busy talking about bees instead of looking at what was outside their own vehicle. It felt like everything was held still at the moment of time. The tension in the air was palpable as old memories stirred in Jack’s mind.

Jack smiled at Bumblebee. “It’s good to see you.” Jack said.

Bumblebee knelt slightly, his voice soft but steady. “It’s been a long time, Jack.”

While Vince was talking, Vince eventually leaned back in the passenger seat and his own eyes were narrowing. “What are you staring at?” he asked Jack, his tone impatient.

Jack didn’t respond immediately, his gaze fixed on Bumblebee, still kneeling before him. “What the—” Vince craned his neck, and his expression morphed from confusion to sheer frustration. He threw open the car door and jumped out, yelling in disbelief. “Giant robots?! Seriously?!”

Vince pointed an accusing finger at Bumblebee. “We’ve dealt with red sentients, blue sentients, The Black Order, and now we’re adding giant freaking robots to the list? What’s next? Aliens? Time travelers? Dinosaurs?”

Jack gave him a pointed look. “Vince, maybe calm down—”

“No! I’m not calming down!” Vince shouted, throwing his arms in the air. “This is insane! Him,” he gestured wildly at Bumblebee, “and his big metal friends are just casually hanging out here?!”

Before Jack could reply as there was a sudden rippling sound that filled the air. The space was near them that shimmered unnaturally, and there was a swirling portal that opened that was mere a feet away. Jack instinctively pushed Vince back and his hand hovering near his waist at the moment.

The portal expanded, and a man stepped through. He was tall and imposing and his own movements were graceful but yet deliberate at the same time. His outfit was striking—a traditional Japanese hakama paired with a fitted black gi adorned with red accents and kanji symbols.

A long flowing white haori hung from his shoulders and its edges trimmed with intricate golden embroidery. His black boots gleamed, and a crimson sash was tied tightly around his waist. In his hand, he held an energy blade that pulsed with a fiery red light. He stared directly at Jack and Vince while he was walking to a certain spot to stop at.

Jack tensed, his grip tightening on his hidden weapon. “Great,” he muttered.

Vince growled, glaring at the figure. “Oh, fantastic. I just had to say something, didn’t I?”

The man’s gaze swept over the group, lingering on Jack and Vince. His expression was calm, almost serene, but there was an unmistakable air of menace in his presence. “Targets acquired,” the man said coolly, his voice deep and measured. He raised his energy blade, the red glow intensifying.

Bumblebee straightened, his optics narrowing as he studied the newcomer. “Who’s this guy?”

Jack and Vince exchanged a quick glance. Vince muttered under his breath, “One of The Black Order’s assassins. These guys don’t mess around. They’re basically annoying at this point.”

“Stay back,” Jack ordered, stepping out of the car and drawing his own weapon—a sleek, blue-edged energy blade. Vince followed suit, pulling out a matching weapon with green edges.

Vince let out an exaggerated sigh, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Sure, why not? This is exactly what I wanted today. First glowing diamonds, now ninja assassins. What’s next? Space dragons?”

Jack glanced back at Vince. “Don’t jinx us.”

Vince shook his head. “Oh come on, I was just kidding.”

Jack rolled his eyes. “When have you been joking and it ends up coming true?” Jack remarked.

Vince stayed quiet for that moment before speaking again. “Oh god yeah.” Vince sighed as he came to realization.

When the moment was happening, that was when the Autobots, who had been watching from their hiding spots, finally emerged from where they were hiding. There was Strongarm, Drift, Grimlock, and Sideswipe joined Bumblebee as their own weapons were ready to attack but seeing that it was just a small human. They weren’t sure how to react to the situation.

“Bee, what’s going on?” Strongarm asked, her optics narrowing as she scanned the assassin.

“No idea,” Bumblebee replied, his voice tense. “But it doesn’t look good.”

The assassin glanced at the Autobots, his lips curling into a faint smile. “Unexpected variables. No matter.” He shifted his stance, energy blade raised as he prepared to attack.

Jack and Vince stepped forward, standing side by side, their blades glowing brightly. Vince gave Jack a sidelong glance. “Are you ready for this?”

Jack smirked, his eyes locked on the assassin. “Always.”

Bumblebee’s gaze darted between Jack and Vince, surprised by their readiness. “You two… know how to fight?”

“Let’s just say we’ve had some practice for a while,” Jack said, his voice steady.

Vince snorted. “Yeah, a lot of practice.”

The Autobots and the two humans stood together as they were facing off against the assassin. The air crackled with tension as the portal behind the assassin shimmered faintly as they were hinting at the threat of reinforcements. “Autobots,” Bumblebee said, his tone commanding, “prepare for battle.” The standoff began, and everyone braced themselves for the fight that was about to erupt.

Sideswipe stepped forward, a cocky grin plastered across his face as he sized up the assassin. “So… Are we really doing this? Really? This is it? A little ninja guy with a fancy glowing stick? Hate to break it to you, but we’re giant robots. You’re, what, five-foot-something? I’ve faced scarier traffic cones.”

The assassin’s calm demeanor didn’t waver. Instead, he raised his energy blade, and with a swift, precise slash, a crackling wave of red energy erupted from it. The wave shot toward Sideswipe, narrowly missing his head and slicing cleanly through a metal beam behind him, which fell to the ground with a thunderous crash.

Sideswipe stumbled back, his optics wide. “Whoa! Okay, I'll take it back—this guy’s legit!”

The assassin’s gaze didn’t shift as he spoke, his voice as sharp as his blade. “I am Kurojin, servant of The Black Order. Your interference is irrelevant.”

Before the Autobots could react, Jack surged forward, his energy blade clashing against Kurojin’s. Sparks flew as the two weapons collided, the sound of the impact echoing through the yard. Vince was right behind him, slashing at Kurojin from the other side. The assassin twisted gracefully, parrying their attacks with ease.

Sideswipe watched in shock, his jaw dropping. “Humans can do that? Since when do you guys carry swords that glow?!”

Strongarm elbowed him. “Focus, Sideswipe! This isn’t a joke!”

Bumblebee, however, wasn’t watching the fight with surprise—he was watching Jack. Every movement, every strike, every counter Jack made was deliberate and precise. Bumblebee couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride. This was the same Jack Darby he remembered, now a skilled fighter, and he was holding his own against an assassin from The Black Order.

Kurojin chuckled as he deflected another blow from Vince. “Impressive. But, you are outmatched.”

The assassin suddenly thrust his blade into the ground, and a glowing portal opened beneath Jack and Vince. “What the—?!” Jack barely had time to react before the swirling energy pulled him down.

“Not again!” Vince yelled as he was sucked in as well, his blade vanishing into the vortex.

The portal snapped shut behind them as he was leaving only a faint shimmer where it had been. Kurojin turned to face the Autobots as his own blade was still glowing. “You should leave this matter alone,” Kurojin said coldly, his gaze scanning the towering Autobots. “It is none of your concern.”

Bumblebee stepped forward, his stance protective. “They’re our allies. They’re my friends. That makes it our concern… My concern.”

Kurojin chuckled, shaking his head. “Foolish sentiment. Their path is separate from yours. Interfere further, and you will regret it.”

With that, he stepped back into another portal that shimmered behind him. As he disappeared into the glowing vortex, the portal closed with a sharp snap, leaving the Autobots standing in silence. Sideswipe broke the quiet first. “Okay, what just happened? Did those two of your… human friends just get kidnapped by a portal ninja?!”

Strongarm crossed her arms, her optics narrowing. “This is bad. Whoever is this Black Order is. Then, this “Black Order” is involved and it’s worse than we thought. Whoever that was, that guy’s technology is leagues beyond anything humans should have.”

Grimlock grumbled, his claws flexing. “We should’ve squashed him when we had the chance.”

Bumblebee’s fists tightened. “No. Jack and Vince—wherever they went—we need to find them. They’re connected to this somehow, and they need our help.”

Fix-It’s voice crackled over the comms. “I’ll analyze the residual energy from the portal. Perhaps I can determine their destination!”

Bumblebee nodded. “Do it fast. We’re not letting Jack Darby and Vince face The Black Order alone.”

The Autobots stood together, their resolve stronger than ever. Whatever this new threat was, it wasn’t just about shards or technology—it was personal. For Bumblebee, it was a chance to protect an old friend once more. For the others, it was the beginning of a battle they couldn’t afford to lose.

Meanwhile, Jack and Vince tumbled out of the swirling portal as they were landing precariously on a steel beam. The world around them was a maze of half-built structures, skeletal frames, and dangling cranes. They were atop a skyscraper under construction and the faint hum of the city far below was reminding them of the deadly drop surrounding them.

Jack’s hands gripped a beam tightly as he steadied himself. “You okay?” he called out, glancing over to Vince, who was clinging to a nearby pole with wide eyes.

“Am I okay?” Vince barked. “I’m dangling over certain death! What do you think?”

Jack sighed, shifting his weight carefully as he stood. “Well… Just focus. If we weren’t quick, we’d already be falling.”

As Vince muttered something under his breath and he was finally pulling himself upright. Vince’s balance wobbled slightly as he looked around the vast construction site. Open air surrounded them, with steel beams forming a makeshift labyrinth. The wind howled, making it even harder to stay steady.

“This is insane,” Vince groaned. “We’re stuck in a death trap on top of a building that isn’t even finished!”

Jack ignored Vince’s complaints as his own sharp eyes were scanning the area. That’s when he spotted movement near the edge of the structure. A familiar figure stood calmly at the far corner as there was one foot that was balanced effortlessly on a narrow beam. When Jack saw who it was, it was Kurojin that was standing and he was waiting for them on the spot.

Jack narrowed his eyes. “Oh great… Look over there.”

Vince followed his gaze and let out an exasperated sigh. “Oh, great. Of course. Him.”

Jack adjusted his grip on his energy blade, his voice steady. “Take the shard container. Get out of here now. I’ll keep him busy.”

“What?!” Vince exclaimed, his voice rising. “You want me to run? Where am I supposed to go, Jack? It’s not exactly like there’s a clear exit sign!”

Jack tossed him the container. Vince caught it with a grunt, glaring at him. “You’re faster than me,” Jack said, his voice firm. “Get it away from him. That’s the priority.”

Before Vince could argue further, the entire building seemed to groan ominously. As there were sparks that shot out from several beams as small explosive devices began to flash and their blinking lights were scattered across the structure. Vince’s jaw dropped when he fully saw what they were.

“You’ve gotta be kidding me!” he shouted. “How did he even rig this place?! We just got here!”

Jack clenched his teeth. “He must’ve set it up before confronting us back at the scrapyard.”

“Unbelievable,” Vince muttered, his face scrunching up in frustration. “This guy’s way too prepared!”

Kurojin’s calm voice carried over the wind. “Running will do you no good. This structure is my domain now. Every step you take brings you closer to failure.”

Jack ignored the taunt, gripping his blade tighter. “Just go, Vince! I’ll handle him!”

Vince hesitated, glaring at the container in his hands before glaring at Kurojin. “Fine! But you better not get yourself killed Darby!”

Jack offered a small, confident smirk. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

Vince turned and began navigating the beams, his movements quick but cautious as he searched for a way out. Kurojin tilted his head slightly, watching him. “A futile effort. Both of you will fall.”

Jack stepped forward, his blade glowing as he pointed it at Kurojin. “You’ve got me now. Let’s see if you can actually take me down.”

The assassin’s expression didn’t change, but there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes. “Very well.”

Kurojin leaped forward with startling agility, his energy blade slicing through the air. Jack blocked the strike just in time, the impact sending a jolt up his arm. The fight began in earnest, the two exchanging blows with precision and speed, their movements a dangerous dance high above the city.

Steel clanged and sparks flew as Jack held his ground. His focus was unwavering, his every move calculated. He had faced danger before, but this was different—this was a battle for survival, not just for him, but for Vince and the shard they carried. Below, Vince glanced back briefly, watching the duel. His knuckles whitened as he gripped the container tighter. “You better win this, Jack,” he muttered under his breath before continuing his escape.

Back at the scrapyard, the air was tense. Fix-It’s multiple arms were darting across his console, his optics flickering with worry as he tapped into every system he could think of. “Oh dear, I’ve been scanning for energy signatures, neural signals, and residual portal traces,” he said in his high-pitched voice, “but… I’ve got nothing! They’re humans, not bots, and their shard doesn’t emit a recognizable signal!”

Bumblebee paced back and forth, his servo occasionally tapping against his chin. His nervousness was palpable, and his usually confident demeanor was gone. “Keep trying, Fix-It. There’s got to be something. What about Kurojin’s portal energy? Ugh, if I think that’s his name. Anything left behind that can lead us to them?”

Fix-It whirled around, his expression apologetic. “I’ve already analyzed it, Bumblebee. The energy dissipated too quickly. I can’t triangulate their destination.”

Bumblebee groaned and ran a servo down his faceplate. “They could be anywhere.”

Russell and Danny as they were standing nearby while they exchanged a worried glance before stepping closer. “Bee,” Russell said carefully, “I know you’re worried, but we can help. Maybe there’s something you missed.”

“Yeah,” Danny chimed in. “Like, think about where the assassin would take them. Did he mention a base or give off any clues when he showed up?”

Bumblebee stopped pacing, his optics narrowing as he replayed the encounter in his mind. “No. He was all about the shard and getting Jack and Vince out of here. It didn’t feel random, though—he had a plan. Like, he knew they were going to be here in the first place.”

Drift, who had been silently meditating nearby, opened his optics. “It is clear this assassin is well-trained and meticulous. He would not transport them without a secure destination. Perhaps his movements are guided by a pattern or a larger goal.”

Grimlock rumbled, his claws scratching the ground impatiently. “Why don’t we just smash through the nearest bad-guy hideout and see what we find? That’s what I’d do!”

Strongarm shot him a disapproving look. “That’s not how we solve problems, Grimlock. We need to think strategically.”

Sideswipe crossed his arms, smirking. “What’s the plan then, Detective Strongarm? Wait around and hope they come back on their own?”

“Enough!” Bumblebee snapped, his voice louder than usual. Everyone fell silent, surprised by the outburst. Bumblebee’s optics softened as he looked at them. “Jack’s out there. He’s… He’s more than just some random human to me. He is my friend. And even if Vince isn’t exactly my favorite person, but he’s with Jack now, and that makes him important too. We’re going to find them. No arguments.”

Russell stepped closer, his young face filled with determination. “We’ll help you, Bee. Even if we don’t know Jack or Vince personally, we know how much this means to you.”

Danny nodded, scratching his head. “Yeah. I mean, the guy Vince was kind of weird, but if you trust Jack, then we’ll trust him too.”

Fix-It’s voice interrupted. “I may not have a location yet, but I will continue scanning every energy wavelength and cross-referencing all portal anomalies. If they’ve left any trail, I’ll find it!”

Bumblebee’s gaze swept across the team. “Thanks, guys. I mean it. We’ll figure this out together.”

Strongarm stepped forward, placing a reassuring servo on Bumblebee’s shoulder. “We’ve faced impossible odds before, Bumblebee. This is no different. We’ll find them.”

Drift stood and adjusted his blades. “If the assassin has dishonorable intentions, it is our duty to intervene. I shall assist in any way possible.”

Sideswipe rolled his optics but nodded. “Fine. Let’s just hope these humans are as tough as Bee seems to think they are.”

Grimlock stomped his foot, his massive form shaking the ground. “Yeah! Let’s go smash some bad guys and save the day!”

Bumblebee allowed a small smile to form. “First, let’s figure out where to start. Fix-It, keep scanning. Everyone else, stay sharp. We’ll be ready to move the moment we have a lead.”

As the Autobots set to work, Russell and Danny joined the effort as they were brainstorming and throwing out ideas. Bumblebee’s thoughts, however, remained on Jack. With the memories of their time in the younger days, the days they were together filled his mind, and he silently vowed not to let his old friend down.
On the skeleton of the towering building, Jack and Kurojin clashed fiercely, their energy blades a blur of light and motion. The clang of metal echoed across the open beams, punctuated by the wind howling through the unfinished skyscraper. Jack’s breathing was labored, sweat dripping down his face as he narrowly dodged another of Kurojin’s calculated strikes.

“You’re persistent,” Kurojin said, his voice calm and cold. “But persistence without skill leads to defeat.”

With a sudden twist of his wrist, Kurojin struck Jack’s blade as he was sending it flying out of his hand. The weapon clattered against a beam before falling into the depths below. Jack was now defenseless at the moment, and Kurojin’s blade gleamed menacingly as he prepared for the final blow.

Jack stood firm, his fists clenched. “I’m not going down that easily.”

As Kurojin swung his blade downward as there was a soft hum was emanated from Jack’s arm. A bright light surged, and from his forearm emerged the Sigma Key, a sword-like weapon infused with glowing energy. Jack raised it just in time, the two blades meeting with a resounding crash.

Kurojin’s eyes narrowed as he stepped back slightly. “Interesting. I see you have secrets of your own.”

Jack didn’t respond. Instead, he charged forward, his strikes faster and more precise than before. The Sigma Key gave him renewed strength, and the battle intensified. Sparks flew as their blades clashed, the fight growing faster and more intense with each exchange. Kurojin, for the first time, seemed surprised by Jack’s skill and determination.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the building, Vince was navigating the deadly maze of traps and lasers. His movements were careful and calculated as he leaped from one narrow beam to another. The red lasers glowed ominously, some narrowly missing him as he dodged and ducked.

“This guy’s insane,” Vince muttered, beads of sweat forming on his brow. “Who rigs a whole skyscraper just to take us out?”

He reached into his pocket, pulling out his phone. Flipping it open, Vince activated a secure communication line. “Come on, Raf… Miko… Sierra… somebody,” he muttered, typing furiously. “Track this signal and get us out of here. I’m not making it out on my own here.”

The phone began transmitting a beacon to the others and its faint signal pinging into the ether as Vince was hoping to reach anyone who could help. Vince tucked it back into his pocket and pressed on as he was determined to create enough distance between himself and Kurojin’s rigged traps.

Back at the scrapyard, Fix-It’s console lit up. A new signal appeared on his screen, causing him to gasp in excitement. “I’ve got something! A location has been transmitted!”

The Autobots gathered around him, their optics focused on the glowing dot on the map. “It’s the unfinished skyscraper site in the city,” Fix-It explained. “It’s dangerously high, and the structure isn’t stable. This is where Jack and Vince must be!”

Bumblebee’s optics brightened. “Then we move now. Fix-It, keep monitoring the signal and guide us if anything changes.”

Russell and Danny exchanged a glance before Russell stepped forward. “Bee, you’ll get them back, right?”

Bumblebee knelt down to look at him, his tone resolute. “I promise, Russell. Jack and Vince are coming back with us.”

Strongarm stepped up beside Bumblebee, her expression serious. “We need to move fast. If the site’s unstable, there’s no telling how long it’ll hold.”

“Let’s rev up and roll out!” Sideswipe exclaimed, his usual smirk replaced with determination. Drift nodded solemnly, his blades ready. Grimlock let out an eager roar, stomping his foot.

Within moments, the team transformed and sped out of the scrapyard and their engines were roaring as they raced toward the location. Bumblebee’s mind raced with memories of Jack and Raf, and his determination to save his old friend burned brighter than ever. Knowing that they need help.

The ground bridge swirled to life, its green energy creating a vortex of light. The Autobots, led by Bumblebee, drove through it at full speed, with Danny and Russell watching anxiously from the scrapyard. The team emerged on the other side at the construction site, their forms casting long shadows under the partially built skyscraper.

The towering structure loomed over them, its skeleton of steel beams stretching into the sky. The faint sound of clashing blades echoed down to them, mixing with the wind whistling through the open framework. “This place is a deathtrap,” Strongarm muttered, scanning the area.

“No kidding,” Sideswipe added, gazing upward.

Bumblebee looked upward with Sideswipe as he saw them up on the building. “Jack’s up there somewhere?”

Sideswipe nodded. “Uh yeah… I can see them.”

Bumblebee’s optics narrowed. “He has to be. Let’s spread out and search. Fix-It said this was the signal’s source.”

Meanwhile, high above, Jack and Kurojin’s duel raged on. The two warriors moved with deadly precision, their blades meeting in showers of sparks. Jack grunted as Kurojin lunged, barely dodging the assassin’s strike. He retaliated with a swift kick to Kurojin’s chest, sending him stumbling back.

Kurojin steadied himself and then launched forward, attempting to tackle Jack. But Jack reacted quickly, using his feet to push off Kurojin, sending the assassin flying backward. Kurojin crashed into a window, shattering the glass. His form teetered precariously on the edge before he managed to grab hold of a nearby platform.

“You’ve got a fight in you,” Kurojin admitted, his voice calm but tinged with frustration. “But it won’t save you.”

Jack tightened his grip on the Sigma Key, his breathing heavy. “We’ll see about that.”

Elsewhere in the maze of traps below, Vince was navigating cautiously, his nerves frayed from the constant danger. His heart pounded as he sidestepped another laser and carefully avoided a tripwire. “Come on, guys,” Vince muttered to himself, clutching the container with the shard. “I’m not asking for miracles, just show up already.”

His wish was almost granted, but not in the way he hoped. Vince’s foot caught on a concealed bomb trigger, and before he could react, the device exploded. The force of the blast sent Vince flying off the beam he was standing on. “NO!” Vince shouted, flailing in mid-air as he desperately reached for the tool in his belt—a grappling device that could save him. But his panic made him fumble, and the tool slipped from his grasp.

Just as Vince’s scream echoed through the site, a massive shadow loomed above him. A giant hand shot out, catching him mid-fall. Vince looked up to see Grimlock’s massive form holding him. “Gotcha!” Grimlock rumbled, setting Vince down gently on a stable platform.

Vince, shaken but unharmed, looked up at Grimlock. “Great. Out of all the people I was hoping would save me, it had to be a rust bucket.”

Grimlock tilted his head, confused. “Rust bucket?”

Sideswipe, who had climbed up to the platform with Drift and Strongarm, folded his arms and smirked. “You’re welcome, by the way. Next time, we’ll just let you fall.”

Drift shot Vince a cold glare. “Ingratitude is dishonorable. You should reflect on your words, human.”

Vince rolled his eyes, brushing himself off. “Fine, fine. Thanks, I guess.”

Bumblebee asked Vince. “But where’s Jack?”

Vince was rubbing his forehead. “What?” As he was suggesting his view at the moment.

Bumblebee stepped forward, his optics sharp and determined. “Where is he?”

Vince pointed upward, toward the very top of the building. “Up there. Fighting that lunatic with the sword. And by the way, good luck getting up there. It’s insane.”

The Autobots followed Vince’s gesture and their optics zooming in to the distant figures barely visible on the highest beams of the building. Jack and Kurojin were locked in combat while their own glowing blades were clashing in rapid succession at each other and they were getting faster at each hit that they were slashing at.

Bumblebee clenched his fists. “Hang on, Jack. We’re coming.”

“Uh, any plans on how we’re actually going to get up there?” Sideswipe asked, glancing at the unstable structure.

“We’ll figure it out,” Bumblebee said firmly. “We always do.” As the Autobots prepared to ascend the building, the sound of Jack and Kurojin’s battle grew louder as there was a reminder that time was running out.

At the top of the towering construction site, Jack and Kurojiro continued their heated battle. The wind howled around them, carrying the metallic clangs of their blades clashing. Kurojiro leaped high into the air, landing hard on Jack and forcing him onto a lower platform. Jack rolled with the impact, narrowly avoiding a swipe from Kurojiro’s energy blade.

“You’re persistent,” Kurojiro said, his voice edged with annoyance. “But persistence without strategy is futile.”

Jack didn’t respond as his own focus was entirely on staying alive. Jack dodged another swing and countered with a swift slash of his Sigma Key. Their blades met in a flash of light and the force of the impact was sending sparks raining down at each other. Neither of them weren’t backing down from their battle.

Kurojiro suddenly paused, his masked face turning toward the edge of the building. Using the advanced tech embedded in his mask, he zoomed in and saw the Autobots scaling the structure below. His growl was low and menacing. “Your friends brought reinforcements, I see.”

Before Jack could react, Kurojiro delivered a powerful double kick to his chest as he was sending him into a sprawling that was onto the platform floor. Jack coughing at the impact as his own body aching, as Kurojiro advanced on him while his own blade was raised in the air and he was ready to fight back again.
With Kurojiro’s strikes, he made sure that it came fast and relentless with each hit he was hitting at Jack. Which, Jack rolled to the side repeatedly, narrowly avoiding the assassin’s blade as it struck the metal floor where he had just been. The sound of the blade’s energy crackling with each hit was deafening.

“Stay still,” Kurojiro hissed, frustration growing as Jack kept evading him.

Down below, Vince paced nervously as the Autobots planned their next move. He held the container with the glowing shard tightly, glancing back at Grimlock, Sideswipe, and Strongarm. “Here,” Vince said abruptly, thrusting the container toward Strongarm. “Hold onto this. And don’t let that psycho—or anyone else—get their hands on it.”

Strongarm blinked, confused. “What is this thing, anyway? What makes it so valuable?”

Vince didn’t answer, already sprinting toward the structure. Bumblebee caught sight of him and shouted, “Vince! Wait! It’s too dangerous!”

But Vince was already climbing the scaffolding, ignoring the precarious height and unstable beams. Bumblebee groaned in frustration. “Why doesn’t he ever listen?”

Back at the top, Jack found himself cornered against a beam, Kurojiro’s blade mere inches from his face. “This ends now,” Kurojiro declared, raising his weapon for the final strike.

Before he could deliver the blow, a burst of energy whizzed past him as he was striking the beam nearby and causing him to flinch. While Kurojiro turned sharply to see Vince standing on a lower platform, he was holding a sleek energy blaster that aimed directly at him and he was ready to shoot him with it.

“Hey, ninja guy!” Vince shouted, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Why don’t you pick on someone your own size?”

Kurojiro’s eyes narrowed behind his mask as he redirected his focus toward Vince. “You’re a fool to challenge me.”

Vince smirked, aiming the blaster again. “Yeah, well, I’ve been called worse.”

After that, Kurojiro leapt off the platform toward Vince and his own blade was ready to strike. At the moment, Jack was still catching his breath as he seized the moment to recover and prepare himself for the next round. The battle was far from over, but at least for now, Jack wasn’t alone in this battle now.

At the top of the construction site, Vince and Kurojiro faced off in a deadly duel. Vince moved quickly, using his energy blaster to fire precise shots while dodging Kurojiro’s lightning-fast strikes. Despite his agility, it was clear Vince was struggling to keep up with Kurojiro’s speed and skill.

Jack leaned against a beam as he was catching his breath and regaining his strength. Jack’s eyes darted toward Vince and Kurojiro’s fight, then back to the structure below. The thought of the diamond shard being so far from his reach made his stomach churn. “Vince!” Jack called out, his voice sharp with concern. “Where’s the shard?”

Vince, ducking under a swipe from Kurojiro, fired another shot and shouted back, “Relax! The bots have it.”

Jack stiffened, his eyes narrowing. “The bots? Are you kidding me? You trust them with that?”

“They’re on our side right? Why not?!” Vince retorted, jumping back as Kurojiro slashed at him. “And as long as that thing stays in the container, it’s fine. Chill out!”

Jack wasn’t convinced. He pushed himself to his feet, his grip tightening on the Sigma Key still in his hand. “You don’t get it, Vince. That shard has enough energy to cause some serious damage if it’s mishandled. I’ve seen what things like that can do.”

Vince groaned, ducking another blow. “Jack, I’m kinda busy here! Either help me or stop worrying about something that’s already under control!”

At the time, Kurojiro was taking advantage of the distraction as he lunged at Vince with incredible speed. Vince barely managed to deflect the blade with his blaster and there were sparks that were flying from the impact. Kurojiro’s movements were fluid and relentless and his energy blade a blur as he attacked.

“You humans are predictable,” Kurojiro sneered, his strikes forcing Vince back step by step. “You place so much value in trust and alliances, yet it makes you weak.”

Meanwhile, at the base of the building, Bumblebee and the Autobots were strategizing. The echoes of the battle above spurred them into action. “We don’t have time to wait,” Bumblebee said firmly, his optics fixed on the towering structure. “We’re going up there.”

Strongarm nodded. “Agreed. But what about the shard? We can’t risk it falling into the wrong hands.”

Bumblebee turned to Grimlock. “Grim, you’re staying here. Guard the shard and make sure no one—no one—gets near it.”

Grimlock let out a disappointed sigh, his massive shoulders slumping. “Fine, but I’d rather be up there smashing that ninja guy.”

“Your job is just as important,” Bumblebee assured him. “We’re counting on you.”

Grimlock grumbled but nodded. “Okay. But if I hear you guys having too much fun, I’m coming up there!”

With that settled, Bumblebee, Sideswipe, Strongarm, and Drift began their ascent. The climb was tricky, the structure’s beams creaking under their weight, but they pressed on, determined to reach Jack and Vince before it was too late. Above, Jack watched the fight unfold, his mind racing. Vince’s confidence in the Autobots didn’t ease his doubts. Memories of past betrayals and misuse of powerful artifacts gnawed at him. If the shard fell into the wrong hands—or even into careless ones—it could spell disaster.

As Kurojiro’s blade clashed against Vince’s blaster once again, Jack clenched his fists, his worry turning into resolve. “Hang in there, Vince,” he muttered. “Help’s coming. I just hope it’s not too late.”

The clash of blades echoed high above the ground as Kurojiro continued his battle against Vince and Jack. The assassin’s laughter rang through the wind, sharp and mocking. “Two against one?” Kurojiro taunted, his movements precise and fluid. “You think that gives you an advantage? You’re fighting a master, boys. Numbers won’t save you.”

Jack gritted his teeth as he lunged forward with his Sigma Key as he was slashing at Kurojiro. The ninja sidestepped effortlessly as he was spinning to block Vince’s energy blaster with his blade. Sparks flew with each strike, and despite their best efforts, Jack and Vince struggled to land a hit.

“Stay on him!” Jack shouted, circling Kurojiro and trying to predict his next move.

“I’m trying!” Vince retorted, firing a quick volley of shots that Kurojiro dodged with an almost inhuman grace.

Kurojiro smirked beneath his mask. “You’re out of your depth,” he said, deflecting Vince’s blaster shots and delivering a spinning kick that sent Jack stumbling back. “This shard isn’t yours to protect. It belongs to those who truly understand its power.”

Meanwhile, below, the Autobots made their way up the building, navigating the unstable scaffolding and precarious beams. But their ascent was far from smooth. Drift stopped abruptly, his optics scanning the structure ahead. “Hold,” he commanded. “There are bombs rigged along this path. Kurojiro is far more prepared than we anticipated.”

Among the team, Sideswipe was less cautious as he took another step before a loud click echoed beneath his foot. Sideswipe’s optics widened as he realized he had triggered a trap. A series of small devices activated around him as he was releasing a freezing mist that began encasing him in ice.

“Not good! Not good!” Sideswipe yelled, struggling to move as the ice crept up his legs.

“Hang on!” Strongarm shouted, rushing to his aid. She aimed her blaster at the devices, carefully shooting them down one by one until the freezing stopped. She grabbed Sideswipe just as the ice cracked beneath his feet, threatening to send him plummeting.

“Thanks,” Sideswipe muttered, his voice shaky.

“Pay attention!” Strongarm snapped. “This human isn’t just skilled—he’s dangerous. We can’t afford any mistakes.”

Sideswipe sighed. “Yeah, for a human, he is very smart. Never thought a human could be this… well clever.”

Bumblebee nodded, his tone urgent. “Everyone, be careful. He’s rigged this place with traps. Stay alert, and let’s move.”

The team pressed on, carefully avoiding the remaining traps as they climbed higher. Every step brought them closer to the fight above, but the traps slowed them down, testing their patience and skill. Above, the battle raged on. Jack and Vince fought in tandem, their movements coordinated despite their frustration.
Vince fired a series of shots to force Kurojiro back, while Jack moved in with his Sigma Key, aiming for an opening. Kurojiro, however, seemed unfazed. He spun and ducked, slashing at them with his energy blade. A sudden feint caught Vince off guard, and Kurojiro’s kick sent him sprawling onto a lower platform.

“You’re predictable,” Kurojiro said, turning his attention back to Jack. “And predictable opponents are easy to defeat.”

Jack’s grip on the Sigma Key tightened. “We’ll see about that,” he said, his voice steady despite the odds.

As the fight continued, the Autobots finally neared the top of the building. They could see the flashes of energy and hear the clash of weapons above. Bumblebee’s optics narrowed as he led the charge. “We’re almost there,” he said. “Hold on, Jack. We’re coming.”

The Autobots pushed on as their own progress was slowed by Kurojiro’s elaborate traps. At the moment, Strongarm carefully navigated the treacherous path when a sudden hiss sounded nearby. Jets of flame erupted from concealed nozzles as it was forcing her to leap back away from where she was on.

“Fire? Really?” she exclaimed, her armor glinting from the heat.

Before she could react, another trap activated—a thin, nearly invisible laser beam shot toward her. Bumblebee sprang into action, pulling Strongarm out of harm's way just as the laser sliced through a steel beam behind them. “Stay close,” Bumblebee said, his voice tense. “We’re almost there.” They climbed higher, evading further traps with increasing difficulty. The structure groaned under their weight, but they pressed forward, determined to reach their human allies.

At the top of the building, the battle was reaching its climax. Jack and Vince were visibly exhausted, their movements slowing. Sweat dripped from Jack’s brow as he swung his Sigma Key with every ounce of strength he had left. Vince, breathing heavily, fired another blast at Kurojiro, but the assassin deflected it with ease, his blade moving like a blur.

“You’re both finished,” Kurojiro said, his voice cold. “You’re fighting a battle you were never meant to win.”

With a sudden, fluid motion, Kurojiro slashed across Vince’s chest. The blow wasn’t fatal, but it sent Vince sprawling to the ground with a cry of pain. He clutched his chest, blood seeping between his fingers, as his weapon slipped from his grasp. “Vince!” Jack shouted, his eyes wide with panic.

Kurojiro turned his attention to Jack, who stood his ground despite his fatigue. “Your turn,” the assassin said, lunging forward.

Jack raised his Sigma Key to block, but Kurojiro’s speed was unmatched. The energy blade pierced Jack’s chest, narrowly missing his heart. Jack gasped, his legs giving out beneath him as he fell to the ground, clutching his wound. Kurojiro stood over him, triumphant. “The shard,” he growled, his voice laced with satisfaction.

The Autobots arrived just in time to witness the devastating scene. “Jack!” Bumblebee shouted, his optics wide with horror.

Kurojiro turned to face the Autobots, his blade still glowing with energy. He regarded them with disdain, his calm demeanor unshaken. “Too late, rust buckets,” he sneered.

Without another word, Kurojiro turned and sprinted to the edge of the platform. Kurojiro leapt off as he was disappearing into the abyss below. A moment later, a sleek as there was black glider unfolded beneath him and its wings were catching the wind as Kurojito soared toward the ground.

Bumblebee rushed to Jack’s side, his voice trembling. “Jack, hang on!”

Strongarm and Drift moved to secure Vince, who groaned in pain but managed to remain conscious. From above, Sideswipe shouted, “He’s heading for Grimlock! The shard!” The Autobots looked on in alarm as Kurojiro glided toward the scrapyard, his intent clear. Grimlock stood at the bottom, guarding the container with the diamond shard.

Bumblebee’s optics burned with determination. “We can’t let him get it!” As Kurojiro descended toward Grimlock, the Autobots prepared for a desperate race against time. Grimlock, unaware of the danger rapidly approaching, stood ready to defend the shard—but would it be enough?

Bumblebee turned to Drift, his tone urgent. “Drift, you have to stop him! Go!”

Without hesitation, Drift sprinted toward the edge of the platform and his own movements were calculated and they were precise. With the grace of a seasoned warrior, Drift navigated the traps and bombs as he was avoiding every danger with a fluidity that seemed almost effortless at the moment.

Bumblebee knelt by Vince, examining his wound. “You’re hurt, but you’ll be okay,” Bumblebee reassured him. “Stay still.”

“I’m fine,” Vince grunted, wincing but forcing himself to sit up.

Bumblebee then turned to Jack, whose breathing was labored. His wound was serious, but Jack’s eyes flickered open. Despite the pain, his determination was unmistakable. “Jack, you need to stay still,” Bumblebee said gently.

Jack grimaced as he pushed himself up. “No time. I’m not letting him get away.” Reaching into his jacket, he pulled out a compact tech glider, its metallic wings folding out with a faint hum.

“Jack, wait!” Bumblebee called out, but Jack was already moving. With a deep breath to steady himself, Jack leapt off the platform, his glider activating midair as he pursued Kurojiro.

Vince, still catching his breath, stretched his limbs and forced himself to stand. “You’re not leaving me out of this,” he muttered. Without hesitation, he jumped after Jack, landing roughly but managing to stay upright as he activated his own glider to follow.

At the base of the building, Kurojiro was closing in on the container, his glider descending with precision. But Jack was faster, slamming into Kurojiro mid-air and grabbing onto the glider. “What are you doing, kid?” Kurojiro snarled, his voice laced with annoyance.

“Stopping you!” Jack growled, using his weight to destabilize the glider.

The two crashed into the ground with a loud thud. The impact sent both tumbling, but they managed to get to their feet, albeit battered. Drift arrived just in time to witness the chaos. He leapt from the final platform, landing gracefully as his swords gleamed in the sunlight. Grimlock, alerted by the noise, stomped toward Kurojiro, his massive frame casting a long shadow over the assassin.

“You’re not getting that shard!” Grimlock bellowed, his claws raised.

Kurojiro darted forward as his own energy blade was slashing in swift arcs. Kurojito was too fast and even for Grimlock, who roared in frustration as the assassin’s blade cut across his armor as he was sending sparks flying. Grimlock stumbled on his legs as the pain was evident in his movements.

Kurojiro’s attention snapped back to the container, his hand outstretched to grab it. But a sudden energy blast knocked him back. Vince had landed nearby, his weapon raised, smoke trailing from its barrel. “Not so fast, ninja boy,” Vince taunted, his voice steady despite the blood staining his shirt.

Jack joined Vince, standing with his Sigma Key activated. Though both were visibly wounded and struggling to stay upright, their resolve hadn’t wavered. Kurojiro smirked beneath his mask. “Two mere people against me? You’re either brave or foolish.”

Jack tightened his grip on his blade. “We’ve been through worse.” The three clashed, Kurojiro’s blade a blur of light as it struck against Jack’s Sigma Key and Vince’s energy weapon. Though injured, Jack and Vince fought with determination, their strikes forcing Kurojiro to stay on the defensive.

Drift stood nearby, watching the humans with a mix of admiration and concern. “They fight well,” he murmured, stepping forward to assist. As the battle raged, the container remained untouched, the shard inside glowing faintly—a dangerous prize that could determine the outcome of this relentless fight.

The battle was taking its toll on both of them but they had no choice but to keep fighting. Vince and Jack, both battered and bruised as they struggled to keep up with the relentless speed and precision of Kurojiro’s strikes. His energy blade cut through the air with deadly intent, each swing testing their limits.

Jack’s breathing was heavy as the wound in his chest was a constant reminder of how close he had come to losing it all. Vince’s slash from earlier still stung, and he had to fight through the pain to stay focused. The assassin was too fast, too skilled for them to handle but they kept on going in their fight.

Meanwhile, Drift stood back as his own eyes were scanning the battle between Kurojiro vs Jack and Vince. Grimlock was fine, despite the gashes Kurojiro had inflicted earlier, and he was now recovering quickly. But Drift knew that if this continued, the humans might not be able to hold their ground for much longer.

“I’ll hold the line here,” Drift said, his swords flashing as he stepped forward to engage Kurojiro directly.

Vince and Jack nodded, grateful for the brief respite. They knew they needed to come up with something fast. Jack reached into his belt and pulled out a small device. He handed it to Vince with a grim look. “It’s a portal device. We can use it to send him away,” Jack explained, his voice strained from exertion. “We just need to get it open long enough.”

Vince took the device, looking at Jack. “Are you sure about this? We’re talking about space.”

Jack smirked, despite the blood dripping from his chest. “I trust you. Let’s just hope it works.”

Vince activated the device, and the air around them began to shimmer. A swirling vortex appeared before them, revealing the vast emptiness of space and Earth's orbit far beyond. Kurojiro noticed too late. As he lunged forward to strike, the portal yawned wide, and Kurojiro was sucked toward it with incredible force.

“No!” Kurojiro shouted, reaching out with one hand as he tried to grab Jack and pull him into the portal with him.

But Vince wasn’t having it. With a surge of strength, he leapt toward Jack and pulled him back just in time. The force of Kurojiro’s attempt to drag Jack into the void caused the two of them to stagger, but Vince held on. With one final push, the portal snapped shut as he was taking Kurojiro with it.

The silence that followed was deafening. Jack collapsed to the ground, panting heavily as the adrenaline wore off. His chest wound flared up again, but he ignored it, focusing on the moment of victory. “Is he... gone?” Vince asked, still breathing hard. He winced from the pain in his chest, but he couldn’t help but feel relief that the battle was over, for now.

“I think so,” Jack said, his voice barely a whisper. “We bought ourselves some time. But... we still need to get out of here.”

Meanwhile, Bumblebee, Strongarm, and Sideswipe were making their way down from the top of the building as they were trying to reach their comrades as quickly as possible. The climb down was treacherous for them, especially making sure that they didn’t touch any triggers, but they knew they couldn’t afford to waste any more time.

“Do you think Jack’s really like this now?” Sideswipe asked, his tone incredulous. He had never seen a human fight like Jack had. Even Drift had commented on their surprising skill earlier.

Bumblebee hesitated, then spoke, his voice tinged with both concern and admiration. “Not when I meant him. To be honest, Jack’s not like he used to be before. He’s stronger, faster... different. When we first met, he was just a kid, but now...” He paused, a look of quiet understanding crossing his face. “Jack has changed. He’s been through a lot, and I don’t think he’s the same person we knew back then. But he’s still Jack, in here.” He pointed to his chest.

Strongarm looked between Bumblebee and Sideswipe, trying to wrap her mind around it. “So, he’s got abilities now that we don’t understand?”

“It’s more than just abilities,” Bumblebee said, his gaze focused on the path ahead. “It’s like... something has awakened in him. Something that makes him capable of facing these threats head-on.” He sighed, a bit of sadness creeping into his voice. “I don’t know if I should be worried about that.”

Before either Sideswipe or Strongarm could respond, they heard the distant rumble of the battle coming to an end. They rushed forward, eager to help but anxious about what they might find. Down below, Vince helped Jack to his feet. The portal had closed, and with it, their immediate threat. Jack’s chest wound still leaked blood, but he was alive. The shard was safe, and Kurojiro was gone for now.

“You okay?” Vince asked, his voice gruff but with a hint of concern.

“Yeah,” Jack replied, a strained smile on his face. “Just... need to catch my breath.”

Vince nodded, stepping away to give Jack space. He looked around, hoping the others would make it in time. It wasn’t long before Bumblebee, Strongarm, and Sideswipe arrived at the scene, their expressions a mixture of relief and concern. They quickly assessed the situation, and Bumblebee’s eyes softened when he saw Jack, bloodied but standing.

“Jack...” Bumblebee said softly, stepping toward him. “You okay?”

Jack gave a weak nod. “I’m fine... for now.”

“We should get you patched up,” Bumblebee said, his tone firm but caring. “Let’s get out of here.” With Kurojiro gone and the immediate danger over, the team began to make their way back, but Jack couldn’t shake the feeling that this wasn’t the last they’d see of their dangerous foe. The battle had been hard, but the war was far from over.

With the team returned to the scrapyard, the tension of the battle still lingering in the air. Danny and Fix-It immediately set to work on treating Jack and Vince’s wounds. Jack winced as Fix-It carefully cleaned and bandaged the deep stab wound on his chest, while Danny patched Vince’s slash, muttering about how reckless they were.

“You two are lucky to be alive,” Danny said, shaking his head. “This could’ve been a lot worse.”

“Yeah, yeah, we get it,” Vince grumbled, though his voice lacked its usual bite. “Still standing, aren’t we?”

Fix-It chirped in agreement, his many arms moving quickly as he finished his work. “You should both recover fully, but try not to engage in any more reckless activities—at least not for a few days.”

Jack gave a tired smirk. “Noted. Thanks… Uh… What’s your name, again?” Jack asked.

The little bot smiled as he was chuckling. “Oh! The name is Fix-It.”

Grimlock approached, holding the container with the diamond shard inside. He handled it delicately, as though it might explode at any moment. “Here. Take your... shiny thing.” He handed it to Vince, who gave Grimlock a cautious look.

“Thanks, big guy,” Vince said, taking the container and carefully inspecting it to make sure the shard was still intact.

Jack and Vince prepared to leave, their car parked near the scrapyard’s entrance. Vince groaned as he climbed into the driver’s seat, cradling the container. “Miko’s going to kill me,” he muttered, shaking his head.

Jack, who was standing near Bumblebee, raised an eyebrow. “Why?”

Vince glanced over. “I borrowed her energy blade again. You know how she gets when someone touches her stuff.”

Jack chuckled faintly. “You’re on your own with that one.”

Vince smirked. “Gee, thanks.”

Jack turned back to Bumblebee, his expression softening. “I guess this is goodbye... again.”

Bumblebee hesitated for a moment, then spoke. “Jack... about Raf. Is he... is he okay?”

Jack nodded. “Yeah. Raf’s doing great. Still the genius he always was.”

Bumblebee’s optics brightened slightly. “Do you think you could... let him know I’m here? Back on Earth? I’d like to see him again if... if that’s possible.”

Jack gave Bumblebee a reassuring smile. “I’ll tell him. I promise.”

“Thanks, Jack,” Bumblebee said, his voice carrying the weight of years of friendship and memories.

Jack gave him a small wave and headed toward the car. Vince was already revving the engine, eager to get back to wherever they’d come from. As Jack climbed into the passenger seat, he looked back at the Autobots one last time. “Take care of yourselves,” Jack said. “And... stay safe.”

Bumblebee and the others watched as the car drove off, its taillights disappearing into the distance. For a moment, there was silence in the scrapyard, broken only by the hum of Fix-It’s machinery. Strongarm crossed her arms. “So... that’s really Jack, huh?” As she was smirking at Bumblebee.

Bumblebee nodded, his expression unreadable. “Yeah. That’s Jack.”

“And Vince?” Sideswipe added. “What’s his deal?”

Bumblebee shrugged. “Uuuhhh.. Well, that’s a bit of a complicated history. But... I think they’ll be okay.”

As the team settled back into the scrapyard, Bumblebee couldn’t help but feel a flicker of hope. Jack was different now—stronger, tougher—but deep down, he was still the same person Bumblebee had always believed in. And if Jack could reach Raf, maybe, just maybe, the old team could reunite once more.

Meanwhile, in the floating in the cold emptiness of space, Kurojiro remained still as his own arms were crossed and his body was rigid. Kurojiro’s breathing was calm as they were controlled. If it wasn’t for his mask having the ability to give him air then he could’ve died already.

But, the main point for Kurjiro is that he had failed his mission, but he was not dead. That meant something. A flicker of energy disrupted the void around him. A portal, swirling with dark blue and violet energy, opened a few meters away. Kurojiro sighed. He knew exactly where it led. Without hesitation, he moved toward it, allowing himself to be pulled through.

In an instant, he was inside the dimly lit confines of a high-tech base. The air was thick with the scent of metal and machinery. He landed gracefully on the sleek, metallic flooring, stepping forward as the portal behind him vanished. Ahead of him, an office lay in near darkness, illuminated only by the glow of various monitors.

At the center of the room, Kurojiro sat at a polished black desk as there was a figure shrouded in shadows. It was a woman that was sitting on her chair. With the shadows covering, her face was obscured as her posture composed yet commanding. Her fingers tapped rhythmically against the surface of the desk.

Kurojiro bowed slightly. "I failed to retrieve the shard," he admitted without hesitation. His voice was neutral, but internally, he braced himself.

The woman remained silent for a moment, her silhouette unmoving. Then, slowly, she leaned forward, her voice smooth yet sharp. "Explain."

Kurojiro did. He detailed every moment of his mission—his initial advantage, the unexpected interference from the Autobots, the resilience of Jack Darby and Vince, and the final battle that ended with him being thrown into space. He spoke with discipline, taking full responsibility for the outcome.

The woman exhaled through her nose, clearly displeased. "First Oni. Then Shadow. And now you." Her voice was dangerously quiet. "I trusted you not to fail as they did."

Kurojiro stiffened at the remark. Kurojiro knew the names well as they were a part of The Black Order before they were killed. Oni had been one of her best operatives until she had gone mad as she was consumed by the power of the shard she had tried to harness. Shadow had been precise and she was ruthless—but still, she had failed. And now, they were both dead.

The woman sat back in her chair and her fingers were steepling together. "Oni was foolish enough to believe she could use the shard without consequence. Shadow was simply careless about handling the situation. I do not tolerate incompetence."

Kurojiro lowered his head slightly. "It won’t happen again."

She let the silence hang between them before finally speaking again. "Leave my office. When you face them next, I expect results."

Kurojiro nodded and turned, exiting without another word. Alone now, the woman turned her attention to her hands. Slowly, she flexed her fingers, as if feeling something unseen. The dim light reflected off her gloves, but beneath them, she knew what lay beneath—what she had become.
The world was broken as it was already. Humanity was vulnerable, especially with emotions. And, she would be the one to change everything. To protect them from the dangers that lurked beyond the stars and the sacrifices had to be made. She would ensure the future of Earth. No matter what it took for her.