Chapter Text
The next cycles were tough, to say the least, it was impossible, didn't make it easier that the former scout had lost track of time yet again. Bumblebee had to train and pull through with all his might, constantly fighting, running, jumping, and moving around like a cyberhound doing party tricks. Bee barely spoke to any bot, ever since his mech friend was killed he kept to himself. He tried talking to the other Autobots who were also imprisoned in this position like he was, but they didn't even bother to get to know him, barely even communicating. He couldn't even talk to a fellow Bot that was from the same side of the fence as he was, it honestly hurt and was bothersome.
Bee wondered how much longer he had to put up with any of this. Blitzwing was also being a bother, trying to see him whenever they had a chance to be alone, thankful not as much when trapped in the stockades but still such a pain, mostly in the evening before Bee had to return to the Barracks for recharge. Still, he couldn't even find the energy to put up with The Triple Changer. After all, it was Blitzwing's fault as to why he was stuck here, why Megatron gave him this "opportunity", why he couldn't be back on Earth and enjoy the feeling of speeding on the roads, playing in base, or even talk to his old team. He didn't know why Blitzwing wanted to speak with him so much when there was time for either of them, didn't he have somewhere to be with Hothead yelling at troops? Random creeping mechs out? Why bother him?
The Minibot didn't understand it at all. Then being around a bunch of Decepticons didn't make things easier. Some didn't like being made fools by someone as small as he was, wasn't Bee's fault he got created as a Minibot, but that didn't stop the harsh glares and small threats he got. All Bumblebee wanted was to get training over with for the day, refuel, and then recharge. Let it repeat till Oilslick and Slipstream said otherwise. Bee still wishes he could at least get back at the mech and femme for what they did to his mech friend, what they did to him, but all he could do was shoot daggers back at them through the heated glare in his optics.
And he could see clearly how amused they were by his rage.
Bumblebee knew he had to stay strong, be serious, it was one massive fragging nightmare, but he needed to keep his circuits cool and not get them in a twist. He had to keep telling himself he would be home soon, he just had to act for now, not run his mouth like he normally does.
Today was no different from the other ones so far. Early dawn, cold outside as everyone formed a line and marched to the training grounds. Bumblebee wasn't looking forward to any of it, his whole body ached, covered in muck, dents, cuts, and more rust. He was starting to look more like a dusty dry clay color mixed with yellow, almost seemed like he was withering away in a way. Bee mentally noted to get himself a new paint job when he could, he was starting to look dull as the damn soil on this planet. Is there even soil on New Kaon?
The Minibot didn't have time to let his processor roam around, Oilslick, Slipstream, and guards approached. The usual morning routine, the fuel, train, fuel again, and off to sleep in the berths. How much longer was this gonna last?
"Alright, we've studied you pile of scrap wannabes! We will now see which of you has the real ball bearings of being a proper Decepticon in battle with ONE FINAL test!" Slipstream yelled at the bots. Seemed like Bee got his answer. Slipstream started walking up and down the line in front of each bot, being direct and yelling loudly like a sergeant.
"You are all going to crawl your sorry afts through a course we set up just for you! You will run, jump, fight each other, and make it to the end. Does not matter who makes it first or last, what matters is how to use the upper servo to your advantage! Although, bonus points for those who do come in first, those in last are just wasting our time!" Slipstream smirked, walking back to her position. Oilslick then stepped forward and spoke up.
"Let's see who gets to move on to Tier 2. Follow us! Stay in line! Or else..." Oilslick raised his servo and let some of his acid drip, as a warning.
Every bot followed the command, staying in line and following them to the area where the course was set up. Bumblebee followed, wondering if it was simple like at Autobot Bootcamp, run, jump, dodge, and just avoid getting shot at with paint that turned into real ammunition. When arriving at where the course was though, Bee knew he was gonna get fried and left behind.
It was a simple run-through course and it was huge. From start to finish, obstacles to jump over, fire and steel spears to dodge, barbwires to crawl through, poorly made metal posts to climb over, oil and muddy-looking trenches, all the way to the end to the finish line. It was long and looked brutal.
In the name of Primus and Unicron, take him now.
"You all are going to line up and begin on our mark." Oilslick ordered, every mech and femme got in position, ready to run as fast as possible. Bumblebee was in the middle of the group, getting himself ready too. Many questions were running through his processor.
What if he fails? What if he's sent back to the stockades to offline? Even if passes, what will come of it for his benefit? Freedom like Megatron offered once he 'earned' it....or forever solitude in this nightmarish prison? Dire questions for desperate answers, he needed to know, but he would have no time to ask, as Slipstream began the race.
"Now....GET MOVING!" With that furious shout the femme clone let out, all the bots dashed forward into the course. Bumblebee nearly got trampled and stepped over, yet he kept up as fast as he could to not get squashed.
Now this certainly was a challenge.
They all first had to do a set of high jumps. The Decepticons taking the lead were either quick enough to make the jumps, while some were just too big and couldn't do it without tumbling over, crushing the bars, or even just ramming through them. Piece of cake though for Bee, he jumped over each bar, sure they were a bit higher and a bit larger, much more fitted for a Con, but it wasn't an issue. There were many, but Bumblebee pushed through.
Now was the barbwires. Not the barbwire again. They all had to duck and crawl through, not just that, but also get up in between larger gaps of the wire down the section just to jump over. Bumblebee had remembered the injury Oilslick placed on him, he was not about to get caught in those wires again.
Ducking down and crawling through the dirt, Bee squirmed as fast as possible to reach the end where the first gap was, mechs next to him hissing in pain from being cut by the barbwire, some unfortunate mech was even pushed straight into the wire, causing a world of pain for them. The Minibot kept his focus and kept crawling, he just needed to stay ahead or at least stay somewhere in the middle of the group. Once reaching the first gap, Bee was about to make the first jump, when someone grabbed his foot and made him fall down. He almost fell face-first into a pile of barbwire.
"H-Hey! What gives you-!" Bee turned around, glaring at the one who pulled him, yet went silent when he saw it was a former Autobot. The former Bot paid no mind to their action and pursued forward to complete the course, having no problem leaving the former scout behind to get crushed or cut up.
And not even Bumblebee could believe he was betrayed like that. Sure, small, but damn.
Bee snapped out of it, shaking his helm and got back up, jumping over the wire to make it to the other side at last, crawling again to make it. He practically had to run for his life on this next part, ahead he saw the soldiers in training getting their afts burnt to a crisp, running through trap-activated tiles. Not only flames, but also arrows being shot at them.
At this rate, it's just clear that the higher-ups just wanted them all to die. If Bee had the time to sit and talk about it, it almost reminded him of that Earth game about some woman raiding tombs? But no time for games. Bumblebee fully sprinted through, running faster than the Cons as he narrowly avoided getting burnt and shot. This certainly reminded him of when the machines in the Autobot base on Earth went haywire during Sari's "Slamber-Party". The memory of his aft set on fire made him run even faster, screaming as he dashed through.
"A-Almost over at least....almost over..." Bee muttered to himself, venting and kept running with the group.
Next was wall climbing, climbing up sharp jagged rocks, objects that look loose from their spots, and it was very high up. At least maybe, 5 stories tall, Bee wasn't sure, but certainly a long way up. Looking up, one of the soldiers had lost their footing as an object came loose from the pressure of their weight, making the Decepticon fall to the bottom. Bumblebee gasped and jumped out of the way, avoiding being crushed by the massive mech as they hit the ground hard. Bee vented and gathered his composure, running up the mech that fell, jumping on and off their body, and gripping the wall.
The Minibot began to climb, suddenly feeling the struggle of having to lift his own weight, whether it was that he was tired already or had gotten that weak from being here in this Death Camp. Despite his struggle, Bee moved briskly, thanks to his small size and weight, he climbed up without the fear of the objects coming loose under him. Some of the Cons he climbed by actually tried to stop him, playing dirty in an attempt to slow down the Minibot, but Bee did not falter nor was he grabbed.
Once up top, he was able to easily climb back down with a sturdy rope tied up at the top, sliding down to the bottom. He cringed in pain as his servos got rope burn, it hurt like the Pit too. Stumbling and falling on his aft when reaching the bottom, Bee got back up and kept running. Just one more and this would all be over. Except when the last course is a Tar and Oil Trench. Coming to a stop at the front of the trench, Bee wasn't sure how to get passed it. The Tar and Oil were bubbling hot, repellent and disgusting. The Cons in front were pushing through the slimy substance, a few having fallen in and purging a bit from accidentally swallowing a bit of the Tar & Oil.
Bee stood still, he didn't have much time so he had to be quick before those behind him caught up and pushed him in. He's barely even tall enough to get through the trench, it would be forever before he reached the end. Looking at the Decepticon Troops in front of him, he suddenly got an idea. Taking a few steps back, Bee charged forward and jumped as far as possible, grabbing onto the nearest mech's back.
"W-what the-! GET OFF! WHAT THE FRAG!?" The mech shouted, twirling a bit and reaching behind him to grab Bee, yet the Minibot was slippery, climbing on top of the mech's head, and jumping off them to hop on the next one. The one he jumped off of had lost their balance, falling into the Tar and Oil, getting covered in it and was very furious.
"HEY! YOU ARE GONNA PAY FOR THAT YOU DEGENGERATE SCRAP!" The Con screamed at him, but Bee paid no mind and kept jumping. The Minibot kept using his size to his advantage, hoping through, on and off of the bigger Cons, climbing onto their backs to jump over to the next one, getting past this section of this deadly course. The giant mechs and femmes were both taken aback, yet pissed off, a Minibot out doing them? Now that was an insult.
Once safely on land again, Bumblebee sprinted to the finish line, reaching the end while struggling to come to a stop, forcing his stabilizers to slow down the adrenaline in his system, venting hard. He wasn't first, but he made it. That's all that matters.
Oilslick looked at the Minibot with strange interest, having been watching the whole fiasco with Slipstream since the start of the race. He can see why the annoying pest had caught Megatron's attention, he did have it in him. Yet, he doubted the kid would reach tier 2, but it was only a matter of deciding now. Once the rest finally reached the finish line, others were in worse shape, that's when the voting began.
"Excellent work! Seems like you scrap heads did learn a thing or 2." Slipstream shouted at the half-tired group
"In a few kliks, we will decide who's moving on and who isn't. Those who make it will continue with training and earn their proper rank, those who don't...you know why." Oilslick spoke, turning around and spoke quietly with Slipstream. Pulling out a datapad from her subspace, looking over the names of the troops.
The tension rose up once more.
Most of the mechs and femmes talked among themselves, wondering who was gonna move on, Bee feeling fear crawl through his system. He needed to pass.
Passing onto whatever Tier 2 was is just another step closer to freedom, he couldn't bear going back to the stockades. He didn't want to offline, didn't to go back to that dark cell for the remainder of his painful days ahead, Bee needed to get out of this place one way or another. He could not fail, the minibot had to tell himself that he wasn't just doing it for himself, but for his friends, the ones he called a family. Prime, Sari, Bulkie, Prowl, Ratch....he wanted to prove he was alive and still kicking, Bumblebee needed to make sure of that, show stupid chin big aft face Sentinel and everyone upstairs on Cybertron that he could get through this.
After a short while, Oilslick and Slipstream came back, having made their decisions, Bee felt all of his confidence and hope left. They started to call names up one by one, each call of each name being terrible for the former scout, he couldn't focus nor even bother to remember which names were called.
Called a mech, mech, femme, mech, femme, femme, mech, mech, and so on...
Are they only calling on the names of those who didn't make it? Oh Primus that had to be it, Bumblebee was sure now, that he was done for. Snapping out of his worried mind, the last name was called up...
"Lastly...hmm....'Bumblebee'..." Oilslick spoke with almost distaste, clearly not pleased with having said the Minibot's name.
Bee gulped in fear, slowly stepping forward, thinking he was gonna get sent back to the Stockades. To rust away. To go offline. Bumblebee still needed to go home, he had to go home, find a way to escape. What about his team? Sari? Cybertron? Although, a part him felt....ok with this? At least he'll finally be at peace, to be free from this universe, and it terrified him even to have these thoughts in his processor of yearning for such a wish.
With each nanosecond ticking by, it grew more tense than the last. Bee just knew he was done for, he knew it and-
"You're all moving on to Tier 2. Those who did not get called, you're out, so try again when you actually got some ball bearings, and if you're an Autobot....the stockades aren't that bad apparently." Oilslick spoke up, the words shocking Bumblebee to his core.
He....he passed? Bee had passed to the next stage of training. Around him, he heard those who weren't called groaning in annoyance as they were pushed away, being escorted out of the Bootcamp. A few gave heated glares at the bright yellow mech, hating how they got outranked by a Minibot.
The former Autobots who weren't called up were in a panic, being tied up with energon leashes and forcefully dragged away to the stockades. Bumblebee frowned, he hoped that Primus would save them....or show them mercy. Part of him wanted to save them, but what could he do? Stingers are deactivated, can't transform, no one to get or comm.link for help at all. He had to force himself to turn the other way, drowning out the pleas and begs as they got further away. After the disqualified were gone, Oilslick spoke up again to grab everyone's attention.
"Now then, as for the rest of your scrap-eating slaggers! Tier 2 is the official training! You all will be put through the pit and back going through these next set of tests, to help improve your skills. With strength, perception, endurance, agility, intelligence, and more as you all run with either all you got or with pure luck. The first course starts tomorrow, don't fail. Now scram!" Oilslick then marched off, going to handle other business as he dismissed the bots in training for today.
The remaining cons went off to do their own things, cheering amongst each other, the remaining few former Autobots just went back to their silent task of looking out for themselves. Bee was left standing there confused.
Why was he moving on? What did he do that captured their attention? Did he actually do a good job? He wasn't sure and while he would normally boost about it, Bee sure didn't feel confident about it. Blitzwing probably spoke up or this was just to punish them more. Hell, he wouldn't be surprised if Mega-Buckethelm spoke up just so Bee could be tormented more. Cause to every bot here, he was just a 'favorite'. Man did Bee hate it.
Whatever the reason was, the Minibot was at least given the chance to keep going.
Bumblebee eventually managed to force his stabilizers to move, heading to The Refueling Hall to put something in his tanks before returning to the Barracks. Maybe he could get a chance to wash up or something, he hasn't been able to clean himself ever since he got fanged and clawed. No bot has really. Honestly, it wouldn't hurt, it makes the Barracks less musty of dried grease and oil.
Upon entering the Refueling Hall, many of the Cons in training were celebrating a little when learning they had passed. The Former Autobots just ate in their solitude corners, not paying any mind to what's around them. Bee wanted to do the same, just eat in peace and see if he could take a wash before heading back to the Barracks.
However, the fellow Decepticons in training had other plans than to cheer among themselves.
Once Bee got his dried and soggy refuel, which was a little more than usual and probably as a small reward for passing into the next Tier, one of the Decepticons shouted over at him.
"HEY! Small yellow bot!" Bumblebee flinched and instantly knew it was him, after all, no other bot would be as brightly colored as he was. Bee looked over on his left, seeing which one of the mechs called out for him.
At the table was the mech who called out, 2 femme twins, a brute-looking one, and the mech that cursed at him when he jumped on his head. Bee felt very nervous as that mech specifically glared down at him, his whole faceplate screaming, "I will murder you and feast you to the cyber-wolves for the humiliation." Overall, just raging.
Bumblebee looked around and sheepishly looked at the mech, who signaled him to come over. Bee quietly and slowly approached, not knowing what to expect. He sat next to him and looked comically small compared to all of them, even the femme twins were taller and slightly more built-in frame than he was. Bumblebee silently gulped, thinking they were ready to pounce on him like hungry cyber animals, mostly the one still glaring daggers at him.
"Gotta say...didn't think a Minibot would make the ranks." Says the one who called the Minibot over, continuing to eat, having an accent that almost sounded like Professor Sumdac. That certainly wasn't what Bee expected while being hit with memories and deja vu.
"Honestly, it's rather cute-" "That a Minibot-" "Former Autobot-" "Even made it this far." The twin femmes commented as well, both speaking one at a time, finishing each other's sentences, and ending them in perfect unison. Have some sort of Russian accent, yet each spoke with venomous grace.
The brute just nodded in agreement, keeping silent as he refueled next to Bee, yet glancing over at the Minibot, as if making his form of judgment to him. The mech that was glaring at Bee just scoffed.
"Oh please, this little fragger got lucky. You might be small and quick, but even that won't last you long. Even if you're Megatron's favorite." The mech hissed in a static tone, it reminded Bumblebee of Starscream in a strange way.
"NOT a favorite..." Bumblebee muttered and began to glare back at the mech, before any tension could build up, the mech next to him kept speaking.
"So anywho, how did you end up being the so-called 'favorite' that every bot here talks about?" The mech asked curiously, like it was the latest and juiciest gossip to ever hear. It just made Bee all the more irritated.
"Yes, how did you-?" "Little bot-" "Get our Lord's attention~?" The twins asked, elbows on the table with their servos under their chins, both making the same pose and sly smiling expression. Bee didn't really have much of an answer, now also confused if he's impressed or creeped out by these twins.
"I...I didn't even mean to, just...w-wanted to get out was all..." Bee muttered, half honest in a way and hoped they wouldn't ask nor catch on as to what he meant.
"We know, you were the one who caused trouble at the mining sight." The mech stated, which surprised the former scout a bit. Ok, so they caught on and rumors must spread fast on New Kaon apparently, which is only more of a reason to keep a low profile now. Lovely.
Oh, Bee loved rumors, all the latest gossip and shit talk was so fun to hear or discuss, he even had a few moments of becoming the topic of gossip....only when he did something stupid of course. However, he was on a planet full of Decepticons who had nothing better to do other than kiss MegaBucket helm's aft and do work, which makes sense as to why they would gossip and talk about it when there is nothing else other than depression, war, and hatred for everyone next to you.
"Yeesh, relax, you ain't the first one to do that. Nothing special."
"Yes, not the first, which only proves how pathetic and desperate you Autobots can be." The grumpy one spoke, insulting Bee's attempts to escape.
"Can you blame me? I'm not "Decepticreep" material like you, and calm down. I can hear the springs in your jaw locking in place from that ugly mug you're making on your faceplates." That insult from Bumblebee seemed to have gotten the mech to shut up for a bit, though the con was more grudge-looking than before. It got the other Decepticons at the table to laugh.
"Well, you're here now, so you're either gonna die or show everyone you got tough alloy kid. Minibots here don't make it that far." The mech next to him explained, making Bumblebee gulp as he felt troubled by that info.
"W-what do you mean?" Bee asked, unsure if he should.
"Isn't it obvious?-" "You're small-" "Fast, but fragile-" "Smart, but weak-" "No match nor fit for a Decepticon." The femme twins pointed out, showing their 'pity' with cooing faces for the poor bright colored mech.
"On the bright side, with lots of work and effort, you could. A few made it to Tier 2, but they were offline in training or got sent away. Minibots just don't make it far, but I got hope for ya little guy." The words of encouragement from the mech went deaf to Bee's audials. That information was not pleasing to hear whatsoever.
Yes, he had to witness his only mech friend so far die on the first day of training as an 'example', but he thought Oilslick and Slipstream had done it out of hatred toward Autobots. The fact that many die in training if they weren't qualified enough or just not skilled enough for the challenges put on them was....scary. Sure the mech next to him only mentioned Minibots, yet that was enough to give Bumblebee the hint that it wasn't just Minibots, but rather every mech and femme. Even if they were Decepticons.
Bumblebee didn't really have much else to say after that, the rest at their table went on with their conversations, to which he was thankful. He just forced himself to finish refueling, sitting in silence.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Mega cycles passed, Bumblebee managed to get that wash he wanted, washing off the dirt and grime. Primus, during the whole wash he was just filthy, even when removed so much his paint job had peeled or rusted away, mostly his peds and servos. He didn't have much other than lukewarm warm solvent showers and a rag, but better than nothing. Bumblebee was just glad to have been able to clean it off him, though he would prefer a relaxing oil bath. Oh, he would fight for it if needed to. The Minibot was the last one to enter and leave, only cause he wanted to be left alone while doing so, so the rest of the troops and Cons were already sleeping into recharge most likely.
The Minibot was about to head back to the Barracks like he normally does, recharge and prepare for tomorrow, walking slower than usual. All he had to do was make a turn and he would be heading straight to the Barracks, however, he took in his surroundings really quickly. It was very dark, not many out other than a few guards patrolling, and around him were plenty of places to hide or run to. One of which is an alleyway just straight ahead of him.
He could escape. Now was a better time than ever.
Bumblebee looked around and began to speedwalk, trying to act natural and not get spotted, hurriedly walking to the other side. There was a pathway that led to somewhere, not sure where, but if it was a way out then Bee would take it. Reaching across, 2 guards on patrol had noticed him from afar, quickly catching on that the Minibot was up to something, quickly following him to investigate without Bee even knowing.
Bee reached the end of the pathway, immediately making a sharp turn without looking, just going with his gut. He kept marching, walking as fast as he could with fear and adrenaline ready to kick in his circuits, he had no idea where he was going, but if it led somewhere then Bee would march on. Bumblebee reached the end again, making another sharp turn, only to bump into something pretty big. He groaned and looked up, becoming off guard as it was Blitzwing. Why was the crazed Triple Changer out in the middle of the night in a spooky back alleyway? Bumblebee wasn't sure if he wanted an answer to that.
Blitzwing was just as surprised to see the Minibot running around this late, he should be back in the Barracks recharging at this scheduled time. Was he trying to escape again? Seems like this bug can't get it through his processor that he can't escape. Before either one could speak up, lights behind Bumblebee flashed on both of them.
"Hey, what are you doing running around? Get back to the Barracks or else..." It was the 2 guards that followed Bee, flashing their light on the former Autobot and almost ignoring the Lieutenant behind him. Bee was slagged and he knew it, he was gonna get punished, or worse. That's when Blitzwing spoke up, placing a servo on Bee's shoulder.
"It is alright...he was under my supervision. We are just discussing a few things about his current progress. Megatron's orders." Blitzwing lied to the guards, shocking Bee entirely. Why was Blitzwing covering his aft? He had no problem leaving him to rust and not tend to his injuries, so why lie for him? Regardless, his plan to attempt to escape was foiled....again.
The guards looked at each other and back at the pair, coming to a collective silent agreement. Not wanting to argue with their Tyrant Leader and the Triple Crazed Lieutenant, they took the explanation and began to leave in silence, showing full trust with no questions asked. Once gone and out of hearing range Blitz switched over to Hothead, spinning Bumblebee around and got all in his face.
"You are VERY lucky I was coming by to see you Primus dammit! Why in the pit are you out this late!? Do you have that much of a death wish!?" Hothead shouted, making the Minibot glare up at him, unfazed by this hot-tempered side of him.
"This whole planet is a death wish! What!? You expect me to be jumping in joy with Energon Treats!?" Bee argued back, Hothead switched over to Random.
"Ooooh! Yes please! All happy and fun times! Let's enjoy some nice Energon Lollipops with it! MUAHAHAHA!" Random cackled, Bee was not amused, now pouting with his arms crossed. He couldn't believe he got caught AGAIN. Random switched over to Icy, sighing and getting on Bee's level.
"I meant what I said however, I was coming to speak with you, I also had to take the backways to be avoided. It's easy for word to spread around this wasteland of a colony you know."
"That I did learn today..." It went quiet between them, Blitzwing hated it and so did Bee. However, Blitz just hated not being able to conversate, while Bee wanted space and wished to go back to the Barracks now. Blitzwing cleared his vocals and started the conversation again.
"So...you have reached Tier 2? Impressive you made it that far, but you still have a long way to go." Blitzwing spoke, making Bumblebee scoff.
"Long way to go? Sure, if I'm even gonna be left online or left with a few missing parts from my frame. I don't even know why I was picked..." Bumblebee complained.
"As strange as it does seem, they do have to pick carefully and thoughtfully, even if it is bot they do not want in their ranks. I went through the same treatment. *Switch* But I got a free pass to the big rides when Megatron made me his prized weapon! HAHAHAHA!!!" Hearing that made Bee cringe a bit and show a tiny bit of pity.
"That sounds...very painful."
"Oh it may have been, but it was all worth it~!!! *Switch* I get to crush peasants where they stand! I get to show my authority without being pushed over! I earned my rank and if they have a problem with it then I will send them straight to the well!" Hothead gloated on, Bumblebee rolling his eyes.
"Ok, now I don't care anymore, but I have to ask...why did you lie?" Things got quiet again between them, as many other times before, Blitz did not have an answer.
Why did he lie and make an excuse again? He has been doing this for Orbital cycles and at this rate he seems to get nowhere with understanding his processor and emotions. The Triple Changer had to take make warnings and a few consequences for his choice of words. Facing their leader was not exactly pretty either. Without much reason or anything to answer with, Icy took control and spoke up again.
"Listen to me, kleiner Käfer. As much as I want to, I cannot keep looking out for you. You need to accept this already. You were given this chance so use it before they take it away." Blitzwing softly spoke, looking down at Bumblebee, who wasn't satisfied with not having an answer, but he didn't press on about it.
"I...I can't accept it, ok? You can't expect me to forget all I know overnight and suddenly become a sparkless-killing machine like you. That's NOT me." Bee frowned, looking down at the ground as if it was his only distraction. Bee could honestly use a distraction from everything right about now too.
"But it's what you have to be. You can hate and blame me all you want for being stuck here, but what's done is done. Megatron gave you this choice, you picked this, and now you have to live with it. *Switch* Like a little bug in a spider web~! HAHAHAH~!" Random joked as usual.
"Well at least you can admit it is your fault as to why I am stuck here..." Bumblebee muttered quietly. Random lowered himself to Bee's level, making a pouty face.
"Awww, please don't be mad at me~! If you stop being mad, I'll get you Energon Goodies~!" Ok, that made Bee smile a little bit, especially with how silly Random looked right now.
"Pfft, really?"
"*Switch* No, but you do get to be rewarded with refuel and a wash." Icy smirked, making Bee chuckle a little bit. This wasn't so bad for Bee now, feeling a little better even if he wouldn't admit it. Icy switched back to Random, smiling widely.
"Ooooh~! Some bots happy! Do you like my jokes!? Let me tell you more! I have 100's about Lugnut and how much of a suck-up he is!" Random smiled more at the Minibot, who laughed a little more. Seeing this little former scout laugh was nice, Blitzwing wanted to see more of it, yet with the cycle at it's end and with it already being so late, he needed to part ways for now. Blitz switched back over to Icy and continued.
"But, I do think you fit in nicely. You have to keep going and NO MORE escape attempts. I know this is not what you are accustomed to, but it's all we have. Ruthless, brutal, harsh yes, but you can learn to embrace it." Blitzwing said seriously now, Bumblebee frowned once more, not speaking up again, but did nod in agreement. The Triple Changer began to walk Bee back to the Barracks, the silence falling between them again.
The yellow mech was not gonna give up and he was gonna find another way to escape, he just had to keep acting along. Play good little solider. Even if it meant having to suck up being called 'Megatron's favorite'. The 2 continued to make their way back to the Barracks in silence, what else was there to say? Nothing new and no time to just chit chat, bicker, or anything at all. Once reaching the main entrance, Blitzwing began to leave, but Bee didn't walk inside just yet.
Bumblebee turned around, looked at Blitzwing, and was the one to speak up.
"Um...Hey? Blitzwing?" Blitzwing turned around, a little surprised, this was the first time that the bright-colored Minibot actually said his name correctly.
"....W-when can we talk again?" Bumblebee asked nervously. He didn't know why he was offering to make time to speak with The Triple Changer, yet, he needed some mech to talk to if he didn't wanna go crazy. At least with Blitzwing, it would be more tolerable, or something he was going to deeply regret.
"...In 3 cycles, I will be busy, but same hour in the same spot. Understood?" Bee nodded in agreement, Blitzwing nodded back, giving a small smile.
"Have a good recharge...Bumblebee. You'll need it for the morning cycle tomorrow." With that said, Blitzwing left, leaving the minibot a little surprised too. That was the first time the crazed mech said his name ever.
To be honest, Bumblebee hoped he wouldn't get used to talking with Blitzwing so much, cause once he's gone, he ain't coming back.
Bumblebee quietly stepped inside, went to his berth and laid down, not wanting to wake any bot up and be asked questions. Bee vented quietly, staring up at the ceiling, his processor running around in circles. He tried to escape, got caught by Blitzwing, but Blitzwing covered for him. Why though? Then he's moved up into the training ranks of this Tier stuff, at least in Autobot Bootcamp you didn't have to do this much just to get a rank. It would also seem like some of the troops here were getting comfortable with Bee. Sure it was just the small group at that table he sat with, but even so, he didn't want to get comfortable.
All of this was temporary, he just had to play his part with lying and pretending. However, he could feel this nagging feeling in his processor bugging him, like some sort of glitch, telling him that he's taking Blitzwing's advice and making 'friends' here already, how long would it take for him to embrace this life is all. The Minibot was not gonna listen and ignore it, it was small and just lingering, it be gone by morning, a stupid glitching voice in his processor. That was all.
Bumblebee tried distracting himself with memories, he began to remember his days of Autobot Bootcamp, meeting Bulkhead, trying to fit in, Wasp and Ironhide making fun of him, Longa-....Shockwave pretended to be friendly, sending Wasp to prison and that memory made him cringe and felt guilt bothering him. Bee shook his helm and he started trying to remember how the ranking in Autobot Bootcamp worked, it didn't seem as much as the Decepticons were making him do. If Bee was being honest, seemed like the Autobots gave less training than the Cons. Strange, they won the war yet didn't have to do much to fight back, they were smaller and not as fast, but they found a way to win. How though? Or was the Minibot just thinking too hard and needed rest?
Who knows and Bee wasn't about to stay up to find an answer.
Letting out another quiet vent, Bee closed his optics and tried to drift into somewhat of a recharge. As Blitzwing said, he was gonna need it in the morning, cause it was gonna be a long day yet again.