Transformers Prime: The Creator's Light

Metal Attraction

Takes place right after they return to the house.
Starshooter Pov

I reverted my body back to my human form. The Pheonix was taller than me by about 5 heads. But as I shrank it did as well so now it was the size of a bald eagle fully grown. It cooed as it landed on my shoulder with its talons not once gripping to balance. Then I realized why as it release a metal rod. A time stone crystal?
I picked it up and it glowed liked before but this time Sarah and Kay got encompassed by the light. We appeared in a falconry sort of thing. But instead of Falcons Phoenixes that were different shades of orange and red, flitted about. Anima, and the younger versions of her sons stood out. Primus and Unicron were a lot younger just barely out of sparklinghood. "Now my sons, it is time you had a Phoenix to fly beside you." Anima smile as the two looked around.
They chirped and together the two brothers headed for a nest in a corner that was hard to see. The three of us followed to watch. There in a nest were two eggs with flame designs that were about the same size with one being blue and the other purple. But there was a third egg that was only a fourth of that size that shared the formers's colors.
The larger ones shook and cracks form before they burst and two baby Phoenixes stretched out.
The four looked at one another before the purple Phoenix landed on Unicron and the blue on Primus. "It appears you found them." Anima chuckled.
"Bwut carwier wha of that wone?" Unicron asked pointing to the third egg.
"That one is still waiting for its friend to be created and find them." Anima smiled. "Flamesword?"
A mech with heavy duty armor appeared. "Yes my lady."
"Take my sons to the palace I wish to look at the Phoenixes closer in case something happened during the hatching."
"Of course," the mech bowed before leading the two young deities away.
Once they were out of the hearing range did Anima speak. "It's good to see you again young warrior." Anima faced us. "And you brought your friend and my son's daughter."
"Anima, what are we doing here?" I questioned.
"You reached a junior praetor level as a guardian. Propugnus, Unicron's Phoenix lent you his power for he saw how you would risk your very life force energy in order to protect your family and friends. He saw in you what he sees in Unicron, a strong being capable of putting yourself at risk for the safety of others." Anima began.
"Okay so what does that have to do with Kay and I?" Sarah questioned.
"Guardians can only fight in pairs. For every single Guardian they posses a partner. But on the same stature. Since you have become a lower ranking praetor a new Guardian must join. That is why I have chosen Solus. Now if you believe this will cause an unbalance you are mistaken." Anime answered the question I was about to ask. "As a praetor your partner is a pheonix. Propugnus chose to become yours for the time being until his returns. Though he doesn't mind having you for a partner."
"But why can't I get my own? No offense to him but would it not be better if I had my own so he could still be beside Unicron?"
Anima chuckled at this. "Young one there is much you do not understand. With my death caused all of the Guardian powers to be zapped away killing many. Same applied to the pheonixes. Only a few remain. The pheonixes connected to my sons and the small egg in this nest." Anima gestured to the egg. "The little pheonix will hatch when she senses her partner, my daughter, is ready."
I nodded in understanding thinking of any questions. "Anima how will we conceal a flaming bird?"
"That my young praetor is simple. Propugnus will make himself appear differently. A golden eagle if you will only he'll be slightly purple." Anima explained.
The three of us nodded and we returned with the crystal clanging to the ground. I looked at Propugnus as Solus pick it up. His flames calmed and darkened till he looked like how Anima described. But how do we explain why I have a bird of prey following me around.

Time skip to a week later

I hummed in thought as I sat on the couch in the base. Sarah helped with Ratchets computer on updating it. Kay sat on Ratchets shoulder. I subconsciously rubbed my forefinger against Propugnus's neck while he was in eagle form. When I first introduced him to the bots it raised questions, that is until I explained that he had a nest near the Cybertronics building and is in a way unicron/my pet eagle.
I looked up startled as the groundbridge opened. Bulkhead was about to go through, when he paused telling Miko not to follow him. I activated my glasses and ran up to the bridge as Arcee dropped the cable she had and joined Bulk. Miko and I raced through as did Propugnus. I deactivated my glasses with Miko in front of me, then caught up to her while Propugnus landed on my shoulder.
We followed Arcee and Bulkhead in silence. They were talking about Jacks mom and that Arcee shouldn't let it get the best of her.
"Well, I protected her son for months before she had a clue. Suddenly she wakes up to reality and I'm not enough. " Arcee ranted.
"No kidding," Miko remarked beside me as the bots stopped and looked back at us in shock. "Can't we ban her from the base?"
"Miko, Maria, how did you..." Bulk started to scold us.
Arcee opened her comm. "gonna need a bridge."
"Wait don't send us back to helicopter mom." Miko protested. "It's just that I miss the way things were."
"Strike that Ratchet, it's only recon." Arcee closed her comm turning to Bulk. "They're safe with us." She began to walk a head while Bulk offered us a ride. I said no and remained on the ground.
Miko jumped onto his out stretched hand. " Sweet! Crank up tack seven Bulk."
"Track seven?" Arcee asked as I walked beside her.
Bulkhead turn on some hardcore metal and I winced. Miko danced and played the air guitar.
Arcee turned towards him. "Don't you think that's a little loud for recon?" Bulkhead shut it off and Miko whined.
"A scout or spy should be silent but deadly. And not the way you're thinking." I state noticing their snickers. "Not being quite makes you miss even obvious clues be it animals, traps, or relics, on where they are hidden. It can also be danger if you not too careful. And if you don't believe me ask Bee." I remembered a story Bee told me when he had to pick me up. Kay spent the night at base that day but I had stuff at home to finish. Raf was sick also and Optimus was out with Bulkhead scouting for energon.
Bee told me a story of what happened to a young scout called Goldbug. The youngling cursed when he found out something major and was so focused on returning home he didnt try to hide the fact he was spying.
Miko and Bulk didn't seem to hear as the walked a head. "Bulk, let's get our recon on."
"I always take point." Arcee said.
"I know, but Miko like to be up front so she can see." Bulk returned and continued his way.
"No matter where I turn, I'm the third wheel." Arcee sighed.
"Hey it'll get better." I tried to console her.
"How do you know?"
"Because the entire team is family and family always stay together. June will see you less an alien and more like a family member once she gets to know you." I state before following the two shriek metal lovers.
Arcee didn't follow right a way but when she did she took the lead leaving me at the back with Propugnus flying above me. I couldn't hear the others since I stayed at a distance. I stopped as my mind wandered. Why are my thoughts straying away from what needs to be focused on. Propugnus shrieked beside me, pulling me out of my thoughts.
I looked at him from where he had landed on a rock and was now eye level with me. He tilted his head to the side and cooed something that gave me the impression he was asking a question. "It's nothing Propugnus." I said half hearted. He cooed again not believing me. I smiled slightly. "Alright it is something that could effect us all. I'm debating on whether or not I should tell Optimus and the others that I'm really Starshooter." His head perked up. "What?" He cooed and moved slightly closer to the edge on the rock making it look like he was dancing. "You think I should tell them don't you?" He did the same thing again only his dance was a little more excited.
"I know I want to tell them as well but I don't know when the correct time will be." I sighed and started to catch up with the others. Propugnus took flight once more and I noticed Miko taking pictures and hearing the sounds of a battle being fought.
I rested a hand on Miko's shoulder. She jumped spinning around to look at me. "Stay calm." I ordered. "Put your phone away now or you won't get it for a while." She complied knowing better than to argue.
"Where did you go?" She asked turning back to the action.
"Was lost in thought." I shrugged.
I looked at the battle below and noticed something at the edge of the battle field to the right. Something black, red and magenta bubbled up and was solidifying. I looked up higher to see Propugnus circling the thing.
"Miko stay here." I told her while I raced to the thing. Changing into my cybertronian form and Propugnus igniting made the thing react to our presence becoming solid and just what I thought it was. When it faced me I saw one of Regina's minions. "Been awhile." I muttered before kicking it. This one was different though. Instead of the yeti creature it was more a solid shadow.
It was pitch black save for the glowing magenta eyes. It had sharp black claws. It stood just a head taller than me. It looked more like a cybertronian than a monster. Perhaps just one of Regina's tricks to make us not fight as hard.
It didn't matter. Right now I had to make sure it couldn't harm the others. I brought my blades down in a double swipe.
It growled and dodged. I quickly drew my wing fans and was ready to fight against the creature. It charged and i flipped out of the way. I looked back to see it glaring at me. The creature growled lowly and charged once more.
I side stepped but it grabbed one of my peds and threw me to the ground. I grunted as my wing fans left my grip. The creature's form changed again from a solid shadow with magenta eyes, to a mech.
"Hello honey."
I froze as it felt like ice covered my systems. It couldn't be. He was locked away. I turned over and stared wide opticed at the one mech I prayed hadn't survived the war. But there he stood cocky as ever. His plating still the same except for the black flames and glyphs littering it.
His irritating voice that I knew I heard before I even met him. And his fragging optics concealed by that pit forged visor that was a cyan blue. My throat plating ceased and I could barely speak. He looked me over and I shivered as it felt like it was invasive.
He smirked. "Just as beautiful as when I last saw you. And still as fiery as I remember. I wonder if you still sing just as well after so much time has past."
"Quicksilver?"
"The one and only. Now you're coming with me." He gloated. My optics widened and I wanted to move but I felt like I was frozen to the ground.
His servo reached down to grab my arm. A loud screech was heard and Quicksilver was forced away. I looked at what saved me and smile. "Thank you Propugnus." The pheonix cooed with worry as he landed on my shoulder.
" A pheonix?!" My helm snapped towards Quicksilver. "They're meant to be dead with the guardians."
"Well that assumption is false because what are me and Stormfront considered as?" I shouted at him as I returned to my feet. I didn't wish to reveal Solus was now a guardian or that she was here.
"True, darling, till next we meet. And next time you will be mine." With that said Quicksilver disappeared in a wisp of  black smoke. I shivered at what he said and looked at Propugnus. He cocked his head at me and I smiled as I reached up to gently rub his neck. That is until I get pulled backs by an invisible force. I turn around as Propugnus took flight. Airachnid was long gone and Breakdown was using the polarity gauntlet. Gritting my teeth I dug my heels into the ground to resist the magnetic pull. Though I failed at that.
I was lifted into the air beside Bulkhead and Arcee. My entire body was trying to resist the effects. I tried to switch back into my human form only I wasn't permitted. I noticed Breakdown hit a button and the three of us were sent into a rock wall and getting buried. Some how I was on the very bottom and Arcee's leg was caught between my back plating and Bulkhead's.
"Bulkhead!" I could heard Miko. "The cons are getting away!"
Bulkhead shifted to get up and since I was about his height and my peds still trapped my back did an awkward bend. I hiss as something popped. "Where's Arcee?" He asked.
Miko groaned, "why don't you just marry her?"
"I'm Right behind you." Arcee deadpanned from where she was at my side.
Bulkhead finally got off my peds as he stood and looked around for Arcee. "Where?"
Miko looked at us and I waved at her. "Let's just say she's got you back. Along with Starshooter."
Arcee tried to get free but couldn't. "Scrap."
I sighed and helped Arcee move her ped. Miko tried to help by pulling Arcee off but to no avail. "Miko where's Maria?" Arcee noticed my human form was missing.
"Uh," Miko didn't know how to answer.
"Ratchet," Arcee opened her comm.
"Yes Arcee?" Ratchet replied.
"We have two problems." Bulk stated.
"First can you scan the area for Maria?" Arcee asked.
"I can is she not with you?" Ratchet questioned.
"Not as of right now." Miko piped up.
"Second Ratchet. Me, Bulkhead, and Starshooter are magnetized together."
"You've been magnetized... Together?" Ratchet tried to confirm.
"They're inseparable." Miko sighed.
"And the device that did this is on its way to Megatron." Bulkhead growled.
"It's a polarity gauntlet, a semi simple but diabolical creation." I finally spoke up.
"Just tell me you can unhitch us, Ratchet." Arcee flat out said.
"It may simply be a residual magnetic charge providing your current ... Attraction." Ratchet paused at the last word.
Miko grew frustrated, "They're not attracted to each other!"
"But I'm afraid retrieving the gauntlet is our surest bet for reversing its effect. Once Megatron gets his hands on the gauntlet..." Ratchet trailed off.
Jack finished the thought. "He'll use it for a whole lot more than attaching notes and family photos to the fridge."
"Jack I'm not following." June was confused, I could tell from her tone.
"Madam," ratchet began. " We are forged of metal alloy. If Megatron could repel us with a flick of a switch, we might never again have another shot at him."
"Instant force field." Raf inputted.
"Worse yet, he might use it to meld us all into a scrap pile."
"That's very pleasant, Ratchet," I rolled my optics.
"Starshooter, listen." Ratchet scolded me slightly over the comm. "the good news is, the gauntlet hasn't traveled far. I would strongly advise pursuit."
"We can catch up faster on wheels." Bulkhead moved to transformer.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa." Arcee stopped him. "And snap us in half?"
"Right." Bulkhead agreed and began to walk with me doing the same backwards.
"Sweet! I'll take point." Miko beamed.
"Not this time, kid."
"What?! But you said..." Miko protested.
" That was recon. This is war. I'm not risking you well-being just so you can hit your daily adrenaline quota. Ratchet, Miko needs a bridge." Arcee scolded.
"Coming up." Ratchet responded.
Miko groaned and growled. "You think Jacks mom is bad! You sound just like her!"
Arcee was silent and I peered over at Miko. "Miko, just go and return to the base. Airachnid would try and kill you for a trophy or you'll get captured by the Decepticons. So just return for we are already at a disadvantage." I used reason to get her to return.
A bridge opened and Miko looked at me before nodded and entering. Once it was closed Bulkhead began to follow the direction that Breakdown drove in. Bulkhead attempted small talk, "Never had eyes in the back of my head before, or blasters to cover my rear, and you both get a built-in shield."
I chuckled at Bulks comment before looking down at Arcee, she had a dazed look on from what Miko had said. "You okay, 'Cee?"
"Starshooter, Bulkhead, you don't really think I sound like June, do you?" Arcee asked.
"Um..." Bulk didn't know how to answer and continued to walk.
" She's over protective. I'm just... Protective."
"Totally different." Bulkhead decided to agree.
I sighed. Some mechs just weren't good at these problems. "Arcee, you and June are very protective over Jack fir different reasons. For you, Jack is your charge but also friend. But June is a mother. She's naturally protective of Jack and Jack could be her only family."
Arcee was about to respond but the device in Bulkhead's servo beeped. "The gauntlets close." He stated.
Arcee and I onlined our weapons while I activated my cloaking which turned me invisible. We pasted an old gas station and turned a corner. I heard Bulk online his cannon. We heard grunting and Bulkhead turned to see Breakdown binded in webbing. Airachnid came out of hiding with a smirk. "I assume Arcee isn't far behind."
"You might say that." Bulkhead smiled.
"Blaster hands in the air and turn around." Airachnid ordered.
"Whatever you say." Bulkhead complied and turned around.
I deactivated my cloaking and both Arcee and I fired upon Airachnid. Arcee shot the polarity gauntlet out of Airachnid's servo. It activated and pulled us towards it. Breakdown managed to get free and grabbed it, turning it off. Airachnid approached me and Arcee. "Still up for a truce, muscles?"
"Only because I hate Bulkhead more than I hate you." Breakdown stated as he and Bulk got into a fist fight. Arcee and I blocked and threw blows at Airachnid but it was difficult.
Airachnid got a good hit on Arcee. "Bulkhead, would you stay still?"
"My bad." Bulkhead apologized before hitting Breakdown away. He turned us around so he face Airachnid. "Need a hand."
"No, she's mine." Arcee snapped.
I sighed as we began to become dis functional in working together. Arcee tried to turn us around while I peered over at Breakdown. "Three bots." He activated the gauntlet. "One stone." He lifted an oil rig and sent it at us.
"Scrap," I cursed. "Bulk, Duck!"
Bulk turned see what I was talking about. We were sent into a pile with me on the bottom once more. Only this time, one of Arcee's little winglets jabbed its self into an armor kink of mine and pinched a wire. My processor grew hazy as darkness engulfed my mind.