Lockout: A Transformers Story

Chapter 5: Fear

Calm down, Lockout. Calm down. You can do this. You won't be stranded again!

Fear filled my frame as blaster fire rained down upon the Decepticon army, body heaving as I barreled behind a large rock. A small cut on my neck spill of fresh energon; I bolted from the hiding place, breath shallow while I moved.

Sword in my hands, I plunged for an Autobot, body slamming against him. Suddenly, a harsh cough slipped from my throat, the burning pain came back. My body felt weak and heavy.

Smokescreen, the Autobot below my frame, crushed my cheek with his fist. Stumbling, I fell back. Whipping my helm, getting back to my feet, managing to face the pain (and the mech who stood before me). I prepared myself, driving my feet against the dirt. A figure plunged in front of me, blocking the rookie's maneuvers. The dark blue figure gazed back at me with deep glowing red optics, I heard him growl out.

"Lockout get your head in the game!" Barricade's voice was harsh, the gentle tone he spoke in before we left for this battle was completely gone, replaced by darkness.

My lemon yellow orbs flickered, allowing my gaze to focus for a slight moment. I was fear striken, still panicked, I was terrified of being stranded and alone again. I had to shake the thoughts from my processor to keep myself from an anxiety attack.

"Lockout-"

I coughed, breath hitching as I felt a deep pain within my frame. I was hurt, wounded, fighting through agony. "I can't, Barricade."

The mech grunted as he stumbled back, growling once more, slamming his fist into the Autobot. "What do you mean you can't?"

My focus was broke when a cry of pain escaped my lips. My body thundered heavily against rock, metal scraping harshly. Autobot scum... I got to my feet, huffing, touching my fingers to my lips, a small stream of energon seeping from my mouth. I could hear muffled yelling; my audio receptors began to ring. I got back to my feet, fighting back the agony once more. I slammed another Autobot to the ground. Another. Then another. 

Help... I can't keep fighting. 

The agony was unbearable in my frame, I glanced up suddenly, my gold optics locking with baby blue. It was only a moment, only seconds and I felt a surge of something electric run through my frame as we locked gaze. I hadn't seen the Autobot leader in what felt like ages, someone I had not seen since the day Shockwave and I were abandoned on Cybertron. He was handsome, almost the pure definition of masculinity. Optimus Prime. I couldn't avert my optics, couldn't break away from him, like a moth drawn to a flame. Time seemed to slow when I looked at him.

Why can't I look away?

I stopped listening to the battle and it seemed as if he had as well. The Prime was my enemy, someone I was supposed to destroy, someone I did not get along with or agree with his beliefs. I watched as his optics looked me up and down from afar, then broke away, facing the battle once more. 

However, as I turned to face the battle again, pain smashed through my frame like a brick and everything went dark.

Stirring, my helm ached. Golden orbs opened with a few moments of realization, adjusting to a soft light to the side of my bed. I heard a voice whisper, and a hand place itself upon mine as I attempted to move.

"Don't move, you're still recovering from the battle." Barricade's voice was strict, causing me to shiver.

"What happened?" I breathed, voice filled with sleep.

"You were injured in battle, I hadn't realized that your wounds were as bad as they were." The Decepticon enforcer sat back in the chair at my bedside, shifting his weight a little. "Megatron wanted me to inform you that you will attend multiple sparring sessions scheduled with Soundwave, an order to ensure you get back to your full capability." He waited to see if I spoke up about it, but I did not. "If Soundwave is not available, your sparring partner will be me."

"Why not Shockwave?"

 His apple red optics darkened in annoyance and possibly jealousy at the mention of the scientist. "Shockwave at first volunteered, however, he has become very busy since the two of you returned to the Decepticons. Megatron has requested that Shockwave continue his research and not to be disturbed by anyone, that includes you."

My spark sunk. 

I had grown attached to Shockwave since we had been stranded on Cybertron, I still was not certain I could part easily from the Decepticon scientist just yet. It would be so incredibly difficult.

"I will get you some energon to drink and aid you in your recovery. You need rest for at least two days. I will be your aid if you need anything." The Decepticon enforcer stood from the chair and glared down at me, a darkness in his gaze. "Lock, I know you were stranded on Cybertron with Shockwave. I know the two of you might have gotten a little attached since you thought you might be the only Cybertronians alive." 

"I-"

"I recommend you stay away from him. He is emotionless and only relies on logic. I know what you want in a mech and Shockwave is far from it. Do not try to jump into that kind of relationship." Barricade had a hand on the door, about to walk out to retrieve energon for me. "Shockwave will hurt you."

"You have no right to try influencing my dating life, Barricade. If anything, I'd say that you're jealous."

Barricade scoffed at my remark. "Jealous? I am anything but jealous of Shockwave. I am trying to protect you from getting hurt, Princess." His apple red orbs narrowed, his facial expressions that of anger and frustration, the way he said my title was filled with a venomous tone.

I watched as he walked out, slamming the door behind him, leaving me in the dim light of my quarters. Alone.