Snowbound Part 2

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First Snow

Snowbound: Pt 2

By Steph

Wind howled through the bare trees, creaking and tearing at the once thick branches. Now they were thin thanks to continually bearing the brunt of the unstoppable snowstorm, a sound akin to only that of the fictional haunts of ghosts and monsters. Snow continually battered the ground in a fury of white daggers seemingly fighting a never ending battle for supremacy with the already chocked wintry landscape. The road's surface now a death trap for any vehicles that was foolish enough to even attempt making a journey in the treacherous arctic conditions. Darkness was now beginning to settle in over the snow swept landscape, with visibility already impossible, things were set to become even more perilous as the snow further pushed it's brunt into the heart of mother nature herself.

Sam shifted lightly in his sleep, murmuring softly to himself, a loud bang suddenly hit the side of the speeding yellow camero causing Sam to lurch upright in his seat. Blearily Sam stared out of the glass in front of him, watching the snow continually batter the front windshield of the yellow camero, Bumblebee's windshield wipers were working overtime, sweeping across the glassy surface in an effort to keep his visual sensors clear.

"Sam." Bumblebee's unusually loud voice filled the cab, perhaps trying to be heard above the howling wind outside. The camero's smooth path quickly altered as Bumblebee lost control of his direction momentarily before straightening out once more.

"We have just come off the main highway."

Sam felt his own breathing hitch. They were lost? Tightening his grip on the steering wheel in front of him, Sam gulped loudly attempting to formulate a response; his grip on the wheel was tight enough to send his knuckles white. Swallowing back the thick salvia that had begun to form there, Sam opened his mouth to speak.

"Then... Where are we going Bee?" he asked nervously, looking outside to try and see past the snow.

An audible snap could be heard a particularly strong blast of wind hit one of the trees beside the main road, the wooden structure snapped and began to fall into the road heading straight towards the yellow car. Bumblebee immediately swerved heavily to one side in an attempt to avoid the oncoming tree, the yellow autobot slid on the icy road seemingly struggling to keep his balance, the yellow autobot flung a seatbelt tightly against Sam's body strapping him down tightly upon the seat as he slammed on his breaks causing the vehicle to spin violently out of control in a tight circle. Bumblebee thinking quickly, turned his tires in the opposite direction, it seemed to work but it was already too late as Bumblebee's front axle made contact with the side of the road and began tumbling down the small slope which lead into the forest. Sam quickly shut his eyes as he felt his head bobbing up and down wildly at the pair's fast descent, Bumblebee tightened the seatbelt around his charge's body as he once more applied pressure on his breaks spinning to a wild stop in the middle of a forest clearing.

Breathing heavily, Sam turned his attention to the glowing dashboard in front of him, struggling against the tight restraint still latched to his body; Sam reached out and patted the dash.

"Bee?" he questioned softly.

A loud crackle of static issued out of the radio as Bumblebee's jarred voice flowed out of the speakers in an intangible flow of words.

"Ssaamm" Bumblebee crackled. "Arre youu all rriight?"

Sam nodded, eying the radio carefully. "Bee? What's wrong with your voice, you don't sound too good buddy."

A loud burst of squeaks ruptured out from the speakers as Bumblebee attempted to speak, the radio stuttered and faltered once more before pinging to life.

"Sssensors… malllffunctioning… needd time tto rreset."

Sam grimaced, lightly patting the dashboard in reassurance whilst gazing outside watching the snow begin to cover Bumblebee's once clear windshield.

"Oh, do you have any idea where we are?" Sam asked scanning the landscape around them, trying to spot something even remotely familiar. He could just make out a band of conifers trees just in front of them through the thick wave of snow, their branches hung limply as even the snow's weight threatened to break their mighty structure. They must be somewhere in a forest…

"Llooccation uunknown.. Too much intterrfearence… Scanners arree ddown."

Sam frowned, they were lost. In a snowstorm, Sam's heart quickened at the thought, this was bad… Bad things happened to people caught out in the cold. All those news reports of people disappearing, never turning up again until their bodies were uncovered as the snow melted. He shivered, and not because of the cold. Almost as if sensing Sam's fear, Bumblebee gargled but soft voice filled the cab.

"It'ss all right Ssam. I... won't llet anything hhappen to yyou."

In response, a trail of warm air began to flow out of Bumblebee's heater, lightly ruffling through Sam's hair and the seat Sam was sat on reclined backwards, fitting itself to the contours of Sam's body. Sam took in a deep breath as he settled down on the sleek leather surface, breathing in the familiar scent that Bumblebee often gave off, Sam allowed himself to relax. He was being silly, he was with a superior technological advanced autonomous robotic organism, Bumblebee wouldn't't let anything happen to him…

"Try and ggeet ssome rest Sam, I wiill keep wwatchh."

Sam smiled towards the dash, feeling the seat gently warm as his eyes began to droop shut of their own accord.

"Thanks Bee."

Sam turned his head and gazed outside, snuggled further down into the comfy contours of the leather seat. Sam watched as the snowflakes continued to fall heavily upon their ground, the white powder began to clump together, forming a band of white sheeting against the cool glass, plunging the camero into a world of its own.


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A small rustle echoed through the bushes near the edge of the small forest clearing, Bumblebee immediately sat up on his shocks turning his optical sensors in the direction of the commotion, he detected nothing… The snow fell heavily as the wind swirled it around in a circle motion blowing random flakes in all directions, the thick powder making visibility impossible even for Cybertroian optics. Sighing heavily Bumblebee settled back down on his tires continually checking his surroundings whilst Sam slept on peacefully in his cab, seemingly oblivious to the guardian's dilemma, with his sensors down, Bumblebee was as good as blind. Turning his attention towards the blowing snow, Bumblebee failed to notice the brief flash of red light flicker in the trees just in behind the pair before fading away into the darkness once more….


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Random glyphs of Cybertroian data flashed on and off a blue screen, continually scanning and monitoring the goings on of the outside world, cross referencing data but hitting an error when commanded to search beyond short range parameters...

"Any luck yet?" a loud gruff voice was the first to break the somber silence of the base.

Optimus shook his huge metal head, once more turning his attention to the screen of Teletran One,

"None, there is still too much interference from the adverse weather conditions; we can only hope that Bumblebee and Sam make it back to Tranquility safely."

Ironhide growled deeply to himself, his gaze focusing on the raging snowstorm outside, his spark twinged with worry for both Sam and Bumblebee, they were by now miles away and with the snow having blocked the entrance of the base, they was no way of reaching them, but still they had to try…

"So, we're just going to sit here like drones and do nothing? Ironhide's loud voice boomed angrily, turning with bright optics towards Optimus. "That boy's mother entrusted us with the care of her youngling and we are just going to sit here on our chassis and let them both fend for themselves out there in that fragging snowstorm?" Ironhide didn't't hold back, he was furious at not being able to do anything at all, if something happened to ether one of them.

"What other choice do we have Ironhide?" Ratchet's voice interrupted, "You heard Optimus, we have no idea where Bumblebee is, the base's entrance is piled from here to Cybertron with snow, we cannot reach them. We are stuck."

Ironhide slammed his fist down on the desk in front of him, the metal surface cracked at the huge force as the mech's fist smashed into the metal.

"We have to slagging to do something!" he hollered at both Ratchet and Optimus. "You may not care about Sam and Bumblebee but I'm not staying here and letting them die out there!"

Ratchet's optics narrowed as he made a move towards the Ironhide, fury written all over the medic's face. "Why you sla.."

"Stand down Ratchet, Ironhide, both of you." Optimus's deep voice boomed, almost at once both mech's metal frames abruptly stilled, immediately obeying their leader's command. Optimus shook his metal head, lifting one hand up to his face in a very human like gesture, it wasn't't often Optimus used his superior authority to order his mech's, but there were times where he had no choice. Turning towards Ironhide, he gently placed one hand upon the mech's shoulder.

"Ironhide, I too, just like you are deeply concerned for Sam and Bumblebee, you have no idea how much I blame myself for this entire situation, but we cannot afford to be fighting amongst ourselves. Not with the threat of the decepticons looming ever near. I fear for Bumblebee, but he is a brave solider, you have taught him well. If anyone can keep Sam safe, it is he."

Ironhide vented air through his system, nodding silently. " Optimus I.. Apologize, forgive me, I should not have said those things... I kno- he was cut off as Optimus's deep laugh filled the room.

"There is no need to apologize old friend, I understand."

Ironhide nodded turning his gaze towards Ratchet who was watching silently in the background. "Sorry Ratch, reckon you can forgive an old solider?" he asked lightly.

Ratchet paused, seeming to think about it a moment before he slowly nodded. "You're a Slagger Ironhide, but all right." Ratchet's optics lit up with amusement before he added. "You're just lucky I didn't't have my wrenches with me this time."

Ironhide scoffed as he majestically raised his cannons on both forearms, twirling them in a fancy spin.

"You wouldn't't stand a chance Hatchet, not with these beauties."

Optimus just shook his head at both bot's banter, turning his head, Optimus flickered his optics back to the raging snowstorm. "Be safe." He murmured softly, watching silently as the snow continued to fall upon the cold hardened ground.


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Behind the thick branches of the trees, in the darkness a looming figure watched the yellow camero in the distance; two pairs of red optics stared intently as the yellow autobot settled further down on his shocks. Moving slowly backwards, the decepticon paced away to a safer position, not wanting to risk being spotted by the protective yellow mech. Rolls of silver shadows loomed out in the darkness as flakes of snow settled upon the black and white metal, thick black struts supported the mech's massive structure giving note to his bulk and tremendous size. A pair of black metal prongs supported an intimidating looking helmet that famed the decepticon's face high above his head as two pairs of crimson red optics flickered from side to side in the blackness. Barricade…

Crouching low towards the ground Barricade activated his com link, interrupting the long awaited silence of the decepticon communication channel.

"Barricade to Soundwave, target found, designation, Bumblebee. He has the fleshling with him, no sign of any other autobots, he appears to be alone."

Static issued over the com line as Soundwave's emotionless voice filled Barricade's audio receptors.

"Acknowledged, proceed, retrieve the boy. Do not harm him, for he contains information of the whereabouts of the Matrix, he will be needed alive."

"Understood, and if the bug attempts to protect the fleshling?"

There was a pause before just two single words sounded over the com channel.

"Terminate him."</b>

Barricade severed his connection to the decepticon communication channel and turned his optics in the direction of the yellow camero, an evil smile stretched across his face plating.


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Bumblebee scanned the area once more with his visual sensors as he had done for the past two hours, Sam was still sound asleep in his cab, Bumblebee fell silent, listening to the sounds of Sam's breathing. It soothed his anxiety he watched the flakes of snow fall quietly upon the ground. By now the entire side of Bumblebee frame was covered in snow, further worsening Bumblebee's attempts at trying to find out where they were. He needed to transform. Sighing heavily, Bumblebee's soft voice filled the cab.

"Sam, wake up."

Sam shifted in his sleep hearing a familiar noise disturb his peaceful slumber.

"Sam."

Yawning loudly Sam blearily opened his eyes assessing his surroundings; he relaxed seeing the familiar sight of Bumblebee's steering wheel in front of him. Absently rubbing his eye with one hand, Sam turned his attention towards the dashboard.

"What is it Bee?" He asked whilst still trying to rub the sleep from his eyes.

Static issued over the radio as Bumblebee lifted Sam's seat upwards, easing his charge into a sitting position.

"My scanners are still down; I am unsure of our current location and think it would be best if I transformed to see where in the name of primus we are." The scout grumbled as he once more attempted to power up his scanners, cursing under his breath in Cybertroian when they wouldn't't respond.

Sam's eyes turned towards the falling snow outside, he shivered just at the thought of going out there, but on the other hand…

"Oh, ok. It would be nice for me to stretch my legs I guess, sure."

Bumblebee chuckled as Sam grabbed his bag from the back seat and began to pile on different layers of clothing; after Sam had finished putting on a particularly big looking hat did Bumblebee open the door. Layers of snow fell to the ground as Sam stepped out of the warm interior of Bumblebee's cab; he shivered lightly feeling the wintry wind lick his face. Besides him the unmistakable sounds of metal transforming filled the air, Sam watched in slight fascination as Bumblebee's metal began to twist and move in incomprehensible ways before a pair of huge sturdy legs stood in the snow as a mechanical bipedal robot replaced the yellow camero. Bumblebee's blue optics lit up in the darkness as he surveyed the wintry landscape.

"Well?" Sam asked from his place besides Bumblebee's feet. "Any idea where the hell we are?"

Bumblebee continued to glance around the forest clearing before the yellow mech shook his head,

"None" Bumblebee rumbled. Just as Bumblebee was about to offer a hand to his charge, a flash of red light in the distance caught his attention. Glancing in the direction of the light, Bumblebee caught a glimpse of white armor, his optics widened…

"Sam." Bumblebee spoke quietly "Run."

Sam stared wide eyed up at his guardian, taking a step back from the direction Bumblebee was staring, seeking protection behind one of Bumblebee's massive feet "Bee, wha…" he started only to have Bumblebee cut him off.

"Sam, go now!" Bumblebee shouted just as one of his arms shifted shape revealing a humming plasma cannon. The weapon glowed bright hot orange as Bumblebee pointed it to the looming figure emerging from the trees. Sam turned his head in the direction of where Bumblebee was pointing his cannon; a pair of crimson red optics met his gaze, Barricade. The decepticon lurched closer, his arm transforming in mid step revealing an equally powerful looking gun to the one his guardian possessed. Barricade once more stepped towards him kicking up snow behind him as he moved his massive feet, attempting to step around Bumblebee to get to Sam. Bumblebee's optics narrowed, he mirrored the decepticon's movements moving to stand in front of Sam, blocking the decepticon's path. Barricade's red optics narrowed as he stepped forward stopping several feet away from the pair, holstering his weapon, pointing it straight at Bumblebee's metal head. Sam swallowed nervously as Bumblebee didn't even flinch. The yellow mech merely mimicked Barricade's actions moving to point his own weapon at the decepticon's chest; Bumblebee shifted his foot giving Sam a gentle nudge in the direction of the trees, Sam however remained rooted on the spot.

"I'm only going to ask you once bug, step aside." Barricade's voice broke the tense silence, Sam's heart thundered in his chest as he peeked around the side of Bumblebee's foot seeing the decepticon's optics stare in his direction; he shivered moving back seeking protection behind Bumblebee.

"Not a chance Barricade, what the slag to do you want?" Bumblebee's voice echoed cold laced with an absolute hatred that only rivaled his spite for Megatron himself.

Barricade took a step closer, powering up his weapon as he walked. "Your pet, surrender the boy and I may let you leave in one piece."

Bumblebee's optics narrowed as his metal frame shook with anger, without hesitation, Bumblebee powered up his own cannon, not taking a step away from his charge. Bumblebee widened his stance moving closer towards the looming decepticon, not showing any fear.

"Not while I have one ounce of spark left in me."

An evil laugh left Barricade's vocalizer, "Then let me crush that pitiful thing you call a spark!"

Sam watched in horror as Barricade powered up his cannon and fired, the bullet streaked through the snow and hit its mark, right into Bumblebee's metal chest. A loud cry of pain ruptured from Bumblebee's vocalizer as he was thrown back by the sheer force of the attack, the yellow mech skidded across the snow before crashing back into a tree, and a loud bang filled the air as Bumblebee's body came to a stop sliding down the wooden trunk before laying motionless on the cold hardened ground.

"Bee!" Sam shouted; panic beginning to fill his body at the sight of his guardian's body motionless on the ground.

No answer…

"Come on Bee! Get up!" hysteria threatened to take over as Barricade moved forward towards Bumblebee's motionless body.

Still nothing…

Panicking filling him, Sam quickly ran in the direction of Bumblebee's motionless form in the snow. He felt moisture well up in his eyes as he came closer to where his guardian lay battered besides the fallen tree. Tears began to fall down Sam's cold cheeks as the true extent of Bumblebee's injuries became apparent. Without hesitation Sam clambered up his guardian's armor, his eyes widening at the metal; a blue glowing like substance was oozing from a large gaping hole to the left upon Bumblebee's chest. Sam felt his breath hitch. Energon…

"Bee!" Sam chocked through his tears. Lifting his hands to perhaps stem the flow of Energon, his arms shook as he remembered Bumblebee's stern reprimand, Energon was toxic to humans. Sam threw his arms back down by his side, watching helplessly as the blue Energon flow free of Bumblebee's body.

"Bee please! You can't…you can't leave me!"

My guardian.

Sam pressed his face to the side of Bumblebee's metal chest, flinching at just how cold it felt. Pressing his ear closer, Sam listened. Nothing… His heart almost stopped. He couldn't hear Bumblebee's spark thrums…

No please, not Bee, not Bee!

"No, no no, Bee" Sam whispered as his tears flowed free, splattering all over Bumblebee's metal. Heaving in a deep breath, Sam stroked down Bumblebee's armor, he was so cold…

"Bee..." Sam sniffed.

Barricade watched the scene play out with a satisfied smirk alit on his face plating; He paced forward closer towards the now grieving human. Quickly he scanned Bumblebee's fallen body, it registered negative, no spark activity. His smile widened, Megatron would surely reward him well.

"Your guardian is dead, human." Barricade's voice broke the silence, motioning towards Bumblebee's gaping injury. "His spark is gone, make this easier on yourself and cooperate, it would be such a shame if I had to kill you as well now wouldn't it?"

Sam sniffed and pressed his face closer Bumblebee's armor, before speaking to his guardian angel one last time… "Love you Bee." He uttered softly before slowly standing to face what was to come…

To be continued…