Transformers LinkSpark Episode 1: Rolling Out
For Jett the Speed Demon, a true Autobot. And for all the help you gave me in making this :)
Table of contents:
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Epilogue
Prologue: Unlikely Allies
Ever since the beginning of the very first civilizations, humanity has been blessed with a most otherworldly power called a Linkage. What’s a Linkage, you may ask? Well, it’s certainly not something you’d find in genetics textbooks- more specifically, the way in which two separate genes which are located close to each other on a chromosome are often inherited together! Instead, it’s the power to connect with individuals from other realms and share their powers via a powerful connection with them.
The tools needed for this undertaking are an Energon Gear or any other Collectible Item, which serves as the evidence of the Partner Character’s connection, and the Auto or Decepti-Gauntlet, or any other item that allows one to transform, the very key to the Multiverse itself.
As the Cybertronian war raged across the titular planet, the Autobots and Decepticons were sending their greatest troops into the battlefield. “Optimus! We may or may not be outnumbered!”, the medic, Ratchet, said as he bandaged up a soldier who had been injured on the battlefield. “We have to hurry! We might lose this!” Ironhide replied as he fired off a round of bullets.
“It’s not over yet, Prime! Surrender the Allspark!”, said a menacing voice from behind. It was Megatron, the Decepticon leader. Starscream, Soundwave, and Shockwave stood next to him, striking fear into the Autobots, but Optimus Prime took a stand. “You will not do such thing. Autobots, we need some backup!”, he replied.
“You said it, Prime!”, replied Arcee as she shot a few other targets who were advancing towards the Autobots. Bumblebee just buzzed as he began to look up coordinates for somewhere out in the known cosmos. “What’s up with Bee?”, replied Bulkhead as Bumblebee punched in the coordinates.
As quickly as the Scout had punched in the coordinates, a hologram of a planet began to show- Earth. “Bumblebee, you’re a genius!” Jazz replied as he patted his friend on the back. “Say, Optimus- wasn’t there a legend about these… super powered people known as Linkers?” Mirage asked as he tried to recall an ancient legend.
“Yes, Linkers are known for not just their powers and strength, but also the pure, noble, hearts they have. They might just be the very key to our victory.” Optimus explained as his comrades followed him towards a massive spaceship. “I think that Earth might just be the best place to find them! Maybe they might be friendly!” Blurr said as he rushed around, hoping everyone was fueled up for the trip to Earth.
Elsewhere, Starscream and the other Decepticons were preparing to board Astrotrain for their own trip to Earth. “Lord Megatron, do you know of the so called heroes known as Linkers?”, questioned Knockout as he ensured everyone was ready. “Of course- They’re the worst enemy we could possibly have. We should recruit our own so as to ensure those dastardly Autobots don’t get the upper hand.” Megatron replied as he sat down for the ride.
As both ships left the atmosphere of Cybertron for Earth, things could either go ways- The Autobots making it there first and gathering their Linkers… or the Decepticons getting there first and conquering the planet.
Chapter 1: Under Maintenance
Meanwhile, on Earth, in the beautiful metropolis of Steelborne City, a young man was getting ready for another work day with his family. His name was Mateo Driver, and ever since he was a kid, he loved Transformers more than anything. On his shelves were action figures of the brave Autobots and the dastardly Decepticons, and nearby were some models he bought from local toy stores.
“Mateo, come down!”, replied Hope Driver, Mateo’s mom. “Do you wanna have fun today?”, Molly Driver, his younger sister said. “Ok, sis. I’m coming down… right now!”, he replied as he slid down the banister, his tan complexion and chocolate colored hair glistening in the morning sunlight. “Your father, Juan, is currently working on a car for another client in the garage.”, Hope said as she gave her son a smoothie.
“Thanks, mom. I can’t wait to help dad fix up the new car and hang out with my friends later!”, Mateo said as he made his way to the garage, where he saw his father working on a nice car. “Hey, kiddo! Ready to roll up those sleeves of yours?”, Juan Driver asked as he began to get to work again. “You bet I am, dad.”, Mateo replied as he grabbed a nearby toolbox.
“Then let’s get fixing up- The Driver way!”, Juan said with a grin. His eyes twinkled like the polished hood of a car, and his smile was like that of a snow white paint job. “Haha, I knew you’d say that, dad!”, Mateo replied. As father and son got to work at once, Mateo smiled and didn’t complain one bit throughout the grueling process of repairing a car.
When they finished, Juan smiled at his son. “You did a phenomenal job today, kiddo! I’m sure that the owner will be here any moment now.”, he said as Mateo cleaned his hands and ensured they were spotless before touching anything else in his vicinity.
Chapter 2: Making My Way Through Steelborne
After the owner had picked up his car, Mateo decided that he was going to go into town to spend the rest of the day with his friends. The sun shone amongst the pearly white clouds, while his bicycle, which he had repaired himself and without any help, sped on the road. I’m gonna go ask Julian, Ruby, Kyle, and probably Marty and Philip if they want to spend time with me today. He thought to himself.
As he pedaled his way from the suburbs of Uptown Steelborne and into the bustling streets of Cullen Quarter, where his good friend, and kid he often babysat, Julian Anderson lived. After all, he would be starting school soon, as Summer was slowly coming to an end. “Hey, Mateo!”, Julian said as he looked out the window to see his babysitter.
“Hey hey, Julian! Do you wanna get some ice cream at Cyber Sweets?”, Mateo asked as he saw Julian through the window. “Sure! I’m gonna ask my mom and dad if I can go with you!”, the youngster answered as he ran to the room where his parents were. After getting approval from his mom and dad, Julian bounced out the door on his own skateboard, and followed Mateo towards Spark Plaza, the very heart of the city. Up above them, a fleet of fighter jets flew by, but these weren’t ordinary military grade aircraft- They bore a purple symbol that was seemingly invisible to those on the ground.
At the same time, up in the air, Starscream, Blitzwing, and Thundercracker knew they had spotted the two friends walking towards Spark Plaza. “Lord Megatrooon! I have found the potential Linkers!!”, Starscream said through his radio, contacting the evil Decepticon leader. “Hehehehe… You have done well, Starscream. Now ensure that they don’t find those Autobot partners of theirs… for they could be our downfall.”, Megatron replied.
Upon arrival at Spark Plaza, Julian spotted Ruby Fernandez and her family in a nearby crowd. She was wearing a pink t shirt with a tennis ball on it alongside a magenta skirt, had her dark hair up in pigtails, and was just arriving after a long jog down the road. She radiated energy no matter where she went.
“Heeeey, Julian!”, she shouted with an air of excitement in her voice. She tackle hugged Mateo to the ground, with the two of them sharing a laugh as they helped each other back up. “Oh, and you too, Mateo.”, she finished as her grownup friend stood. “Julian and I were just heading to Cyber Sweets to get some ice cream, then we may walk around Paxton Park if we can!”, Mateo replied. Ruby nodded in agreement. She loved the idea!
Chapter 3: Fueling Up and Rolling Out
Soon, they arrived at Cyber Sweets, with a long line for ice cream in various flavors- and it wasn’t just ice cream that was being sold there. There were also freshly baked cookies, flaky croissants, sticky candy apples, and even cupcakes of all colors and flavors! As the trio wandered inside, they saw Dr. Philip Grey and local toy shop owner Morty Kwan. They were there for ice cream as well, alongside college aged musician Kyle Brown.
“Mateo! Thought we wouldn’t see you here today.”, replied Philip as he readjusted his glasses. His white coat stood out like winter snow on a dark mountain, while Morty’s sweater was jet black, which clashed perfectly with his light mauve pants. “I am so ready for a snack like this- running a toy store with my fam’s not as easy as you think!”, he replied, thinking of the kids and collectors who lined up at the register each day.
Kyle looked at his friends. “Ayo, Mateo! See ya got your little buddies alongside you. Don’t worry, you three. We saved ya a spot. Now whaddya want?”, he asked as he put away his keytar. “Technically, I think I’ll get an ice cream sandwich!”, Mateo replied as he helped Julian up so he could get a better view of the menu. “Can I have something like… one of those sticky honey buns?”, Julian asked innocently.
After waiting in line for more than a few minutes, the gang sat down to eat their snacks. Mateo had gotten a simple but sweet ice cream sandwich, Julian got a honey bun, Ruby had strawberry soft serve, Morty got himself a candy apple, Philip had gotten a berry crumble with vanilla ice cream (Due to being so health conscious), and Kyle had gotten himself a donut ice cream sandwich. The friends dug in, knowing that if they wanted to get back on their feet, they had to eat fast.
After finishing up their snacks, the friends made their way to the ever stunning Paxton Park, where kids ran among the grassy hills, dogs chased frisbees, and flocks of little birds flew across the natural azure backdrop. “How about a quick game of hide and seek?”, asked Kyle as he began to count to 30, causing everyone to run and hide within any area they could find. “Hehehehe! He won’t find me!”, Julian said to himself. As he watched the nearby flowers, a buzzing little bumblebee sipped nectar from one of them.
Elsewhere, the others were being busily caught up in the moment, eyeing the beautiful scenery and such- it was only natural that Steelborne City was full of nature as it was full of concrete and skyscrapers. After the game of hide and seek, Mateo decided that the gang could spend the rest of the afternoon at his house, and after a quick car drive for Ruby, Morty, Philip, and Kyle, and a skateboard + bicycle pathway for Julian and Mateo, they arrived back.
Chapter 4: Prime Time
After they got to Mateo’s house, Mateo sat down on the porch and sighed happily as the sun began to lower in the sky. Although it was two o’clock, Mateo still knew that autumn was beginning to approach, and that the leaves would turn fiery red, glittering gold, citrusy orange, sunshine yellow, and even chestnut brown. “Mateo, do you think that giant robots are real?”, Julian questioned.
“Well, I guess you could say that. But the only giant robots that seem to be real are toys and such.”, replied Mateo as he stretched and yawned, fully intending to take a nap. But when he opened his eyes again, a massive semi truck had drove into the neighborhood, all clad in red and blue. Alongside it were a pink motorcycle and a yellow sports car. “Hold on a minute. How did THAT get there?!”, Morty questioned, knowing that there was something up with the truck.
“Get in, Mateo.”, replied an unseen voice. “Wait a minute. Who just said that?!”, Mateo questioned. Everyone else just shrugged, but Mateo was determined to find out where the voice was coming from in the first place. “Over here.”, the unseen voice said. Moving cautiously, Mateo soon realized that the voice was coming from the truck itself. “Y-You want me to get in?”, he asked, keeping his guard up.
“Yes. We have something urgent to talk about.”, the truck replied, and Mateo got inside. No sooner had he buckled in, the red and blue semi truck took off like lightning. “MATEO!!!”, shouted the others, as they saw the truck speed off into the distance. Thinking quickly, Ruby immediately boarded the nearby motorcycle while everyone else piled into the bright yellow sports car. “Don’t worry, Mateo! We’re on our way!”, said Ruby as she stepped on the pedal of the motorcycle.
Elsewhere, with Mateo, he was panicking and trying to fight for dear life. “Where’s the brakes? Where’s the brakes?!”, he shouted as he tried to reach the driver’s seat, but to no avail. “There is no time to fuss around, Mateo. This is something that’s urgent!”, replied the voice, which was coming from the car’s radio. “Now I never drank anything back in college, but this is ludicrous.”, Mateo said to himself. “This isn’t ludicrous, young one. You have much to learn.”, said the voice, whose owner appeared on the screen- it was Optimus Prime, the brave Autobot leader.
“Optimus?! No way! I must be dreaming! And if you’re this massive… Semi truck… then does that mean the gold car and the motorcycle are — ?”, began Mateo, only to be interrupted by Optimus. “Bumblebee and Arcee. They have accompanied me on the way to Earth to look for you.”, the massive robot replied as he drove along the highway. “Wow. I can’t wait to meet you- where are we headed?”, Mateo asked. “Somewhere no one will think to find us.”, Optimus simply said.
While Mateo’s friends alongside Bumblebee and Arcee (Who were on the radio faces of their respective vehicle forms) chased Optimus through the highways and into the forest that nestled Steelborne, someone else was chasing down the friends and the semi truck- that of a teenage thunder demon named Jett Adara, who would become a Linker soon, even though he somewhat knew it. “Guess ya drongos are in for a wild ride.”, he said as he zipped along at lightning fast paces, joining the chase even though nobody knew.
Chapter 5: Looking a Little Rustdroid
As they reached a clearing which overlooked all of Steelborne City, Optimus skidded to a stop; which meant that Mateo could finally get out of the situation. “Mateo!” “Are you alright?!” “We were so worried about you!” “Did you throw up?!”, they all said as they hugged and embraced their friend. “I-I’m kinda fine.”, replied Mateo as he scratched his head, unaware that the semi truck behind him had become a massive alien robot, alongside the motorcycle and sports car behind the rest.
“Hello, Mateo.”, replied Optimus Prime, his towering figure overshadowing the tiny people below him. Bumblebee buzzed excitedly, while Arcee picked up Ruby, the latter of whom didn’t even flinch one bit. “I never knew that you were that motorcycle, Arcee.”, Ruby said as she looked at the massive alien robot woman. “That’s because we Autobots have to take on the forms of vehicles if we’re to blend into human society.”, she explained.
As Julian and Bumblebee exchanged a fist bump, the ground began to shake and birds began to fly away into the distance. The gang realized that it wasn’t just the birds who were flying away- the other animals were running away from the threat! “Something’s wrong- I feel it.”, Philip said. Morty and Kyle immediately gathered everyone in a safer corner of the clearing; and soon, two figures had blasted their way in.
“Well, well, well, if it isn’t Mr. Goody Two Shoes.”, said one of the voices. “And his tiny human partner!”, replied another. Turning around, Mateo realized the owners of the two voices- the evil Decepticon leader Megatron, in all of his dark glory; as well as his classmate from college- Nathaniel Graves; who was the living embodiment of a jerk jock. “Hello, Mateo. Do you recognize me?”, Nathaniel asked. Instead of his usual attire, silver armor was on his body, a testament to the sheer terror of his Partner Character.
“Nathaniel…! How did you and Megatron manage to find us?!”, Mateo said, still trying to comprehend the fact that the robots from his childhood were right in front of him. “We followed your trail, simple.”, said Nathaniel as he adjsuted his armor. “And now, you’re going to be reduced to scrap metal!”, Megatron said as he eyed a broken down car, and pulled out a crystal of Dark Energon. “Let the Dark Energon empower you fully!”, Megatron said as he inserted the Dark Energon into the broken down car. “Rustdroid, Rise Up!”, finished Nathaniel as the broken down car became a Rustdroid.
“What is that?!”, replied Mateo as he and the other 5 humans nearby backed away for their safety. “That is a Rustdroid, a creature filled with Dark Energon and pure malice, for it is made to do nothing but destroy!”, Optimus explained. Mateo knew he had to do something, so he stood his ground and tried his best to not break down. “As someone my friends look up to, I put them before me! Because that’s what a true leader does!”, he shouted bravely. Suddenly, Mateo’s left hand was consumed by a bright glow, with a red and blue gauntlet forming on it.
Chapter 6: Energon Infused
Mateo was puzzled but amazed at the very sight of what had just happened. “Optimus, what could this be?”, he asked. “That is what we call an Auto-Gauntlet!” Arcee said as she saw the hand accessory fully form. “And that right there is an Energon Gear, an artifact that pulsates with the lifeblood of our race.”, Optimus Prime said. Bumblebee buzzed excitedly. “What did he say?”, Mateo replied, confused. “What he said is how to activate the Gauntlet. You insert the Energon Gear and shout, ‘LinkSpark, Roll Out’!”, explained Optimus.
Now armed with this new knowledge, Mateo smiled. “I’ll do it.”, he said, placing the Energon Gear into the gauntlet. “LinkSpark, Roll Out!”, shouted Mateo as he raised his left arm. In an instantaneous flash, he was wearing armor that resembled that of Optimus Prime’s design- the iconic red, silver, and blue palette on the armor and helmet, flames on the sides, and a visor over his face. “No… It can’t be!”, said Nathaniel in shock. “the legendary warrior known as a Linker?!”, Megatron replied in disbelief.
“You bet! And no matter what, I will take you down, whatever it takes!”, Mateo shouted with a fierce tone in his voice, running towards the Rustdroid as with all of his might. As the foe fired projectiles of rusty nuts and bolts, Mateo punched them out of the air, knocking some of them back at the Rustdroid. Optimus also countered with his own bullets as well.
“You go, Mateo!”, cheered Julian as he and Bumblebee, as well as Ruby and Arcee helped deflect bullets towards the enemy. As Mateo pummeled the Rustdroid, thundering blurs of blue light could be seen as he battled. “Hey, sir, why don’t we battle together?”, Mateo asked as he landed next to Jett, who gave him a glare as he folded his arms. “I don’t see why not.”, he replied.
Soon, Mateo, Optimus, and their new comrade were battling the Rustdroid, with Mateo and Optimus focusing on melee options, while Jett used his speed to an advantage, confusing the Rustdroid as it tried to hit him- only for him to grab a nearby rope and get the foe all tangled up, causing it to fall and nearly crush Megatron and Nathaniel.
“Great work, you two. Mateo, finish this with a Link Move! Or as we call it, an Energon Move!”, replied Optimus. Mateo smiled as he activated his Auto-Gauntlet to land the finishing blow. “Activate Energon Move!”, he shouted, readying his fists and feet. “Leadership… PUMMEL!!!”, Mateo and Optimus yelled as the Autobot insignia appeared above the former’s head. With a flurry of kicks and punches; alongside a final punch to the chest, the Rustdroid was defeated and purified at last. “Thank you for fixing me…”, it said as it became a old broken down car once again. “Enjoy your fixing.”, Mateo simply said as he posed.
Chapter 7: Till All Are One
As the area returned to normal as if nothing had happened, Megatron’s face twisted into one of anger. “This isn’t the end, Prime!”, replied the Decepticon leader angrily. “Because you and your little buddies are REALLY playing with the big boys now!”, replied Nathaniel as Megatron became his vehicle form- A Cybertronian Jet, with Nathaniel hopping into the cockpit and the two of them taking off.
“We did it… We actually did it!”, Mateo said as he returned to his civilian form. “My job here’s done.”, Jett replied as he began to walk off, arms folded as always. “Wait! I didn’t get your name yet.”, Mateo replied. “Classified. I’ll only tell you my name when you’re ready.”, Jett said as he vanished into the forest from whence he came, faster than a bullet fired from a pistol.
“Well done, Mateo. Your first battle was truly something.”, Arcee said as she put a massive hand on Mateo’s head, causing him to blush. “And this is only just the beginning of something larger. The journey has only just begun.”, replied Optimus as he shifted back to vehicle form, with Bumblebee and Arcee doing the exact same.
“So, does this mean we get to go home in you guys? Ah, that’s probably one of the best things that comes out of meeting giant robots!”, said Julian as he hopped into Bumblebee; with Marty, Philip, and Kyle following in. “But how are we gonna explain to our families about your presence?”, Ruby replied as she took the motorcycle helmet that appeared on Arcee. “Maybe we just… tell them that we got our sweet new rides from some distant family member or something like that.”, Mateo said as he hopped in the driver’s seat of Optimus’ truck form.
“I like that idea, Mateo. Now it’s time for you and your friends to get home- you’ve earned yourself a good night’s sleep.”, Optimus said with a smile through the radio of his truck form. As the sun began to set in the sky and the gang drove back to Steelborne City, Mateo knew that things had only taken a turn for the extraordinary. What began as a day of helping out his family turned into being involved in the adventure of a lifetime, and he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
Epilogue: Rising Shadows
At the same time, at an undisclosed location miles from Steelborne City, Megatron and Nathaniel arrived- it was the Earth base for the Decepticons. As both of them entered through the massive doors, Starscream floated down to greet the two of them. “So, Lord Megatron- they defeated you, eh?”, he questioned, a smirk forming on his face as he approached the two.
“Oh, you bet they did.”, replied Nathaniel as he dusted off his clothing, changing back to Civilian Form as Megatron changed back to Cybertronian form. “And not just that, they took out the Rustdroid that we summoned!”, Megatron followed up. “Well, I have good news and bad news.”, Shockwave said as he approached the both of them. “Tell us the good news first, Shockwave.”, Nathaniel said with a smirk.
“Well, the good news is that we have found the next Linker for our ranks- that being Christopher Devon- the Linker of Starscream.”, Shockwave explained. “Tell me, Shockwave.”, Starscream replied, his devious nature ever so present in the room. “He’s… a guy about Nathaniel’s age, constant prankster, and will often cause trouble because he’s that horrible of a kid.”, Shockwave exclaimed as Starscream began to squeal like a kid in a candy store.
“And the bad news?”, Nathaniel followed up. “The bad news, on the other hand, is that the Autobots seem to have found the next Linker for their team- Julian Anderson, the Linker of Mr. Goody Two Shoes aka Bumblebee. He’s in middle school, loves candy, and arguably gets along with anyone.”, Shockwave explained. “I can’t wait to meet them.”, Megatron replied with a smirk before bursting into evil laughter. The battle was only just beginning, and only time would tell if the goodness of the Autobots would prevail; or the shadow of the Decepticons would be cast upon the Earth.
