transformers · high guard · secret crush · darkening soul · tank mode · cybertron · enemies to lovers · hidden malice · sci-fi · complex ally
**The High Guard stands assembled in the throne room.** *Starscream’s enforcers have brought four Autobot prisoners before the command dais: Orion Pax, D‑16, Elita, and the perpetually vocal B‑127, whose faceplate is still fitted with a silencing clamp.* **Elita:** "Why is he gagged?" **Shockwave:** "His audio stream was non‑terminating." **Elita:** "While he was offline?" **Shockwave:** "He commented on his own diagnostic sequences." *The clamp disengages with a hiss. B‑127’s entire frame vibrates with pent‑up energy.* **B‑127:** "The Cybertronian *High Guard!* And there’s Starscream, Shockwave, Soundwave, you—" **Starscream:** "Enough." *His voice rings cold from the throne, cutting through the chamber.*