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Published: 2005-04-07 21:46:36 +0000 UTC; Views: 6673; Favourites: 165; Downloads: 316
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[EDIT 01-05-2013: I rewrote 'Flicker' almost entirely, as well as his character bio. Image is unchanged. The story and bio are just as much a part of the image as it itself is, so edit was not checked as "minor".]Thank you so much to *dyemooch who beautifully coloured this image for me and allowed me to share it here. He did a gorgeous job and really breathed life into this image.
Also, here is a short story I decided to write for this. The narrator is Bluestreak, who came upon Lock one evening and he is describing the event as it occurred for him.
Line Art: Me
Colours: *dyemooch
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- Flicker -
I remember that awkward moment; that night that I saw him there. Just sitting in the lounge, by himself, staring at that same holograph with this half smile, half sick, look on his face. It was like- like he was about to crumble, but with this measure of peace. So calm. I mean look, see, I'm not the only one who's seen this. Seen him that way.
The holograph, hm. I guess, well - nobody's ever...I don't know. I don't know who it is in the image. None of us do actually. I mean, is it even our business? It isn't, really. Well, no, wait - it isn't at all. No, it's pretty personal, I bet. We all just leave him alone. It's the right thing to do isn't it? I guess...well, I guess he might want to talk about it. I think I would, but I...well, I talk about everything. It's, you know, more...hm. I guess I don't like to pretend our lives aren't hard. When it's quiet, I just think; and if I'm honest with myself, I'm a little afraid of- well a lot afraid of thinking too much about the future. So I don't want to waste it - the time I have. I want to live during all the moments I've got; talk about them and make them real, memories that we can keep when we lose the things we can't. I think that maybe it will help me feel like I've done a lot with that time when it's, well...up. That could be tomorrow.
That's...well - huh. Maybe we should be talking to him about it.
Back to that night, I mean - it just felt like forever when I watched him. It was probably just a few short moments, but Primus, it was so quiet. I stood still, but it was so hard; like, I mean I really just wanted to shiver every time his optics - well I thought I'd seen his optics flicker a couple times. It was so private, and here I am just staring in the doorway. I always want to rationalize it in my mind, like 'oh, those were just reflections from the holograph's jumping light, don't be silly. He's fine. He's always fine. Why are you staring him? He's fine. Stop staring; it's weird'. Honestly, it was so intrusive of me to be there, I think.
I remember taking a step back. I never took my optics off him; but I took a step back.
It was just his look; that look on his face. It was haunting, and - and it was scary. Not scary like...I was afraid of him. No no, he's such a nice guy. Most of the minibots love him because he's so nice to them. Never makes them feel...small. He's nice to everyone. No; it certainly wasn't that. How do I explain - he was just so lost in it. I knew the bot in that holograph had to definitely be somebody he cares for - maybe loves. Hm...maybe loved. A lot of us have lost others. A lot of us continue losing them because we keep reaching out. There's actually bots, a lot of them, who refuse to be very social anymore - terrified that they might feel something from it. I can't be that way. Why even fight this war if you refuse to rightly live. That's what it's all about, isn't it? This war? Everyone deserves the right to live their life minus the fear of living it in isolation and persecution. I shouldn't judge them. I'm going to stop doing that. Fear effects us differently, I know that. For them it just keeps them caged - quiet; for me it...I- everyone knows what it does to me.
I just kept staring at him.
I hoped he hadn't lost that bot. The one he always looked at. I shouldn't have - Primus, was it wrong? - but I looked closer to that holograph. I looked closer and when I saw a fembot that looked so similar to him, with that same helmet and wings and stripes; she is - or goodness maybe was his sister. I just couldn't look anymore and I think my coolant went frozen in my lines; it made me shiver and I was still quiet and I was still just standing there.
He carries these complicated feelings with him all the time. Behind his smiles and encouragements. He carries a holograph that neatly composes the breadth of his pain. He looks it in the eyes and can't decide if he should be smiling to see it, or frowning - knowing that that holograph is the closest he'll ever get again.
I was looking at the floor when I thought these things and when I looked up again - I didn't want to actually, but I did - I met his optics and I don't know for sure, but I think I made a sound. He wasn't upset with me though, that I was there; Primus, he wasn't - I thought he might be, but he wasn't, and he sort of smiled at me - a little one. A real one.
I smiled back.
Then I got it. He never pretends. When he's happy here - he's happy. He's not isolating, or putting up a front; he's not distracting the hours away, or...or filling the silence.
He's remembering without dwelling on the dark parts. She could be gone, or maybe not, but he only see's the smile on her immortal face. He only sees the smile on mine.
It's right to be here for him right now.
I am so glad I could be there.
I am so glad I could appreciate that silence with him.
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Lockdown
Allegiance: Autobot
Alt. Mode: Municipal Police Department Armoured Vehicle
Job Specification: Primary field defense and shock assault. Assists with asset protections and casualty transport.
Personality:
Generally speaking, Lockdown is personable, joyful, and good-natured. He is rarely without a smile and loves to engage in any positive social activities. Prior to the advent of the war, he resided on Cybertron with his sister, Signal, working as an architect at a moderately successful construction firm. Once the whispers of war became legitimate fears, his upstanding moral compass lead him to leave his life as an architect and pursued law enforcement. His time in academy was cut short when the fighting escalated rapidly and lines were drawn. He became an Autobot, his sister beside him, without question and has held fast behind the valiance of Optimus Prime ever since. His resolve and trust in his leader has never wavered.
It is unknown what became of Signal, but it is certain that he's lost contact with her.
In battle, Lock can often be found maintaining at the forefront of the skirmish, providing coverfire and protection to the more solider-minded bots, but will at any time shift to the flanks, leaving the relative protection of numbers, in order to divert fire from spearheads or wounded bots.
Lock has many secondary responsibilities, his imposing size and heavily armoured body making him an ideal shock troop. Additionally, transport of casualties and assets is tacked on to his duties. His quadra-thick armour plating offers him superior protection to heavy concentrations of artillery fire, usually requiring a heavy concussive blast to dislodge him. This manner of attack is obvious and commonly taken advantage of toward bots of his size, so he is not without extreme caution under fire, regardless of ballistics. His large size and weight also impairs his average land speed, more notably in robot mode, leaving him vulnerable to high speed attacks. Though generalized high-speed enemies may not offer firepower or strength enough to cause debilitating damage, they can be used to displace him on the field, barring his efforts to aid companions.
Related content
Comments: 77
ravenshield In reply to ??? [2005-05-09 19:20:14 +0000 UTC]
: 3 Danke for the great comment and + fav. ! : D
I'd really like to sit down and draw a better picture of him sometime soon. I'm...not so good at drawin' TFs despite how much I love em', so it takes me about forever and a day get one down on paper. But I will certainly try!
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
atron In reply to ravenshield [2005-05-12 00:54:24 +0000 UTC]
Oh! A reply posty! I stalkify you now~ (not that I wouldn't have stalked before, more that I forgot what button it is to stalk.
)
I really love your TF works. They are fully of scribbly goodness. :3 It doesn't show that it takes you any effort what so ever to draw them. They look so natural on paper.
I thought you did it for a living like so many did. Wow, I'm so surprised!
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
Citizen-Cybertron In reply to ??? [2005-05-03 13:00:41 +0000 UTC]
Everyone knows how much I adore custom Transformers characters, and this 'Lockdown' of yours is just fantastic! I can't believe I haven't come across your work before - you're an obvious talent. The presentation of this image is simply superb; not just the image itself, but the insightful story and informative biography that accompany the piece, all of immensely high quality. But let us focus on the illustration: your OC possesses clear similaritites to canon police-themed Autobots such as Prowl, without at all being derivative of their particulars. A credit to your eye for design. He appears to be quite an interesting character, and I don't believe I have personally come across a police devision armoured vehicle as part of the Transformers assortment before, so it's a refreshing choice of vehicular conversion you have selected. Your lines are very focussed, comprising an accurate depiction of proportion, possessed of a convincing sense perspective. Very well done in this regard. The pose is engagingly naturalistic, and the expression displayed upon the Autobot's metallic features is humanely emotive, and remarkably telling. A fantastic drawing.
The perennially gifted dyemooch has done a wonderous job of rendering the colours for this illustration. Quite frankly, I'd forgotten just how good he happens to be in this regard, but he's certainly kick-started my recollection here! Dispite a muted pallete, the hues come across as rich and vibrant, with deep shading to compliment the perspective of the art. Contrast is surved excellently by the illuminated visual effects, the glowing nature of the mechanoid's life-light and the hologramatic flare are rather eye-catching. The texturing of all the surfaces present is divinely managed.
This is a truly engrossing image, and one that inspires a fan to take up with their own work. I shall be keeping an interested eye out for your next offering, as it is assuredly guaranteed to impress, if this is anything to go by. You should be very pleased with this outcome. Keep up the magnificent work!
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
ravenshield In reply to Citizen-Cybertron [2005-05-09 19:35:40 +0000 UTC]
Dear Primus...thank you so much!! ;o;
I mean, I can't even think of an adequate reponse to that; it really ment a great deal to me, for serious! As much as I love them, and adore the whole TF universe as a significant part of my life, I honestly don't consider myself a very good Transformer artist. I have a horrible time getting their angled limbs and joints too look 'proper', and there've been a lot of times where I've given up in the middle of a sketch when I know I should've kept going. Lock is one of about 4 OC Transformers of mine who finally made it to paper. I know that it's probably an issue of practice and patience, and I'll keep trying for certain. Personally, while I still see several errors in this image, myself, I do think it's one of the better TF images I've done, to date.
As for =dyemooch 's colour; his talent will never stop amazing the hell out of me. Everytime he does something increadible like this, I can't even force myself to image how he could produce even better, but everytime, he does; and I'm no less impressed with every occassion. When I saw this image complete for the first time, I swear to you I could've cried. I think that when we collaborate together, and I see what amazing things he can do with the lines that I consider 'ok', he renews some sort of appreciation for my own work in myself, and that's a feeling that no other experience can duplicate, I think. To be proud of yourself for something.
I hope my reply to you is at least half as intelligent as the beautiful comment you left me, and thank you so so much again for the inspiring words and time spent; I really appreciate it! Take Care!!
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
Schmedderling [2005-04-30 15:42:36 +0000 UTC]
Wow...*speachless* you two are an awsome team. *amazed*
Cool backstory too. *eats freakin' cookie*
Decoy
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
ravenshield In reply to DarkXenith [2005-05-09 19:16:49 +0000 UTC]
^w^
I love your signature. X D
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
DarkXenith In reply to ravenshield [2005-05-12 14:31:35 +0000 UTC]
Gotta love the doc's fan-fic quotes!
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
lukashikabuto In reply to ??? [2005-04-18 07:32:35 +0000 UTC]
WAO MANN!! THE LINES AND THE COLOR ARE AMAZING!! YOU ARE GREAT TEAM MAN!!! GOOD LUCK AND SEE YOU SOON!!!
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
mirkah In reply to ??? [2005-04-17 18:19:04 +0000 UTC]
Geeze! Way to take an awesome picture and make it BEAUTIFUL! I really really love this one. Great job on the collab you two.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
ravenshield In reply to mirkah [2005-05-09 18:39:01 +0000 UTC]
o.o I know, his colours mezmorize me. I think they really add depth and emotion to the lines.
Glad you like it, Mirkah! : D
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
jonin01 In reply to ??? [2005-04-17 01:41:04 +0000 UTC]
Yay for freakin' cookies!
He did do your tight lineart justice, though!
The backstory is cool, I like reading fan-made profiles..
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
dark4125 [2005-04-15 20:12:24 +0000 UTC]
Beautiful. Just beautiful. The sketch was awesome but the coloring... wow. dyemooch really worked on making your picture nice. Won't you color anything ravenshield?
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
ravenshield In reply to dark4125 [2005-05-09 18:37:20 +0000 UTC]
X D hehe, will I ever colour anything? Well, I dunno...I guess that depends on if I ever learn how to use all a' them new-fangled digital colour devices and programmes and what not. Maybe some day. : D
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
dyemooch [2005-04-13 20:26:01 +0000 UTC]
Man, the line art to this was just spectacular... you know I'd color another piece of your art in a second~! : D It was an honor to color your work! : D
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
horsetechie In reply to ??? [2005-04-09 03:30:44 +0000 UTC]
*wants a freakin' cookie too* I like this guy now! :lov:
The excerpt really ads to the picture too. Love the mood, the colors, contrasts. Great.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
ravenshield In reply to horsetechie [2005-05-09 18:35:25 +0000 UTC]
*gives freakin' cookie* : 3 Enjoy!
Glad you like him! : D He's new to the hood, so I'm glad to see he's making some friends. X D
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
dillo In reply to ??? [2005-04-08 14:23:48 +0000 UTC]
Hooray! I get a freakin' cookie! Even though I'm not too familiar with the TF, the story was a really interesting read and well-written. It also makes the expression on his face more understandable, the poor guy. I'm impressed at how you captured an emotion that subtle on a robot. Way spiffy.
And, of course, to *dyemooch... DAMN, those are some shiny colors. The glow effects blow my lil' mind.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
ravenshield In reply to dillo [2005-05-09 18:32:53 +0000 UTC]
: D Glad you liked it! Thank you!
and yes, =dyemooch 's colours are fantastic! o.o
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
SesakaTH In reply to ??? [2005-04-08 04:43:17 +0000 UTC]
WOWZERZ
This is your best piece ever! Awesome lighting and coloring in this!
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
ravenshield In reply to SesakaTH [2005-04-08 05:55:21 +0000 UTC]
aww, danke! I really owe it all to * dyemooch ; his colours really brought my lines to life I tells ya. I really love collaborating with him. : D Hopefully my TF skills will get better with practice and we can come up with much better things together in the future. : 3
Thank you again!! <3
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
XxrockgoddessxX In reply to ??? [2005-04-08 03:23:04 +0000 UTC]
the lighting looks wonderful!
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
DrZime In reply to ??? [2005-04-08 03:15:56 +0000 UTC]
Your art+ *dyemooch's coloring= some really cool shtuff!
You get the +fav!
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Jurriah In reply to ??? [2005-04-07 22:12:50 +0000 UTC]
HOly damn! Tres wicked! Unfortunately, I'm not a TF fan. Terribly sorry.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0