Introduction: So, this was a possible ending for Origin Steeldust that I wrote back when the story was near the beginning. I decided that I wanted to change this part, as Jazz wouldn't likely take Steeldust to an orphanage. Or neglect to tell him the reasons why. The other ending that I wrote and used makes more sense to both the characters and plot I think. But, I thought I'd share what could have happened.

Without further ado, the alternate ending to Origin Steeldust. Hope you enjoy :)

Disclaimer: I don't own Transformers, I only take credit for my characters and story.

"NO! NO!" Steeldust screamed, struggling against the strong servos holding him.

"Calm down, Steeldust," commanded the mech that held him. "Ouch, stop kicking me!"

"Jazz! NO! Don't leave me!" screeched the blue and black youngling, not heeding the mech's plea.

Jazz looked back from the doorway. A hand holding the open door, he paused from walking through. "I'm sorry, Steeldust. I don't have a choice," he said, voice thick with emotion.

With that, the young investigator stepped quickly through the doorway, closing the door behind him.

"JAZZ!" Steeldust wailed. "Prowl! Please don't leave me!" The nine-vorn-old squirmed away from the orphanage worker and ran towards the door. Wrenching it open, he was about to run after the two black and white mechs, but a pair of servos scooped him up. "Noooo! Let me go! I need to be with Jazz and Prowl!"

The large mech gave the two mechs on the sidewalk an apologetic look before taking the screaming youngling inside. He closed the door and locked it. Holding Steeldust tight, he took him down the hall.

Prowl and Jazz stood outside, listening to the fading wails and screams of the youngling who'd become such a big part of their lives.

Prowl placed a hand on Jazz's shoulder. "It's for the best, Jazz. We can't take him with us," the enforcer said gently.

Jazz said nothing, his visor hiding his emotions. Prowl noted the deeply sagging doorwings and slouched posture.

"Let's go," Prowl said. He walked to the street and transformed, waiting for his friend.

The investigator stood looking at the doorway forlornly for several kliks. He finally moved to join Prowl and the two left.

Jazz didn't look back again. He knew if he did, he'd be racing right back to take Steeldust with him.

But it was too dangerous. The black and white wished he'd been better able to explain to the little youngling why.

There wasn't enough time.

Now Jazz had to leave.

Hopefully, he could come back soon to get Steeldust.

It was not to be.

About a decaorn later, Jazz received word that Steeldust had disappeared. He'd slipped out of the orphanage in the middle of the offcycle, having picked the locked front door. Mecha had searched, but there was no sign of the navy and black youngling.

"He will try to find us," Prowl had remarked upon hearing the news. "Steeldust is clever, but I am uncertain that he will be able to safely find his way here."

"He's got to," replied Jazz, shaking his helm. "We'll look round every time we leave the base. We have ta find him."

"And what then? Do you intend to take him back? He has proved he will not stay there."

Jazz was quiet.

He didn't know what he'd do.

"Ah shouldn't've left him."

And there it is. I replaced this with the bus crash and the events following. From here, things would have proceeded as they did in the story. Steeldust still would have tried to find Jazz and eventually joined Swindle.

What do you think? What ending do you think is better?

Thanks for reading! :)