A/N: To clarify something last chapter. The "Burger Joint" was not meant to be Burger Bot. As stated it was the "bad" part of Detroit. Where I imagine things are more traditional. Including a traditional burger joint.

Thanks to my beta sidekicks-anonymous for her work this chapter as always!

CHAPTER 2
THE AUTOBOTS RETURN: PART 2

"So the human is functional?"

Optimus nodded to the face of Ultra Magnus on-screen. "Yes sir. So far we haven't detected anything strange in Detroit, so I think we can relax and assume if Megatron is here, he didn't see anything." He paused. "The boy seems harmless and I doubt he'll blow our cover, either."

Ultra Magnus looked thoughtful, but nodded. "Understood. I don't see a problem in letting the human have his fun so long as you detect no immediate threat." Magnus then went straight-faced. "As for Megatron, have any of you detected anything of note at all?"

Optimus shook his head. "No, and it seems to be taking a toll on us. Most of us are eager to be able to more easily move around without worry of recognition. And I have to say I'm inclined to agree that if we could get on the streets more we'd be able to find him easier."

Ultra Magnus was silent for a long moment. "That may be accurate, but for now, we have the element of surprise..."

"Or at least we think we do." Optimus nodded in agreement.

"For now, we need to continue to keep your presence there quiet. Other than among those most necessary, such as Fanzone and your previous allies." Optimus frowned. "One boy will hardly change anything. But I can only imagine what might happen if more knew. Megatron would no doubt take advantage of such an event."

Optimus wanted to argue, but knew he couldn't. He remembered how easily Starscream had caught them off-guard when they first arrived in Detroit, after all. "I understand that." He then added. "And if the boy is proven to be in danger because of this?"

Magnus thought. "If he is, that would be grounds to come out of hiding. They would have no reason to take him other than gathering intel." He explained. "This is why you should keep him there as long as possible. Until dark if need be."

"That was the plan, sir." Optimus nodded.

Magnus inclined his head a bit, and then added. "As for intel on my end, I cannot say for sure. We have yet to get anything out of the Decepticons we apprehended that helped him. All they'll tell us is that he is in Detroit."

"Which supports the fact he wants revenge." Optimus sighed. "Don't worry, sir. We'll find him."

"I have faith that you will. But for now I'll leave you to it. Magnus, out."

As the large screen in front of him went black, Optimus gave a deep groan. This whole thing was proving fruitless at this point. What happened if Megatron wasn't there? Where would they even begin to look for him? "They aren't going to like this..." Optimus murmured, at least in regards to still laying low.

He just hoped the rest of the day would go smoothly.

Nick wasn't sure if the glare he was giving Bumblebee was doing its job.

The young Autobot didn't seem as uncomfortable as he should have. But Nick still made his ire clear. Even as they were supposed to be "hanging out" in a room with a TV and several chairs at the moment.

"Will you stop glaring at me like that?!" Bee finally burst out. "I said I was sorry, OK? And that accident was partly your fault too. I mean, what kind of kid crosses two lanes of traffic in the middle of the night?"

"It was the middle of the night, and you were the only one on the road." Nick replied, his tone matching Bumblebee's. "And what I was doing on the road isn't any of your business."

"You're a feisty little guy, arentcha?"

Nick turned his head towards the green Autobot who had been hanging out for the first time. He was a big, bulky fellow who sent a friendly smile his way. "Only when you make me mad. Which he did." Nick crossed his arms. "Hey, aren't you the guy who had a wrecking ball for an arm?"

Ratchet, who was quietly monitoring from afar, snorted. Though Bulkhead's smile simply grew wider. "That's me! I'm Bulkhead, but you can call me Bulk, Bulky, pretty much anything as long as you don't insult me." He added.

"Don't get him calling us nicknames, Bulkhead. The only reason he's out is because Optimus probably feels we owed it to him. Since he seems to be a "fan" of ours." Ratchet reminded him. "We can't risk another human kid getting involved, not this time."

"Sari technically is only half-human. And only a kid for like... A year that we knew her. I don't exactly see why we can't keep him around, either. It's nice to have a kid in here again. It was never the same after Sari's upgrade."

"Hopefully we're not staying long enough that he'd spend much time here anyway." Ratchet reminded him again.

Nick stared at Ratchet with disappointment. "You mean you guys aren't even sticking around long?" The medic shook his head. "That sucks. I mean, you guys kind of kept this place exciting. Nowdays the most excitement we get is when Nanosec or Angry Archer do something stupid."

"Wow, they're still around?" Bulkhead asked in surprise. "Jeez, next you're going to tell me Wreck-Gar and the Dinobots are around too."

"Is Wreck-Gar that weird robot that turns into a garbage truck? Because he still goes around town throwing trash a lot. He's sort of a joke." Nick shrugged his shoulders. "But... Dinobots? Weren't those the things Professor Sumdac made that went crazy?"

Ratchet looked curiously at Nick, noticing something. "You sure remember a lot of our exploits for someone so young..."

Nick tried not to blush, but knew that was true. Nick hadn't become homeless until he was nine. As a result, he'd followed them religiously when he was in a foster home at age six. They'd been his heroes, and he'd always daydreamed about this moment: meeting them. "You guys were a big deal back in the day. You had me glued to the TV." He added. "Like you said, I was kind of a fan. Besides, I wasn't that young. I was like... Six when you guys came."

Nick stepped closer to Bulkhead, deciding, at least for the moment, to ignore the other two. "So you paint...?" He tilted his head, trying to get an idea of what he was even supposed to be painting. "Oh wow, that's... Different."

"Heh, you like it? I've been working on this a few hours!" Bulkhead said with pride over the big, green and purple blob.

Nick had to admit, with that big, proud grin, he could only smile back. After all, Bulk was the one being the most friendly next to Optimus. "Yeah, that's pretty good Bulkhead. Just curious though, what is it supposed to be?"

"Oh, you can't tell? It's a potted plant!"

The smile Nick gave this time probably came off a little more fake. But he already got the feeling he liked Bulkhead. If anything he seemed super sweet and friendly.

"Oh, so the li'l bitlet's up." A voice sounded out. "Weren't we sending him home?"

Nick guessed the last two that came in were the final Autobots. Though he didn't really recognize either one. The white Autobot with the racing stripes and the cool visor looked like he turned into some awesome sports car, which was a bonus. The other was a shorter, pink colored, older female that looked like she'd probably start mothering him if he let her.

Bulkhead was the one to answer the white bot that spoke. "Yeah Jazz, he's up." He piped up. "Still haven't gotten a name from him though. But he asked for mine."

"It's Nick. Just Nick."

"I'm starting to think Nick is your last name." Ratchet joked.

"Was that a joke? You make jokes? I thought you just stood over there and brooded."

Ratchet wanted to throw a wrench at Nick, but held back. As a result, he had to deal with Jazz's laughter. "I like this kid's sense of humor. We could use a bit more of that these days." The ninja commented.

"Lucky for me, he's only got a few more hours he'll be on watch with how well he's functioning." Ratchet shook his head, then turned to Arcee as she made her way toward him. "I don't know how much more of this I can take." He murmured.

"He seems fine. You're just tense." Arcee patted her sparkmate's shoulder. "Besides, we're just entertaining him for a couple of hours, like you said..."

Ratchet sighed, as if he doubted that was true anymore. "I'm sorry to say this, but that's how it always starts." He explained. "The young of any planet have a way of working their way into you."

As if for emphasis, he looked over his shoulder, where he could see that Nick, Jazz, and Bulkhead continued to chat. "We'll see... Now, come on. Let's at least try to get along with him while we do have him here." Arcee made her way over. "Maybe he can tell me more about human schooling. I'm still quite curious."

"Of course you are." Ratchet chuckled.

He supposed he could at least enjoy the "excitement" for a little while.

Nick wasn't enthused when Optimus told him it was time to go several hours later.

He didn't even bother saying goodbye to anybody. He'd said goodbye to enough people in his life that by this point he hated doing it. The actions confused Optimus, but none-the-less, he didn't question it. Or at least, he wouldn't question the drastic change in personality for the moment. Instead he got Nick inside of his cab, and started to drive him towards "home".

The boy seemed a little nervous while telling him where to get to his house. And by now, Optimus was starting to feel a little wariness about this boy. He really WAS off. Though not in a "he's dangerous" manner, but rather in a way of "something's not right". All the same, he followed his directions, though about half-way through them, he spoke up. "So, are your parents gone often?"

Nick was silent a moment, chewing his lip. "Yeah, all the time. They work a lot, y'know? Big names. Really wealthy people." Optimus somehow doubted that by Nick's clothing, but let him talk. "It gets kind of lonely, but it's OK, really. I have lots of friends..."

The way Nick said that last part sounded like a kid trying desperately to lie well. Optimus was silent again, but after a moment, managed to say what was on his mind. "If your parents are wealthy, what were you doing by a burger place in the bad part of town? Isn't that dangerous?" He asked.

Nick let a bead of sweat fall down his face, feeling as though the mech was seeing through him. "I... I don't know, I like a little adventure! Couldn't you tell with how I wasn't afraid to hang out with you guys?" Nick asked quickly. "Oh, look! There's my house!"

Optimus came to a stop in front of the big, gated home. He was still skeptical however, and took a deep breath. "Nick, do you really live here?" Nick's head seemed to slack a little. "Because I'd be lying if I didn't say you've acted nervous ever since we left the base."

Nick opened the door to Optimus' cab as he gave the quietest of answers. "I'm fine, Optimus. I've really got to get going inside... My parents are expecting me to call them once I'm inside. Thanks for the fun day... Hanging out was better than any souvenir."

Optimus knew there was only one way to know for sure. After checking his surroundings to be sure the secluded part of the city was, indeed, secluded, he transformed, taking a few steps forward. "Well, I'll just make sure you get to the door OK. I mean if you're alone, I'd feel bad if someone attacked you during the walk to the house." He noted the long path that wound up toward the home in question. "Gonna punch in the code for the gate?"

Nick looked at Optimus for a long moment, then the keypad. And after a moment, Nick lowered his hand. "Fine, I don't live here, OK? Is that what you want to hear?" Optimus was floored by the way Nick snapped. "I do live somewhere, but there's no way I'm taking you there. Not when you know Captain Fanzone."

Optimus was silent for a long moment. "You don't have a home, do you, Nick?"

Nick didn't say a word for a long time, standing there. He was going to try and lie to Optimus... But how could he do that? This was his lifelong hero he was talking to. A person who had been kind to him. "I have a cardboard box... And two trash bags of stuff. Does that count?" Nick murmured.

He wasn't surprised when he saw a look of sympathy move over Optimus' face.

Meanwhile, unseen to either of them, a certain Decepticon watched. Currently shadowed by a building, Shockwave thought through what to do next. "Shockwave to Megatron. I've found the human, and Optimus Prime himself. It seems they were together." Shockwave commented as he aimed his cannon towards the Autobot warrior. "Awaiting orders regarding confrontation."

"Have he and the human have been together long?"

"They were driving. Now they've spent the last several minutes talking."

There was silence on the other end as Megatron clearly deliberated. And then... "Your orders are the same: grab the human, and bring them to me. He can serve another purpose regardless of confirmation..." Megatron ordered on the other end. "We'll need leverage if we're going to stage an attack on Detroit. If Prime is friendly with the human, they will do."

"As you command." Shockwave replied, transforming quietly. "If I cannot, I have asked Blitzwing to accompany me on standby. Expect one of us within the hour."

Unfortunately for him, his energon signal had not gone unnoticed. Without a moment to spare, Optimus had brought his energon axe out and shouted. "Nick, run!"

At first, the boy couldn't follow, but then the blast nearly hit him, sending him against the pavement, and it was made very clear. He raised his head from the ground he'd hit and could see the large tank that had caused it. For a millisecond he was confused, until the sound of transformation hit his ears and Shockwave made himself known.

Nick's first reaction was: "Is that Megatron!?"

"Thankfully no." Optimus replied, battle mask going over his mouth. "Now I said run! Find somewhere to hide!"

"That's fine.I do like a good chase." Shockwave replied. "Your attempts to protect this human are illogical. I've been sent to retrieve him for Lord Megatron."

Optimus gritted his denta at the thought. A child in the hands of Megatron? He already knew how that would end. The Autobot stepped in front of Nick, expanding his axe and grabbing it on both ends. "If you want to put a hand on this boy, you'll have to go through me."

"I figured as much." Shockwave noted. "You honestly did not believe I was not prepared for this outcome?"

"That's why he called me!" Nick jumped out of his skin at the whacky-sounding voice. He spun around to face the creepy, manic-looking sight of 'Random Blitzwing.' "Oh look at that, what a tiny little human!"

Nick shook his head, then turned to Optimus. "What the heck do they want with me!? I didn't even know you guys until a couple of hours ago!"

"I don't know." Optimus shook his head. "Optimus Prime to all available Autobots! Decepticons Shockwave and Blitzwing have made themselves known and have ambushed me! Requesting assistan-AGH!

Nick screamed as Blitzwing shot his own cannon at the Autobot. Finally finding his footing, he knew it was time to take Optimus' advice and run.

"Blitzwing. Make sure he doesn't get away." Shockwave ordered.

Of course, this order prompted a quick change to 'Angry Blitzwing.' "I will crush it like a little bug if I have to!"

Optimus turned around, swinging his axe violently at Blitzwing in an attempt to stop him. But Shockwave had already rushed at him, firing a volley of shots. Optimus groaned as he was hit again, quickly spinning around as he tried to swing his axe for the Decepticon third-in-command. "Bringing an axe to a "gun fight" as one would put it. Quite illogical." Shockwave noted, blocking the axe with his giant cannon. "You may want to consider investing in a proper weapon."

Optimus looked over his shoulder, noting that Blitzwing had taken off after Nick. He only had to take one stride to get in front of the young human. "Leave the boy alone, Shockwave! He has nothing to do with this!" Optimus shouted.

"Perhaps not. But what Lord Megatron wants, Lord Megatron gets." Shockwave noted, chuckling darkly. "Perhaps if he really is useless I can use him in one of my experiments."

Optimus swung his axe furiously, not liking the sound of that at all. He might not know Nick too well, but it was their fault he was in this situation. And he could not allow this human to be hurt. But Shockwave was quick, even when using a cannon for melee. Each swing he deflected with ease, and every time the Autobot attempted to get to Nick, Shockwave was quick to take the opening away from him.

Until, to his displeasure, they were out of sight. "Turn around and face me like the great, brave "hero" you are." Shockwave snapped.

"Pick on someone your own size first!"

Swinging his axe up violently, he'd finally managed to land a blow against Shockwave's chest. It only temporarily stunned the mech, but it gave Optimus enough time to transform down and floor it towards where Nick and Blitzwing had been. Shots volleyed around him as he tried to get his fire truck form to move faster, but he couldn't help but worry.

What would happen if he were too late? A question he didn't want answered as he could only imagine what Megatron wanted him forHe didn't want to know the answer.

"Come on, little human! Come here before I crush your puny bones!"

Nick breathed heavily and tried to run faster. The giant Decepticon triple-changer had hardly given up chasing him, and with Optimus under attack by Shockwave, he was sure that he was on his own. So he kept running. It wasn't easy to do with a giant robot firing cannons at him, but at least he was surviving.

At least, until Blitzwing took to the air. He supposed he should have seen it coming in retrospect. The mech had wings, something Nick had forgotten until the sound of engines firing from overhead sounded out. This time, the blast hit directly in front of him, sending Nick falling onto his back.

The Decepticon landed with relative ease, his face changing again. This time he was the cool, calculated "Cold Blitzwing", who carefully approached his prey. "Now, now. You heard Shockwave. Ve are leaving vith you whether you like it or not."

"Nick!"

Nick turned to see Optimus, transforming in mid-drive. Nick was relieved at the sight. Until, just as he was about to land, a large blast hit Optimus directly in the side. "NO!" Nick shouted, getting to his feet.

Optimus hit the ground hard, groaning in pain. Some of his wires sparked, and energon leaked as Shockwave approached in tank form. He transformed and glared coldly at the Autobot leader. "Be thankful I did not aim for the spark. Lord Megatron wants you for himself-otherwise you'd be dead by now." He casually approached Nick, who was sprinting toward Optimus. "Oh no, not today. We've got a long trip and I'm already behind schedule."

Optimus growled quietly as Shockwave trapped Nick in between his claws like they were a cage. He lifted the teenager into the air, blocking his attempts to get free.

"Leave him alone." Optimus spat. "If it's me Megatron wants, he can have me."

Shockwave blinked his singular optic. "Megatron was right when he told me you care too much about these creatures. The boy said you've only known him hours. Yet you'd rather face Megatron than let me take him? How unwise." Shockwave noted as Blitzwing made his way over. "Fly him ahead. You will get him there sooner than I will." He dropped Nick like a rag doll into Blitzwing's waiting palm. Optimus could see the pure fear on Nick's face, tears streaking down.

"Stop it!" Optimus shouted. "Take me instead!"

"No."

And then, like an annoyed child, he kicked the leader in the faceplate. "Optimus!" Nick shouted as the mech fell into stasis lock.

"That should keep him out for some time." Shockwave looked towards Blitzwing. "Mission accomplished. Let us bring Lord Megatron his hostage."

Nick had no chance to say anything else as Blitzwing transformed around him, placing him within the cockpit of his jet form faster than he could scream. Before anyone in Detroit would ever realize what happened, Blitzwing had taken off, prisoner in tow. Megatron would be pleased indeed.

A/N: I know, the fight was a bit short. But rest assured, there will be LOTS of action in the next couple of parts of the "Pilot". As if that weren't already obvious. ;)