[I do not own Transformers. Okay. There's gonna be time-jumping ALL through this story. Into the past, into the future, the present time…blah blah blah. I'll try and keep it clear for you guys as WELL as go into detail. Thanks for reading and sticking with me on this. *winks* Hope I keep you guys interested. Oh, and to elaborate on the time jumping…I mean, it doesn't just READ straight through for actions…I'll try and give you some heads up…but when it switches from Bots to 'Cons…they aren't THIS happened first, then THEY did this…it's kinda ah collective thing…I hope ya'll get it.]

Chapter Three "Ultimate Decisions"

It was his decision to take the Allspark, or to try to. It was not his decision that it be cast out into space to drift. Their only chance of real survival, gone. Without a trace. Megatron curled his clawed digits together in fury. He would have to go after the Allspark himself, and not just send someone else to get it. It would have to be him. Megatron was anything if not a bit paranoid about his success. Always having to look over his shoulder at his own team of…allies. So, now that the Allspark was a drift. He was going to have to do something about it. This war was almost seeming to be pointless, without the Allspark…They were nothing. They could not be the proud warriors he envisioned in his head.

A smaller figure shifted against him and he glanced down at his lap where Nitrosiren was curled up against him, arms around herself as she slouched with head gently resting against his lower chassis. An awkward position. She'd been coming to sleep with him for the past few days, which was odd considering the first time he'd picked her up from Soundwave's room she'd tried so hard to escape and avoid him. They, being him and his men, had watched her begin to grow up a happy femme. She did as she was told without question or hesitation, but only when certain people gave her the orders to. She played with the Mini-cons and they followed her every order and command. But lately she'd been spending more time attached to Megatron then he cared to admit. His clawed digit gently stroked her back and she snuggled closer against his chassis. It was become a little more awkward since she wasn't as small as she once was. When she sat on his lap now, her legs couldn't fit on it and had to hang off. Her head could reach his neck now from her seated position.

She was going through some sort of behavior transition, not uncommon in younglings her age. He found her fascinating in a strange way. She'd gone through a different frame set since they'd gotten her, making her a young adult, and she acknowledged the Decepticons as her family without question. She'd joke and tease the other older mechs, being the innocent still considered a youngling that she was. But he'd caught her once before her frame change in a discussion with the mini-cons plotting on how to steal the sweeter energon that Younglings craved but weren't allowed a lot of. He'd gotten on to her of course, but then had treated her to some of it because she showed cunning and leadership as well. Two traits he liked. She'd proven herself adapt in stealth skills. She seemed to prefer verbally assaulting people then physically attacking them, and the way in which she stared at someone usually had them dropping what they did to get what she wanted.

"….'Siren…wake up," Megatron said in his deep sinister voice. His clawed fingers gently poked the smaller femme as her optics came back online a bright purple color. She looked up at him curiously, with an almost amused expression.

"Yes Lord Megatron?" She questioned, straightening up and staring at him, but still remaining leaned against him. She rotated a bit so she her hands were planted on his chassis and she was leaning her head innocently against them to study him. He kept his expression neutral.

"…What do you know of the Allspark?" He asked her, wanting to know what she'd heard or thought of it. Her insight was a bit odd, but she hung around Soundwave enough to have picked up some of his peculiar traits.

"Soundwave says it is what gives us life and without it we will perish," She answered obediently, but paused as if hesitating on some deeper thought. He gave her a look to get her to continue. "…But…Optimus…wants to protect it from us…because you plan on re-creating a newer race…one who is obedient to you…" She was looking away as she spoke and he couldn't tell if she was bitter about it.

"…and what do you think of that?" Megatron asked her, gently using his clawed digit to turn her head to him so he could see her optics.

"…I think it's a great idea," Nitrosiren said, startling him with the iciness in her tone," But you shouldn't have let the Allspark drift off into space." His optics narrowed.

"Where did you hear that from?" He demanded feeling a tad bit angry.

"…Laserbeak said it…he overheard you talking to Soundwave," Nitrosiren said with a slight shrug of her shoulders, swinging her legs as they dangled off of him. He leaned back, thinking about that. "…Are you going to go after it?" She asked tilting her head to the side as she looked up at him.

"Of course," He replied and was startled when she gave him that 'idiot' look. It was one that stopped most of his men when they were doing something, which including making passes at her. He punished them justly when he caught wind of it. She was growing up, and yet he felt the odd sense to keep her as pure as any Decepticon could be considered.

"…You most likely aren't going to come back…," She said and hopped off of his lap. "…I'm going to finish my recharge with the minis…" She paused at the door, hand sliding up the side of it slowly and looked back at him. Dark purple optics seeming to hold intelligence above her age. "You're probably going to fail…" Then her look softened," I don't want you too…Just…try NOT to get yourself off-lined…"

"…It's on a planet called Earth…full of dumb little organics…What's the worse that can happen?" Megatron snapped at her, not liking her attitude. She flinched and scurried out of the door. Megatron pinched the bridge of his nose with a soft venting of air. Sometimes she said the weirdest things. He sat back in his chair thinking on the issue. He could send someone else, but he didn't trust them to not use the Allspark themselves. This was something he would have to do.

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"Are you SURE about this?" Mirage demanded for what had to be the millionth time. Blitzkrieg ignored him as he continued running diagnostics on his systems. He needed to be prepared for the strange atmospheric conditions on this planet…Earth. He had a bad feeling that the Decepticons were already there. Optimus Prime was taking his precise time about it. He knew Megatron would be after the Allspark as fast as possible, and even then Optimus would wait. Mirage grabbed his arm, jolting him out of his thoughts. "Don't do it."

"…I must," Blitzkrieg said, pulling his arm back sharply. He keyed in a few more things on a data pad before tossing it on the table.

"I don't want you to," a soft, quiet female voice said from the doorway, startling both of them. They hadn't heard the door slide open, and Mirage could've sworn he'd locked it. Arcee leaned against the door panel, wheels up on her back, arms crossed firmly over her chassis. Blitz paused what he was doing to turn and stare at her. Mirage took that as his cue to pretend he was busy checking over the weapons Blitz planned on taking with him. He kept an optic on his mech friend though. "At least…not alone…"

"…Arcee," Blitz started, heading towards her. She shook her head, giving him a cold look that stopped him dead. He'd never seen a look with that much malice on her face before and it tore at his spark to know he'd done that too her. He'd changed her, and possibly for worse.

"I've told Optimus. He's forbidden anyone going after the Allspark…Prowl's on his way to detain you," Arcee said coldly. Blitz took a deep breath, before turning to grab the weapons he could. Mirage got between him and Arcee, keeping her at bay from stopping Blitz's progress.

"Give Megs hell for me," Mirage said, pushing Arcee out the door not very gently. It slid shut behind him, cutting off Arcee's shouting. Blitzkrieg glanced after his friends, hooking up the final weapon. His usual were just the cannon things, but he figured he'd need some other toys to play with. Mirage had been helpful with that. Blitzkrieg felt a nervous flutter in his spark. He was really going to do it. Go single-handedly after the Allspark cube. Nothing was going to stop him now. Well, nothing that he would let stop him. He'd probably have to dish it out with someone else before he left. Sure enough, he came across Jolt on his way out. The littler mech took one good-long look at him.

"…What about Shortshift?" Jolt asked softly as Blitzkrieg passed him. A few fans stalled before kicking back in as Blitz stopped to look at him. Jolt was leaning against a wall with arms crossed over his chassis, giving him that look. The one that said he'd probably regret his next actions.

"…She's fine here," Blitz answered coldly. Jolt gave a small nod of his head in consideration, giving Blitz reason to look him over again. He'd heard of Jolt. A practical jokester along with the front-liner twins, rushed into battles without thinking…but…he apparently had a thing for Shortshift. "…Jolt…" Jolt glanced up at him, meeting his optics," …You're a good mech for her. She'll need you…when I'm gone…so…take care of her for me…"

"…Will do," Jolt said, acquiring an almost goofy grin on his faceplates. Blitz had a reputation about being an over-protective brother, even IF Shift didn't know about him yet. Everyone respected his decision in NOT telling her their relationship, on the off-chance that he was off-lined during the war. Blitz clapped a hand on Jolt's shoulder.

"Anything happen to her, that can be traced back to you," Blitz said, starting his brotherly threat," I'll chase you around the whole fragging galaxy to off-line you myself…understood?" Jolt trembled slightly as Blitz increased pressure on his shoulder, before saying anything.

"Y-yes sir…," Jolt whimpered out. Blitz released him.

"Good…," Blitz said before continuing onward.

"S-sir?" Jolt called after him.

"…what?" Blitz asked, not stopping.

"Thanks for giving me a chance with her," Jolt said, and Blitz could tell he was smiling like an idiot after drinking too much high-grade. He shook his head, wondering if he'd done the right thing by pretty much giving his sister away to Jolt. Not that Jolt wouldn't be a good match for her…He wondered how Bumblebee would take it. The two were almost inseperatable, even getting into trouble together. His spark panged, knowing he'd not taken an active part in her growing up.

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"Hey Chromia?" Shortshift called out, peering into the room occupied by Ironhide, Chromia, Jazz, and Red Alert. Red Alert was babbling on about something being screwy with the controls at the command head center. He thought it might be sabotage and that spies had possibly gotten in their defense system. The guy was paranoid and it was rubbing off on Ironhide. Jazz took it all good-naturedly though.

"Yes?" Chromia asked concern in her tone as she made to stand but Shortshift hurried over to her. "What is it?" Chromia patted the spot beside her and Shortshift sat down on it. She'd upgraded to an adult frame a while back, but was going through a bit of a funk as Jazz would call it. All children did it. It was universal. Jazz flashed her a winning-smile, before launching back into the discussion with Red Alert and Ironhide.

"Have you seen Bumblebee?" Shortshift asked and Chromia paused to consider it, even though Shift wasn't a youngling anymore Chromia still had maternal feelings towards her still-charge. Bumblebee had been looking for her earlier too, now that she reflected on it.

"No…but he was here earlier looking for you…," Chromia answered truthfully and Shortshift vented some air in frustration. "….I think he was heading for Optimus to ask for you…He was convinced you'd been bot-napped…" Chromia let out a slight laugh, tapping Shortshift's hand with her fingers. "I think he likes you…"

"PFT~! As if," Shortshift said laughing," He's got a thing for Arcee right now…I'm just his friend…His cohort when it comes to getting into trouble!" She laughed again.

"Speaking of trouble," Ironhide growled turning to speak to her.

"Oh would you look at the time? Ratchet probably wants to see me," Shortshift said hoping up and racing out of the room just as quickly.

"…Wonder who she got that from," Chromia commented dryly with a pointed look at Ironhide.

"What?" He demanded, looking confused.

Shortshift was hurrying down the corridors when she slammed into a something bright yellow with black stripes.

"BEE!" She shouted loudly, attacking him with a hug of sorts. "Where you been?" She tilted her head curiously to the side to look at him. He got up and he had a serious expression on his face.

"I was looking for you…I didn't want to leave without telling you," Bumblebee muttered under his breath and indicated that they should walk. They'd both come a long way since she'd first gotten here. Both had undergone strict training to get as good as they could for the on-going war. "Optimus Prime is sending me on a mission of my own…" He shivered a bit as if nervous but she could see unsuppressed excitement coursing through him. He'd gone on several missions already but he'd never been trusted completely to go on one of his own. It wasn't that Optimus didn't trust him to defend himself, he just worried that Bee would end up hurt and unable to call for help or reinforcement.

"oh?" she questioned, still not understanding. "What's this got to do with me?"

"Well…I'll be gone for a while….and this is a dangerous mission," Bumblebee insisted to her. They were out of their younglings ages and into the new world of adulthood. Well, more like awkward older teen still. "I might…" He looked away and she grabbed his hands like they'd done as younglings.

"Come on Bee…you can tell me anything," Shortshift insisted to him. He sighed, letting his door wings hang down.

"I might get hurt…or even off-lined," He told her seriously and she paused to think about it.

"Oh….," she said trailing off but then brightening up," But you won't…cuz your Bee…and you are AWESOME like that…." She said with a light laugh," Now come on…I think Ratchet had something he wanted to share with us…" She laughingly pulled him down the corridor after her.

"As if. It's probably just an attempt by Jolt and his friend's to get us in trouble," Bumblebee said with a shake of his head. Secretly he enjoyed holding her hand like this as they raced down the hallway. He liked that she was a small femme-yeah, most femme's were small-and didn't ridicule him for his small size. Jazz made him feel comfortable with the older bots also. Shortshift giggled at that thought, and shook her head.

Neither bot knew how badly this mission would go. The last time she'd hear Bumblebee speak aloud. The last time she'd hear him laugh. No more whisperings of plots to take things from Ratchet when he wasn't looking, or to repaint Ironhide's armor in recharge. Neither knew, or else they would've said more. Maybe enjoyed the sound of speech a little more. Because Bumblebee was always talking. Always expressing his points with his excited energy that made him Bee. Usually it was a miracle to get him to stop talking long enough for you to get your own part of the conversation in. He was always cracking jokes to make Shortshift laugh or smile, or to put a stop to one of her anger spells. Always asking questions…

He was always talking…..

Always happy….

Always singing….and dancing.

But no more.

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Megatron never got to retrieve the Allspark like he'd planned to. He'd crash landed and pretty much all but got screwed over when he was frozen. A human male stumbled upon him, activating his navigation systems and imprinting the location of the Allspark upon a simple pair of glasses. These glasses would be passed down to a boy known as Sam Witwicky. A kid that fate decided was going to be very important to an alien race. But that was the future from now. In what will be known as Canada, Blitzkrieg had touched down. There was snow everywhere, and the temperatures were raging low.

: : Mirage can you read me? :: He sent the silent comm ping but got nothing but faint static. He'd made it here still on-line and according to his system scans…He was too late. Megatron was already here. He couldn't find the Allspark signature waves either. Something was messing with his sensors. He sighed, knowing he was going to have to go into hiding until he could find the location of the Allspark. Another systems check showed that some of his systems had been damaged. Ironically…he'd been talking to thin air. His communications system had been knocked off-line and he didn't have enough knowledge to reactivate it. So now he'd have to blend in with society….

To follow them throughout their years of technological advancements. He would no longer be able to contact his own, if they ever came and he was sure they would. As would the Decepticons.

He was powerless to stop them, but at least he could do his best to watch over the Allspark cube, and remain close to it. Protecting it from Decepticons to the best of his ability. Which meant that there were a few skirmishes that would stay with the humans for life, though they would never know that they were ALL the same.

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: : So this is Earth? : : Shortshift silently sent the comm to Bumblebee. He was disguised as a Camaro. Yellow with black racing strips. She was a dark chrome green Off road Wrangler jeep. Her paint glistened underneath the sun. They made up the advance team of Autobots seeking out the location of the Allspark. They'd been here for a long time and now they had a lead on a Sam Witwicky, descendant of the man who'd activated Megatron's navigational system. : : I almost pity Megatron…Getting stuck here….but it's kind of nice…: :

: : I like it : : Bee spoke up as they set in an empty parking lot, scanning the area for Decepticon threats. : : It's colorful: : Shortshift wheeled closer to him, gently tapping him by opening and closing her door. He tapped her back with his own door, letting out a humming chirp. She cringed internally, remembering he couldn't speak aloud. It hadn't been her fault. It was the Decepticons. Her scanners pinged something and she focused on it. Bumblebee was just as alert.

: : Oh slag….Barricade's in the area…Maybe we should move out : : Shortshift suggested.

: : We must get the boy…Sam…He needs protection… : : Bee spoke up and she could sense the worry in his message. She vented some air, startling a cat who'd gotten too close to her. She hated cats climbing all over her or trying to sleep on her. She enjoyed the sunlight here too, and doing the culture's…'sunning'. They helped recharge her back up energy so quickly. : : I feel…compelled…: : Shortshift thought back on that, wondering about it. Optimus had warned them that they might feel a compulsion towards certain organics. They had souls, which kind of worked like hidden sparks within organic material. It was a strange concept. But it would make them guardians over an organic or two. Shortshift was slightly glad that it had been Bee who'd felt the pull towards the boy and not herself, which is why Bee had probably been sent first. He'd been doing more missions like this then her. They weren't suppose to engage the boy just yet, but they felt like they were running out of time. There was too much Decepticon motion.

: : You're right…We need to get to him…I think he's been speaking of wanting a car : : Shortshift spoke up, amusement trickling in her voice. Bumblebee bounced a bit on his wheels, excitement coursing through him at the revelations of bringing himself closer to the boy. To understanding these strange feelings in him. He rolled forward, getting strange looks from some passing folks. : : Okay…so…you follow him to that building he always goes to….fives times a day…for several hours on earth standard…What's he doing there anyway? : : She could feel Bee laughing next to her.

: : Surf the web a bit Shift…It's called High School…and he HAS to attend it…but you are correct…I will follow him…I feel the day is approaching…and Shift? : : Bee called out as she started to drive away. She paused.

: : Yeah? : : She asked, a bit confused.

: : Be careful…I think Berserker is here : : Bumblebee's words chilled her spark and she felt unable to reply. She tried to shake the feeling of dread off as she left. Bumblebee drove off to find his soon-to-be charge. She found herself starting to wish Jolt had accompanied them after all. Something in her spark tugged at her as if sad but she ignored that feeling, keeping her sensors turned up for Decepticon activity. Soon it would be time to summon Optimus Prime and the others.

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"I'm bored," Nitrosiren whined from where she sat on Soundwave's chair. He was busy working on things with his tentacles, delicate work. She was much bigger than the majority of the mini-cons, but that didn't mean she didn't hang out with them. She waited, watching Soundwave's back a little longer. "Hey…I said I'm-" His tentacles snaked back towards her, curling ominously as they approached. She slid off of his chair and hurried backwards. The tentacles stopped their advancements and retreated back to his work. She let out a tiny sigh before heading for the door. It slid open and Starscream marched in, he snarled when he saw her and she quickly ran to hide against Soundwave. Even though she was getting too big for that.

"TELL me you have GOOD news," Starscream sneered out bitterly. Soundwave didn't cease his work. Starscream snarled, not liking Soundwave's behavior towards him. "Excuse me!" He screeched, optics flaring in anger. His wingtips were quivering also.

"Update: Megatron's location still unknown," Soundwave said monotonously, but Nitrosiren could tell he was irked. She kept her hands pressed up against him, finger digits slipping between the seam of his back armor as she kept her optics pinned on Starscream. The more time passed, the more frantic Starscream seemed to become, or the more ludicrous. It was as if with Megatron's disappearance, that the sane part of Starscream had vanished although. "Status: All-spark location unknown… Objective: Continue with search…" Soundwave set down one of the data pads he was working with and turned to view Starscream. Starscream had his hands on his hips and was glaring.

"What's the HOLD up Soundwave?" Starscream snarled," Is it Nitrosiren? Hmm? Is she 'occupying' you?" Soundwave let out a slight growl, and even Nitrosiren felt herself bristling at the implication behind it. It didn't go unnoticed by Starscream who let out a slight chuckle. "oh yes," he continued in his oily voice, talking now with his hands moving in the air," I know ALL about what's whispered about you two…Found yourself a pleasure-bot with attitude? I FIGURED that's all she was good-" Starscream let out a high-pitched shriek as Soundwave attacked him. Nitrosiren screamed also, but for different reasons. The door slid open and in came Barricade with Blackout. Barricade and Blackout shoved Soundwave backwards, dragging him off of Starscream. Even though they'd of rather had him tear Scream to pieces, neither wanted Soundwave in charge. Besides, Megatron wouldn't of liked it. They all knew Starscream would die by Megatron's hand.

"Easy Soundwave," Barricade growled at him. Soundwave didn't struggle. Starscream picked himself up off the ground, checking himself for any real injuries. There were none.

"Ah, Barricade. Blackout…I've got a job for you…as well as some others…In regards to Earth and the Allspark," Starscream said and left the room with Barricade and Blackout. They would indeed be going to Earth, and that would be the last time anyone here saw them.

"….," Nitrosiren had one arm across her middriff, holding onto her other arm that was hanging loosely down her side. She felt like she was dirty now. Some untouchable thing that no one really even wanted. Maybe Starscream was right. Maybe her only real purpose was to simply pleasure others and let them have their way with her. Her head hung down and her optics glowed dimly as she fought back a wave of grief. She missed Megatron. The way he made her feel as if she really belonged-the gentle brush of a finger digit against her bottom lip caught her attention as she shifted optics up towards Soundwave. He was much taller then her, so were most of the mechs around. She didn't stop herself as she jolted forward to wrap her arms around him and pressed her face against him, resting her cheek there. He returned the gesture, rubbing lightly at her back.

"Status Inquiry?" Soundwave clipped off quietly as she looked up at him.

"Soundwave…I-I…maybe Scream's right…I'm not really worth much am I?" Nitrosiren asked, holding back the whirlpool of emotions building up in her. Her spark was pulsating erratically with the force. She could feel Soundwave's spark, pulsing calmly and quietly. A soothing comfort. One that washed over her, comforting her, making her feel-well, for one. She hadn't noticed his tentacles attaching to her cabling. Anger flared up in her, only to die down. All she felt like doing was to be comforted…to tell Soundwave all of her troubles. All of her problems. Frag it. She glared up at him, but didn't fight too hard against his influence. There was a subtle change. Something that took this past the parental stage of life. Soundwave had never really been a parent to her. Just an older male figure that helped her out. Confusion blossomed in her. Where had these come from? Was this Soundwave's doing? She glanced up at him startled by her own revelations. "…I love you…" She whispered to him, watching his emotionless face as the words registered in his databank. He slowly released her, withdrawing the tentacles and walked away from her. Leaving her alone.

Again.

A bitterness filled her as she swore never to explore feelings like that again. Little did she know, that had been exactly what Soundwave had intended to happen.

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"And he's doing what?" Jazz questioned as the advance team got ready. They were going to Earth to retrieve the Allspark. Bee had succeeded.

"Staying behind to lead the Autobot faction here on Cybertron," Optimus Prime told him again. Prowl would be remaining behind with Ultra Magnus to keep the Decepticons at bay while the advance team went to Earth. Starscream and a few others were already there, and he feared they'd waited too long.

"Sir?" a voice called out, getting the Autobot leader's attention. It was Jolt. Optimus gave him a slight motion to continue. "May I come with?" Jazz gave the mech a look-over with a slight shake of his head. Even Ratchet stopped talking with Ironhide to watch him. Chromia was helping Ironhide remove all of his armor to be replaced with the layer that would help them enter earth's atmosphere. They would then recover it when they scanned an alternate mode of one of the many vehicles that were on Earth. That was how they planned on blending in with society.

"Jolt…I do not think that a wise decision," Optimus Prime told him slowly, looking the younger mech over. "You would serve a much better purpose here on Cybertron, protecting it from the Decepticons…"

"But-," Jolt started to protest. Jazz cut him off, coolly sliding forward to place hands on the mechs shoulders.

"Dontcha worry bout a thing Jolty," Jazz slurred out with a flickering wink of his visor. "Ah'll be der to protect her." Jolt looked down, almost sheepishly and Jazz chuckled. "We know how ya two been with each other…Only ah matter of time before ya'll be spark-mating…mmm-mmm…" Jazz gave a small shake of his head with a light laugh, before squeezing Jolt's shoulder comfortingly. "Dontcha worry bout nothing. Jazz got dis one in da bag~" Jolt looked up at him, seeing that confident smile on his face and gave a quick nod. "There's a good mech. Now, you go and find Prowl for me. Tell him not to over-work himself since Ah ain't gonna be here to remind him…" Jolt nodded before hurrying off, taking Jazz's words to hurt.

"Cute kid," Elita-One murmured under her breath, running fingers across Optimus Prime's chest plate as she removed the last armor bit. There stood their leader before them, naked in his proto-form, ready to be geared up for space travel. She gently drew fingers across her spark-mate's face. "You take good care of yourself…Don't make me come after you…" He caught her fingers in his, pressing them against his mouth in an odd kiss.

"Would that really be so bad?" He whispered into her hand and she felt her cooling fans kicking in. The others had enough sense to pretend they were occupied deeply in whatever task they were doing. His optics seemed to pulsate with amusement at her antics and she grinned up at him, standing on tiptoes to press her cheek against his. He moved so that their foreheads were pressed tightly against each other. "I will return with the All-spark. We WILL save Cybertron…" He trailed off, feeling a curious whispering inside of him as if someone were trying to tell him something, but he couldn't make it out.

"Love?" Elita-One's voice cut into him, drawing him out of his thoughts and he smiled down at her. He could see the worry in her optics. "Just don't get yourself off-lined."

"I'd off-line before he does!" Jazz joked with her, pinching at her hips in jest, causing her to shriek and move away from him. His visor flickered in another tell-tale wink.

"No ONE will be off-lining," Ratchet growled out," Not so long as I'M there to have a say-so in it…" He pinned Jazz with a glare and Jazz whistled innocently, not meeting his optics. "Prime…We'd best be leaving…" Prime gave a slight nod of his head, turning his attention back to Elita-One lovingly. He heard Chromia let out a gruff squeak of indignation as Ironhide swept her up off the ground, nuzzling his faceplates against her neck, teasingly with adoration for her. She batted at him lightly with her fingers, obviously enjoying it all. Jazz whistled, before strolling off with Ratchet on his heels-harping about something Jazz had forgotten to do.

"Promise me…," Elita-One whispered to him, allowing Prime to pull her into an embrace. A gentle one, in complete opposition of what Ironhide had done to Chromia. "Optimus…I can't shake this feeling…that something bad is about to happen…" She glanced up at him, optics full of worry for him. He rested his forehead upon hers, staring into her optics.

"Elita…my Elita…I promise…so long as energon remain in my cables…that NOTHING will befall any of us…I'll return soon with the All-spark…and we'll be able to put this war behind us for the best," Optimus told her, gently pressing his lips to hers. They were interrupted by the clearing of someone's throat and slowly pulled apart. Elita allowed herself to slip out of his embrace.

"I pray to Primus that all ends well for you," Elita-One told him, even though the words rang hollow in her spark. Maybe in the long-run…but she feared something bad was going to happen.

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: : Bee to Shift! Come in Shift! : :

The transmission was erratic and Shortshift jolted visibly out of her recharge, scaring the tabby cat unfortunate enough to have climbed on top of her for it's nap. Her processor whirled as she came out of it and she was a bit startled to find she'd missed several pings from Bumblebee. So much for being alert.

: : This is Shift. What's the excitement? : : She said sarcastically, doing a bit of a shimmy with her jeep form to stretch. She really wanted to stand up in bi-pedal mode but couldn't let herself be seen by the organics of this planet.

: : It's BARRICADE! He's in pursuit! I've got the boy! : : Bumblebee all but shouted at her. Well, emotion didn't really travel well through internal communications but she could guess he was aggravated. Probably because he let his charge fall into harm's way.

: : Alright alright. Send me your location, don't blow a servo on the way : : She remarked almost bitterly. She hadn't been recharging well and knew Ratchet would have a fit if he could see her. It was Berserker though. She knew he was here, but she couldn't find him. She swore he was laughing at her and it was making her paranoid. She revved her engine angrily and squealed off down the road, causing a couple to leap out of her way. They shouted foreign curses after her but she ignored them. She could still feel cat fur clinging to her hood. Primus. She was really starting to hate this planet, and all it's filth-AND NOW SHE SOUNDED LIKE SUNNY ON A GOOD DAY. She vented air through her engine, letting her cooling fans do their job.

That's when she noticed an army hummer pull out behind her. Normally this wouldn't have caused any problems…except she was in a residential area. Hummers weren't common…and it had a VERY odd paint job. There was no one primary color, instead it was splashes of crudely spray-painted colors. All of the flashy attention-grabbing sort. A putrid highlighter yellow that glistened sickenly in the sunlight, slashed through with a venomous neon green with an almost acidic touch, followed by with drops of splattered crimson red that created a gruesome clash with the other two and lastly a dash of toxic light purple. Each color was vibrant and stood out on it's own. It didn't clash in a clownish funny way though. IT came off with the effect of being serious shit and drew attention from everyone it passed. No where would this hummer go unnoticed. She doubted Berserker cared who stared at him as he drove driverless down the road. The least he could've done was thrown up some type of hologram. He was suppose to be blending in. She'd of thought Megatron had taught them better, but it was Starscream in charge. She supposed she'd have to teach him a thing or two about how to 'blend in' with society.

She surveyed the area. Too many watchers. She'd have to take care of him elsewhere. She sped off down the roads, with the army hummer close behind her.

: : Bee? I'm a bit pre-occupied…you're just gonna have to deal with Barricade on your own… : :

: : ….Roger…Do take care of yourself…the others are on their way…and I'm SURE Jazz would HATE to find out you let yourself get off-lined by him… : : She could hear the amusement as well as the worry behind it. Vaguely she could tell he was about to engage in battle with Barricade, and sent a quick prayer up to Primus for help as she reached a secluded area where minimal damage to the terrain would occur. She allowed herself the liberty of bi-pedal form and turned in anticipation of Berserker….who took his SWEET time getting over to her. Finally he stopped in front of her and transformed up. Still striking terror in her heart. He was all he could remember from the death of her creator…even THAT was foggy. That night…so long ago. She couldn't remember ANY of it, except for Berserker. She STILL had night terrors and would wake screaming as his dream self tried to rip her apart with his claws. She backed up a bit to keep some distance from him. Her shoulder mounted cannon activating and firing off a single shot-which hit him dead on. He staggered back a bit and growled at her. The spikes on his back quivering angrily. His eyes glistened.

"Sssso, we meet again," Berserker hissed out, his razor-sharp teeth glistening in the sunlight as they slowly began to circle each other. His claws whined a bit as they rotated in place, the tips clicking together ominously in anticipation of ripping her too pieces. He hadn't gotten to rip a femme apart in ages, and he was dying to do it again. They were just BUILT so differently. So soft. So gentle…so EASY to extinguish the spark of. " I ssso enjoyed your creator…not much resssissstance from that one, now wasss there?" He let out a sinister chuckling, darting forward slightly to judge a reaction from her and laughing when she flinched away. "Ssstill ssscared of me?" He rasped, and threw his head back laughing. "Ah ha ha ha…Thisss iss too rich…too rich indeed…heh heh…" He stopped, pinning her with a cold look.

"You know…I thought 'Cons were better than this," Shortshift snarled out, crossing her arms over her chest and taking an 'unimpressed' pose. His optics narrowed threateningly as his spikes bristled, making a soft rattling sound of indignation. "Had your visual receptors checked recently? I think you might be a tad bit color-blind~," she said, indicating his paint job. He growled animalistic before lunging forward at her. She fired off her cannon, but it didn't even phase him. He crashed into her, his momentum dragging them both into the ground as he tore at her armor, trying to get through. She slid up her legs beneath him, twisting and kicking him off of her. He flew through the air, landing and sliding. With a snarl he charged at her. Her back started to shimmer and pulsate as a shield appeared on it, and she expertly hefted it off and around in front of her to catch the startled Berserker with it. ((A/N: Think….Skyboom? I think. The three minis that combined to make a shield. Just, it's a shield. Not minis)) She twirled, tossing him further off of it. He crashed into the ground, creating large gorges as his body dragged. She held the shield in front of her, keeping it between herself and her attacker. It tapered off towards the bottom but opened up wider at the top to double points. It was made of a pure white color, outlined in a blazing yellow. Not the putrid yellow of Berserker's color-scheme either but of a pure and good color.

"Ssslag!" Berserker hissed, climbing up and spitting a glob of energon out of his mouth. It hissed where it hit the ground, momentarily distracting Shortshift. Energon shouldn't have done that-A heavy force slammed into her, but not from Berserker. She caught a flash of a drab green colored armor as she was pushed out of the way. She and her rescuer rolled a bit aways as Berserker crashed into the tree line.

"Stay put," her rescuer commanded her, before jumping up and running back to meet Berserker head on. The strange green mech had an Autobot symbol upon him though, so Shortshift stayed put and watched the battle unfold before her. Green had Berserker's clawed hands pulled upwards, stretching Berserker out. Berserker snarled angrily, lashing out with his legs and knocking them over. Green grabbed a hold of Berserker's top spike and with a mighty heave, ripped it clean off before tossing it aside. Berserker screeched in rage, snarling and charging Green. Green held his ground, catching the 'con around his middriff in a weird embrace and throwing him further away. Berserker crashed, rolling before transforming back into the oddly colored army hummer that he was and fleeing. Green turned back around giving Shortshift a good look at him. He was definitely built. Very tall, and heavily armored. He had shoulder mounted cannons that looked like they were dangerous enough. The mech offered a hand and Shortshift accepted it.

"Just for the record," Shortshift muttered, replacing her shield as it shimmered and seemed to fade," I totally HAD that under control."

"Oh I know. I just wanted some action," the taller one replied with a deep chuckle," It's been a while since I've gotten to cream a 'con…plus…I've got some beef with him…" The taller, darker green one titled his head to the side as he studied her.

"What? See something you like?" Shortshift demanded, hands on her hips as she glared at him. She would let him know right then that she was unavailable to anyone. The mech chuckled and shook his head.

"You've taken after Chromia and Ironhide…but you've ALWAYS had a temper since birth," The mech replied in response to her anger. He knew it wasn't quite directed at him.

"…What would YOU know about my birth?" She demanded," Berserker killed my creator…" She looked away, and was startled when he put his hands on her shoulders.

"…because I am Blitzkrieg…Your older brother," He told her softly, and she met his optics with hers. She could feel something inside of her changing. Something that TOLD her he was telling her the truth. That he HADN'T rescued her because she needed it, but so that they could meet this way. It was like Primus had planned it out for them.

"…My…brother," She whispered quietly and he gave a slight nod of his head, before pulling her into a rough embrace.

[END NOTE: Hey~! Yes. I leave you on that note. I'd like a review or two to let me know if anyone likes this story. *sigh* Whatever. I'm not beginning. I'm gonna go check on the hits and SEE if anyone is reading this…or if I'm talking to thin air. Heh heh…would NOT be the first time…heh heh…Sorry for the delay! I'm working on the next chapter.]