Disclaimer: So... I haven't updated this since October 2016. Wow. *facepalms* SOMEHOW I need to find a way to clear my schedule where I can just work on my stories for a period of time. Because I hate to be left waiting for the next part of a story, especially when it's getting good, and I know I give you all that treatment a lot. *laughs* But let's celebrate the fact that I'm here now and with a new update! *throws confetti as the chapter starts*

** NOTICE ** I've changed the summaries for a lot of my stories, not anything major just making it sound better. And I've also added covers for some of the stories. I'm working on looking for some pictures for my other stories or even trying to get a drawing made, who knows? (IF Y'ALL KNOW ANYBODY THAT CAN DRAW THAT WOULD BE REALLY HELPFUL!) Just wanted to put that out there.

"Ask yourself this very important question Shayla. Would you rather spend the day fighting scraplets or get up SUPER early and hopefully find a way out of that situation?"

That, my good people, is what Nexus Prime asked me the night before. As much fun as saving the 'Bots sound, I'm rather curious to see what else could possibly happen. You know, besides Arcee and Optimus almost freezing to death in the Artic.

That's how I woke up at 7:00 on the dot. I practically dragged myself out of bed before finding my glasses and going to pick out an outfit for the day. I decided on an orange t-shirt that read "No Days Off" going down the side of the shirt in blue letters, a pair of light blue skinny jeans, and some icy white low-top Nike Air Force Ones. I tied my dark brown hair into a ponytail before stepping into the bathroom. Thankfully Nexus and I each had our own bathroom in our bedrooms so we didn't have to worry about sharing and we could take as long as we needed.

I stood in front of the tub, trying to decide if I wanted to take a bubble bath or a shower. For the sake of time, I decided on showering. After freshening up and getting dressed, I did a middle part and combed my hair. I placed a black and orange Nike cap on my head and walked out of my room.

"About time." Nexus shook his head from his spot on the couch.

I smacked his head. "Oh hush. Did you call Cliff?"

A honk outside answered my question. I grabbed my backpack and threw the laser gun and a first aid kit in there. Nexus had given me lessons on what to do in case I was ever hurt in a situation and also how to effectively use the laser gun. I've started to like carrying them around. It makes me feel safe when Nexus isn't around, like he's going to be today.

"You're sure you wanna stay and deal with the scraplets?" I raised an eyebrow.

"I'm sure." Nexus chuckled. "Besides, technically, Cliffjumper is really YOUR guardian. Get to know the guy."

I simply smiled before heading out the house. There was Cliffjumper, sitting on the curb in his vehicle mode. I jogged to the passenger side and climbed inside.

"When Nexus called and told me to pick you up early, I almost didn't believe my audio receptors." Cliffjumper teased.

"Shut it tin can." I laughed as I kicked his dashboard.

"Aw, that burns Shay. That burns." Cliffjumper sounded like he was smirking.

"So what's on the activities list?" I asked as I let the seat back. Cliffjumper's seats were comfortable as I don't know what and I did this everytime I rode with him. Which was practically everyday.

"Actually, Ratchet told me there was an energon spike in some place called Death Valley." Cliffjumper said, causing me to look at his dashboard with excitement. "He's going to bridge me there when we make it to base."

"You mean us..." I trailed off hopefully.

"Shay, 'Cons could be there." Cliffjumper immediately shut that idea down.

"But Clifffffffff," I groaned. "It's only an energon spike! Besides, I'll have you there to protect me." I winked. Appealing to his ego works like a charm.

"Well," Cliffjumper sighed. "Okay. But ONLY if you remain by my side at all times and if we do run into trouble, do NOT tell Nathan or Arcee. They'll never let me live it down."

"Deal." I grinned. "You're the best Cliff."

"I am, aren't I?" Cliffjumper joked.

Cliffjumper and I drove into the base and he slowed to a stop so I could get out. I grabbed my backpack and hopped out. Cliffjumper trasnformed and I followed him up to Ratchet, who was standing by the ground bridge with Bulkhead and Bumblebee.

"Okay, remember if your signal goes off before you find what's emitting the signature you are to return to base immediately. No if's, and's, or but's, am I understood?" Ratchet narrowed his optics at the two Autobots.

"Yeah, yeah. We get it Ratchet." Bulkhead nodded while Bumblebee buzzed in agreement. I really had to talk to Nexus about giving me the ability to understand him. How would I restore Cybertron if I can't even understand one of their inhabitants?

Ratchet only sighed and opened the ground bridge. Bulkhead and Bumblebee stepped through into what I knew was the Arctic. A small part of me wished they wouldn't find the scraplet pod but find a crash landed Autobot or something. But with Team Prime's luck, I doubt that will happen.

"Alright Cliffjumper," Ratchet started, bringing my attention back to him. "I'm sending you 5.5 miles away from the signal just in case any Decepticons have already made it there."

"We're good to go doc 'bot." Cliffjumper smirked as he picked me up and sat me on his shoulder.

"We're?" Ratchet repeated before he noticed me on his shoulder. "Cliffjumper, have you lost your mind?!"

"Relax doc. If we run into any danger, Shayla is going to return to base immediately." Cliffjumper turned deadly serious.

"And I will not ask any questions if he does tell me." I said, turning deadly serious. Or trying to at least. A hint of a smile played at my lips but I tried to stay serious for both me and Cliff's sake.

Ratchet eyed both of us suspiciously before opening the ground bridge. Cliffjumper walked through and I made sure to steady myself on his shoulder. The heat hit me as soon as the ground bridge closed behind us.

"I see why they call it Death Valley." I couldn't help but comment.

As many of you may know, Death Valley is the lowest point on Earth. As such, it's one of the hottest. Unfortunately, I underestimated how hot. Suddenly I was glad I did NOT dress in any dark colors and that I brought a hat. Otherwise, I would have really been done for.

"You think you're hot? Try being made of metal." Cliffjumper deadpanned.

"Oh wow." I couldn't help but say. I winced as I remembered metal really does get hot quick. "Let's find this energon and get out of here then."

"Good call. I'd rather not melt down into a scrapheap." Cliffjumper snorted.

Cliffjumper pulled an energon scanner from his subspace and turned it on. After booting up, the scanner started beeping and the signal showed up. Cliff grinned at me. "Let's find us some energon."

We walked in silence for a bit. Well, I rode on his shoulder but you get my point. The scanner was still beeping steadily, which meant we were on the right track. However, it seems we weren't getting close anytime soon. Sitting in silence would just not do.

"So Cliff, how did you join the Autobots?" I asked.

"Arcee's old partner Tailgate." Cliffjumper paused, probably remembering his fallen comrade. "He found me surrounded by 'Cons when I was just a neutral in the war. I was holding them off but it's only so much one 'Bot can do you know? He saved my tailpipe. He said I had the makings of an Autobot. And well, you see where I'm at now. May he rest in the well. If it wasn't for him, I'd probably be dead."

"Sorry to hear that." I said quietly. "How did Arcee take it?"

"She tried to shut everyone out, even me." Cliffjumper scoffed. "Anybody could see it wasn't healthy for her. She bottled all her emotions up, trying not to get close to anyone the way she did to Tailgate. That was practically her bestfriend, along with me of course. I couldn't just let her do it to herself but she shut me out. I guess it was either fate or pure dumb luck that we ended up stranded on Cybertron together before meeting up with Optimus. Finally managed to talk some sense into her and we've pretty much been partners ever since."

The episode "Out of the Past" popped into my head and I remembered it all clearly. Suddenly I was glad I decided to drag Nexus with me to save Cliff. Arcee deserved to be happy because in the show she really didn't open up much until Jack came along. I smiled slightly, glad I'd saved one of her forms of happiness.

"The way you talk about her," I smirked. "Sounds like you care about her a lot."

I felt Cliffjumper tense and I knew I was moving in the right direction. However, he played it off and turned to me with a raised optic ridge. "Just what are you implying Shayla?"

"That you care about her as a bit more than a friend and partner." My smirk grew.

Cliffjumper scoffed. "Arcee's not the type for relationships."

"So you do like her."

"I never said that."

"You never denied it either."

"But I...what...UGH! You're impossible." Cliffjumper scowled, his faceplate turning a pale shade of blue.

I grinned. "Is the infamous Cliffjumper blushing?!"

"I'm doing no such thing." Cliff's scowl deepened.

I laughed before a look of curiosity appeared on my face. "Why won't you tell her?"

Cliffjumper stared at me before sighing, deciding not to deny it anymore. "Like I said, Arcee's not one for relationships. She barely let me back in. I'm not about to ruin our friendship because of my own feelings."

I was prepared to argue back with whatever reason he came up with. But I couldn't argue back with this. He had a point and a good one. Arcee might have been a more happier version of herself but even though she didn't lose Cliff, she did lose Tailgate and that still caused her emotional damage. Who knows what would happen if Cliff admitted his feelings for her?

I simply sighed. "Love sucks."

"You said it kid." Cliff agreed. He then smirked evilly. I did not like that smirk. "So what's up with you and Nathan?"

My brain quickly registered that he was talking about Nexus and I raised an eyebrow. "Okay, now what are you talking about? Nathan is just a good friend."

Cliffjumper shook his helm. "I can guarantee you that you two will slowly gain feelings for each other. I know these things."

I shook my head. "You're delusional Cliffjumper."

Cliff was about to speak until the energon scanner started beeping rapidly. Both of our heads, or helm in his case, whipped around fast. In front of us was a pod. My heart dropped and I almost thought for a second that fate decided to be cruel and let us find the scraplet pod. But that thought was immediately shut down. The scraplets would have already escaped because they weren't frozen inside. Death Valley was the lowest and hottest point on Earth. The scraplets would have deserted the pod by now. But the question remains...

What's inside the pod then?

"A Cybertronian escape pod." Cliffjumper mumbled as he catiously approached it. "Shay, I'm going to need you to follow on foot in case things get hectic."

I nodded and hopped on his awaiting servo as he lowered me to the ground beside him. I made sure to keep close by. I held the straps on my backpack tightly, in case I needed to reach inside and grab the laser gun. After saving Cliff's life, I sort of deemed myself as his guardian angel. I refuse to let the show repeat itself. He WILL survive as long as I stand.

Cliff changed his servo into his blaster and approached the pod slowly. I stayed where I was. If something were to jump out of that pod, the last thing I wanted to do was burden Cliff with my safety. Especially since I was always so worried about his. He stopped a few feet from the pod and stood there, watching it. Suddenly there was a banging inside the pod. As if whatever was in there sensed Cliffjumper's presence. I imagined what could be inside.

It was not what I expected.

I heard a metallic roar and I watched as something small, but strong ripped through the pod and jumped towards Cliffjumper. Cliff reacted fast and moved out of the way.

"Shay, stay down!" Cliffjumper ordered.

I quickly dove behind a rock. I peeked above it to see what had jumped out of the pod. What I saw threw me for a complete loop.

"No way." I breathed.

In front of Cliffjumper with a look of hatred in his one, red, glowing optic was a metal tiger. He looked just like he did in Revenge of the Fallen. In front of us was Ravage and it looked like he wanted a meal. And Cliff was on the main menu.

"What's one of Soundwave's minions doing alone without his master?" Cliffjumper wondered aloud as he eyed Ravage carefully.

"Are you trying to summon Soundwave here?!" I almost screamed. Ravage's eye landed on me. "Oh scrap."

Ravage growled and leaped towards me. Cliff quickly intercepted but Ravage bit down on Clff's shoulder, causing him to yelp in pain and immediately grab the wound. Ravage slowly began to advance towards me and I slowly reached my hand towards my bag. Explaining to Cliff why I had a laser gun wouldn't be the most pleasant conversation but I'd also like to live another day, thank you very much. Just as I was about to pull out the gun, Cliff appeared in front of me and kicked Ravage away. He advanced on the metal tiger before he could recover and picked Ravage up by his tail. Ravage snarled and tried to escape but Cliffjumper was faster. Just as he was about to rip Ravage in two, I saw two VERY familiar purple tentacles appear behind him.

"CLIFF, WATCH OUT!" I screamed.

Cliff turned around just as Soundwave grabbed him and threw him away from Ravage. Cliffjumper skidded across the ground and groaned as he finally stopped. I ran over to him, forgetting about the two 'Cons. When I finally reached my guardian, Cliffjumper slowly turned his helm towards me. He winced. "That hurt like the pit."

"Ya think?" I snorted. "Can you fight?"

Cliffjumper nodded and slowly picked himself off the ground. "Next time Ratchet wants someone to go investigate things like this, I am so not accepting that offer."

Soundwave and Ravage stood a few feet in front of us. Ravage growled as he stood protectively in front of his master. I looked up at Cliffjumper, who looked like he was thinking about whether he wanted to retreat or fight.

"Doc bot, I need a bridge and fast." Cliffjumper said into his com-link, never taking his optics off of the two Decepticons. "Shay, when the bridge opens I want you to go through."

"What about you?" I narrowed my eyes.

"I'll be right behind you." Cliff said. When he saw the look on my face, he smiled. "I promise."

I nodded slowly. A plan was already forming in my head if things went to the pit. I looked up at Cliff and said, "Don't do anything stupid."

"Me? Stupid? Never." Cliffjumper laughed.

The bridge opened up. I quickly jumped in and ran through the bridge. However, I didn't go all the way through. I turned around to see that Soundwave had grabbed Cliff and now had him pinned on the ground. Cliff was struggling but it was no use. Ravage slowly climbed on Cliffjumper's chest. He raised one of his clawed paws above his spark. I made a split second decision. I grabbed my laser gun out of my bag and ran back towards Cliff. I did not save his life just to lose him again.

"LEAVE HIM ALONE!" I screamed as I let off a few rounds at Ravage's single eye.

My aim certainly has gotten better than the first time I used this thing. 3 out of 5 shots hit Ravage dead in his eye. The other two hit random parts on his body. All in all, it was enough to get him off of Cliff. I then fired at Soundwave's tentacles. They twitched and Soundwave was forced to loosen his grip.

"Get up!" I yelled at my guardian.

Cliff only let the surprise of me showing up guns blazing show for a quick moment before he flexed his arms and legs and quickly jumped up. He let off a few shots at the two 'Cons before running towards me.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH A LASER GUN?!" Cliffjumper yelled as he picked me up and ran towards the ground bridge.

"I'll explain later." I promised with a sigh. "Don't tell a SOUL!"

"This better be worth it." Cliff grumbled as we ran through the bridge.

Once we made it through the other side, we were greeted with the sight of the 'Bots hooked up to various medical equipment, a few scraplets lying around dead, and Jack, Miko, Raf, Ice, and Nexus keeping an eye on everyone's vitals.

"What happened?" Cliffjumper shook his helm.

"Scarplets happened." Bulkhead shuddered. Even though the scraplets were long gone, I knew that the sight of them probably was still giving him the creeps.

"Guess it was a good thing me and Shay were sent after another signal then." Cliff winced, no doubt imagining himself being overrun by scraplets.

"Speaking of that, what did you find?" Ratchet asked.

"Ravage." Cliffjumper said before grumbling, "Irritating metal tiger."

"Ravage?!" Ratchet whipped his helm around fast. "That's the most vicious out of all of the minibots Soundwave has!"

"Excuse me." Ice face palmed. "But did you say a metal TIGER? Seriously? Who made you guys?!"

Ignoring Ice, Ratchet continued, "If Ravage crash landed, then that means Soundwave may have more minicons en route to Earth."

"What makes you say that?" Jack asked.

"All minibots have a connection with their master." Arcee explained to her charge. "If Ravage was drawn here, there's a chance his 'brothers' aren't far behind."

"From what I've heard, Soundwave only has three more online: the twins Rumble and Frenzy and the final one, Ratbat." Ratchet added.

"Let me guess. Ratbat turns into a metal bat?" Miko raised an eyebrow.

Bulkhead nodded. "Yup. The guy is the most conniving out of all his minibots. As for Frenzy and Rumble, I heard they're known for being pranksters more so than warriors."

Cliffjumper coughed. "Back to what I was saying, since you all are clearly good at getting sidetracked, Soundwave appeared to pick up his pet. The guy had me pinned and Ravage was just about ready to tear out my spark chamber." Arcee's optics widened at this part. "I'm pretty grateful that Shayla here seems to be a lot like me and came back through the ground bridge I'd sent her through, for her safety of course, and saved my tailpipe. Distraction seems to be a strong suit of hers."

"You flatter me." I said dryly.

"Seems like getting him out of trouble is becoming your job instead of mine." Arcee smirked.

I scoffed. "I hope not. The guy's a handful."

Everybody laughed while Cliffjumper yelled an indignant "HEY!".


Cliffjumper pulled into Nexus and I's driveway. Nexus got out of the car before turning to me and raising an eyebrow. "Are you coming?"

"I'll be there in a second." I reassured him. "Just want to talk to Cliff about something."

Nexus gave me a look before shaking his head. "I'll just leave the door unlocked then." He walked inside the house.

After making sure he was gone, Cliffjumper said, "I believe an explanation is in order."

I sighed before launching into the story. Them being nothing more than a TV show in my dimension, Nexus coming in to my bedroom, us getting transported him, saving Cliff from death. I left out the part about me being the key for Cybertron. Knowing that one of the thirteen is among us was probably blowing his processor already. By the time I was finished, I felt like a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I realized just how badly I'd been wanting to tell Cliff the truth. The guy is growing on me.

"Wow." was all Cliff could say when I finished.

I chuckled. "Wow indeed."

"You helped me cheat death." Cliffjumper sounded touched. I had a feeling that part would stand out more than everything else in the story, besides "Nathan" actually being Nexus Prime. "Shayla, I can't even explain how that feels. You saved my life, risking this whole timeline situation because you wanted me to live."

"I followed my heart." I said quietly. "You deserved to live Cliffjumper. I only did what I thought was right."

"I owe you my life. Literally." Cliff said, tightening the seat belt around me in some sort of hug. I patted his dashboard affectionately. "Wow, now I see why you worry about me in the field so much."

"You were supposed to die. I wonder if that was just bad luck or if it was really supposed to happen." I stated. "Who knows if fate would try and take you away from us in a different way?"

"I'm not going anywhere Shay." Cliff said softly. "I promise."

I smiled. "I'll hold you to that." Then a look of horror crossed my face. "Oh no."

"What?" Cliff's voice became worried instantly.

"When Nexus finds out I told you, he's going to freak."

And that my lovely readers is another awesome chapter of Opposites Attract! I really plan on developing Shay and Cliff's relationship through this story. I love how it's coming together. That's why in this chapter I really liked how their bond seems to grow. I like to think that after saving his life, Shay would take a liking to him more than the other kids did with their guardians. With Shay and Cliff, things are so much more personal and I, only with you, am ready to see how this goes. Shadow Katakura out!