Hey everyone! I'm back with chapter 12! Big thanks to grapejuice101 for the new title image I have up for this story. I really love it!

Hope you all enjoy this chapter!


Transformers Animated: Different Angle

Chapter 12: Out of the Frying Pan...

Disclaimer: I don't own Transformers Animated.


(Third POV)

(Detroit)

Standing in the huge doorway of the base looking out at the city, Optimus waits for Ratchet to give him the report on Prowl. As he stares at the view, he soon finds himself thinking about the two new bots. Ever since the encounter with the two mysterious neutrals, he couldn't stop asking himself where they came from or why they are here. He remembers his history lesson on the Great War, on how some neutrals were shunned or eradicated (more so with the cons on that last one) for leaving their faction. It feels strange for him to see two in person. And yet the triple changer said she isn't one, nor autobot or decepticon. This only confuses him more. He also recalls Bulkhead telling him the smaller one had the AllSpark fragment on her when they found her.

Could that be the reason why they are here? Optimus asks himself, to hunt down the fragments?

It's not long until Ratchet walks up to him from behind, cleaning his servos off with a rag.

"Prowl will be alright," Ratchet reports, "a little rest and he should be good as new."

"Thank the AllSpark," the prime says, releasing a vent of relief, "that was quite the fight we had today."

"The Decepticons have been very busy lately," Ratchet says, "and that's never a good sign."

"At least we had some help this time, otherwise it could have been a lot worse," Prime says.

"I gotta admit, seeing those neutrals today was a surprise."

"I agree. Though there's something strange about them," Optimus says. "I just wish I knew what."

"Do you think they could really be working with the cons?" Ratchet asks him.

"I don't think so," Optimus says, "even if they are, I doubt they're a threat."

"We still need to be careful, Prime," Ratchet warns him, "Neutrals or not, we don't know why they're here."

"That's another thing that confuses me, Ratchet," Prime says, looking at the old medic, "they have no faction but the triple changer claims not to be neutral. If they're not, then what are they?"

"She was probably just trying to throw you off, Prime. Either you have a faction or you don't. It's just that simple."

Optimus goes back to thinking on Cybertron's history. "I thought all neutrals were wiped out during the Great War?"

Ratchet lets out a vent. "The war hit everybot hard, especially those who wanted no part in it. It's a tough choice when one decides to leave their faction. Even without the war going on, one would need to know how to survive out in the universe. Judging by how young those two are, I'd say they turned in their decals not too long ago."

Optimus thinks for a moment. "From what Bulkhead said, the smaller one had the allspark fragment on her when they found her. They must be here to hunt down the fragments. But what use could those fragments be to a couple of neutrals?"

"Even with the AllSpark dispersed, each fragment still contains its power. They could be after them for a number of reasons," Ratchet explains. "And whatever it is, I doubt they want us to know."

"The way they took off today, it's not hard to tell they didn't want to stick around to tell us," Prime says.

"Normal for bots who are trying to hide something," Ratchet points out.

"And yet they still helped us in a way, though they probably did it just to get the fragment. Still, they did save Bumblebee and Sari the other day."

"Well, whatever it is they're up to, I'm sure we'll run into them again soon," Ratchet says.

Both turn their attention to the sound of heavy footsteps walking towards them, seeing Bulkhead with a confused look on his face. "Have either of you seen Bumblebee and Sari?"


(Elsewhere)

(Jacy's POV)

I wait about an hour or so until Starscream dozes off into recharge. Once I'm sure he's out, I step out from behind my hiding place, daring not to make a sound. He continues snoring as I quietly make my way towards the computers, glancing back to make sure he's really sleeping and not sneaking up behind me. Once I get to the computers, I let out a vent of relief. At the same time, I feel defeated.

This is stupid! There's no way I will be able to find the fragments with him in here. I have to get out here before he wakes up.

"Who are you?"

I shriek, quickly covering my mouth as I turn around. When I see who it is, I freeze. There inside a containment grid, set with computers, is a small pudgy man of Indian decent with black hair with a white streak in it, a black moustache and is wearing a pale green coat with black gloves, black pants and shoes, and a black belt with pockets attached. Immediately I recognize him.

Professor Sumdac! How did I forget about him?!

I look back to see Starscream adjusting in the throne before resuming his snoring. I vent in relief as I turn to look at the professor again, putting my digit to my lips to tell him to be quiet. I can't help but notice how tired he looks as he looks back up at me, unsure if I'm a friend or not.

"It's okay," I say, keeping my voice low, "I'm one of the good guys."

"Are you an autobot?"

"Uh... no. But I am on their side," I tell him.

Hey, maybe he might know where the fragments are!

"Hey, maybe you can help me," I say, "Any chance do you know where Megatron keeps any AllSpark fragments?"

He looks at me with a puzzled face, "yes, but why...". His eyes then widen in horror, "No, you mustn't. If you value your life, don't do what I think you're going to do. I don't know why you want them but forget it. If Megatron catches you, he will show no mercy."

"Believe me, stealing is one of the last things I want to do," I tell him, "but right now I'm kinda desperate. I really need them, and I've come this far already. But I can't do this alone."

"Then why are you here by yourself?" he asks, "if you're with the Autobots, why didn't you ask them for help?"

I bite my bottom lip, "it's... complicated."

He frowns at me. "How do I know this isn't a trick? How do I know you're not really one of Megatron's minions trying to test me?"

I get why he's asking me this. Megatron did convince him he was an autobot, only to show his true colours when he was able to get his body back.

"I understand why you question me, and all I got is my word. But I really do need your help."

He looks at me, unsure.

I let out a vent. "Look, the truth is... I need those fragments so me and my friend can go back home. I don't know how or if they will work, but they are our only chance right now." I look at him pleadingly, "please, do you know where they are?"

I watch as his face softens. He lets out a sigh. "I understand. I too know what it is like to want to go home." He then points to the other side of the room. "Megatron keeps them in a safe room down that corridor. At least I assume. He always takes them there once the others bring them to him."

I look over, trying to see through the dark. Sure enough, I see a corridor entrance on the other side.

"It will most likely have a mechanical combination lock," he says, "what you will have to do is remove the panel around the lock and disconnect the ..."

"Or..." I interrupt, "I can let you out so you can help me disable it."

His eyes go wide. "But, if the others come back and find me missing, then we'll both be in trouble!"

"Please, I won't be able to remember how to do it and I can't just run back and forth to ask you which wire to cut."

He looks away, looking very worried. I study the inside of the containment grid. I see no bed inside, just computers and a chair. I'm curious as to what they've been feeding him as I look back down at the professor. Besides looking very tired, he looks very pale and scared.

He thinks for a moment then looks back up at me. "Then I only ask for one thing in return. Do you promise to free me once this is all done?"

I'm hesitant at this request, thinking about the changes that have happened so far.

I know he will reunite with the autobots and Sari later in the series, but if I do manage to get the fragments, what if the cons find out he helped? I know they need him alive as long as he's useful, but still. He cant stay here.

But if I do get him out of here, the time line will be messed up even more. Who knows what will happen. What if it takes a turn for the worse for the autobots?

Hesitantly, I nod. "I promise."

He nods in return. "Alright. There's a button on the console that should release me from this containment unit."

I walk over towards the console, peaking back at the throne to make sure Starscream is still snoozing. Sure enough, he's still there snoring away. I really hope he's a heavy sleeper.

I look down at the console, seeing many buttons spread out across. "Which button?" I ask him.

"The red one," Sumdac says.

Releasing a big vent, I push the button. The containment grid releases a hissing noise as the glass raises up. I cringe at the noise, looking back to see Starscream starting to move.

Scrap!

I immediately duck down, peaking around to see if he'll wake up. All he does his adjust himself again and goes back to recharge.

Sheesh! I bet a herd of elephants would run right by with a monkey banging two cymbals together and he'd still be sleeping!

I walk towards the professor. First thing I notice is the smell, noting he hasn't showered in probably weeks. I extend my servo out to him. He's hesitant at first, but willingly sits in my servo.

Lifting him up, I make my way towards the corridor and enter. It's a bit of a walk, but I eventually approach a big heavy door, a mechanical lock on the right side of it.

"This must be it," I say.

"We must hurry," Sumdac reminds me.

I carefully remove the panel for him with my free servo before bringing the professor up to the wiring. I watch as he pulls out some tools from his pouches and gets to work. Glad he knows reverse engineering. I keep an eye out while he works, my spark beating loudly in my audio receptors from anxiety. I can't help but think someone is going to come walking around the corner and see us.

After a while, I hear a few beeping sounds coming from the lock.

"That should do it," Sumdac says, putting his tools away.

Pressing a button, we both watch as the door slides open, allowing us entrance. Taking a vent, I look inside. Immediately my optics lock onto what it is I came here for.

Only, I don't just see two. There's more.

Like, 12 more.

"What?" I ask in disbelief.

"Well, what are you waiting for?" Sumdac asks me, "aren't they what you came here for?"

"Yeah," I say, "but... I wasn't expecting this many."

Seriously, the cons didn't have this many on the show! Where did they get all of these ones? I walk inside, staring in awe and confusion at the glowing fragments lined up in two rows on the stand.

"Megatron has been keeping the others busy with hunting down these fragments plus finding materials for the space bridge," Sumdac explains. "Airstrike has been very meticulous in collecting these."

My brain stops for a moment. "Wait... who?!" I blurt out the question.

"Airstrike," Sumdac says, "she's Megatron's intelligence officer, and is very good at what she does. To be honest, she's probably the most dangerous out of all of them, besides Megatron of course."

I start shaking as my mind races. I don't remember there being any decepticon by the name Airstrike on the show. I honestly feel like I'm going to freak out. Why are all these changes happening?!

I walk towards the fragments. Shaking, I reach down to grab a couple, only to stop myself as my servo hovers over them.

What if Kylie's right? Are we here because of these changes?

"And what do we have here?"

The energon or whatever that is running through my systems just turned cold as I frantically turn around, seeing Starscream standing there in the doorway with his nullray pointing at me. If I could, I'd be breaking out in a cold sweat right now as I fearfully take a step back. I can feel Sumdac trembling in my servo as I hold him close to me.

Starscream laughs. "Well isn't this convenient. Megatron gave the orders for your capture, and here you are."

Orders for my capture?!

He tsks at me. "And trying to steal our fragments. Let me guess, the autobots didn't want to get their hands dirty so they sent the neutral to take the fragments for them?" He looks down at the professor and frowns. "And it appears you have forgotten who you're suppose to be working for, Professor. Perhaps a reminder should jog your memory." He says, flexing his sharp digits.

I pull the professor back, putting on a brave face. "Back off!" I warn.

Starscream lifts an optical ridge at me and smirks. "Or what?"

I drop my brave face, knowing that my warning is nothing but empty words. I try to remember any self defense technique that might help, but I can't. I doubt anything I try will take him down.

I feel helpless.

Starscream lets out a chuckle. "I thought so. You're nothing but a weakling. A pitiful, timid, poor excuse of a thief," he says before motioning his blaster, "now be a smart femme, and come quietly."

Having no choice, besides death, I do as he says. I make my way towards the entrance, still holding onto the professor as Starscream keeps his weapon on me.

"Where is your little friend?" he asks, now behind me. I can feel the warmth of his null ray near the back of my helm. "Is she snooping around here too?"

I stop. "She's not here. It's just me." I tell him.

"Is that so," he says, "well, I suppose once you're settled in, I shall go and retrieve her."

Optics wide in fear, I turn around, not caring that I have a null ray inches away from my face. "What?! No! I was the one that broke in here! She has nothing to do with this!"

He grins maliciously at me. "Which makes it the perfect punishment," he says with much amusement in his voice, "the guilt you will feel when I torture her right in front of you. You hearing her painful cries for mercy as I slowly tear her apart. All the pain she will go through, will be all because of you."

I can't tell if it's fear or anger as I feel something building up inside of me as he laughs. Next thing I know, my arm shoots up, releasing a blast that sends Starscream flying back all the way to the other side of the safe room. He knocks over the stand with the fragments, scattering them all over the ground.

I'm stunned by this as my servos shift back to normal, remembering the same thing happened back at the scrapyard. But how did I even do that?!

Starscream gets back up and furiously charges at me. Frantically, I press a button on the panel hanging by wires, sealing the door shut in front of him before he can reach us. I rip the panel out and toss it aside before taking off with the professor, hearing Starscream banging hard on the door while cursing at me.

That door won't hold him for long.

I no longer care about getting the fragments. Now my goal is to get out of here alive! This was such a stupid mistake!

I try picking up the pace as I turn a corner, only to freeze in my tracks when I see Blitzwing at the other end of the corridor carrying construction materials. He's shocked for a moment before dropping the supplies to the ground and begins firing his cannons at me, his hothead personality in control. I let out a scream as I quickly turn back the other way, ducking as the blasts hit the rock wall. I hear a loud cracking sound, making me look back to see the rock cracking from where the blast hit.

"Slag!" I exclaim as the crack forms over my head. I run as fast as I can as the rock caves in right behind me. I feel a rock hit me on the back, causing me to fall forward. Soon as I hit the ground, I loose my grip on Sumdac, sending him tumbling forward and out of my reach. I cover my helm, trying to see if I can spot the professor as rocks keep falling around me. Once the rocks stop, I look back to see a lot of the rocks have completely blocked the path, though I doubt it will be long for Blitzwing digs his way through.

I look around me. "Sumdac?!" I call out. I see a lot of rocks around me, making me fear the worse.

"Im over here!" I hear. I look over and see a small arm waving at me as it sticks out of a small gap between a couple of large rocks. "I can't get out!"

I get up to help him, but stop, my thoughts consuming my head.

If I do get him out of here, will it make the time line worse? There's already so many changes happening. Should I even risk it?

I hear digging already happening on the other side of the pile. I want to keep running and not look back, but I can't move. I feel my spark tugging, telling me to help Sumdac. My mind keeps trying to fight back, but my spark won't listen. I don't know what to do.

"Please!"

Oh for Pete's sake, I can't just leave him here!

Giving in, I rush over to help the professor. "Hang on. I'll get you out," I tell him. Hearing Blitzwing getting closer, I shove the rocks away, seeing Sumdac covered in dirt, but still in one piece. I scoop him up, just as I hear the sound of rocks tumbling from the pile. I look over to see a hole forming at the top corner, my armour leaping off me when I see the random face of Blitzwing popping up from the other side.

"Heeere's Blitzwing! Ahahaha!" he laughs. I take off running as he keeps laughing, hearing him making his way through the rocks.

I soon find myself back in the large area. I frantically look around, trying to remember which corridor leads to the way out. Seeing one that looks familiar, I bolt for it, just wanting to get out of here as fast as possible. It's only a matter of time before Blitzwing catches up and Starscream gets out. And if Blitzwing is here, Lugnut mustn't be too far away.

I keep running, glad that my optics have adjusted in the dark tunnel. I soon feel relief as I see the night sky not too far away at the mouth of the cave. I skid to a halt, stopping before I go over the cliff edge. At this point, I'm venting heavily, trying to not let my anxiety get the better of me.

I place Sumdac on my shoulder. "I need you to hang on," I tell him.

He looks down at the drop and gulps. "Oh dear."

Not wasting any time, I start climbing down. I hear the sound of running footsteps approaching from within the tunnel, making me go faster. Just then I lose my grip. I shriek as I try to regain it, only for Sumdac to lose his grip on me. My optics widen in fear when I see him falling.

"No!" I shout as I let go of the wall. I hear Sumdac's cry as I dive straight for him, worrying that I wont be able to catch him in time. Thankfully, I reach him and wrap my servo around the smaller being. At this point, I know I have to bite the bullet.

"Please work, please work," I pray as I try to turn on my thrusters. I see the ground coming fast as I keep trying. I'm about to brace for impact until my thrusters give a little burst, stopping my fall. However this only works for a couple seconds as I find myself falling again, this time not so high up. I land on my back with a thud. I groan in pain as I open my servo to make sure Sumdac is okay.

"Are you okay?" I ask him.

He nods shakenly. "Thank you," he says.

Knowing we're not completely out of the woods yet (no pun intended), I quickly roll over. "We still need to keep moving," I tell the professor as I set him down before painfully transforming into my truck mode. I drive off just after he hops into my passenger side. I go straight towards the trees, hoping they will hide me better from the flyers. I try pushing myself, trying to get out of the opening as fast as I can.

We can make it, we can...

Just then a blast of ice shoots down right beside me, then another on the other side. I start to panic, still going for the trees. I look through my rear view mirror to see Blitzwing approaching in jet mode, fast! I make a hard turn as he transforms, keeping him from grabbing my wing. I drive through the trees, though it's not long until I hear the sound of a tank coming up from behind me.

I won't be able to shake him off! I can't go back to the cave! I remember what Starscream said to me. Kylie's not safe. Starscream will go after her as well.

I'm able to get way ahead of Blitzwing, though its a small victory. I keep driving until I come across a familiar path. I stop and open my door.

"Get out," I tell Sumdac.

He does. Once he's out, I continue. "He's going to keep coming for me. Head down this path, you should stumble upon a cave. There's a bot there name Kylie who can get you to the city. Tell her to take you straight to the autobots and that she must stay with them. Tell her Jacy sent you."

"But..."

"Go!"

He's hesitant for a second before he takes off into the trees. I drive off the other way, hoping Blitzwing will follow my trail. Though now that I'm alone, I'm more scared then I was before. I'm on my own with no one here to help me.

Its not long until I see a tank in my rear view mirror.

"Get back here so I can pulverize jou!" I hear his hothead voice yell.

This only makes me go faster as I put pedal to the metal, relying on pure adrenaline to keep me going. I lose my sense of direction, only focusing on not getting caught. It's not until I see sky up ahead that I slam on my brakes in a panic, skidding to a stop a few inches away from a huge drop off.

Oh great! Another cliff! Really?!

I transform, peering down at the fall below me. Immediately I feel dizzy as I back away, ready to change course. A loud sound makes me jump, causing me to turn around to see the tank come charging through the trees towards me. He stops, transforming into his bot mode about 20 feet away from where I'm standing. I feel myself shrinking in fear as his hothead face glares at me. I take a few steps back, taking another look at the cliff edge. I can try to fly, but I wouldn't get far. He'd shoot me out of the sky like a duck. I look back at Blitzwing, my optics widening in horror as he aims his cannons at me, charging them up at full blast.

Scrap! I'm gonna die!


Elsewhere)

"Jacy? You here?!" Kylie shouts out as she walks through the wood. She lost the trail a little while back and is now walking blindly, keeping Waldorf close by her in hopes he might help lead her to Jacy. Unfortunately, the tired dog starts slowing down, very much wanting to turn in for the night.

Kylie stops and looks at her companion. "Come on, boy. We can't give up now."

He takes a few more steps, let's out a yawn, and flops down on the ground, fast asleep.

This makes Kylie feel bad, realizing she pushed him a little too hard. "Aww, sorry Waldorf." She scoops the sleeping dog up in her servo, making sure he's comfortable as he starts snoring.

Holding Waldorf close, she keeps walking, her headlights shining on the somewhat path she's walking down. She cant help but shiver. Even though it's not storming out, she still feels uneasy walking in the woods at night. At least she has Waldorf with her. Even though he's sleeping at the moment.

However, it still doesn't stop her from jumping at every sound she hears.

"Eep!" she shrieks as she hears the sound of a stick snapping, followed by the sound of something running away. She lets out a shaky vent. "Must have been a deer," she laughs to herself. After a bit more walking, she lets out a vent. "Well, she's not around here. Let's try out that other path." She looks down at Waldorf, remembering he's now sleeping. "Oh, right."

She turns around and walks the other way. She makes it about fifteen steps until she hears the sound of another twig snapping. She jumps and turns around, scanning the area around her as she starts backing away. After a while, she brushes it off and turns back the other way... only to find herself staring back at a face.

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"


Dun dun DAAAAAA! Lol! Hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Hopefully I will update chapter 13 soon. Thumbs up to those who can guess what the next chapter's called lol.

Also I'm debating if I should do a second story. Thinking I kinda want to do a prime verse one. Should I do a second story?

Until next time. Merry Christmas everyone! Hope you all have a good one. God bless!