Howdy! I apologize for this being soooo late coming up! However its really long and action packed so I "hope" you can let the delay slide. Ok enjoy the chapter!

XII.

*Medic Lab*

"A gun?" Eric stated. He rolled his eyes clearly unimpressed. Destiny bit her bottom lip and looked over to her left, glaring at him coldly. She brought Eric here to show him her work. Not to be criticized. Destiny slammed the clip into the holder of the Semi Automatic Beretta 92 handgun roughly as the noise carried along the walls. She had told him the on the way there that the outside weapon wasn't the discovery but the inside, he obviously didn't pay attention. Probably too busy thinking about what the weapon was and less time paying attention to her telling him about it. How ironic. Eric snorted loudly saying "You brought me all the way down her just to show me some old has been weapon?"

She pointed the gun at him with her left hand saying "Humans can still be shot by this old has been you know."

"Ok take it easy." Eric replied nervously. He was holding his hands up in the old time western movies showing he was surrendering. Destiny made a tsking noise at him and brought the gun down by her side saying easy "Relax man, I wasn't going to shoot you. I just wanted to prove a point."

"And that is a woman can still get a man to do anything they want as long as they shove a loaded gun in his face?" Eric wise cracked lowering his arms. Destiny rolled her eyes at the comment and slapped him half heartedly. Eric mimicked being wounded by holding his right arm but Destiny gave him a look. She went stern saying slowly "To prove that guns can still be a real threat."

Eric actually chuckled at that then pointed out to the nearest side window. He shrugged his shoulders saying "Haven't you noticed? The creatures outside our bedroom doors aren't scared by those."

"They will after I'm done." Destiny replied smirking secretively. Eric raised his eyebrows curiously at her as Destiny walked to the other side of the room. A large sheet of metal, the size of what most toaster ovens were, was held in midair by a pedestal. She stood two feet from it and raised the Beretta 92 handgun slowly. Destiny did a side glance at Eric, smiling playfully, and said "You might want to cover your ears. This could be a little too much noise for you, cowboy."

Eric squinted his eyes frowning at her from the wise crack about the "hold up" he had used when threatened to be shot. He had a funny feeling he wasn't going to live that down anytime soon. Especially if Destiny told the others, which seemed pretty much inevitable. Still he crossed his arms with stubborn attitude saying "I can handle it."

Destiny didn't reply but he could see a grin on her face. She thought it was so funny when he got stubborn. That only annoyed him more, making him more stubborn. A cycle that just kept on going and going once it started. Eric then wanted to grin at himself from remembering an old add from a battery commercial. Then Destiny's grin disappeared and her face held only a serious attitude. She held up the gun higher, got on her target, and fired once. Eric jumped slightly from the noise, seeming to recall how much quieter those use to be when he was around them. Destiny stole a side glance smirk in a *I Told You so* fashion and Eric pursed his lips. That girl just drove him crazy sometimes. He wanted to say a retort back but caught a glimpse of the metal sheet. Eric's eyes froze on the metal and his mouth hung partly open.

An inch wide bullet hole was positioned proudly… dead center! Eric took slow steps to the metal and stared at it. Then when he was only inches away from the square sheet he put his finger over the hole and felt it. He gawked over at Destiny breathing "How?"

"Like I tried to tell you, the gun wasn't what I wanted to show you." Destiny replied a huge grin plastered on her face. She tilted the gun on its side and slide out the clip carefully. Then Destiny held it upside down on her palm and tapped it lightly. Soon 9x19mm bullets like nothing Eric had ever seen before rolled on her palm. Eric took two huge steps and laid his eyes on them more closely. They seemed to shine much more than regular bullets. They also looked much more deadly. Destiny looked up at him saying proudly "I was able to design bullets totally out of Adamantium."

"That's impossible." Eric stated. It sounded like it was accusing but ended up a question. Destiny shrugged her shoulders saying "Not really. I hunted down the moldings for them, heated the metal till it was a liquid, placed it in the molds and after three hours popped out the bullets."

Eric didn't know what to say next. The procedure was so simple. Why didn't they think of it? Yea like terrified teenagers in the middle of a blood bath be able to logically think up something like this. Guns had not worked the first time so what made the teens think it would with different bullets? They were too busy picking up the pieces of their shattered lives. After Sari discovered Adamantium could kill the Pack, the teenagers had logically thought that the new metal could only work in direct contact, skin to metal. Now that things had calmed down tremendously, with Sari still skeptical, the young minds had been left to their own ideas. Time and study did the rest.

"What's the metal you used?" Eric asked with a conversational tone. He never imagined or believed the next thing that came out of Destiny's mouth. She smiled and looked down at the bullets, pushing them into the clip. As Destiny put the clip back on the gun she said quietly "That's the best part. It's sanitized, once side shoulder blade plating, of a dead Pack dog."

She looked up to see Eric go pale white and begin to shake. Destiny grabbed his elbow afraid he might collapse. She had nothing to be concerned about. Eric was just so astonished about the discovery he was frozen in time. The shaking of his body was one of excitement, not fear. His pale features was from all the imaginings of seeing his once proud planet back to it's normal self. A few minutes ago that had only been a pleasant dream. Now it was a cold, hard, possible reality. Eric took her by the elbows breathing out "So what your saying is true….then these bullets could successfully….hurt a Pack dog?"

"Not just hurt…but murder the bloody thing." Destiny stated forcefully. Her eyes blazed with a anger Eric had never seen in her before. She looked like she had only done this for one purpose…revenge. For who or what remand a mystery. Eric let go of her quickly and put his hand on the backside of his neck, rubbing it while shaking his head. He walked away from her and turned to face the metal with the bullet hole sliced through it's middle. Destiny jumped slightly then Eric clapped his hands suddenly and he laughed close to hysterics shouting "Do you know what this means? We finally found a way to get rid of them! For GOOD!"

He turned on his heels and sent a squeak noise in reply from his shoes on the tile floor. Eric pointed a finger at Destiny asking rapidly "How much rounds can one clip hold?"

"Since Adamantium is in such short supply, the cartridge only holds ten rounds." Destiny answered. She tried to sound calm but the excitement was catching in her as well. The weight of what this invention meant for her people was astounding and just beginning to seep into her mind.

Eric put his right hand over his mouth and paced the floor. Some may have said that was so little but to Eric it meant a lot. Ten bullets. Ten chances and if fired perfectly each time

Ten dead members of the Pack.

There was what, possibly a hundred Pack dogs? Even if the psycho creatures tried to multiply to keep up with the new threat, it would only take ten skilled hunters, with ten loaded guns, and the rest was simple mathematics. The damaged could be done and how many fighters did they have that could remembered to handle a gun? Over fifty. Then if those fifty could train others to handle the new weapons, for example six trainees for one hunter…Eric felt a wave of dizziness from the possibilities. We'll over three hundred people ready to end this destruction, this new way of life. Then what Pack was left, somehow by strange circumstances evading the shower of bullets directed their way, the rest of the skilled hunters could finish them off by using the old technique from the past three years. Finally, as a past Decepticon spy once put, the Pack "Would only be a skid mark on the data files.".

Defeated.

Eric shook his head from the possibilities rushing into his head. He stopped midstep and looked up in a flash. Destiny watched him point a finger again stating "We have to tell Sari and Riana."

She nodded in agreement and went to follow him out the door. Suddenly she remembered something and pulled on Erics right elbow, pulling him back. Destiny made a frustrated sound as she said "We can't! I just remembered. Sari's out patrolling and Riana took Prowl with her to some secret place the Pack hasn't discovered yet."

"Slag." Eric said curtly, stomping his foot. Destiny slapped him on the up side of the head saying "Don't use that kind of language. Abby could hear you!"

Eric mumbled out a sorry rubbing his head to soothe the last hit sight, that was hurting his pride more than skin. Destiny rolled her eyes from his sullen attitude but tried to think up a solution. She put her fingers under her chin in thought saying

"If we wanted to you and I could try to find them. Possibly contact them on the comlink and leave Abby in the capable hands of Optimus…"

"Ok then let's go!" Eric interrupted excited. He went to run out of the lab again as Destiny reached out. She was able to grab his belt looped around his faded jeans and drag him back.

"Hold on a second cowboy." Destiny stated humorously. She pulled him successfully back but he accidently was a little close. Destiny had not seen this yet adding

"I already promised Abby that I would take her to a play center. Plus our plan won't work."

"Why not?" Eric replied impatiently. Destiny tried to appeal to his common sense and ignore the closeness between them she had suddenly noticed. She only succeeded in an awkward silence and hiding a blush. Eric noticed this and gave her a weird look before hiding a deep red color on his cheeks. Destiny quickly tried to dissipate the feelings going on and try to concentrate on the problem at hand saying "Here's the thing. It would take us hours to find them and even then they may get back to the Base before we go out to search for them."

"So…what are we suppose to do?" Eric asked stepping a little away from her. Destiny could tell he was still hiding a blush but continued on her reasoning by stating "What we need to do is simple. Call Sari on the Comlink, Riana too and tell them the discovery of Adamantium bullets. That way they come to us and save many hours of useless searching."

"Ok, I get it…good idea." Eric answered nodding his head slightly at to her.

Wait, Destiny!" Eric half shouted unsure. She faced him and saw he brushed his hair back nervously while shifting uncomfortably in place. Destiny gazed at him with soft eyes saying softly "Yeah Eric?"

"Do you ever think…..maybe, when all of this is…over….we could.." Eric stuttered rubbing his neck instead of hair. Destiny put her hands shlyly together but replied determined "Could what?"

"Um….ah slag!" Eric half shouted in frustration. He neared Destiny and looked down pleading at her. She could smell the little colon he was wearing and the smell was intoxicating. Eric gazed deep into her eyes saying slowly "Do you ever think about…us?"

"In what way?" Destiny asked hiding her excitement. However he cheeks paled slightly and her eyes glanced up at Eric hopefully. He seemed even more nervous from the looks she was giving and went to ask….

"What are you guys doing?" Abby's giggly voice came from behind. Eric and Destiny both jumped looking wide eyed to the front entrance. They both saw a giggly Abigial, hands over mouth, making a silly smile. Destiny moved quickly away from Eric to Abby as an awkward silence crept into the room.

"Nothing, we were just…" Eric blubbered trying to think up a reason for their closeness. Destiny must have come up with something because she interrupted quickly "I was just showing Eric my new invention and he just came up to see it."

"Oh uh..yea right!" Eric replied shaking his guilt feelings and raising his voice a little louder. Both older teens held their breath as Abigail gave them a suspicious look over. She held her hands to her hips and eyes Eric then Destiny. Finally she shrugged her shoulders, probably still not sure of their answer but knowing she was not going to get one yet, and asked "So? Are we going to the park or not?"

"Yes we are Abby." Destiny replied patiently. Abby frowned at her asking suspiciously "When?"

"Right now. Look I'm heading out the door." Destiny answered and did what she spoke, walking to the front entrance to the lab. Abby broke out into a huge smile, forgetting the last awkward scene she had helped create, and ran out the door ahead of Destiny. She waved a quick goodbye to Eric who grinned tenderly at the closest little sister he would ever get. Destiny stayed behind and glanced at Eric shyly. He coughed a little and cleared his throat. Eric had no idea what to say next, especially after what….almost happened. He loved Abigail deeply but the girl was a pro at bad timing. Eric looked up to see Destiny turned to leave and bit back a hurt feeling. It wasn't like they were close…they barely knew each other. She was a fighter, he was healer, Eric didn't see anything in common but losing someone they cared for. Still that little connection was shared by more than two thirds of the camp.

Suddenly Destiny stopped from the front door and leaned on the hinges. Eric looked at her concerned but she turned to him, face pale. She came up so quickly that he had no time to ask what was wrong. Destiny then gazed up at dark green eyes and leaned upward. She placed a soft kiss onto his cheek and Eric was happy for the table next to him. That was the only thing holding him up.

"To answer your question I do think of us…" Destiny whispered in his ear. She gazed into his eyes with a mischief twinkle in them adding "More than you know."

"So do…" Eric went to answer but Abby's irritated voice called out for Destiny. For the first time Eric had met Destiny, she seemed annoyed at Abby. She let out a gruff sigh answering "I'll be there in a second!"

She turned to him and smiled sheepishly. Eric nodded already knowing what she was wanting and said quietly "We'll talk later."

"Sounds good." Destiny whispered shyness overcoming her body. She turned and jogged out of the lab just as Abby called out irritably once again.

Eric watched her go and heard the door close softly. He then glanced back at the metal plating and stared with solemn eyes at the gaping hole. Eric didn't know if he should laugh or cry. This chaos, this destruction,….was on the verge of being over. And something much more enjoyable was beginning to take root everywhere he went…love. Eric did decide on a smirk, his eyes holding a deep sadness saying quietly "Took long enough."

Eric stood like that for nearly an hour and let his mind catch up. He turned to leave just as a grumpy voice of "Eric! Professor and I need you in here!"

Eric chuckled thinking "Right on cue."

*On the Outskirts of Detroit*

"Fascinating!" Prowl spoke in total awe. He was in his hologram but had managed something a little more "appropriate" for his age. Prowl was about 6'2 with the looks of a twenty five year old. His blue razor was replaced with stunning blue eyes and his helmet was also replaced by nicely cut black hair. Prowl for now had his hologram wearing the old motorcycle outfit but given a more youthful look of tighter abs and stronger muscles. His robot mode was kept hidden safely a few feet away in the thick of the forest.

Riana came up slowly to his holograms side replying in a hush tone "My thoughts exactly."

She had taken them to a remote place far away from the city. Riana use to come here after all the hustle and bustle of the city would at times consume her but now it was kept as her own private hide away. The area was the last of the forest known we'll to Detroit, surprisingly untouched by the Pack's deathly presence. Over the years the greenery had looped around the tall trees and flowers covered over half of the ground. The trees were positioned in a tight circle in a unpetrable force. That had been why Prowl went to hologram, mainly to help pull his motorcycle half through the greenery. The rest of the reason was Riana wanted him to take in the beauty that had once been. A color that use to grow in numbers on her plant now diminished to just a few remote places.

Prowl looked over to see a part of Riana he had never knew. She was smiling…actually happy. Her face and body seemed in total relaxation. Prowl suddenly realized why that was…Riana finally felt safe. She no longer had to hide behind the leadership role and put on her best poker face in front of looming danger. Here, Riana could be not the person she is but what she was. Riana could be a part of herself that had been locked away from being hurt ever again…Rachel.

"How has this place able to flourish?" Prowl asked bewildered. Riana shrugged her shoulders answering "Mainly it was from how close the trees are. A Pack dog won't find it any useful to come in her because it takes more energy to get out then it does to simply leave it alone."

Prowl nodded his head silently and Riana glanced his way. She couldn't help but think how dashing he looked. Riana didn't care if she used a British word to describe him, the word simply fit. However long ago she had vowed to hold onto her heart until the nightmare of what had become of her world was over. Then, only then would she allow any "feelings" for someone to arise. Prowl could see the battle raging on in her eyes and tried desperately to help. He gave her a tender look asking "You are nothing like Sari became. I want to know why?"

Riana was thankful for the distraction and quickly brought up memories of that long ago fateful night. She walked by Prowl giving a determined snort saying "I refused to allow myself to become an animal. What I am is a warrior fighting for my people. Nothing more."

Riana noticed silence following her answer and glanced back to see a very trouble Prowl. He seemed confused over something and clearly had conflicting thoughts. Riana's heart softened at the mech's distress and somehow knew what he was thinking. She faced him again saying "I know what you're thinking."

Prowl only response was one eyebrow cocked upward. Riana walked gracefully up to him and placed a comforting left hand on his arm. She looked up to his eyes and said "You are thinking that I am nothing like what Sari had become. Also, you see no reason for the difference in our changes."

"Wow, your good." Prowl replied, giving his legendary smirk. Riana pushed down the feeling of elation from getting a response out of him. He quickly changed from play to seriousness and gazed down at Riana with earnestly. She could feel the emotion of pain and hurt over his young apprentices from the human look he gave that could not be hidden behind a visor. Prowl reached out to her and grabbed Riana's arms softly asking "What made her change and hate us so?"

Riana turned her head away from him and let out a long sigh. She slipped her hand off of Prowls but noticed he didn't let go of her arms. Riana slowly followed her eyes back to him and whispered "It's a long story."

*Detroit City Park*

Destiny carried Abigail on her back and went from a walk to a jog the rest of the way. She could see the playground, rusty and covered in dust from being so long unused, only a few yards in front of her. Bumblebee had offered to come and possibly drive them but Destiny refused. She personally didn't like how fast he went, even with an eight year old child in the side seat. So not to hurt his feelings Destiny rejected on the terms of wanting to walk the child there herself. She wanted to give Abby the true feeling of a childhood, to be laughing with easy and not worry about anything beyond what slide she was going to go down next. Having a large alien robot there just didn't, in Destiny's mind, fit the perfect "childhood" picture. Bumblebee would have plenty of time to play with Abby later that day. She thought it was odd that Optimus was not there, he usually hung around Abby like some long lost father, but she tossed the thought from her mind. He might be just off alone somewhere or possibly tailing Sari on her "scouting" thing.

A small gasp and delighted yip came for Abby as she said with awe "This is a playground?"

"Yep, the same one I went to when I was a kid." Destiny replied grinning wide, setting her down gently. Abigail twirled around slowly, letting in all the sights of the playground. Swing sets stirring slightly in the breeze and the play center stand firm in the sandy ground. Bits of sand swirled in the open air, giving the old place a deserted look. Abby looked up at Destiny confused and lifted her hands up saying "What do I do now?"

Destiny wanted to cry from the statement. When she was Abigail's age, the parents didn't have the car fully stopped before she was barreling out to the play center. Destiny would have known exactly what to do. It made her sad but filled with boiling anger at the same time for Abby. The Pack had taken so much, now it seemed they had taken a child's innocent knowledge of how to simply play. With tears hinting Destiny's eyes she made a decision. She was going to try her hardest to get it back.

She knelt down to Abigail and laid her right hand on her cheek softly. Destiny grinned partly to the child saying gently "Here, let me show you."

She grabbed the child's little hands and led her to the play center first. The large object had all the bells and whistles. It had two slides, one that looped and the other straight, a crossway to walk back and forth on and a rock climbing wall on the right edge. It was a plastic empire. Stairs were on the left side opening and Destiny guided the nervous little girl up the steps. When they got to the top Destiny picked up Abigail by the waist. She let her down on the beginning edge of the straight slide, positioning the child with her legs hanging on the slide. Abigail instantly grabbed the bars on each side and held them tightly. She pulled her head back over her left shoulder, eyes huge, saying loudly "What are you doing?"

"Relax, Abby. I'm only letting you go on the slide." Destiny replied soothing the hesitant child. Abby shot her head back and stared at the plastic ahead of her. Destiny coughed out her giggle to see Abigail looking like a deer in the headlights. She put both hands on the girls backside as Abigail replied unsure "How do I go on the slide?"

"Simple. Just go down." Destiny replied smirking. Before Abby could catch on to something tighter, Destiny gave her a push. Abigail let out a gasp in terror as her body glided downward. She felt the wind against her face, blowing her hair backward, as she came to the bottom. Abby didn't know to put her feet down like many children did to stop. She only held her feet outward and…..shot out the end like a rocket. Abby flew through the air and let out a grunt when hitting the sandy ground below, her body continuing onward.

Destiny's smile quickly faded and turned to her mouth wide open. She saw in horror as Abigail twirled forward like a rag doll, landing a few inches from the slide. Destiny in a flash swung her body off the play center and booked it to Abby shouting "Oh crap!"

As Destiny came to the child she could see her body shaking. Fearing the child was crying, Destiny flipped her over gently. A red faced Abigail, who was giggling deep with delight, shouted to her "That was fun! Can I go again?"

Destiny choked on a chuckle seeing Abby bounce off the ground unharmed. She watched the child run back to the play center and scramble up the stairs. Destiny smiled and laughed seeing the child had become a little spit fire. Nothing seemed to keep her down for long. Abigail wiggled her body on the slides top and went to push herself off. Destiny did pick herself off the sand saying urgently "Wait Abby! Put your legs down near the edge this time!"

"Okay." Abigail shouted back. She pushed herself off and this time safely stopped at the bottom. Abigail slid down the slide ten more times, laughing with delight each time. Then Destiny suggested the swings and showed Abby how to use one. Soon Abigail was on the swing, feet dangling, and having Destiny give her a push. Squeals of delight and laughter from Destiny resounded in the air as Abby soared up in the air. In their innocent play, capturing what had thought had been lost to the ages; the two girls never noticed a pair of red eyes watching their every move.

It was Savage and she had been waiting all day for an opportunity like this. She stayed behind a crumbling wall as the target gave another squeal as the unknown woman pushed her again. Savage shook her body in anticipation and took another step forward. Mother would of course be upset, possibly enraged, Savage had gone against orders. However once she came with the child in jaw, Mother would quickly seize her rage and on to delight. There Savage would take her place as the rightful favorite, strong and powerful. A low rumble wisped from behind and a venomous voice hissed "What the pit are you doing here?"

Savage tensed, feeling the hairs on her back lift, upon not recognizing the voice. She turned and growled aggressively to see a very ticked off Silverwolf. Her back was raised and eyes blood red with rage. Savage then eased from her tension and chuckled vindictively. She must have ticked her off so much that Silverwolf's very voice had become lower. Mother must have known Savage was gone and sent her "devoted" daughter running after her. Leaving, an angry Silverwolf to be delayed from her mission to hunt down her jealous sister. Savage wanted to laugh knowing Silverwolf must have been sent into a rage to find her sister honing in on her targets. The look she was giving her told that much. Savage smirked, teeth glinting in the sun, taunting "Can't a girl go for a nice stroll?"

"Just as long as that girl stays out of my way!" Silverwolf growled back, snapping her jaws. She came close to Savage's face and aggressively stepped forward. Savage backed up, her back feet slipping on the sand, and turned quickly to make sure the targets had not heard or seen them. The absent looks of terror made it clear they hadn't. Silverwolf caught her attention again, pushing her face dangerously close to Savage's, snappishly adding "Mother sent me not you to retrieve the girl! I don't know how you overheard but stop your petty attitude and embarrassing yourself by trying to show off!"

Savage stiffened at the remark and hardened her paws in the sand. Her eyes began to darken to a deep red as she took on Silverwolf's bluff of intimidation. Savage's mood darkened as she hunkered down on her front paws threatening "Don't tell me what to do."

"What are you going to do about it? Kill me?" Silverwolf taunted darkly. She showed her teeth to Savage and stomped her left front foot on the ground. Savage lifted her body upward on her front feet to where she stood up higher and threatened her voice low "Maybe, try me and see for yourself."

"You don't have the guts!" Silverwolf replied chuckling with a haughty air. Savage bared her teeth in a large smirk, somewhat finding her comment humorous, saying "Trust me, I do."

"Mother obviously didn't. You were listening in remember?" Silverwolf snapped back, her eyes dancing with victory. Savage's back bristled from the comment as she looked at her sister with deadly eyes. She extracted her claws as she roared "That's it!"

Savage leaped at her sister in a flash, her front paws barreling for Silverwolf's chest. Silverwolf dodged in time and snapped her jaws at Savage's hind quarters. With a frustrated hiss from missing any flesh entirely Silverwolf missed the turnaround leap Savage had pulled, coming for her once again. Silverwolf noticed after it was too late, trying to roll from being hit but Savage was able to hit body, piercing her middle right shoulders. Silverwolf let out a howling scream as Savage dug her jagged claws into her metal flesh. She ripped all the way down the shoulder, letting her paws hit ground as blue liquid mixed with blood poured on the sandy dust below. Silverwolf shied away, protecting her injured shoulder, glaring at her sister with raging eyes.

"How dare you!" Silverwolf hissed darkly, barring her teeth. Savage shook her head, giving a low evil laugh, and smiled. Her teeth were stained with recent killings as her odorous breath filtered in the air. Savage stalked forward, showing off her whole teeth, saying "I'm just getting started."

Meanwhile Destiny watched Abby climb up the rock wall and cheered when she reached the top. The little girl smiled and waved at her from the top, hoisting her legs onto the metal floor connected to the top of the rock wall. Destiny ran around the side of the play center and walked up the stairs smiling from ear to ear. She came next to Abby, tickling her lightly, while teasing "You actually didn't fall or look down once!"

"Told ya so!" Abigail replied proudly, puffing up her chest. Destiny smirked at the girl and poked her chest in the center. Abby instantly blew out all the air and looked up surprised at Destiny. Then Destiny made a silly face, her tongue to the side and eyes crossed, saying "Duh I thought you being a balloon. So I popped you!"

Abby went from surprise to smiling as she began to giggle hard and rock backwards from Destiny's funny comment. Destiny eyes danced in delight from the girl's obvious red face from laughter and giggled alongside her. She knew a memory was taking place. Destiny was right, but this was about to go from a sentiment….to horrifying. In less than three seconds.

A sound of loud barking, yelps and snapping jaws alerted both girls to look up instantly. Destiny pushed herself off the play center's hot metal floor and began searching the area with her eyes. She instantly spotted movement behind an old, broken apart, wall and leaned in to see splotches of silver metal and black. Destiny eyes widen seeing something she had never witnessed before in her life. Two Pack dogs, one bigger than the other…

Fighting

The larger one, cover more in black, obvious out to kill the way it was attacking in such a maddening rush. Abigail came to look up also just at the same time the two creatures rolled in a tangled heap from the shadows. Destiny placed a protective right arm over Abby and watched the scene play out in front of her. She had gone from playing in a child's wonderland, to watching two savage creatures battle it out in a war for survival. Destiny swallowed back nausea seeing unnatural blends of blue liquid and red blood, mostly from the smaller silver Pack dog, splattered all over the sand. She stared as the larger, more aggressive; Pack dog pinned down the smaller silver with one massive right paw and growled. Destiny then noticed the animal carry its left paw upward in the air and dangle it to strike. She felt the air go still as white noise filled her ears. Destiny eyes focused entirely on the left paw as claws shaped like daggers hovered over the pinned animal's body. The now doomed animal heaved out jagged breathes, it's chest going in unrhythimic movements, as it stared up at its killer with unnerving eyes. The winning Pack dog reached its paw higher in the air and a deep welded in scar would be seen wrapped around the animal's paw. Destiny's mind halted from any other logical thinking, except one. Flashes, of that long ago night, the day of her brother's murder, rushed into her mind like a thundering cloud. She knew this particular creature she was looking at in a millisecond. Her eyes slowly harden, fingers began gripping the metal edge till her knuckles were white and she gritted her teeth. It was her, that monster, murderer, who had slaughtered her brother.

*North of Detroit, City Limits*

Sari pulled Swoop slightly to the left and circled an air she had not checked in weeks. Suspicion arose in her emotions as no sightings of human or Pack could be sought out. This had been happening a lot recently, Sari going on her normal rounds but finding nothing. That was the part that set her nervous. Always the Pack could be counted on for at least a hunting party or a rouge Pack dog savagely attacking a pedestrian. Complete and total inactivity was not like them. Sari feared it was part of a grander scheme for an all out attack on the Base but chided herself.

"I've been so use to chaos that a time of peace makes me so on edge I can't even enjoy it will it lasts. My priorities are still screwed up…" Sari thought tired, rubbing her eyes. It had been a long, boring, day so far. She was so use to action that finding nothing frankly was driving her to severe insanity. Sari felt a twinge of guilt about finding entertainment, even very unenjoyable as it was, to someone else's sufferings. Still, this was BORING!

"Come on! Just give me something!" Sari whispered frustrated. She was about to abort the whole scouting and head back to base when a noise similar to an engine alerted her to look down. Sari peered over Swoop's left wing to see Optimus, in vehicle mode, driving closely underneath them. She let out a small humorous chuckle seeing the mech was trying so hard to be unnoticeable, with all his lights off and engine noise turned down low. Sadly that bright red and blue paint was a dead giveaway. Sari shook her head at him and began to giggle. It felt even more refreshing after so many years to see Optimus the "sneaker" funny sight. The feeling of happiness rained down on her heart like a cooling rain. Slowly another part of her heart began to heal.

"Nice try big guy! But I can see you!" Sari shouted up above, laughter in every vocal cord. Optimus only honked his horn shouting "No you didn't!"

Sari cracked up even more from the response and hide her redden face on top of Swoop's backside. Even he seemed to find humor from the persistent mech who had shown great interest in his partner. Swoop smirked slightly getting a very ornery idea and suddenly dove downward. Sari grabbed a hold of him giving out a surprise shout as Swoop flew directly at Optimus. He was going at such a fast rate that Optimus barely had time to shout out a expletive in surprise and transform to robot mode. Swoop let out a loud screech but flew right about Optimus body, leaving off a cloud of dust. He ignored the scolding words from Sari as he hovered close to where the mech was coughing up dust. Optimus picked himself off the dirt and glared at the metal bird. Swoop let out a haughty call and motioned in the direction of the outer city limits.

Sari glared down at Swoop but slowly found the humor of what the protective bird had just done. Swoop was almost like a big brother in almost every aspect, including challenging the boys she liked. Sari smiled down slyly at Optimus saying "He's challenging you to a race."

Optimus had recovered from the anger he felt at first which was replaced by an ornery look of his own. He transformed back quickly into a truck and honked loudly shouting "You're on!"

Sari giggled from how Optimus had changed from being a hero who everyone looked up too, into a regular collage boy who wanted to show off for the girl he liked. She went a little stunned when Optimus suddenly booked off, squelching his tires on the dusty ground. Sari called to tell stop, that she had not gone the far out to the USA borders but shut her mouth. What would it really hurt? Sari was finally having fun, why spoil it? If they got too far off course, Optimus could lead them back by navigation systems. They had nothing to worry about. Swoop called out with an angered screech, more from being stunned, and Sari laughed shouting "Hey! No head starts!"

She pushed Swoop forward in a command to follow Optimus and he took off like a rocket. Sari was barely able to hold on but still was laughing loudly in pleasure. She had not had this kind of innocent fun since the old days with Bumblebee wanting to race everyone he saw, with Sari right in the passenger seat. Swoop put his head arrogantly to the side as Sari noticed they were gaining quickly on Optimus. She smirked having the orneriness catch on to her and leaned over lightly slapping Optimus' head as they soared right past. She stuck her tongue out in fun at Optimus as he honked his horn back in reply. Sari thought it was a move of play but didn't realize it was warning her to stop.

"Sari! Look out!" Optimus cried out and quickly began to transform. Sari turned her head alert but her eyes doubled to see a huge….wall, in Swoops path. She had no time to scream but simply react by pulling upward hard on Swoop. He slowed down just in time, only hitting his lower tethers on the pale yellow brick. Sari sadly jerked a little too hard and couldn't keep from tumbling over off Swoop's backside. Optimus came right to the rescue and catch her gently saying "Gotcha."

Sari, after knowing she was safe, smirked up at Optimus. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she replied "No you didn't."

Optimus laughed from the play on words and gently put Sari back down on the ground. She smiled back up at him but her attention was more directed at the ten foot impeding wall. Sari walked over to it and gently brushed the brick, examining it closely. Swoop came gracefully down on the ground a few feet away and seemed perturbed that the race had been so rudely interrupted. Sari had more pressing matters than who won or if the race was draw. What would anyone care about that if a wall, that wasn't supposed to be here, mysteriously showed up in the middle of nowhere?

"You never told me you built a wall." Optimus said from behind, hinting a reprimand. Sari ignored the tone, narrowing her eyes suspicious, answering "We didn't."

"Then how…" Optimus went to ask confused but Sari turned to him suddenly. She seemed to know what he was about to ask because she shook her head saying "I have no idea."

*Detroit City Park*

"Destiny? What's wrong with you?" Abby asked concern filling her vocals. Destiny didn't reply or give any movement to show she was listening. Frankly, she wasn't. All Destiny could focus on was that murderer. The one ready to take another life, but this was worse, now she was going to slaughter her own kind. Destiny's eyes glazed over with red and revenge seared once more into her heart. While moments slipped by she allowed the insane idea of attacking both monster into her brain. All she had ever wanted was vengeance for her brother's death, and here was her chance to take it. However Destiny's more logical side also gave a reasonable point. Abigail was in danger, once again, and it was her duty as her care taker to lead her out of harm's way. Each idea battled for control until finally Destiny let go of the metal rail and swung down to the dirt below.

"Come on, let's get out of here." Destiny said stiffly, acting like the decision still wasn't the one she wanted. She reached out her hands, picked up Abigail and gently pulled her off the play center. Destiny looked back with cold eyes as the Pack dog went to kill its one kind. She already held anger towards the creature but this scene disgusted her to the core. Destiny thought of helping the other Pack dog but knew in the back of her mind that the creature would turn on her as soon as it was freed from its captive. She could only watch the animal die and try to shield Abigail from the whole spectacle.

Suddenly the pinned creature opened its jaws and clamped down on the larger Pack dogs leg! A loud howl of pain responded to the action and the larger black one tried escaping from the others grasps. Thrashing madly and pulling for the other to let go, Destiny watched in stun silence as the underdog suddenly became the alpha one. The larger black Pack dog didn't need to fight long because as soon as the larger one stepped off, the smaller on let go. Quickly the scene turned dangerous for Destiny and Abby. The smaller Pack dog snarled at the two of them, noticing that the target was getting away and came stalking forward. Destiny went to block Abigail from any lunges and glared defiantly at the monster.

However the larger dog wasn't down for the count just yet. It lunged towards the silver one and caught it off guard by pushing it roughly on the side. The silver Pack dog tumbled and rolled a few ways away as the larger one smirked. Destiny took a double take and in fact saw the animal was showing a very real human feature. She bit back a terrified cry upon recognizing a low, sadistic laugh followed by "Nice one but you still lost."

Cold silence drifted amidst the dry air as both human girls stared at the creature in shock. Destiny felt a million emotions colliding into a contorted mess. Fear for if they animals talked must mean they thought like humans, rage that the animals if smart like humans choose to slaughter them for fun, and sorrow knowing things were going be different from now on. It was easy to kill an animal but murdering a sentient being was a whole different ball game. Abby was so stunned that nothing was going through her little child like mind. The Pack dog seemed to have realized it mistake because its face changed from haughty to guarded. She opened her mouth to say more when the silver one roar loudly shouting "Savage! Look what you did!"

"Don't get your gears in a grind! The problem is easily fixable." Savage hissed back. She smirked and walked closer to the two girls. Destiny glared pure hatred at the animal as it snapped its jaws aggressively towards them. Abigail shivered in fear and held on tighter to Destiny's waist.

"I simply kill the woman and the child is ours. She can no longer tell them about us and the girl will have eventually known anyways. Like I said, easily fixable." Savage growled pleasurable. Destiny's eyes narrowed as her black hair flowed partly in front of her face. She reached behind her back to a long pouch where her metal staff was kept and wrapped her hands tightly around it. Destiny then lifted her face up to the monster and hissed "Think again glitch."

Savage barred her teeth aggressively at the human but Destiny reacted with bring her hands down lightening fast. She slammed her staff down hard on Savages face and enjoyed the cry of pain in return. Destiny then flipped over backwards and grabbed Abigail's left hand. She quickly went on a dead run, forgetting to take the staff with her and part dragged Abby along. Savage shook her head from the daze feeling and looked to see her target moving fast in one direction. Silverwolf flew by her quickly but not until she was able to hiss "We'll tell mother this when we get home. Now….get out of here! You've done enough damage."

"I don't think so." Savage growled back. She took off in a dead run howling loudly as she soon was in a race with her sister. Savage hated to admit it but she could give Silverwolf props on running. The girl was amazing with what speeds she could get to at a dead run. Today was not an exception.

Silverwolf zoomed past Savage and headed straight to Abigail. The little girl was struggling to keep up with Destiny but tried her hardest not to trip over the objects flying under her feet. Silverwolf easily cut them off and block their way. Destiny stopped on a dime and Abigail feel hard on her bottom. Both girls looked up to see Silverwolf growling and showing her teeth. The looming figure was so terrifying, with the shadows of crumbling buildings making Silverwolf so much more imposing, that Abigail began to crawl backwards. She had tears forming her eyes as all in her child like mind could think was to get away from the monster. Destiny tried to reach for her but Silverwolf blocked her off by placing a right paw in front of the pathway to the child. She snapped her jaws close to Destiny feet where the young woman had no choice but to back up from the fear of getting bit. Destiny fumbled off the ground, chiding herself for leaving her staff behind and reached back quickly to get her only weapon left….the gun. Her eyes widen in shock as only air came into her grasp. Silverwolf smirked upon seeing Destiny in distress, taunting "Forget something?"

"You surely did." Savage haughtily replied from behind. Destiny looked back in horror to find Savage holding by the edge of her collar a very feisty Abigail. She instantly reached out her hands to the child, taking three steps forward, screaming "Abby!"

However Silverwolf pushed her back roughly to where Destiny tripped backward on the dusty ground. She ignored the burning pain from a scratch on her knee and looked up with worrisome eyes at Abigail. The girl continued in her struggles, madly kicking, spitting and screaming but Savage wouldn't let her go. She seemed frustrated at the flailing child because she gave Abby one soft shake. Silverwolf growled at her in harms of Savage hurting the girl but both reactions made the child cease in her antics. Abigail only stared wide eyed at the two opposing figures, shaking in terror. Destiny went to crawl underneath Silverwolf to get to Abby but Savage was already turning to run. However Savage looked back at Destiny and hissed "Nice try but I win again."

Destiny glared pure hate to the animal and dug into the ground with her fingers. She tried to leap for Savage giving out a warriors scream but Silverwolf pulled her back by her shirt tail. Savage simply laughed sadistically and ran with grace to the forest ahead. Abigail screamed and fought the whole way till her body could not be seen anymore. Destiny reached out her left hand towards the runaway animal and screamed angst "ABIGAIL!"

Silverwolf looked upon curiously at the sobbing human. Her species never showed any kind of emotion like this when loosing someone. All Silverwolf had ever known was competing for favoritism. She sneered her nose at the human asking "Why do you cry for the child, human?"

"Because I love her!" Destiny screamed out at the Pack dog. She slipped out from underneath the animal and hissed with venom "A feeling you have never known!"

Silverwolf growled at the teenager woman but didn't attack. Her mind was confused over what this human emotion "love" was and for once couldn't find it in her to attack. So she turned her head downward away from the human girl whispering "This time…I will let you live. But I will not make this an occurring deal."

"I'm counting on it." Destiny spat back her face dark in grief and fury. Silverwolf refused to look back at the humans face, showing an emotion that confused her even more and leaped away back into the shadows. She headed back straight for the Cave and away from a growing guilty conscious.

Destiny watched the monster go and stood her ground while it could be seen. However as sure as she knew the creature could no longer see her, Destiny fell to the ground on her knees. She cradled her head in both hands. Destiny openly sobbed and didn't move. She couldn't, the guilt of what happened was consuming her. Then slowly something dangerous crept into her heart. It began billowing and pouring in rapid waves. Now all Destiny could feel was one word…..revenge.

*USA borders, Where the Wall is*

"Didn't anyone tell you this was here?" Optimus asked. Sari was continuing to feel alongside the wall for weakness stating "Some may have. But we thought they were just hallucinating. The one's I recall muttering something on a line of a wall was brutally attacked."

Optimus nodded, saying nothing more. He didn't want any of the gruesome details and he sensed she didn't want to tell them. Not Anymore. However he watched Sari curiously as she held on ear to the yellow brick and listened closely. Optimus raised his eyebrow asking "What are you…"

Sari shushed him harshly and showed her old angry frown. She sheepishly relented from the correction of her boyfriend replying in a less tense tone "I think I hear something!"

Optimus leaned over her and tried listening also. What came from his highly sensitive audio sensors was a noise familiar but yet unusual. A soft humming, much like a faint whisper, in the wind. It was the sound…of motors running. Sari glanced up at him with her eyes muttering "We don't use vehicles anymore…."

"And no Autobot OR Decepticon I have ever known can climb over this wall. Not even Megatron." Optimus finished his voice edgy. Sari hide the smirk from the left over anger Optimus felt for the long ago offline enemy. The mech was dead these past four years after a long trial but Optimus still slipped in a venomous growl every time his old enemy was mentioned. Suddenly her face went blank as Sari stated louder "So, there leaves one question…."

She looked up with a blank expression at a tense Optimus. Sari shook her head adding "Who, or what,….is making that noise?"

For once it was Optimus' turn to show a smirk and eyes twinkling with mischief. Sari gave him a weird look and leaned away from him as he straightened slowly. She watched as Optimus walked away a few feet then turned around. Sari shook her head again sadly from the mech's strange behavior. The heat must have gotten to him. Optimus wasn't phased by her under confidence in his sanity as he went down into a old human sports pose called the fullback football pose. He split into a wide grin saying

"Only one way to find out."

Sari leap backwards as Optimus came up running hard and fast. His body zipped by in speeds that would have made Bumblebee green with envy. Sari held her hands over her mouth as Optimus crashed into the wall! She jogged over stressed of what had become of the mech but relaxed when the sounds of his coughing echoed in the air. Sari put her hands on her hips as he hacked up a ton of dust but looked back at her with a wide smile. She chuckled seeing him covered from head to toe in a thin layer of yellow dust and asked

"A little much?"

"Coming from the girl who uses ten inch blades?" Optimus smarted back his eyes twinkling. Sari knew he was teasing and laughed while holding her chest saying

"Touché"

Sari climbed over the fallen bricks and powder that once stood proudly in the air. Now it was unblocked from their path. She giggled seeing Optimus wiping himself off but saw something in her peripheral vision. Sari's singing laugh cut short and her face went white. She felt her body shaking but did nothing to stop it. All she could do was let the scene playing before her mess with her mind and thoughts. Optimus could see she was focusing, no staring, blindly at something in the distance. He reached out too her attentively saying concerned "Sari…"

"How can this be? I thought….I assumed…but now…" Sari blubbered on madly her eyes widen and pupils dilated. Optimus laid a tender hand on her right cheek and she grabbed it with her right hand like it was her only way out. Her wild eyes glanced up at him, her left hand pointing straight onward and her desperate plea cried out "Look!"

Optimus guided his optics where Sari was pointing and felt every fiber of his metal's freeze up. His spark raced and his breath was taken away. Optimus blinked his optics rapidly not believing what his vision was showing him.

The earth they once knew played out before them. Much like a piece of it frozen in time. Protected from the dying outside world. Trees were lush with green leaves swaying softly in the breeze and a newly painted park center came alive with laughing children. The sky was a normal blue but puffy white clouds covered the skies. Sari went down on her knees and felt each blade of grass in one fine swoop. Her eye lids burned with happy tears but her reason mind screamed at her to not be fooled by this place. This could all be an illusion. Optimus knew that the most.

However this place felt nothing like what Soundwave created. What made even lesser sense that if this was of an "evil" plot of some kind…why was Optimus still a robot?

"I just assumed…when the Pack attacked that….everything was, destroyed." Sari whispered tears streaming her face. Optimus petted her hair comfortingly as the different emotions hit her all at once. She was left drained mentally, physically and demanding of answers. However the shock had not worn completely off as Sari continued.

"But it wasn't true."

She laughed joyfully almost shouting "Just look around you! It was never true!"

"You don't think this is a trick?" Optimus asked suspiciously. Sari heard his answer but forgot to tell him what she was thinking. In the haze of stun silence and warm feelings of love for her planet returning Sari stood up, jogging to a woman in the distance. The woman had a stroller in her hands and pushing a very sleepy baby. Sari stopped the woman quickly and ignored the woman's irritated look. Optimus thought twice of showing his "true" self to the woman. He believed it was wiser to go to a less "showy" assemble and came jogging up to Sari in hologram mode. Optimus even had a worried look at Sari as her wild eyes pleaded with the woman saying in a rush "What country is this?"

"Canada eh." The woman replied in a thick accent. It was the techno organics' turn to blink and look irritated replying firmly "No, this is America."

"No, once you crossed the large wall you are in my country." The woman answered slowly but finished by smiling proudly. Then she must have found humor of the situation because she began laughing adding "But you better be an Olympic Gymnast to ever have a chance of climbing that block!"

Sari and Optimus glanced at each other then back at the woman. Sari was careful how she worded her next question saying "Ok, but how built the wall?"

The woman went from friendly to sneering and lifting her nose like a bad smell had suddenly perforated the air. She snorted angry answering "Those arrogant Americans! We have cheaper meds and suddenly we are not allowed to communicate with them anymore!"

"Wait back up….American's built this?" Sari interrupted feeling sweat beads on her forehead. Optimus bit his lip frustrated. None of this made any sense. However Sari could see a connection and….the theory terrified her.

"Da, we come her from not being her two days and BAM! Wall is here." The woman explained calmly knowing the younger generation took much more time to comprehend things. She did however eye the young woman guarded as she swung around to see her, what seemed to be, boyfriend.

"Don't you see what this means?" Sari half way screamed at Optimus. He shook his head and she cried out aggravated. Optimus tried calming her because the young techno organic was beside herself. It looked to him she was stressed out by one emotion….fear.

"Those son of a glitches built this!" Sari spat kicking up dust madly. The woman pushed her baby's stroller safely away from the raving lunatic. Optimus held Sari by the arms keeping her from waving her arms saying "Who are you talking about?"

"The Pa…" Sari went to shout back but was interrupted by a deafening, and angry, howl. All "humans" looked up to the left to see a monster stalking along the wall's tall perimeter. Only two out of three of these "humans" wasn't scared crapless from the animal. Terrified and frantic screams of children cried out in the air as Sari stood protectively in front of the play center. She blocked the pathway to any civilians and looked at the woman shaking before her barking out

"Get them out of here now!"

The woman nodded in a comical way of bobbing her head. She grabbed the crying baby in her stroller and took the hand of a nearby six year old. Sari watched their movements like a motherly hawk and didn't move from her spot till all civilians were running to the nearby city streets. Optimus protected her back as the Pack dog ranted on with a another resounding howl. What seemed to be a male, very rare to see anymore, leaped gracefully down to the ground. It seemed unscathed by the jump. However none of the heroes realized that Brutus muscles cried out from the harsh strain. He just refused to let the humans see his struggles.

"Who do you think built the wall again?" Optimus asked glancing once back at Sari then at the Pack dog. She came up from behind him eyes dark and forehead down casted. Sari stopped next to his right side whispering

"It's not a question of who anymore…but why."

Sari growled in Optimus' ears but the action was meant for the hissing large creature blocking their way. Optimus couldn't help but shiver from the look known as the "Huntress glare" as Sari watched the monster ahead who snapped its jaws loudly. She gave Optimus a cold stare adding low

"And I think he's got some answers."

*Medic Lab, Sumdac Towers*

"Slag it!" Eric shouted frustrated throwing his wrench. Ratchet ducked just in time and Isaac leaped to the ground as the metal tool flew in the air. It landed hard on the tile floor and clanged loudly in the reverberating wall. Both older men looked up to see Eric grabbing another tool and grumbling to himself. Isaac gave Ratchet a look saying "Remind of you someone?"

Ratchet rolled his optics from the comment and grunted with annoyance. He did however gave somewhat of a concerned look to the kid asking roughly "What's on your mind kid?"

Eric flashed a guilty look before hiding it beneath a poker face. He couldn't hide that from Ratchet though as the kid shrugged saying halfway curt "Nothing."

"Don't give us that load of slag!" Isaac retorted gruffly back. Ratchet glanced back at him stunned before directing all attention back to the teenager.

"Wow, I didn't think a man like yourself cussed." Eric joked grinning. He leaned up from the leaky pipe in the lab he was fixing and leaned on one upright knee. Isaac's cheek went light pink and he began coughing to clear his throat. Ratchet wanted to get to the real problem and half shouted grumpily

"Enough of the jokes kid! Act a little like your age!"

Eric's grin disappeared and he tensed up instantly. Ratchet had never seen the kid like this before. The boy was always acting like nothing bothered him, nothing shaved him. Ratchet must have hit a nerve he wasn't supposed to hit. Eric turned from them hissing "Fine."

A hush fell over the lab as Eric grabbed another tool by him and began fixing a knob on the faucet. Ratchet could see the kid was hiding something but stopped himself. Surprisingly he didn't feel it was good right now to push the boy. Eric filtered a frustrated sigh alerting both older men as he said calmly

"I am just….concerned that the Pack is planning something."

Eric's fore brows narrowed to his eyes and Ratchet this was the first time he had ever seen Eric frustrated. Maybe even angry. The kid didn't look up as he replied tensely "I just don't know what."

"And your wanted revenge for what they did to your grandfather." Isaac's solemn voice carried over from past Ratchet. Eric's face waved in a mix emotion of stun and hurt. He succeeded hiding most of the pain by lifting his left eyebrow curiously. Isaac nervously chuckled adding

"Sari told us."

Eric became silent in a way that disturbed both men. Ratchet watched him set his tool down and his eyes glaze over in a heated anger. Eric gripped his fists tight and gritted his teeth, staring off into the distance. However just as suddenly as the true emotions showed, they left and Eric felt only peace. He had handled this a long time ago.

"No….I don't " Eric replied. His voice only held a state of calm and understanding as he added "I may be many things, but a murderer is not one of them."

"Surprising, that's what Destiny wanted." Ratchet quietly replied. That again hit a nerve but a different kind. Eric's eyes glimmered and his face held a sincere grin. Isaac looked up at Ratchet as did the old bot looked down at him. These old men knew that face from anywhere. Deciding quickly not to tread on the matters of the heart, Isaac's features went sad as he added softly

"And Sari before her."

"We'll I'm not like them." Eric retorted. His vocals hinted a small edge of sarcasm that both mech and male picked up right off. No longer was the face of day dreaming and pleasure there but one of determination. Ratchet shrugged his shoulders saying so not to scare off the boy

"I would think a kid like you would want revenge."

"Yes, they did take your only family member, a man you loved." Isaac finished for him.

Eric from then on didn't say a word for at least thirty minutes. He simply picked up the tool and began working on the machine. Ratchet and Isaac were at a loss for words as the boy held up his feelings for no one to see. His eyes had hazed over in cold and they seemed to hold an empty blackness. Eric was no more the fun loving jokester, but a man in pain. A man in regret.

"I don't think the dead care much about revenge." Eric stated coldly ending the silence in the room. The men want to pressure for more but were cut short by a frantic scream of "HELP! SOMEBODY! PLEASE HELP!"

"Destiny?" Eric's voice whispered out, an edge of concern. He picked himself right off the tile floor and headed straight for the front entrance. Just in time for a frantic Destiny, with frailed hair and a wild look about her, came rushing in. Eric was able to grab her instead of colliding into the ground but the woman didn't notice as she began holding onto him. She acted like Eric was her only life support to escape insanity.

"Destiny! What is got you so upset?" Eric asked gently stroking her back. Destiny began weeping tears as she choked "They took her…. the glitches just took her! No remorse! And I couldn't stop them…"

"Who are you talking about?" Ratchet curtly asked. He was always unsure when it came around crying femmes. Mostly ones that came in such a heated rush. Isaac's face paled slightly as he seemed to remember something. He walked up to the desperate girl asking quickly "Where's Abigail?"

Destiny's eyes looked up distraught at Isaac. She was ashamed at herself and refused to look the grandfather in the face at first. However the man had asked question. So with a red face and swollen eyes, Destiny gave him a cold angst look. Isaac at first refused to read her face saying desperately "Please say you have Abby!"

"I…cant." Destiny choked out. She began crying again and buried her face in Eric's chest again. Isaac felt like a balloon deflating of all air as he roughly sat down. Ratchet instantly went into soldier mode and made a conscious choice not to dwell on the fact. Only thinking about Abigail missing didn't shorten the time to finding her.

"Eric! You stay with her and try to get her to tell you what happened!" Ratchet barked out giving strict orders. Eric nodded and lifted Destiny bridal style. He hid his red face pretty well and was surprised how little exertion he need to make holding her up. Eric set her down gently on the table for patients then nodded again at Ratchet. The old mech did so in reply as he barked out again "Now, meanwhile I and Professor Sumdac will try getting Sari, Optimus, Riana and Prowl on the comlink to start searching! Bumblebee and Bulkhead will stay behind for backup if they decided to come back for anyone else!"

"No time to lose! Go!" Eric barked right back. Ratchet hid a smirk to seeing the kid actually take charge and gave a salute. He picked up an unmoving Isaac Sumdac that had seemed to go in a state of pure shock. Who could blame him? His granddaughter had been taken by viscous animals!

Eric watched the two older men jog out of the room, Ratchet holding Isaac protectively on his servos. He turned to see Destiny still sobbing openly and cradling herself. Eric did only what was natural to a man and rubbed her back saying encouragingly "This wasn't your fault. It could have happened to anybody."

"It doesn't change that fact that Abby is in danger!" Destiny cried out glaring at Eric between her tears. Eric had no idea what to say to the comment and only have her moral support. Slowly she stopped sobbing and just laid her hands on the bench. Eric beside her saw the girl become calm as she stated

"Eric, I heard what you said. About the dead not caring much about revenge? Let me ask you this…the dead may not care but…"

Destiny glanced up at him sorrowfully, face ridden with grief. Tears slid down her face as she added "But what about the living?"

*On the Outskirts of Detroit*

Riana couldn't for sure get a reading off of Prowl. His human face was unreadable and looking stonily downward. Prowl's balled up fists was the only indication of his anger. He stomped down hard on the ground with both feet hissing "That son of glitch!"

"Who? Pack or Meltdown?" Riana asked quietly. She was stunned mostly. Riana had never heard the mech say one explicative and was sure Sari had never either.

"Pick One." Prowl retorted back angrily. Riana frowned hashing back "Remember their not here. Your talking to me…"

Prowl's facial features quickly dissolved and he looked up sheepishly at Riana. He grabbed her hand saying softly "My apologies Riana."

"Yea, ok." Riana answered shaking off his hand. She had been raised in the big city and not used to chivalry. Her father opening the door for her mother was the entire amount Riana had ever been introduced too. Prowl seemed confused to her actions and studied her. Riana had turned from him and gazing into the forest silently.

"What are you thinking?" Prowl asked her gently. He was confused and bewildered by this femme. She seemed so different than the others. One moment she was as wild as a stallion, the other as gentle as a fawn. Riana was an intricate puzzle that Prowl wasn't sure if he could piece together. But he was going to try.

"How things have changed…" Riana answered softly. Her voice held a quiet hush that drifted amongst the light rustle of the wind. If Prowl had not been an Autobot with their superior hearing he may have not even caught her response. Lucky for him.

"I don't understand." Prowl responded. Confusion was taking its way with him. Riana smirked softly but not towards him answering "Since you came here, everyone's been different. They've all been happy…"

Riana looked his way and her let down hair rustled in the wind. She held back tears and Prowl saw a new side of her. Not the strong leader that held things together at home but a woman not trying to fall apart. She grinned for the longest time saying "At one point in our lives I didn't even believe that word could ever exist again. Let alone be used to describe our people."

"That bad?" Prowl asked sincerely. Riana's darkened from past memories, ones that were better described as nightmares, as she responded "More than even you could imagine."

Prowl felt uneasy about his next question but decided to take the bull by the horns. He came up to Riana asking "I never got an answer of how Sari acted when we left."

"Because you don't want to know." Riana threatened. She crossed her arms and stared at Prowl. He smirked but it didn't reach his eyes as he responded "Let me do the judge of that."

"Fine" Riana answered. She didn't know why his smirk ticked her off right now but it did. Probably because the story she was about to tell was not pleasant to hear OR say. A part of both her and Sari's life that they'd rather forget.

"Don't you dare ever tell Optimus this!" Riana suddenly hissed, threatening Prowl for the first time. He nodded curtly and Riana seemed satisfied by his response. She sat down softly on the grass by a nearby tree and sighed deeply. Prowl came next to her and both looked deep into each other's eyes. Riana then started telling

"Sari became a different person after you left. She no longer laughed, or even smiled. Every fond memory we could think up to tear her away from the sadness never worked. Her whole life was always wrapped around her old family."

Prowl remained silent but Riana could see in his eyes that the first part was already affecting him. His eyes were already beginning to sadden. She knew that it was only going to get worse. So with a heavy heart Riana continued

"She went into a state of depression I have never seen before then or since. She refused to come out of her room and many times was force feed. That didn't even work, she still continued to weep or be alone any with her key any chance she had."

"We never knew…had no idea, Sari would get that bad." Prowl said barely in a whisper. His shoulders were slumped and eyes dulled. Riana became angry at her friends past decisions but pressured on saying

"Then my father finally had enough and forced her out of bed. He made her go out on a mission to scout Meltdowns ware bouts. Sari never told me what happened after that…."

"I think I've got a pretty good idea." Prowl interrupted his eyes harsh. He looked a whole new level of fury but Riana knew it was not directed at her. It was at the man who created the monsters and for the monsters themselves. She laid a comforting hand on him not really knowing what else to do. Prowl's small grin assured her that even that small gesture help very much. Thankfully she only had the last thing to tell. She then finished solemnly

"When the first year was over Sari locked away her key, never to be found again. She said it was to keep it safe but…"

"All she was doing was locking away her past." Prowl finished solemnly for her. Riana nodded whispering

"My father visited her everyday up until that happened. We both tried so hard to get her to stop."

She looked away and gazed out to the circle of trees thinking back of a memory. Prowl slipped a comforting hand on her shoulder and squeezed it softly. The movement startled Riana a little and she looked back half wild at Prowl. He didn't realize that, for one split second, that Riana thought her father was the one giving her a comforting touch. Fanzone had been a good father, better than many others Riana had seen. At times she missed him so. Especially, times when it was right to talk about him.

"You know what my father kept telling her?" Riana asked Prowl. He could tell the pain seeping in her eyes. Prowl moved his hand to hers and held her right hand tightly in his. Riana couldn't help but drifted her head forehead forward until it rested on Prowl's hologram shoulders. She finally said in a hush "He used to say, don't be the victim of your situation, look for a solution. Don't let the darkness win."

Prowl gazed down at Riana's velvet black hair with awe. But it wasn't about her features, lovely they are, but of her father. Prowl had no idea Fanzone could be that inspirational, have that kind of depth. It seemed that they were not the only ones with more than meets the eye.

"But you know what? Sari did the exact oppostite. She let the darkness not only win, but consume her." Riana suddenly replied curtly. She let go of Prowl's hand and lifted her head off his shoulders. She pushed herself off the ground with a gruff move and rustle of the folded blades of grass. Prowl watched her cross her arms tightly. He couldn't observe that Riana was trying to control her emotions. She wasn't winning.

Quickly tears formed on Riana's face as she said with voice cracking "You know my father was killed too! Sadly Im not like Sari, I don't have a second chance! My father is dead…period."

"Riana…" Prowl asked unsure. He got up from his sitting position and neared her. Prowl looked on to see Riana uncross her arms and press her hands to her chest in a pointing position crying

"But do you see me getting obsessive about it? NO!"

"Riana Stop!" Prowl said forcefully. He came to her but Riana began pacing out muttering

"I am taking my father's advice and not letting the darkness win! I have worked every day these past four years to make sure that never happens! I refuse to become a monster!"

"I said stop!" Prowl ordered. His stern vocals was enough to stop Riana in her tracks. She stared at him with wide eyes and tense. He smirked tenderly and came up to her. Prowl could see she was shaking like a leaf from so much emotion exertion. He parted her hair away from her face saying quietly "You're not a monster, and you never will be. You are not like them. And…your father would be proud of you."

"His name was Lamont." Riana responded. Prowl widen his eyes and couldn't help but chuckle from the unique names organics gave each other. He was brought back from his humouros ideas when Riana grinned softly whispering "But thanks, you do not even know how good that was for me to hear."

Prowl grin sincerely and Riana looked deep into his eyes. She couldn't fight the urge of how handsome he was, the nice strong muscles that were not showy but of iron steel just the same. Riana loved the way his black hair was cut just to his ears and the rest put back in a small pony tail. What she appreciated the most was the bright blue eyes replacing his visor. Now she could really see his emotions instead of guess them behind a mask.

"I…" Riana whispered growing closer to him. Prowl held her more in a tighter embrace moving his hands around her tiny waist. They seemed to be debating about going further when an annoying ring of a comlink interrupted any further assumptions. Riana sighed adding shyly "Need to get that."

Prowl let go of her and Riana press her right hand to the comlink. What was broadcasted took her breath away.

"Code Red! One of our own has been kidnapped, presumed injured. Her name is Abigail, she is about 3'1 with dark brown hair. Abby's eyes are the same color. And….She's Huntress' daughter." Eric's broadcasted sounded with complete sense of leadership. His voice only wavered near the end, much like he was debating over letting the last bit of information leak out. He must have thought it would further help encouraging people to find her.

Prowl let go of the comlink sadness enveloping his thoughts. He looked over to see how Riana was reacting to the news. Her face was blank and eyes glazed over. Riana slowly looked his way and stared at him for the longest moment. Then she barreled her way over to him and grabbed around his body. Prowl accepted the tight embrace as Riana began crying softly whispering "Why? Why her?"

Prowl didn't have an answer. He could only hold her distraught and shaking body wishing that he had a reason for her questions.

*Canada Borders*

Brutus was getting extremely frustrated. Nothing was working! He had tried going after the smallest one first but the large robotic male had pushed him aside like one of those clothe dolls human girls use to play with. Next he had tried biting at the mech's healing ankle but the huntress had jumped up upon him and nearly tore apart his jaws! Now with a rough snap of his neck Brutus had succeeded of throwing off the huntress into the side of the brick wall.

"Come and get me you son of glitch!" the huntress taunted. Brutus bit his tongue from firing back a comment and growled aggressively at her. He hated how she smirked and held no hatred for him anymore. She acted like this was no longer a fight for survival, he the predator she the prey, but a game. A game she was going to win.

Brutus charged his way towards her only to cry out in pain as the large robot male grabbed his tale. He hissed back snapping his jaws as the large mech pulled him away from his prey. If only there was no rule of not transforming! Brutus would clearly defeat this arrogant male and his charge easily. However mother had ordered from the beginning and it was simple. No transforming in front of humans. Period.

"Getting a little dangerous?" the mech teased the female. She grinned shrugged saying "What can I say? Old habits die hard."

Brutus was enraged that he was being ignored. He was a mightier warrior! He should be feared! They were now going to learn that the hard way. Brutus leaped at the mech causing him to let go of his tail. Then just as quickly he turned on the female and pinned her down on the ground. Brutus growled not able to hid his arrogance from being able to kill the mighty huntress so quickly. The large mech cried out for his charge concerned but the huntress simply grinned. Brutus snapped his jaws not understanding her confidence. He soon learn for the reason why as the huntress held a hidden blade to his throat hissing

"I don't think so"

Brutus refused to show his fear and glared down at the female daringly. She returned the glare but made no move to slit his throat. Brutus breathed out in shallow gasps rusting her hair as the huntress blade began shaking near his throat.

Meanwhile Sari was trying to bring up the courage to kill the monster. Back a few weeks ago the action would have not bothered her a bit. She would have slit his creatures throat with no remorse. Possible spit in its face hissing a derogatory remark. Now….Sari was fighting even to hold the blade. She knew that the monster would kill her without hesitation. But that was just it….he was the monster. Not her.

Sari slowly laid down the blade from the Pack dog's throat shouting frightfully "I can't do it!"

The Pack dog lowered its jaws to snap her neck. Optimus had no time to lose. He grabbed the animal's backside digging in with his fingers. His rage of what the creature was doing to Sari was so great that his fingers left dents into the animal's skin plating. The creature howled in pain as Optimus pulled it roughly off Sari and slammed it back into a wall! While the animal hit the ground conjuring up dust a very worried Optimus directed his attention to Sari.

"You alright?" Optimus asked concerned. Sari picked herself off the ground, shaking off the dust that collected, stating "I'm Fine."

Brutus could only see red. He was so enraged by the gall of these creatures! Throw him around like a weakling and act like they were the dominate species! He'd show them! They would all fear him once again! Brutus was in such fury the even the noticing of how the huntress no longer wanted to kill his kind slide right off his processor. He could only see it was a haughty way of showing how they were better than him. Slag mother's rules! Slag them all to pit! Brutus didn't care about some "grand secret" getting out! He had too, no needed too, show he was better! Brutus had to prove he was the mightiest!

"Always knew you were weakling trying to be a warrior." Brutus taunted giving a low throaty laugh.

Sari stared at the animal feeling her whole body freeze up. Her muscle's locked and now Sari could feel her body shaking. That Pack dog didn't just speak…did it? NO! It had to be a dream! She battled within herself trying to come up with any reasonable way that it had been someone else talking trying to act like it was the monster. Sadly Sari could see no one hiding in the bushes or in the trees. The park once filled with laughing children was now very familiar image to a ghost town. There was not anyone else her except Optimus, Sari and the monster. A monster….that could talk. That's not all it could do.

Before anyone could say a reply the creature began making noise. The creature's head disappeared from view but reappeared shortly after the back haunches stood up. The Pack dog was growing taller. There was a lot of clanking, reshaping and much like…

"Transforming…" Sari whispered in terror. Optimus looked down at her stunned almost shouting "No slagging way!"

"I would have to disagree." Brutus bellowed coming to full form. Sari gawked at his large muscular build and large frame. His ears were pinned behind his back and teeth bearing in an arrogant manner. Sari felt a brief moment of reverting to her old self shouting out angry "When the Pit could you do that?"

"Oh for as long as we've been alive." Brutus replied. His whole demeanor echoed a sense of taunting. He was enjoying tormenting his rivals very much. However he was treading on dangerous grounds. Brutus was getting cocky.

"How is that even…." Sari started her voice shaking. Optimus moved his body to where soon his hologram reappeared behind her. He grabbed her arms tenderly and tried easing her fears. It didn't help much.

"Possible? We'll I'll tell you." Brutus finished laughing cruelly. He put his clawed fingers behind his back and imitated a long ago college professor about to give a lesson. Brutus looked their way and began

"When our mother was born her creature had bestowed upon her a crystal of life. It is the one thing the keeps her from being just another ordinary machine but a thinking, feeling, sentient being."

Sari tried going to the depths of her mind of what this "crystal of life" might really be. She could only think of one explanation. A piece of something cybertronian and thought lost among the hills of lake eerie. The last part of an original source of energy, pieced together by one familiar black and gold Autobot. A small source of power told to be useless because of it no longer being a part of the whole energy source. After, the original was pieced together by someone giving up their spark, than later given a gift of life for his heroism. A little thing called…

An All Spark fragment.

"With this she was able to birth newer and faster versions of herself. Mother was able to have children." Brutus continued in his low earthy voice. Optimus sent Sari a look and she nodded. He finally understood what he was talking about also. Brutus caught their attention again with a shake of his head and saying angrily

"Sadly though this left her weaken and needing energy. We tried human nourishment…"

Sari glared darkly at Brutus and was held back by a firm Optimus. She wanted to punch his lights for acting like humans were below them. Like they were the livestock. It disgusted her. Brutus smirked their way but continued "However that soon became not enough. She was growing weaker and might possibly die."

"Good riddance." Sari whispered venomously. Luckily the Pack dog did not hear her voice but Optimus glanced her way. She wasn't paying attention to him. Sari was becoming like Huntress right in front of his eyes. Her hair was flowing around her face casting a eerie shadow and she was glaring with searing hatred. Even her eyes were a darker blue. It wasn't any surprise that the totally turn around surprised and frightened the mech. He had learned Sari was unpredictable when she was this way.

Brutus features changed from sadness of imagining his mother no longer there to grinning. He made a sweep of his hands saying proudly "But we found a way! It is known among the other Pack as the key to our future. Only mother knows it's true name. Now she will have power beyond limits….beyond control."

Sari bit back a terrified whimper and gripped Optimus' right hand in a death grip. He didn't seem to mind. Optimus only wrapped his free arm to wrap around her waist and pull her close. Brutus studied their odd behavior but decided to ignore it. The thought of tender touches and comforting words were nothing to him. He was truly a monster. Brutus finished his "lesson" stating each word with importance

"However the key to our future is only the first part of the puzzle. Since our mother's dear spark is weakened, we also need another spark to finish the process. One that is young. One that is innocent. One that is full of life."

Sari stepped to the creature while Optimus held onto her right hand. Sari hissed angrily "Why are you telling us this? You should know we will tell the others of our kind the moment we see them!"

"We'll for one thing you are already too late. The plan has been set in motion long before you could ever think to stop it. I myself was your distraction. The other thing is…" Brutus replied then stopped. An evil smile crept upwards on his mouth and his teeth were a dull yellow. He lowered down bringing out his long sharp claws out from behind his back growling low

"You won't be alive very much longer."

Sari brought out both her blades slowly giving off a soft metallic ring in the air. Optimus let go of her hand and backed up away from them both. He glared darkly at the monster causing his love so much pain. That animal was the cause of how she had become. Optimus wasn't going to allow that to happen anymore. He was here now; she no longer needed to be that way. Sari lowered down also as the metal glimmered in the sun as she growled venomously "Bring it on afthole!"

Brutus barreled his way to her and Sari readied lay on the ground to slit his underbelly. However the blur of blue and red zoomed over her in a loud roar. She knew that sound from anywhere and looked up to see the blur smack right into the approaching creature. Sari eyes widen in fear as she screamed "Optimus! Don't!"

Optimus ignored her cries and grabbed the monster's neck. He pressured pointed the monster as it howled out in pain. Optimus threw him against the wall looking down to see drips of purple energon covering his hands. Brutus throat was slightly bleeding from the pressure hold that left finger print scars with puncture holes. He growled aggressively at Optimus but was silenced by a hard punch to his mouth. The mech didn't finish at that and picked up the sliding downward Pack dog from hitting the ground. Optimus then did a double punch to Brutus' face and stomach. He finally satisfied his rage by throwing the Pack dog against the wall and backed way in disgust.

Brutus limped upward on the wall grabbing it with his working left hand. He glared up with swollen eyes at Optimus. He stared at the injured creature coldly. Brutus wrapped his bruised arm around his pummeled stomach and slide down against the wall.

"You can't do this to me! I'm the greatest warrior there ever was!" Brutus bellowed out in fury and confusion.

"By what standards?" Optimus stated coldly. Then Optimus brought out his axe covered in an Adamantium plating bringing it to Brutus throat. Now the "mighty warrior" shook in his metal boots. Optimus thought of slitting the creature's throat but decided the image was to disturbing for anyone to see. He chose for tossing his axe with the end facing Brutus' head. Optimus reared back and slammed the circular end straight between Brutus' eyes. The creature was dead before his face hit the ground.

A silence wisped in but was drowned out by chirping birds that donned the area safe to flock. Rustling tree's also added to changing the scene to peaceful. Optimus looked back at a stone cold Sari. None of them said a word. There was no need, what's done was done. Another monster was left to never hurt anyone else.

"What did he mean by the key to our future?" Optimus finally asked after long silence between them. Sari shrugged her shoulders replying

"I don't know unless….."

Then she froze.

Pieces of past events collided together in her mind. First was the image of the key, her key. When she had it by her side almost three years ago Sari was attacked by the Pack daily. She had assumed they were blood thirsty monsters. Now suspicions ran wild with her first instinct. Sari gasped slightly realizing the mystery was unraveling before her eyes.

"What is it? What's wrong?" Optimus' worried voice carried into her thoughts. Sari gazed back at him wide eyed saying slowly

"I think I know what their key of future is…."

Optimus studied her face sincerely waiting for her answer. He slowly made his way towards her and flipped on his hologram once again. Sari ignored this move whispering hoarsly

"My…Abby's All Spark Key!"

That's when it all made sense. The Pack dog had not been a raving lunatic. He was giving them a warning, though he may have never seen it that way. The Pack did not only want her key but…

They wanted her daughter.

Sari shook her head trying to think of some other explanation of a "key to their future". Nothing else came up. Things became clearer now. The attacks on her people had started out as hunting parties yes, but now, Sari could see they were trying to find something. A piece of metal told to be as powerful as the All Spark. She then began thinking on a higher manipulative level. One she believed the Pack had been doing the whole time. Sari began pacing eyes wild muttering

"All this time they knew. Planned it from the very beginning…"

It was genius! Total, evil, conniving, manipulation! Make the humans believe you are nothing but animals and they will naturally think they are better than you. Change up their assumptions with a little fear then watch as their species crumbles to the ground. Leaving you a perfect pathway to finding the artifact that will give you the limitless power you need. Finally turn the world's top hero into a monster herself, confuse her with motherly feelings, then….

Watch her world fall Apart.

The arrival of a new species was unplanned yes but that can be used too. Distract the humans with feeling their world will be "saved" showing up with the past heroes of Detroit. There you could easily find the key and the girl perfect for the new spark. Like Brutus said, someone young, innocent, and full of life….

"Abby…." Sari whispered. However there was no joy in finding out the long complicated puzzle of the Pack. Only one emotion filled up her spark and threatened to drive her insane. A little word called fear.

"Oh no! No! No! No!" Sari screamed out. Optimus flinched away from her loud vocal cords. They were one of the things that still remained the same. He looked up to see Sari running, no fleeing, to the wall entrance. Optimus went back to robot mode shouting to her

"Where are you going?"

"We have to get to the base NOW!" Sari shouted back urgently. She booked it to the wall and leaped over the crumbled down yellow bricks. Optimus walked over to her as she began trying to wake up Swoop. Sari gritted her teeth from seeing he was still hurt from the pummeling into the large wall. She might have been angry at that but she could not blame him. It looked like it had really hurt. Sari could leave him here with no worries, Swoop knew where to go when he came too. It still left her with time wasting away and chances growing wider.

"Calm down, just be rational about this." Optimus soothed to her. He leaned on both knees and reached out his hand open for her to climb on. Sari went around his hand and grabbed his large face instead. Her arm length barely stretched to hold his side face but Sari wasn't paying attention. She looked hard into his optics almost screaming

"We don't have time for rational!"

Optimus gave her a weird look and Sari realized what she must look like at that moment. The word "insane" might be used briefly in a sentence if Eric or Destiny were around. Maybe she did need to take his advice and be slightly "rational" about this.

"Don't you get it?" Sari said. She was trying to remain calm but her voice was still shaky. Sari allowed a few tears from fear gather on her edge eye's as she added

"The reason for the wall was to keep us in not out! The Pack are not strong enough to rule this world alone. They need my key and…"

Optimus' optics widen as the reality hit his processor too. He had been so concerned over Sari safety then her sanity that ideas had no room in his processor. Until now.

"They want our daughter." Optimus finished. Even his advance vocal cords hinted a strain of fear. Sari nodded then backed up for Optimus to transform. He did so in record time and opened the passenger door. She leapt in with one graceful move and fastened her seat belt as Optimus slammed the door. Sari looked over to her left to see Optimus' hologram pop up and looked at her. His eyes were filled with hidden anger and urgency but Optimus still left room to give her a comforting glance. She could sadly not do the same but Sari did bring her left hand out and grabbed his right. Sari gave it a tight squeeze but held onto the vehicles side handle as Optimus slammed on the accelerator going well past ninety.

*Sumdac Tower*

Sari was the first one into the Base and fought the urge to scream out for someone. She held her voice to call but was stunned to see the main gang standing before her. Sari looked deeply into each other faces and could tell right off something was not right. Ratchet was no longer a grumpy old bot but now sitting with eyes burning with anger. Prowl was holding onto Riana who accepted his hands gratefully. Both had a look of someone lost. Bumblebee and Bulkhead were no longer the fun loving duo from years past but mech's in pain. Sari finally looked at Eric and Destiny hoping they could shed light into the darkening mood. She almost cried out in mix emotions as Eric shook his head sadly leaning on the table. Destiny refused to look her in the eye. That's when Sari knew.

Her daughter was gone.

"No," Sari whispered. She began backing away from the group to her bedroom as Optimus stepped in. Riana came towards her almost crying saying "We have to tell you something…"

"No! I won't hear it!" Sari cried out tears forming her face. Riana came to her as Sari backed up and choked on a small sob saying with wavering determination "The Pack took Abigail."

"Don't say that to me! Please…Don't." Sari screamed then finished in a whimper. She looked wilder than ever before and pale as a ghost. Riana face flowed with tears as she shook her head whispering

"I can't. Not this time Sari."

Suddenly she changed before their eyes. A chilling feeling crawled up Optimus' backside as Sari's features down casted to a blank expression. Then she turned away from them and walked upward on the stairs. All eyes and optics followed her as Sari made her way to her room. Many flinched when she slammed the door behind her.

*Sari's Room*

Sari could feel the warm wood of the door behind her back as her body lay limp beside it. However nothing was able to quench the icy cold feeling attacking her body and mind. She had never felt so lost. The Pack's stories of how the new spark must be young, innocent and full of life were right on the money. Abigail had literally turned her world upside down. She had been the more than full of love and youth. Abigail was overflowing with it. Sari could still hear her laugh echoing in the walls surrounding her. She smelled the child's strawberry shampoo whisping from the bathroom door. Sari saw Abigail's newly clean shirt laid on top of the bed. She walked over to it and picked up the small piece of fabric tenderly. Sari brought up the clothe to her face breathing in deeply of her daughters smell. That's when tears were allowed to come.

Sari cried like she had never cried before. Not even the past assumptions of her family dead affect her this way. Anyone could hear Sari's gut wrenching sobs from all the way outside. She held onto her daughter's shirt tightly rocking back and forth on the bed. Sari had heard many times how a mother reacted to a child being lost or stolen. She had always thought they were overeating. Now Sari understood their pain.

It felt like a piece of herself was ripped away. Left there was a gigantic whole used to being filled with nurturing instincts and loving memoires. Sari could even feel an empty space between her arms where he daughter use to be. She had lost part of herself with one cruel act.

Sari allowed a few more sobs to bellow out before quieting down with hot tears. She lay flat on her right side, facing the window, and could tell much time had passed. The sun was already beginning to set. Sari's red and swollen eyes looked on dully at the city. A knock came from the door and Sari sighed.

"Go away Optimus…" Sari replied irritably. The door opened anyways with a soft chuckle. She reached for her pillow and turned to throw it at the trespasser as a heavy voice of

"Man, you use to do the same thing to me when I accidently turned your hands red."

It tried to sound lighthearted but it came out with a sad smile. Sari felt the pillow slip from her fingers as she whispered "Eric?"

"The one and only." Eric replied smirking. She couldn't help but smirk in return replying sadly "We'll you learned real quick never to do that again."

"Spray painting my hands green and telling me I had a rare skin disease does not count for learning." Eric retorted back arching his left eyebrow. Sari felt a sad chuckle float through her lips as she replied "Says who? I do recall you always check before grabbing the right antibiotic."

Eric shook his head and leaned against the door frame. Sari smirk faded out of view as she whispered painfully "Why are you here?"

"To ask if you're ok." Eric replied softly looking at her comfortingly. He made his way to her bed adding "Also maybe seeing if you want to talk about it."

"I can't believe Optimus let you come up here instead of him." Sari replied part in shock. Eric sat down playfully on the bed making it bounce slightly. Sari grinned in spite of herself and pushed him back in play. Eric waved it off as he changed his demeanor right back to tenderness. He put on a calloused hand around her shoulders. His hands showed much more wisdom than many thought he could have and gave Sari a soft look.

"I just told him you need a brother, not a lover." Eric said quietly. He gave her right shoulder a tight squeeze and pulled her to his chest. Sari wrapped her arms around him for a long hug. It touched her in ways that could never be described in words. She never knew that Eric had thought of their relationship that way but now that memories came back it made sense.

"I feel so broken." Sari replied in choky words. He moved her upward out of the hug and held Sari's hands. Eric voice rang out true and full of wisdom saying "That's when you find your strength."

"I don't think I can anymore." Sari answered back. She let go of his hands and walked slowly way from the bed. Eric watched her stare out into the blackness with a blank look. He got up quickly from the bed saying earnestly "Yes you can! It just takes time…"

"People are dying!" Sari suddenly shouted at Eric. Her voice though held no anger or frustration. Sari looked and voiced a woman unsure of who she was or where she was going. Sari came up to him leaning on a bed pole with her hands wrapped around and tears streaked her face. Eric came up to the pole and wiped away her tears like any loving brother would. Sari gazed deeply into his eyes and asked shakily

"What would you have me do?"

"Endure…." Eric voiced determinedly. Sari exchanged an odd look in reply. Eric leaned in closer to her face and wiped the hair blocking her blue eyes. He was becoming a man before her as Eric said slowly

"You can be the outcast…"

"Outcast?" Sari whispered confused. Eric nodded saying more forcefully

"You can make the choice no one else will face…the right choice."

Eric slipped away from Sari and she watched him walk to the door. A hush fell over the room as Eric's wise words echoed off the walls. She was still going over what he had just said when Eric turned to her. His eyes were a blaze with passion as he finished

"Detroit, Optimus, Abigail….All of us, need you to make that choice. It's not a problem of if you'll do it…it's when and where you decide…you're ready."

Sari had nothing to say for rebuttal. She couldn't. He was right. Sari grinned sincerely this time and Eric mimicked the gesture. He began walking out of the room when Sari said

"Eric, show this side of you more often…I like it."

Eric looked back and nodded. He held a tint of red of embarrassment but Sari knew he took any kind of praise like it was pure gold in his pocket. She watched his shadow disappear from view as more silence filled the room.

Sari's gaze turned to her closet. She knew that if she was going to save her species and the family she loved, things had to be changed. Sari had allowed herself to become an animal believing it was the only way to save them. She allowed the darkness to consumer her in order to defeat it. Sari could now see how wrong that was. Like Optimus had said, do not change who you are because of what they are.

Sari let go of the bed pole and made her way to the closet. A black locked box was hidden deep into the far corners for safe keeping. She pulled it out while thoughts lingered in her mind. Sari had then tried a total flip side. She had tried fighting off the darkness completely and refusing to become a warrior. In the end that had not worked. Sari almost was killed in that process if not for one large blue and red mech hero saving her skid plate. So what was the answer?

Sari opened the black box with little effort and stared into the contents. Her old suit, jagged and old, lay folded nicely in the center. To the side was an old pair of scissors. The other side held a faded picture of the long ago scene of her family before they left. Sari didn't know why but somehow that picture fit into that box. It helped show her and understand what truly pushed her over the edge to becoming an animal. You had to lose it all in order for darkness to take effect. Sari had allowed unwanted hatred fuel her passion and directed all her hate on innocent bots whose only crime was loving her like their own. Sari lifted the torn shirt out of the box and shook away the dust. She had a plan now.

A familiar white noise filled her ears once again. However this time….Sari was going to control it. Yes, she had to be a warrior. She had to go the edge of the darkness in order to find light. But that didn't mean being consumed by the darkness was an only option. She was now Huntress once again. But this time…..

She was a hero.

*Main Lobby*

Riana had every fighter gathered she could possibly find. It wasn't much, around a hundred or so but they all looked ready to fight for what was right. Many of them stood rigid and at attention with others showing respect for their leaders. They were small group but they were mighty.

She looked back at the Autobots one last time before making her speech. Each one tried to show they were ready but their optics told a different story. They each looked a mix between confusion, anger and loss. Optimus Prime the most. She grinned partly to him, giving what little comfort any of them could, which in turn got a smirk. Prowl also glanced her way and the look in his optics kept her from falling out on the floor. Riana held their gaze for as long as she thought necessary then turned to the group. She not even opened her mouth to say something when Sari's room door came open softly. Riana's eyes widen at the image of Huntress standing before her but Eric smirked.

Optimus fought the jagged breath raging inside him as Huntress walked down the stairs. The small group of fighters instantly parted in respect for her and some gave small salutes. She nodded once or twice at them but her gaze was mostly fixated upon her family. Destiny tensed up right way and felt shame wrapping up her thoughts. Huntress came up to Riana and faced her blankly. Riana prepared for a smart remark but was surprised to see a sincere grin etch on top of Huntress' face.

"It will honor me if you will allow me to speak." Huntress replied submissively. Riana nodded unsure of what to say. She looked like Huntress but acted much like Sari. A thought occurred to her and Riana couldn't help but grin herself. She glanced over at Eric, who was beaming with pride at Huntress, as he stepped forward.

"Knew you would make the right choice." Eric stated with pride. Huntress grinned wider at him and touched his cheek.

"I will if you remember what I asked." Huntress replied tenderly. Eric smiled saying softly "Deal."

Riana wasn't sure but she sensed something very important has passed between these two. However it was a complicated inside conversation that neither knew nor would every know. Riana left it as a brother and sister like moment. Huntress went up to Optimus first before going to speak. He needed to know that she was not going back to the darkness…she was different now. Optimus did a surprising move by suddenly going into hologram mode. The small group was so busy talking amongst themselves over their co leaders "change" that none noticed this rare occurrence. Huntress made her way to his hologram and stood in front of it. She gazed deep into his blue eyes slowing making her left hand reaching out to him. Optimus did with the matching hand and before each other knew it they were holding onto each other. Huntress moved closer showing one tear fall on her face. She then whispered hinting fear

"Truth is Optimus…I was always scared for my people..."

Optimus wiped it way as his whole body was close to hers and free arm wrapped around her waist. Huntress did the same soaking in his soft tender touch. She was breathing in his love.

"But now…." Huntress said and then stroked Optimus' hair lovingly. She laid a soft tender kiss on his cheek whispering more forcefully, with hidden fire and strength said "I'm not anymore."

Optimus did not say a word. He only held her close as the noise around them grew still. Sadly they could only shield their sorrow from the others for a moment. Holding each other would not bring their daughter back to them. Slowly their bodies separated and hands slipped out from each other. Huntress gave on last loving look before turning back to the awaiting small group as Riana was led to the back by Eric. She stood upright but not rigid looking each and every one in the eyes. Huntress then began saying calmly

"Many of you think that I am back to what I was. We'll for much of it, I am."

She glanced at Optimus who seemed tense with anticipation. Huntress knew what he was thinking and gave him a sincere look. He would soon know everything was alright. She turned back to the group stating "But in many ways I am still different. I am no longer an animal bent on revenge for my people. I will no longer hate my family for mistakes we have made."

Huntress could literally feel the relief flowing in the room. She glanced back to see Riana look much like a person who just got the news that her blood test was negative for anything. Huntress could even see the Autobots relaxed and calm. Optimus sincerely grinned at her and she did back. One of the younger fighters, a girl around sixteen, spoke up asking "Mistakes? What have we done that we deserved this?"

Huntress faced her and went tender towards the girl. Her heart reached out to the girl who all she had ever known was to fight, nothing else. A world of green and beauty was only a dream to her.

"We did nothing wrong. We all did not choose to create these monsters. All of us had no decision of how or why these animals were created. The man who decided to clash nature on one side, technology on the other, choose to do so without our permission. So simply…." Huntress began then turned to face Destiny. The girl could not fully look her in the eyes and Huntress was heartbroken by this. She was just as much as her daughter then as Abigail. Huntress came up to her and tenderly grabbed Destiny's hands. She could see the fear and shame in the girls eyes as Huntress tenderly finished "None of this was our fault."

It was meant more for Destiny but the girl who asked seemed at peace with the answer also. Huntress grinned motherly at Destiny who nodded softly. No more words were said. However Huntress caught a glimpse of something dangerous in the girl's eyes as she whispered "I swear to get the glitch."

Huntress didn't answer or give any signs that she disapproved the girls reply. She only brushed Destiny's hair softly and tried chasing off the new emotions in her daughters eyes away. Destiny was heading down a treacherous track, one of revenge. She would have to talk to Destiny about that. Huntress no longer went that way and neither would she.

Huntress continued to look into Destiny's eyes while stating for everyone to hear "However we still made one mistake, one very different but similar in many ways to the one thrust upon us."

"Which is what exactly?" the different fighter, male around nineteen, asked. Huntress noticed the voice right off. That particular boy had been with her first regime since the very beginning of the Pack. He would understand a lot more of what she was talking about, he had been right in the middle of it.

Huntress turned away from a confused Destiny and equally confused Autobots. She made her way to stand directly in front of all the fighters where all could see her and continued on. Huntress put her left hand out in an outreach gesture saying "You tell me. Try to think…what am I really meaning?"

She held her breath, hoping the boy understood what she meant. The look on his face told her he did. Huntress let the air out slowly in relief. The young male stood straighter answering "We became so concerned of what we were fighting; we lost the reason for why we were doing it."

"He's right." Huntress stated. She grinned proudly at the young man. He did so in return and nodded his head to her. Huntress moved her hand to point at the male saying louder

"Listen to what he is saying! We got so concerned of what we were fighting we forgot why we were doing! Do you realize what he is truly saying?"

A confused gibber fell amongst the small group as many whispered to each other. They were trying to figure out what their leader was trying to say but Huntress could see they were still blinded. She sighed, and glanced at her family to see if any of them knew possibly at all what she was addressing. They too were trying to understand and whispering amongst themselves. However, two faces smirked and eyes dancing with pride. One, a man who forever would be known as her brother, Eric. The other, a mech whose only crime since was loving her through the pain and chaos, Optimus. Huntress grinned warmly back at each one then turned to the group. Her one eyebrow went up and arms crossed. She felt a brief of tears bubble up from remembering this was the same stance she used when Abby got in trouble. Huntress though pushed the feeling down. This was no longer a time for grief, it was time for action. She brought back her attention to the crowd saying sternly

"You don't? We'll here let me spell it out of you…."

She uncrossed her arms and began pointing to people saying forcefully

"We all became blinded! Some with rage, others with grief, and many…."

Huntress finger feel on Destiny and held there for a moment. She looked deep into the young woman's eyes. Huntress sadly could still see the burning emotion in her eyes as she added quietly

"With revenge."

Destiny didn't seem hurt or offended by Huntress remark. She simply stared off into the distance while Eric laid a comforting hand on her shoulder. He looked up at Huntress and nodded his head to go on. She did so by turning to the group adding quietly

"But you want to know the biggest thing that has blinded us? I'll tell you. A venomous word called….hate."

Silence was the outcome of her last word. The idea of what she was saying was being to hit like raw iron. The word burned on their minds and steamed inside much like the raw metal described. Some faces were beginning to pale and many bit their lip from gasping. The word was hitting all of them in different ways. Huntress allowed a few more minutes for it to sink in before stating

"So blind with this emotion of hate, that all of us lost the reason for killing these monsters. We choose hating them….over saving our own."

Huntress could see many more faces pale with understanding and looked back to see Riana doing the same. She placed a hand over her mouth as soft tears trickled down her face. Huntress felt relief to see Prowl right there beside her, giving her comfort. The others simply held grave faces. She continued gazing at them while adding

"Which is exactly what they wanted."

Optimus watch Huntress' face distort in anger and turn back forcefully to the others. His spark broke for her knowing many did not know of the Pack's "true" selves. Of how they could walk and talk, acting much like any sentient being. He also knew that would be hard to break it to the group and that many would not believe her. Optimus stood silently as Huntress growled

"They knew we would! When humans are faced with change and uncertainty how have we handled it in past history? All of us despised the persons responsible. We reached for hate."

Huntress quickly gained control of herself by glaring down at the dirty tile floor. The anger before blew out of her mind quickly. It was replaced by a sad emotional feeling. She looked up at the group with angst being able to say the words without much choking,

"Sadly hate will not bring out families back, hate will not change what that man did over four years ago. Hate will never bring peace."

She could see a few tears sprouting on some of the faces before her but pressed onward. Huntress took in a cleansing breath before giving her last words. She finally was able to state coldly

"What hate really does was lead our decisions, our choices, and left us with all the blame…..Period."

She watched the small group for a few moments letting her speech sink in. It affect many in different ways. Most of the girl's had tears in their eyes, probably thinking of how truly blinded they were. The other girls wore blank expression, in very deep thought. Huntress assumed they were thinking about their families or of what they might think of them now. The handful of males were tense up, ready for action. However they was a new kind of understanding in their eyes. Huntress could see if after not it there for half a decade.

"Like I said earlier….I will not be an animal taking revenge for my people." Huntress stated. Then a smirk played on her face as she said louder, with more force

"But I will be the warrior who will bring vengeance. I will prove those monster's wrong. No longer am I the animal who hates but the woman that chose to never give up. I will be the hero."

She stopped, looking at each fighter in the eye. Huntress then glanced back at her family. All held the same look. A growing sparkle was becoming brighter in each of their eyes. She looked back at the small group shouting passionately "So I ask you this. Will you come with me and be a hero? Who will help me prove these murderer's wrong? No longer be an animal of hate but a warrior of vengeance?"

A low grumble was building in the room as many began to cheer. She looked back to see Riana beginning to clap. Eric was giving loud low calls like past frat boys but still held his look of pride towards her. Huntress shivered slightly however to see Destiny cheering but still holding a dangerous look hidden behind her eyes. She had her attention directed to Optimus soon after that and he remained silent, only grinning with eyes glimmering with passion much like her own. The others were simply cheering their heads off, Bumblebee the loudest. Huntress thought the perfect time to turn back to the group, thrust her left fist up high shouting loudly

"WHO'S WITH ME?"

A thunderous applause echoed for a reply. She smiled sincerely and thrust her hand up higher. That caused the noise to double. Huntress then felt tears slide down her face as she thought with tender and comfort "Don't worry baby…mama's coming. Please be strong….don't be afraid Abby."

She continued to plead silently to her daughter. Huntress hoped that her cries of love would be able to reach across the distance between them and comfort her child. She could hardly imagine what the little girl was going through. But against hail and high waters she would bring her daughter back. Huntress had a plan.

Wow *wipes sweat off brow* that was a tough one. This chapter was the hardest one yet! I kept getting really going then…BOOM! Writers block. -_- Bleh. Hopefully the next chapter won't give me as much trouble. Ok now that the suspense meter is to the max…..review! We'll after the shock wears off. Haha : )