A/N

Yeah, I'm taking chapter titles away, at least until this story is finished and I can assign each chapter the appropriate title. Hope you guys don't mind.

But good news, you can now find me on Spotify!

I am also on Google+, giving spoiler-free news updates on the Transformers cinematic universe (and other random TF news) when it arises.

Chapter 14

It only takes flared armor and a short stare-down to wrench an answer from the small mech.

"Okay, okay. I... I don't have an...affiliation. It's just me. I guess you can say...I'm neutral."

That doesn't seem to ease the Prime's anxiety much, but he does settle his armor.

"See?" Aimi looks up at him. "He's not a Decepticon. You can chill now."

He vents and takes a step back. "Stand up."

Vahsk does so quickly, and the Prime studies him for a moment before turning and walking back the way he and Aimi came.

"It seems we are leaving." Drift watches him for a moment, then looks at Vahsk. "I advise you to join us, but do so with caution. He has been rather...tense lately."

"Has he? I haven't really noticed."

"Do not let him hear you joke about him."

"Got it..."

Aimi doesn't believe the silence can get any more tense.

They're just going to a place where they can hide out for a while, get some rest in peace.

Or as much peace as a band of giant alien refugees can manage.

"Really guys, the silence is killing me. Vahsk, where'd you come from?"

"Uh... Cybertron...?"

"I mean what city."

"Oh. I'm from Tyger Pax."

"Did you like it there?"

"It was alright."

Aimi looks at him for a moment. "You're not one for conversation, are you?"

"Usually I am, but..." He shifts in discomfort, risking a glance at the Prime, who is seated somewhere between close to and far from Vahsk. "I don't really like it when someone keeps their field on me..."

"Optimus." The mech flinches at her tone, growls low, and folds his servos over his chassis, but Vahsk vents and relaxes.

"Thanks. But why would...? You know what, never mind. Skyfire, where are we going?"

Skyfire slows down until he can descend vertically, and he lands. "Right here."

"And where is here?"

He lowers his boarding ramp, revealing a forest.

"Grand Mesa National Forest, I believe it's called. There are paths within five miles, but I don't think anyone would foolish enough to venture out here."

"Great!" He starts to stand, only to be pushed back down by the Prime, who stands and walks out.

Vahsk looks at Aimi. "What is his problem with me?"

"Maybe he sees you as a potential replacement."

"A replacement? Seriously?"

"Well, you are two of my favorite things, purple and a Camaro."

"Oh. But I'm no one's replacement, and certainly not his."

"I know. And he knows, he just...is having a really hard time right now."

"I would be too if I literally died to save a planet and the thanks I got was everyone I care about being hunted down and deactivated."

"Betrayal is an atrocious thing. Keep that in mind as long as you're around us, and especially around him."

A/N

I don't think my chapters can get any shorter. I know it's been forever since my last chapter, but life is wacko and gives me chronic writer's block.

The next chapter will just come to me when it comes to me.

Reviews

To BotQuester (guest): (C12) Salida is in Colorado! (C13) Yes, the psychology and sociology of the Cybertronian is very interesting grounds for me to explore. Glad you like it!

To Agent Frostbite: (C9) Stick figures are my favorite. XD

To birdlover101: (C13) Yeah, I thought that was pretty good too. Thank you, and I hope you enjoy these new chapters!

And to Hiniko, HeartLuvAnimeGirl, LIGHT-DARK PROTECTOR, mangafox1221, TheGutsyWolf, birdlover101, Elfdof, jenni10121, Munto, and Savage Kill, thank you for hitting "favorite"/"follow" on my story!