(See all previous disclaimers)
Chestnut was raging inside as he could feel what was happening – for right at this moment the evil Megatron was defiling Chestnut's mate yet again and Chestnut could feel it over the spark bond as Illusion had left the connection wide open. Chestnut contained his rage for now, as they had to cross the Silver desert, but it was just barely contained. The dozen or so bots that had been saved from the citadel could sense the anger and fell in line, not wanting the anger directed at them, as Chestnut still had his reputation even if he hadn't been seen in a while. Ironhide, Raptor, and Hound were even careful, as they didn't want Chestnut to go after them. Chestnut knew he had to get to his mate as quickly and safely as possible. Chestnut pulsed love and that he would be on his way as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, back at the Autobot base, Optimus had gathered many Autobots to go out and help save Illusion, Flasher, and Peacekeeper. "Forgive me, sir" asked a fairly new recruit, "I know of Illusion, but who are Peacekeeper and Flasher?"
"They are my sons, they are just sparklings" Optimus revealed to all in the room. Most had already known but a few had been unaware of the truth of the sparklings true identities.
"They are your sons, sir?" the new recruit asked, stunned, as he had been one of the few who hadn't known or realized it.
"Yes" Optimus answered tersely, his anger starting to flare up at the thought of his precious little ones being anywhere near Megatron and the other cons. The new recruit then nodded and fell in line. He hadn't meant to make Optimus upset, he just wanted to know who the two were, as the names were unfamiliar to him. "Alright, bots, let's roll out" Optimus called, leading the charge to save Illusion and the little ones.
Mirage watched as the other bots headed out. He was livid, but he had been banned from going. HE hated it, but he wasn't going to defy his mate this time, especially since Mirage sensed he was needed at the base. He didn't know why just yet, he just knew he was supposed to stay. Mirage went back inside the base, hoping and praying that his brother and sons would return safely. Little did he know, more recruits were on the way to the base.
Meanwhile, deep in the con base, Illusion had just been thrown back into the brig that he shared with the sparklings after having been defiled yet again by not only Megatron but also the disgusting seekers Starscream and Skywarp. Illusion figured Thundercracker was busy or he would have joined in the fun, as the trine always seemed to do things together. Illusion felt disgusting and used, but he tried not to let it show, as the little ones were scared and needed Illusion to comfort them during this awful time.
Illusion could only hope he would be rescued soon, as he was also getting close to sparking. He figured that was the only reason the cons kept him alive for now. He didn't know what they would do if he sparked while here, as Cons were not known for caring for sparklings and rarely kept breeder bots. Illusion also realized Flasher and Keeper were bait for Megatron to lure out the Prime. Illusion prayed that he and the sparklings would be saved in time and not at the cost of the Prime and his family.
Back in the Silver desert, the bots continued to cross carefully, led by a bound and determined Chestnut who wanted to cross the desert faster than they had previously. Thankfully, they hadn't run into any serious known desert traps or snares on this trip back. Chestnut pulsed love to his mate and learned through the spark bond what had happened. Now Chestnut was pissed. He didn't show it, as he had to keep his wits about him, but Chestnut was determined that Megatron and Starscream were as good as dead the next time he saw them.