Chapter 25: Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger

"Wow, Anya, that's a nice change of wardrobe." Aunt Teresa says as she was about to leave the kitchen. "What's the occasion?" She asks as she looks at the calendar from the fridge.

"Nothing in particular, Aunt Teresa." I say calmly with a small smile. "I just wanted a change of wardrobe. I actually like wearing this." I state as I motion to my clothing. It consists of gray skinny jeans, a ¾ baseball black sleeves white t-shirt and my usual black leather heeled boots. And to change it more, I'm wearing my hair up in a high pony tail, with my signature black bow. "It's comfortable." I state with a shrug.

"You look good, honey." Aunt Teresa says with a smile as she quickly presses a kiss on my cheek and leaves hurriedly. "I got to go; your uncle is waiting for me outside." She says as she waves and leaves.

"Bye, have a good day at work."

"Thanks." And with that she leaves and I hear the engine of my uncle's car as they leave the driveway.

"Whoa…" I turn around and I see Raf rubbing his eyes from behind his glasses and blinks at me. "You look great, Anya." He says with a smile as he sits at the table.

"Thank you, Raf." I say warmly as I give him his breakfast of several pieces toast with strawberry jam and homemade orange juice "It was time that I changed my appearance." I state as I sit next to him as I eat a half piece of toast with strawberry jam and the juice.

It was a quick and silent breakfast as we the then prepared to go to school.

"You look different, Anya. Good different." Bee says as soon as we enter the garage.

"Thanks, Bee." I say as I enter inside him. I pat the wheel gentle after Bee buckled the seatbelts for us.

"Hey, Anya?" Raf asks. I hum as we drive away, the garage closing behind us. "Where is your kunai? When you were wearing a skirt, you had it hidden under it. Do you still have it?" He asks curiously.

"Oh, I don't have the kunai with me anymore." I state as I press my lips together, feeling disappointed that my kunai is not on me. "But instead I have my special boots on."

"Special boots/ Special boots?" Bee and Raf ask together.

"Yeah, I asked my father to ship me the boots that he promised he upgraded." I state simply with a smile on my face.

"How many boots do you even have?" Raf ask.

"Well, right now I have six. Father shipped in two." I say. "And before you ask, yes they all look the same."

"What are the upgrades?" Bee asks.

"Father reinforced them with vibranium soles and heels." I said, hiding a Cheshire grin. My father is a genius. The vibranium is not thick, it's actually thin as five pieces of flat paper, but it's enough to feel the effects.

He told me that I would not feel the strain when I jump down from very tall objects, or when I kick something very hard. I haven't tested it yet, but my father's theories have usually sounded reasonable. I find it actually possible. So, I just have to wait for the right moment.

I ignore the look of exasperation from Raf as we stop near the school.

"Looking sharp, Anya!" Miko says as she sees me and puts her arm around me shoulder. "Though, you could try also other colors that are not grayscale." She says as she lets go of me and taps her fingers against each other. "Purple would look nice on you. Blue… light or dark would work too." She says. "Red… eh, maybe."

"Anyways," Jack says as he wraps an arm around my waist. "You still look beautiful, mi bella dama."

I blush lightly as Jack kisses the back of my hand. We ignore Miko's fake gags.

"Thanks, Jack." I say as I softly peck his cheek.

"Hey, babe." I try not to groan when I hear Vince's voice as he walks behind me.

I ignore him and continue walking. But sadly, Vince ran and intercepts me and I stop before I could bump into him.

"Vince, please move." I say calmly, trying very hard not to punch him away as he continues to blocks me from wherever I try to move.

"Anya, babe, what's wrong?" He asks with a smirk as he then spreads his arms apart. Knowing that moving would be futile, I stay in place and look at him.

"Vince, what is wrong is that you are blocking my path." I state monotonously.

"Tsk, tsk, wrong answer." He says as he shakes his finger at me, patronizingly.

I look at him confused and before I know it he grabs my wrist and pulls me towards him and trapping me by wrapping an arm around my waist.

This time, I did not hide my scowl as I try to push him off me, using minimal strength. Miko… where are you when I need you?

"You want to know what's wrong?" He asks as he let's go of my wrist and grabs my chin and makes me look at him. I narrow my eyes at him as I struggle.

I hate to admit it, but if I was a regular girl, with pathetic strength (which I have to act), I would not get free with brute strength. Vince is actually rather strong.

"What?" I ask, still narrowing my eyes at him.

"That a hot babe like you isn't going out with me." He says as he smirks, his face getting uncomfortably close. I move my head away and use a little more strength, I finally push him away and back track a few feet away.

"Really? I find nothing wrong with being away from you." I state as I turn and walk away. It was against every instinct to turn my back at the enemy. But I had to. If I stay and faced him there are only two things that would happen. One, Vince would trap me again and I know he would use his 'superior' strength to all of his advantage. Two, if he pushed just the right buttons, my cover would be blown and I would accidentally seriously hurt him. So, yeah, turning away and avoiding is the best course of action.

As if things couldn't get worse, Vince starts following me. I look behind me and I quickly pick up my pace and I see that Vince was doing the same. The next thing I know I was running (at normal speed) away from him. I turn at a hallway that was filled with students, dodging them easily. When I stop and look back, I quickly had to jog away, avoiding and dodging people and not pushing through like Vince was doing.

Where are the teachers anyways?! Though it is lunch. Most, if not all, leave to the teacher's lounge or stay inside their classrooms to eat. Curse my luck. Though I have a feeling that Vince did put thought this time. I would have never thought that he would actually use his brain for this.

When I see Jack as I turn to a different hallway, I feel so relieved.

"Anya?!" He says as he runs towards me and we meet each other halfway. I hug him and press my face against the crook of his neck. He wraps his arms around me and I feel so safe. I know I am stronger than him by a lot, but I feel so protected in his arms.

But I break away and grab his hand, trying to leave. However, Vince catches up.

"Darby." He hisses as the rest of the students all stop and then they either stay where they are or leave. Vince stalks his ways towards us. I was not scared, more like worried. Worried for Jack. Vince will get physical if things came down to that.

"Vince." Jack says as he places himself in front of me. I did not hear nervousness in his voice, but I did feel the increase of his heart rate as I continue to have my hand wrapped around his wrist.

Thankfully, Vince stops in front of Jack, barely a foot away from each other. "Anya, babe, why are you with some useless punk like him, when you have premium quality like me." He says as he looks suggestively at me.

My face has its usual mask of emotionless as I look at him with my eyes slowly narrowing towards him. "The 'useless punk' as you call him, is Jack. And Jack is my boyfriend." I informed monotonously as I stand next to him, shifting my hand so that our fingers are intertwined together. "I am going out with Jack and even if I didn't, I would never go out with someone like you." I state.

Vince plays fish for a while before snarling as was about to touch me, but Jack pushes me back and stops Vince's hand by grabbing his forearm.

I blink at the action as I look at Jack in awe.

"Don't you ever touch her." Jack states in a low voice. I look at his face and I can see that he was actually angry. I've never really seen him that angry before. It's very different from when he gets angry at Miko when she does her less-than-safe stunts. This anger is more… darker. He then let go and shoves Vince away, making the bully stumble, almost losing his balance. "Understood." He adds.

Vince has a scowl on his face. He raises his arm but before he could take another step a voice interrupts, "Is something going on here?"

I look back and see the principal narrowing his eyes suspiciously at the three of us. Quickly, everyone walks away from us. They really suck at being low-key.

"Nothing, sir." I say quickly as I pull Jack towards me and pull him away from Vince. "Your suit is rather nice today." I say quickly.

"Ah, thank you for noticing. I just got it out from the dry cleaners." He says as he adjusts his tie and looks proud. But then he looks at Vince. "Vincent, you better be at detention today, or else I'll have to suspend you." He threatens.

"Fine." Vince says, glaring at Jack and me before he walks away. The principal walks away, in a better mood than before.

Jack and I both let out sighs of relief before we look at each other and smile.

"Raf and Miko were wondering for you." Jack says as he wraps his arm around my waist and leads me towards our lunch spot. I don't think I am imagining things, but I can tell that my Jack has been working out. I could feel the subtle increase of muscle in his arms. But I'll stay quiet for now.

Jack will always be my jolly sailor bold.

It's been a few days since the Vince incident and things in school are a little tense. But I have managed to avoid being with Vince successfully.

Now, Raf and I are on base. Miko had to stay at her foster parents' house and Jack has to work. So it's just Raf and I in base, along with Ratchet.

Raf immediately went to do his homework while I went with Ratchet, per his request. I was actually pretty excited when Ratchet asked me to be his assistant in helping with completing the synthetic energon formula. However, in order to help, I need to learn Cybertronian written language. Ratchet actually gave me a pad (that he made) so that I could learn. But thankfully, he translated a part of the formula in the 'human science language' so I could work on it.

In a little less than an hour, I had managed to compose a chemical compound that would complete the formula based on comparing the natural to the fraction of the synthetic energon. They are not exactly the same, but it's as close as I could get to make them similar. Well, it's not physically a compound. It's more of a theoretical compound. I wrote down the "blueprints" of what I think would be workable. Now what needs to be done next is follow the blueprints and observe and test if it works or not.

Ratchet only nodded at me approvingly when he checked on my work. He said that was his same result.

I tried not to get annoyed at that statement, but I guess that is fair. Synthetic energon is not meant for humans to even know how it is made or understand the elements and the logic that compose them. It's too advanced of this time for humans. So I understand why Ratchet did a test on me.

I would have done the same if I ever searched for an assistant. Plus, Father does it all the time with others and with me. You could say that I am used to it.

"Hmm. Surprisingly stable." Ratchet says as he looks into the microscope on the next day when we come back. Still the same, no Miko and Jack. But the 'Bots are here, however they are in the training room practicing.

"Hey, Ratchet? Is that synthetic energon?" Raf asks after hearing Ratchet muttering. I was sitting in the couch learning more of the Cybertronian language. It's quite fun, learning new languages. But I guess that's my nerdy/geeky side that is speaking.

"Well, yes." Ratchet answers as he momentarily forgot that Raf was here. Though, he probably did. I understand that feeling. Did that a lot of times when I was creating my beloved weapons. "In fact, I'm preparing to test a sample. I see that you come equipped with protective goggles." Ratchet says as he prepares a sample on a customized syringe.

"I can watch?" Raf ask excitedly as he comes closer. I smile from my place and I slowly stand up and reach for my safety goggles.

"May I join as well?" I ask as I make my way towards Raf.

Ratchet actually chuckles. "Of course, I wouldn't want it another way, my assistant."

"I'm your assistant now?" I humor as I fold my arms across my chest.

"Only when I tell you." He says absently as he starts to put the syringe on a machine, which I fixed so that Ratchet could use it. It was part of the learning experience made by Ratchet. He said that it would give me an idea on how their Cybertronian limbs work. I'm starting to believe that he is training me to become a Cybertronian medic. I don't know if he is doing it on purpose or not, but I'm learn as much as I can. It's quite fascinating. "Anyways… we just add some to this test engine…" He then pulls the syringe away once all of the synthetic energon is on the machine.

The machine hisses as the new energon is taking over it's system. The blue glow that the natural energon provided for the machine is now replaced with a green glow. Then the machine start whirring and is working.

I let out a relieved smile at that.

"It works! Bee!" Raf yells out looking for our guardian.

"Uh-ut-ut!" Ratchet exclaims, getting our attention. "This iteration of the formula requires further trial before we can even think about it using it for fuel, ammunition, or first aid, which is rather unfortunate, since our own energon reserves are at an all-time low."

My heart sinks as Ratchet tells us. I already knew that, but it still does not keep the worry and the morose feeling away when I hear it.

"Our severely outnumbered warriors have been rapidly burning through our stockpile of late as the Decepticon army continues to run us ragged and grind us down. Natural energon is in such short supply on your planet, and Megatron seems to have his oily claws buried deep in all the Earth's deposits. But if we can successfully produce a synthetic form, we can manufacture all the energy we'll ever need." Ratchet finishes informing.

Ratchet really needs to create the synthetic energon. It would give the Autobots a huge advantage. Hopefully, Ratchet will still allow me to help and teach me more so that I can contribute and quicken the process.

Suddenly the computer beeps, indicating energon movement.

The rest of the 'Bots come in and stare at the main computer.

"More energon on the move." Arcee informs. Meaning that Decepticons are moving them. I quietly walk towards where I have hidden Dolores.

"Again?" Bulkhead groans tiredly. I have already put on my shawl around my head, ninja style as Miko will fondly say. And I have my safety glasses on which Jack fondly refers as spy glasses. He caught me with planners for a new version and this time with x-ray vision and other useful vision functions.

"Their recent activity suggests a familiar pattern. The Decepticons are desperately scouting for new deposits to mine." Optimus states. "Autobots!"

"Optimus," Ratchet interrupts as I have already made my way down the stairs. "If one of you comes back wounded this time—well, our energon reserves are nearly depleted."

"Understood."

"Optimus, I'm coming with you all." I state, announcing my presence. He and everyone look at me. Bee was about to say something, but I interrupted. "I have one of my stronger weapons with me and I do not require energon to fuel myself or my weapons."

"Very well, just make sure you do not get hit by enemy fire."

"Will do, sir." I nod at him.

"Activate the Ground Bridge." Optimus says to the medic. "Autobots, roll out!" He says. Bee actually transforms around me so that I was in the passenger seat when he becomes into his vehicle mode.

"You know, Bee, I am capable of running." I state trying to not recline back. It is not comfortable to have Dolores pressing against my spine.

"Of course you can." Bee replies. "I'm just keeping you here so that the Decepticons don't see you. You can be our element of surprise."

Humming in agreement, I let it slide. I can't fault Bee for being protective. But thankfully, Bee knows that I am capable of fighting alongside them and lets me fight with them. Though, he does like to say that I could run away for cover while he and the 'Bots got it covered.

"Flatterer." I tease lightly.

Soon we are somewhere inside of canyons. It's nighttime already. I activate the night vision and up ahead I see the familiar forms of Knockout and Breakdown. Our objective is the large energon cube that is strapped on top of Breakdown.

I grab Dolores from my back and move it so that it was in front and ready. I have a six grenades, one round to be exactly, that fits in Dolores. Hopefully that will be more than enough. If not, then there is always up close and personal, my personal favorite.

Yeah, Father and Grandfather have said that we Volkovs have a natural favoritism for close combat, with or without melee weapons at our disposal.

The Autobots are giving chase just at the Decepticon duo speed up. I grab a com link and put it on my left ear. Yeah, I finally made one so that I could hear the com links between the 'Bots. It's an upgrade from using my phone. I rather use both hands while fighting against danger, thank you very much.

However, my eyes narrow in suspicion when they just continue to drive away. I would have thought a Bridge might have appeared to take them away. I mean, they could clearly see us.

So why aren't they attempting to leave?

"Optimus." I say as I speak into the com-link.

:: What is it, Anya?::

"Breakdown and Knockout are trying to make you all waste energon by letting you pursue them." I state.

:: Of course they would.:: Arcee growls.

"Permission to delay them, sir?" I ask, preparing to use my speed and shield.

However, I didn't get a response when 'Con air support came. The drones, as I have come to learn that I was they are called, start shooting at the top of the canyon walls ahead of us.

Bee swerves, making me have to cling on the seat to stop being thrown around. I look ahead and see that Breakdown and Knockout are making their escape, but Arcee has accelerated and catching up on them.

I know this is not the correct situation, but I am a bit jealous that Arcee transformed and jumped on top of falling boulders to get to the other side. I have wanted to do something like that for a while. I blame watching Kung Fu Panda and Tai Lung's prison escape. It looks so cool and fun to do.

Ugh, need to get my mind back on track and get my priorities straight.

Sadly, the rest of us couldn't make it to the other side. Bee and the rest transform. I stay still as I feel Bee's hand around me as he skids to a stop. I drop from his hand as I aim Dolores above to the 'Con drones, the rest of the Autobots doing the same.

None of them slow down.

"Arcee, fall back. You're outnumbered." Optimus commands through the com-link.

:: We're always outnumbered. We need that energon.:: Arcee replies. I look at the new boulder wall. I could jump my way up, but that could be seconds late. I could fly too, but summoning the clouds is going to take a while. This area is very dry.

"Ratchet, lock to Arcee's coordinates and prepare an emergency ground Bridge." Optimus orders.

:: I'm locked on. ::

"Bulkhead, think you can throw me over the wall?" I ask.

"What?! Why would I do that?" He asked surprised.

"I'll be Arcee's backup while you three catch up to us." I state. I could sense the clouds coming in. Less than a minute.

"If I throw you, how are to going to land?"

"Trust me, I have a landing plan." I say, my smirk hidden within the shawl.

"Optimus." Bee says as he looks at him.

"I trust your judgment, Anya. Bulkhead, you may proceed." He says with a nod.

Bulkhead nods and offers his hand. I quickly jump and grab Dolores tightly. Nora is seriously influencing me right now.

"Throw me, Bulk." I state as I nod at him. He nods. Then he moves his arm far from him and he finally throws me, making sure that I am going over the wall.

When I was at the peak of my trajectory, I transform Dolores into her war hammer mode and I move so that I am standing on the head. I press a trigger, making me propel straight ahead. Yep, I totally just copied Nora. Monty Oum, you are the best.

My good mood vanished as I see the flying 'Cons getting their weapons prepared to fire. My clouds are almost ready to use. Just a few more seconds…

My eyes widen as they all fire at Arcee. Without thinking, I put my hand forward and let loose several lightning bolts out of my hand. I hit three 'Cons from the dozen that were here.

The three swerve, but they recuperate and turn towards me, who is quickly losing altitude.

Well, at least it's three less for Arcee to worry about. But, I'm still more worried for Arcee. She took an ugly fall.

Going back to the three that I angered, they had their weapons aimed at me. Before they could shoot, I transform Dolores into grenade launcher form and shot at the three of them, directly where their missiles launchers are. Just as I was meters close to the ground, the clouds are finally surrounding the area. The wind gets stronger and pulls me up, letting me fly. Smirking behind my shawl, I make Dolores go back into war hammer mode and grip on the handle tightly. Lightning shoots down next to me creating a sort of protective cover from them. The wind carries me swiftly to one of the 'Cons and I swing Dolores at the front of the plane several times, making it crack under the pressure with each hit. Soon several lightning bolts shoot on it, mercilessly.

The 'Con starts falling and smoke and sparks are coming out of it.

I gave the treatment to the other two 'Cons that were trying to throw me off the air.

When I finished with those three, I look at Arcee.

She is surrounded by 'Cons, while she is still on the ground.

Just as one of the 'Cons has his weapon trained at her, I summon a lightning bolt between them, making him stumble back.

However before I could intervene, a Ground Bridge comes from above. Preparing for Screamer, Soundwave, even Megatron, to come, I am surprised to see that it is Ratchet that is falling.

My surprised doubled as he lands on one of the 'Cons, and he starts fighting. Yeah, I'm still surprised. I didn't realize that the wind was lowering me to the ground until my feet touched the ground.

My shock was so great that I didn't join in the fight. Ratchet is savage. He was pulling impressive kicks and jumps and the way that he was slicing the 'Cons with such precision was just… wow. Yeah, my brain is still comprehending the awesomeness that Ratchet has become.

Though, my brain did remind me of the objective of this mission. I put Dolores in grenade form and put her on my back holster as start running towards the still forms of Breakdown and Knockout, making sure to stick in the shadows.

"Looks like the Autobots brought in a ringer." Knockout comments. Quietly, I grab my sheathed kunai from inside of my boot. I unsheathe it and prepare to throw it.

I only have one shot if I want the energon to slip from Breakdown. I'm so lucky that I am small so that the 'Cons do not notice me, despite what a 'nuisance' I am.

"Well, then, I'll ring his bell." Breakdown states, his engine rumbling slightly.

My kunai flies and cuts through the rope. Success.

"Hey!" Breakdown and Knockout drive backwards as they spot my kunai not far from them. That causes the energon to start slipping, but it does not fall back as it balances back. Scrap.

I then jump towards them and kick the energon away, making it land a few meters away from them. I then land on Breakdown's hood, but then I leap away.

I hear the sounds of transformations behind me. I quickly dodge as I hit the ground as I see Breakdown hurling a rock at me.

"You brat!" He yells. Knockout has his prod out as he and Breakdown are getting close to the cube.

Pulling Dolores and getting her in war hammer mode I leap and swig it at Breakdown but he dodges it. He then swipes me away, making me twist my body to land in a crouch. Speeding towards the cube, I move around, put my leg forward at the cube's side and kick it with everything I got. The cube breaks in two, in almost even parts. But you can tell one is bigger than the other.

I know that it was not my decision to make, but I rather have some energon than losing everything.

Thankfully, the shooting of plasma balls at the 'Cons direction made them quickly retreat. But obviously not before Breakdown swipes at me away and grabs for the pieces of energon. I move and make a shield around the cube piece that is not on his hands and protect it.

"Breakdown, let's go. No point in getting the smaller piece when we have the bigger part." Knockout yells.

Breakdown growls before he runs away, with Knockout into their Ground Bridge. I let my shield down and look back where Ratchet is still fighting awesomely for a few more seconds.

Though, my gut feels uneasy. How did Ratchet all of a sudden became this good at fighting? I do not want to offend him, but what Bee has told me Ratchet is old. Older than Optimus. He would be around in his forties if he was a human. A 'Bot that old wouldn't fight like Ratchet did. Unless he really was very well fit. Grandfather is still a good swordsman, but even he has trouble in keeping the stamina and strength that he had in his younger years.

Ratchet did something and I have a gut feeling that I know what it is.

"Anya?" Optimus says as he and the rest of the 'Bots notice me. They come over and they let out a small smile as they see the piece of energon that I managed to get.

"I know it's not the original cube, but I hope that this helps." I state as I look at it.

"Every drop of energon counts." Optimus says softly. "You did well. I rather have gotten this than nothing at all."

At least we had the same idea.

"I'm glad to hear." I say.

"What happened?" Raf asks as soon as we enter base via Bridge.

"I only saw the gory aftermath," Bulkhead states as he is carrying the piece of the energon cube, "But I hear that Doc was a one-bot wrecking machine."

"Whoa!" Raf exclaims as Ratchet suddenly picks him up.

"Hey, little fella." Ratchet says in a good mood and toss Raf a bit before setting him down on the catwalk.

I only look in shock from my perch on Bee's shoulder. Did that just happen?

"All right, what's your secret?" Arcee asks.

"No secret," Ratchet starts, "Just a little something I like to call synthen." He then grabs a jar of the synthetic energon and throws it to Arcee who catches it. My eyes narrow as I put my shawl over my shoulders and my safety glasses perched on top of my head.

"From the data Bulkhead transcribed?" Arcee asks as she looks at him. "I thought the formula was-"

"Incomplete?" Ratchet then chuckles as Bee grabs the jar that Arcee give him mindlessly. "Not anymore."

"This is sweet." Bee says as he looks into the jar.

"So, Ratchet makes a better tough guy than I do a smart guy?" Bulkhead jokes as he grabs the jar that Bee had.

Finally it is passed to Optimus, "Ratchet, I question the wisdom of using yourself as a test subject."

"Optimus, you didn't see Ratchet out there." Arcee says. "He was in overdrive. We should all try this stuff."

"Or give Ratchet more so we can take a vacation." Bulkhead adds.

Oh hell no.

"I agree with Optimus." I state, making them look at me. "I know that energon is getting scarce, but using the synthetic energon could prove disastrous. We do not know the effects that will cause."

"I agree that the initial results seem promising," Optimus starts as he walks towards Ratchet and give him the jar, "But I agree with Anya. I recommend that further testing be confined to machines, not Autobots. Outnumbered though we may be, old friend, we need a warrior in the laboratory right now more than we need another in the field."

It was silent as Ratchet nods and went to his area where he was working on the synthetic energon. Raf and I stayed in base until it was time to go home.

As Bee drove us back home, I couldn't help but worry. My gut would get unsettled every time I saw Ratchet.

I know that the completed formula that we both worked on is stable, but that does not mean that it is. My mind keeps on going back on what would be secondary effects. So far what I have seen the synthetic energon in use, it gives the user speed and strength and a change in mood.

The change in mood is what worrying me. Ratchet is in a good mood so far, but if that were to change? Would he get crazy or angry? He might not be in control of his emotions over time if he continues to use the 'synthen'.

I hope he comes to his senses before something bad happens.

"Anya?"

"What? Sorry, I didn't hear you." I say sheepishly to Jack.

"I can tell." He states. "What's bothering you?"

I sigh, "It's more like worry. I'm worried for Ratchet." I confessed.

"Ratchet?" He says confused.

From there I told him what had happened yesterday, leaving out that I fought Breakdown and Knockout. He doesn't need to know that.

"I see." He says as he wraps his arm around me and kisses the top of my head. He just holds me, not saying anything and I am grateful for that. I know he doesn't know what to say, so he keeps quiet and just holds me close, giving me more comfort in that.

I'm just glad that June isn't here. I'm starting to dislike the clicking of a camera. She has taken pictures of Jack and me every chance she gets. It's getting the better of me, but I stay silent for the most part because it's Jack's mother. If it was someone else, I would have told them to quit it.

Bee just told me about what had happened to Ratchet. I am not pleased. I would have run to base and give him a scolding, but I didn't. I feel like I would traumatize him. Plus, Bee assured Raf and me that he was okay and that the synthetic energon was fully expelled from his system.

Plus on the good news, the Autobots obtained a lot of energon that should last them for a long while.

Now, I only thing I could help Ratchet is with refining the synthetic energon. I know I'm going to get headaches out of it, but it will be worth it. I have to say, my Cybertronian knowledge is getting better by the day. I know how to write some things now. Yeah, my nerdy/geeky side is happily fangirling about it. And I know Raf is happy too. I've been teaching him how to read some things. He's still levels below me and that's okay. I rather have him pay attention to his school work first and then learning extracurricular stuff such as learning an alien language, even though it is fun (in a nerdy way).

Now, I'm just sneaking out my window, wearing my black hoodie. No, I'm not going to do anything illegal. Well, actually it might, but I don't think June will mind. Or I hope not. Not that she has to know.

Raf is the best cousin, he's covering for me. He'll call me if Aunt Teresa and Uncle Alejandro are coming home sooner than expected. They are having a date night. I don't have to worry about my other cousins because they don't bother me at all since they entertain themselves with their friends through the social media or other things on the internet.

Anyways, I'm running towards Jack's house and silently went towards where Jack's room is. I knock on the curtain covered window. I hear shuffling,things moving and then finally, the curtains parting and the window opening.

"Anya, come on in." He says as he moves away and offers his hand. I grab it and quickly climbed over and landed in his room. His room is regular sized with a twin size bed in the corner, a desk next to it, and a drawer with a lamp next to it and a built in closet. He has posters of a Suzuki black and blue motorcycle, a classic red Harley, and the Grand Canyon with a beautiful sunset in the background. On top of his drawers there are frames with pictures of him and June and other relatives.

But then there is two pictures sitting on his desk. One is the picture I remember clearly. It was after the school fair. Miko had set her phone on timer and took a picture with the four of us sitting on the school's stairs. Miko is on the right, and then it was me, Raf and then Jack. We all were smiling, Miko had the 'rock on' sign and making Raf make the peace sign. I winked with a soft humored smile and Jack had his arm around Raf in a 'bro' hug. It is a nice picture of us, so Miko had sent it to us later that day.

Then the other is a picture of us. I don't remember it being taken, but I do know when it was taking place. It when Father and June took Jack and me to the restaurant. That day I was wearing a black circle skirt, a white belt, a tucked in gray blouse that has white stars and moons on it and had on my trusty black boots. My hair was in a half-up and half down as it usually was with my trademark black bow.

Jack and I were waiting outside and sitting in the small white wooden gazebo that had a bench for two people. But that bench was ignored. We are sitting on the deck, our knees touching while facing each other. We are holding hands and we were smiling about something. It is a really beautiful picture of us.

This is actually the first time I'm sneaking into Jack's room. We had come to a mutual agreement about it. I suggested the idea and Jack liked it. So after three days, here I am, in his room. June is absent, so it's just the two of us. Well, three of you count Arcee, but she won't be here until a few hours.

"Anya," Jack says gently as he grabs my hands and makes me sit in the bed while he sits on the rolling office chair. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, though I am a bit annoyed at Ratchet, but I'll get over it." I say with a sigh and then smile gently at him. "Can you believe that Ratchet basically used himself as a test subject?"

"Ah, maybe?" He says sheepishly. "I mean, he is kinda a freak when it comes to science. Remember when he took over our science projects."

I chuckle as I remember that day. "I guess. But he still should have been wiser than that." I say with a small frown. "Jack, do you have a passport?"

"Nooo," He drawls as he looks at me suspiciously, "Why you asking?"

I play with my hands as I look at him a bit nervously. "My father just contacted me," I start. I can see Jack straighten his back and more focused. "He just told me that my grandparents are planning my birthday party. The party is going to be in Russia…"

"You want me to go to Russia for your birthday party?" Jack asks with wide eyes.

"Yes," I answer shyly as I feel an incoming blush. "Well, Miko and Raf are also coming as well. I'll buy the plane tickets or I can always get the private jet and fly it myself." I inform. "I do have a license for it." I add as his jaw dropped. I smile softly as I close it for him. But then I become serious, "Would you like to come to Russia with me?" I ask softly.

He grabs my hands with his own. "I would love to, though for how long? And also I have to tell my mom."

"My father can be very convincing when he wants to." I state with a small smirk. "And for how long… probably three days. We'll have to skip a day or two of school. Depending how well you and the rest handle the jet lag when coming back."

"I've never been out of the country before." He admits as he lets go of my hands and rubs the back of his head. "But I know it's going to be fun as long I'm with you."

"I'll make sure of that. By then snow has barely fallen so we can't ice skate at the lake or pond, the ice would be too thin, but there are ice rings nearby that we can go." I state as I smile. I love ice skating.

"I don't know how to ice skate."

"Don't worry, I'll teach you and Raf and Miko, if she needs it."

"How many more talents are you hiding from me?" He asks teasingly. Internally I stiffen, my mind going to my assassination training, but I laugh it off.

"Hmm, I don't know. You tell me? What are you hiding under your bed, Jack?" I ask as I get close to his face. "Don't think I didn't hear something suspicious being dragged on the floor."

Jack nervously chuckles, "You heard than, huh?" He says more than asks.

I just hum as I put my arms around his shoulders, making our foreheads touch. "So what was it, if you want to tell me?" I ask as give him a quick peck on his lips.

"Promise you won't laugh?" He says as his cheeks redden.

"Promise."

"I'm lifting weights." He says quickly as he looks away, his face beet red.

I was still for a few seconds before kissing his cheek, making sure that it lingers for a few more seconds. His blush slowly dies down and looks at me. "Why would you be embarrassed in telling me this?" I ask in genuine curiosity.

"I don't know." And I can tell the honesty behind it. "It's just, you are very strong and you protect the three of us and the 'Bots when you can. So I took a page out of Miko's book and I want to protect and defend you during school. I know Vince is a jerk and he bothers you, so I want to get stronger."

"You're doing a good job so far. I've noticed your arm muscles." I say as slowly move my hands to touch his forearms. I grab them and slowly move my hands up and down the muscles. "They are getting firm."

"Thanks for noticing." He says as then then stands up and pulls me and grabs my around the waist and dips me in a tango dip. "So my bella dama, any suggestions?" He asks as he wiggles his eyebrows.

I lightly chuckle at him, "Well, in my professional suggestion," I start with a British accent, "You could work on your abdominals. Arm muscles are great, but abdominal and legs muscles are just as important. They will help in your balance and speed and maybe gain stamina, depending what you do. I can go on more, but the technical stuff would sound boring."

"I'll start on working on that."

"You know… we can train together. Of course, I'll do easy on you, my jolly sailor bold." I purr. Whoa, that's new. I am not a cat. Jack, I swear, makes me do things that I never thought I would do.

"Thanks, I know I'll need it." And with that he presses his lips against mine and we made out for... a while.

I'm so glad June is not in the house. I would be so embarrassed if she caught us making out in his son's bed. My cheeks flush at the thought as Jack traces kisses along my jaw. I'll should just enjoy what is happening and worry about other things later.

I've been having a weird sensation a few days ago. I cannot tell if it's the good weird or the bad weird. My gut isn't telling me anything so I can only wonder what is going to happen. Whatever it is, I just hope that we can handle it.

AN: Yes! I finally updated! Sorry for the long wait, but I had to rethink many times how I was going to do this chapter. I originally wanted Anya to stay back at base, but then I know she would not have stayed back when she knows she is capable of fighting 'Cons when she can.

Anyways, the title was giving me a hard time so I just put the name of Daft Punk's song "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" because it has some of the name from the episode it took place. I was out of inspiration for this. (=-=")

As you readers read, Anya's grandparents are throwing her a 16th birthday party. I'm kinda excited for that chapter, but the party is after season one and before Smokescreen appears for sure.

Thanks you all for for waiting, college really is taking a lot of my free time.

So I would like to thank Gry20 (guest), Balance2000 (guest), Seeker3 (guest), Aramus13, UltimateFan-girl15, and Guest (1) for reviewing! You guys are truly amazing! (^.^)/

To Gry20 (guest): I'm surprise that you haven't figured out the category that I want to cross-over it. But then again, I don't think I put enough clues. It will come as more chapters are posted for sure. As for the incoming episodes where Unicron will make it's appearance, I already had an idea what I am going to do that those episodes. You'll know pretty soon. You will have to just wait and see. Though, the idea that Danny Clay and Nicholas Volkov be childhood friends... it's a really nice and cute idea, but not possible. I know that I haven't put a lot of background on Nicholas, but he was born and raised in Russia and Norway until he went to the United States to study abroad in several technological universities and institutions where he later met Alejandra, the love of his life. I would have loved to use it, but it doesn't fit with his profile. He has a Russian accent for a reason.

To Balance2000 (guest): Thank you for your feedback! I do not feel offended at all. I understand where you are coming from. Yes, the last chapter had a lot of make-out scenes and to tell the truth, I was just trying to make the chapter longer since I felt bad that I don't update as often as I use to. I welcome all your feedback and I will be happy to hear from you again after reading this chapter.

To Seeker3 (guest): Thank you for the information! I really appreciate it! :D

To anybody interested: If any of you readers have artistic skills, can you guys make Anya fanart for this story? I am really curious how you view Anya. She could be wearing her past outfit or the present one. Just please send me a PM or a review so I know you have made it and give me the link so that I can see it. Make sure that if you do, please say that it's my OC and all that other stuff.

Warning: Next chapter might take just as long to update. Sorry for making you guys wait in advance.