This chapter was probably the most difficult chapter for me to write out of this whole fic. Hopefully it'll help explain a few things though.

"Un…." The moment consciousness returned, so did blinding pain.

Stormstrike tried to move; tried to move anything. He found his arm reach up before his optics, and he wiggled his fingers, surprised by their numbness. The parts responded to his thoughts, but no feeling came with them.

Primus, am I dead? Stormstrike titled his head, hoping to get a better look at his surroundings.

The lighting was dim, and his optics weren't properly adjusting, like he was missing the component that increased their brightness.

"Owe." Stormstrike tried to sit up, but his spark lashed violently from within its chamber. "Bad…idea."

Okay, I can feel pain so…I'm not dead right? Unless I'm in hell. His thoughts churned in confusion. But that can't be right, I'm the good guy.

His pale optics once again tried to focus on his surroundings, and finally distinct shapes came into view. He was in a dim cave like structure, with a low ceiling, but a wide and bright opening not far away that must have spanned for a good hundred meters. Beneath him was a low metallic berth installed with energon tubes feeding directly into his system. Medical equipment lined a far wall, and after that, nothing but empty space and a few seats carved out from the walls themselves.

Hello, I am alive after all. The elite blinked in surprise. Wait, then Stealthblade!?!

His head whizzed to his other side, only to find Stealthblade in the same berth, resting peacefully. His chest was also sealed over with an emergency patch job and didn't look nearly as angry as before.

"Thank goodness." He sighed with a wince.

"Oh slag, you're awake! Uh-um, just uh, hold still!" An unfamiliar voice suddenly rattled off.

Stormstrike turned his head back around to see a mercury silver mech with a black faceplate and strange helm that surely morphed down as a mask. His hands were up, trying to show Stormstrike not to move as well as tell him.

"Hello to you to." Stormstrike raised an optic ridge.

"Erm, just don't move, I'll be right back with a….yeah," He backed away, looking confused about something, "I told Vividhaze he'd wake up the moment he left!" He hissed under his breath, but Stormstrike's sensitive audio receptors could still hear him.

I am so confused. He groaned inwardly, yearning to shut back down and escape his pain once more, but his curiosity keeping him from doing so.

The strange mech disappeared to the bright outside world, where Stormstrike's optics strangely couldn't adjust to. He lifted a hand to his head, but was reminded he had no feeling in his limbs. Instead he looked them over, trying to understand why pain was blazing through his spark, and yet he felt nothing at all anywhere else.

"Ah, so the younger one awakened first; predictable." A new and oddly familiar voice suddenly caught his attention.

Stormstrike whizzed his head, his optics widening at seeing a black mech with gold and silver markings, as well as one blue optic and one yellow. From the memories he had unintentionally gathered from his brother, he registered this mech as Vividhaze. Only more confusion swelled through his systems.

"So you're Vividhaze." Stormstrike growled cautiously, wary of this cyber ninja's intentions.

"I am. And you're designation is Stormstrike, and thus far, you're living up to everything I've been told about you." Vividhaze's voice was so familiar it tore through Stormstrike's processor as he tried to identify the reason for the familiarity.

Hold the phone, he sounds just like me; bit darker, but definitely me! Realization lit up the elite's optics.

"So is that a good thing or a bad thing?" Stormstrike dared, attempting to prop himself up once more.

"We shall see, but in the mean time, please don't try to move. Your and Stealthblade's sparks are extremely fragile at the moment, and it would be best that they remain as close and undisturbed as possible." The ninja medic ordered.

"What? Why?" Stormstrike froze none-the-less, feeling that he should obey this mysterious mech, despite the fact he was a Decepticon.

Vividhaze rolled his optics, and turned to his partner, "Hallowhaunt, tell Jadewatch to inform Overthrow that Corevoid was sighted near here. We need him distracted for a bit."

"Right away V!" Hallowhaunt smirked, and then darted out.

He seems…friendly. Stormstrike watched him as he disappeared into light. Why aren't my optics working properly?

"Are you just ignoring me, or did you not hear my question?" Stormstrike snapped, growing anxious in his delicate situation.

"You're a cheeky one. If you don't keep that in check, you may just end up with your head on the ground one of these days." Vividhaze warned.

"Sorry, it's just typically I don't wake up in Decepticon hands after dying!" The younger mech felt his temper flaring with his pain.

Vividhaze crossed his arms, and then strode over to his berth side, leaning over him uncomfortably close. Stormstrike fought back a nervous breath, and instead growled.

"You were spark dead when I dragged your sorry aft in here. You could at least show a little respect for the 'Decepticon' that brought you back." Vividhaze's voice was low and deadly, enough so to weaken Stormstrike's glare.

A sigh finally escaped him, and his gaze shifted over to his unconscious brother stretched out by his side. Softening some, he looked back up at Vividhaze once more.

"I'm more thankful that you saved my bro. For that….you earned my gratitude." Stormstrike found his voice had lost its strength, and it came out as a soft whisper.

A surprised grunt escaped Vividhaze, but nothing more. Stormstrike blew out another sigh, but cringed with the movement it caused, resulting in him suddenly lurching his hands up over his spark chamber. He clasped at his chest plating like it would help ease the searing pain.

"Actually, I'm shocked both of you made it. The type of damage Stealthblade's spark took is normally irreparable, and yet, it recovered. Something any ordinary medic would call a miracle." Vividhaze spoke slowly, like he was choosing his words carefully.

"I'm taking it that you're no ordinary medic." Stormstrike pressed.

A small chuckle escaped the 'con, but it was just barely audible.

"That would be correct. In fact, I'm far above any level of medic you've ever encountered, I'm sure."

So does that include Ratchet? That guy's like a legend according to the stories that have been told about him around base. Doubt circled through his processor.

"You don't look convinced. Fine, then let me ask you this; does Ratchet or Pulse understand the inner workings of you and your brother's spark connection?"

Stormstrike winced, knowing he didn't have to actually answer Vividhaze's question. The Decepticon already knew the answer with disturbing certainty.

"And do your medics understand how to take a deactivated mech's body and reawaken its spark, even if all vital signs have faded, which is exactly what happened to you?" Vividhaze challenged yet again.

"You're asking about information you already know. So what of it?" The damaged elite demanded.

"There is no anything of it. I'm just telling you that I brought you back from the dead. You. Were. Dead. And so was your brother. But I brought you back. One of the most painful revivals I've ever preformed too I must say." Vividhaze snarled while pacing back and forth beside Stormstrike looking over a badly singed hand.

"Why?"

Vividhaze stopped; staring at Stormstrike as if he had just sprouted another head.

"Why what?"

Stormstrike narrowed his optics. "You didn't have to save us; you could have just let us die out there. Stealthblade had infiltrated your base and tricked you all. Since when do Decepticons care about saving Autobot lives?"

Much to Stormstrike's surprise, Vividhaze merely shrugged.

"I can't tell you why I do the things I do. I just do them because that's the way I am. You're death's did not sit right with me, so I saved you; it's as simple as that. And no, Stealthblade may have fooled my comrades into believing he was a Decepticon, but not me. He behaved far too human like in his mannerisms." Vividhaze snapped.

"And yet you did nothing to stop him. Why?" Stormstrike's tone softened.

"Because…I just…he wasn't…I didn't feel like going through the trouble of retaining him. That whatever it is installed in his head would have gotten out of control." Vividhaze tried to defend himself, but for once, the cyber ninja was having difficulty.

"Liar."

"Just be glad that you're alive!" Vividhaze's once organized demeanor was crumbling.

"So what if I am? What do you plan on doing with us after we're repaired? Just let us waltz right back to base like nothing happened!?!"

"Yes." Vividhaze's voice dropped, and he leaned back against a wall, staring off into space.

Whoa, red flag going up! What the hell is up with this guy!?! Stormstrike stiffened despite the pain it caused.

"Wait, seriously?"

Vividhaze sighed, appearing suddenly drained and weary. "I've no use for you. And I have no intention of manipulating two brothers."

Brothers…that's right, Overthrow and them are all his siblings. Stormstrike couldn't form any words to say.

"It was Wavelength and Corevoid that attacked us." Stormstrike muttered, looking away.

"I am well aware."

"He's planning something against you and your siblings." Stormstrike continued.

"I realize that as well."

Stormstrike stopped, shaking his head; unable to believe this mech.

"So you're not going to do anything to stop him?" Stormstrike demanded, perplexed and tired.

"What would you have me do? He's my little brother, traitorous or not." Vividhaze hissed, glaring deep into Stormstrike and making him squirm.

He sounds…kinda like Stealth. Who'd have thought… Stormstrike sighed and rocked his head back to stare up at the ceiling.

"I understand where you're coming from, but what of your other siblings? Wavelength wants to be rid of them all, including you. Are you really going to sit back and do nothing as your other brothers are destroyed?" His voice was careful and even, not raised nor low; almost casual.

"How can I choose one over another?"

Stormstrike snorted, unable to comprehend this strange medic's way of thinking. He couldn't seriously consider allowing his own brother to kill of the rest of his family, could he?

He could, and he will. A voice entered Stormstrike's head.

"Bro!" Stormstrike spun his head to look at Stealthblade, who's visor was just barely glowing to show that he was active.

Hey… Stormstrike could feel Stealthblade absorbing his most recent memories. You've really been talking with Vividhaze huh?

Well, I didn't have anything better to do. How do you feel? Not too bad I hope.

Stealthblade released a raspy sigh, the vocalizer damage still present in his voice.

Nothing I can't handle. He finally answered, but the stress was emanating from his thoughts.

Your macho behavior fails to impress me. Stormstrike rattled.

It was never my intention. The stealth soldier's visor glowed brighter in amusement, but just barely.

"Awake at last, eh?" Vividhaze reentered the conversation, still leaned up against the wall.

Stealthblade inclined his head towards the cyber ninja, but the movement looked like it hurt. They just stared at one another in silence for a moment, before Stealthblade broke it.

"Thanks for putting up…with my little brother like this. He can be…rather annoying"

Stormstrike growled, though wasn't really angry. A chuckle escaped Vividhaze surprisingly enough, catching the hurting elite off guard.

"I must admit, he's fully lived up to his reputation in only the few minutes I've spoken with him." Vividhaze's optics actually curved up into a smile.

It surprised Stormstrike, but at the same time comforted him. This mech was capable of being friendly, but not the best at showing it. There seemed to be hope for the Decepticon yet.

I wouldn't get your hopes up Stormy. His top priority is his brothers. I doubt he'd ever leave them as long as they still function. Stealthblade whispered in his head.

'Con love is weird. Stormstrike snorted back.

Not as much as you would think. It can be a bit possessive yes, like in Sniperifle's and Wildshot's cases, but I do believe it can be more than that. Just look at Node and Outspace.

Stormstrike nearly rolled his optics. They don't count, you freaked them into submission.

I meant look at how they are with each other. Rough and bipolar as they are, they buds. Stealthblade's thoughts were too weak for Stormstrike's comfort.

The stealth soldier just stared at his little brother blankly for a few moments before refocusing his gaze on Vividhaze.

"May I ask how you brought us back?" Thick and raspy, Stealthblade's voice was still intelligible enough to understand.

"Ask away, but I'm under no inclination to answer." The cyber ninja retorted swiftly.

Stubborn jackass. Stormstrike growled inwardly.

Mind your manners Stormy, we are still functioning thanks to him. Stealthblade chided weakly.

Not like he can hear me.

This only rewarded the elite with a disapproving look from his elder. Though Stealthblade's visor didn't actually look any different, just the way it inclined to him was enough to reveal his judging thoughts.

Stop it, you're scaring me. Stormstrike wanted to lighten back up their conversation.

It's not difficult. The dark mech's visor once again took on a faint glow.

"Hey," Stormstrike couldn't help but burst aloud.

Un, please no loud noises. Stealthblade's helm spikes clamped back tightly in pain and immediately making Stormstrike feel bad.

Sorry big bro. He apologized.

Stealthblade's attention however had once again cast itself on the cyber ninja, who had been watching their silent conversation the entire time. A shiver coursed down Stormstrike's back, but he covered it up well with his otherwise numb body.

"If you won't tell us about how you…" Stealthblade paused to suck in a pained breath, "revived us…can you at least enlighten us on how our s-spark…" another rasp, "connection works?"

"You know Stealthblade, if it hadn't been for that monster inside you, Overthrow would have caught that act of yours immediately." Vividhaze snickered, avoiding the question.

"Yes, my brother needs acting lessons, great. Now are you going to answer his question or not, cause I'm sick of your cynical tone." Stormstrike's patience was wearing thin thanks to both his pain and his unnerving predicament.

"Fine, I suppose I could give you a brief summary of the basics. You're spark connection is one of a kind after all, so I doubt anyone but me could possibly understand it. You also look like the type that'll go insane from the unknown." Vividhaze just continued to edge Stormstrike on.

"Excuse me?" Stormstrike would have raised his voice but at the moment he was too weak.

Ignoring the blue and gray elite's outburst, Vividhaze's bicolor optics settled on Stealthblade, who was having a hard enough time just staying conscious through his deepening agony. Stormstrike found his hand and gently squeezed it, hoping his brother had at least a little feeling in his limb. The lack of response told him he did not.

"Where to begin? Hmm, well I suppose that depends what level of idiocy your sibling is on." Vividhaze chuckled.

"Keep insulting me all you want. I get more of it back home than you could shake a fist at." Stormstrike grumbled to the mech yet again.

Vividhaze was unfazed by his words, and simply continued as if he hadn't heard the mech.

"I guess I'll make this as simple as possible, because frankly Stealthblade, you don't look like you're in the best shape to be listening to information." Vividhaze's words were unkind, but his voice was softer, more fluid even, and far more like Stormstrike's than was comfortable.

"'m fine." The critically injured mech managed to rasp.

"Hm, Stealth I think we should work on your acting skills after all." Stormstrike smirked ever so slightly.

Vividhaze waited for the attention to return to him before continuing.

"You two, like I said before, have a one of a kind connection. Though it may have something to do with having electrically based sparks, I'm not entirely certain. However what I do know is that your sparks feed off of one another."

"Feed?" Stormstrike did not like the sounds of that.

"Just a way to describe it, don't get your tubing in a knot. Anyways, what your sparks are actually feeding off of is each other's activity. When you both are relaxed, your sparks are at optimum performance. When either of you stresses or exerts yourself, a greater toll is undertaken by your spark and it reaches out to the other to help…ease the burden. That is why you can sense one another, because the closer you can get to the other, the easier it is for your sparks to help one another."

"You make us sound fragile." Stormstrike cut in shortly.

"You are quite fragile. More so than you would ever believe," Vividhaze's optics returned to the singe marks on his hands. "Yet much more powerful at the same time."

Stormstrike and Stealthblade exchanged confused glances, but Vividhaze had already moved on.

"Now that I think about it, I believe balance is the most accurate term for what your sparks do for one another. At one point in your lives; probably when you were first getting placed within your bodies; your sparks connected in the open air, even if only for an astrosecond. So just like a set of twins, this caused your spark frequency or more commonly used, wavelength, to mimic the other's. However unlike a twin spark, yours spawned from different sources, however similar they may have been, thus resulting in a semi co-dependence with the other and not a perfect connection. That means if one of you die, the other could die. Not that they will die. And from what I've seen, if Stormstrike were to be the one with the spark damage and deactivated, you Stealthblade would most likely survive, albeit more insane."

I'm…the weak link? Stormstrike whispered hollowly.

Storm… Stealthblade was going to comfort him, he could feel it, but Vividhaze suddenly recaptured his attention.

"How come we can only speak when we are close or damaged?" Stealthblade's question sounded surprisingly forceful, enough so to make both the other mech's in the room raise an optic ridge.

"I'm not positive because to tell you the truth I'm shocked you have a mental connection to begin with. I assume it's because with your sparks constantly trying to keep the other from fluxing, it's your bodies' way of registering if the other needs more assistance. When you stray further away from the other, the connection is strained so you shut down the mental part, subconsciously or not. This allows a slight ease of stress for however brief of period. Now when either of you is damaged and the connection resurfaces, I can only say its because your sparks are calling out to one another for help. After all, the closer your sparks are in proximity to the other, the more stable they become. Don't think I had you two lying side by side for no reason."

"But if it increases the stress again…then couldn't our sparks become too stressed and fail if we're too far from one another?" Stormstrike was growing worried.

"Yes, but according to my calculations, it would take several hundred light years before such a thing happened. That is, if my information is straight." Vividhaze finally responded to the elite with no mocking tone in his voice.

"I'm guessing twins lack our problem." Stormstrike sighed.

"Unlike you, their sparks are in perfect sync, so there is absolutely no stress being forced on the other."

"Now that's just unfair." The young mech protested.

"Nothing is fair, whether it be positive or negative." Vividhaze murmured.

Why does it sound like he said that to himself? Stormstrike glanced at his sibling.

Because Storm, he did.

The two brothers laid there in silence for a bit longer until a new question crossed into Stealthblade's mind. Stormstrike waited silently, wondering whether his sibling was going to ask or not. His thoughts seemed displeased with inquiring so many questions.

"How c-come…my spark didn't…immediately…die when I w-was stabbed?" Stealthblade's voice had grown even weaker, sending warnings shooting through Stormstrike's frame, urging him to get up, to move, to do something to aid his brother.

"That blocker wrapped around it helped soften the blow. Plus with a constantly changing spark size, only part of it was hit directly, which let it fuse into the surrounding metal of your spark chamber. That is, until it extinguished." Vividhaze had also noticed Stealthblade's deterioration and had begun digging through his medical supplies.

"Huh." The mech breathed faintly.

You know, I do believe he likes you better. Stormstrike vented inwardly.

And why do you say that?

Cause he wouldn't answer a damn question of mine until you started asking. He growled back.

And here I thought you were the charmer. His brother teased.

Before Stormstrike could make a comeback, purple energy crackled free from Stealthblade's chest, making both mechs cringe as white hot pain flashed across their vision. As soon as it faded Stormstrike sucked in a deep shaky breath as if he was overheating. Stealthblade fell totally limp once more, but he was still conscious.

"I'm going to have to place you two under a temporary stasis lock. When you awaken I will be gone. All you need to do is walk out from here and head home. After you distance yourselves a few miles away from this place, you can call for help." Vividhaze strode over to their sides, whizzing out a terrifyingly large needle.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, are we going to be in any condition ta move if you pump THAT into us!?!" Needles had never been Stormstrike's friend, especially when he didn't know how badly the contents would mess him up.

"Truthfully, I have no idea." Vividhaze's optics curved into a wicked grin and he injected the drug into Stormstrike's systems.

Fragging ninjas…not to be…trusted. Stormstrike's last thoughts focused around the hazy image of Vividhaze's face, and slowly changed to Stealthblade's as his head fell limp and his optics focused on his brother. I'll never…let this happen to…you again.

Then Stormstrike shut down, fearful of what he would, or wouldn't find when he awoke.

See people, I couldn't possibly kill my two favorite mechs in the whole wide world! Then there'd be no sequal. :P