Chapter 41: Confrontation

Was it just Optimus, or did the Decepticon base seem more rundown and horrid than the last time he'd been here. Sitting with hands tied behind his back, he was, this time about, watched by Blitzwing. They wouldn't let the Autobot leave so easily this time around. Though, Megatron had a worrying smile upon his lip as if a plan was forming quietly. Then everything clicked.

Optimus watched as Elizabeth entered. She looked as if she'd been living on the streets for a good couple weeks, which was probably accurate with the time at the Decepticon base. She didn't notice the Autobot leader at first but it didn't take as long as she would've hoped for. The two met eyes and Megatron's smile widened, showing teeth.

"I'm sure you two already know each other," he smirked.

"What is he doing here?" she stuttered, turning around.

"My dear," Megatron snapped, "This is war. Captives are only natural."

"You lot are jokes," she grumbled turning around.

"What was that?" snapped Blitzwing.

"Nothing," Liz replied, leaving.

"Oh no," Megatron smiled, grabbing her arm. "You can't leave so soon, my dear."

"And why not!" she hissed.

"We need you to watch the Autobot," Megatron chuckled, "while we attend to the stumbling fool that is Starscream."

"And what makes you think I'm going to sit here and watch him?"

"I'm sure you will," Megatron smirked, releasing her arm. "Otherwise, I'm sure you can imagine what Decepticons are fully capable of…even in a human form."

With this Megatron led Blitzwing out. Lugnut tumbled after, carrying the unfaithful ex-second-in-command. Liz watched them exit with daggers launching from her eyes. Optimus sighed. This was going to either end in both of them dead or him alone with a black eye. He looked away, toward his misplaced battle ax. It was too far to grab. Last time, he just had to concentrate hard enough in order to escape but something seemed to prevent such this time around.

"Well then," sighed Liz, turning to face Optimus. "Long time, no see, huh?"

"You could say that," Optimus offered, unsure of what to say. He was getting butterflies in his stomach again.

"Why is it you keep getting captured?" Liz sighed. "I imagine that's how you wound up in my lodge last time."

"I let my guard down," whispered Optimus, slightly embarrassed.

There was a moment of silence which felt like it took up a two hour time slot. Liz had seated herself on one of the stone walls which bent into a misshapen chair. She refused to make eye contact, keeping her gaze either at the floor or the ceiling. Optimus tried to think up something to escape this awkward moment but she began first.

"You could've told me you know."

"What?"

"That you were…you know!" she shouted, standing up hastily. "Optimus Prime! An Autobot! Anything would've worked for me!"

"I didn't really want people to know…" mumbled Optimus.

"Says the guy who went out on TV and did it!"

"Accident. I apparently had a concussion or something," Optimus admitted.

"Would you have told me?"

Optimus perked, looking over at her. She was eyeing the ground again. Her gentle eyes were leaking tears which glistened down her checks. She brushed her hair back but it immediately sprang back in front of her face. She sniffled, looking up lightly. He smiled lightly.

"I don't know if I could've not told you," he whispered, turning away.

"I guess when I thought you were different than the other guys," she mumbled, looking away. "I was sort of spot on."

"Just a little," he laughed.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Liz sobbed, sitting down again. "I wouldn't tell anybody. I've would've kept quiet!"

"I guess I thought…well, I didn't want you to wind up in a Decepticon trap," Optimus sighed.

"A Decepticon trap?" Liz repeated, looking up hastily.

"Megatron's smart. Any weakness he'll play to his advantage," Optimus explained. "Haven't you noticed the way he's been using us both?"

"Well…" Liz sniffled, rubbing her eye and getting up. "I'll show him!"

"How can you be certain he hasn't expected a double cross?" Optimus gasped.

"I'm not certain. That's what's fun about this!"

Optimus smiled lightly as Liz came over and undid the knot around his hands. As soon as the knot was undone, he leapt up and grabbed his ax. Now he was prepared for a battle at least. Liz smiled lightly but still looked hurt. Before either could speak, the sound of footsteps came from the south hall.

"Let's bolt!" ordered Optimus, taking Liz by the wrist.

He led her down the north hall, uncertain of his way. That was until Liz began to explain the paths in and out of the hideout. In no time, the two reached sun light. The trees were familiar but the way home couldn't be found. Liz didn't even remember the path. The sound of footsteps grew heavy. The Decepticons were now aware of the escape.

"What do we do?" Liz inquired.

"If all else fails, we fight," nodded Optimus. "In the meantime, let's put some space in between us and them!"

Optimus took off into the woods with Liz right behind him. She didn't speak another word to him the entire way. They reached a small cliff side but no road. The footsteps were muffled in the grass and echoed in the trees. The location of the enemy was uncertain.

"Where do we go!" Liz begged. "We're lost!"

"Here," Optimus sighed, handing over a small phone. "Call Ratchet."

"You want me to call the one bot probably capable of killing me over the phone?"

"Fine, I'll call him!"

Liz offered the phone back. Optimus quickly dialed and placed the small phone to his ear. Liz went into the woods to see if she could spot the Decepticons. It was irritating waiting for Ratchet to answer but eventually the doc answered.

"Ratchet!" cheered Optimus.

"Prime!"

"Look, I'm in the woods outside the city but a cliff side, okay! I could really use some back up! And man, my leg is killed me," Optimus groaned. "Can't you track me or something?"

"Already done," Ratchet replied and then hung up.

"Optimus?"

Optimus looked up and frowned. His rescue wouldn't come soon enough. Before him stood three Decepticons. Liz was being held back by Lugnut. Optimus sighed but activated his ax. If he was going down, he'd go down fighting.

A/N

I'll give it to you straight. We are really really really close to the end of this story. Like two or three chapters. Now, sequel is always an option with me. Convince me into a good idea perhaps using some of these weird OCs I'm using. –shrugs- Just saying.

To add to the this, i apologize for not including many idea i either promised or thought about but never did. Some include the prank war and introducing Blackarchinia (SP), Lockdown, and reintroducing Soundwave. Sorry. :'( i feel bad that i never got into those side stories. maybe i'll make a small side story book. :D Or not... :/