Chapter 42: Prepare yourself

The Autobots sat about, recollecting themselves after the mishap with Megatron and the other Decepticons. Prowl had left in order to check on Nicole, as he'd apparently promised. In the meantime, Bumblebee, Sari and Bulkhead watched Ratchet pace. It was rather amusing actually. That was until his phone buzzed and he rushed off in heated conversation.

"Who do you think it was?" Sari asked.

"Hopefully, Boss bot," nodded Bumblebee.

"He escaped fast," Bulkhead added.

"Faster than last time," replied Bumblebee.

Ratchet returned hastily, a skip in his step and a semi-smile on his lip. It had been Optimus over the phone and he needed help. This was a cue to spring into action.

"But Prowl's not back yet," Sari countered.

"Let him catch up!" huffed Bumblebee. "This is Boss bot we're talkin' about!"

"Back!"

"Right on cue as well," mumbled Ratchet.

Prowl marched in with Nicole following closely. Ratchet snarled, startling Nicole back behind Prowl permanently. Prowl shrugged, offering no explanation.

"Any word from Optimus?" Prowl offered.

"He just called," Ratchet answered. "He's by the cliff side in the forest."

"We better get started," sighed Sari.

"That is a long walk," Nicole added.

"We stop talking!" ordered Ratchet, marching out.

"Grumpy pants," mumbled Nicole, peeking order from behind Prowl.

The group followed Ratchet with no real form of haste. Ratchet led in front for not too long, soon being replaced by Sari and Bumblebee. Behind them was Prowl and Nicole. At the end of the line was Ratchet and Bulkhead. The six marched for a long while until finally Sari and Bumblebee ran out of speed and collapsed onto the sidewalk.

"We're tired!" they howled.

"But…Boss bot," Bulkhead stuttered.

"We have no time to waste!" snapped Ratchet.

"Does this sort of thing happen often around here?" Nicole whispered to Prowl.

"By this sort of thing I'm assuming you mean Ratchet yelling at Sari and Bumblebee, then yes," Prowl smiled back.

"You know there is always the bus," chuckled Liz.

Ratchet frowned, turning to address them. "Why is she here again, Prowl?"

"She…well…" mumbled Prowl, avoiding eye contact.

"I'm support!" smiled Nicole.

"You're human," scoffed Ratchet. "You shouldn't be helping."

"What's that make me?" hissed Sari.

"You're lucky," snapped Ratchet. "Lucky Bumblebee and Optimus like you."

"Someone missed his old person nap," mocked Sari, nudging Bumblebee. The latter laughed loudly.

"Why don't we just ride the bus?" offered Nicole once more.

"Fine!" howled Ratchet.

"You do know we have to money right?" Prowl mumbled.

"That's what I'm for," Nicole nodded, pulling the Autobot with her toward the bus stop.

It took little more than 10 minutes for the bus to arrive. Nicole and Sari paid willingly. Bumblebee and Sari sat near the back, staring out the windows. Bulkhead sat in front of them. Prowl and Nicole sat in the middle. Ratchet sat alone near the front. However, the bus didn't go far and stopped barely outside the city. This left the group walking once more.

As the walk led into the forest, Bumblebee and Sari began telling horror stories. Nicole would laugh sometimes but mostly no one replied to the stories. Not even Ratchet with an order to be silent. Eventually they reached deep within the woods and the sun was half way away from the center of the sky, moving slowly west.

"How are we supposed to find Optimus in this huge place," groaned Bumblebee.

"I had a tracer on him," Ratchet nodded. "Tracked his phone during our conversation. Only hoping he hasn't moved."

"What about the Decepticons?" mumbled Nicole.

"Please," huffed Bumblebee. "Three of them and four of us. Five as soon as we find Optimus!"

"Wow, you're not cocky at all," mocked Nicole, rolling her eyes.

"Quiet!" Prowl ordered. "Do you hear that?"

The group grew quiet after Bumblebee's mouth was covered by Bulkhead. The noises of the woods grew faintly. The weaving of the branches twittered. The scuff of scurrying animals dashed softly. All seemed perfect. Then there was a shatter in the still air as a gun fire was shot.

"Oh no," Nicole whispered.

"Decepticons!" Bumblebee shouted, wiggling out from Bulkhead's grip.

"Quickly!" Prowl ordered, rushing off.

"Follow that ninja!" howled Bumblebee, chasing after.

"Bumblebee!" Sari cried, following.

"Is it always this much fun?" Nicole asked the remaining Autobots.

"Sometimes," nodded Bulkhead, eventually following the others.

"Well, best go find the party," smiled Nicole, racing after.

"Great," groaned Ratchet, slowly trudging along.

A/N

This is it, my friends. The next chapter will probably be the last, unless I include a short little end of story thing. Yeah…I'll do that. so next chapter is the second to last chapter. :'( sorry.