Size Matters

Disclaimer: This is fanfiction and I do not own any Transformers characters or stories. Author's note: Transformer Prime World, but won't include reference to all the episodes.

Paige was changing fitness centers today. She had stopped in for one last workout at her old gym, eaten, showered and was now headed to the new gym to transfer her supplies. An oversized gym bag was packed to the brim and slung over her shoulder. She pushed open the gym door and exited. She lifted a hand to block the blinding sunlight from her face bright even with her sunglasses on. Paige took another step and looked down when she felt like she was walking on sand. She looked back up to see that the sidewalk and the parking lot were gone. Below her was sand with small rocks and sparse green plants sticking out of it. Confused, Paige turned around, but there was no building behind her. Wherever she was, it was just as hot as home and looked like a desert. There were taller stone outcroppings in the distance, but they weren't very large. Paige turned in a full circle and spotted a black line running through the sand. On closer inspection, she noticed the yellow and white lines on it. She laughed as she realized it was a miniature road. Was she inside some sort of scaled down model? It wasn't all sand dunes like the Sahara so maybe Arizona or the Southwest states somewhere. In the distance, movement caught her eye and she headed in that direction. She quickly came up behind a small red car driving down the road and reached for it.

Cliffjumper was on routine patrol and he had just finished talking with Arcee when suddenly he went airborne. Pale tentacle like things gripped his side and surrounded him.

Paige gripped the car avoiding the spinning wheels and examined it. It was a red car with decorative horns on the front. It was a pretty realistic replica. I'm definitely in the Midwest, she thought. The car was empty so Paige assumed it worked on batteries or magnets.

Cliffjumper could feel the force of the air as he was quickly pulled higher. He knew he might not survive if he fell from his current altitude. He almost had a spark attack when he suddenly came bumper to face with a giant visor. Whatever this thing was, it was gigantic and his scanners didn't register it as Cybertronian. Cliffjumper tried his com-link, but it wasn't working. "Scrap," he swore. Suddenly the giant turned its gaze from him to the far right. From this height, both he and it could see a large pit in the ground not far from the road and above it was, the Decepticon Warship, the Nemesis.

Paige blinked in shock. She recognized the Nemesis from the Transformer's Prime series. I'm in someone's reproduction of Transformers Prime, she realized. She looked back at the car in her hand that could only be Cliffjumper and then stuck him in the mesh pocket on the side of her gym bag and zipped it closed. She moved forward quickly to check out the Nemesis. She knelt down as she peered into the pit. She was surprised to see small replicas of the Decepticons actually collecting the blue energon crystals below. Their movements were too erratic to be programmed dolls. They caught sight of her and began to panic. Paige quickly realized that they were actually alive.

"Lord Starscream, what is that?" asked a Vehicon pointing to the being towering over them.

Starscream looked up and then raised his arm. "Attack," he screeched. "Attack!"

Some of the Vehicons took to the air and started firing at the giant while others shot from the ground. Starscream quickly made his way to the ship and prepared to retreat. The ship fired on the giant as well as it began its escape.

Small puffs of smoke and pops like small firecrackers went off around Paige as she returned to her full height. They were annoying, but only the ones that hit open skin stung at all. She brushed away the fliers that were flying near her face like flies and some of them hurtled to the ground exploding on contact. Paige dodged the shots from the ship and pushed at it sending it careening backwards into the sky. Soon enough it gained enough altitude to disappear from her sight. Paige stood for a moment in shock. If the Decepticons were real, then she was really in Transformers Prime. She looked down at herself and grimaced. Why did it have to be in this form though, she wondered. She was like the woman in the movie "Attack of the 50ft Woman", but considering that Cliffjumper was about the size of a model car, she was probably a lot taller than that. In order to survive in this world, Paige knew she was going to need some help and to do that she needed something to exchange. Paige stooped over and grabbed the abandoned boxes of energon crystals from the pit. She quickly used her nails to pull any remaining crystals from the ground and stuffed the whole lot in her gym bag. Now she just needed to find a place to negotiate preferable one with shade.

Cliffjumper had transformed after he'd been dumped into his fabric prison. Whatever the material was, it was difficult to penetrate, but he was working on it. Outside, he could hear dampened explosions and he gripped the walls of his prison as the entire thing swayed. Suddenly it stopped and the prison door above him opened. His captor peered in and then tilted his prison causing him to fall onto the pale soft surface below.

Paige could barely hear anything except the wind as she moved and she realized that she might not be able to hear Cliffjumper if they spoke. If she had been a bot, then maybe she could have turned up her audio receptors. She was also horrified to realize that she could possible hurt him by talking as well. Her lung capacity was probably a thousand times greater than a normal human. Being this big sucked, but she did have a fallback. She removed her phone from her bag and opened the notes app. She typed rapidly and then released Cliffjumper from the bag's pocket. She carefully placed him on a lower cliff ledge of the stone structure she was currently kneeling behind. It provided enough shade from the sun so she could see her screen. She positioned it so he could read it. They knew how to speak English so hopefully they could read it too.

Cliffjumper straightened as pale tentacles that he now realized were fingers once again surrounded him and then gently released him onto a stone ledge. "Primus," he said as he looked up at his visored captor who still towered over him even in the sitting position. He turned at their urging to face a huge data screen. On the screen were words in English. They read: Hi, My name is Paige. I'm in need of some assistance and I'm willing to make a trade.

When Cliffjumper's signal disappeared, the Autobots went to investigate, but all they found were the remnants of a battle, burning pieces of Vehicons and a nearly empty energon deposit. They realized sadly that they'd been too late to save Cliffjumper.

xxxxxx

The kids were at the base when Ratchet reopened the groundbridge bringing the returning Autobots back. Arcee, Bumblebee and Bulkhead raced through. Optimus quickly followed and transformed skidding to a stop. There was a blue explosion blossoming behind him, but Ratchet shut the groundbridge quickly and prevented it from getting through.

"Cutting it a bit close. Did you find anything?" asked Ratchet.

Optimus shook his head no.

Miko ran to the edge of the platform. "What was that explosion? Was there a fight? Can I come next time?"

Arcee walked over in exasperation. "Look," she started.

Jack ran over to Miko trying to distract her. "Let's go see what the bots hide in their sock drawers." Miko rolled her eyes and they walked toward the hallway.

"Arcee, what did you see?" asked Optimus.

"There was a Vehicon, but not anymore. He was mutated like something from the Con experiments during the war." Suddenly she collapsed to her knees bracing herself against a nearby box. Bee tried to help, but Arcee waved him away. "I'm fine, just dizzy."

"Robots that can get dizzy," Miko whispered.

"Robots with emotions," said Raf.

"Robots who can die," finished Jack.

Ratchet scanned her and asked her about the purple liquid on her hand.

"Don't know, the Vehicon was leaking it," said Arcee.

Ratchet retrieved a sample and examined it. Then he ordered her to take a decontamination bath and Bumblebee helped her get there.

Jack moved forward with his cellphone. "Listen, Optimus, I hate to bug, but no bars."

Optimus nodded. "A security precaution. The silo walls isolate all radio waves."

"Well, if I don't call my mom, like now, I'm pretty sure the cops will be looking for me," he said.

Optimus leaned down. "Have you broken the law?"

"Curfew," said Jack. "It's after 10pm."

Optimus sighed. "Earth customs. I hadn't considered. The issue of your safety remains. Bulkhead, accompany Miko home."

"Awesome," said Miko jumping excitedly. "My host parents will freak."

"And maintain covert surveillance in vehicle form."

"Curbside duty, got it," said Bullkhead.

"Aw," said Miko.

"Bumblebee, you'll watch over Raf," said Optimus. "Ratchet."

"Busy," called Ratchet.

"Arcee, you'll accompany Jack," said Optimus.

"Woo, still dizzy," said Arcee.

Ratchet raised a hand still engrossed in his computer. "You're fine, says your physician."

The bots left with the children.

Suddenly Cliffjumper's signal popped back up on the screen.

"It can't be," said Ratchet.

Optimus peered at the screen from behind him.

"Hey Docbot, I could use a bridge," called Cliffjumper over the com-link.

Ratchet opened the groundbridge and Cliffjumper appeared pulling a cart full of energon crystals through. It was actually four carts tied together with large square boxes filled to the brim. The groundbridge closed behind him.

"Cliffjumper," said Optimus acknowledging him with a nod. "We were afraid we had lost you. We saw the aftermath of the battle."

"Had I tried to take on the Nemesis by myself, I might not be here," he admitted sheepishly. "Though I was never actually in the battle."

"What? Then where have you been and where did you find all this?" demanded Ratchet gesturing to the energon.

"It's a long story," he replied. "I'm not sure I believe it myself."

Ratchet and Optimus exchanged a glance.

xxxxxx

Paige had turned over all the energon she had recovered to Cliffjumper for three things. First, she needed to find a cave big enough to hide in during the day as she was in the same situation as the Autobots. If anyone saw her, it would cause a ruckus. Plus she was much closer to the sun now so it was rather hot during the day and she needed shade. She was forced to hunch over when seated, but they managed to find a cave big enough for her to fit in. She could also use her gym bag to block the entrance and keep people out. Second, she needed access to a fresh water source and Cliffjumper located several fresh water lakes for her. She had her own water bottle with so she could fill it when necessary and she had about fifty protein bars with her so she could last that many days. Third, she needed a safe path to the ocean, as she didn't want to step on anyone. Luckily she was wearing flats instead of athletic shoes so she didn't have to worry about leaving giant shoe treads. The ocean was the only place she could wade out and bathe. Huge human equaled horrible smelling one if she didn't. She had extra strength deodorant, but she bet that wouldn't cover it and salt water was better than nothing. While she was near the ocean, she had stolen several empty shipping containers from a shipping yard to contain any waste she produced along with the wrappers for her bars. She intended to sink them far out in the ocean once they were filled.

xxxxxx

Ratchet was at the computer early in the morning when a piece of broken equipment, courtesy of Bulkhead, fell to the floor. It landed in some of the purple liquid Arcee had been covered in. The broken metal absorbed the liquid and formed into a metallic spider. The tiny robot scanned the area until it locked onto Ratchet. Ratchet turned at the noise. "By the Allspark," he exclaimed as the spider flung itself at him. He threw it off and tried to stomp on it, but it evaded him scuttling behind the computer. It made its way over to Ratchet's microscope and snapped it. "I needed that," cried Ratchet. The spider jumped, but was caught midair by Optimus' energy blast. It fell to the ground, but then began to move again. Optimus promptly stomped on it.

"And stay broken," said Ratchet. "Now what could have caused that?"

"I have a grave suspicion," said Optimus. "Dark energon."

"Dark energon, but it's supposed to be so scarce it's virtually non-existent. What would it be doing on Earth?" asked Ratchet.

"It was transported here by Megatron," said Optimus.

"For what purpose?" asked Ratchet.

"To conquer this planet by raising an army of the undead," said Optimus.

Ratchet chuckled. "Well, Megatron would have to break quite a few toaster ovens. I mean, where on this world would he find that many Cybertronian dead?"

The others returned at that moment with their charges in tow. They had been informed over the com-link that Cliffjumper was alive and unharmed.

"Where's Cliff?" asked Arcee.

"Recharge," said Ratchet.

Optimus turned. "Autobots prepare too…."

"Roll out?" asked Arcee hand on hip.

Optimus shook his head. "Remain here. Ratchet, you'll come with me. Arcee, we'll be out of communications range for some time so I'm putting you in charge."

Arcee sighed. "Optimus, with all due respect, playing bodyguard is one thing, babysitting another. Besides, Ratchet hasn't been in the field since the war."

"My pistons may be rusty, but my hearing is as sharp as ever," retorted Ratchet.

Optimus sighed. "For the moment it is only reconnaissance."

Arcee frowned. "Then why do I hear an edge in your voice?"

"Arcee, much has changed in the last 24hrs and we all need to adapt. Ratchet, bridge us out."

The two of them disappeared through the groundbridge.

Ratchet and Optimus emerged from the portal into a deep canyon. Optimus went to say something, but he was cut off by the sound of a jet engine. The jet transformed landing on a high peak. The Autobots went into battle mode. Optimus tensed and brought out his cannons. Ratchet looked angry as he pulled out his sword.

Megatron stood above them. "Optimus, been well?" he asked in a cold and menacing voice. "I see you brought your trusty watchdog. I was certain that he'd be in the scrap heap by now."

"I know why you are here, Megatron," said Optimus.

"Hardly a surprise, Optimus, after all this time," he sneered. "But I'm afraid your time has come to an end." Megatron pulled out a glowing purple rock and slammed it into the ground. Purple cracks spread from the impact.

"Rise my army!" cried Megatron.

Suddenly metal monsters emerged from the ground their rusty metal bodies creaking ominously.

"By the Allspark," said Ratchet horrified.

One of the zombies lifted up a massive blade.

"Behold the power of dark energon!" cried Megatron.

The glowing purple eyes of the zombies locked onto Optimus and Ratchet.

"Megatron has desecrated the resting place of our fallen ancestors and his own," said Ratchet.

"Not even the dead are free from his war," said Optimus sadly.

"Destroy them!" roared Megatron.

Optimus stepped in front of Ratchet and opened fire. Some of the zombies fell, but more just kept coming.

"I will stand with you Optimus," said Ratchet firmly. Ratchet stepped forward and Optimus glanced over at him. "You may need a medic when this is over."

Ratchet attacked the zombie in front of him. "I recommend dissection. The smaller the pieces the better."

"Solid advice, old friend," said Optimus exchanging his guns for swords.

Suddenly a shadow darkened the area and Megatron looked over as he heard the crunch of metal. A giant figure in black with a visor made its way into the canyon crushing his zombies underfoot. It was bigger than any combiner, but wasn't giving off any Cybertronian signals.

Ratchet and Optimus were back-to-back fighting when the zombies around them were suddenly swept away. They looked up in surprise to see Megatron fleeing and a large being standing not far from them.

"Primus," said Ratchet. "Cliffjumper wasn't lying about her being tall." The giant swept the rest of the zombies onto the canyon floor and stepped on them. Ratchet cringed at the sound of crushing metal.

Paige had only come to the Grand Canyon to see if it provided a better place for her to take cover. Provided you stayed away from the tourist spots, it was a mile deep and quite steep in areas. She had not expected to see Megatron and his zombies attacking the Autobots. She remembered the episode, but not that it had occurred in the Grand Canyon. Megatron fled at the sight of her as she flattened his zombies. Their metal gave way easily under her weight. Optimus and Ratchet stood watching her with peculiar expressions. Her phone was back in her bag where she had left it so she had no means to communicate with them. She cocked her head to the side examining them for a moment and lifted her hand in a gesture of hello. She hoped they weren't too injured. She wanted to continue on with her exploration while the light held so she turned and left after making sure there were no more zombies.

Ratchet and Optimus immediately bridged back to base. All the Autobots including Cliffjumper and the kids were in the main room talking. Agent Fowler was lying unconscious on a medical bed. Ratchet and Optimus headed into the med bay. They weren't that badly damaged though thanks to Paige.

"What happened to you guys?" called Miko.

"We engaged an army of undead Cybertronian warriors," said Ratchet.

"Zombies? You fought zombies and I missed it!" she exclaimed.

Arcee reported the situation with Fowler's kidnapping over the com-link to Optimus.

"Bulkhead, you exercised extremely poor judgment in allowing the children to accompany you," said Optimus.

"It won't happen again Prime, I promise," Bulkhead replied.

"But it wasn't his fault," Miko argued waving her phone. "And check it out, recon."

Optimus leaned closer and looked at the photo.

"Ratchet, take a look," he said. "It could be of importance to Megatron."

"Whoa, Megatron is back," exclaimed Jack. "Isn't that like really bad?"

xxxxxx

Paige snuggled into the cave wall trying to get as comfortable as she could. She knew that if everything continued, as it should, the Autobots would face Megatron on the spacebridge. She hoped that the little she had influenced hadn't altered things too much, but she would be happy if she lessoned the Autobot's pain. Cliffjumper was with them now and Ratchet and Optimus should be less injured than before. Cliffjumper had said he'd come visit her again and she hoped he keep that promise. The Autobots had each other and the kids, but she had no one so she was a little lonely not to mention bored. She couldn't even play on her phone because she needed to conserve the battery.

Paige had also given Cliffjumper two warnings to pass on. The first had been about Mech and she hoped Fowler would take it seriously. She had also warned them about the scraplet trap in the Artic in case they didn't come to visit again.

Paige couldn't help but wonder why she was here in this world. She was very familiar with it because she had binge watched the entire series of Transformers Prime two months ago to ease her discomfort when she broke up with her boyfriend. Doing that was less fattening than eating ice cream. She had been the one to end the relationship, but it left a bitter taste in her mouth. It had been over something as simple as his cat. Her ex-boyfriend, Joel, had this beautiful purebred cat that he absolutely loved, but he didn't properly care for it. He was so busy with work that he'd sometimes only feed it once a day and cleaning the litter box seemed to be a monthly task for him. Paige was a nurturer. If a basic need needed to be filled, she would fill it. When Paige started to regularly feed, brush and care for the cat, naturally it migrated its affections to her and ignored Joel. Joel felt betrayed and harsh words were exchanged. Paige dumped him on the spot telling him that if he couldn't care for a simple cat, he wasn't qualified to have a relationship either. She didn't regret her decision because they were obviously not meant to be if such a simple thing could drive them apart. Even before the breakup, her life hadn't been anything exciting. Go to work, go to the gym and go home had been her daily routine, but being here while offering her a change also had more drawbacks than she'd first realized and being gigantic was a struggle in itself.

xxxxx

Two weeks later, the Autobots had successfully destroyed the spacebridge and Megatron's army of the undead with it. Starscream had taken over as the leader of the Decepticons in the absence of Megatron and the kids had survived Ratchet taking over their school projects.