Chapter 12: Sword Play

(Alternative Title: Children Shouldn't Run With Knives)


Hot Shot found an earth saying that he felt was immensely appropriate: he was on cloud nine. He had his friend back, and spent the last several days showing him around the base and goofing off like they were still on Cybertron. In fact, if Wheeljack were still around, Hot Shot would think this was a dream.

Hot Shot faltered as he explained about the ship maintenance, guilt flooding him as in his moment of weakness he found himself thinking of his subordinate. They had both been so young…he should have saved hi-

"Hot Shot? What's wrong?"

The yellow bot blinked, and he saw Smokescreen gazing at him with knitted optic ridges. Hot Shot plastered on a fake grin. "It's nothing, I'm fine."

Jolt, who'd been following at his heels, didn't look impressed despite his lack of emotion. He planted his hands on his waist and stared sternly up at Hot Shot. "Don't lie; do I need to get Red Alert?"

Hot Shot's optic twitched. Slagging Red Alert, corrupting his mini-con to his overly worrying ways; Red had his own mini-con, why couldn't he convert that one instead of Hot Shot's? "No, Jolt; you don't need too."

Jolt tilted his head. "Well, you still need to see Red Alert anyway. You pulled a joint during training last night and your appointment is in ten minutes."

Hot Shot glowered at the mini-con. "Yeah, I know when I gotta go in for my check-up; still can't believe you told him in the first place."

Smokescreen looked between them, his expression amused. "Differences in opinion?"

Hot Shot sighed heavily. "Got that right." He muttered. "Really wish the kids had been by, I'm starting to miss talking to them." He blinked and held up his servos. "Not that I'm not happy you're here, it's just that those kids really get me."

Smokescreen frowned. "I think it might be me. I know I didn't exactly make the greatest first impression on them. Got any ideas how to make it up to them?"

Hot Shot rubbed his chin. "Not really sure. I'm not good with the whole 'apologizing' thing. I can still help you though; what are friends for after all?" he asked with a cheerful smile.

Smokescreen grinned back and playfully punched Hot Shot's arm. "Got that right."

Jolt noisily vented his intakes. "You have one second to march over to Red Alert's medbay before I drag you there myself."

Hot Shot huffed. "Sorry Smokescreen, but Mini-Red is getting on my case." He snorted. "Figures I'd link with the mini-con that's just like Red Alert."

Smokescreen gave Hot Shot a mocking pat on the shoulder, his expression amused once again. "He'll come around to you, I'm sure."

Hot Shot wished he could roll his optics. "If Jolt does, then I'll know something's really wrong."


Rad scrutinized Rachel as the blonde made her way over to the sink. She said that the bruise had cleared up enough that it didn't hurt to move, and as he watched her the movements were smoother than they had been on Sunday and yesterday. 'I guess she must be telling the truth.' He was still worried about her bedraggled appearance though.

"I got homework. Think you can make your own dinner tonight?" Rachel asked.

Rad nodded rapidly. "Of course I can; I'm not a kid anymore."

The blonde smirked at him. "So says the twelve-year-old."

Rad groaned low in the back of his throat as Rachel went back to her room. He waited for the door to close before grabbing a pudding cup from the fridge and a spoon from the draw before sprinting back to his own room. A glance at the clock gave him a time frame. 'It's only four, so I can probably eat at six.' He handed the cup to Kero, who excitedly grabbed the spoon from him and ripped the lid open. "Have you found anything yet?"

Kero took a large scoop from the cup, gulping it down in one bite. "No. Either the cards are masking themselves better, or something's interfering."

Rad frowned as he sat down on the bed, and High Wire tilted his head in interest. "Interference? What could cause that?"

Kero was silent for a moment. "I couldn't be sure," he began slowly, "but I think there might be more magically-inclined people in this town than I thought Some are close, but there's one which is stronger though at a greater distance-can't shake how familiar it is but I can't place it." He muttered the last bit to himself worriedly.

Rad stared at him incredulously though. Was this a joke? How come he couldn't sense them? Did that only happen with the cards? "Are you serious?"

Kero nodded, his face grim. "I wasn't going to tell you this until I thought it was relevant, but your cousin has some magical capabilities too."

Rad's eyes widened, and High Wire stared at the plushy this time. "You're kidding."

"Not about something like this." Kero replied seriously. "I can pick her magic out of the interference, and yours because they're similar due to your familial connection. Has either of your parents ever exhibited some kind of power?"

Rad thought about what the guardian was saying. His mother Cindy and Rachel's mother Joy were half-sisters, so perhaps the magic had come from their grandmother? It was unlikely that they got their magic from their own fathers, not unless they were extremely lucky. "This is confusing." He muttered.

"Believe me, you have no idea how confusing families can be." Kero said.

Rad furrowed his brow, but before he could ask, he heard the phone ringing. "I'll get it!" he called and rushed to the landline. "Hello?"

"Rad?"

It was déjà vu, but with the wrong cousin. "Hey, Alexis. What'cha calling about?"

Alexis made a nervous noise over the phone. "I was wondering; Rachel's birthday is next month, right?"

Rad blinked. That's right, he still needed to get Rachel a gift. "It's June 2, actually. Why are you asking?"

"I wanted you to help me find a present for Rachel. You're close to her, so I thought you'd be the person to ask." Alexis explained.

The blond furrowed his brow again in confusion. "Didn't you already get her a gift? It was that mood right, wasn't it?"

"That's not birthday worthy." Alexis retorted. "So will you help me?"

Rad sighed. It's not like he couldn't do his own shopping for Rachel's birthday. It was the right thing to do given all she's put up with-especially in regards to him. "Alright, I'll meet you at…"

"The Seaside Dinner. We can eat before we shop." Alexis replied.

"Sounds good, see you then." Rad hung up and phone and knocked on Rachel's door, peering into the room tentatively. "I'm going out to eat with Alexis; I said I'd help her with some shopping."

Rachel gazed from her books, another smirk on her lips. "Oh, another date? You're becoming a ladies man, aren't you?" she teased. "And you don't even like girls? You sure about that?"

Rad blushed. "I don't like girls. I wanted to see a movie, and Alexis is my friend-she's not a girl."

Rachel tilted her head, playfulness fading into thoughtfulness. "I see." She shrugged. "Have a good time then. Just be back before it gets dark, and remember-"

"-take High Wire with me, I got it." Rad finished. He pulled out of the room, and called to High Wire, "Let's go, we gotta meet Alexis at dinner."

High Wire trailed alongside him to the front door, his eyes curved slyly. "So what should I call this?"

"Don't you start too." Rad muttered. "Alexis is my friend-nothing more."

High Wire 'hmm'ed. "You're probably right. I don't think you're her type-Sureshock told me she likes 'em older."

Rad blinked. "Alexis has a crush on someone older? Did Sureshock say who?"

High Wire stared at him. "You can't see it? It's unbelievable how dense you are."

The blond scowled at him. What was that supposed to mean? 'Is it because Alexis likes someone we know? Who else does she spend her time with?' Try as he might, Rad was dismayed to find that he couldn't recall who else Alexis was friends with. 'Some friend I am.'


Hot Shot grinned as Smokescreen lunged for him, sidestepping the other mech. The orange bot almost tripped as Hot Shot ducked away. "Gotta do better than that."

Smokescreen evened out his footing, and he furrowed his ridges. "What exactly did you call this game again?"

"Tag." Hot Shot said with a sly smile. "Don't tell me you're giving up."

Smokescreen huffed. "Of course not, it's just these rules are confusing."

Hot Shot frowned as he crossed his arms. "There's one rule, you gotta tag the other-"

"Like this!" The yellow mech didn't have time to evade Smokescreen as the bot jumped for him again, knocking them both to the ground. Smokescreen grinned down at Hot Shot, who scowled back at him. "I guess I'm getting the hang of this after all."

Hot Shot pouted moodily. "You cheated." He snapped petulantly.

Smokescreen laughed as he rolled to his pedes, pulling Hot Shot up with him. "You said there was only one rule. Didn't say anything else about what we could or couldn't do."

"I don't like this game anymore." Hot Shot grumbled. He winced as his servo automatically went to his side as a stinging sensation ran through him.

"Hot Shot, what's wrong?" Jolt, who'd been watching their game with quiet disapproval, immediately jumped in. "I told you not to stress yourself! And now you're joint is acting up, isn't it?"

"It's fine, just a bit sore." Hot Shot deflected, but to his dismay Jolt was having none of it.

The salmon-colored mini-con put his servos on his hips-a pose that was rapidly becoming his default stance when dealing with Hot Shot's stubbornness. "No more roughhousing, if you aggravate that joint it could tear and then where would you be?"

"Got it, Sire." Hot Shot retorted mockingly. Jolt shook his head.

"What'd he say?" Smokescreen asked.

Hot Shot vented. "He's gonna rat me out if I keep playing rough with you." His expression turned apologetic. "Sorry we gotta cut this short."

Smokescreen shrugged, his posture easy-going and relaxed. "If that's how it's gotta be, then that's how it is. I don't mind playing a different game with you." He grinned again. "Though this does mean I just won our round of tag."

Hot Shot glowered at him. "This time. You're not getting the drop on me next time."

Overhead, the mini-con alarm blared, loud and piercing as always. Duty calls then. Hot Shot, Smokescreen and Jolt made their way to the command center, where Red Alert was already tracking the signal.

On the screen was a small island and emitting small green waves. A lot like the last signal actually.

Hot Shot grimaced. "Don't tell me, we gotta do actually searching again."

Red Alert's lips tightened. "For once we are in agreement." He said reluctantly. "The signal is too weak for an exact location."

Smokescreen looked between the yellow mech and the medic. "Ah, come on, a little effort never hurt anyone!"

Optimus gazed at him approvingly. "Well said, Smokescreen." He glanced at Red Alert. "Why don't we go ready the groundbridge?"

Red Alert stiffened. "Sir, you said-"

"We are not on a mission yet." Optimus said firmly. His tone lowered a bit. "And a few moments to ourselves is something to cherish."

Hot Shot blinked. For a second he could've sworn that Red Alert actually smiled as he followed Optimus out of the room. 'Weird. I must have imagined it.' And no, the irony of admitting that wasn't lost on him. Something else though did dawn on him. "Wait, why would they both need to activate the groundbridge?"

Smokescreen smirked. "They wouldn't." his smile faded when Hot Shot's confused expression didn't change. "Don't tell me you haven't noticed? I've been here for three days and even I can see it!"

Hot Shot glared at him with irritation. "See what?"

Smokescreen sighed and shook his head with mock worry. "One day you'll understand what the grown-ups are saying, youngling."

Hot Shot's glare intensified. "I'm not a youngling, I haven't been for a while."

From the warp gate room, Optimus' voice called out, "Mechs, let's roll out!"


Rad was a bit confused with why by every passing minute Alexis kept getting more and more agitated. The town didn't have a mall sure, but he thought they'd found at least several shirts or school things Rachel would have liked. Alexis rejected them all, shockingly not wanting to get Rachel a gift she'd use for her education. It was hypocritical given how much grief Alexis gave Carlos to strive in school only to flip it around when it came to Rachel.

Rad knew better than to say that though; Alexis was going to be a bad mood soon and he'd rather not have it directed at him. So he chose something less offensive to talk about. "You've still got a month, why are you freaking out over this?"

Alexis glared at him. Too late on the bad mood. "And how can you not be freaking out? You of all people should be more worried about this. Rachel is doing everything for you! Do you have any idea what I'd give to have that kind of attention?"

Rad furrowed his brow in confusion. "Like a sister?"

Alexis froze, her face growling suspiciously red. "Something like that." She muttered. "It's just that I really…look up to her and want this to be a special thing."

"I can get that." Rad said earnestly. "Rachel means a lot to me too."

Alexis' tense posture relaxed for a moment. "Trust me, what she means to you is a lot different compared to what she means to me."

"How so? We both care about her." Rad didn't get why Alexis turned red again; was she getting sick? Kelly was like that too, he hoped it wasn't contagious. "Oh, you had a family dinner last night, right? What was that like?"

In the back of his mind, he could feel High Wire's interest while Sureshock remained indifferent to the conversation. Even if she was playing transportation, the orange mini-con took her job seriously.

Alexis' expression became relieved, the remaining tension draining away. "It was just like a regular family dinner, except that Auntie invited her brother and Uncle spent the whole time really tense and they kept glaring at each other." She shrugged. "Guess they don't really like one another."

"Kelly told me that too." Rad explained.

"And then Kelly started talking about you." Alexis continued, surprising Rad with that bit of information. Alexis' expression turned concerned. "Her parents got worried when she said that she just fell asleep in the theatre after someone put sleeping powder in the vents-apparently it took out almost everyone in the building."

'So that's what they thought it was?' Rad thought. "People can be so mean sometimes."

Alexis nodded absently. "They seemed surprised that Kelly said you hadn't gotten hit, and then asked my parents for Rachel's number in case they wanted her to watch Kelly." She smiled slyly. "Kelly of course said she was too old for a babysitter."

"I think Rachel's getting too old to babysit." Rad said teasingly.

Alexis sniffed. "She'll never be too old-plus she was a great sitter."

"As long as you behaved." Rad muttered.

The brunet puffed up proudly. "I never had a problem with her."

Rad rolled his eyes. He blinked when he felt a strange presence around him, and winced when he felt a cutting pain on his arm. High Wire stopped, concern flowing out through him as Rad pulled his sleeve up. The skin was clean, no signs of a scrape or cut in sight. "I'm okay."

"Are you sure?" High Wire pressed, but Rad nodded.

"Oh, I just thought a bee stung me." The blond said when he saw Alexis' staring at him curiously. His eyes wandered beyond her to the convenient store. "Why don't we stop there? I could sure go for some gum. And a candy bar."

Alexis shook her head, but didn't say anything as Sureshock and High Wire drove over to the building at the curb of the street. There was a newspaper stand by the door, and by the cash register was a rack of charms. Alexis' eyes were drawn to the charms instantly. "Oh, these are cute. Are they new?"

The cashier beamed. "Yup; just got an order in yesterday. See anything you like?"

Alexis scrutinized the rows critically, and Rad looked them over as well. They were all in different colors, pinks, blues, purples and whites. Each was set in a different shape, some were even in the form of animals or objects.

"This one." Alexis said abruptly. She pulled a charm off the rack, and Rad peered over her shoulder at it. It was in the shape of a sword. It had a long blade with a tapered edge going wider at the tip, wing cut-outs on blade hilt, and a curled wing for a handle while an orange gem resided in the center point of the handle.

"You think Rachel will like it?" Rad asked. He jerked back when Alexis shot him a nasty glare, a deep maliciousness her in gaze. The blond held up his hands in placation. "Sorry, didn't mean to offend you or anything."

Alexis furrowed her brow, the anger fading away. She scrunched her nose, her eyes closing tightly for a moment. "I'll take it." She let the cashier ring up the order, and was practically bouncing as they made their way out.

"I guess you don't need me anymore-"

"Don't be ridiculous!" Alexis snapped. "Of course I still need you. You have to help me decide which wrapping paper Rachel will like best."

Rad frowned. "Okay, a gift I get worrying about, but why does the paper you tear up matter?" he froze when Alexis glared at him, but was relieved by the fact it wasn't as hateful as her earlier one. Still didn't make him feel any less assured though.

"Play dead." Sureshock piped in.

Sound advice if he ever heard it. Rad shrank into himself. "I mean, of course it's important. This is Rachel we're talking about."

Alexis' eye twitched at her name, fury briefly flickering through her gaze before it slid easily into adoration. "Yes, she's worth it." She said dreamily. "My home's not too far away. We should be able to make it there before my parents get done work."

"Overprotective?"

Alexis grimaced. "No, they'll tease us."

Ah, that. Rad was glad then at least this wasn't just a problem he was dealing with.


The first Hot Shot noticed was the smoke rising out of the volcano. "Well, that can't be good." He said as the others gazed up at the mountain.

"It would appear that is why this island has been evacuated." Optimus said heavily. "The sooner we find the mini-con, the quicker we can leave before the volcano erupts. Mechs, split up."

"Hot Shot, ya with me?" Smokescreen asked.

Hot Shot grinned. "You even need to ask?" he heard Jolt grumbling as they sprinted away from the group, but realized that this wouldn't help unless they knew where they should search. "So, got any ideas about where to start first?"

"Well, the mini-cons have been here for thousands of years, right? Maybe we should start with the base of the mountain." Smokescreen suggested.

Hot Shot gave him an incredulous stare. "Are you serious? You want to go towards the smoking crater that's going to explode any minute?" Smokescreen shrugged. The yellow mech shook his head, smiling fondly. "Glad to see you still haven't changed. Let's get going then."

"This is a bad idea." Jolt said grumpily as trailed after them.

Hot Shot snorted. "Then you should have stayed with your new buddy Red Alert."

Jolt groaned, his version a high and long beep. "For the last time, being concerned with your health is normal. You are far by the most accident prone partner I've ever had."

That threw Hot Shot for a loop. He hesitated a moment before they kept following after Smokescreen towards the top of the volcano. Turns out the mini-con hadn't been at the base and the orange mech wanted to try higher. 'How could I forget that Jolt used to have another partner? Little guy doesn't seem all that old.' Then again, he wasn't very old anyway. "What was your other partner like?"

Jolt sighed. "Now's not the time, let's just find my brethren and we can leave this place without you getting hurt."

"Hey! I found it!" Smokescreen called from at the volcano edge. It had Hot Shot's tank churning as he realized what this meant.

"I like dangerous things, but I ain't jumping into a volcano." He said as he got closer. When at the edge as well, he peered into the lava through the smoke. And there it was-floating along the surface was the mini-con panel. "So how do we get it out?"

"I could try my hook, but I don't think I'd be able to reach that far down." Smokescreen said. "Well, not unless I leaned in and you kept a strong grip on me."

Hot Shot took in the size difference between them. "Yeah-no. That won't work either. I'd probably drop you. The mini-con looks find but I'm not eager to find out how durable you are."

Smokescreen grinned as he nudged Hot Shot on the shoulder. "Underneath everything, you're just a big softie aren't you?"

Hot Shot flushed as he clenched his fists, expression turning indignant. "I am not! You're my friend, and I have no interest in trying to be civil towards Red Alert."

Smokescreen snorted. "Thanks for letting me know how you really feel about me, pal."

Hot Shot grimaced at how his own words sounded. "It's not that I'm using you, I just don't want to be alone again."

The orange mech's irreverent expression became a lot more serious. "You're not alone, even when I wasn't here you weren't." he reached out and gave Hot Shot a one-armed hug around the shoulders. "Don't start thinking like that, okay? Optimus, the kids, Jolt, even Red-they care about ya."

Hot Shot blinked. "When did you get so thoughtful?"

Smokescreen looked at the ground. "Let's just say I know what real loneliness is."

'That's right, how could I have forgotten that too?' Hot Shot returned the hug. "Then it's a good thing we're not-lonely together." His optics flickered to the mini-con, his lips twisting into a grimace as he commed Optimus. "We found the panel, but it's in the volcano. Course of action, sir?"

"You can die!"

Hot Shot jerked back, his optics widening as he a flash of purple coming for them. He grabbed Jolt and tackled Smokescreen out of the way. Not a moment sooner and they would have been strafed by dozens of laser shots where they'd stood. "Scrap." He spoke into his comm unit urgently. "Optimus, the Decepticons have decided to make a not-so-welcoming arrival."

"Take cover, and only engage if you have a clear shot." Optimus replied sternly.

Hot Shot was about to retort, but Jolt cut him off. "Starscream's circling back! We have to get out of here!"

The yellow mech was loathed to leave, but if Starscream brought out his mini-con's power, he was not looking forward to ending up back in the medbay-or worse. "I think I saw a rock face we can hide behind on our way up."

Behind him, an ominous rumbling rang out. Hot Shot winced as Smokescreen gazed back at the volcano. "That's not a good sign." Jolt would have jumped had he not been in Hot Shot's grasp as lava jumped up from the mouth of the volcano.

"Let's go!" Hot Shot pulled Smokescreen with him as lava began rolling out through the side, arching its way down the hill. "We have to get out of here soon," he yelled into the comm, "the eruption is happening now!"


For how long Rad had known Alexis, he couldn't recall ever being at her house. He thought coming here would reveal something he didn't know about his friend, but the experience was a bit underwhelming. Perhaps it was because he expected the place to be filled with kitten and puppy posters, or plushies of some variant.

It was normal; the kitchen had a dining table and the walls were painfully bare. The living room had two couches, a coffee table, and a television.

"Somehow I was expecting…more."

Alexis snorted. "Oh, there is more. It's just all in the garage. Mom and Dad haven't gotten the time to put it all back."

"I don't want to overstep my boundaries or anything," Rad rubbed the back of his neck nervously, "but why do your parents do this? I get that Mr. Li can be scary, but he's your uncle, isn't he?"

"He is." Alexis replied. "Mom just thinks it's better he think she's gotten over her phase." Her eyes narrowed. "Didn't I already explain this to you?"

Rad scratched his cheek bashfully. "Probably."

Alexis shook her head and pointed at the couch. "Wait there, I'll be right back."

Rad sat down on the couch and fiddled with the key around his neck. With a quiet moment to spare, Rad thought he should have gotten a bigger card case to cart the Sakura Cards around in. They must be getting tired of being carried in his pocket-it was cramped and getting to be a tighter squeeze. He glanced up as Alexis came back, and in one hand was the charm while in the other was two rolls of wrapping paper-one shiny and silver, the other sparkled with a vibrant pattern of lines.

"So, which do you think she'd like?" Alexis held the two rolls out to him.

Rad looked them over, his brow furrowed. Both were a bit too sparkly for his taste-or was he being biased given how much trouble sparkles of all things were causing him?-but he knew Rachel liked being neat. "The silver one."

Alexis nodded and Rad nudged her. She gave him an annoyed glare. "Yes?"

"You wouldn't want to give Rachel a gift she'd look bad with, would you?" he teased. "Why don't you try it on and see how it is?"

Alexis' eyes widened. "You can't be serious." Her glare intensified. "There's no way I'd do that to Rachel."

"It's not like you're leaving the price tag on it." Rad retorted.

Alexis lifted the charm up to eye-level, her gaze hard as she stared at it. Slowly, her expression relaxed. "Excuse me then." She mumbled and walked out of the room.

Rad gazed around the living room again, but was surprised when not a minute later Alexis came back into the room. The sword pin glinted as it hung on Alexis' heart. "It looks nice." He said. The smile tugging at his lips pulled into a frown as Alexis didn't reply, her head was down and hair fell in her face. "Hey, don't tell me you're upset just to wear it?"

Alexis didn't reply. She only lifted her hand above her head, and a flash of silver had Rad moving just as the tip of a sword dug into the spot he'd been sitting.

"Alexis-what the heck's wrong with you!" Rad demanded, only to falter when he got a look at the blade. It was the charm, but the trinket was gone. He remembered the sharp feeling in front of the convenient store, and he felt so very foolish. "Sakura Card." He whispered.

The brunet lifted her head, and Rad froze at the hatred in her eyes. They were searing and filled with scorn. It was disturbing because otherwise there wasn't a shred of emotion on her face.

She raised the blade again. "Release!" Rad blocked the strike with his wand, and rolled out of the way, breaking the clash and ducked as the sword smashed through a vase on the fireplace.

"I don't think you're parents are gonna like that." Rad muttered, but Alexis gave no sign she heard him. "Snap out of it! I don't want to hurt you."

Alexis didn't resist as the blade thrust at him, and Rad ducked out of the way. He was under no impression that this wouldn't hurt him, but how could it have gotten to control Alexis? 'Kero's got some explaining to do.' He thought, rolling once more as the sword cut into the floor. 'A lot of explaining.'

"You can't let the card control you." Rad tried to reason. "You're stronger than it! Think about Rachel!" Alexis froze, and Rad continued quickly. "Yeah, what about her? You care about her, don't you?"

Rad expected Alexis to fight off the sword, but instead what happened made his insides turn to ice. Alexis' shoulders shook, and a scowl crossed her lips that matched the hatred in her gaze. With a renewed vigor, Alexis struck at him.

When he dodged that time, the sword cut clean through one of the chairs at the dining table.

Rad didn't have time to stare as he ran for the screen door in the kitchen. 'Okay, so mentioning Rachel's a bad idea. Got it.'


"I hate this; we're stuck between lava and the Decepticons." Hot Shot grumbled as he ducked down, laser fire sparking against the cliff face he and Smokescreen had taken refuge behind. Jolt had already linked up with him, but Hot Shot couldn't get a clean shot at Starscream and Cyclonus.

"Come on out, Autobots. This will only hurt a lot! Ah-hahaha!" Cyclonus cackled.

Hot Shot scowled as he took a pot shot at the 'copter, who only swerved out of the way. "Wish that bucket of bolts would hold still so I could blast him right in the tailpipe."

"Believe me; I'd love nothing more than to shut that fragging motherboard up too." Smokescreen growled. Like Hot Shot, the orange mech was not fond of having to play things safe.

"Quit cowering like weaklings and face your demise with dignity!" Starscream called.

Hot Shot snorted. As if he'd give the seeker any satisfaction from this. It was just talk-he'd use that mini-con at the first sign he and Smokescreen might be getting an advantage. Which was unlikely and Hot Shot hated it. Jolt's power-up was useless unless he got a clear shot.

"This lava isn't making it easy to come up with a plan." He gripped. His optics widened as in the lava flow the mini-con panel began surf along the top. If one of the 'Cons looked, they would no doubt try and grab it. "It's coming, I'll fire and you hook the mini-con the first chance you get."

"Got it." Smokescreen said, his optics locking onto the slowly approaching mini-con.

Hot Shot took pot shots at the flyers, designed to distract rather than harm-at least for now. He couldn't get a solid shot, so he'd do what Red Alert said he did best-annoy the frag out of bots. "Now who's running?"

"Rotten Autobot!" Cyclonus snarled as he had to cut off his own shooting to avoid being hit by a wild shot.

"What's the matter- forget what fighting an actual mech is like?" Hot Shot retorted.

"Big words, given this is a not a true battle." Starscream said heatedly.

"Like you're one to talk you flying afterburner!" Hot Shot snapped.

"Almost…I got it!" Smokescreen abrupt declaration unfortunately caught the Decepticons' attention too.

"I don't think so!" Cyclonus fired, knocking the panel out of the cable's grasp as he snatched it out of the air.

"You're not getting that panel!" Hot Shot took aim, and for once got in a solid strike.

The laser blasted Cyclonus in the side, leaving the 'copter wobbling as his grip slackened. Smokescreen swung his hook once more, the crook closing around the panel as he quickly tugged into his grasp.

"That's it, I'm so out of here. No mini-con's worth getting scraped over!" Without another word, Cyclonus teleported out.

"Slag it!" Starscream snarled. Had he been in bi-pedal mode, there was a good chance he'd be scowling. "Sir, Cyclonus has left, and the Autobots have the mini-con-what?" his tone took on an incredulous tone, but even that didn't distract him from dodging another of Hot Shot's blasts. "Yes, sir, I understand." He gritted out, and just as abruptly, he teleported out as well.

"Hot Shot, Smokescreen," Optimus' voice carried over the comms, "the Decepticons have retreated. I suggest we take our leave before we find out how much heat we can actually stand."

Hot Shot looked warily at the lava that was rapidly spreading out towards them. 'For once that's a retreat I can get behind.'


Much as Rad hated to admit it, all he knew for certain was that Alexis valued Rachel's opinion greatly. It confused him as to why, as even as much as he loved his cousin, he didn't idealize her. He saw her at her worst after all.

Though right now Alexis-or the sword-seemed to have completely flipped at the mention of her. And he didn't want to hurt Alexis even if she was trying to kill him. 'It's the sword, not her. Why didn't Kero say anything? Was it because I didn't ask? He should have told me this!

Rad's tirade against plushies was cut short as he threw himself to the ground, a glint of silver sweeping over him as a blade cut down a tree. 'Okay, I need to get that card away from her. Time to stop messing around. I don't want to hurt her, but I can't keep dodging.'

No matter how lucky he'd been, it would just take one solid strike and he'd be-well, it wouldn't be good.

Rad reluctantly pulled out one of the cards he had on hand. "Bubbles, distract her!" The card glowed as he pointed his wand at it, and from the shell pink bubbles poured out.

Not-Alexis scowled even deeper as she swatted at the bubbles sticking to her skin. Her eyes glared more menacing than Rad thought possible given her already foul attitude, but he'd be wrong. Not-Alexis hissed, slashing at the bubbles before charging at Rad.

The blond winced as he rolled out of the way, a deep gorge slashed into the ground where he'd been. "Come on, what'd I'd ever do you?" All he got was a glare for his troubles, and Rad pulled out another card. "Figures." He muttered and tossed Sleep into the air. "Let's give her a cat nap, Sleep!"

The tiny figure sprung forth from the card, and she deftly avoided the blade which slashed at her. Sleep bopped Not-Alexis on the head, a smug look on her face as powder washed over the girl. Rad watched relieved as Not-Alexis' eyes drooped shut, her form wobbling.

Rad pointed his wand at the sword. "Return to your-" he let out a startled scream as abruptly Sleep was smacked out of the air by the blunt side of the blade. Sleep grimaced as she retreated to her card form, and Rad pocketed her as Not-Alexis incredulously kept moving. 'She's freaking asleep! Just how strong is this card's hold?'

The blond didn't want to hurt his friend, but it was quite obvious that this card was definitely trying to kill him. 'It's going to sheesh-kabob me if I don't do anything though.' He argued with himself. If he hadn't teased Alexis until she gave in, then this wouldn't have- 'No, she was already acting weird. The card had her back in the store; it would have gotten its way.'

It wasn't much of a reassurance, but it was enough to keep the guilt at bay.

"Please," Rad needed to try at least one more time. He didn't want to end up hurting Alexis, "just calm down. I don't know why you're angry, but lashing out isn't going to help."

The card disagreed apparently, as Rad was forced to dodge another arching slash.

'I have to break the connection. At least that way it will be easier to capture.' Rad would have discarded Sweet out of hand, but no card was useless, and Sweet had proven herself before. "Sweet!" he called forth the spirit, who looked confused as to why he hadn't given an order. "I have a plan," he whispered, "but I can't let the card know beforehand." Sweet nodded seriously. "On my mark, turn the tree behind me to caramel."

Sweet nodded and slipped away as Rad was forced to block another strike. Even asleep, Not-Alexis looked super mad. Rad grunted as he felt the blade pressing in closer-what if the wand broke? He didn't even want to think about it.

Rad pulled back, and the sword came thrusting forward. "Now!" he dropped to the ground, hearing the thunk of the sword going into the candy tree. Not-Alexis scowled and tried to pull the sword back, but frowned as the sword refused to budge.

He didn't want it to realize it could still cut through, so Rad thwacked the wand down on Not-Alexis' hand. It didn't get knocked loose, but Not-Alexis winced and the grip slackened enough for Rad to pry her fingers from it.

Alexis collapsed in Rad's arms, and he gently set her on the ground. At least she seemed okay, but Rad would have to wait until she woke up to be sure.

A creaking caught his attention, and Rad was incredulous as he saw the sword moving by itself. It wriggled continually as it tried to pull out. "Unbelievable." Rad said to himself. His eyes widened as the sword began to pull itself out. "Oh no you don't!"

Rad tossed Windy into the air. "Become a binding chain, Windy!" he yelled. As Windy came out of the card, the tree turned back to wood and the sword violently cut it apart. Wood chips went everywhere, and Rad pulled Alexis out of range.

When he looked up, he felt a chill run down his spine. The blade of the sword had been stopped inches from cutting into him. He saw the wind streams straining to hold the sword in place and Rad didn't waste any more time. He pointed at the sword as the golden circle appeared beneath him. "Return to your power confine, Sakura Card!"

The sword thrashed, its form dissolving as it was sucked into its shell card. A bit more hesitantly, Rad held the card as though it would explode. On the face, it was the same sword, but wrapped in chains. Underneath that, the name was- 'The Sword-figures.' Rad heard Alexis groan, and quickly pocketed the cards.

Alexis slowly blinked, her brow furrowed as she looked around in confusion. "What am I doing out here? I thought we were inside?"

"We were." Rad agreed. "It's just, well," he rubbed the back of his neck nervously, "I opened the screen door, but a bird flew in! We chased it around, though…eheheh, there's kind of a mess."

Alexis shot up, her eyes snapping open. "What?! My parents are going to be so mad!"

"Chill, Alexis." Rad said soothingly. "We can clean up….although I hope you have an extra chair lying around."

The brunet frowned. "Don't tell me one of broke a chair."

"Alright, then I won't."

Alexis put her hands on her face. She sighed heavily and when she pulled her hands away, her face was all business. "Then let's get working. I won't have my parents coming home to a ruined house."

"Just the living room. Thankfully it didn't go beyond that." Rad assured her.

Alexis nodded, but paused. "You still didn't tell me how I got out here, or where my present is."

Rad thought fast. "You tripped and hit your head. And unfortunately the bird took off with your charm. But don't worry," he quickly said when Alexis' face fell, "now you can get Rachel an even better present. Maybe you could make her something? She always valued hard work."

Alexis flushed. "Really?" she whispered. A new fire burned in her eyes. "Then there's no time to waste!" she sprinted back towards the house.

Rad smiled at his friend's enthusiasm, and hoped that there wouldn't be any ill effects. 'Really gotta ask Kero why he didn't say anything.'


"Why...why isn't the mini-con waking up?" Hot Shot questioned. They'd all tried to activate it, but no one had been able to get the panel to glow.

Red Alert frowned as he examined it more closely. "I'll run a few tests; it could be a myriad of things. The mini-con had been grounded for thousands of years, it-"

"Yeah, yeah, I don't need to hear another lecture." Hot Shot said flippantly. "I got more training drills to do."

Red Alert's optic band burned brighter. "Don't forget you have another appointment. Longarm said you pulled a joint."

"How-?" Hot Shot glared suspiciously down at Jolt, who was pointedly avoiding his gaze.

Optimus vented. "Mechs, settle down." He said wearily. "The point is, active or not, we have retrieved the mini-con and kept it out of Decepticon servos. Well done. You're all dismissed for the evening."

Hot Shot grinned. "Alright!" he grabbed a hold of Smokescreen and pulled the mech along with him. "Come on, I got some more games we can try out!"


Rad collapsed onto his bed, glaring weakly at the clock which mockingly blinked 6:50 back at him. He then turned his gaze to Kero, while ignoring how High Wire was nervously fidgeting in the background. "You didn't tell me the cards could possess people."

Kero froze, his eyes widening. He shrank down into his drawer, peering nervously over the ledge. "Should I ask which one?"

"Sword." Rad grounded out.

Kero's nervous air only grew. "I see. It may have slipped my mind. Being a guardian is time-consuming, and it's not like you asked in the first place!" his tone rapidly turned defensive.

Rad didn't roll his eyes. This wasn't the time for that. "It possessed my friend, something I would have liked to avoid but I didn't know." He got up on his elbows, staring hard at the plushy. "Alexis could have killed me, or she could have hurt herself. Next time you remember something important, mention it, okay?"

Kero avoided his gaze. "Sure." He said quietly. It was a contrast to his usual boisterousness. "You must be exhausted, why don't you go eat something? Magic can take a lot out of you when used too much."

Rad frowned. He did feel sluggish, but he'd thought it was the result of doing all that work at Alexis'. "Yeah, maybe you're right." He found High Wire still fidgeting, and patted the bed beside him. "Sit down, I'm not mad."

"You should be-I failed you!" High Wire said. He clutched his head horrified. "I was in the garage with Sureshock, we were right there. We could have helped you! How can I keep you safe when I can't even know what I'm keeping you safe from! That charm was the card, what else could I overlook."

"High Wire, you're doing the best you can." Rad sighed as the mini-con didn't come any closer. He took the initiative to walk over to High Wire and wrap his arms around him. The mini-con stiffened, but didn't shake him off. "I don't expect you to protect me from everything. It's not fair to put so much pressure on you." He explained earnestly. "It's great you care about making Rachel happy-so do I, but even she wouldn't want you to beat yourself up over every little thing."

"What if the next card is something I can't help with you either?" High Wire's voice sounded so small, and his emotions were full of sadness and fear.

Rad couldn't deny being scared too. The thought of Sword having come so close…but the thought of it being High Wire impaled on the blade was just as terrifying. "I don't know, but I never know what card's coming. The point to remember is that we can't let fear or disappointment control us. I'm scared to death of upsetting Rachel so much she sends me away, but I know that I can't tell her the truth yet, or that not doing anything will do more damage."

"I…I'm scared of disappointing Rachel." High Wire admitted. "She put so much faith in me, believed that I was just as capable of protecting you as any Autobot. I…I like being seen as a real transformer."

Rad's eyes widened, but he only tightened his grip. "You're real to me, you'll always be real. Even when I thought you were nothing but a dream I couldn't shake the feeling."

Slowly, High Wire's arms wrapped around him in return. "Then I guess we both have things to work on, don't we?"

Rad smiled at the tentatively humorous tone, and he nodded. "That's right."

Watching them, Kero knew he had chosen well.