Author's note: Hey guys... *hides very quickly as tomatoes are thrown at me* Yeah I deserve that. I honestly didn't think it would take that long. I lost motivation and had writers block for a long while. Does anyone have any tips for that? I have a question:
Should I bring Rex back?
You're choice. Should I bring him back to meet his heroes? Or should I leave him where he is? If he comes in it won't be for a while. Anyway, onto the reviews. I loved the reviews i got and I can't wait to get more!
DarkshadowXsunny-sides: Love the story update it would be ashame is I have to still stop reading cause you stop updating I have to many of those soldiers and I love this story.
Me: Thanks, I love writing this story and the fact that you took time to review. I will try to review faster but it's hard with writer's block. If you can happen to destroy it for me, I would appreciate it.
emma: cool i sense that she's eather gonna fall in love with ironhide or sideswipe abd i hope to primus it's sides
Me: I admit she will fall in love with someone since the story is in the romance category but I won't say who. It could be someone in the story now or someone yet to come. Who knows? Thanks for the review and support!
Shannon the chameleon:
omg I need to read about her check up with the Hatchet this chappie was absolutely brilliant!
Me: Thanks. To be honest, I didn't think it was very exciting but I'm glad you thought it was. Unfortunately, her check up is gonna have to wait. Thanks for the review
Bee4ever:
I am loving this story! The interactions between Vi and Ironhide are hilarious! You can tell she enjoys giving him a hard time. Ironhide is really lucky Ratchet didn't hear his comment about 'unleashing the Hatchet'!
Me: Thanks, I'm not good with humour but I thought I would try it between Ironhide and Vi. Yeah...she does enjoy giving Ironhide a hard time but I think it helps to develop their relationship. And yeah, Ironhide was really lucky that Ratchet didn't hear his comment or else the Hatchet would be release. Thanks for the review!
TheGhost129: Small... Friendship?
Me: If you're talking about Vi and Ironhide, a small friendship/mutual relationship might start to be forming. Thanks for the review ^^
Oh and one last thing, I'm editing past chapters since I've spotted a lot of typos and the fact I spelt Violet's name wrong a few times so if it pops up, just ignore it. I won't post for another week at least after this one. Anyway, on with the show.
Chapter 7
Thud…. Thud…..Thud…..
I turn left.
Thud….. Thud… Thud…
A growl escapes my lips as I scowl. For the past few hours, my head has been feeling like it's going to explode. My headaches have been getting worse. And having very little sleep doesn't help either. I walk through the corridors aimlessly. This tie I'm not avoiding he Hatchet. No, I'm avoiding my guards or escorts as they like to call them. I tried to leave my quarters earlier only to find two guards outside my door ready to escort me. I was not impressed. Babysitters? Really? I understand why and if I was in the their position, I would do the same but I hate being restricted. I was never one to obey the rules. I hate them. It's just a way to have power over people. To make them bend to their will. To limit freedom and free will. Before I can go into ranting mode, I hear loud footsteps from behind. I turn slightly to look over my shoulder. They must be round the corner which means they have't sported me yet. I run forward lightly on my feet, making no sound as I turn a different corner and press myself against the wall, into the shadows. I breathe evenly and quietly, trying to make as little sound as possible. Why am I hiding, you ask? Because if any Autobots find me without my escort I'll be in trouble. Not big trouble but the annoying lecture kind. Which I'm not in the mood for. The steeps get louder and closer as the Autobot comes very close, it turns the conner and the first thing I see is a flash of black. Ironhide. Great. It's just my luck, that it's Ironhide out of all of the Autobots. Well better him than Ratchet. He walks past me as I don't make a move. He walks ahead and my muscles relax a little until he stops.
"You do realise I can detect you on my scanner?" questions Ironhide without turning around.
I nearly face palm myself out of stupidity. Of course, they can sense me on their scanners. How stupid am I? I step out of the shadows as he turns round fully to face me.
"Sneaking around, are we?" questions Ironhide suspiciously.
"No," I reply simply.
"Sureee, where's your guards?" asks Ironhide.
"I got rid of them," I answer without a second thought.
As soon as the words left my mouth, Ironhide's cannons whirls to life with me on the receiving end. My muscles tenses up as I have to fight against my flight or fight instincts.
"Easy there, rusty. I meant I ditched them. Left them behind. They're probably searching for me," I explain carefully, rolling my eyes at his behaviour.
He glares at me, obviously not appreciating the nickname.
"You are suppose to have two guards around you. You know the rules," replies Ironhide.
"That doesn't mean I will tolerate it. People like me are not suppose to be locked up, or restricted in anyway," I retort, folding my arms.
"Wrong. People like you are suppose to be locked up," comments Ironhide harshly.
I have to admit for some reason that hurt a little. It just reminds me that I'm an outsider. That I don't belong.
"And what are people like me?" I growl out, stepping forward, not even caring that his cannon is looming right on top of me.
"Untrustworthy, not loyal-" starts Ironhide but I cut him off.
"Right. Right. But can you tell me one thing you know about me that makes you come to that conclusion?" I ask.
"You tried to escape from us when-" starts Ironhide but I cut him again.
"I did what anyone in my position would do. You can't blame me for freaking out a little and trying to escape," I interrupt, justifying my actions.
"But why did you try to run?" questions Ironhide.
"Because I didn't want to be dragged into some war," I snap making Ironhide silent before I continue, "…And I still don't."
"Just because you're here doesn't mean you'll be dragged into our war," comments Ironhide.
"Of course it does. I'm not stupid. I've read the fanfictions. Everyone gets dragged into it whether they like it or not. Even if it's by just knowing your existence. But I'm different. I refuse to be a part of the war. I won't be a part of it," I stress, not sure if I'm saying the last bit to myself or not.
"No one chooses to be a part of war or not. You're right. People do get dragged into it whether they like it or not. You just got to make sure you're on the right side," comments Ironhide. Silence overcomes us as we are both pulled into our thoughts. On the right side? I don't want to be on anyone's side. I will not be apart of their war. That's why I'm going to get this thing sorted ASAP. I shake my head out of my thoughts, bringing me back to reality. "Can you put that cannon away? You could end up hurting somebody," I ask changing the subject.
Ironhide scoffs but complies anyway.
"So since you probably won't let me wonder around on my own, how about I join you in whatever you're doing?" I suggest.
"Might as well. I don't trust those human guards to guard you as you walk about," agrees Ironhide as we both start walking to our destination. Speaking of destination…
"Where are we heading anyway?" I question curiously.
Before Ironhide speaks, I hear the faint sound of shouting, which puts me on alert until I realise the shouting is actually cheering. Curiosity fills me as I wonder what's happening. I speed ahead and turn the corridor before going into an open room. I see a crowd of people cheering as fights take place, as well as target practise. I see Sideswipe on some sort of assault course, rolling round and using his blades to cut through targets. Excitement courses through me. Is this what I think it is?
"Welcome to the training centre," comments Ironhide.
An uncontrollable grin breaks out on my face. I ry to push the bubbling excitement down but I can't. Finally, somewhere I can release all my pent up energy and frustrations.
"You can wipe that grin off your face. The most you can do is watch. You are allowed no where near the guns, the knifes, and any other weapons," comments Ironhide, making my grin fall off my face.
Are you kidding me?
"You can't be serious?" I reply, staring up at him.
"Oh I am. The last thing we need is you killing people left and right because you got a hold of a weapon," says Ironhide.
It's a good thing he doesn't know I have my daggers hidden away on me. If anyone tried to take them away, there would be hell to pay. I just got to keep them hidden away until I need them.
"You seriously think I will start killing people with you guys around? What good would that do? I'm trying to earn your trust, not destroy it. The con's out weigh the pro's," I explain using logical reasoning.
"Still I rather not take the chance," replies Ironhide paranoid.
I roll my eyes at him. I guess I'm going to have to keep that pent up anger inside me until I'm allowed to beat someone up. Stupid paranoid tin can. I stomp off to the sidelines, grumbling under my breath. Maybe I can convince Prime or Lennox to let me use the training centre. I'll have to speak to him later. I suppose if I can't train I'll just watch everyone. I stand in the perfect place, high in one of the balcony's. A bird's eye view to see everything: The sparring, the assault course, the target practise, etc. My eye locks on to all the different people and the two Cybertronians, mostly the Cybertronians though. My mind already starts categorising the strengths and weaknesses of those in front of me, like a computer. My mind memorising it all without permission. The loud sounds of metal on metal and explosions sound louder making my headache worse. Maybe it's not a good idea for me to stay here while I have a splitting headache. I stifle a groan as the pain increases tenfold. At this rate, I might as well go to Ratchet myself and demand a scan. Wait…. Did I really just think that I would willingly go to Ratchet? I shake my head a myself until a voice cuts in and grabs my attention.
"Hey fleshy, come to admire my awesome skills?" questions Sideswipe with a smirk as he rolls over to where I'm perched, eye height with him.
I roll my eyes, resisting to say a snarky comment. Instead I keep my eyes on Ironhide who is helping some humans to train. I pay special attention to that knowing it'll come in handy if I ever come up against a Decepticon.
"Why don't you have a go at sparring? I thought it'll be the first thing you'll do," suggests Sideswipe.
"As much as I would love to kick someone's butt, I'm not allowed. Apparently, it would be too dangerous for everyone if I go anywhere near a gun or any other weapon," I answer, frustration building up but I mask it, my face neutral as always.
"Then why are you here?" questions Sideswipe curiously.
"I ditched my old guards. I got caught out by Ironhide hours later. Apparently, I need a babysitter so Ironhide said he'll watch me while he trains these guys," I explain not entirely comfortable with giving away information.
I don't speak to many people I do it's normally business matters. I try not to fidget through my discomfort and I grip the railing instead. Sideswipe doesn't notice my behaviour, probably because he hasn't been around humans long.
"Why didn't Ironhide just get you some more human guards?" questions Sideswipe confused.
A hint of a smirk appears on my face as I answer, "He doesn't trust human guards to guard me."
"Old Ironhide is just paranoid," comments Sideswipe.
"No…he's right. I've already got rid of my first set of guards and it isn't even lunchtime yet," I reply, keeping my trained eye on the training field below.
And that's how the next half an hour went. Sideswipe would ask questions and I either nod, shake my head or give short answers, or not answer at all. After a while I got annoyed at he pointless questions.
"You sure do like to ask a lot of questions," I comment.
"What can I say? I'm a curious mech," shrugs Sideswipe.
I finally stand up straight and I walk off.
"Hey, where are you going?" asks Sideswipe as I walk down a flight of stairs.
"None of your business," I state.
"Aw… you can't go now. I haven't shown off yet," pouts Sideswipe making me roll my eyes.
To be honest, the only reason I'm leaving is because I need to clear my head. My headache is killing me. Ironhide see's me as I walk towards the door and he comes over straight away.
"And where do you think you're going?" questions Ironhide, his arms crossed against his chest.
"Outside. Is that a problem?" I ask, turning around to face him as I cross my own arms.
"Considering how I'm your guard for the moment and I have to stay in here. Yes it is a problem," replies Ironhide.
I resist the urge to growl. I feel so caged in here. I open my mouth to speak but a different voice interrupts.
"Violet Sides!"
What now? I turn around to see Lennox heading towards me looking peeved.
"Yes Lennox?" I ask patiently.
"Care to explain why your guards have been searching for you for the past few hours?!" demands Lennox angry.
"I ditched them," I state simply.
I can practically see Lennox holding back his anger.
"Why?" seethes Lennox.
"I don't appreciate having babysitters," I reply.
"You knew you was going to get guards. It was what we agreed in the negotiation," comments Lennox.
"It wasn't like i had a choice," I mumble under my breath before sighing.
"Look Lennox. I don't follow rules. I can't be tied down. It's in my nature to rebel," I try to explain.
"Don't worry Lennox. I spotted her a while ago and I've been her guard every since," comments Ironhide.
"That's not the point. You can't just run away from your guards. They're there for a reason," replies Lennox.
"Don't start lecturing me Lennox. I'm not a child," I say trying not to snap.
"Could of fooled me," comments Ironhide making me growl at him.
"Listen, you need to stick to your guards. It's the only way you're allowed to walk around base," explains Lennox.
"And I need space to breathe. I am suffocating like this. i need some alone time where I'm on my own without someone peering over my shoulder. It's only been a day and I'm already sick of it," I rent out.
"You can have some alone time in your room," replies Lennox.
"That's not the same and you know it," I comment.
Lennox sighs tiredly before replying, "Vi, I'm sorry but this is the best I can do. If you keep escaping your guards then you will be locked in your room."
I hate it here. It's so restricting. I'm going to snap in under a week.
"Then can I at least use the training grounds? Even if I'm under lock and key, I need to keep training," I request.
"I'll discuss it with my superiors but if you keep acting this way, then you'll have no chance," replies Lennox.
I give a nod in thanks.
"Your new guards will be here in 30 minutes to escort you to your debriefing before we go on the mission. I suggest you have lunch before we go. Just make sure you're here on time for your guards," orders Lennox and I nod in reply.
Actually thinking about it, I'm quite peckish.
"If Ironhide is my temporary guard then how am I suppose to get some lunch?" I question.
"I'll send someone down to get you some food," answers Lennox.
"Just tell them to grab a piece of fruit," I say.
"Just a piece of fruit? Aren't you going to be hungry?" asks Lennox curiously.
"No. I'm use to eating small amounts of foods in long gaps," I reply.
"Ratchet's not going to like that," comments Lennox.
"Wasn't you suppose to meet with him?" asks Ironhide.
"Yes," I reply.
"And did you?" questions Lennox with interest.
"No," I state without hesitation.
"You know Ratchet's going to make you recheck up as worse as possible for disobeying him?" asks Ironhide.
"That's if I ever let him give me a check up," I counter.
"You don't have a choice with Ratchet. Sooner or later he'll drag you in his medbay kicking and screaming," replies Ironhide.
"Speaking from experience?" I ask with a smirk.
"Ratchet had to sedate a few of us. The new recruits always learn the hard way," states Ironhide chuckling a little.
"I need to get back to make preparations for later and Ironhide needs to get back to training. You stay here and behave," orders Lennox before rushing off.
For once I comply and go back to my seat, high above while Ironhide gets back to training. I look over to Sideswipe on the same assault course as earlier using mainly speed and skill. Trust me, the movies do not do justice to how graceful and smooth his movements are. That show off. I shake my head at him but continue watching him none the less. It's not long before someone comes to deliver my fruit. I look down at him as he looks around confused before looking at awe at the transformers. I can't blame him. They are amazing, not that I'll admit it to them. I slide down the railing from the stairs before landing next to him. He jumps in surprise before giving me the fruit and rushing off without a word. I bite into my apple as I go back to watching them. I envy that they can release their stress and exercise while I'm here cooped up. It's not fair. I finish my delicious apple 15 minutes before my new guards arrive to escort me. As soon as the debriefing is over, I'll finally be able to ride in the fresh air. A bit of freedom at last.
...
And freedom it is. As soon as I was given a warning and the okay I was out of there. I barely had my helmet on before I was taking off. To feel the wind blow my hair back as I ride down the motorway is so refreshing. I can nearly forget that I have to lead some military people and Autobots behind me. Unfortunately, I had to go under the speed limit but I took the long way round to the warehouse so I can get some more time riding. I love the thrill it gives me when I ride. It's the only thing that make me feel alive. If anyone dared destroy my motorbike and take that feeling away from me, they would end up with a dagger through them. Unfortunately, the ride had to end sometime, and it's not long until I pull up at the site. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted. This time with some red and white tape around the area. I take my helmet off and quickly sort out my messy hair into it's usual style.
"Alright area's clear. Sideswipe you have a go," comments Lennox as a small group of military people get out of a military truck. Mostly, trackers and scientists. I hear Epps whistle as I get off my motorbike.
"When you said you blew the place up. You really meant blowing it up. This place is reduced to ashes. What did you use?" questions Epps looking around at the mess.
"You know, just some home made bombs," I comment casually.
As I check the site myself, I notice some people taking samples of the dirt and ashes. I hear Sideswipe transform behind me and looking around for himself.
"Pretty impressive for a tiny fleshy," comments Sideswipe.
"Careful Sideswipe. You walking around could destroy evidence," warns Lennox.
"Then how am I suppose to get around?" questions Sideswipe.
"You don't. You're just here in case of Decepticons," replies Lennox.
I tread carefully as I look around. Not even sure what I'm looking for.
"If you really want to look around. You can use your holoform," suggests Epps.
"Remember Vi, stay within the tape. Otherwise, we're going to be chasing after you," reminds Lennox.
I roll my eyes but look back to everyone. So far there's Lennox, Epps, Sideswipe and Mia who I recognise, the rest are people I'm not familiar with.
"I'm just walking a little ahead to where the machine was so I can look for clues," I reply, reassuring him, feeling a little annoyed by the fact that they need to know where I'm heading.
"I'll go with you," volunteers Mia.
I resist the urge to face palm at that. Doesn't she know I can't stand her?
"No. It's okay," I protest.
"I think it's a good idea. Mia, go with her," orders Lennox making me want to groan.
I refrain from cursing under my breath as I walk forward not even waiting for her. She catches up quite quickly and I ignore her making my way to the completely destroyed room where the machine was. There's not even a wall standing. If I turn around, I'll still be able to see everyone. I start scanning the floor for anything out of the ordinary.
"So how are you settling in?" questions Mia.
Oh man….she wants to talk.
"Fine," I state quickly.
"Good. How are your new quarters?" asks Mia curiously.
"Fine," I repeat as I crouch down.
"Super. How ab-" starts Mia but I interrupt her.
'Why did you volunteer to come with me?" I question her to stop her from asking whatever stupid question comes out her mouth next.
"You look like you could use some friends, plus you seem nice," answers Mia smiling.
I freeze and blink at that answer. I seem nice? Now, I definitely don't trust her. I shake my head and go back to examining the place. There's no clues. None whatsoever. Not even a….. footprint. I scan the area again.
"Someone's beat us here to it," I say out loud, as I stand up.
"Excuse me?" asks Mia looking a little shocked.
"I woke up here, I walked here to my bike. There should at least be tire tracks from a few days ago," I explain.
But there's nothing. Not a thing. I look over to Mia to see her eyes narrow slightly before turning back to normal.
"They could of faded away," she suggests as I stare at her.
"Yeah…. maybe…." I reply before looking away before I add, "But I still have to tell Lennox this."
I call him over and he appears along with Sideswipe's holoform. His dirty blonde hair and blue eyes look so real even though they're not. It's quite interesting really. I relay to Lennox the information which I discovered.
"Ok. Mia tell the guys to keep their eyes pealed. If someone covered this up, they might still be around to keep an eye on us," orders Lennox, making Lennox go away.
As she walks away, I keep my eyes glued to her for a few seconds before looking back to Lennox.
"There's more. The only prints they left behind is where the machine was. They probably thought it would be too suspicious if they got rid of those prints in the dirt. But look at the prints. They look perfect. If someone wanted to put the machine in a truck they would have to drag it on something with wheels to wheel it in. But they didn't. The shape is too perfect for that, which means only one thing…" I explain trailing off.
"Air support," replies Lennox thinking on the same wavelength as me.
"Exactly. They must of attached it onto something that flies which is strong enough to support the machines weight," I summarise.
"But the question is who?" questions Sideswipe.
That's the million dollar question. Who would have access to this area as well as inside information of when we was coming? And the money for air support?
"I'm going to radio this into headquarters," announces Lennox before walking off.
"I have a question," states Sideswipe.
"Don't you always?" I reply back, dusting my hands off.
Sideswipe ignores my little comment and asks his question.
"Are all human femmes hostile towards each other or is it just you?" questions Sideswipe.
"What do you mean?" I ask a little confused.
"Ever since you've met Mia, you've given her the cold shoulder, I believe you humans say," explains Sideswipe.
Oh that…..
"I don't trust her," I state simply.
"You don't know her," replies Sideswipe.
"Exactly. But there's something off about her. I just know it. I feel it in my gut," I answer confidently.
"So because you feel it in one of your body parts, you're going to treat her coldly? That's illogical," comments Sideswipe.
"Maybe to you but I always trust my instincts and it's telling me there's something wrong with her. I mean said said I seem nice! Nice! Really do I seem like a nice person? No, I do not," I rant off.
Sideswipe just looks amused at me before suggesting, "Yeah, that does seem weird. Maybe she was being polite."
I scoff at the idea and I'm about to open my mouth with a rude retort but Sideswipe beats me to it.
"Incoming message," states Sideswipe before flickering away.
I give a small sigh and turn back to where the machine was. I don't like this, not one bit. I let my guard down slightly as I'm kind of alone now, with the others far behind talking. I had to quickly repress a shiver as the familiar feeling of being watched comes back to me. I look around, trying to see if there is anything our of the ordinary but there's nothing. Not a thing. My eyes narrow as I become suspicious. I don't like this. This whole thing seems off. I feel like I'm missing something. But what?
...
Incoming communication….
Signal: Encoded and silent…..
:Report:
:I found the subject at the site as predicted. One Autobot accounted for. No more in the area. Do I engage?:
:Negative. Keep a close eye on the subject and send me a scan:
:Acknowledged Soundwave. Barricade out:
...
Paranoia…..It's a funny thing isn't it? Sometimes it can help you, other times it can make you seem mad. You have to keep it controlled or else it can control you. It can make you insane. It can make you edgy. It can make you weak. But if you can control it, it can make you cautious. It can make you careful. It can give you in sight. It can make you strong. But am I letting it control me? I may not be the only person on this ride. I can have followers on my trail. Spies. But maybe I'm imagining it. Maybe it's all in my head. Maybe I really am going crazy. And it's funny, it's funny the things you remember, say a certain jumper in my motorbike for example?