Hey guys. Again sorry for the wait and thank you for all of the reviews and favorites! You guys are amazing! I have made a poll as well to do with this story so if you want a say in what will happen to the future of this story, go have a look! I'll admit I don't know where I was going with this chapter. I don't know if I like it or not. I hope you like it.

To my wonderful reviewers:

Would you prefer me to reply to your review through PM or on the update chapter like how I am now?

I would like to thank Nexia Jazilynn Prime for being my Beta reader (whatever the official name is). Anyway, you rock! :D

RougeReaper: Great chapter I love the race and am looking forward to her trying to convince Hide to wear pink please update soon

Me: Thanks ^^ I'll admit the race was tricky to write because I didn't know who should win. I'm not sure to put that in to be honest, because it was a funny idea at the time I wrote it but I have no clue how that conversation would go. Oh! Actually I just got an idea of what she will say as I'm writing this. I updated but not as soon as I would like, so I'm sorry for the wait.

DarkshadowXsunny-sides: Shopping have fun. I love the chapter though.

Me:I don't think fun is the word Shadow/Violet would use. I'm happy you loved the chapter :)

Shadestriker27: I've got to say, definitely interesting chapter. Vi could've escaped with the excuse of a race, but she didn't - which is a good thing.

Keep up the good work, I hope to see more. :)

Me: Thanks :D Yeah, I wanted to show how her character more. Like give you a better idea of how she is as a person. It also shows what really matters to her and it gives a little bit of insight to what she is willing to do for what she thinks matters. I'm glad you enjoyed it ^^

Bee4ever: Awesome chappie!

Me: Thank you! Your compliment is very much appreciated :D

MarshallAlexandraAnderson: Defiantly interesting! Hope to see more

Me: Thank you and don't worry you will :) I'm glad you find it interesting

Chapter 9

Did I ever mention that I despise all things girly? Yeah…. this shopping trip counts. When I was younger I would look at girls hanging out together with envy. I wanted to join in but now all I can think is thank goodness I was spared from this torture! I mean seriously? How can people stand this? The endless, mind numbingly talk about shoes, clothes, designers! It's killing my brain cells. Normally when I go shopping for clothes, I'm in and out in a few minutes. I don't linger, I don't talk to others, I don't try on hundreds of clothes. I just pick something dark and in my size and go. Simple and quick. But this? This feels long and drawn out. They have tried to get me to try on clothes but a glare from me convinces them otherwise. Like they can get me in some pink girly dress? I think not. I nearly scoff at the thought. My thoughts however, are interrupted by a voice.

"Hey Violet. What do you think? Care to give your opinion?" questions the blonde military woman named Candy (yes I know. A blonde woman in the military named Candy but it could happen!)

I lazy open my eye and look at her wearing a pink frilly dress. I nearly cringe.

"That looks horrible," I state bluntly.

To my surprise, she just laughs.

"Yeah it does look a little silly. I'm just trying to find the right dress at the moment. I'm experimenting really. I want to look amazing for my fiancé when I go back in a few weeks," explains Candy.

"Don't worry, you'll find the right dress," smiles Mia warmly.

"I don't think I will. It's beginning to look hopeless," sighs Candy in disappointment.

"The color is a good one and it matches you well but you need to find a different style of dress," I comment, deciding to be a little helpful as I look away.

Pink isn't a totally bad color, I just wouldn't wear it. It matches some people but not me. They look at me slightly surprised but I ignore them.

"Hey, what about this?" questions Claire (the red headed soldier) holding out a pink cocktail dress.

"Perfect!" squeals Candy.

The dress doesn't look bad actually.

"You need to try it on," comments Mia as I look away with disinterest.

I want to get my clothes and go. Mia notices my disinterest, making an idea form in her mind.

"Hey, why don't I take Violet to get her clothes while you try it on? I mean we did come here because she needs clothes?" suggests Mia to the others.

"Sure," smiles Candy agreeing.

"Are you sure about this, Mia? Do you want me to come with you? She could try something," asks Claire concerned and suspicious.

She's still very wary of me which is okay. But she doesn't have to talk like I'm not there.

"No. I'll be fine. Besides Candy will need a second opinion for when she tries it on," replies Mia.

She trusts me not to pull something when it's just her on her own? What a waste of faith. Claire gives a nod but still looks wary.

"Is that okay with you?" asks Mia turning to me.

"Whatever," I shrug casually.

"Great! Come on. If you need us, we'll be in the top section," says Mia before leading the way.

I follow without a second glance. I look around at the items of clothing along with the people. I don't ever let my guard down. Even now, I can't even shop without looking over my shoulder. I don't know why. No one knows me in this universe. Hell, I wasn't even born so no one should be after me, but I can't help but feel paranoid. I try to let my guard down a little. I'll never put my guard down but I can at least try to let a bit of my guard down.

"I'm sorry. You've brought very few clothes and this shopping trip is for you," apologizes Mia as she walks ahead, looking over her shoulder at me. I just give a small nod to show that I heard her.

"This is probably a bit too girly for you for a shopping trip," comments Mia while I stay silent. I let her carry on.

"I bet you're not use to this," continues Mia.

"What do you mean?" I ask slightly curious.

"Well you look uncomfortable and kind of like you don't belong," answers Mia.

That's an understatement.

"I thought that if we all got to know each other, it'll make you feel more welcome," continues Mia, looking back ahead.

To be honest, Claire and Candy aren't so bad. Candy works in the I.T section and deals with firewalls and security, she goes out the field but not much. Claire goes out on the field a lot, hence why she's more wary of me. Claire has seen the horrors of war while Candy hasn't. Candy has an air of innocence about her. Claire is the opposite. I can see that she's trying to hold back the pain from behind her eyes. I'm guessing she may even have PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.) She has bags under her eyes from sleepless nights. She probably has nightmares or flashbacks of what she's seen. But I can tell she's very loyal from the conversations they've had. I've also noticed that she favors her right leg so it's possible she's has an old injury on her left leg. Overall, they're not bad. I'm taken out of my thoughts by Mia.

"So what type of clothes are you looking for?" questions Mia trying to be helpful.

"Clothes suitable for training," I answer straight forward, although slightly reluctantly.

"Oh, like those?" points out Mia, going towards a clothes rack with lots of sport tops.

I give a small nod and go towards them. I start going through the tops.

"Oh! Those t-shirts are on sale. I'm going to have a look," comments Mia before walking off to the side.

It's not too far but a good place to keep an eye on me. As she starts rummaging through the shirts, I turn back to the sports tops and have a look through. I suppose some of these tops will do for now. Although I would prefer to find an actual sports shop that sell clothing because they are better quality. I move some tops over and I find one that I like. I pick it up and hold it in front of me. The colors are black and purple which I do like but it looks like it's made from cheap material. Although it may- Is that who I think it is?

From the corner of my eye, through the clothes rack, I spot a man. He's wearing dark colors. A black leather jacket, a white shirt underneath and black trousers. The thing that attracts my attention the most is not that I'm certain I've seen him before, but it's his eyes. They're brown, almost…. red. My eyes narrow as I realize who it is.

Barricade…

What's he doing here? We hold eye contact for a few seconds until I remember Mia. I turn around and she's gone. She's not in the same spot. She could of got caught up in her shopping and wondered away. Good thing she did. There's no way I'm telling her about Barricade. I want to know why he's here and so out in the open. Isn't Sideswipe detecting his presence? I look around cautiously for any signs of my escorts. No one. I make my decision, my face neutral and I step through the clothes rack and into the open. Normally I wouldn't be so comfortable out in the open but he wouldn't dare try anything with so many people around. I step in front of him, just in arms reach, portraying confidence.

"Barricade," I say in greeting.

"Human," replies Barricade, although he says the word like it's poison.

I ignore him calling me human, letting it slide.

"Enjoying your stay with the Autoscum?" questions Barricade with a hint of amusement.

"How did you know I'm with the Autobots?" I ask, ignoring his question.

"Why did you think I stopping chasing you? I picked up an Autobot signature. I knew that if they've seen me then they probably figure out what I was doing and they'll be interested in you. Shame they got to you first," answers Barricade.

"Stopped chasing me? I'm pretty sure you lost my trail. Which leads to the question, why were you after me in the first place?" I question, starting off mockingly.

I see the slight twitch in his jaw. I can tell he wants to reject what I said about losing me.

"That's none of your business," states Barricade.

Oh no. I'm not having that. I want answers.

"None of my business? I'm involved. Of course it's my business," I retort.

He stays silent as I begin talking.

"You approached me about the explosion at the warehouse. So it's something to do with that. But why would you be interested in that?" I question curiously, trying to figure things out with the little information I have.

Unless… Do they know of the machine? About Project Zelta?

"There was a huge energy spike in that area a few days ago. The same day I approached you. What was it?" questions Barricade, his eyes flashing.

That's a pretty realistic holoform.

"How am I supposed to know?" I ask casually.

"Don't play dumb femme. You were seen leaving the site after the wreckage," growls Barricade.

"It's not femme. It's Shadow, got it?" I growl back to Barricade's surprise.

"Don't avoid it. You were seen leaving the wreckage so you were there. What was the source of energy?" questions Barricade.

There's no point pretending I don't know. I lean forward towards him, which makes him tense slightly. I can tell he's uncomfortable by the small distance between us, but he hides it well.

"And why should I tell you?" I ask, just above a whisper with a smirk on my face.

From my close distance approximately, I can feel the rumble in his chest as he lets out a growl.

"Because this is bigger than you think," growls Barricade with his voice low.

"What do you mean?" I ask confused as my purple eye narrows.

"You still haven't put the pieces together, have you?" questions Barricade with a hint of amusement.

I try to hide my confusion but it must of leaked through, because I hear Barricade chuckle, it rumbling from his chest as we're still close together with little distance between us.

"Clueless little femme," mocks Barricade.

My eyes narrow even more at his words.

"Why don't you put the pieces together for me then?" I ask trying to extract information, ignoring the insult.

"That would be too easy for you. No, you need to figure it out if you can, with such an insignificant, tiny processor," comments Barricade.

Great… more mockery.

"How about a deal?" I question.

"Proceed," orders Barricade curiously.

"I tell you what you want to know, and you tell me what I want to know," I state simply.

"You'll tell me anything I want to know?" questions Barricade intrigued.

"As long as I get my answers," I reply.

"You would betray the Autobots?" asks Barricade with great interest.

"There's nothing to betray. Betraying implies I hold some type of loyalty or attachment to them which I don't. Besides, they treat me like a prisoner. I am constantly under guard. I can't go or do anything without their permission. Loyalty is an illusion anyway," I explain coldly.

I have no intention in selling out the Autobots however. A criminal's word means nothing after all.

"You're smarter than I thought femme. But not smart enough to trick me. What made you think I would trust you?" asks Barricade with a dark chuckle.

"It was worth a try. I learnt that you're not as dumb as I first thought, but more curious than I predicted," I observe.

"Of course I wouldn't fall for it. That may work on mechs of your species with an inferior processor but I'm not human. I'm a Decepticon. Deception is in the name. We know all about it. You can't beat us at our own game," explains Barricade confidently.

"You'll be surprised what humans are capable of," I say making Barricade puzzled and slightly intrigued before I continue, "Besides most Decepticons are bone headed and arrogant. They don't see what's coming before it's too late. They're too arrogant to see their own weaknesses and that will be their undoing."

I don't even know why I'm talking so much. If I want information I would of tortured it out of them by now. I'm much more curious for my own good. Maybe it's because I've been caged in the base surrounded by the military. It's quite refreshing to be around someone who I know won't judge me. Or maybe it's because Sideswipe keeps talking to me, I'm getting use to conversations. Whatever the reason, I need to be more careful. I suddenly feel weird and very tired. Like someone's turned a switch off inside of me.

"Is that what the Autobots told you?" questions Barricade with a scoff.

"No. That's what I've seen with my own eyes," I reply, making Barricade puzzled.

It's true. I've seen it in the movies and a few cartoons.

"It seems no matter the species, males have the same arrogance and pride," I add, trying to fight off my sudden exhaustion.

Barricade seems to look at me weirdly. Like he's searching for something. Maybe he's noticed my sudden lack of energy? He must of finally heard what I said though, because he looks a little angry.

"Don't you dare compare me and my species to your inferior species, fleshy," growls Barricade offended.

Despite his apparent anger, I roll my eyes.

"See? Pride. Anyway, we're getting off topic. We are both here for answers. You want answers for the Decepticons, but I thought you've pretty much abandoned them since you wasn't at the final battle. Never mind the fact that Starscream is your leader now," I comment.

I instantly jump back a little as Barricade tries to grab my throat.

"I never abandon the Decepticons. You watch your glossa, femme," growls Barricade in an angry whisper, trying not to blow his cover.

"But you still wasn't at the final battle, where your leader died at the hands of a human," I state mockingly.

But it does make me wonder. Where was Barricade? Why isn't he in the second movie? Why suddenly reappear in the third movie? It doesn't make much sense.

"How do you know that?" asks Barricade gruffly.

"I have my sources," I answer causally.

There's no way I'm telling him the truth. I've read the fan fictions, they get kidnapped and tortured and though those situations aren't new to me, it is very unpleasant. A sudden thought ran through my head. Where's Mia? Shouldn't she have noticed I'm out of eye sight by now? I dart my eye around trying to see a glimpse of her. I don't have much time.

"As do I. We'll find out what you're hiding soon femme. And when we do, you'll be-" starts Barricade but he is cut short by someone's voice.

"Violet!" calls Mia from behind.

I look behind my shoulder and turn to the side slightly to try and spot Mia. Does she see me and Barricade?

"I'll be seeing you around…. Shadow," says Barricade from behind me.

I turn back to Barricade but he's already gone. I sigh before I hear Mia calling for me again. I turn back around to see her coming towards me in a a hurry.

"What is it?" I ask.

"Sideswipe says that he's just detected an enemy's signature. It was only a blimp but we should go, just in case," explains Mia in hushed whispers. I give a nod as we hurry to meet up with the others. Looks like my shopping trip has been cut short. I don't know whether I should be thankful or not.

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Confusion. It's never been an emotion I've liked. I preferred knowing answers, rather than being left in the dark. But then again I've always been in the dark. I was raised in it, born in it. It's all I know really. I learnt to use it to my advantage. It's too early for me to find my answers yet. And maybe I shouldn't. It's a distraction from my real goal, my real destination. Riding in the darkness is dangerous but sometimes it's necessary. It can provide cover. It can make us lose our followers. It can be our ally, as long as we know how to use it. However on this ride… I can't see a thing. I'm clouded with confusion and darkness. I can't see who is on my side and who isn't. I can't even see if I'm being followed on this journey I take. I need something to lift up this fog of confusion. Or soon enough, I will crash.