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NixiePixieStix: Thank you for the review! And yes, there will be a backstory to Zelda and Soundwave's history ;). I'd also like to make mention that they'd more boarding that line between romantic and friendship atm. I probably should have said that in the first chapter ^^'. But yeah, the bots don't know—it's gonna be like a long-running gag kinda thing, lol.

I jump from his shoulder and onto his workstation so that he could look into his microscope without accidentally causing me to slide off. As soon as my feet hit the table, a rattling made both Ratchet and I pause.

"What?"

There was nothing there, I frowned, continuing to watch the area as Ratchet went back to work. There's another sound, almost like something was skittering across the floor. Something silver catches my eye.

"Uhh, Ratchet," obviously, my tone was enough to make him turn around. My eyes widened as a metal creature with a single purple optics started running towards us. I couldn't stop the short shout that escaped

Darkness Rising

Part 2

(S1, EP3,4&5)

I shifted my arm into the cannon, ripping my glove in the process and shot at the thing as it ran straight at us and leapt into the air.

The blast threw it back, but it just got back up again, screeching.

Ratchet plucked me from my place on the counter, holding me close to his chassis as he dodged another lunge from the thing.

Using a piece of pipe, Ratchet started swinging at it, knowing that using his canons recklessly in here would be dangerous. But the thing just scattered out the way before Ratchet even swung close.

It sliced a piece of his equipment in half, which resulted in Ratchet shouting in frustration, "I needed that!"

That seemed to be the wrong thing to say as it suddenly leapt onto the ground in front of us. Ratchet stumbled backwards, and it leapt at us again. I let out my own screech, feeling my spark racing painfully.

Then just as it went to leapt at us, a blast hit it directly, sending it flying and this time it didn't get back up.

"Optimus," I breathed, peering over Ratchet's servo. I felt his concern and confusion through his side of our bond—I could feel Ratchet's own perplexity and startledness too.

Ratchet and I sighed in unison.

Then, with crackling electricity, the thing stood back up once more and this time Optimus stomped on it, crushing it.

"And stay broken!" Ratchet hissed, finally uncurling his servo to let me sit on it instead of cupping me to his chassis. I patted said chassis.

Ratchet turned to Optimus, "Now, what could have caused that?!"

Optimus slid back his guard to reveal his grim expression, "I have a grave suspicion and it may be what caused Zelda such grief yesterday too," I frowned up at him, "Dark energon."

Ah, I grimaced, that could explain it.

"So, if it was Dark Energon, then it explains how they brought a zombified Cliffjumper back," I offered, feeling gross at even the thought and Optimus nodded.

"Indeed."

"It would also account for his life signal inexplicably coming back online," Ratchet agreed but seemed sceptical, "But dark energon? It's so scarce, seems to be virtually non-existent."

Ratchet deposited me onto Optimus shoulder, and I perched snuggly behind his right window, watching as Ratchet collected the remains of the thing and put them into a glasses cylinder for safekeeping.

"What would it be doing on earth anyway?" I asked, "Surely earth isn't the right type of plant to be able to grow dark energon, right?"

"It was transported," Optimus vented heavily, "By Megatron."

"For what purpose?" Ratchet waved his arm in confusion.

Bringing back the dead—I realised, oh Father Primus, Megatron wanted to bring back ones that had passed into the Well already—but they won't be completely revived, they'd be husks. However, their souls would be put into stress—torture—over that horrible pull of dark energon trying to bring them back incorrectly.

Hell, no.

"If dark energon brought Cliff back, then it could do the same to other deceased Cybertronians, Ratchet," I growled, the possessive protectiveness that came from being the All-Spark reared its head.

Gently calmness wavered over from both of them to ease that possessive trait and I let out a breath, letting them soothe it.

"To conquer this planet, by raising an army of the undead, as Zelda has suggested," Optimus explain further.

The med-bot chuckled in disbelief, "Well, Megatron would need to break quite a few toaster ovens. I mean, where on this world would he find that many Cybertronian dead?"

It was a good question and I felt Optimus, unfortunately, had the answer to it.

I sighed, "Let me change into more suitable clothing. I'll come with if that's okay?"

Optimus hummed deeply, "If you wish but be warned that we may have to face Megatron if he is indeed doing as we fear."

Optimus lowered me to the second floor, where I jumped off his servo to make the run to my room.

I made quick work of pulling on clean and fresh clothes, I didn't both with another glove because it would be unlikely we'd be in a public location.

I tugged on my black combat boots and plucked my armour charm from its hook, throwing it over my head. I pulled on a thin jacket over the top to finish the look.

I brushed my teeth and hair, pulling it back into a high ponytail instead of my side one.

Doing a once look over myself, just to make sure I had everything, I left and headed back to the Hub just in time to hear the arrival of my fellow Autobots and their charges.

"Autobots, prepare to—" Optimus paused, realising that it would be unwise to leave the children without supervision.

"Roll out?" Arcee raised an optic ridge, servos on her hips.

"—Remain here," Optimus finished, then turned to Ratchet. "Ratchet, you'll come with Zelda and I," he turned back to the blue femme, "Arcee, we'll be outside communications range for some time so I'm putting you in charge."

I moved past Bee (patting his left as I did and he whirled wordlessly down at me in greeting) and Bulkhead, heading towards the Ground Bridge to wait.

"Dude!" Miko complained, "You're biggest. You should be the boss!"

"Err, he never picks me," Bulkhead answered sheepishly.

I chuckled softly, poor Bulkhead—he didn't fit the leadership role very well, he wasn't that type of bot.

"Optimus, with all due respect. Playing bodyguard is one thing; babysitting's another," Arcee argued, before pointing out: "Besides, Ratchet hasn't been in the field since Egypt."

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

"For the moment it's only reconnaissance," Optimus continued as if Ratchet hadn't said anything.

"And why do I hear an edge in your voice?"

"Arcee, much has changed in the last twenty-four hours, and we all need to adapt," Optimus's tone alone stopped any further comments, "Ratchet, bridge us out!"

Ratchet fired up the Ground Bridge and I moved first with Optimus and Ratchet just behind me. My vision fizzled with greens and blues as I'm teleported and then a moment later, I'm out the other side.

It was desert-like, I noticed at first, with towering walls of red and orange stone with other colours peeking out like blues and greens. I was briefly reminded of the Grand Canyon, which made me curious since I hadn't been there to hear the actual name of the location.

I heard Optimus and Ratchet exit and I turned to ask them, "We at the Grand Canyon?"

"Indeed," Optimus nodded down at me before taking the moment to have a glance around.

I looked up again, brows furrowing at the grey tones and dark clouds in the sky—it didn't look like it was going to rain but I did know Arizona was roughly an hour ahead of Nevada in time.

I glanced at my watch—four twenty-three. It wasn't late or anything. Maybe Mother Nature knows somethings gonna happen and wants to fit the mood, I thought drily. Then grimaced because it meant this reconnaissance mission wasn't going to go as planned if so.

We walked on, heading deeper into the canyon. It wasn't difficult to navigate since the layout was relatively simple compared to the maze it could have been.

"Optimus, what do we hope to find here?" Ratchet finally questioned after almost half an hour of silent walking.

"The site of the largest Cybertronian battlefield in this galaxy," Optimus answered.

"On earth?" Ratchet drew back in disbelief, "You must be joking!"

"Do you recall the period late in the war, when both sides began hiding their energon spoils off-world?"

"Of course, that's the reason energon deposits exist on planets such as this one," Ratchet scoffed.

"It is also the reason battles came to be waged on planets such as this, and I fear Megatron's memory is as long as history," Optimus answered and I grimaced, almost able to picture the violent battle that took place.

We continued on in silence again after that; Ratchet seemingly silently pondering on Optimus's word. The sky had greyed considerably more since our arrival, and it set me on edge. The dirt below my boots seemed to match the sky—as if all colour had been leeched from it.

I frowned again in worry, "I'm getting a bit of a bad feeling, Optimus."

I glanced over my shoulder at the Prime to see his own frown, "If that is so, then we will continue on with caution."

We turned another corner and there before us was what could be near a hundred dead frames. I vented sharply, my fingers trembled, it was shocking really. I'd never seen so many deceased bots in person before. Could hear those final echoes of the extinguished sparks, the war cries and gasps of pain.

"For the first time in my life, Optimus," Ratchet's tone was grim, "I had hoped that you were wrong."

Then the loud and sharp sound of a jet came from overhead, a glance up unfortunately revealed the familiar grey and purple frame of Megatron. He flew past us, and up ahead where he transformed and landed on the ledge.

"Optimus!" Megatron greeted, voice echoing all the way down to us.

Even from this distance, I could see a change in him—his optics were purple. What had he done?

"Been well? I see you brought your trusty watchdog and Zelda with you. I was certain your medic would be convalescing in a scrapyard by now."

"Why don't you invite him down here for a chat?" Ratchet sneered.

"I know why you're here, Megatron," Optimus said instead.

Megatron smirked, "Hardly a surprise, Optimus. After all, you and I have been at this a very long time," then he pulled something from his subspace and my breath hitched—crystalized dark energon. He threw it at the ground where the deceased lay. It hit the ground and the crackling electricity it emitted stopped as it sunk into the earth.

The ground shook as a bright purple light burst from the earth, the cracks spreading rapidly.

"Rise, my army!"

We could only watch on in shock and horror as the first frame stumbled to its feet with low grunts. As it stood, it drew the sword that lay at its side with it.

"By the All-spark!" Ratchet whispered.

Other frames followed the first's example and before we knew it almost half of them were already on their feet.

"Behold the power of dark energon!"

They moved forward.

My hands shook, my spark raced and—

I called upon my armour.

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

"Not even the dead are free from his warmongering," Optimus rumbled, humming with anger.

"Destroy them!" Megatron snarled.

Damnit.

I formed my cannon.

"Zelda, it would be best if you stay above and reframe from this fight," Optimus ordered.

I opened my mouth to argue. But Optimus beat me to it, "For your own safety, please do as I say."

I exhaled softly, watching as Optimus shot at the closet zombie. I nodded and opened my wings. I activated my boosters and raised myself from the ground and up higher than even Optimus could reach.

It seemed like the zombies had no access to their cannons or blades, which meant they wouldn't be able to reach me from my height. I'd be the air support.

"Optimus, if our combatants are already deceased, how can we possibly defeat them?" Ratchet panicked.

Optimus continued shooting, but it did little to the approaching zombies. I started shooting myself, but my cannons weren't nearly as powerful as Cybertronians because my body wouldn't be able to handle it—even with my enhancements.

"Ratchet, Zelda, retreat!" Optimus ordered, "Bridge yourselves back to base."

"No, we shall stand with you, Optimus," Ratchet deplored his blades, "You may require a medic when this is over with."

Ratchet rushed for the nearest one, slicing it to pieces, then the next—it seemed blades were the more efficient weapon here. I glanced at my cannon in annoyance.

"I recommend dissection," Ratchet voiced, seeming to have come to the same conclusion as I had, "The smaller the pieces, the better."

"Sound advice, old friend."

I turned my cannon back into a hand, favouring to just watch for now. If they really needed some help, I'd use my own blade to try and slow them down.

"I have mastered Dark Energon. When you fall, Optimus, you too shall join my army," Megatron grinned mockingly.

Optimus and Ratchet, instead of answering, just rush forward, slicing and decapitating the zombies.

It wasn't long before I noticed I was feeling exhausted—fatigued. It was the dark energon, I grimaced. The exposure to it wasn't good for me. Optimus and Ratchet either. I could see that it was wearing at them too.

Ratchet voiced his concerns.

"We cannot falter now," Optimus answered. Then just as he'd spoken, Optimus was crowded, the zombies all piling up onto him and I formed my cannon again, shooting as more tried to get on top of him.

"Optimus!"

I turned to Ratchet to see the same happening to him and I bit my lower lip. Seeing movement beneath the zombies piling Optimus, I turned to Ratchet, flying over and dropping down—folding away my wings as I did—and pierced my blade through one's neck and began tearing into them.

I heard Optimus escape his pile as I took care of another, I rasped for breath, muscles trembling.

Damnit, dark energon is causing some serious problems for me.

Optimus pulled the remaining zombies off Ratchet, and I slipped from the medic's shoulder and to the ground, falling to my knees in an attempt to catch my breath.

Ratchet's servos gently cupped around me and held me to his chassis as Optimus helped him stand.

"After all these years, Optimus, still at the top of your game," Megatron chuckled eagerly.

"Hold on Zelda," Ratchet murmured and placed me on his shoulder. I did, sliding to settle at the back of his neck and held on, this way I was out of the way.

"—My legion, finish them!"

Optimus and Ratchet rushed forward, taking on the remaining twenty or so zombies. The duo seemed to slice through them faster this time, the dwindling numbers making it easier.

"Bravo, Optimus. Though this is but a prelude. You may wish to save your strength for the main event."

Optimus reached the rock wall, blades returning to servos as he began to scale the wall in an attempt the reach Megatron.

I grunted, body aching as Ratchet took care of the remaining several zombies.

"You will not prevail, Megatron. Not while energon—" Optimus was clearly exhausted. "—still flows through my veins."

Optimus reached the top, where Megatron knelt—servo over his spark as he grinned.

"Fitting, for it is dark energon which flows through mine," Megatron leapt backwards and into the air, transforming mid-jump and flew away, Optimus shot after him but for nought, as Megatron was too fast.

Ratchet started to scale the wall as Optimus had done and when he reached the top, Optimus helped him over the ledge.

I groaned but pulled myself back onto Ratchet's shoulder as we all stared down at the mess below us.

"If this wasn't Megatron's endgame. What is?" Ratchet questioned.

"I am not sure," Optimus answered with a heavy vent.

"I don't think I've been this exhausted in years and I hardly did anything," I commented, eyes closed—I could easily fall asleep right now, never mind the fact I was still on Ratchet's shoulder. The hum of their sparks and my fatigued were enough to draw me in.

I opened my eyes, blinking rapidly in an attempt to ward away that need to sleep.

"But your reaction to the Dark Energon was different this time," Ratchet noted with curiosity, "What makes this time so different?"

I frowned. "Not sure. With Cliffjumper, I felt it as they used the dark energon on him, maybe it was the lack of bond?"

"Perhaps the question would be best thought about once we return to base, so that we may take the chance to regain our strength." Optimus gently cut in, holding out a servo for me to slide onto—which I did.

He held me to this chassis, to which I curled up closer and listened to the slightly faster-paced hum of his spark.

I listened as the Ground Bridge powered down. I hadn't moved—couldn't really—from my curled-up spot by Optimus's spark. Even the idea of moving hurt.

But Ratchet needed to cast his arm, and Optimus was the only bot that knew how to work the tools necessary for it and so I was transferred to my little brother, who buzzed softly down at me.

"You okay, Zelda?"

I lifted my head and smiled up at him—well at least I tried to, it felt like more of a grimace than anything, but I sent reassurance down the bond.

"I've been worst, little brother."

He gave a wordless low buzz, his door wings perked up a bit though, "Good, especially after yesterday!"

I softly chuckled, patting his chassis. I listened as the trio filled Optimus in about what had happened and I sighed—I knew I wasn't going to like Miko very much, especially now she's shown how much of an adrenaline junky and thrill hunter she is.

It went silent as Optimus started helping Ratchet, no one said anything to fill the tense silence. It was obvious that Optimus was disappointed by the events.

Finally, once Optimus had finished welding the brace for Ratchet. The pair stood and came back into the main Hub area.

Miko chose that moment to move forward and speak, eager to know, "What happened to you guys anyway?"

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

"Zombies? You fought zombies, and I missed it?" Miko echoed and I lowly hissed at the disbelief on her face—and disappointed excitement at the fact she'd not been there.

Optimus ignored Miko however, instead turning to her guardian, "Bulkhead you exercised extremely poor judgement in allowing the humans to accompany you."

Bulkhead stood, bowing his head, "It won't happen again, Optimus—I promise."

"But it wasn't Bulkhead's fault," Miko cut in.

"Miko, please!" Bulkhead begged.

Miko ignored him and instead pulled out her phone to show a picture on the screen, "And check it out. Recon!"

Optimus leaned closer, a curious look on his face, "Ratchet, have a look. It could be of importance to Megatron."

"Woah, Megatron's back?" Jack stepped forward, "That's really bad news, right?"

Ratchet moved forward to take a glance only to look at Optimus in confusion, "I don't understand."

Miko blinked—I snuck a closer look to see that it was a Vehicon—and turned the phone back to her again in confusion, then looked slightly sheepishly, "Whoops wrong photo, that was the 'Con who tried to blow Raf away. At least that's what he looked like before Bulkhead rearranged his grill."

I bit back a growl, annoyed would be putting it lightly.

"Miko, Raf was almost killed," Jack snapped, "This isn't a game! When are you gonna get that through your thick skull?"

"Uh, we were all almost killed, Jack." Miko bit back, "You, me, Raf, even them!"

"Well, if this was just an average day with the Autobots then—" Jack took a shaky breath and my spark went out to him because he reminded me of Sam, "I don't wanna be a part of it. Not anymore."

"Jack, putting you in harm's way was never our intent," Optimus knelt, voice soft, "However, it is no longer the safety of you three that is at risk but the safety of all humankind. We will respect your decision if you wish to leave."

The Ground Bridge fired up, Ratchet had somehow managed to sneak his way over, using the chance to eagerly get rid of one of the kids, "No point in long good-byes. Here's the door."

I rolled my eyes.

Jack shuffled forward then turned to Raf, "Raf?"

The younger boy glanced up at Bumblebee and I, and I heard the soft sad hum from Bee's spark at the possibility of Raf leaving.

Raf glanced back to Jack, "I'll be okay, Jack. See you at school."

Bee's spark buzzed, relieved.

Jack nodded, "Sure thing," He moved down the stairs and Arcee stepped up, "I know, you don't exist."

"Don't make me hunt you down," Her eyes flickered with amusement and slight disappointment—it was obvious she'd grown fond of him already.

Jack continued onward, walking into the Ground Bridge.

I watched silently as Miko sent the image to Ratchet to allow him to translate the photo. Then the two kids were driven home.

Upon falling onto the settee, I found wasn't going to be getting up anything soon, to exhausted and I allowed myself to fall asleep.

"—Megatron is building a Space Bridge," Ratchet's voice woke me. I squirmed and pulled myself up to see what was happening.

Optimus wandered over, "If he hasn't already."

"The sooner he leaves, the better," Bulkhead remarked as he and Bee appeared.

"Bulkhead, a Space Bridge runs in two directions. Megatron may not be using it to leave Earth. But to bring through his conquering army."

"The main event Megatron referred to. But the only place Megatron could possibly recruit that many fallen warriors—" Ratchet trailed off. I felt my breath had been stolen.

"Precisely. Cybertron," Optimus answered, expression grim. It was a terrifying thought, what we had faced earlier would be nothing to that. And the thought that all those deceased would be tortured over the pull of Dark Energon. I wanted to be angry, and snarl but I was too exhausted to feel anything but dread.

"We cannot allow Megatron to send dark energon through his Space Bridge. If we fail, the dead of Cybertron will rise, swarm through its vortex, and invade Earth, bending humankind to Megatron's twisted will."

I forced myself to return to my room after waking up last night, and I managed to sleep decently and forced myself to wake up at eight.

My body ached still but I ignored the pain in favour of getting dressed and focusing on getting some breakfast. When I finally arrived at the main hub, I collapsed onto the settee.

Have you ever felt so achy that you physically don't think you could move anymore without severe pain from every muscle? Welp, that's what I had.

I blinked as I felt Ratchet's familiar scan, "Why haven't you mentioned you're in pain, Zelda?" he scolded, "You're doing a horribly good job at blocking it."

I grinned sheepishly, "Sorry Ratch'. I'm just really tired and we've got a lot going on, don't want to add anything else to that list."

He vented, optics softening, "You are never a burden, Zelda," The monitor beeped and he moved back to the computer, "Optimus, I've pinpointed the location of Megatron's Space Bridge," The Autobots gathered around, I noticed the distinct lack of Arcee, "High in earth's orbit."

"Out of our reach."

I grimaced

"Ok, so you guys don't fly but can't you just Ground Bridge there?" Miko questioned curiously.

Ratchet gave a frustrated vent, "The Ground Bridge has limited range. Stretching it all the way into orbit, its vortex could snap—and scatter us to the stars."

That would be painful. Very painful. But to risk or not to risk? Well, one would end with millions of humans dying and the other could end in them being scattered, I groaned quietly.

"Since Megatron is likely already in transit, I'm afraid we must take that risk," Optimus voiced, "Reaching the Space Bridge first is our only means of stopping him."

I heard Arcee's horn, and she came into the hanger with Jack on her back. I blinked, wonder what she said to him?

"Hey, guess who's back!" Jack greeted awkwardly and I chuckled. Arcee transformed.

"Autobots, prepare for departure," Optimus ordered.

"Where to?" Arcee questioned.

"The final frontier," Miko grinned.

"Space?" Jack was taken back, "I thought they didn't have any way to get there."

"They don't, nt really," Raf answered from Bee's servo.

I pushed myself to my feet, moving forward to lean on the railing to watch.

"Don't even think about following me," Bulkhead shot Miko a look, who returned it with a sheepish one.

Ratchet fired up the Ground Bridge and I felt my spark thud nervously.

"Optimus, if you leave me stranded on a planet teaming with humans, I will never forgive you," Ratchet commented drily. I snorted.

"Go team spirit!" I sarcastically cheered, glancing at Ratchet, who rolled his optics.

The familiar well-hidden look of amusement flickered into Optimus's optics for a moment, "Until we meet again, old friend," He turned to the Ground Bridge, "Autobots, roll out!"

They transformed and drove through. My eyes moved to the monitor which displaced their life signals. Moments later the comm link opened. I sighed quietly in relief.

=Maximum overdrive! Autobots, transform and gravitize.=

"At least that's one less thing to worry about," I vocalised.

"Indeed," Ratchet agreed.

=Don't look down. Or up. Or left,= Bulkhead commented nervously.

They started talking about Megatron having a whole load of dark energon, which he planned to send through the Space Bridge. Optimus chipped in by saying they had no way to disable to Space Bridge, so the plan was to stop anything from going in or coming out.

It was a rough plan but the best they could do in their situation.

It also seemed to be that the Nemesis's satellite had been damaged thanks to Bulkhead, which stopped them from being able to pinpoint the exact location of Cybertron. However, they obviously had another plan otherwise they wouldn't be going ahead with their plans.

"From what I know of earth's technology, I doubt there exists a single radio-telescope dish on this planet powerful enough to pinpoint Cybertron," Ratchet said.

Wait…

Before I could comment, Raf spoke up.

"What about a whole bunch of linked radio-telescope dishes? Like the giant-sized array in Texas?"

"Zip, ep, ep, ep! This is not child's play," Ratchet rebuffed.

"No, he's right Ratchet," I cut in, and he blinked, "It's powerful enough to be able to locate Cybertron."

=Good thinking, Raf,= Optimus acknowledged, =Ratchet, have Agent Fowler alert the array staff to the security hazard.=

Just then Fowler sat upright from his hospital bed, "You, soldier! You're out of uniform! Put on some pants!"

I winced.

"That may be a challenge," Ratchet stated.

Raf then seemed to pull a laptop out of nowhere like he had his own subspace—I snorted lightly at the thought—and began typing, hacking. He frowned in frustration, hitting the table with his fists. "I can't get past the array's firewalls. They're too thick!"

"You actually think you could keep the Decepticons out?" Ratchet questioned patronisingly. I rolled my eyes, rude.

"Maybe, if I could get in," Raf answered.

"W-wait, Raf, what if we could get you all the way in? Like 'inside-the-building' in?" Jack offered; my head snapped to him.

"I could log into their intern network on the other side of the firewall."

=The risk is too great, the Decepticons would be there, perhaps even on sight,= Optimus argued.

"Optimus," I began, "I think we all know that the only chance we've got is if Raf can get into the network—which he'd only be able to do by being inside the complex."

"Yeah, if we let the 'Cons win, we're fragged, along with everyone else on our planet," Miko said.

Who taught her that word? My bets on Bulkhead—accidently of course, but still.

=Raf?=

We all glanced at him. He nodded, saying confidently: "I wanna give it a shot."

Immediately Ratchet had the Ground Bridge fired up and the kids followed me towards it, where I lead them through. Familiar greens and blues filled my vision before we come out the other end.

"How long until it stops making us nauseous?" Jack groaned.

Oh right, they weren't used to the Ground Bridge yet—it does take some getting used to.

"Eh, you'll get used to it," I hurried them along, trying and opening a door. To which I frowned because it should've been locked. I shook that off and stepped into the building, gesturing for the kids to follow. I closed the door and I paused.

There was a Cybertronian nearby—and not just any.

Soundwave.

My lips twitched, making sure to keep my bonds for everyone as closed as possible but—

I felt his awareness.

Damn.

I felt his curiosity first—and acknowledgement. But then slight worry peeked over, and I sent my own questioning curiosity back, not understanding his worry.

While this all happened, I lead the three kids into a computer room, to which Raf rushed forward to the computer.

:Sunbird: in pain?:

Damn, was it that obvious?

:Yes.: Soundwave answered in a deadpan tone, :Inquiry: causes?:

I sighed, absently watching Raf as he worked. :Dark energon.:

:Acknowledged.: He hummed, :Zelda: get plenty of rest later.:

I made a quiet sound from the back of my throat, not wanting to draw the kids' attention while they focused on the computer.

:So how's this going to happen?: I questioned.

He hummed deeply; my lids fluttered lightly at the soothing sound, :For the sake of the Decepticons, I will lock the Space Bridge onto Cybertron permanently. It will be up to Optimus to stop the Space Bridge.:

I nodded, :Understood, try not to harm the kids, yes?:

:Affirmative: with that he drew away, leaving my mind empty. It was always a bit of an odd feeling after a telepathic connection.

"It's gotta be the Space Bridge," Miko pointed out.

"The Decepticons are syncing it to the dishes. But I can un-sync them." Raf stated.

"Would they know?" Jack questioned nervously.

Yes.

"Even if the Decepticons see that I'm in the system, they have no idea I'm in the house."

Ha.

"They're locked onto Cybertron, but not for long!" Raf went to work, reversing the satellites. But only several long seconds later, they started moving again.

"The dishes are heading back towards Cybertron," Raf said, "I'll just undo that again."

I moved forward, coming to stand behind Raf to watch him work, impressed.

Jack glanced at me, then back to Raf and asked: "What happens when the 'Cons realize they've been punk?"

"It's only virtual combat, you know, like on-line gaming."

Ah—perhaps I could…? I picked up movement outside in the hallway.

"Yeah, Jack, what are the 'Cons gonna do? They're probably, like, a thousand miles away."

The door opened, "Actually, I think you'll find that, eh…"

I smiled sheepishly as the children froze at my words. I glanced over my shoulder to see one of Soundwave's tendril cables.

Jack screamed, and acting the necessary part, formed my cannon but Soundwave had already knocked Jack and Miko out the way. I aimed but Soundwave came my way, throwing me over the desk, knocking stuff random objects off it as I did.

I let out a shout, my already aching body did not like that. I groaned, rolling onto my side as I trembled.

Soundwave went after Raf, knocking the computer down as the boy leapt out the way.

"You handed it an axe?!" Jack yelped

"Not good."

Soundwave withdrew and I forced myself to my feet.

"Why is he leaving?"

I rushed ahead, following Soundwave's tendril into the main control room. I shoved the doors open in time to see Soundwave climb out the roof. He paused, glancing over his shoulder at us. I spotted the axe, pierced into the ground between the broken and sparking wiring that controlled the sallies.

Miko snapped a photo, Soundwave did the same before transforming and flying off.

My attention was drawn to the wiring again and moved towards it as Miko asked why he was leaving.

"He has cut the hardline. The dishes are locked on to Cybertron," I said, glancing back at them, "For good."

"Ratchet, we're gonna need a Ground Bridge. Soundwave bested us," I commed.

Ratchet vented heavily, =Ground bridge opening.=

The familiar portal opened, and we rushed back through into base, where we climbed onto the second floor.

=So, how do we beat a whole planet of the undead?= Bulkhead questioned.

"Optimus! I'm registering a rapidly expanding mass in their Space Bridge vortex, one with a peculiar energy signature," Ratchet reported. I spotted the purple tiny arrow dots on the screen, revealing thousands upon thousands of them.

Fowler moved our way and I blinked—when had he woken up?

=Dark energon,= Optimus stated, =Ratchet, we must destroy the Space Bridge. There's enough live energon coursing through it to achieve detonation, but we lack the firepower to ignite it.=

"If I knew how the Space-Bridge was engineered, I might find a tactical way of accomplishing that feat." Ratchet offered.

"Um, would schematics help?" Raf asked, holding up his USB.

Right, he'd made a copy, hadn't he?

"Optimus, I must say," Ratchet began again, "The Space Bridge is our sole hope of ever returning to Cybertron. Are you certain its destruction is the only option?"

=I am afraid so.=

"Then by all means let us light our darkest hour!" Ratchet declared.

=Autobots, take your positions and follow Ratchet's lead while I make my stand.=

I listened as Optimus addressed Megatron and I closed my optics. My bond with every Cybertronian I'd meet and connected with hummed with mixed and plenty of emotions—from both sides.

"These things are getting closer. That's bad, right?" Fowler asked and I rolled my eyes.

"No," I drawled, "It's all good."

He shot me a look, to which I rolled my eyes at. Again.

=Ratchet, we're in position,= Arcee's voice came over the comm.

I leant onto the railing, watching as Raf typed at his computer, looking over the data from the USB.

"Arcee, pay close attention," Ratchet instructed, "Rendevouz with the Space Bridge for pick-up. Now follow the line from the flow regulator to the energon pump. There should be a valve."

=I see it.=

"Good, to turn all that power against itself, all you need to do is reverse the current."

Arcee struggled for a moment, =Current reversed.=

"Yes!" Fowler cheered, then a beat where no one else made a pep, "Right?"

I smiled sarcastically: "Sorry Will, forgot to cheer."

He shot me another look, to which I smirked at.

"I'll ready the Ground Bridge," Ratchet moved back over to the controls, resyncing them with the space coordinates, "Optimus, the Ground Bridge is ready and waiting."

=Autobots, jump! = Optimus ordered.

We all stood eagerly waiting for their return through the Ground Bridge. I flinched, Arcee's bond fluttered painfully for a brief moment, and I bit my lip.

"Do you think they're...?" Raf asked nervously.

"Four life signals… one very faint," Ratchet confirmed.

Optimus came through first, looking a bit beaten but in good health. Bulkhead too. Bumblebee was last, carrying Arcee.

"We lost one this week, by the All-Spark, don't let it be two," Ratchet pleaded quietly, and my hands shook.

Jack walked up to Arcee, placing his hand in hers. Her optics opened slightly at the touch, "Arcee."

"Jack, really?" she joked lightly, "There are other motorcycles in the world."

"But you're my first," was Jack's comeback. I smiled.

"And Megatron?" Ratchet questioned.

"Not even he could have survived ground-zero."

My spark thud painfully and I bowed my head. Wrong. I could still feel him—even with a weak bond like his, I could tell he was alive—greatly injured, but alive.

"Prime!" Fowler shouted, "I didn't get to thank you 'Bots for the save. I owe you one. We all do."

He turned and made his way to the elevator. His tones always hella confused me—like was it so difficult to actually sound grateful? I rolled my eyes

Bee set Arcee on her pedes, testing to see if she was alright. Which she was thankfully, but it didn't mean she wasn't in any pain.

Miko wandered over to Optimus, "So is this the part where you say goodbye and tell us we need to forget we ever saw you?"

Optimus paused, peering down at the three children, "It seems you all have formed quite the bonds with your guardians and so, it would be wrong of me to sever them."

Miko squealed excitedly as Optimus turned and made his own departure, heading towards the roof. Normally I would accompany him but—

I sighed and started my trek toward my room. I need some serious sleep… but not before texting Soundwave.

Heh.