I'm back! I know last chapter was a little Megatron fan service but we all want Alex to see Arcee right? Look no further! But I have an little problem:

This site is still banned in Malaysia and it's driving me nuts! God, they care about sex offenders and crime but not creativity from us! At least I have college and the library to post this as a message. I need your help to spread the word until the MCMC lifts this stupid ban.

But enough about that, let's get on with the story!

Chapter 9

Someday we will foresee obstacles

Through the blizzard, through the blizzard

Today we will sell our uniform

Live together, live together

Alex never thought he would reach the Autobot's hideout through all the obstacles he faced. He winced every time his stumps where his wings used to be made contact with anything. He was in a lot of pain and fatigued took over his body.

"I'll never make it," Alex sighed. All this time, when he failed he would collapsed while others would take turns with Scarface and fair better. He wondered if Scarface's words meant anything to him. He was referring to how he would end up alone without him.

No. He won't. Alex tried to reason and argue with his conscience but all he could hear was Scarface's disapproving voice and his jabs at Alex's constant failures in life. Then again, does Arcee like him out of pity? That was something that he could believed because who would want to be with a failure without a backbone to support himself. Hell, he's already crippled with the lack of wings.

He paused in his pace, slowing down to a bed of flowers. He figured this was the only way to use as a peace offering between him and Arcee. He figured she fell and got sick was because of him. He grazed his muzzle between each flower, searching for the right one until he found a nice blue orchid that stood out among the rest. It reminded him of Arcee's blue scales that were stunning and beautiful like the dragoness herself. Her voice…her spirit…

"Damn," Alex swore to himself. "I have to hurry. Either she won't be there or Scarface is having a hunting party for me. Both are not going to end well…"

…

Panting and body feeling fatigued, Alex finally reached the Autobot's hideout. He knew it just by memorising the steps and landmarks when he was escorted back into the asylum with Scarface. Speaking of which, he never had control of his own mind before so the nagging idea of Scarface constantly watching him was enough for Alex to push on until he reached his destination.

"Kid, is that you?" a gruff voice asked. Alex could only lift his head up slowly to get a better look at the feet of the dragon in front of him. It dawned on him that the feet belonged to what old wrecker….Wheeljack, was it? Ah, that's the one if he recalled seeing him holding Scarface with the big bulky green one.

"Autobot…" he wanted to ask but his body was so tired, he could barely utter a word from his throat. He wanted to see Arcee but his body betrayed him. Wheeljack shook his head, thinking this drake must be crazy to come back. Nevertheless, he made it on his own without that creepy doll so he'll give credit for that. He gently pulled Alex inside by the scruff of the neck, plopping him on a small bed in the room used for prisoners.

Well, they don't have a room for guests since no one knew about their base. It will have to do for now. At least there's a straw bedding and the whole space was sound proof. Alex thanked him in appreciation, checking on the flower stuck to his claw. He sighed in relief that it was still intact, wanting to give it to Arcee.

"I'll get doc to check you out," Wheeljack told him before leaving Alex to recover from fatigued. Alex could only hold onto the flower, hoping Arcee is okay. But he was so tired to move. Just then, a grumpy medic came back with a mouthful of herbs and Wheeljack was following behind with a small clay bowl in his mouth.

"Drop the bowl in pieces," Ratchet grumbled through the herbs. "And I will declaw you before your next mission!"

Wheeljack decided to ignore the old medic's threat and placed the bowl carefully in front of Alex. Alex watched in amazement at how Ratchet knew how to make the medicine with care and has a knowledgable mind. To cut it short, he was impressed and amazed by Ratchet's experience.

"Drink up," Ratchet nudged the bowl close to Alex. Now, Alex had been very obedient when it comes to taking his medicine. Yet he felt both of the Autobots' intense gaze making him nervous to swallow the mixture down his throat. But he decided to eat it for his sake if he ever wanted to see Arcee again. He almost gagged at how bitter it tasted but the more bitter it is, the more it is good for the health, right?

"Woah, kid!" Wheeljack chuckled. He thought this kid was weak and so dependent until he noticed his aching body and missing wings. His expression became serious, realising that either this drake self-harmed himself or someone assaulted him. Even Ratchet noticed it, examining the cut up area where his wings used to be, He sighed, knowing this is something he cannot fix as wings don't grow back like tails do.

He learnt it the hard way.

"Alex," the voice from the medic almost made him jumped. Alex had forgotten that he made it to an unknown territory without Scarface's help, but sometimes a simple call of his name could set things off. He was always on guard, but he was no fighter. He's too chicken to do it.

"Y-yes?" he stuttered. He's still not used to people calling him by his name. All this time, most would call him 'dummy' or other obscene names. He learnt to live with it. If he wants to stay out of harms way, he must be submissive and obedient. No one wants to be near him despite his efforts.

"Your wings," Ratchet pointed out with a flick of his tail. "You used to have them when we first met. What happened?"

Alex was debating if he should tell the medic and wrecker about his condition. Then again, both of them had not laid a claw on him or insulted him. It was for the first time he felt…unusual. How long has it been for someone to show him what kindness was? Their leader, Optimus was it?

"I…" he looked down at his claws, not making any contact. "I was punished…because I took Scarface out into the open without his permission. You know, meeting you to help Arcee. Is she okay?"

"Wait a minute!" Wheeljack stopped him. "What do you mean punished? They fragging cut off your wings! You're crippled for life!"

This made Ratchet knocked Wheeljack on the head with his wrench hidden in his scales. Ratchet knew better than to pressure Alex into a tight situation he's not comfortable to talk about. From his expression and body language, Alex must be traumatised. The old medic felt sorry for him. From yesterday, he treated Arcee who was down with a viral flu and heard her muttering the timid grey drake's name.

"Arcee is okay," Ratchet reassured him. Alex sighed in relief, asking if he could see her. Ratchet gave him a small smile and nodded despite Wheeljack's protest. He's afraid Arcee might kick his aft like how she does with the rest of the team except Optimus and the doc drake.

"I'll take you to her," Ratchet grumbled at how Wheeljack was still protesting while hiding behind his wings for an incoming wrench. "But be careful, she almost scared Optimus." He chuckled at the thought.

Alex was led to the medic's den where Arcee laid with her eyes close. He sighed in relief when he noticed her breathing softly. It took Alex a while to admire Arcee for not just her ferocity but her beauty as well. He had to remind himself that he's a freak and no one should ever be with him.

But his pounding heart said otherwise.

"Arcee, you got a visitor!" Ratchet nudged the sleepy dragoness with his tail. He did the same to Alex, pushing him forward. He left the den, giving the both of them some private time. Alex felt himself blushing at Arcee waking up yet he felt guilt for leaving her in that state yesterday. He gave her the flower in his claw.

"Hi…" Alex greeted her meekly. He wasn't sure what else to say except maybe the flower and his visit. "I-I came to see if you are okay. Hope y-you like the flower. It's an orchid. I'm so sorry if I caused the pain yesterday…"

Arcee simply smiled, thinking how sweet Alex was to come all this way to visit her. She took the flower from him and inhaled deeply. It was sweet and touching of him. This made her want him even more in her life. He's so innocent and so scared. He doesn't deserve any pain or torture.

"It's not your fault, Alex. You didn't anger or offend me," Arcee shook her head. "I was thinking about my old partners who were brutally murdered. The thoughts of them and your words yesterday kind of replayed some memories I want to forget."

"I know what's it like to forget a few things," Alex sighed. "But I can't….I can't…."

Arcee felt sorry for him. He's all alone without anyone close, like her. She craned her neck to touch his cheek with her snout. Alex blushed a bit and involuntarily purred.

"There is a way, Alex," Arcee told him while caressing his cheek with her claw. "I can help you control your anger without using the damn doll. I need to control mine as well. Why don't we help each other? I promise to listen and I will care."

Alex was hesitant. No one has ever offered help to him since everywhere Scarface when, his claws were soaked with blood of the innocence. Race deserves better. He bet his money that this Cliffjumper or Tailgate would be better options for her if they were alive.

But to be here with Arcee…

"I don't know," he shook his head. "It's pretty bad. Plus, I don't have my wings anymore….I'm useless."

"Don't tell yourself that!" Arcee stopped him sharply from scapegoating himself. "I don't have proper wings either. They are for display. Please, let me help you. I need you as well…."

Alex's eyes blinked in surprised. She needed him as well. It made his heart had hoped that someone does see past his crimes. He'll do what he can. Plus, away from Scarface.

He shuddered at the thought. With Arcee's help, he'll overcome this obstacle that has plagued him.

"Okay, Arcee," Alex gave her a small smile. "I'll help you. I…need to tell your leader first."

You know, this is my favourite song to drive on the lonely roads at night. Looks like Alex is going to stay awhile until the heat dies down. And that heat, I mean Scarface and the goons. What will Alex do with Arcee or the Autobots in the next chapter? Stay tune!

And please review! You guys are the best!