Wow! I am so happy with all the responses! I can't thank you enough for being wonderful reviewers; AutobotCopperShadow, JessieBWriting, saiyan angel blue, lizy2000, 8goose8, wolfimus prime, Storygirl747, Bee4ever, CastieLunaWinchester, Xarine, jgoss, 99luftballons.x.o.x, SapphireSpark, Alice Gone Madd, xVentressx, Guest, EliseMB123, Agent-Cheesecake, Kayly, Autobot Guardian, and shaddowdarkcloud!

Btw, the one-shot is posted already!

Oh, and get ready for a long-ass chapter. (Well, longer than what I usually type.)

*raises sword to the sky* ONWARD TO THE STORY! ;)


Chapter Twenty-Seven: Reconvene and Revelations

"Mom..." My unsteady voice trailed off, as my lips shivered.

She pulled me closer into a tighter ball, clutching me like I was her lifeline. And I held her too, drinking in her scent, memorizing her soft touch, and sweet voice. It had been so long since I last smelled that lovely lilac scent. Too long.

Words weren't even exchanged, but our emotions were enough to cover the absence of them. And when her gentle hand came up to stroke my head, I couldn't help it. My quivering lips let out a sob, and I began to weep. Tears streamed down my cheeks, coming to my chin and dripping down the front of my shirt, but I didn't wipe them. I didn't dare break away from her embrace, I didn't want her to slip away. My chest heaved as I quieted my sobs down to sniffles, trying to control my raging emotions. But relief washed over me when I realized what this meant.

My mother was here, and she was safe.

"Mom," I croaked, my voice hoarse from sobbing. I raised my head only slightly to meet her tear-rimmed eyes.

She just shook her head and pulled me closer, "I..I'd never thought I'd s-see you again. I'm just so thankful you're okay. I-I love you, Charlie! I love you so, so much and while you were g-gone I was a mess! All of us were! I couldn't s-sleep at night, knowing my beautiful daughter wasn't safe and secure in my arms. C-Colton was so depressed and your-" She cut herself off rather briskly, and took a deep breath, "I'm just so relieved...I found you."

Every word cut like a dagger to the heart, and I whimpered.

"It's okay baby girl," She cooed softly, "I'm right here."

"M-Mom," I stuttered, swallowing what felt like dead weight down my throat. It was becoming harder and harder to form words. "H...How did you...?"

"We were just coming back from California." She answered, already knowing what I was trying to say.

"California?" I mumbled into her shirt, slightly confused.

I felt her breathing hitch, "We'll talk about it later." She then pulled me away from her warm embrace. Her glossy red eyes fell on mine, and her features flatten to a look that meant she was completely serious. "Charlie, I need to know...what happened to you?"

I instantly tensed, and my eyes gazed down at the ground, "So many things has happened mom...I don't know where to start."

She nodded sympathetically, "Okay, I won't let you tell me now. At least, not here. Come on." Slowly, we both rose to our feet, still holding each other softly. It might have been a stupid fear, but I was paranoid that she might disappear if I let go.

It was then when I realized that someone had been watching us. His bright blue gaze was narrowed, and it never left my mother. He was standing only a few feet away from the open door of the convenience store, with his jaw set and his hands clenching the bag of items he had purchased perhaps a little too hard. It was also in that moment that I was reminded I was traveling with two alien robots of a secret race, and that we were supposed to be heading back to base.

This...may have just gotten a little complicated.

"Charlie," My mother whispered softly, her eyes narrowed with thinly-veiled anxiousness, "Who is that man watching us?"

I froze.

Sunstreaker then took it upon himself to walk over towards us, and my heart picked up apprehensively. I accidentally squeezed the hand that was in my mother's too hardly, and her gaze was dangerous.

"Is he bothering you? Is he responsible for your kidnapping?"

Not quite...

He was coming closer.

"I'm calling the cops," She said, reaching into her pocket for her phone.

"No!" I blurted abruptly, flashing my hands out in a sign to stop.

Sunstreaker's icy glare landed on me, and it sent a shiver down my spine. I could tell he wasn't happy, probably pissed as hell, but that would have to wait. Right now I had to convince my mother not to get a S.W.A.T team on his ass.

Any traces of anxiousness was erased as her equally stern and icy glare fixed itself on Sunstreaker. Her lips curled into an unpleasant scowl, and I winced. I've never seen my mom scowl before, and it was honestly scary enough to rival Sunstreaker's dark looks.

"Who is this?" She spat, not bothering to even greet him.

Sunstreaker's cobalt gaze landed on them, and it was like an explosion of instant dislike and distrust was between them. His lips parted, probably to say something snarky, so I cut him off.

"He's Sun-San..tiago...Yes, this is Santiago." I said quickly, trying not to grimace as her eyes narrowed further. "He's a friend."

Sustreaker grunted in obvious disapproval.

Her arms crossed, "How come I've never met this friend before?"

I swallowed hard, "Um...because I met him after I...you know, disappeared."

Sunstreaker snorted unhelpfully.

When my mother eyed him up and down, I shot him a quick glare. He responded with a silent snarl, and I rolled my eyes and looked away. Once my mother was finished examining him, her scowl loosened, but distrust still ghosted in her eyes.

"So, you're name's Santiago." She said quickly, turning to address him.

His jaw clenched, but he replied in a surprisingly civil tone, "That's what it seems."

My mother raised an eyebrow, and I felt like face-palming myself.

"You don't know your own name?"

Sunstreaker's eyes narrowed, and his tone was dangerous low, "Are you trying to call me incompetent?"

"That's what it seems." My mother retorted, and my eyes widened.

This wasn't getting off to a very good start.

"Mom," I interrupted purposely, "Santiago, he saved me. From those people that kidnapped me, and he's been keeping me safe ever since."

Instantly her expression softened, and her eyes filled with awe and relief. I could see tears gathering in the corners of her eyes again, but she blinked them away and shook her head.

"In that case, I owe you an apology," She said, her voice sincere and soft. She stuck her hand out, and he hesitantly shook it, " I'm sorry for being impolite and insulting. I...I just misjudged you, is all. I thought you were one of Charlie's kidnappers, and she had to lie to keep you safe or something. Thank you for saving my daughter, and keeping her safe. I owe you a lot, and forever will I be grateful that you've returned my precious baby girl to me."

Sunstreaker stiffened slightly, looking uncomfortable and a little flustered.

I just stared in astonishment. Do my eyes deceive me?

I blinked again.

Nope, he's actually sheepish.

I didn't even think Sunstreaker was capable of being anything but constantly broody. And a little, barely, just about a faction of a hair; nice and sympathetic.

His gaze was on the ground, and he mumbled, "Your welcome."

My mother didn't comment on his flustered state, but instead focused back on me. "Oh, Charlie! I almost forgot! Colton's in the car, he'll be absolutely elated to see you again!"

I instantly perked up at the thought of my older brother, and I took off in a flash. Racing towards the olive green 4Runner that was parked a little ways from the convenience store. I wrenched the door opened, and stuck my head inside to see him staring down at his phone. The light illuminated on his face, and he had in earphones as well, his thumbs moving incredibly fast across the keyboard.

"What took you so long?" He asked, glancing up and then back at his phone.

I waited for it to sink in.

Suddenly, he paused. And very slowly, he looked up again, and his green eyes widened so much that they were the size of saucers.

"CHARLIE?!" He shouted.

I gave an affectionate grin, "Come here, you nerd."

I didn't fully anticipate Colton's strength, because when he came at me, I almost fell over. His arms wrapped tightly around my torso, and I squeezed back. It absolutely broke my heart to hear him whimpering uncontrollably, his shoulders wrenching with his sobs. As much as an impassive, introverted person my brother was, I knew just how much my disappearance may have broken him. Even when I sent a letter, to tell them that I was alright, and I was going to a better place.

"Ch-Charlie..." He whimpered again, sniffling hard, "Y-You're here? How?"

"I've been in Washington for a while, looking for you guys." I answered honestly.

"I'm so glad you're back." Colton sniffled again, "We were...we were just so lost without you Charlie! So lost! Every time mom looked into your empty room, she broke down into tears and cried for hours. And we couldn't do much about it, we called the police, hired an investigator- we did everything we could think of, to find you and get you home! But you were...you were gone. Police tracked down your phone signal to a destroyed cave. They searched for days, and there was no sign of you. We thought you were gone, forever." His voice was beginning to rasp as it filled with so much emotion.

"I'm so sorry," I whispered softly, "I'm so sorry for what I out you guys through. I couldn't help what happened, but I could've gave you more information. I should've, I knew I should've came back to the house. I'm sorry Colton! What you guys had to go through was horrible, and I'd never wished that on you!"

"It doesn't matter," Colton said, squeezing me again, "I'm just glad you're safe."

"I could say the same." I muttered into his shoulder.

After embracing Colton for another ten minutes, I had brought him over to meet Sunstreaker as well. He reacted the same way Mom did, but with even more hostility, and going as far as to take a swing at him. Sunstreaker of course, blocked the punch, but nearly ripped his arm off if I hadn't intervened at the last second. After the hostility died down, I had introduced him, and my mother explained how Sunstreaker rescued me from my kidnappers. Colton's sheer pride made him refuse to give an apology. But after a stern scolding from our mother, he gave a resigned sigh and muttered an apology.

"Now that the proper words have been exchanged," My mother spoke up, "I think it's time we head back to Kennewick. Once again, thank you very much Santiago..." She wrapped her hand around mine warmly, and began to pull me to the direction of our car.

I was all inclined to go and finally be with my family again, but something else had me planting my feet into the ground.

...I made a promise that I would help him reconnect with his twin. And I wasn't about to break it...

"Mom, I can't." I said softly, slowly pulling away from her grip.

Colton and her whirled around, shock written on both of their faces.

"Hunny," She cooed softly, "What are you talking about?"

I heaved a sigh, "I can't leave them. Not now, at least."

My mother shook her head, "I still don't understand any of this."

"I made a promise...to a friend," I clarified, "And, I don't wan't to break that promise. It was a special one. And important one."

"What's the promise?" Colton asked, appearing genuinely curious. And seemed to ignore the wary look that crossed my mother's face.

I glanced back at the golden Lambo, "To restore something lost from within."

Colton whistled lowly, "That sounds deep."

I snorted, but my mother was not amused, "Charlotte, you are not going anywhere but back to Kennewick. You're not eighteen yet, I'm your mother and I forbid all of this."

I looked at her, "Look mom, I know you just got me back, and you don't wan't to go ten feet from me, but this is important. I mean, why else would I walk away from you guys again? As much as I want to stay, and trust me I really do, but...this is just something I can't break."

"So that's how it is then? Picking a stranger over your own family?" She snapped and I winced.

Sunstreaker, only being a few feet away, heard everything, and a low grumble echoed from the engine of the smooth Lamborghini.

"Of course not, I'm not picking anyone over anyone." I answered defensively, "I made a promise, and it's my job as his friend to keep it."

"So it's for a boy then. Who? What's his name? Are you in love with him?" Her eyes shifted from me to Sunstreaker.

I blushed. "What-no! I'm not in love with him, he's just my friend. Best friend, actually."

"Is he tall?" My mother asked.

"Do I have to beat him up if he hurts you?" Colton wondered. Sunstreaker growled again.

"Is he attractive?"

"Jesus fragging Christ! Enough with the questions!" I exclaimed, trying to hide the furious blush that rose on my cheeks.

"Aww, look at that. She's blushing." Colton teased softly, with a smile.

I once again, resisted the urge to face-palm, "Can we just get back on point, please?"

My mother looked away, stubborn as ever. I sighed, walking up to her and giving her another long, affectionate, embrace. After a while, she hugged me back, and the edges of my lips curled into a smile.

"I don't wan't to lose you again, Charlie." She whispered into my ear.

I smile sadly, "I won't be gone too long. I promise, I'll come back."

"Please, please be safe. For my sake." She whispered again, her lip quivered on the word 'my'.

I gave her a reassuring squeeze, "I'll be safe with Santiago."

She made a face, but thankfully didn't say anything else. Instead, she let me out of her tight embrace, and looked up at the sky.

"The sun is setting soon, it's getting late."

"Yeah," I agreed, "We should probably be on our way-"

"Not yet. I'll make dinner." She insisted.

I rolled my eyes, "C'mon mom."

"No, there's still something important I need to tell you. And we'll all feel better after a nice helping of pot roast."

I glanced at Sunstreaker. His jaw was set, his hands crossed, and the irritated look on his face all screamed no.

"Okay," I relented, "For just one night."


(Sideswipe's POV)

My processors whirred sluggishly to a start, and I let out a soft groan. Flickering my optics open, and I stared up at the blank, fluorescent ceiling, and the sterile smell of cleaning products that made my olfactory sense twitch involuntarily. Once at least half my processor was running, my instincts kicked in and I shot up from the berth I was laying on. Only to be hit the face by a wrench, and I cursed under my breath as the pain throbbed.

"Lay your aft back down, Sideswipe." Ratchet grumbled from his desk on the other the side of the Medbay.

"What the frag was that for?" I whined.

"For not consuming the energon brought to you and passing out on my floor, you glitch!" Another wrench flew, but this time I was aware enough to dodge it.

"Okay," I mumbled, "Clearly, you're mad."

"Clearly." Ratchet retorted bitterly.

"Look Ratch, I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking straight." I said quickly, rubbing my helm.

"Haven't been thinking straight ever since I've met you." Ratchet mumbled, but shook his helm, "Don't put too much stress on yourself. You just got off the Energon drip three hours ago."

"I got to do something, am I out of the brig?" I asked.

"Yeah, you've did your time. And suffered more than what was necessary."

I winced, but didn't reply. Instead I promised him I'd come back later that day, and walked out of the MedBay. It was strangely quiet today, and I vaguely wondered why before strolling down the block and switching to holoform. At a tinier height, I navigated through the crowds, and made it all the way to the civilian hall. My steps quickened as I turned a hall and came to Charlie's door.

I knocked, "Hey! Charlie, it's me Sides. I know, you're probably mad as frag right now, and you want to barricade yourself in the door- but we need to talk. I um...I heard you over the comm link."

When there was no response, I knocked again. This time, I scanned through the door, and checked for a life presence. When there wasn't one, I opened the door, which was not even locked. I rushed into the room, taking in everything. Her bed covers were ruffled, once of her dresser was still pulled out, and the bathroom door was opened. I walked into the bathroom slowly, listening for any signs of Charlie.

When I peaked into the door, no one was there.

My spark fluttered in panic, and I forced myself to remain calm. Don't flip out, maybe she's been with Jenna.

I immediately contacted Jenna.

She picked up on the second ring, "Hello?"

"Where is she?" I asked, double-checking her room before leaving it.

"...Uh, where's who?"

"Jenna," I resisted the urge to growl, "Charlie! I'm talkin' about Charlie! Is she with you?"

Jenna scoffed. "Nope. I'm not even in Diego Garcias."

I froze out in the hallway. "What?!"

"Yeah, I got relocated to fix the military vehicles. I won't be back until next month. And about Charlie, I honestly have no clue. We had a fight and she said she hated me before taking off. I tried to find her, but I was called to duty. And you know, job first."

"But she's you're friend!" I snapped, not bothering to hid my fury.

"Not anymore." Was the clipped response, before the line went dead.

I tried to call her back, but the call was immediately rejected. Cursing to myself, I began walking over to the training area, where I knew at this time Lennox would be training soldiers for combat.

"Lennox!" I called out, and he looked up. I waved my hands around, signaling for him to come down the long metal stairs.

He excused himself from the meeting and traveled down the steps, "What's wrong, Sides? Orders from Boss Bot?"

"No," I said, "Do you know where Charlie is?"

Lennox rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "Huh. Haven't seen her in a few days, come to think of it."

My spark fritzed, "What?!"

"Did you check Jenna's place?"

"I was, but apparently Jenna was relocated!" I threw my hand sup in exasperation, before shouting out loud, "Does anyone know where the hell Charlie is?!"

"...Is she that, small, little blonde girl?" A voice intoned, and I instantly perked up.

"Yeah, she's yey-high," I said motioning with my hands, "Dirty blonde with brown tips. Wears a lot of black, usually seen around a tall ginger. Both work a lot on the cars."

"Yeah, I've seen her," The voice, was attached to a young human male with brown hair and brown eyes. Very lanky.

"Where?" I asked frantically.

He stared down at his shoes, as if too ashamed to speak, and my spark rolled in sudden dread.

"I...I shouldn't have done it." He whispered.

My optics narrowed, "What?! Should of done, what?! Tell me, now!"

"I let her go to the battle!" He shouted.

Dead silence. And then, I spoke in a low, dangerous voice, "What battle?"

"The one with the Cons attacking in Wash-"

I was really hoping the kid would say a practice battle.

He was slammed against the wall, my hands around his throat, "I'm gonna fragging kill you!" Words couldn't express how enraged I was.

"I-I'm sorry!" He choked out, "S-She was so stubborn! She wouldn't let me talk he rout of it! And once we got off the plane, I lost her in the crowd."

"She could be dead! Dead, you fragging son of a glitch!" I roared, my grip tightening.

"I should have stopped her, I know! I'm sorry!"

"Sorry doesn't even begin to cut it." I hissed.

I was jerked away before I could inflict any damage on the puny human. And I let them carry me off, but that didn't stop me from yelling death threats at the top of my lungs, "YOU FRAGGING GLITCH! SHE'S A 17 YEAR OLD GIRL! HOW COULD YOU THINK FOR A SECOND THAT IT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA TO PUT A GIRL LIKE HER ON A DEADLY BATTLE FEILD LIKE THAT?! WHAT THE SLAG IS WRONG WITH YOU! SHE WAS UNDER MY PROTECTION!" I wailed, "...AND I FAILED!"


*wipes sweat off forehead* Phew! What a roller coaster that was. Anyway, wow, I think this is the most I've typed in a chapter ever, so yay for me! Thanks for reading, make sure to review because I really want to hear your thoughts!