Hey, back again with a chapter! As always, I'd like to give a round of applause and thank my awesome reviewers; Bee4ever, CastielLunaWinchester, SeaKissed140, Sakura9544, Guest, Madeline, sakurawriter, NovaShifter15, 99luftballonsx.o.x, 0Colossal Cupcake0, maria-ioanna984, Tonythecool, MysticFire101, The Silvernote, SapphireSpark, MidnightHowling4, Starlit Storyteller, jgoss, and mostly a reader fangirl99!

Okay guys, buckle up.


Chapter Thirty-Nine: Deal with the Devil

For the first time, since learning of all this dark news, I actually felt happy. I actually felt...at peace with myself, knowing that the twins would stand by me, and wouldn't leave me. It felt good, and it felt like maybe, just maybe I'd be able to get through this. Maybe things will really work out in the end and Ratchet would find a way to expel the dark energon in my body, and that maybe this Unicron would leave me alone and I could just live out the rest of my days surrounded by the ones I loved.

But that was just wishful thinking.

"Charlie," Sideswipe murmured gently, his voice much softer than before, "I think...there's something we have to tell you..."

I smiled up at him, "What is it?"

Sideswipe opened his mouth, but whatever he was going to say, he never got the chance to. Because the door had opened in a hurry, and we all jolted before our gazes were snapped in the direction of the threshold, where Quickshift, Ratchet, Optimus, and Prowl were all getting through the door. Quickshift was breathless by the time he reached my bed, pushing past Sunstreaker so that he could crawl up edge and kneel literally right next to me. I was about to crack a joke about how out of shape he was, but the words died in my mouth when I saw the look in his wide, silver eyes;

Terror.

Something bad had happened. And as I looked at the rest of them, standing only a few feet away from me, but still crowding me, I could tell that something definitely was wrong. From clear worry displayed on Ratchet and Optimus' face, and the hidden fear in Prowl's eyes. Something was horribly wrong, and my heart quickened with fear.

"What's going on?" Sideswipe was the first one to speak up, glancing at everyone with the same confusion Sunstreaker had.

"We...received a comm." Optimus said gravely, his eyes not meeting mine.

"From who?" Sunstreaker asked, eyes narrowing warily. Obviously, he wasn't liking all the suspense.

"Charlie," Ratchet was the one to speak now, "Starscream...he has your family."

And that's when all of the happiness collected over the last few minutes had shattered, into a million pieces. At first, I couldn't even believe the words. I just sat there, blinking dully at everyone, my brain still trying to process what was going on. The painful, forlorning feeling of the world stopping on its axis hit me again. I had only felt this kind of grief before, and it was when I had found out my father had died. And that sick, bitter feeling churning in my stomach was bubbling up in my throat, threatening to spill.

I lurched over myself, letting out a pained cry, nearly falling off of the bed if Sideswipe hadn't caught me at the last minute. My eyes, swarming with tears, and the ache of my chest felt like lead weighing down on my. Mom...Colton...

The one single fear I had about all of this was finally coming true. The sole reason why I had stayed away from them to begin with, was crumbling down before my eyes. My family, they were right in those Decepticons claws. God only knows what they could be doing to them; torturing them, or if they're already de-

No. I choked at the thought, feeling the tears stream down my cheeks.

Mom...Colton. My only family left! I had already lost one to those vile beings, it would break me down completely to lose another, or the rest of them. And there would be no way for me to recover. There was a lot of chaos once the news had been said, but all I could feel was the pain bubbling inside me. The shock, the fear, and the utter terror of something horrible happening to them.

I had tried to get off the bed, to run to them as fast as I could. But I was held down, and when I opened my eyes, I could see that it was Sunstreaker's holoform holding me down. Keeping me still, while I screamed and thrashed and wailed for him to let me go. Sideswipe was the one doing all the yelling, at Ratchet mostly. Quickshift was next to me, he was trying to calm me down, but I couldn't. How could I? They took my family!

But he still tried, "Charlie, c'mon," Quickshift pleaded, "It's gonna be okay, just calm down-"

"No!" I gave a somehwat sob, somewhat scream, still trying to wrestle my hands out of Sunstreaker's unrelenting grip. "Let me go! I have to see them! I have to save them!"

"Charlie, you can't save them. Not if you're acting like this." It was Sunstreaker talking down.

"No!" I yelled again, shaking my head frantically, "No, please!" I yanked again, and kicked my leg up, which caused him to climb fully on top of the bed so that he could rest his weight on top of me. There was still screaming in the background, but all I could see was my mother and brother's horrified faces, the image burned in my mind like a seal. Somewhere, in the back of my head, I could feel another presence inside of me. It was so sudden and strong that I couldn't believe that I hadn't felt it before, but I couldn't care too much about it, because I was still trying to fight Sunstreaker.

The door shut again, Optimus and Prowl were gone, but Ratchet remained. He barked something at the twins, and suddenly Sideswipe was on my other side. I looked up at him, eyes puffy and red from my sobs, and Sideswipe had to look away. Even he couldn't stand the look of pure pain on my face, and it showed.

"You're gonna be okay, Sweetspark," He said softly, grabbing my other hand from Sunstreaker's grip, and Quickshift had grabbed my legs. Sunstreaker shifted off of me, and once I felt the weight gone I started struggling again.

"Stop! Please!" I cried out. My thorated burned from the screaming, but I didn't care, "Please let me go! Let me save them!"

"We can't do that Charlie," Sideswipe said, his tone sounded like he regretted saying it, "Not after what happened last time."

"You have to stay here, so Ratchet can help you get better." Sunstreaker added.

"No!" I shook my head, "No-please, I can't lose them! I love them too much-please, I can't take this pain anymore!" I was on the verge of losing myself.

Sideswipe swallowed hard, looking close to tears as well. "I promise you Charlie, we're gonna find them."

That was the last thing I heard, before I felt something heavy and sharp prick my shoulder. I blinked, feeling my muscles slow and a sluggish feeling washing over me, currently blocking out the panic and terror. I felt my vision fade out around the edges until everything around me was a blurry mess. The last thing I saw was the matching looks of sadness on the twin's faces, before I slipped into darkness.


(Sideswipe's POV)

I watched the light fade from her eyes as they closed, and Charlie stilled. My spark ached in pain at the sight of her, but there was nothing else we could do. Ratchet had to sedate her, before she could hurt herself or someone else. I didn't even need to glance up at Sunny to know that he too shared the burning pain coursing through his spark. We were so close to admitting our feelings, just moments away from true happiness...and then reality came crashing back down on us. I should've been used to it by now, but it still felt like I'd been suckered punch.

Sunstreaker snarled, letting go of Charlie's hand and storming out of the room. I knew he was angry and needed some time to cool off, so I didn't stop him, neither did Ratchet, who just sighed and shook his head sadly as he threw away the empty sedative syringe. Quickshift hadn't moved from his spot on her bed, still watching her, his silver eyes trained on her face as if he expected her to wake up at any moment.

I sighed, "How long will she be out, doc?"

"Just a few hours, until we can solve this situation."

Quickshift snapped up, finally speaking up since Charlie went to sleep, "How many hours?"

"Three or four."

I narrowed my eyes at him, as an angry gasp escaped the mini red bot. "That's too much, Ratchet!" I hissed at him, moving from Charlie's bed to take a few intimidating steps forward, "What the pit is wrong with you?!"

"I panicked, okay?!" Ratchet snapped back, "She was putting up a fight, and I had to grab the first one I could find. It was a bit stronger than she needed, but she'll be fine. If anything, she needs the rest."

I shook my head, a low growl emitting from my chest, "That still doesn't-"

"Shut up, I'm getting a comm," Ratchet interjected, putting two fingers to his left temple, he was silent for a moment as his face fell into deep concentration, before he looked up at me, "Optimus wants you and your brother down in the Main Hangar."

"Frag that," I retorted, "I'm not going anywhere until Charlie's okay."

Ratchet sighed, "This is about Charlie, you dimwit. Optimus is pulling together a rescue team to retrieve her family from Starscream."

I swallowed hard, looking back at the unconscious form of Charlie. She looked peaceful, laying there with her head draped softly against the pillow. It took everything in my Cybertronian willpower to go against my spark which was practically begging me to stay, and protect her. Be near her. Love her. Because I made a promise to Charlie, I'd get her family back. I'd stop cycling the air on this Earth before I broke that promise.

Quickshift looked up again, meeting my own gaze, "I'll watch over her Sides, she'll be fine."

I grimaced, but nodded anyway. I quickly grabbed her left hand, which was closest to me, relishing the feeling of her soft, gentle skin, before lifting it to place a gentle kiss on her knuckle. She shifted in her sleep, but otherwise, didn't make a sound. I smiled softly at her reaction.

I'm gonna get them, Sweetspark. I sent her a mental communication, even though I knew there was a very low chance she'd hear it, I'm promise.

I let go of her hand, and with a small bit of reluctance, left the Med Bay.


I had already informed Sunny on our new situation, and he had met me at the large doors of the Main Hangar. I glanced up at him, meeting his slightly dark gaze.

::I said goodbye for the both of us.:: I said.

Sunny nodded, and we both entered the Main Hangar, feeding on each other's affection and courage, because we really slaggin' needed it right about now. Optimus was already there, in the center of the room with Prowl, Mirage, Bluestreak, and Jazz waiting patiently by him. Lennox, Epps, and their other soldiers were all standing on the high metal stairs, all awaiting their next mission. I let out a sigh through my olfactory sensors as my twin and I joined in the line of Autobots beside Optimus.

Lennox gave a nod, and the Prime began, "As some of you may already know, we had gotten a cryptic message from our enemies, and their current leader; Starscream. Unfortunately, we had received some grave and rather disturbing news. Starscream is holding on of the civilians' family members hostage."

Collective reactions of horror and disbelief went through the crowd, but all I could hear were the low, guttural snarls of Sunny and mine engine. All I could feel was the hatred bubbling up inside me at the thought of that disgusting Seeker, and my servos itched as I imagined his energon on them. I could feel Sunny's dark agreement roll across the bond.

"Why would they take a civilian's family members?" One soldier asked.

Optimus frowned, "It seems that Starscream wants an exchange. Her for her family's safety."

My spark had slammed hard in my chassis, and my engine had let out an enraged rev before I could honestly process the whole sentence. "Frag No!" I shouted, gathering everyone's attention, "We're not giving up Charlie, never!"

"That was not the plan." Prowl said, sounding exasperated but I couldn't give a damn.

"It better not be." Sunstreaker snarled lowly.

"Then what are we going to do?" Bluestreak asked.

"We are going to send a small, rescue squad to liberate her family," Prowl explained, "Sunstreaker, Sideswipe, Jazz, Mirage, and Bluestreak, you are all here because you have been chosen for this mission. Along with Major Lennox and his recruits. We will need both Cybertronian and man power if we want this to be successful and smooth as possible. Starscream will be expecting a rescue attempt, and the Seeker is much more clever than most give him credit for."

"We're in," I said, "Whatever it is, we don't care. We'll do it."

Optimus nodded, "I know you two will."

"But in order for this rescue to work, we will need a decoy," Prowl went on, his crystal blue optics falling on the crowd of human soldiers standing by Lennox.

Lennox raised an eyebrow, "Decoy for what?"

"To replace Charlie."

His eyes widened, "Prowl...do you know what you're asking one of my men to do?"

"Yes, Major, I know it is risky," The SIC nodded, "But this is the only way to save these innocents. And I will see to it to personally make sure that this chosen human for the decoy will be under the best protection."

"Wait, so if a human decoy needs to be there for this plan to happen, why not use the girl?" Bluestreak asked.

Sunstreaker was the one to publicly express his disagreement with the blue sniper's suggestion, and turned around to swing on him. Bluestreak would've gotten a nice, painful dent on his faceplates and maybe something worse if I hadn't caught Sunstreaker's fist at the last second. Instead, Bluestreak just stared at us with a wide, bewildered stare, before backing up a few shaky steps as Sunstreaker's engine snarled loudly and menacingly.

"Don't really think dat da twin's would agree to dat Blue," Jazz murmured softly, consoling the young sniper, "They're kinda close to her."

"Oh." His optics widened in realization, and he opened his mouth to apologize, but Sunstreaker cut him off with another growl.

"Forget it, Blue." I said, letting go of Sunny once the urge to harm Bluestreak melted away. "It's fine."

"The reason why that would not be a good objective is because, I 'm sure there was a reason Starscream specifically asked for her, Bluestreak," Optimus spoke up this time, "If we brought the girl along with us, there is a chance that she could still be captured, or the plan does not go the way we wanted it to. It is best that she remains here, in our safety, no matter how the mission turns out."

"That is why we need this decoy." Prowl added, and Bluestreak nodded gently. "Starscream won't recognize that it isn't Charlotte until it is too late." Prowl began to go over the plan, in much detail. I had to admit, Prowl could be a uptight, stern, and strict bot that acted like the Deputy he was back on Cybertron. Most of the time, I didn't really like Prowl, since he seemed to be the one always dragging Sunny and my afts to the brig, but he was an incredible genius, no one could deny that. And my respect grew for him, as he had finished lecturing everyone in the Hangar on the plan.

Slowly, all the Autobots nodded, and both Optimus and Prowl turned to Lennox, who watched with an unreadable look on his features. There was a few tense minutes of silence, as he thought over Prowl's strategy. Finally, he looked up at Prime;

"Alright, let's do this."


(Charlie's POV)

The first thing that came to mind, was the ineffable darkness around me. It was suffocating, like a deadly cobra, wrapping around your spine until your vision gave out and you couldn't feel nothing anymore. I knew I wasn't dead though, I wasn't sure how I had ended up in this place. My memories were foggy, and the more I tried to recall them, the more opaque they became. I had decided to not worry about what had happened to me at the moment, but instead focused on where I was now.

I hated the dark.

I could feel the cold, bitter dread rising in me now. I knew that dread, and I only felt that kind of fear when that wicked, supernatural presence was around me. I gritted my teeth, feeling the pain bristling in my stomach again, and lifted up my tee-shirt to see those dark red horns, seared into my body. They weren't red anymore, they were slowly changing to a dark amethyst.

I knew he was here. He had to be.

Slowly, I turned around, not shocked at all to see those burning purple eyes staring at me with such a powerful intensity that it felt like they were staring into my soul. Especially since I noticed, that inside his purple eyes, were bright, bold white irises. A cold, harsh shiver ran through my body, and I tensed as I waited for him to do something. Torture me with his dark words, or taunt me with his hysterical laughter. But he didn't do any of those things, he just...watched me, carefully, like a cat watching a fish swim inside a fish tank. Claws perched directly over it, just waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

After a few moments of uncomfortable silence, I took a step back, trying to back away from him, but the pain in my torso escalated and I collapsed to my knees with a pained hiss. Tears breached the corners of my eyes, but I wiped them away quickly. I couldn't show any kind of weakness in front of him, it would only cause more pain. But once the pain faded and the silence settled once again, I couldn't take it anymore, I had to say something. I couldn't take this waiting game anymore.

"What do you want from me?!" I yelled at him, "Do you have a reason for summoning me or did you just bring me here to torture me?"

His eyes narrowed in a way that made my skin crawl, as his deep voice boomed in the darkness, "Watch your tone with me human."

The pain rose again, and I gasped, feeling the tears escape again. The pain had almost sent me over the edge, but at the last minute, it stopped, and I sat there, shaking and panting below those violet eyes. Below Unicron.

"I'm sorry," I managed to get out shakily between pants.

"You will be, if you dare to use that tone with me will be grateful in my presence, for I have use for you and that is the only reason you remain alive and not burning from the inside out because of my blood," He hissed darkly, "I summoned you here because the time is almost near, and because I have a proposition."

My eyes widened at that. A proposition? What else could he possibly want from me? What more could he take from me?

"Rise, girl." He ordered curtly.

I slowly stood to my feet, "What kind of proposition?"

"The same one the Decepticons has offered the Autobots," Unicron rumbled, "Your family's protection, and in turn, I receive you."

It was as if that was the spark needed to bring all the memories back. They came swirling back into my mind...Ratchet and Optimus running into the Med Bay...Sunstreaker holding me down...Sideswipe trying to whisper comforts into my ears...and then Ratchet sedated me. Hurt surged inside my chest, at the last memory. They knew my family was in trouble, they knew that they needed me, but instead they sedated me.

They drugged me...and now, I was here. Face to face with Unicron.

Why...why would they do this to me? A million questions raced inside my head, and I could feel my heart pounding quicker in my chest. My eyes snapped open, I hadn't even realized that I closed them, and I looked up into his deep, purple eyes again. I could see the sinister and chaos swirling around in those irises, I could feel it, because I was essentially linked to him. But there was nothing else I could do, and there was no one else to turn to.

"What do I have to do to save them?" I asked quietly.

"Nothing," Unicron answered, "Except, to submit yourself to me, when the time is right."

I swallowed hard, "And when will that time be?"

"When the frost of the winter washes away, a new light with dawn this earth. I will rise out of my millennia of slumber, and rule this world as its rightful owner."

I shivered at his words, "B-But why? Why do you want Earth so badly? Primus is dead, there's nothing left for you."

"The center of this wretched planet, is where my spark is buried. I am it's core."

I was stunned into silence. Unicron's spark was the center of the Earth? Is that where Primus had allegedly hid it? But why here? It didn't make any sense.

"W-What do I have to do with all of this?" I asked, trying to keep my lips from trembling at the startling realization.

"I have told you before. You are the key. Dark energon flows through your veins, your are linked to me, you are my vessel. And when the time is right, you will unite this dark energon with my soul, and bring me back to life." Unicron explained.

"Wait...if you're not alive yet, how..." I looked up at him.

Unicron scoffed, "Foolish human girl. Did you not forget that you are linked to me? You are talking to my spirit, which grows stronger and stronger everyday along with my powers."

I took in a deep breath, "Okay, but wait...if you need the dark energon in my veins to awaken yourself...what happens to me? Will I...will I be dead?"

Unciron nodded, and my heart sank, "A honorable sacrifice in the place for your family."

"So," I said slowly, "What you're telling me is that if I agree to this. If I allow myself to be used in your sacrifice, you can save my family?"

"No harm will come to your family, little human." Unicron said. I was only speaking to his eyes, but I could tell by the assertiveness in his voice that he was telling the truth.

I bit my lip, thinking it all over quickly. I didn't have much choice anyway, did I? Eventually, he'd come for me. Somehow, I'd doubt that if I turned down his offer he'd not come for me. But I had stopped fearing death a long time ago, because there were fates worse than death. And one of those fates, is to live while my family is dead. If there was really no other way out, if this was going to be my fate in the end, at least, I could protect them. At least I could get them back.

I looked back up at Unicron, "Okay. I agree to your terms."

"Smart girl," Unicron purred, and I internally cringed at his words, "You have my word that you're family will return to you, unharmed and well."

I nodded, "Thank-"

"And in return, you will willingly give yourself to me. Because if you do not, I can do a lot more than harming and haunting you, I will poison and kill everyone you love until you will be too miserable to live on." The cold, harsh words were like a dagger to my chest, and I swallowed hard, nodding. There was a moment of silence, before Unicron finished with, "Very well then. Enjoy your last three months on this earth, Charlie."

And then he was gone.


I awoke with a jolt, sitting up, and glancing around my surroundings. I was still in the Med Bay, which eased down my panic.

"Charlie?" I heard the familiar voice of Quickshift, who had been sitting in a chair pulled up to me. His silver eyes widened with relief and happiness, "You're finally awake!"

"Yeah," I nodded, rubbing my arm, "Back from my drug induced sleep."

Quickshift grimaced, "Look, I'm sorry. I really am, but there wasn't a lot of time and it was the only way we could calm you down, and-"

"It's okay Quickshift," I interrupted calmly, "I'm over it."

"Wait...what?" Quickshift raised a thin metal eyebrow.

"Yeah," I said, and then I looked around the room. No one else was here, "Where's the twins?"

Quickshift sighed, "They left. Along with some of the Autobots, they're goin' to find your family."

What? My eyes widened, "They left already?!"

Quickshift nodded, looking confused, "Well, yeah. I thought you would be a bit more happy about it. They're savin' your family, isn't that what you wanted?"

"I..."I trailed off, running a hand through my hair, before nodding my head, "Yeah, that's what I wanted."

"Look, don't be mad at them, either. They were just doin' what was right for ya, and I can't believe I'm sayin' this, but I agree with those slaggers. They can't risk what happened in Washington happenin' again. They just couldn't, and neither would I." Quickshift said.

I took in his words, nodding softly, "I know."

"Don't worry Charlie," Quickshift said, "Everything will be alright. Sides meant what he said, he ain't comin' back till they've found them. Everything will be okay."

"Yeah..." I muttered, staring down at the ground. Except, I knew the truth. Everything was not going to be fine, even if what Quickshift said happens. Because I had made a mistake; a mistake, that would soon cost me my life.


Well, I did warn you that slag was gonna do down. *Evil chuckles*

Now, for those who aren't very familiar with the Prime Animated series (WHICH IS TOTALLY AWESOME, YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY WATCH IT) I am using some of the elements of Unicron from that show. I like the idea of him kind of awakening from a long period of sleep to finally get his revenge. But, instead of his whole body being the core for the Earth, just his spark will be. (And no, his spark reuniting with his body won't cause the Earth to collapse within itself. More just like doom for all the creatures on it.)

Anyway, thank you so much for reading! I am always grateful for you awesome, readers, and I'd definitely like to hear your reviews! Why do you think Starscream might want Charlie? :) Until next update, my dudes!