A/N: Decided I'd quick post this chapter to tell you guys who haven't followed my other stories or haven't gotten my hiatus alert: I'm going on a hiatus for an unknown amount of time. With spring and all, more work has been popping up, and I need some time off of. But no worries, I WILL return!

"Predacon speak"

"Cybertronian speak"

"Bumblebee speak"

"Human speak"

Predacon bond speak

Thoughts

:Comm speak:

Darkflame's P.O.V.

The setting sun slid below the horizon, its final dying rays illuminating my strands of pearls as I stopped outside the Autobot base.

I had only returned to gather my things and Smokescreen. I also had yet to tell the Autobots that I wouldn't be living in the base much longer.

Venting, I glanced up at Predaking as he circled slowly overhead, then entered the base.

Optimus raised a servo in greeting, too busy to do more than glance up from his work. Ratchet typed furiously, optics glowing as bright as the screens.

"Where are the others?" I asked, trying to appear nonchalant as I gathered up Smokescreen's toys that were littered across the floor.

"They're out on patrol; most of them, anyways." Ratchet answered, appearing surprised I was in the base. "When did you get back?"

Shrugging, I walked back to my berth room and subspaced a few Energon cubes and some other, small items of importance.

"What're you doing?"

I stopped subspacing items, turning slowly to look at Wheeljack. He stood stiffly in the doorway, optics unreadable.

"I'm leaving."

"For what? To where?" His reply was quick, without any emotion.

"I have to lead the Predacons, Wheeljack, they need me." I began grabbing items blindly, turning so he wouldn't see the unexpected tears welling in my optics.

"They have your sister, don't they?"

"Well-"

"Stop. I thought... I thought it'd be different this time..."

I dropped the items I was holding and enveloped him in a hug. "I'm sorry, Wheeljack. I really am. I'll visit, I promise."

We stood for a moment, hugging each other. The clank of a large ped at the end of the hall had us pulling apart, each hastily wiping at tears.

I looked up, startled to see Predaking.

"Hi. What are you doing in here?" I asked.

Glancing at Wheeljack, Predaking spoke, "I came to see why you were so sad... Why did you have your arms wrapped around the Autobot?"

"It's called a hug, you do it when people or sad or you are really happy."

Predaking's engine rumbled but he didn't say anything else. I entered my berthroom to finish gathering my stuff. Behind me, Predaking shoved past Wheeljack to help me, and I heard them both growl lowly at each other.

Kreppa, they better not start fighting over me. I thought, putting the last item in my subspace. Predaking held a few items as well, and he quickly subspaced them as we entered the main part of the base, Wheeljack having disappeared.

"Optimus," I said quietly, stopping in front of him. He looked up, setting his work aside. "Yes, Darkflame?"

"I'm leaving."

Optimus stood, his optics meeting mine. "You are sure?"

I took a deep vent. "Yes. I have my Predacons to lead, but know this; we are allied in any upcoming battles."

The Prime nodded, and I turned to leave. "It's understandable, Darkflame," I heard Prime say, "I would have done the same as well."

As we flew away, I noticed several Draconians take flight from various hidden places on the earth and fly up in formation around me.

I sent a questing pulse to Predaking over our bond, and he replied almost instantly. As much as I pride myself in being a mighty warrior, I know I can't protect you all on my own anymore. And I would rather have too many guards then not enough.

Blinking, I nodded, angling my wings to head down toward the Draconian camp that appeared.

A/N: Hope you enjoyed!

Reviews appreciated!

I'll be back!