(Optimus)

It's been two days since our first battle with Scavenger and Hot Shot is still in a bad mood. Hot Shot's pride had taken a huge beating. He had locked himself in the training room working with the Star Saber constantly. What had surprised all of us the most was what Ashley had done. I didn't understand what she had been thinking when she attacked Scavenger.

I'm sitting in the back of the training room when Hot Shot walks in. He just brought out the sword when he saw me. I didn't know what he was doing but I knew he must have been sulking around the base. His attitude had changed ever since the fight and I had a feeling I was going to get a preview of it.

"I'm sorry for how I've been acting recently, sir." Okay I wasn't expecting that. "I shouldn't have taken all my anger out on you." I'm getting a feeling something must have happened. "I shouldn't treat you like it's your fault I lost. That battle was a lesson I needed to learn. You were letting me learn on my own. Instead of blaming you, I should be thanking you."

I nodded to him, "I can understand that you're upset. I'm also proud that you learned this particular lesson. Yes it's nice to win and feel good all the time but the losses we have help us learn. I also think that's why Ashley didn't interfere with you either. We can't rely on her all the time."

I watched as Hot Shot processed my words. The both of us turned when we heard the sound of warping and saw Ashley on the other side of the training room. She tilted her head at us before warping away once again. The alarm went off just as she disappeared. We ran to the command center as Red Alert brought up the Minicon's location. The Minicon was located on a highway with an unfinished part of it blocked off. This time the kids were allowed to come with us.

"Warp gate. Launch!"

(Above the tunnel's entrance- Ashley)

I saw them driving towards the tunnel when my sense started to fill me with dread. Something was going to happen today. I could already tell the Decepticons were here and pinpointed the spot where the Minicon was as well. My only thought is that they needed to hurry.

I watched as the Autobots slowed down and let the kids out before continuing their way over. That was their first mistake. Their second mistake was splitting up.

(With Rad)

We were all deposited on the side of the road so the Autobots could go ahead. I was told to watch after the others. I was actually all for one on this. I did not want to leave the others. Minutes later, I heard a faint yell. I looked over the side of the highway and saw two Transformers fighting.

"Guys look. It's Hot Shot and Scavenger." I pointed.

The others quickly looked to where I was pointing and immediately started talking all at once. Wishing that we could help Hot Shot but knew that we couldn't risk attracting other people to the battle. My instinct immediately warned me of oncoming danger. I whirled around to come face to face with a purple motorcycle with a black rider on it.

"If you kids are looking for a way down I can help with that."

I immediately had a feeling that warned me not to trust this guy. But I didn't want to say anything in front of him so I had no choice but to let Billy get on with him. Carlos, Alexis and I watched as they drove away. We had to follow him. I refused to lose Billy. Watching the cars go by we suddenly turned at the sound of an explosion. I watched as a huge truck tried to slow down. Its tires suddenly exploded and caused a traffic jam before it could pass us. Carlos and Alexis looked at me and I held my arms out at them. We all jumped though when Ashley appeared before us and nodded to where Billy and the mysterious motorcyclist had gone.

We immediately understood and grabbed on. Making sure there was no eye witnesses she teleported us away. We landed a few yards away from Scavenger and Hot Shot. The motorcycle suddenly stopped right in front of us after weaving in and out of the other transformers legs for a bit.

Billy looked surprised that we were here, "How did you guys get here?"

The three of us just pointed to Ashley but she had gone to stare at the fight going on. She looked to be very tense and I had the feeling she didn't trust this motorcycle guy either.

Hot Shot and Scavenger suddenly raced away and the new guy went after them. I watched him leave with cold eyes. I looked back at my friends and knew that we should head back to the spot but that idea was scraped when Ashley chased after them. We just sat down and waited for the Autobots come find us. Optimus's voice broke through my thoughts.

"Are you kids okay?"

We just nodded as the motorcycle drove up behind the others. We all watched as suddenly the guy on the motorcycle transformed. His body reminded me of Starscream but he a faceplate like Optimus and had two horns on his head. His Autobot symbol stood out on his chest.

"My names Sideways. I'm a little bit of a drifter. Maybe that's why I'm here."

I knew that I would have to keep my eye on him for now. We warped back to the base and Sideways allowed us to take turns riding him. The other Autobots went into the base. Billy got to go first. Carlos, Alexis and I waited for him to be done. Rad was the one who started talking first.

"There's something about him that makes me nervous."

"I know. Why would a drifter come all this way just to be in a war?"

"Don't trust him you guys. When Ashley was there I noticed she was tense the whole time."

I refused politely when he asked if I wanted a turn. Carlos wanted a go even if it meant going against my warnings. I watched him and refused to leave until Hot Shot told us it was time to go home. Highwire, Sureshock, Grindor and Speedbump came out and changed into their alt. modes. I waved goodbye and rode off with the others.

(With Ashley)

I went to the ledge that always made me felt the most at home. I guess I must have been tired because I was instantly asleep. It had been a while since I had a nightmare but I knew that they would never go away completely.

"I don't see why you don't just give in."

"Giving up you means you've given up everything. There are some things that I will never give up."

"And what's that?"

"I refuse to give up my hope. I'm not going to be here forever."

"Then it looks like I will have to break you some more."

BOOM!

I watch as one of the only friends I had in this place leave me forever. I cannot stop the tears running down my face or the anger going through my body. Then the pain comes. Burning. Pain. Screaming. I refuse to give in. I continue screaming.

I wake up to the sound of my own screaming. The position of the moon told me it was past 1 in the morning. I can hear Optimus coming and then he's screaming for Red Alert to come with a sedative. He rushes over and asked why. I look down at myself and find my arms are coated in blood. Deep scratches line up on my arms. I can feel my tears getting into cuts on my face as well. I look down at the bottom and see Sideways. I look back at Optimus as Red Alert comes with a needle.

"Don't trust Sideways." I whispered it for them to hear only. I knew they heard me because they immediately look at each other. I warped away before anything else could happen. Once I was far enough away I sat down and sobbed for hours.

(With Optimus)

I looked down at the spot where Ashley had just sat just moments ago. It was very quiet when I turned to my men. I looked to where Sideways stood. I felt my body shiver at the memory of Ashley sitting there bleeding and screaming. It's a memory I'm not gonna forget for some time. Then a feeling of dread came to me. Something was wrong. I ushered everyone back into the base. I could hear Sideways asking who Ashley was but they were all quiet. Everyone was quiet as we all headed back to our jobs.

(A Day later- Ashley)

I watched the battle continue and then watched as Smokescreen came running up with the Minicon. Megatron ordered a retreat but I watched as Hot Shot called to Sideways and together grabbed onto Megatron as they warped away. Optimus and Smokescreen were stunned for a minute before they rose into action. But I knew that they would not be able to get to them in time.

I knew where they were going but I was unable to know if I could get there safely. As I gathered my energy for this warp I looked into the sky. I needed to get to Hot Shot and fast. I didn't know if I could do it but I had to try and now. I could hear the Autobots coming for me. I focused my power on my teleporting skills and felt myself teleport away as Optimus came out calling my name.

I felt myself land and opened my eyes. I was on the surface of the moon. My armor would give me my oxygen so all I had to do was find Hot Shot. I could hear a battle going on. I ran as fast as I could to the sounds and found myself looking down at Hot Shot in horror. He was bleeding out of numerous cuts and dents. Cyclonus and Demolisher were kicking him around and Starscream was the one to hold the Star Saber now. I looked for Sideways and found him standing next to Megatron. He now had the Decepticon insignia on his chest and his horns on his head were now facing downward. Scavenger was telling to let Hot Shot return to the Autobots as a warning of things to come. I trusted Scavenger more then I trusted Sideways. My anger and fear rolled into together and found myself throwing energy disks and energy beams at everyone.

I teleported down to Hot Shot and looked at each and every Decepticon. When I looked at Cyclonus and Demolisher, my look said "just try it." When I turned to face Megatron and Sideways, I sent off one huge psychic blast that would leave them rebuilding themselves for days. I looked at Scavenger and saw him give me the tiniest of nods. I grabbed onto Hot Shot and teleported back to Earth.

I landed us outside the Autobot base. Optimus and Smokescreen were standing watching the sunset when we landed. They took one look at us and then rushed Hot Shot inside to Red Alert. I watched all the Autobots rush around trying to control my anger and hate. I was still in my armor when Optimus came back outside. The kids came out and watched me for a while until I felt completely at ease.

Optimus walked over and knelt down to speak to me, "What happened up there Ashley?"

"I told you not to trust Sideways and look where it got Hot Shot. Sideways was a spy the whole time. When I got to the moon, I saw Hot Shot being pounded by Cyclonus and Demolisher. Starscream was holding the Star Saber and Sideways was standing next to Megatron. He had a Decepticon insignia on his chest and his horns were facing down instead of up. Scavenger told Megatron instead of killing Hot Shot, that they send him back to us as a message. But I was so mad at what they did that I fired and attacked on each Decepticon. I teleported to Hot Shot's side and looked at all of them. When I looked at Megatron and Sideways I sent such a powerful psychic attack at them that it nearly turned them into scrap. While they were down, I teleported away and landed back on Earth."

Optimus looked very grave when I finished my story. The kids were also quiet and were looking very mad at what Sideways did to Hot Shot. I had a soft spot. He was like a brother to me. I would make sure that I will get revenge for what Sideways did.