(Optimus)
A week had gone by since Sideway's departure. And no matter what anyone did, Hot Shot was always in a very bad mood. Hot Shot always spent a lot of time in the training room, venting his anger on his targets instead of everyone else. Three Minicons had awakened in that time but we only got to one. I knew my men were all stressed and the morale was seriously low. I stayed up late into the night developing new battle strategies. It was Saturday morning when the alarm went off announcing a Minicon had woken. It was a somewhat of a marsh land. I also had a very bad feeling on how this battle would go.
(Ashley)
When they all warped to the forest, it was extremely hard to see them because of all the fog. My senses immediately pinpointed to the Minicon's location. It was then I felt the presence of the Decepticons, which set them all on high alert. I looked over at Optimus. He was staring at his surroundings with distaste.
"This battle is gonna get real ugly." I commented as I hoped that they would keep their brains with them. I watched them split into teams to get the Minicon before the Decepticons did. I sent my energy throughout the forest to find the Cons. They were scattered all over the place it would only be a matter of time before they meet up somewhere. "Keep safe guys."
They all vanished from sight. I look over in the direction that Hot Shot had disappeared to. I waited until he was far enough away before sending a burst of calm and peace to him. I feel his mind and body relax instantly.
"Keep your anger in check Hot Shot." I sent gently to him, "Don't let Sideways get the better you. If you keep your anger in check you can use it to your advantage."
I teleported to the Minicon. As I was digging it out, I could feel where the Decepticons were. Demolisher and Cyclonus were heading away from my position and Starscream was headed in my direction with Sideways. Starscream also wielded the Star Saber. But then Sideways took off in a different direction and I could feel Hot Shot chasing him. I shook my head. Megatron wasn't far away from Starscream but something felt really wrong. Leader One is slowly heading to Starscream as well. I looked into Megatron's mind quickly before he can sense me.
What he was planning was shocking to me. Then I felt immense hatred and rage at Megatron once I saw what else he had done to Starscream. I grabbed the Minicon and race to Starscream. I'm almost got to him when I could feel Scavenger's presence. He too had seen Leader One heading to Starscream's position. I turned a corner and nearly ran into Starscream's leg. I hid the Minicon before tapping him on the leg.
"Starscream." I whispered to him, trying to catch only his attention.
He hears my whisper and looks down to see me. I can see the shocked expression on his face when he realizes who was whispering at him. I quickly put a finger to my mouth so he'll know to be quiet. He leans down and I send him images and info I had taken from Megatron.
"Why are you helping me? Why would you care what happens to me?" He asked, a little confused as to why the 'good guy' was helping the 'bad guy'.
Starscream didn't deserve to be treated this way, no matter who he was. I also sent him images of what I'd been through. Now that I knew I could see the signs that should've been so obvious to me. I just didn't see them because I cared nothing for him.
"Megatron just wants the Saber. I think it's better off with you. You are more skillful when it comes to swords. Go to the north, none of your teammates are there."
And with that, I grabbed the Minicon and teleported myself to Optimus' position. As I wait for the others I can feel Scavenger looking at me through the fog. I can sense contentment radiating off of him. I knew he heard what I said to Starscream. I did my best to not look in his direction but this only served to confuse me more then before. I watched Smokescreen and Hot Shot drive up but the Decepticons were following them. Megatron looked pissed and Starscream looked around before he spotted me in the trees. He gave me a faint smile. I smile back at him.
The only Decepticon I couldn't see was Scavenger. My senses suddenly went haywire as I searched. Before anyone could do anything a blast was sounded behind us. I moved further away from the fight. I found myself to be staring into the optics of Scavenger. I searched Scavenger's mind but still found a strong mental block from letting me enter. I clawed out his optic. He cried out and started reaching for me. I brought my claws out and I saw fear in his eyes. I threw the Minicon at him and gave myself four deep cuts in my abdomen. He understood what I was doing and dipped four of his claws in my blood. I smiled at him and he smiled back.
I knew I was taking a big risk with this but I felt this was the only choice I had. I warped to a tree where both sides could see me. All the Autobots were shocked when they saw my condition. Hot Shot and Smokescreen were looking at the Decepticons trying to figure out who did it but they were all surprised at my condition too. They all jumped when Scavenger came out of the trees with a proud look on his face. His optic was leaking fluid all over him.
"Megatron! I have the Minicon and I also wounded their human pet."
Megatron looked proud at Scavenger and admired the blood stains on his hands. The Autobots looked mutinous. Optimus looked down at me and I refused to look at him. He continued to stare but after a couple minutes of getting no reply from me he turned back to the Cons.
"Decepticons! Retreat!"
(Optimus)
I barely watched as they warped away. We immediately warped back to base to take care of our wounds. As soon as we got there, the kids were there to offer condolences. I was barely coherent enough to talk but I could hear the rants Hot Shot and Smokescreen were doing about what they were going to do to Scavenger the next time they'd see him.
I was having a hard time wondering what had happened with Ashley and Scavenger. I knew she did something but I knew I wouldn't be able to get it out of Ashley. I needed some quiet time to think. I was in the command center when the alarm went off about someone approaching the base. Red Alert brought up the monitor and it showed Scavenger. The others wanted to go out and trash him but I surprised everyone by telling Red Alert to let him in. Everyone stood there stunned as Red Alert did as he was told.
Within minutes, Scavenger was standing in the command center next to me. Smokescreen and Hot Shot had looks of distrust on their faces. Red Alert stood off to the side with an emotionless face. I explained that Scavenger was a spy and had been working under my orders. When I was done speaking, a bright, red insignia appeared on Scavenger's chest. He nodded to all of us. No one spoke for quite a while.
After Rad, Alexis, Billy and Carlos went home I decided that I needed some fresh air. I walked out of the base. I went up to the ledge and stood there as the sun was setting. I closed my optics and listened to my surroundings. It always soothed my nerves when they were frazzled.
To anyone who hides behind a smile
To anyone who holds their pains inside
To anyone who thinks they're not good enough
To anyone who feels unworthy of love
To anyone who ever closed the door
Closed their eyes and locked themselves away
I slowly opened my optics when I heard that soft voice lifting from the forest.
You don't have to hide
You don't have to hide anymore
You don't have to face this on your own
You don't have to hide anymore
I followed after the musical melody knowing who it was at once.
So come out, come out, come out, wherever you are
To anyone who's trying to cover up their scars
To anyone who's made a big mistake
We've all been there, so don't feel ashamed
Come out, Come out and join the rest of us
You've been alone for way too long
I walked quietly hoping I wouldn't disturb her.
You don't have to hide
You don't have to hide anymore
You don't have to face this on your own
You don't have to hide anymore
I remembered our conversation at the base.
And if you feel like no one understands
Come to the One with scars on His hands
'Cause He knows where you are, where you've been
His scars will heal you if you let Him
I knew who she was singing about.
You don't have to hide
You don't have to hide anymore
You don't have to face this on your own
You don't have to hide anymore (Hide, Joy Williams)
When she finished her song I quietly watched her. I had the feeling she knew I was here but yet I didn't feel like talking. Hot Shot and Smokescreen were heading up to the ledge when she started to sing again. They stopped when I motioned them to be quiet. They made their way down quietly before sitting on the ground listening to the heavenly music.
I've been thinking lately about you
When it hit me from nowhere, out of the gray
Everything's been coming together
I had the feeling that she'd be leaving us soon.
Now that I've moved beyond myself
And wrapped my head around something else
To search for the other that she knows is out there.
It's not about me, it's gotta be about you
All I wanna see is who you're turning me into
I will not forget that you said you'd always lead me through
To who I wanna be, making every part of me about you
Why she hadn't left yet was unknown to me.
I've been spending too much time disconnected
I was searching for perfection inside myself
But I finally turned away form my reflection
A rock tumbling down the ledge made me turn to see Scavenger standing there.
I saw your world outside my door
And everything I've been looking for
He wasn't staring at us but where Ashley was hiding in the trees.
It's not about me, it's gotta be about you
All I wanna see is who you're turning me into
I will not forget that you said you'd always lead me through
To who I wanna be, making every part of me about you
The expression on his face was blank so I had no idea what he was thinking.
So I'll lay down my pride, 'cause you laid down your life
And I'm giving up all that's holding me back
And clinging to you
And you'll lead me through
'Cause you always do
I would have to say he was either enjoying the music or studying it.
I will not forget that you said you'd always lead me through
To who I wanna be, making every part of me about you
I turned back to Ashley hoping she wouldn't mind the audience.
It's not about me, it's gotta be about you
All I wanna see is who you're turning me into
I will not forget that you said you'd always lead me through
To who I wanna be, making every part of me about you (About You, ZOEgirl from Life)
When she finished I was surprised to hear the sound of clapping. I turned to find Hot Shot and Smokescreen watching her. I knew they had been listening but I had been hoping they wouldn't give us away. I had the feeling they had wanted to talk to her about today. It was also easy to tell they didn't know Scavenger was behind us. Hot Shot was the one to start the conversation.
"How is it you can trust him after what he did to me and you, Ashley?"
"Every time I saw Scavenger I always felt very confused. I wanted to figure him out before I did something. Your fight with him helped me a bit. Even today when I gave him the Minicon I didn't know if it was a good idea."
"But how could you do such a thing? Giving the Minicon to him?"
"I felt that it was something I needed to do. And my actions were justified. If I hadn't sacrificed the Minicon then Megatron would've known something was up. You should also know guys I don't regret doing anything. Everything I did was what I thought would work out best."
I do know that Hot Shot left with different feelings for Scavenger but Smokescreen was still a little wary of him. He would have to learn to work with him though. After they left I watched the full moon come out. Scavenger was still standing in the same place. I knew it would be best to leave them. I nodded to Scavenger as I walked past. He nodded back with a smile before heading down towards the trees.
(Ashley)
"I heard you talking with the boys. I also wanted to talk to you." A voice came.
I knew without a doubt it was Scavenger. He had taken longer then I thought he would be.
"What did you want to talk about?" I turned slightly to look at him directly.
"How did you know if you could trust me?"
"I didn't."
"I heard a lot of stories about you from the Decepticons but have not heard a single word from my own teammates. Why is that?"
"I don't trust anyone"
"Not even Prime?"
"If you want to know my story then you'll have to earn my trust just like everyone else. The only one who knows the whole story is Optimus. Besides it makes it easier when I leave. No one will miss me."
"How do you know that?"
"Know what?"
"That they won't miss you?"
I stared out into the dark forest. Truth was I knew they would miss me. It was my feelings I was more worried about. I took about twenty minutes before I finally answered him.
"I'm protecting my heart more then theirs."
"Can you sing for me?"
I look up at the moon and suddenly I forget Scavenger was even there. I see the moon and it reminds of the freedom that I now have but not for all the others who are still suffering. I shouldn't care about my future until I'm ready for it. I should care about how I live today. Singing always made me think about my mother.
Sittin'
in my room staring at the wall
Wonderin' about the meaning of it
all
Why is it this thing called life
Has got me goin'
crazy
So I open up your word and let it speak to me
The
purpose and the plan that you've designed
Is clear to see, and I
believe
I'm gonna live for today
I'm gonna follow in your
way
I'm gonna let my little light shine
Like there's no
tomorrow
I won't worry about the past
I know my future is
intact
So I'll choose to live my life one way
I'm gonna
live it for today
You told me not to worry
About what lies
ahead
So I am gonna focus on today instead
Making every moment
count and counting
Every single blessing
I'm gonna set my
mind on the
Here and the now
This is what I want my life to be
about
And this is how
I'm
gonna live for today
I'm gonna follow in your way
I'm gonna
let my little light shine
Like there's no tomorrow
I won't
worry about the past
I know my future is intact
So I'll
choose to live my life one way
I'm gonna live it for today
My
oh so crazy life
It's got me spinnin' round and round
Hanging
upside down
Takin' one step at a time
Holding your hand all
the way
And it'll be okay
I'm
gonna live for today
I'm gonna follow in your way
I'm gonna
let my little light shine
Like there's no tomorrow
I won't
worry about the past
I know my future is intact
So I'll
choose to live my life one way
I'm gonna live it for today (Live
for Today, Natalie Grant from Awaken)
As soon as I finished I looked to Scavenger. He was smiling but staring up at the sky. I looked back at the moon. I closed my eyes but could feel my other thoughts taking over.
I shouldn't be here with him. I was doing the one thing I had tried so hard to ignore. I had let someone else in my heart. My armor slowly started coming out. I felt Scavenger shift a bit and I could feel his unease now. I looked back up at him.
"Leave." I told him in a no-nonsense tone.
Scavenger looked at me strangely. He continued to stare at me until I brought my claws out. His optics widened a bit before he scrambled away from me.
"Ashley what's wrong?"
"I said leave. I won't make this same mistake. I don't want you here. I don't want anyone here!"
"Ashley we could help you. You won't have to be alone." The mech tried to reason.
I let out a piercing scream that caused Scavenger to jump back a couple feet. Fire flickered on my armor. He'd be just like Danny. I couldn't trust anyone.
"I don't want your help. I don't want your comfort. And I don't want your friendship."
"That's not true Ashley. I know you want it but you're afraid we're gonna leave like everyone else in your life."
"Then I guess I have a good reason to not want you around."
"Ashley, don't do this."
I looked to him and then teleported further into the forest. I sat down in my meadow. I let my armor retract and let the tears start falling. I could hear Scavenger calling out my name but it was easy to block him out.
(Optimus)
"Tell me what's bothering you." I nodded to Scavenger, hoping he would enlighten me as to what was annoying him so.
"I can see why she doesn't trust any of you." The other mech muttered.
I knew at once what he had tried to accomplish. I was beginning to think it was gonna be a lost hope to gain her trust.
"Could you figure her out at all?" I asked, curious if he could get more answers to the enigma that hung around our base.
"I have some theories. My first one would be she gave her heart to someone and it ended badly. I summed up two things could've happened that made her not trust anyone. My first guess would is that person betrayed her."
"I think that's the best bet. Even though she knows our intentions are good she still won't have anything to do with this. What's the second one?"
"That person died and left her all alone. Whether this person was killed or did the deed themselves is unknown. Either way it hurt her in more ways than even she can understand." Scavenger informed.
"Would it have been worse if she loved this person? She gave her heart to this person and they broke it."
"Yeah that would've made it worse. It's gonna be hard work but I think we'll be able to get that trust."
"We've gotten through with the first step, breaking through to her."
"That is a good step. She at least knows we care. We've also gotten her to think about this as well. I'd wager that we'll most likely be seeing her more often now. I've got my work cut out for me."
"Are you planning on calling him in?"
"If worst comes to worst then I probably will."
"What's the worst that could happen?"
"She could get violent with us."
"How's he supposed to help with that?"
"You know what he's capable of."
"That's what worries me. Seeing her react to you is something I don't want to repeat."
"She was self harming herself wasn't she?"
"I don't think she knew what she was doing."
"Well, the only thing we can do now is wait. She has to make the next move."
"How it goes is what I'm afraid of."