The prophecy took root in each world, and each saw it, but to Middia's joy they didn't understand it at all. Arcee went with yes, she did steal, which wouldn't lead her out of her world. Bulkhead was to busy pouting in a jail cell to even attempt understanding her prophecy, and even then the Power doubted the bolts for brains 'bot could uncode it anyway. Bumblebee agreed with Arcee's decision, Middia did steal, and that still wasn't going to help them escape. Optimus still thought he could get out of the prison on his own, and dismissed the prophecy's sudden appearance as a taunting. But Ratchet, Middia knew he'd see something quite different.
When the wall behind him began to glow and the prophecy appeared Ratchet had quickly finished his tale to a chorus of complaints for another story and to keep telling them tales. Dismissing the 'bots and humans, Ratchet went to examine the prophecy.
"'A young one missing, a group in panic. Far from home, and yet battles rage. Strong and wise, one side lead by Prime. One side black, lead by child of Unicron. Black rejected, Wise in control, their universal acknowledgers keeping and sending off. And yet the median is left off, and in a huff the Middle Queen will rise. Strife and longing, the prophecy begins. The Forgotten One, she plays and gains. The Middle Queen left to us this Forgotten Prophecy, she will return, and to begin her return a child thus stolen shall give tale of her arrival. Once within, to return what was taken just follow the truth and you'll find a lie. Stolen, maybe not. Good and evil both it seems; but to get out, answer this question: Do you really think I steal?'" Slowly Ratchet repeated the prophecy, and something began dawning on him.
"Ratchet, oh wise Ratchet, could you please tell us another one of the stories." Arcee asked, fawning over him.
"Not now, Arcee." Ratchet replied, waving her away.
"But, please, Ratchet? You know how I love your stories. No one has the voice that you have, that gentle, charismatic tone that carries to each beings ear and sings like a lullaby to us."
"No Arcee." Ratchet snapped, and he knew the blue 'bot wouldn't give up until he somewhat agreed with her. "I'm trying to think up a story more magnificent then any I have already told. And when I can finish this, then no story you will ever hear after will ever compare." Arcee squealed in glee and her blue optics lit up.
"Oh really? That would be amazing!" She gushed.
"Yes yes, now would you please leave me be until I can complete my masterpiece?"
"Of course! How silly of me, so sorry to be a bother, I don't mean to intrude, I-"
"Yes yes, please go." Ratchet demanded calmly.
"Sorry, yeah, I'm going-"
"NOW!" Ratchet thundered, and Arcee raced to get away. After Arcee had taken Jack home the night before they had all embarked on this horrid little quest, Arcee had commented that Jack had told her that Mitzi had said Miko was probably having fun, considering this a grand adventure. Things were beginning to click into place.
Middia didn't steal.
Miko had agreed to go with Middia.
And, Ratchet still wasn't sure how Mitzi fit in.
"Middia! I know the secret! This is all a game, Miko was never kidnapped!" Ratchet yelled, and suddenly a girl in a bright silver cape came toward him. Shining blond hair escaped the folds of the cape, and bright blue eyes stared up at him with a serene expression. "Mitzi, how did you...?" Ratchet trailed off.
"Oh, that's not my name silly." She laughed. "Haven't you figured it out yet? You've figured everything out so far. You figured out the game, you realized the truth. Now what about me, Ratchet? How do I fit in? Why didn't you ever realize I was in the base?" Mitzi set out all the clues, and Ratchet gasped as more realizations hit home.
"You were never in the base." He whispered. "When we caught you that day, that was your first time in the Autobot base, wasn't it?"
"Keep going." Mitzi said with a smile.
"You fit in because...You're Middia."