My Darkside

For those of you who had already read this chapter, the fan she uses is like Temari's fan from Naruto.

No….no….I'm not….a….MONSTER! I don't….hurt….SARI! Rachael flew up in her bed. She felt around. She was in bed, in her room, in Sumdac Tower….she was safe. "Oh my god…" she breathed. She looked at her calendar. It had two different colored x's on the dates – green and blue. Blue was used on all days of the month. Green was marked on only a few days. "This is Night number ten." She wheezed, referring to the green. "Oh my god…" Often times, Rachael would wake up in the middle of the night. Sweating, panting, hyperventilating – her nightmares were something fierce. When she would calm down, she would see her bed torn and tattered. Her claws would be protruding from her fingers and toes, her bed cloth sticking to them. Oh…come on…you've got to keep a lid on your anger. You know what happens. She glared at her claws, almost feeling disgusted with herself. Why did you do this to me? She heard her door opening. She hurried and pretended to go back to sleep.

"Rachael?" Sumdac whispered, peering through the door. He looked around the room, seeing Rachael asleep and in her torn up bed. He let out a sigh, "Not again." he gently closed the door behind him and walked over to her. He sat on the side of the bed so he could have a better view of her face. He moved the hair from her face, gazing at the young teen. He traced a finger down her cheek. "Rachael," he whispered, "How I wish I never had to do this to you." he kissed her forehead, "I will find a way to fix this." He sauntered for the doorway. He took another look at Rachael and exited the room.

Rachael sat up, gazing at the door with pleading eyes. "Uncle Isaac," she croaked in her mind. She pushed her hair back, I hate seeing you like this. She clenched her hand into a fist and declared, "I've got to show him this doesn't bother me. That I CAN control and adapt to this form he injected into me. I've been like this for three years. Time to show him he was in the right. She retracted her claws and leaned back into her pillow, folding her arms behind her head. Anything to make sure him and Sari don't worry. She gawked at one of her hands. First things first: I need to keep my temper in check.

It was 10:00 in the morning. Rachael woke up, checking to make sure her claws were retracted. They were. Knock, knock, knock. "Yes." The door opened to an excited Sari. She pounced on Rachael, causing the two to tumble out of the bed. "I assume you have an explanation for attacking me." Rachael groaned.

"I DO, I DO," She cheered jumping up and down, "Prowl and Optimus agreed to teach me how to fight!"

"THEY WHAT?" She shouted. She sprang to her closet. She threw on a black skirt, high neck halter top, short blue jacket, and black boots. She put her gloves in the jacket pockets. "They're going to teach you how to fight?"

"Yeah," Sari answered warily, "Is that bad?"

Rachael brushed out her hair, looking back at Sari through the mirror. Rachael could see that if she said no, Sari would be mad at her for months on end. However the thought of two story robots teaching her how to fight didn't exactly sit well with her either. "Okay," She sighed, "Let me hear what Optimus has to say and I'll give you an answer." Sari smiled and nodded. "Now how about I give you a lift?"

"I can fly with you?"

"If you want." Sari leaped onto her back, wrapping her arms around Rachael's neck. "Careful. I can't fly if I can't breathe."

O (O) O (O) O (O) O (O) O

"Rachael and Sari, good to see you two," Optimus greeted from the couch.

"Hey Optimus, Guys," Rachael waved back. The bots waved back while Prowl snorted and turned away. "You're still here?" she hissed at the ninja bot.

"You're still breathing?" he snapped back.

"Let's not start off the morning with an argument, shall we?" Ratchet suggested. Prowl and Rachael stuck their tongues out at each other and looked away. Ratchet slapped his forehead, I swear, the two of you are so in love with each other, it's a crime. "What's up kid, you look like you wanted to say something." Ratchet addressed Rachael.

"Oh yeah!" she remembered. "Sari told me you guys want to teach her how to fight."

"Yes," Optimus answered, "After the recent attacks, it's imperative that Sari knows how to defend herself."

Prowl knelt down to Sari, "we won't always be there to protect you. And if you're Rachael, that's a guarantee." She threw pillow at him, it missed and nailed Sari, "See what I mean." He smirked at the mutant.

She stuck her tongue out and went back to Optimus. "Optimus, are you sure teaching a nine year old how to fight is safe?"

"Whether it's safe or not, Prowls right," Optimus declared, "Sari has to learn how to defend herself."

"How's she going to do that with Prowl as her teacher," He kicked at her only to hit Ratchet in the knee. "See what I mean." She laughed. "Okay, she can learn," Rachael agreed. Sari jumped up and down with excitement. "BUT," Sari stopped, "I need to be around. Understand?" Sari nodded wildly. "Okay…let the training begin."

Rachael decided it would be good if she were more prepared to fight robots as well. While Prowl and Bulkhead helped sari, Optimus, ratchet and Bumblebee took Rachael. "Okay Rachael, because of recent events, you need to know how to dodge and jump back from an attack." he instructed. Ratchet took a corner of the living room. Bumblebee took the other. Optimus stood in front of her. They surrounded her in a triangle. "Now we won't be as rough as the Decepticons, but we won't be gentle either." Rachael drew a fan. "You ready?"

"Yep." Ratchet fired his magnets. Rachael pulled up her fan and blocked it. Bumblebee shot next. Rachael sprang from the ground and took flight. Optimus swung his ax. Rachael back flipped out of the way. She folded the fan and swung it like a hammer. Optimus caught it with his wrist. Ratchet came along side and threw a punch. Barely, Rachael managed to bring her fan up and blocked the punch. It sent her flying into Bumblebee. He snapped his arms around her, holding her in place. Ratchet aimed at her. Rachael dropped her fan, pushed her hands up, and slide out of bumblebees hold. Ratchet's blast hit Bumblebee in the chest. "HA!" She laughed.

"Okay…okay," Bumblebee rasped, "I officially declare Rachael the winner and demand we go see Sari."

"Aw," Rachael whined, "But I haven't even broken a sweat yet."

"Even so, I would prefer not to be broken," Bumblebee said, dusting himself off.

"Come on kid, even I've taken harder hits than that." Ratchet commented.

"Well no offense ratchet, but you're old. The last time you've probably taken a hit like that was, what, a million stellar cycles ago."

"It was fifty, and I'm still young enough to teach an infantile bot a thing or two!" he roared.

Optimus got in between them. "Okay enough!" he ordered. "Bumblebee's right, we should go see how Sari's doing."

They managed to arrive in the training room to see Sari do a kick to Prowls leg, only to fall on her rear. Rachael couldn't help but laugh. Sari scowled at her. Prowl put a hand to his head in annoyance. "Sari you have to put a little more effort into it."

"I'm trying," she winced, "It's kind of hard. I don't exactly fight for a hobby."

"Well you'll have to try harder!" he said firmly, "At this rate you couldn't fight a toaster." Sari put her hands behind her back.

"Take it easy Prowl," Bumblebee pleaded, "she doesn't have mechanically built body parts like us."

"Or padded bumpers," Sari said, rubbing her butt.

"Or genetically altered muscle," Rachael inputted. "Other than that, how long have been working out Sari?"

Sari looked up at the clock. She added the time they arrived and when Rachael Okayed her to start training. "It's been about two hours now."

"Then I say we take a break," Bulkhead suggested, "Let's watch some TV or something." Prowl and Optimus crossed their arms and exchanged questioning glances. "Come on, we've all been on edge lately, and now we're making two young girls paranoid about evil bots they barely know about." He listed. "Relaxing may not be such a bad thing."

"He's right," Ratchet agreed, "Rest and relaxation are best for bots and people in training."

"Then it's settled," Bumblebee chimed. "We chill out, pick out a movie, and relax."

Sumdac was back in his lab, working on the Head of Megatron. He had gone through five glasses of tea in the last hour. Recreating Megatrons head was taking a lot of his energy. But he didn't care. He wanted to finish his friends head. "You've made great progress since the Autobots and Rachael started spending time together," Megatron commented.

"Yes. Thanks to Rachael, Sari is out of the house most of the time. This enables me to get more work done. Although I do miss having her around." He hammered on a piece of metal, smoothing out the edges. "She and Rachael both provide excellent conversation."

"Speaking of Rachael, I see you returned that day with minimal damage. Did you tame the beast within her?"

"Of course not," Sumdac chuckled, "she tamed herself." He began welding the piece to Megatrons head. When he finished, be blew on the hot metal, trying to cool it down. "I would even go so far as to say she has always been tame. She just had to muster the strength to hold back."

"But now here's my question," Megatron pressed. Sumdac set down his tools. The atmosphere went from pleasant to tense in an instant. "Why would such a powerful demon such as her be benevolent to the man who created her?"

"Because no matter what I may or may not have done, Rachael was never one to stay angry at the ones she loves!" he declared sternly. "Sure she may feel hurt…but that isn't enough to make her turn on me."

He turned off the lights and stomped out of the lab, leaving Megatron in the dark. "Hmm," he purred, "then what would it take?"

V(V)V(V)V(V)V

Rachael and Sari put on the Matrix movie. They found the Autobots reaction towards it hysterical. During the movie, Bumblebee would play Neo and Prowl would play Morpheus. They would role play the fight between the two characters. Rachael and Sari would fall back laughing when Bumblebee would try to run up the wall and do a backflip. Prowl would upstage him and do the flip. As expected, he landed it every time. Rachael inadvertently watched as Prowl mimicked Morpheus. In a way, Prowl's just like him. Only…more…Her thoughts were interrupted by her cell phone ringing. She scrambled to answer it. "Hello…Hi Uncle Isaac…Yeah she's here…Okay…okay…we'll be there." She hung up the phone, "Sari, dad wants you home. I'll give you a lift."

"Why now?" she complained. "Can't he wait, the movies just getting good."

"He said something about you agreeing to work on your studies if you ever want to go to the water park this weekend?" She smirked.

Sari fell silent and slapped her head. "Oh man…I hate that stupid teacher bot. He makes everything seem so dull."

Rachael stood and stretched. "Well, I suggest you get some coffee and energy drinks, because it sounds like you're going to be learning for a while." She quipped. She pointed to her back, telling Sari to get on. "Okay, you guys can keep the movie, we'll pick it up tomorrow."

"YES!" Bumblebee screamed. "This time Prowl, I get to be Morpheus."

"Morpheus or Neo, I can kick your skid plate any day of the week." Prowl boasted.

"He's got a point," Rachael admitted, hovering in the air, "Besides Bumblebee," she edged more to the door, "You look more like Mouse."

"WHAT!" Rachael bolted out the door, her and Sari laughing at the fuming bot. Bumblebee ran outside and shouted, "Come back here and say that to my metal plated face."

Prowl was stifling a laugh. He leaned against the wall with his arms folded. She's really something, he thought, pretty too…then he slapped himself. Did he just think an organic was pretty. Ratchet saw this and smirked. "You know Prowl, there's nothing wrong with having feeling for a human?" Ratchet informed.

"Excuse me," He replied, annoyed by the comment.

"You and Rachael," he grinned, "I mean…it's obvious that you like her." Prowls jaw dropped. "Although I must admit…you're the first bot to ever fall for an organic."

Prowl threw a finger in his face, "Let's get one thing straight," he hissed, "I do not care about that…that…malpractice…ugh." He stomped out of the room and slammed his door.

"What's up with him?" Bulkhead asked.

"Nothing that he would care to admit," Ratchet shrugged. "Oh well. Let's get back to this Matrix movie. I'm rather interested in those agents they have appearing everywhere."

!

Prowl hid up in the tree in his room, scowling at the arriving sunset. "Why would I care about her?" he mumbled to himself. "She's a demon organic, I'm a ninja bot. I'd be better off with that lady bot Arcee. At least she's pleasant enough to be around…" he trailed off, letting his head hit the tree. "And yet…Rachael…reminds me of me." He sighed. "Even though no one helps her, she still helps others." He dropped his head. "Rachael…"

$%$%$%$%$%$%$

"Okay Sari, I'm going to go check on your dad and see about getting you a few shakes from the Burger Bot."

"Three extra-large vanilla shakes, PLEASE!" She rasped hysterically.

"We'll see," Rachael giggled. She plugged in the teach bot and Sari took a seat on her bed. When Rachael left she heard a buzz saw down the hallway. "Is he still working?" she muttered to herself. She walked up to the door. "Isaac," she called knocking on the door. The buzzing and welding continued. "Come on out Uncle of mine, we need to talk." The noise continued. A voice was heard. Rachael put her ear to the door. Just ignore her…but I can't…you must…what if it's important…she can wait. "Isaac? Are you alright?" she heard tools be set down and backed away from the door. Isaac answered the door and Rachael was shocked. His eyes were red, the black rings under his eyes were blacker – if that's possible, and he was sweating through his shirt. "That's it, you're going with me!" she declared.

"Going with you where?"

"We're going to burger bot, you and Sari are getting energy food, and you young man," she put her finger on his nose, "Are going straight to bed afterwards."

"Wait a minute," he said with his hands up, "I'm the adult here, I'm the one who gives the orders."

"Not when you're working yourself to exhaustion you aren't." she pulled him by the collar and shoved him down the hall. "Now, I'm going to grab Sari. I'm going to need her help. You are going to the garage and starting up the car."

"But-"

"Now!" Isaac stuck out his under lip and sauntered for the garage. Rachael put a hand to her forehead in annoyance. "This man is going to kill himself one of these days."

T&T&T&T&T

In a cave on Dinobot Island, someone in particular would love to see the death of the Sumdac's. And that was Prometheus Black – former employee of Sumdac Systems, now turned into Meltdown. "ARG!" he roared slamming his fist into a wall. Seeing as how his hands burned through anything and everything, he tried to steer clear of the technology. "How is it that you can come up with new tech but always seem to lack guinea pigs for us to test them on?" he barked at his small gray assistant.

"Well it isn't my fault that you decided to move to an island with a zero human population." Syrus snapped.

Meltdown threw his fist at Grey. The small gray man jumped out of the way. "Such anger," Chortled another voice, "And they say patience is a virtue."

"Unless you have any helpful suggestions," he said calmly at first, then raised his voice, "KEPP YOUR DOWN MOUTH SHUT STARSCREAM."

The Con folded his arm nonchalantly. "Then it's a good thing I did speak, because I happen to have a good candidate for you to test you choker on." Meltdown locked his gaze onto Starscream, demanding that he continued. Starscream walked up to the computer panel, pressed a few keys, and a picture of Sari came up. Meltdown's eyes went wide. "I take it you know this young organic?"

"You better believe I do," he snarled. "Her father is the bane of my existence." He slapped his hands together, "this'll be a good way to have my vengeance. The only problem is, I wouldn't be able to get close enough. And an acid man walking down 5th boulevard isn't exactly inconspicuous."

"Luckily, we happen to be on an island with dinobot inhabitants. Send one of them to pick her up," Starscream suggested, "But do it when the city's dark."

O*O*O*O*O

After finishing her food and studies, Sari went to her room. Though exhausted, she was still excited about the ninja moves Prowl taught her. She was boxing with her reflection, pretending it was a decepticon. "Take that you grease bucket," she kicked out, "Take that alien scum," three more punches. She caught her breath and said, "I'll deal with you in the morning."

"Yes you will," Rachael said, leaning in the door way. "Now get into bed kiddo, Prowl probably has more planned for you tomorrow." Sari pounced on her bed, letting Rachael tuck her in. "You good." Sari nodded. "Good." Rachael went to the balcony.

"Where are you going?" Sari asked with concern.

"I'm going for a midnight flight. I need to clear my head a bit." Sari brought her knees up to her chest, putting her chin onto her knees. "Don't worry, I'll be back in the morning. I promise." Sari halfheartedly smiled and laid her head down on the pillows. She watched Rachael extend her wings. Rachael looked back at her, seeing Sari's pleading eyes. Rachael smiled tenderly at her, "I will come back this time. I promise Sari." She leaped from the balcony and began to soar through the night sky.

"I hope you do."

U*U*U*U*U*U

The next morning, Rachael came tearing through the sky. "Oh man," she cursed herself. She looked at her watch. "I said morning and I end up coming back at twelve in the afternoon. Sari and Isaac are going to make me hang from the ceiling for this." (Sirens blaring) "What?" Rachael looked down. Police cars were tearing down the streets, heading towards Sumdac systems. Rachael flew down and landed on a police car.

When it arrived, Rachael saw a whole swat team of cops going in and out, searching the entire building. "Sari…" she whispered. Rachael sped in.

Inside were the Auto bots, Captain Fanzone and Sumdac. Sumdac was pacing back-n-forth with anxiety. Apparently Sari was kidnapped the other night. "I'm so confused," he rasped, "who would take Sari?" Sumdac grieved.

"Dats why we're here professor?" Fanzone replied.

"ISAAC!" Rachael rammed past the crowd of cops. "UNCLE ISAAC!"

"Rachael," he breathed. She ran up and hugged him. "Rachael I'm so glad you're okay."

"Where have you been?" Prowl scolded, "We've been looking all over for you."

"I went for a late night flight," she said swiftly. She took a quick look around. Police were looking at surveillance taps, questioning people, and looking around. "What's going on?"

"Somebody came and kidnapped Sari last night." Bumblebee said.

"WHAT!" She shrieked. Rachael put a hand to her forehead, hyperventilating. I never should have gone flying. She cursed herself. If she would have stayed home, Sari might not have been kidnapped. Or probably worse. As she clenched a fist, she could feel her claws protruding into her skin. No…i can't think about that. She needed to keep her mind clear. "Who took her?"

"We don't know dat yet," Fanzone said, putting his cell phone inside his shirt. He leaned in dangerously close to Rachael's face, "But I have a hunch."

"Reaallly," she backed away, laughing nervously, "Which is…?"

Fanzone walked over to a computer and pushed a button, "Well let's see," he played a video showing Sari being carried off by something with wings. The Autobots exchanged worried glances. As did Rachael and Sumdac did the same, only both were skeptical. Fanzone however was completely sure as to who it was. He invaded Rachael's personal space. "Now who do we know around here who has wings like dat?" He asked accusingly.

"Wait-wait-wait," Rachael backed away into Primes leg. He cocked a giant eye at her. "What-why-how could you-why would I kidnap Sari?" she sputtered heatedly. "How do we know Prowl didn't strap on some wings and take her?"

Prowl dropped his jaw. "Why would I take her?" he asked feeling insulted. "And more importantly how could i?"

"You took my bracelet off my wrist, in the middle of the day, while I was asleep on the couch, and managed to put it back on, all without me waking up," she sassed, "And you're asking me how you could take an eight year old from her balcony window."

"You seem to forget that I would have to scale 50 stories worth of marble plated metal in order to reach her." he said matter of factly.

"You're the best ninja around," she replied haughtily, "I'm sure you could pull it off."

Prowl was taken aback. Does she really think I'm the best? "Alright," Fanzone declared, getting between them, "before we point fingers, let's get some stories straight." He took out a recorder and held it up to Rachael. "Now, Rachael Sumdac, can you account for your whereabouts yesterday before Sari Sumdac was kidnapped?"

"I can," she answered confidently, "Sari and I were with the Autobots watching movies. Isaac wanted her home to do school work, so I flew her home."

"It's true," Sumdac defended. He pulled out his phone and showed Fanzone the caller I.D. "I called her and saw her bring Sari home."

"Okay," Fanzone jotted down some notes, "What next?"

Rachael pulled out a Burger bot receipt she left in her skirt pocket, and handed it to Fanzone. "I bought them some food and Sari three vanilla shakes."

"Why three?" Bumblebee and Bulkhead asked.

"She needed the energy," she said in monotone.

"Then what?" Fanzone pressed.

Rachael put a hand to chin thoughtfully, "Then it got late, I put Sari to bed, and went for a late night flight." She shrugged. "I got back ten minutes ago."

"And why were you out so late young lady?" Sumdac scolded with his hands on his hips and tapping his foot on the ground.

Rachael put her two index fingers together and said, "I didn't want to tear up my room again. So I went flying and found myself spending the night at a hotel." She pulled at her skirt, "The hotel gave me a robe to change into so I could wash my clothes too." Her face flushed, "The bell boy was so sweet." Prowl stuck out his tongue, making gagging sounds.

"So let me get dis straight," Fanzone said, turning off the recorder and reviewing side notes he took, "You decided – because you didn't want to tear up da room – that you would go flying in da middle of da night, stay at a random hotel, and come back later the next day?" he assessed skeptically.

"That's the byline of it." Fanzone continued to stare at her with a doubtful gaze. "What? You believe I took her?"

"You did attack me and my boys, tried to kill Sumdac." Fanzone pointed out.

"That was four months ago you stupid doughnut eater!" Rachael snapped, her eyes becoming slits. She was stomping for him. Sumdac grabbed her arm and held her back. He patted her on the shoulder, trying to keep her calm. With a few deep breaths, Rachael's eyes returned to normal.

"What about da ambassador from Mexico who visited us last month?" Fanzone continued to ask.

"He ate my sushi," She explained through gritted teeth. "He deserved that squid down his pants," she explained. "I know I can be violent at times, but I would never hurt Sari." She declared firmly. Prowl rubbed his chin thoughtfully. He wasn't entirely sure if he believed her, or maybe…he diverted his gaze when he saw Rachael glance up at him. "You don't believe me!" she said with disbelief.

"No, I do," he stammered, "it's just-"

"Prowl you totally don't believe me," she cried.

"It's not that I don't believe you," he reiterated, "it's just -"

"You don't trust me." She sighed, interrupting him.

"I find you questionable," Prowl admitted, "Sometimes your demon half has a bad habit of showing itself."

"Oh like you don't have a darkside ninja bot," she turned to leave. Then took one more glance up at him, "You know what, I would love to see you transmuted into a mutant and your people see you as a freak and question your integrity." She believes herself a freak? Prowl cried in his head. He looked around. As far as he knew, no human had the abilities she had. None of them had wings, claws, fangs, nothing. As Rachael neared the exit, Fanzone blocked the door, "Move it Jelly roll!" she barked.

"I'm afraid I can't do dat," he declared taciturnly, "You're a suspect in an ongoing investigation."

"I said move," she repeated, ignoring his statement.

"LOOK," He boomed, "You say you're innocent, I say you're guilty." Figures! Rachael spat in her mind. "Here it's guilty until proven innocent," Rachael cocked an eyebrow. That's not how it is. "But innocent or guilty, it makes no difference to me. You're going to help us find Sari." He declared. "Whoever took Sari maybe tough, even for these here machines." She gestured to them. Rachael remembered their fight with Blitzwing and Lugnut not that long ago. They were a force to be reckoned with. "Do you really want them hurt?" Fanzone asked, trying to get sympathy.

Rachael scoffed humorously. "I'm not helping you or that piece of shit scrap metal," she snapped at prowl, "He can go and rust for all I care." Prowl blue optics moved down. The statement hurt him deeply.

As she passed Fanzone, he grabbed her arm, "Fine, da ninja bot can rust," Rachael yanked her arm back. Fanzone set his hands on her shoulders, "But are ya gonna let Sari get killed." Rachael's eyes widened. She'd kill herself if anything happens to Sari. She shook her head.

Optimus wasn't even close to believing Rachael was the culprit. If Rachael wanted to hurt Sari, she would have done it the first moment she arrived in Detroit. He went over to the security computers and reviewed the images that were taken. Something stood out. "Wait!" Optimus Urged, "can you clear up the image?"

"Why?" Fanzone questioned.

"Something doesn't seem right," he stated inquiringly, "it's hard to see, but whatever has Sari…doesn't appear to look like Rachael." Everyone moved to the computer. As one of the policemen began clearing up the picture, Rachael landed on Bulkheads shoulder and saw what was on the screen. It was a dinosaur. No…a dinosaur bot, "It's a dinobot." Optimus declared.

"What?" Bulkhead whispered guiltily.

"Well looks like I'm innocent," she said sarcastically to Prowl. He was more focused on the image. To focused, even for him. She leaped onto his shoulder and looked accusingly into his optics. "Is there something I should know?" Rachael asked.

"Where would you like me to start?" He asked.

"How about you tell me about the robotic Pteranodon that just flew away with my little cousin?"

Prowl made sure Optimus, ratchet and Bumblebee didn't notice, and pulled Bulkhead over into a corner with him and Rachael. "The only thing that we can tell you is that they are supposed to be destroyed and weren't." Prowl admitted shamefully. "That's the illusion we came up with anyway."

"So you've been lying to Optimus," Rachael smirked, "And yet you question my integrity?"

"That's not the issue here!" Prowl snapped back.

"Yeah," Bulkhead agreed, "The issue is the dino's. How we're going to deal with them and get Sari back."

As the three spoke in their huddled group, Fanzone had an ear turned to them. Interesting…he thought. "Captain Fanzone, do you want us to look for leads," asked on officer.

"No…" he trailed off, scratching his mustache, "But I think I just got a lead." He said.

Back on Dinobot Island, Sari was put in another room upon arrival. She was frightened so badly that she fell unconscious. Meltdown, Starscream, and Syrus were back at the monitor. They had tapped into the cameras in Sumdac Tower. Meltdown let out a hearty laugh. "SHE'S PERFECT!" He boomed.

"Who is?" asked Starscream, moving closer to the computer.

"The niece of Isaac Sumdac," Meltdown purred. "I must say, the little lady has grown quite a bit since the last time I saw her."

Starscream was interested and watched with the Meltdown. When he saw who he was looking at, Starscream was confused. "I know her," he said.

"You do?"

"Yes," he sneered. "I ran into while I was flying to meet Blitzwing and Lugnut. "Oh what was her name?" he asked, tapping his cheek thoughtfully. "…Rochelle…Raumel…?"

"Rachael," Meltdown corrected.

"Yes," he replied with doubt in his voice. This must be some human glitch, He thought, she fell to her doom. I made sure of it. He watched as Rachael left with Prowl and Bulkhead, leaving the other Autobots. "I'll have to be sure to reconcile this mistake."

G^G^G^G^G^G

As the barge docked onto the island, Rachael couldn't help but feel like she should let out a huge roar. But she suppressed the urge, Seeing as how the ferrymen was still within ear shot.

As he departed, Rachael took off one of her boots and moved her toes around in the dirt. This was a feeling of freedom. "Wow," she purred. "Okay, I'm impressed. And I feel fantastic." She put the boot back on.

"Beautiful isn't it?" prowl commented. "It's one of the most serene islands in all of Michigan.

"Oh and it was all ruined by your voice," She spat. Prowl frowned and turned his head away. Rachael spread her wings and flew ahead.

Throwing an arm around Prowl, bulkhead laughed, "Boy, are you in the scrap house."

"Shut up bulk head," prowl walked after Rachael. Bulkhead covered his mouth, muffling his laughter. Worst part is, Prowl thought, he's right.

E#E#E#E#E#E#E

Rachael did a little bit of tree hopping to kind of keep a bird's eye view on the bots below. She tried her best, but couldn't help looking at Prowl. She even found herself gazing and daydreaming about him. She would slap herself back to reality. Why the hell does this bother me so much? She cursed herself. So what if he doesn't trust me, why the hell do I care what he thinks. She tried to imagine hammering his face with her fan. But felt bad for it. Maybe he's right…maybe…I am too much of a demon at times.

The minutes seemed to blend together. Minutes were hours, hours seemed like days. Rachael was feeling exhausted, thanks to her previous flight, so she slept a bit of the way on top of bulkhead. As for Prowl couldn't help but look at her. You know…when I get a better look…you seem so…innocent. He thought. He kept feeling guilty for what he said to her, I find you questionable – I'm such a glitch head. He cursed himself. She's right, even I've had my dark moments. He wanted to talk to her, settle the turmoil he created. But something was off. The island fell silent. Then something caught his eye. The bushes were moving in an irregular pattern. "BULKHEAD!" He cried. The animal in the bushes charged. It was the Tricerabot. Pushing Bulkhead through the woods, bowling over trees and bushes. But bulkhead was holding strong.

Rachael was jerked awake. She leaped from Bulkhead and onto a large rock. As she collected herself, she heard something screech. Rachael looked up. She found herself about to be dive bombed by the pterobot. Flipping out of the way, Rachael brought out her new hammer. (Smaller version of Ultra Magnus Hammer) She launched at the dinobot. She swung the hammer as hard as she could and slammed the dino bot into the dirt. "Wow," she rasped, "remind me to thank Ratchet when we get home." She went after the Pterodactyl.

"Rachael!" Prowl called. He ran after her. He was stopped short when something knocked him into a tree. "Grimlock!"

"Must get rid of intruder bot," Tyranabot hissed, "Grimlock destroy."

"Wait Grimlock!" Grimlock charged. Prowl stood his ground. Grimlock was less than two inches away. Prowl pulled a Spaniard Ole, and Grimlock ran head first into a tree, becoming stuck. "Grimlock it's me prowl." Wedging his head free, Grimlock got ready to charge again. "Grimlock please, we're just looking for a friend."

"Grimlock destroy Prowl bot."

"Back off!" Rachael roared. Grimlock looked up and got hit by the Pterobot, "I'm the only one killing the Prowl bot." Prowl wanted to thank her, but stopped when he saw her glare. It was as if she was saying, I will follow through with that threat.

"Are you two finished?" Bulkhead hollered, holding back the Tricerabot. He dug his feet into the dirt, hoisted the dinobot over his head, and threw him at the other two dinobots. All three unconscious. "Well that was…I don't know." Bulkhead sputtered.

"Tiring, weird, painful," Rachael listed. Bulkhead bobbed his head. Rachael landed on a tree branch, "I thought you said they knew you ninja glitch." She spat at Prowl.

"They do – did – I don't know what happened?" Prowl stammered. He was so flustered. The Dinobots were acting strange, Sari was missing, and Rachael was still mad at him. "They used to be so gentle when we last saw them.

"Maybe they're demons got the better of them," Rachael retorted snidely. Prowl's self-esteem lowered. Rachael saw this and said, "Well, there's a reason behind everything. I'll go scout ahead." She hopped from branch to branch, eventually going out of sight.

Prowl leaned against a tree, sighing heavily. "She's really mad at me, isn't she?"

"Why wouldn't she be?" Bulkhead said quizzically, "You accused her of kidnapping her own cousin. And you called her a demon." Prowl slumped further down. "At least she's talking to you. Which means she's slowly starting to forgive you. But part of her is still hurt." Prowl put a hand over his eyes, trying to hide his pain. "Well at least things can't get worse?" Bulkhead shrugged.

Aaaaaaah! Rachael shrieked in the distance. Prowl and Bulkhead tore through the woods. Rachael's Screams grew more frantic. Rachael…he whimpered in his mind. I'm coming…I'M COMING! Prowl cut through all the brush that got in his way.

When they reached Rachael, Prowl stared in absolute dismay. Starscream had Rachael in his grip. She was clawing and biting at his hand. Shouting and cursing at the large con. It didn't faze him. He merely gazed at her with extreme fascination. "So you are alive," he whispered. "The last time I saw you, you were falling to your doom." He smirked towards Bulkhead and Prowl. His eye contact was mainly on Prowl. "I have to wonder ninja bot, how did you feel when I shot her out of the sky?"

"What?" Prowl cocked an eye.

Starscreams eyes went mockingly wide. He acted surprised and then chuckled maliciously. It went into a full blown hearty laugh. "She never told you?" Prowl and Rachael's gazes met. Rachael turned hers away. "Well I'm afraid she'll have to tell you the tale another time," he readied his jets, "if there is another time."

"WAIT!" Prowl ran for him. Starscream flew into the sky, leaving a jet trail. "RACHAEL!"

"HEEEELP!" Cried another voice. Prowl and Bulkhead looked back, trying to find the voice. "I'M SINKING!" looking around a tree, Prowl and Bulkhead saw Fanzone in quick sand.

"Captain Fanzone!" Announced bulkhead, "What are you doing here?"

"SINKING," he answered frantically. "Get me outta here please." Bulkhead got him out. "Thank you. Now den, I saw those Dinobots run past me. I thought you took care of them."

"They must have left with Starscream," Prowl growled. "He lured us away and the dinobots left with him and Rachael." he inhaled deeply. He felt as if he was going to cry. But tried his hardest to hold it in. "Who knows what he'll do to her. We don't even know where they went."

"We know they went dat way," Fanzone pointed to where he could see the smog trail Starscream left behind. "If we follow dat trail, we should find them." He narrowed his eyes. The smog was beginning to fade. "And we'd better hurry. We have to save Sari," he winked to Prowl, "and your girlfriend."

"SHE'S NOT MY GIRLFRIEND!" Prowl growled.

"Whatever," Bulkhead put Fanzone on his shoulder, "Let's go."

QQQQQ

Starscream was speeding over the island, trying to locate the cave. "Ugh! This island all looks the same," he grumbled, "How do humans find their way?"

"Put me down!" Rachael snarled. She punched at the giant Con hand. Resulting in her having bruised knuckles and sore hands.

"Sorry can't," he shrugged sardonically, "There's a small experiment you're needed for." Experiment? Rachael cried in her head. She already was an experiment gone wrong. What more can people do to her. From the stories the Autobots told her, Decepticons are all about secrets. So she knew that Starscream wasn't going to tell her. So she began to mentally prepare herself for what may come. "Who would have thought kidnapping one child would bring you here," he chimed. Then his voice turned serious, "I'm surprised you're even alive. How is that?"

"Santa Claus caught me," she spat. Starscream cocked an eye. Rachael inadvertently laughed at his ignorance of human fairy tale characters. Starscream later found the hideout and landed by cave. He stood outside it, like he was waiting for someone to grant him permission to enter. Out of her own curiosity she asked, "What does your employer want with me?"

"You'll see," said another voice, "Quite soon." When Rachael looked towards the voice, she was greeted with darkness.

T%T%T%T%T%T

"Prowl…will you…slow down," Bulkhead panted.

"I can't," he revved, "I have to find Rachael," Prowl hacked through the trees. He himself was exhausted, but he didn't care.

Fanzone, however, was confused. He's never seen any of the bots fuss over someone. So this was going to be one of those moments where he would learn something that he doesn't genuinely feel for anyone else. "What's his problem?" Fanzone whispered to Bulkhead.

"He's in love with Rachael." Bulkhead said flatly. He and the others have been saying it so many times, it was old news.

Fanzone's jaw dropped. He looked back at Prowl and then that about Rachael. He didn't think it was possible for those two to be infatuated with one another. "How do he and Rachael love one another?"

"I don't love Rachael!" Prowl declared angrily. Fanzone flinched away. Then Prowl calmed down. "It's just my fault she got caught." he cursed. "It's my fault she's in this mess.

"Not it's not."

"Yes it is Fanzone!" he barked back. "If I would have believed her, she never would have had to come. And if she wasn't mad at me, Starscream never would have snuck up on her." Prowl was beating himself up so much, Bulkhead and Fanzone could see the verbal inflicted dents appearing. The punishment continued. "She's always almost getting hurt because of me. And knowing Starscream he's going to kill her long before we can even get to her." he continued on his way for Rachael.

"That was weird, even for prowl." Bulkhead said.

"You know, when I last saw these two they couldn't breathe without insulting each other," Fanzone explained, "Hell, there was even a time they would have left each other to die. Now, he's willing to die for her?" he shook his head. "I really don't understand young people these days."

U*U*U*U

Rachael woke up with her head throbbing. Her eyes fluttered open. She was in what looked like a lab. "Where am i?" she mumbled. When her vision cleared she saw a grey pint sized old man in front of her. "Who-"she tried to move away. Her body was strapped to a table. Her arms were above her head, even her waist was strapped. She struggled against the bonds. They didn't budge. Not even her demon strength moved the metal shackles.

"Struggle all you want," said a voice, "Those shackles were made for detaining the Autobots," the man came into light and he was made of acid, "we increased the density just for you, Rachael."

"Who the hell are you?" Rachael demanded, bearing her fangs.

"It's no surprise that you don't remember me, but here's a hint," He showed her an old wrestling poster.

"Prometheus Black!" she shouted.

"CORRECTAMUNDO little lady," he boomed, "They call me meltdown now."

"Well meltdown," she mocked, "where's Sari?"

"Who?" he said putting a finger to his chin.

"You know WHO!" Rachael roared. "NOW WHERE IS SHE?" Meltdown shrugged his shoulder and he stepped to the side. There was an electrical cage, and Sari was in it. "Sari," Rachael sighed with relief, "Are you alright?"

"Yeah I'm fine," Sari waved off. Then she smiled dreamily, "You did come back."

"Of course I did." She assured the young girl. "What'd you think? I was going to leave for another three years?" Sari blushed. Rachael smiled, and then glared at Meltdown. "Alright meltdown, I know I'm the one you want. So let Sari go." Meltdown shrugged and pressed a button, and Sari fell down a shaft. "What the hell?"

"Now that that's settled," Meltdown said, "Starscream, the sample please." STARSCREAM! Rachael screamed in her head. Clunking footsteps were heard behind her. Rachael looked back. Starscream came up behind her and stabbed her in the side with a needle. Rachael bit her lip, trying not to cry out in pain. When he was finished, the huge Con gave the blood sample to the pint sized man who put it in the computer. Data on her blood popped onto the computer screen. "Yes, yes, yes," Meltdown cheered, "Starscream, put on the choker!" Choker! Starscream pulled out a small strip of leather, and put a black choker on her. "How would you like to get back at someone?" Meltdown asked menacingly.

"Who?" Rachael asked curiously.

"The ninja bot," Starscream smirked.

"Prowl?" the Con nodded. "Why would I get back at him?" she asked, dissuading her old anger for the bot. "What has he ever done to me?"

"Because if it weren't for him, technically, you would not be in this situation," he pressed. "You would never have had to come if he hadn't goaded you."

"What are you talking about?" She denied, "I came of my own volition."

"Did you really?" Starscream questioned doubtfully.

"Yes!" she exclaimed. "I came for Sari!"

Starscream tsked his tongue and waved a finger at her, "NUH UH," Rachael cocked an eye, "you came because you wanted to prove him wrong. How he questioned your motives. He lacked faith in you."

"I came for Sari!" Rachael repeated.

"Who are you trying to convince?" Starscream laughed. "Me or yourself?" Rachael opened her mouth to protest. Starscream put a finger in her face. "When you saw the dinobots, when you saw them tearing apart the ninja bot, you enjoyed yourself. The only reason you came was to watch the dinobots rip him apart."

"No i-"

She was stopped by Starscream slamming his hands on the table on either side of her. "You wanted the bot and Fanzone to pay for doubting you." He attacked. "You wanted them to feel the pain you've been feeling this entire day."

"NO, I don't want anyone to get hurt. Especially not Prowl," she whispered.

"Oh really," Starscream said, "what ever happened to your wish on the ninja bot?" Rachael cocked an eye. "How you wanted him to be the mutant. Don't you want him to suffer?"

"No I don't. I mean I know he's a jerk sometimes…" she trailed off. "But he's my friend. I don't want to hurt him."

"Why? Didn't he doubt you because you were a demon?" Starscream got in her face, "Your friend thought you kidnapped that child or worse."

"Only because of what I nearly did to Isaac!" she looked away, "only because I nearly killed him."

"The organic that made you into what you are?" Starscream put a finger under her chin, turning her head back to him, "Prowl should be blaming him, but instead he blames you." Rachael's eyes were filling with tears, "you've done nothing but defend and help him and how does he repay you? He calls you a monster."

"Stop," she pleaded. It was painful to hear. But she believed it. For the last few months, prowl had never defended her. "He said we were friends," she droned. She shook her head, trying to erase her doubt, "We are friends. He even told me so."

"Tsk, tsk, tsk, you poor thing," Starscream said with mock sympathy, "He's done nothing but lie to you, and yet you remain loyal." The computer Meltdown was monitoring started to beep. It had something to do with the choker, because a little light started to blink on it. Starscream reached behind his back and pulled out what looked like a tape recorder. I could easily fall for a lady bot like Arcee. It was Prowls voice, '…at least she's pleasant to be around.Rachael couldn't hold back her tears any longer, they came pouring out. From monitors to recording. I love how Meltdown works computers. Starscream laughed in his mind. "Do you see now?" Starscream continued, "And he still loves her." Rachael kept her head dropped. "Yes he may have you, but he'll never trust you." he watched for a reaction, "And do you know why?" Rachael stared into space, her eye pouring with tears, Starscream moved close to her ear, "Because he doesn't love you." Rachael looked up with an empty stare. Her hair covered half her face. "And he never will." The choker began to glow.

O=O=O=O=O

The two bots and Fanzone came to a cave entrance. "His jet trail seems to end here," Prowl assessed. He looked over the area, checking to see if any enemies were lurking.

"Do you think Sari and Rachael are here?" bulkhead asked. Sari fell into his hands. "Well that answers that."

"Sari!" Prowl exclaimed. She waved nonchalantly. "Where's Rachael?"

"She's inside," she shouted pointing to the cave. That's what everyone was afraid of. "Along with Meltdown, Starscream, and the grey pigmy who wrestled Bumblebee."

"Bumblebee said his name was Syrus," Bulkhead informed, "Trust me, he's small but he's as dangerous as a decepticon."

Prowl was full of dread. "Do you know how to find them?" He pressed.

"Oh don't worry," said meltdown, Starscream and the pigmy next to him, "we found you."

Prowl got into a fighting stance. He drew his shuriken. "Where…is…Rachael?" prowl said through gritted teeth.

"Right here," Starscream purred, gesturing to the cave. Rachael sauntered out of the cave, her face blank of expression, "and she's thrilled to see you."

"Rachael!" Prowl cried with relief. He stepped towards her. Starscream grinned maliciously.

"Prowl wait!" Sari stopped him, "Something's wrong."

Prowl took another look, and Sari was right. Rachael's eyes were grey pools of emptiness. "Rachael?" Prowl said. Rachael pulled her fan. Prowl took a step back. "Rachael, what are you doing?" Pressing a button, she waved it, sending wind slices towards the bots. Bulkhead grabbed Fanzone and Prowl got Sari, and the four bolted out the way.

"Someone else wanted to see you as well," Meltdown snapped his fingers. Grimlock and the dinobots appeared.

Prowl and Bulkhead set down the two humans. "Sari, Fanzone hide!" Bulkhead said. The two ran for the woods. "These dinobots are mine!" Bulkhead charged for Grimlock and tackled him into the side of the cave. The other two Dino's followed.

Rachael attacked prowl. "Time to pay Autobot!" She hissed. She swung the fan once more.

Prowl somersaulted out of the way. Throwing a star, Rachael blocked it. He threw another, and it grazed Rachael's arm. She didn't react. "Rachael, you have to stop!" he begged.

"Why should I?" She snarled with her fangs. "I'm a demon, remember?" She raised the fan, "I have bad habits." She swung and missed. Prowl retreated to the woods, Rachael giving chase. She smashed and broke through every tree, narrowly missing prowl. "I'm not trustworthy like Acree," she angrily mocked, "you couldn't possibly care about someone you don't trust." She slammed the fan into the ground, sending a wave of energy towards the cyber ninja. Prowl evaded the attack. He stopped, back against a tree, and a half crazed dragon teen in front of him. She raised the fan again. Prowl "Did Arcee love you because you trusted her? Or because you told her things she wanted to hear? Like maybe she was pleasant to be around!" She swung the fan again. The slices, cut through the trees, but missed Prowl.

Prowl hid behind. Arcee? He wondered how he knew about her. Starscream! Prowl thought angrily. He must have said something about Arcee. Something to do with love? Rachael's eyes were red with hate. Even so why would she be this upset? He came from behind the tree, hands raised."Rachael listen," Prowl pleaded, "I don't know what Starscream did, but let me help you."

"Why would you help me?" She asked, her voice shaking from the adrenaline.

"Because I'm your friend," he reassured her, "I care about you." He declared.

Rachael's eyes turned to slits. She swiped the fan, a thin lined shockwave was sent at Prowl. Prowl ducked away and it sliced the tree in half. "If you were my friend, you would have believed me about Sari." She swung again, "If you were my friend, you never would have doubted me about her safety," two more swings, "IF YOU WERE MY FRIEND, you never would have called me a demon." Three more swings. Prowl was becoming exhausted. He couldn't last without fighting back. But he couldn't. "How many times have I told people that you don't mean to brake stuff," she pressed on with her attacks, "how many times have I covered for you with the police," she got prowl in the face, slicing his cheek, knocking him on the ground, "WHY DON'T YOU TRUST ME?" she prepared to smash his face in, but didn't. Water fell on his face instead. Prowl saw what it was. Rachael was crying. "Why don't you trust me?" she croaked. Her guard was dropped. Prowl took note of the choker. Prowl struck at it. When it broke, Rachael seemed to come back to her senses.

Prowl leaned up, supporting himself on a broken tree. "You okay?" he asked.

Rachael put away the fan and slapped him with her hand. Prowl put a hand to his cheek. "Now I am." She walked away.

Bulkhead managed to chase off the dino bots, and joined Prowl and Rachael. They squared off against Starscream and Meltdown. He smirked triumphantly. "Well I think I've done enough damage," Starscream declared, he winked at Rachael, "See you soon my Demoness." He blasted off.

Meltdown crossed his arms, shaking his head with annoyance. "Good help is so hard to find."

"You'll need help once I'm done with you!" She took out her fan and swung. Meltdown dodged out of the way. He prepped to shout acid. Fanzone came up behind him and wrapped him in a white, acid proof coat. Meltdown struggled against the bindings. "When did you find that?" Rachael spat.

"Managed to get it during da chaos," he informed. "Now, I don't know about you's, but I'm ready to go home and begin my day off."

Z!Z!Z!Z!Z!Z

When meltdown was arrested, the barge that dropped them off returned for them about an hour and a half later. Rachael stared off at the sunset reflecting off of the ocean. Her hair blows in the sea wind. Prowl and Fanzone kept their distance from everyone as Fanzone expressed his disagreement about teaching Sari how to fight. But prowl knew that Sari could handle herself in the long run. Sari tried out the kick Prowl taught her. To make her feel good, bulkhead milked the injury, All the more while injuring himself.

Fanzone saw Rachael staring out at the ocean. Her expression was sad and depressed. It wasn't usually his thing, but he went over to try and comfort her. Prowl watched from afar. "You okay?" Rachael nodded without looking at him. "Well you're innocent, and I was wrong." He choked. Rachael glanced over to him and cocked an eye, "What?"

"At least you can admit when you're wrong?" she snorted. "That piece of shit ninja can't even do that! What? Does he believe he's right?"

"It's not that he thinks he's right," Fanzone corrected, "He doesn't know how to say he's wrong." Rachael shook her head. Fanzone, second guessing, put an arm around her, "Listen, yeah Prowl is a jerk sometimes." Rachael rolled her eyes at the word sometimes. "But you should have seen him today. He tore through that jungle. He nearly leveled the entire place. Nothing was going to stop him from finding you." Rachael gazed in amazement. "He even blamed himself. He said that if he had believed you, you never would have been hurt, or worse." Rachael looked at prowl, she couldn't help but smile. "So do you forgive him?"

"No," she said simply. Fanzone's jaw dropped. "But I will," she smiled, "once he apologizes, I will."