A/N yay! i'm kinda, sorta, almostish nearly catching up with the series, the mid-season break in way was a mercy for me lol. anyway after this one its onto the epic season finale stuff :D

Stronger, Faster

Since Bulkhead transcribed most of that synthetic Energon, Ratchets wasted no time in putting the rest of the pieces together, he worked all through the night and day, he was so driven on getting the code cracked i had to take his place as bridge operator, which was annoying because i had to sit at the computer all day waiting for a random pick up response from the others. But he was getting close, he'd been testing it on that weird looking mechanism, the same make that Jack built for his science project way back (and there's still been no word from it since), the substance was green and it showed in the subject as well.

I got up one morning early, ready for another shift of Groundbridging, Decepticon activity and possible items of Cybertronian origin, i was still not dressed yet and i had a coffee in my hand, i don't even like coffee!

I actually fell asleep in the chair until the mid afternoon, till Ratchet woke me up, "Ellen, those Decepticons won't find themselves you know!" he yelled though i think he just wanted to watch me fall out of my chair on purpose.

I jolted up as i snorted and randomly tapped the computer, "dugdahdcecoffbananafish." I rambled. As i spun round in my chair i got a fright when Raf was right next to me. "When did you get here?" i asked and i had my hands up shielding my face.

"Six hours ago." He said giving me an inquisitive look.

"Is that all?" i said as i stared blankly at the screen i had been looking at the screen for so long i was getting drunken vision. "Ohh! Ratchet can i please take a break, I'm having a pink elephants on parade hallucination." I begged.

"If you must." He said looking into a microscope. "Hmm surprisingly stable." He then said with fascination as Raf wandered over to him and i stood beside him dragging my feet.

"Is that synthetic Energon?" Raf asked.

"Well, yes in fact I'm preparing to test a sample. I see you come equipped with protective goggles." Ratchet said.

"I can watch?" Raf said with excitement.

Ratchet laughed for such an eager young boy to be so fascinated. "We just add some to this test engine." Ratchet said as all eyes and optics in the room were eagerly waiting for a result.

The test engine suddenly sprung to life looking like a steam powered device, "it works! Bee!" Raf called.

Ratchet then waggled his finger at him "er, ep, ep, this sidiration of the formula requires further trial before we could even think about using it for fuel, ammunition or first aid...which is rather unfortunate since our own Energon reserves are at an all time low." He said regrettably. "Our severely outnumbered warriors have been rapidly burning through our stockpile of late, as the Decepticon army continues to run us ragged and grind us down. Natural Energon is in such short supply on your planet and Megatron seems to have his oily claws buried deep in all the Earth's deposits. But if we can successfully produce a synthetic form, we can manufacture all the energy we'll ever need."

As he finished his words a green flashing alarm came on as i turned around to look at the screen and the other Autobots were quick to respond. "More Energon on the move." Arcee said.

"Again?" Bulkhead said sounding a bit fed up.

"There recent activities suggests a familiar pattern, the Decepticons are desperately scouting for deposits to mine." Dad said before facing the others. "Autobots!" he started an order.

"Optimus." Ratchet then said as Dad faced him.

"If one of you comes back wounded this time well, our Energon reserves are nearly depleted." Ratchet said with much worry.

"Understood, activate the groundbridge." as he said that i activated it myself, "Autobots! Roll out!" He finally said, as him, Arcee, Bulkhead and Bee went on an Energon pursuit.

With that done i was ready for some brunch, "you want anything Raf while I'm in the kitchen?"

"Maybe just a soda please." He said.

"Sure thing bro." i said as i stretched, "Uh, i shouldn't have sat down for seven hours." i said, then a loud thud was heard as i looked for a source, me and Raf looked over the railings, Ratchet was out cold on the floor with a broken vile just below his feet.

I put my hands on my head in panic "oh no! He's been doing the bad stuff, where did we go wrong?" i yelled.

"He used himself as a test subject?" Raf said.

We both then ran downstairs as we both climbed on top of him, i poked him in the face, and then slapped him a few times. "Hmm, unresponsive." Raf face palmed next to me. I then leaned into his face, "Ratchet! Ratchet!" oh Primus he's not breathing...what?! he doesn't breathe Ellen you dumbo! I looked at Raf and shrugged my shoulders "No wait I've got it...Ratchet I'm touching your stuff." He didn't budge. "Wow, this is serious."

Then Raf had a go, "Ratchet! Wake up." Ratchet started to stir as his optics changed to a shade of green, we both got off him as he regained consciousness.

"Ugh, how is it that such small beings can be so loud?" he moaned as he got himself off the ground.

"Hey i was yelling like a banshee, maybe its all to do with pitch." i pondered.

"Are you hurt? You fell." Raf said.

"I'm fine...I'm..." he then stopped as he looked as his arms and loosened them up a bit, "I'm more then fine." He announced, he then checked his vital statistics. "Ha, energy efficiency is up by 30%, motor functions optimal, heh heh. Any word from the others?" he then asked us.

We both shook out heads.

Ratchet sighed, "I just hope that's a good sign." He said, as he looked down at me. "Ellen, good grief your still in your nightwear! get changed! Move! Move! Move!" he said as he brushed me across the room with his foot.

"What the F?" i said utterly confused of how i got from point A to point B so fast, still with a dumbfounded expression Ratchet started clapping his hands to get me to move, "Okay, I'm going, good lord." though when he turned his back i just stayed put, i don't really feel like getting changed.

"Ratchet, lock onto Arcee's co-ordinates and prepare an emergency Groundbridge." Came Dad over the comm link.

"I'm locked on. Arcee, decelerate and prepare to return to base." Ratchet told her monitoring the situation.

"Save it Ratchet I'm too close!" was Arcee's response.

"Don't be a fool!" Ratchet said as Arcee didn't answer back, he could only track her movements, "she's hurt." He then announced "man the groundbridge." He told Raf as he sped straight into action, needless to say we were both dumbfounded.

"Raf on second thoughts i might get changed, you gonna be okay here?" i asked.

"sure." He replied.

"Hey Raf?" i then added.

"Yeah?"

"You saw that too right?" i asked not really trusting my eyes at that moment.

"Y-Yeah." he said slightly hesitantly.

"Huh." i breathed out as i headed down the hallway, okay the synthetic Energon has definitely increased his capability way up, but i hope that these are only physical side effects, now where are my pants?

"come on now." i said struggling to get my jeans on, and no way is it a weight problem i must of turned the heat on too high on the washing machine, "up, up, up...u-up there!" i said finally getting the zipper up, though i had to take deep breaths, "That's it, I'm getting jogging pants." so the loud sounds of the Groundbridge was the heads up that everyone was back though i had to slowly walk in, seriously I'm walking like a drone right now my legs are that stiff, so i saw the guys and Ratchet who had picked up Raf briefly and put him down, okay? Then he noticed me and try to do the same thing. "Hey man, we're just friends!" i said taking a leap backwards.

"Alright, what's your secret?" Arcee asked as i was pleasantly relieved before i was apprehended.

"No secret, just a thing i like to call...synthen." he said as he threw a batch to Arcee, he sounded like a commercial.

"From the data Bulkhead transcribed?" Arcee said "i thought the formula was..."

"Incomplete? Heh, not anymore." Ratchet said.

"No...Kidding?" Bee said sticking his face into the green batch then passing it to Bulkhead.

"So Ratchet makes a better tough guy then i do a smart guy?" Bulkhead said as Dad then picked up the vile.

"Ratchet, i question the wisdom of using yourself as a test subject." he said.

"Optimus, you didn't see Ratchet out there, he was in overdrive! We should all try this stuff." Arcee said ecstatic.

"Or give Ratchet more so we can have a vacation!" Bulkhead exclaimed.

"I agree the initial result seem promising, but i recommend that further testing be confined to machines, not Autobots." Dad said. "Though outnumbered we may be old friend, we need a warrior in the laboratory right now, more then we need another in the field." He said putting a hand on Ratchets shoulder.

Ratchet made a quiet sigh to himself as he turned to the computer, but as the others went off to mind there own business i noticed he followed after them notably down the hallway, though as he did Dad merely took his place. i continued to struggle with these forsaken jeans of mine as i was on the floor trying to loosen the material up. i noticed Dad was tilting his head at me, "H-Heh." i merely said as i stood up though i felt a light blush fall over my face.

"Perhaps a replacement is in order?" he said lightly.

i kind of held a slight grip on my hips, "H-Hey Dad...?" i started hesitantly.

"If it is a personal question i will try to not be so descriptive." he said, yeah and he was, i mean when i was a certain age he was very descriptive when i asked questions, that much so my face would be beetroot color, my palms would be sweating and i would shudder to the fact that he knew this stuff.

"W-Well i guess this question you could kind of relate with, but..."

he shook his head lightly, "Is it a question that you would be more comfortable to discuss with the opposite gender?" he asked.

"W-Well maybe, but..." i then stopped as i slid my hands over my hips a few times just to get him to guess but i know that wouldn't work, "O-Okay I'm just going to say it, since we got here do you think that maybe, i've become, a little, well, do you think i've put weight on?" i finally asked.

"Ah young female humans and self esteem, though you've never been that interested in your body mass before." he said a sound of humor in his voice.

"Please, Dad don't call it that, you make me look like a whale or something, but seriously..." i started as i turned to one side then the other, "do i look different to you?"

he shook his head again, "I see no physical change." i then looked myself over as i continued to pose and check for any changes anyway all the while Dad kept watching me. i then heard a light chuckle from his direction.

"What?" i asked.

"Is your confidence lowering?" he asked.

"Er, No."

"Something does not fit and you suddenly become anxious?" he said.

i brushed myself down to show i wasn't concerned, "I-I'm not anxious, i just don't like, i mean the jeans, ah screw it i don't want to end up letting myself go."

"you are fine, i do however see a physical change in those jeans, perhaps they have shrunk?" he said.

"i, was never really that great at using the washing machine." i admitted, he gave a light nod as he returned to monitoring the computer screens, i looked myself over again as i grinned slightly, i then made my way upstairs as i forgot Raf was still at the computers himself, and i blushed again as he must've heard.
"Y-You know you should right a book about self-esteem, i mean i don't wear make up because of you, i was going to but, you being a major spokesmen and all i realized you can't improve this face." i jested to him.

"I think society was putting too much pressure on you at that time, even now, though i try to understand." he said.

"you have a better understanding then most. I'm just a little paranoid is all." i then coughed into my hand to change the subject, "So if you all start using that synthen, does that mean all your optic colours will be green? Because that would be weird."

"It will be a while until any Autobot can use the synthetic Energon, we cannot risk any side effects." he said.

"Just as well because it's like Ratchet turned into Popeye." I said.

"But with Ratchet like this now, we're not going to be on Groundbridge duty forever are we?" Raf asked.

"Hell no, they can walk back." I said leaning up against the railing, i noticed Dad shake his head again, "Your neck must be sore, the amount of times i make you do that." i said grinning, then suddenly we heard a loud smashing noise, as Dad whipped his head towards the hallway. "What was that?" i asked gripping the railings.

"Maybe there over doing the training a little bit? Bee has done that a few times." Raf said.

"Well i don't really want to call Fowler for repairs." I said as i pointed at Dad, "You can do it." i said in a childish voice., then Arcee, Bulkhead and Bumblebee came walking into the room acting a bit too casual. "What was with all the noise?" i asked.

Then another green flashing alarm came on, "Looks like the Cons hit another vein." Arcee said.

"Autobots roll out!" Dad said wasting no time.

"Hey, hey. Shouldn't we wait for out secret weapon?" Bulkhead asked.

"This mission is unlikely to require medical expertise." Dad said.

"But you never know if it may require additional fire power." Ratchet said immediately after Dad had finished speaking, he just appeared. "Bumblebee can handle Groundbridge duty." When he said that i was kind of relieved my button tapping fingers no longer feel pain.

"O-Okay." Bee responded.

"Time to put some hurt on those Decepticons." Ratchet said as Bumblebee activated the Groundbridge, and Ratchet took lead as the others tried to catch up with him.

"Hey Bee is it me, or is Ratchet getting a bit ahead of himself?" i asked.

"Actually before, he threw bulk through a wall and then tried to challenge me to a test of speed...and also tried to make a move on Arcee." Bee said.

"So that's what that noise was well that's a...wait... eww! The old dude was flirting with Arcee? I am going to gag." I heaved. "but seriously how long does one vile last?"

"Well until he's injured, but he only took one vile i mean that barely covers our normal intake." he said.

"True." i then tapped my fingers against my shoulder, "Hey Bee, Can i use you as a climbing frame?"

"You're the only one who asks these kinds of questions." he said rolling his optics.

"Well can i?" i asked again.

"Why?" he said.

"J-Just to see how fast i can climb up you, future reference that sort of thing." I said, okay i may also be feeling a little bloated...w-well just to be sure that it is the jeans and not me.

He sighed "Okay...want me to time ya?" he said.

"Yes please." I said running up to his feet, i pressed two hands against him as i readied myself. "Okay ready?"

"yep." He replied.

"Okay go!" i announced as i climbed up Bumblebee like my life depended on it, just like scaling a wall but surprisingly easier because of all the individual metal plating that exposed gaps to smaller beings such as myself, stopped when i reached his head, "done!"

"8 seconds." Bumblebee said.

"...let's go again!" i exclaimed as my shoe slipped off my foot. "Oh man." I moaned as the shoe bounced towards the Groundbridge entrance.

"Well what do you expect? You've been wearing those trainers for years." Bee said as i slided down his back.

"But i like them." I said putting on a small voice. "Okay I'll get some new ones, but the same ones, I'm falling apart Bee." I said as i slipped my shoe back on and then sat on the floor tying them back up again. "Urgh i hate shoe laces, Velcro is the way to go." i then looked under the shoe; the sole was completely worn down. "I need them sooner than i thought."

"You gonna sit there pruning your shoes?" Bee said teasingly.

"Do i say anything about your car wax?" i then retaliated.

"I like to make an impression." He argued.

"Well I'm sure Knockout will fall for you." I jested as i continued to sit on the floor.

Bumblebee was about to retaliate until the comm link opened up "Bumblebee, bridge us back." Dad said.

"Well that was quick." I said examining my trainers still.

Bumblebee activated the Groundbridge as no one came through it for a while, just then Ratchet came through as he set his optics on me. "Hey Ratch did you lay the..." Ratchet then out of nowhere took a swipe for me and placed me behind his neck, i gripped for dear life. "Whoa!" i exclaimed "Ratchet what are you..."

"Stay there!" he ordered as he ran back the way he came, i hanged on for my life as Ratchet charged at Bulkhead, he lifted him off the ground and threw him at Dad and Arcee, he then transformed and sped off on the dusty road.

I sat in the passenger seat as i swayed harshly from left to right at Ratchets crazy driving as well as the sudden transformation. "Ratchet! Where are we going!? And why have i got to come?!" i asked panicked.

"I need a witness of Megatrons destruction so i can prove it right in Optimus's face by using you, so he can see how right i am of how we should be coming at them with all we got and this synthen is going to prove my point" He said in a rather angry tone.

"You're going to take on Megatron by yourself?" i said stunned.

"Be quiet!" he yelled as the seatbelt wrapped around my mouth, naturally i yelled in muffled cries. "It's up to you Ellen, you can go with me silently for the trip or i can render you unconscious until we get there." He threatened as the seatbelt started to choke my neck, i gagged Ratchet was actually enduring pain onto me, i was struggling to breathe and i felt sick, so i nodded violently, as he let go.

"Good girl, i knew you could see it my way." He said still in an angry tone, I rubbed my neck as he had left a large red mark, like a collar, i was silent as i was nervous and the drive wasn't helping either Ratchets never physically hurt me before and that alone has rendered me speechless, what the hell is wrong with him? forceful behaviors one thing but now he's just plain aggressive. The trip wasn't long as we came to a huge mine, no one was guarding it from outside, Ratchet transformed again and held me in his grip a bit too tightly may i add.

"This makes it all too easy." He said as he placed me on the ground. "Try to keep up." He said as i ran after him, he wasn't merciful in waiting for me either.

"I still can't wrap my head around this sudden turn of events." I thought. Inside Ratchet was like a ninja he snuck up on most of the Vehicons and knocked them all out cold as we made ourselves go deeper into the mine the tunnels were huge, put the whole human things aside because either way Ratchet is in a real disadvantage as much as i am, but i-i will admit i don't want to say anything in case he turned on me again, Ratchet wasn't exactly subtle about his entrance either, he was making himself known and casually jogging as around another corner we came across Breakdown and a Vehicon.

Ratchet then made whistling and clicking noises like when you call over a horse. I stayed back a bit, seriously how vulnerable are we right now, "there's nothing to fear, don't be a coward." Ratchet told me. Great i'm a coward now.

"I was wondering when you might show." Breakdown said. Ratchet said nothing and simply charged as he swiftly took care of the Vehicon, then like with Bulkhead he easily took down Breakdown as he fell to the floor. Ratchet then forced him to his feet.

"Move it, you're one of the many messages i have for your master." He growled as he pushed Breakdown into walking in front of him. "Ellen, here now." He told me firmly. I ran behind him as i looked in every direction i was very cautious, it was me and Ratchet against a whole army of Cons, including Megatron.

But i couldn't even object to the idea as Ratchet didn't feel like a friend at the moment, i felt threatened by his presence, i've been pushed back into a frightened little child again, i even rubbed a hand down my arm to express my vulnerability. As we turned another corner we heard the voice of Megatron himself. "And what new Autobot would that be?" he said as he and Knockout both looked at Breakdowns sudden entrance as Ratchet let him fall to the floor.

"Hoo hah!" Ratchet exclaimed as he posed.

"Well er..."Knockout stuttered.

"That is your new fearsome enemy?" Megatron chuckled darkly. "He's Optimus Primes medic."

"Oh no Megatron, i am you doctor of doom." Ratchet corrected, i would've face palmed if i wasn't so nervous for him right now, Ratchet then swiftly charged at Megatron as he punched him square in the face as it propelled him backwards slamming in the back of the wall.

Megatron wiped a drip of Energon from his mouth as he looked at it. "Alright then." He said darkly.

"Oh God" i thought. Ratchets about to face off with Megatron in his now serious state of mind, if he mortally wounded Ratchet i couldn't do anything about it. I stood and watched as i glanced around my surroundings, there were only tunnels, nowhere to hide, or run, or fight...

Ratchet charged with full might at Megatron "for Cybertron!" he yelled as he threw a fist at Megatron, but Megatron merely grabbed his hand as he twisted his arm nearly breaking it, Ratchet yelled in pain as Megatron kept his arm in that position.

"Ratchet is more spirited then i recollect." Megatron said intrigued.

"Chemical enhancement perhaps?" Knockout shrugged.

Megatron then took his other fist and rammed it in Ratchets side as i heard the sound of liquid leaking from him. "No!" i yelled. Ratchet was in shock from the sudden pain and agony as Megatron threw him to the ground.

"There's your laboratory sample, doctor, Find out. If a chemical can do this for Optimus Primes lap dog, imagine what it can do for our troops" Megatron laughed as he blankly passed me by.

Ratchet held his side as his voice held instant regret. "Optimus I've been a fool." He said weakly.

I ran to his side as Knockout swiftly got to taking his sample from him, "Ratchet, hold on!" i pleaded to him as i held my arms around his head.

Knockout stared at me as he sucked out the synthetic energon from Ratchets body, "I'll deal with you soon, especially after you took your dirty little fingers and scraped them all over my finish and that was the original body work too." He said as he stood up to his full height and played about with the vile of synthen. "Doctor to Doctor i must say your contribution to the Decepticon cause is very much appreciated I'll be sure to boast of your accomplishment when you're gone." he then transformed his arm into a buzz saw as he put it towards Ratchets face. "Which will happen in, 3,2,1!" when i expected the worse or when i felt to do something drastic a loud noise got all our attentions as Knockout pulled back his arm. "Scrap!" he exclaimed.

Ratchet saw the opportunity and grabbed Knockouts arm as he kicked him back propelling Knockout back and causing him to drop the synthen, i stepped back as Ratchet heaved himself to his feet as Knockout came charging at him and pinned him up against the wall as he attempted to saw him again, what ensured now was a struggle as the buzz saw came closer towards his face and it scratched his finish Ratchet then pushed Knockouts arm to one side and head butted him. Knockout put a hand on his face as he again swung his buzz saw at him, Ratchet side stepped to the right as Knockout lodged his saw into the wall, Ratchet then walked weakly to the vile of synthen as he continued to hold himself, he then picked it up as he stared at it for the longest of moments.

Knockout then laughed with his saw still jammed, "what are you going to do drink it?" he mocked.

Again Ratchet stared at it, "No, I'm going to destroy it!" he exclaimed as he threw the batch at the wall, it shattered and the liquid was no more.

Knockout finally got his saw out the wall, "you idiot! Megatron will have my head!" he yelled.

Ratchet finally succumbed to his wounds as he collapsed on his back, i looked up to Knockout who glared at me, then suddenly had a shocked look on his face as he suddenly retreated. I looked behind to see Dad, Arcee and Bulkhead run towards our position Dad bent down to Ratchet as his body leaked of synthetic energon.

"Bumblebee we need a bridge." Dad said Bee through the comm link, i ran to Dads feet, the presence of non aggressive beings was comforting.

When we got back, Ratchet got hooked up to some much needed energon as we waited for him to regain consciousness. "How you doing Ellen?" Arcee asked as she sat beside me, only in times of distress does Arcee ask of my well being.

"Not too bad just got an annoyingly sore throat, but that's all." I said hiding the bright red mark on my face. "When do you think he'll wake up?" i asked her.

"We're hoping soon, he lost allot of Energon though and we're not exactly medics" she said solemnly.

"This days been all other the place." I sighed, Arcee gave a light pat on the shoulder as she went to check Ratchets vitals.

"Ellen?" Dad then came over as i looked up at him. "Knowing Ratchet was under the effects of the synthetic Energon and therefore was not his self, did he do or say anything distressing?" he asked.

"No." I lied i can be a pretty good liar when i wanted to be, I've had allot of practice after all, but then again a friend told me that's the signs of a psychotic killer.

Dad nodded and looked to Ratchet who started to stir as he heaved himself to sit up but Dad gently placed him back down. "Easy old friend, you lost allot of Energon, good and bad." He said smiling at him.

"I-I-I didn't intend to hurt anyone i-i just wanted so...badly to..." Ratchet said hesitantly.

"Help us. We know" Dad finished for him as he continued to smile. "But you nearly cost the loss of something irreplaceable...our medic and a most trusted friend." He said gently. I then came to Ratchets bedside so i could face him. "You did lead us to a much needed Energon supply." He said motioning to Bee and Bulkhead bringing in cubes of Energon. "And for that, we should all be grateful."

"The synthetic Energon formula clearly needs refining before it can be tested again." Ratchet said as Dad nodded to him. "On machines not Autobots." He added.

"Let us take comfort in the fact you were able to dispose of the quantity that remained." Dad said. Ratchet laid back his head as i climbed up on the table and sat next to him, Dad went to help with storing the Energon leaving me and Ratchet alone.

"Ellen." He said that like he forgot i existed or something. He then turned his face away from me. "i can't look at you not after what I've put you through."

"Ratchet its fine, that was the synthetic Energon talking, not you. Let's just move on shall we?" i said. Ratchet stared at the red mark on my neck, "don't worry about that it'll be gone in a few hours." I said, though i don't think I'll be forgetting that ugly side of Ratchet anytime soon...well his even uglier side.

Ratchet sat there silent staring at the ceiling guilt written all other his face, so i leaned into his face and nuzzled him he made a slight 'huh' sound as i did so, i didn't expect it myself i-i just really didn't like that Ratchet back there and i guess I'm just really relieved we've got the original one back. "I bare no ill will to you." I said boldly, and then put on a more comical voice. "But seriously...machines, not Autobots."

"Not Autobots." Ratchet repeated.

A/N next chapter 'One Shall Fall' please R + R. oh this weather is too muggy for me -_-