Disclaimer: I don't own either Bleach or Transformers.

Note: I hit a roadblock with the ending of this chapter. So it may suck.

Ichigo groans as he was once again dragged through another Praxian factory. Crys walking alongside him smiling a fake smile and tense shoulders as a happily chattering Factory Owner gushes about his business. Jazz was trotting far behind him whispering to Barricade. Or more like annoying the mech if the deepening scowl was any indication. It has been two days since Prowl disappeared from his apartment. Five days since Ichigo kidnapped him from the Enforcers station.

Prowl's disappearance hadn't gone unnoticed. Crys tense shoulders and wings, the uninvited search of Ichigo's transport, and the not-interrogation that both he and Jazz received just a day later was a good idea of how much Praxis thought they had him. Ichigo had simply leaned back with his signature scowl as he was asked question after question. He knew how this was played. He remembers, back on Earth before the police got the hint, being thrown in a gray steel room with a sour detective grilling him on something he didn't do. He also remembers his father barging into said room and glaring the man down before ordering Ichigo out. This time, however, there would be no one barging in. Not that Ichigo minded, the Praxis Enforcers wouldn't find a thing relating to Prowl's disappearance.

"And here we have our Crystal Growing Room," the business owner sweeps open the door with a flourish. "Here we cultivate many crystals used in orn-to-orn life. We shipped them all over Cybertron."

Ichigo hums acting interested, "commercial or Military?"

The pale orange and green mech preens, "Both!" His wings bobbed very pleased, "our product is the only one currently registered to be used in Military operations. Though some Enforcer stations are allowed to use the crystals as well. But only in non-combative uses."

'Funny,' Ichigo thought, 'He had never heard of anything like that being used in the Autobot military. The most he has heard was that they were short on supplies.' Ichigo plans to talk to Jazz about this. The mech's face was stone stoic for a second before shifting back to his more playful persona. Ichigo hated how the mech was about to shift between masks so easily.

The tour went on for another hour before they could leave, only to be sent to one of the government buildings for more meetings. Ichigo was planning on sending Shockwave a giant thank you basket for all the time the mech shoved pollical BS etiquette into his helm If the kind Senator still existed and not the sadistic mad mech. It was his only saving grace during these meetings. That and he loved seeing the shocked faces of Praxis Elite when Ichigo spoke. It was a fight to keep a straight face.

After another long orn of faking how interested he was Ichigo was unashamed to crash into his berth. Jazz would soon disappear to do whatever he did. Ichigo was happy to not ask and pretend that the short mech was lounging in the main room. Barricade stood like a statue outside the room.

"Just two more days of this," Ichigo groans. "Never again will I volunteer to go on a political trip. I am going insane."

Before allowing himself to fall into recharge, Ichigo spread out his senses. Barricade had moved inside the main room and Jazz was just slipping out the window that shouldn't be able to open. With a huff, he sent a ping to the slippery mech before turning to his side and turning off his optics. He knew that he was the distraction while Jazz looked into whether Praxis had joined the Decepticons or not.

The unique thing about Ichigo that only two mechs were aware of, was that Ichigo could still dream. It was a shock in his early days to learn that Cybertronians did not dream. Ratchet had not been amused at this uniqueness. Optimus had found it fascinating when he came looking for Ichigo after being accidentally pulled into one of the flyer's dreams. Luckily for them both it was one of his more pleasant dreams and not one of the many nightmares he suffered.

That night, he dreamed of faceless figures that he should know yet the names escape him. Thanks to having his memories scrambled it has been hard to remember much of his time on Earth. Though he knew that he would never recover all his memories, Ratchet had told him long ago that the banks holding such files had been forcibly scrubbed. It had been painful to be told that. Sometimes like now, the memories come as dreams. Voices, topics, places, and touch would filter in, and he would suddenly know. A blank face now contains a smile and bright brown eyes. A hand would connect to a blurry figure that would come into focus. Ichigo preferred getting his memories back this way compared to the other way they manifested. The worst he went through was getting nearly sliced in half by Aizen. That memory came during a walk with Optimus while he was inspecting the troops. Ichigo could not forget the look of fear on the mech's face when he suddenly yelped and collapsed; blue energon flowing from his back. Yet there had been no wound, none that Ratchet could find.

Ichigo knew that there was more to come that would be worse. He just hoped that it wasn't in public or Optimus or the twins would witness it.

No, he prefers regaining memories during his dreams.

"Of course, ya do," Ichigo snaps his human head around and grins at seeing the pale mirror image smirking back.

Another reason he prefers dreaming is that he got to see Zangetsu again. Both of his swords were there though his Shinigami side was there to greet him more than his Quincy side.

"Zangetsu," Ichigo nods at the old man spirit lounging with his sake bottle in the background. "Ready?"

"Tch, like ya have to ask King. I'm always ready to kick your weakling ass," the paler spirit grins savagely at him.

Quincy Zangetsu strolls up behind his paler partner, "Ichigo will face me first." It wasn't a suggestion but a fact.

The orange-headed teen gave the man a feral grin. His mirror image snorts pouting, "Whatever."

Politics in the morning, unloading his stress during the night. For Ichigo, it works. 'Maybe he'll ask Jazz or Barricade if they could spar once meetings were done.' Ichigo wanted to stretch his frame. Not many would go all out when sparring with him. Except for Ironhide, the mech didn't go easy on anyone But Ichigo was starting to get used to the mech's fighting style. Which made their spars kind of boring.

"Pay attention, King!"

Ichigo dodges a swipe to his neck, "Hmm you say something?"

"Tch, don't get cocky asshole."

"If I'm one so, are you."

"Yes, but I know that I'm an asshole."

Older Zangetsu sighs as the two continue bickering and fighting. Sometimes he wonders how these powerful beings could act so childish.

"Hey old man; you joining or watching?" Ichigo asks while the hollow smirks at the elder blade.

Zangetsu stoically stares at brown and gold eyes. Then without warning flicks, and his blade sends a blue wave of energy at the two forcing them to jump apart. "Prepare yourselves."

Twin feral grins and two sets of blades waited with anticipation for the next attack. This is what Ichigo missed in his everyday life. He would not admit to Optimus or Ratchet that he loved fighting. He needed it; craved it. Whether this was brought on during his time in Kaon or he always felt it Ichigo didn't know, nor did he care.

In the morning, Ichigo was feeling a bit better. He was less tense now that he was able to work out the stress. Jazz seemed to notice as had Barricade though neither said a word about it. Ichigo almost hoped that this meant it was going to be a good day. He only had to go through one more day of this before leaving in the morning. He would be able to see the twins and check on Prowl's status and he wouldn't have to deal with anything pollical for a long while.

Sadly, Ichigo should have known not to bait fate.

As they exited the hotel his group was greeted by Crys. That was not unusual as the femme met them every morning. No, what was the most concerning part was the large crowd of Enforcers encircling the Hotel entrance. There were even snipers on the roofs next to the hotel and across from it.

Crys gives a small bow, "Good orn Lord Ichigo."

Ichigo nods in return, "Good orn Crys, I see that you have invited some new guests for today."

The smile the femme sent them had Ichigo tense; something was wrong. "Yes but no worries my Lord they are not here for you." She tilts her helm and points a gun at him. "They are here for your bodyguard. I am not sure if you are aware my Lord of who you employ, but that mech behind you is one of the most wanted criminals on Cybertron."

"You don't say," Ichigo tactfully ignored the sharp claw digging into his back. "And yet I think you are mistaken; Jazz is a trusted employee of the Prime. I would think that my Lord Brother would know if his employees have been doing side jobs."

Crys laughs a little, "Yes, I am sure he would. If it was any other mech and not the famous Meister. A world-renowned con artist, kidnapper, thief, and assassin." The femme waves her weapon and the Enforcers close in, "I am sure that a mech named Jazz once existed but I fear that he has met an unfortunate end."

Ichigo shifts a little hiding the smaller mech. He could feel that claw twisting in warning before the silver mech backs off, "I hope that Praxis has proof of these allegations," Ichigo glared at the crowd. "Such words can harm a mech's reputation."

Crys shrugs, "One must be careful when dealing with dangerous mechs My Lord," her tone laced with warning.

Ichigo stands at his full height blocking any attempts of reaching Jazz, "And yet your weapon has been pointed at me the whole time. Am I such a danger to you Crys?"

The smile the femme gave was chilling, "In a way. For now, young Lord, please follow me and do not interfere."

Ichigo was not one to follow stupid orders, but a warning poke from Jazz had him holding the scolding outburst. Ichigo fought against himself as Jazz lazily walked forward, arms up and a smirk on his face. "Don't give them cause to jail ya mech, right now they can't, ya haven't don't anything to warrant it." Ichigo flicks his wings angrily his frame tight as he watched the smaller mech being manhandled into the back of a prisoner transport.

Crys stood there still smiling before waving for Ichigo to follow her into a large transport with blackout windows. Ichigo could see three others waiting inside, he chanced a glance back at Barricade. The mech had been silent and was standing ramrod straight. Ichigo could taste the fear rolling off the mech and he thought that the mech would meet a more permanent fate.

"284, return to your station for punishment. You will be confined to barracks and half rations," Crys ordered not bothering to look at the rigid Enforcer. '

Ichigo glanced one last time at the still mech before the door shut behind the femme. As the transport lifted off Crys sat opposite him with a stern stone face femme and two unknown mechs flanked him nearly crushing his large wings. Ichigo scowled at the grim-looking femme; he was not intimidated by the forced isolation. He was worried but not intimidated.

"What is your purpose in Praxis?" the new femme asks.

"To open communications, your city has been silent considering everything," Ichigo answered. It was half true he was sent to get talks going. Jazz's purpose was a different animal he wanted no part of. "Why the question; I would have thought that that was obvious."

The femme did not look pleased, "you came with a wanted criminal-

"Alleged, you have yet to provide proof that Jazz is who you say he is," Ichigo crossed his arms.

"We have a source that says otherwise," the femme scoffs. "What is your mission?"

"To open com-

Ichigo's helm reeled back and slammed into a helm size fist. One of the mechs had grabbed his helm and rammed it into the other's waiting fist. He felt energon leak from a crack near the left optic and nose.

"What is your mission in Praxis?"

"I just told you!" Ichigo braced himself as the femme nods to the mechs pinning him before a fist punched him in the chest. Like most seekers, Ichigo was lightly armored, if he wore the heavier battle armor it would impair his flying. So, while he was better off than civilian seekers his light armor was dented from the repeated punches. "What the hell is your problem!"

He wished that he could fight back, but the consequences of he did, and the small space of the transport hindered him. Optimus's title won't be helping him in this nor his own. This was going to be a waiting game only with more energon and bruises.

"You are being held for charges of sabotage and aiding in political corruption with outside rebels. It would be wise to confess your transgressions. If you do not, then the consequences will be great."

Ichigo glares, "Again I or Jazz have done nothing. I was sent by my brother to open communication between Praxis and Iacon. You are the ones mistaken in thinking I can talk my way into your coveted political circles since I have never been near any of your senators except Shearwall back in Iacon."

The unknown femme sighs, "I see that you are stubborn. Very well, you were given a chance so now will suffer."

Ichigo tensed when the femme nodded and the two mechs grabbed his arms and tried to bin him forward. Instinct took over causing him to struggle against the two holding him. He could feel Zangetsu shoot to the forefront, adding to his strength.

"Let us go!" twin voices shouted. The dual tone sends shivers through the occupants of the transport. It was enough that the mechs loosen their hold on Ichigo and saw the opening slam into the one near the door. "You will not hold us femme," Ichigo/Zangetsu growls before tearing the door open and jumping out.

He laughs at the shouted order behind him. Ichigo/Zangetsu free-fell until he flipped over, extending their wings and gliding into the towering crystal formation. He did not glide all the way done but raked his talons on the tall crystal growth and slid down to the ground. His landing was rough sending little jolts up his legs, but it didn't stop from his running. He could take to the air again, but they would expect him to fly. One thing Ichigo was glad for was that he felt more at home on the ground than in the sky. It lessens the sky hunger all seekers faced when grounded for too long.

The only problem was that he stood out. His dark coloring would have saved him if not for the bold red lines on his face. He had heard many times how the bold red was optic catching. So, he settled for speed walking. Zangetsu had throttled back but still lingered close to the surface of his mind ready in case Ichigo needed them.

His next problem was getting in touch with Optimus or anyone really. Optimus could get him out but despite how he found Jazz to be irritating Ichigo couldn't leave Praxis without him. Granted he didn't know if the mech had his way out but Ichigo can assume Jazz had a backup plan. There is also the reason why Praxis decided to arrest him or how they found out about Jazz. Ichigo knew that Ironhide would never place his trust in a mech that couldn't ensure their safety.

So, what happens?

Taking a chance Ichigo call the first mech who could help.

: Who is calling at this slagging early hour: Ironhide growled.

: this time you can't get angry at me: Ichigo answered.

: Well ain't that suspicious: Ironhide sighs: What did you not do:

: Jazz and I got arrested: Ichigo said bluntly.

: …what:

The way Ironhide answers almost caused Ichigo to snort both mentally and physically. The red mech's voice sounded beyond done.

: well Jazz got arrested. I ended up getting punched in the face and gut punch and politely accused of political sabotage: Ichigo ducked into an ally way when a squad of Enforcers raced by.

: Ratchet is going to have a fit when he sees my chest armor:

: I warned ya to go with the heavier stuff:

: But then I wouldn't be able to fly:

: Like you bother to fly now!: Ironhide sighs: Why are you still in Praxis then youngling?:

: Can't exactly fly up and out: Ichigo snorts staring up at the sky: There is some kind of barrier up and I have a feeling that I would smack into it rather than through it: he leans against the ally wall: And I don't feel right leaving Jazz behind:

: Thought you didn't like em:

: He grew on me, still think he is annoying, but I don't hate him: Ichigo grumbles, he could feel the satisfied smirk Ironhide was no doubt giving: How long before Optimus finds out:

Ironhide hums: Not long, I wouldn't be surprised if Praxis officials have already called him:

: Damn: Ichigo groans: I hoped that I would have more time: What's likely to happen then:

: You know Optimus, he'll try to negotiate terms, but it'll take everything we have to keep him in Iacon. He'll be angry on your behalf:

: more like he'll want to strangle me once he gets his hands on me:

: If not, then Ratchet, for some reason has been cursing your name. Wouldn't know why now you would:

: Nope: Ichigo decided to take a chance and walk out of the ally and mingled with the crowd: Ironhide try to keep Optimus out of Praxis. If this works, I'll bring Jazz and myself home soon:

Ironhide growls: don't do anything reckless youngling:

Ichigo smirks: sorry Hide but reckless is all I know by now:

: Youngling!:

Ichigo cut the call off before Ironhide could say more. He ignored the next few calls before he figured the older mech gave up. Then calls from Ratchet started coming through. Ichigo froze, a mech would have to have a death wish to ignore a call from Ratchet. Well, he did tell Ironhide he was a certain kind of reckless.

With a quick silent sorry Ichigo turned all communications to silent. With a shutter of his upending doom, once they return to Iacon, Ichigo kept to the alleyways. He had an idea of who to ask where Jazz might be held. However, Ichigo felt like he was going to have to rescue Barricade before getting answers.

Eh, not like he hadn't done something similar before.

It was a day later and in the middle of the night before Ichigo found Barricade. The mech had been under lock and key with thick chains wrapped around his throat, wrists, and ankles. And if Ichigo had to guess, Barricade's transformation cog was disabled. Finding him was the easy part, the hard part that Ichigo found was getting to him. Unlike back in Soul Society there wasn't a giant ass cannon to shoot him.

The added force would make breaking in and snatching Barricade a lot easier.

Not that it was a good idea to ram into an Enforcer station. Ichigo didn't think Optimus would appreciate cleaning up that mess or that doing so would alert Praxis of his intentions. Yet it was the only thing he could think of. Maybe he could use something as a distraction, but what could he use that wouldn't cause harm to the civilians?

Little did he know that he would not have to cause a disturbance. Outside forces will rain hellfire down on the unsuspecting city. The City of Praxis will serve as an example to the rest of the Cybertron and the planet will quake. Ichigo will feel despair as he watches. A once great city will fall and be the first of many casualties.