Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was another day, and another battle. It was mid-afternoon and a yellow sun blazed overhead, baking the parched earth. The red, almost Martian landscape was normally filled with the quite sounds of desert life with the exception of the occasional Coyote or Bug making themselves known. But today, the rocky plains rang with the sound of laser blasts and explosions as two separate forces traded blows.

There were two sides to this conflict, both refusing to surrender their ground to the other. Both sides had a single, identical goal. That goal was to locate and retrieve a nearby Minicon at any cost before the opposing force did.

This was actually the first battle in a long time, nearly two earth weeks, since the Autobots and the Decepticons last traded blows. The wait for a Minicon to reveal itself had set both forces on edge, every last one of them itching for a fight and the battle was heated.

Overhead, both Jetfire and Starscream soared through the cloudless blue sky in a intense dogfight with guns blazing as they tried to outmanoeuvre the other. But it was easy to tell that for as intense as it was, both were holding back from a full engagement. They were waiting for a signal by their respective searchers Hotshot and Cyclonus. Once one of the two found the Minicon, it was their job to retrieve it.

Both searchers in question sped through the Utah Badlands. A place where samples of the most ancient stones in the world were found as well as various dinosaur fossils including the famous Utah Raptor, star of the Jurassic Park movies. But the transformers wanted something  that had lain undisturbed in these rocks for considerably less time than any raptor.

Elsewhere, an explosion sent violent vibrations throughout the area causing rocks and boulders to loosen and tumble down on everything in the vicinity. Including, for example, a bright yellow Camero.

The Camero in question whooped, clearly enjoying himself as he raced down a narrow canyon dodging the falling debris. His passengers on the other hand...

“Ahhhhh!”

His passengers on the other hand chorused out, hanging on tight to whatever they could as they tried not to be knocked about by the wild swerving.

"Dao Man! What was that?"

"Hotshot, look out for those rocks!"

"Slow down! You're going too fast!"

Hotshot chuckled, actually increasing his speed before replying to his passengers. "Come on Rad, I have to go fast to avoid those Decepticreeps. And for your information Carlos, that was Megatron trying to use his cannon to blast Optimus and as usual missing. And don't worry so much Alexis, I can handle it. No bunch of rocks is going to slow me of all bots down."

Another loud explosion set more rocks to dislodge and tumble from the canyon walls and rain down on them, prompting Hotshot to use his cannons to blast the larger ones while swerving to avoid the others.

Once they were apparently clear, Hotshot chuckled again, this time with a touch of arrogance. "See? I told ya-ouch!" He yelped as the last rock he just blasted ricocheted off the canyon floor to whack on straight on the bonnet.

The yellow car skidded, almost throwing around his passengers even more even as they laughed before straightening out. Hotshot moaned, wishing he could rub the sore spot on his Chassis. "Ow, Ow, Owwww."

After she had managed to catch her breath and stop laughing, Alexis leaned around the side of the driver’s seat to look at the dashboard and spoke, a slightly mocking tone in her voice. "You were saying something Hotshot?"

All she got back was half-hearted grumbles, which sparked her and Rad into another laughing fit. Carlos on the other hand, was holding himself white-knuckled and looking a bit pale, being absolutely terrified as how close that rock had been from coming through the window and straight at him.

Once he managed to compose himself, he cast a pointed look at the two in the backseat, speaking in a wounded tone. "Hey Dudes, that that almost hit the windscreen and me. That's mucho not funny."

Both Alexis and Rad continued to laugh despite Carlo's protest. Finally, both calmed down, though Rad was still snickering. "What you worried about Carlos? After all, its Hotshot behind the wheel."

Alexis joined in, snickering as well. "Yeah, our Hotshot driver is too smart for a bunch of rocks."

Just as she said it, Karma came back to bite her. The last rock blasted by Hotshot burst into a dense cloud of pebbles rather than blown clean out of the way and pelted Hotshot’s bonnet. The Mech yelped in pain and skidded out of control, spinning wildly on the canyon floor while the kids yelled in a panic. It was actually a miracle that they didn't crash into one of the walls, with how narrow it was.

But it was not the time to count their blessings, as Hotshot collided mid-spin with a large piece of rubble. Momentum lifted Hotshot into the air and on his side, causing the kids to yell even louder as they found gravity suddenly changing.

"Yea-arrghhh!" Hotshot ground out as he slid on his side over the bottom of the canyon until he came to a painful stop. The kids on the other hand were alright, if a little unnerved from being tossed about so abruptly. They had been wearing their jumpsuits, so they had been saved from the worst.

They were still slightly shaken after the wild ride, and were painfully aware of how vulnerable they were in this position. But even then, they trusted Hotshot to protect them with his all so they weren't as worried as they could have been.

But still, they would be more comfortable when they were not hanging in their seats. Once they gathered their senses, they carefully undid their seatbelts and climbed out. This allowed Hotshot transform and right himself. Once the Mech was righted and sitting, the three kids voiced their concerns for their yellow friend, starting with Carlos. "Hotshot, you okay man? You took a beating there."

But before Hotshot could answer or before the other two could voice their own worries, the Mech's Comm. beeped to life and Optimus's voice came through, sounding concerned.

"Hotshot, what happened? Are you and the kids alright?"

Hotshot tapped his Comm. and groaned out a response. "Yes sir, everything's fine and we're having a great time," He decided that he would rather not elaborate on his little accident.

"Hotshot, we all heard you yelling and a crash. Were you attacked by...," Optimus was suddenly cut off by a grunt, and the sound of clashing metal came over the comm. followed by a voice that was definitely not Prime.

"Pay attention when you're fighting me Prime!"

A thud, and the sound of clashing metal before they heard Prime respond. "If you don't mind Megatron, I was enquiring after my men."

"Laughable Prime, I think I warrant a bit more attention than some children," came the sound of Megatron, his voice smug.

"Hardly, those kids are worth ten of you Megatron," Optimus said in a calm yet serious voice. "They have been nothing but welcoming and supportive ever since we have come to their world."

There was the sound of grappling and more clashing metal, followed by growling. Both boys grinned at each other and shared a high-five, while Alexis blushed at Optimus's words, he was always so sweet.

But then Megatron spoke again. "What makes you think I was referring to those human brats you keep as pets Prime?"

"Hey!" said Hotshot indignantly. "Did he just call me a kid?"

“Why, yes," Megatron sneered. "I do believe I did. Do you have a problem with that, child?"

They heard Megatron chuckling as Hotshot angrily muttered curses. Rad, Carlos and Alexis jaws had dropped but now they were glaring at the Comm. system. They couldn't believe what Megatron had just said.

"I really wonder sometimes how you cope Optimus, with such adolescents masquerading as soldiers," Megatron said with sneering malice.

"Well Megatron," Optimus replied lightly. "You would know as most of those under your command are soldiers who act like children."

There was a fierce snarl from Megatron and they heard him engaging with Optimus before the Comm. link was abruptly cut off. The kids were how grinning at Optimus's words and even Hotshot's grumblings had subsided. His Comm. buzzed and Sideswipe's voice spoke. "Hey bro, did you catch that?"

"Yeah, I heard MegaMoron. But Optimus showed him," replied Hotshot, a grin in his voice.

"Yeah I saw. Bro, what's happening your end? We lost sight of you."

"Just a slight setback, nothing I can't handle. We're in the canyon next to the really tall stack."

"Copy that Hotshot; you'd better get moving before Cyclonus or Starscream spot you."

"Alright bro. Anything on the Minicon?"

"Negative, Sideswipe out."

"Alright, Hotshot out," Hotshot released his Comm. and finally managed to get a chance to look himself over.

"Aw man, look at my paint job!" he groaned, looking at the deep scratches and dents in his armour, especially the parts where the paint had been scrapped down to the metal.

Alexis set her hand on the leg of her large friend and smiled. "Never mind Hotshot, we'll get you fixed up back at base," she said soothingly.

"Boy," exclaimed Carlos stretching and glancing around at the ruined canyon walls and ground. "What a mess. Hey Rad, how long have we been out here?"

"I'd say about two hours," replied Rad.

Carlos whistled.

"That Minicon is hidden real good this time, that's for sure," said Hotshot. "But at least the Decepticons haven't found it."

"Yeah, but even if they do find it first, I bet we can beat them to it" said Carlos.

"But that's the thing isn't it?" said Alexis. Everyone looked at her and she continued. "It doesn't matter who finds it, as the other side always finds out and then it becomes a big battle to retrieve it. I think we need to come up with a better strategy."

"You've got a point Alexis," said Hotshot, brow furrowed. "It's been pretty obvious so far, to the Decepticons that I've been charging around with no clear direction. That'll change once we spot that Minicon."

"Speaking of which Rad, any word from Laserbeak?" Alexis asked.

Rad pulled out his communicator and glanced at the screen. An image of some rocky out crops appeared as Laserbeak flew over them, tirelessly searching for a hint of green among the red rocks. Rad shook his head as he spoke.

"Nothing yet."

"So what are we going to do when we find that Minicon?" asked Carlos.

They all thought for a moment, and then Rad said. "What if we went for the Minicon."

"Err dude, isn't that what we were doing anyway?" Said Carlos confused, looking at his friend.

"No I mean, what if just the three of us went?" said Rad. Carlos still looked a bit puzzled but Alexis's face lit up as she clicked with what Rad meant.

"Just the three of you on your own, going after a Minicon?" said Hotshot not looking very happy with the idea. "The Decepticon's would be on you in moment!"

"Not if they were chasing you," Alexis said. At Hotshot's confused look, she continued. "When we locate the Minicon, you'll go haring off to a point that's far away from the actual Minicon while we go to its real location."

Hotshot looked thoughtful at this but still concerned. "That could work, but I still don't like the idea of you kids unprotected."

"But once we find the Minicon, we'll call for our Minicon's and they'll look after us!" said Carlos excitedly. "Come on, this could totally work."

"Well…" said Hotshot wavering.

"The Decepticons would be too busy with you and the others. If we stay with you, we'll probably be at more risk. Not that you don't do a great job protecting us," Alexis added hastily. "But this way we can sneak right past Megatron, grab the Minicon and go home."

Before Hotshot could reply, they heard the sound of blades whirling. The sound was rapidly getting louder meaning the vehicle was getting closer and fast.

"Cyclonus!" said Hotshot staring in the direction of the sound and quickly transformed. He reversed beside the three kids and threw open his doors. They quickly piled into the back and were still strapping themselves in as Hotshot took off, his doors slamming shut with a resounding clap.

With the roar of a high-power engine he shot through and out the canyon and onto the rocky plain, and although they were now exposed to the Decepticons it was better than being caught in a confined space like the canyon with a trigger happy maniac like Cyclonus.

It wasn't long until the helicopter whirled into sight and spotted them. With a whoop of mad delight, he went after them, guns blazing.

"Hey Autobot, where are you off to in such a hurry?" Cyclonus laughed, blowing up a large boulder Hotshot had just passed.

"Maybe you guys have a point," Hotshot mumbled to the kids. Aloud he said "I'm trying to get away from your ugly mug, Cyclonus!"

"Ooooh, that hurt. NOT!" Cyclonus said mockingly, increasing his speed. "But not as much as this will!" he laughed as he climbed higher and sprayed the ground in front of Hotshot with shots forcing Hotshot to drive through a hail of debris and explosions.

Hotshot gritted his teeth as the small sharp shards bit into his armour, and increased his speed. Once free of the debris, he took a sharp left and took off through some rocky pillars. But Cyclonus kept after them, being a flyer had serious advantages, especially as Hotshot was hindered by the vast rocky Utah Badlands. Suddenly Hotshot's Comm. came to life again, only this time it was Blurr's voice.

"Hotshot, turn right after you pass those three stacks and drive straight along the cliff top."

"Roger Blurr."

Hotshot did as he was instructed, skidding madly as he turned and soon they were racing along the edge of a ravine. Hotshot hoped Blurr had a good plan because Cyclonus was still on his tail and gaining.

"And boy, I really don't fancy falling!" thought Hotshot.

"Give up Autobot," Cyclonus called. "You can't escape me, I'm gonna....Argh!" he yelled as a burst of laser fire hit his side. Two well placed shots hit his rotor blades and he careened out of control. With a yell, he plunged, smoking into the ravine, taken down by the Autobot sniper.

"Thanks Blurr. Great shooting!" said Hotshot as the kids cheered.

"You're welcome," came Blurr's cool voice before disconnecting the link.

Now that he wasn't being pursued, Hotshot slowed down so he was simply cruising. The sniper was nowhere to be seen, he had undoubtedly rejoined the main battle from whatever vantage point he was on. With Cyclonus gone they could hear the muffled sounds of battle, that Hotshot was sure was over the peak that bordered the ravine. Hotshot sighed; they were safe, for now.

"Everyone alright?" he asked the kids.

"We're cool, amigo," replied Carlos patting the seat in front of him.

"I'm going to call Highwire, Grindor and Sureshock to meet us, so we'll be ready when we find that Minicon," said Rad opening a link to his Minicon.

"You kids would be careful, because although I'll be distracting the Decepticons, we won't be able to call the others in case we're overheard," warned Hotshot.

"We'll be extra cautious," Alexis said reassuringly. "When we get the Minicon, we'll call Jetfire or Red Alert and they can get us back to the base."

"Alright, we'll give this plan of yours a shot, now where shall we go from here?" He broke off as Rad's portable communicator beeped.

"He's done it, Laserbeak's found the Minicon!" cried Rad excitedly, looking at a picture of something jade green embedded in the rock.

"And Highwire and the other's aren't far from here!" Exclaimed Alexis

With the kids Minicon's coordinates, Hotshot headed straight for their location. He drove quickly but cautiously so as not to attract any attention. In no time at all, he reached an overhang in the side of a rocky slope where the Minicons were hiding. Hotshot causally slowed to stop beside them as the kids piled out.

"You've got five minutes to make a start, before I start my own run. Good luck!" Hotshot said before driving off.

Highwire beeped softly in question as Hotshot disappeared from sight. Grindor and Sureshock were also looking questioningly at their human counterparts.

"Don't worry guys, we've got a plan," said Rad laughingly. "We're going after the Minicon while Hotshot distracts the Decepticons."

The Minicon Trio still did not look assured, so Alexis stepped up to try with a caring voice. "It's alright; we'll be okay with you guys here to help."

"Yeah, we're a team!" said Carlos. "Come on guys, let's get going."

The Minicon's gave small shrugs and transformed. Carlos leapt onto his skateboard, Alexis onto her scooter and Rad onto his bike. They set off, being careful not to be caught out in the open. Their route did unfortunately bring them close to the battle, in fact only a small overhang hid them form Demolisher.

"What was that?" Demolisher said suddenly as he briefly paused in his shooting as he heard the sound of rocks falling close by. Alexis on Grindor had accidentally knocked into them, as the kids on their Minicons had quickly rushed from their previous hiding place. They quickly flattened themselves against the rock as they heard Demolisher peering around.

"Hmm," Demolisher was still, listening for further disturbance. But then a noise behind him made him turn. It sounded like the roar of a car speeding close by.

"Megatron!" They heard Demolisher cried. "It's that Autobot Hotshot, I think he's going for the Minicon!"

"Well done Hotshot," thought the kids as they heard Megatron barking an order over Demolisher's comm.

"Well get after him, Demolisher! Thrust, Cyclonus you too. Wheeljack, Starscream you keep the Autobots pinned down. I'll deal with Prime..."

"Yes sir!" They heard Demolisher say before he went off after Hotshot.

"Come on," whispered Rad and they set off again. Even though they weren't near any Decepticons now, they had decided to whisper to be on the safe side. Five minutes later they had reached the small gorge where the Minicon was located. The kids quickly jumped off their Minicons to peer over the edge.

"How are we going to get down?" asked Carlos looking down into the shadows.

"It's not that deep," said Alexis. "But it's a pity we don't have rope or something."

The Minicon's after being relieved of their passengers had transformed from their vehicle modes. At Alexis's words, they transformed and combined into Perceptor. Scooping Carlos up, Perceptor jumped down into the gorge. Carlos had given a small yelp as they went down but only out of surprise. He quickly surveyed the scene as Perceptor let him down. He looked back up at Rad and Alexis and said.

"It's not too far, Rad if you help Alexis, Perceptor can catch her, and then you can come down."

They did as Carlos suggested, holding onto Alexis's arms. Rad lowered her into the shallow chasm. Once he reached a certain point, he let go and Alexis landed in Perceptor's arms.

"Thank you, Perceptor," she said smiling as he let her down.

Rad now lowered himself into abyss, until he was hanging by his fingers then dropped into Perceptor's waiting grasp. Once Perceptor had let him down, Rad joined Alexis and Carlos as they examined the damp stone walls. Perceptor also joined them as Alexis touched the cold dark rock.

"The Minicon's embedded in the rock somewhere, it shouldn't take long for us to find it," she said softly.

They carefully made their way along, searching for the hidden Minicon. The distance echo of battle reverberated around them. Suddenly Rad pointed at a deep crack in the wall.

"Look, there it is!" he said hurrying over to the crack where something green was glowing. He stuck his arm into the crack as the others ran over and pulled out the dormant Minicon.

"Dude, I can't believe it!" Carlos said excitedly but quietly. "We just have to get out of here like, now."

"We'll contact Jetfire as soon as we're up top," said Alexis as they quickly made their way back to the point they had descended from. When they reached it, Perceptor braced himself against the wall allowing Rad to climb up on his shoulders. Once there he sat down and Carlos helped Alexis to climb up Perceptor and onto Rad's shoulders. Once there she stretched to grab the cliff edge and managed to pull herself up and out. As soon as she was on firm ground, she peered back down to see Rad standing up and holding the Minicon up for her. She took it and carefully concealed it in a hole before leaning back over the cliff.

Rad had sat down again to allow Carlos to climb up and once he was on Rad's shoulders, Alexis grabbed his arms and helped him haul himself out. Then both Alexis and Carlos reached down and helped Rad out. With Alexis and Carlos holding onto him, Rad held his arms out to Perceptor who jumped up, grabbed hold of them and was pulled up into the sunlight. Everyone paused to catch their breath.

"Well guys it was hard work but we did it!" said Carlos triumphantly. "Alexis you get the Minicon, then Rad can contact Jetfire and then we are out of here."

Alexis bent and retrieved the Minicon form its hiding place. She, Rad and Perceptor suddenly looked beyond the gorge as a distant explosion sounded.

"We'd better go...." Rad started to say but suddenly caught sight of Carlos's face. He hadn't turned to look beyond the gorge but was staring in shock at a point behind them. It was then that Rad and Alexis felt a very large shadow fall over them. Slowly they turned to see what Carlos was staring at and froze in horror at the sight that met their eyes.

"Well, well what do we have here?"

Chapter Text

"Well, well. Whatever do we have here? Some strays? And here I thought Prime actually kept a better eye on you."

Megatron smiled, towering over the kids and Perceptor. Alexis was acutely aware of the Minicon nestled in her arms, and right in plain sight. She unconsciously she hugged it to her chest as Megaton chuckled at their silence.

"You know, I'm actually a little impressed at how you managed to find this Minicon, especially as I don't think dear Optimums is aware of it."

"You're not getting it Megatron, so you can just forget it!" Stated Rad hotly as he and Carlos flanked Alexis and pushed her behind them.

"Now let's not be foolish," said Megatron still amused. "You have nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, and no one to help you. Don't be a fool like Prime and continue when you're already defeated."

"Oh yeah?" said Carlos defiantly as he grabbed Rad's comm. "Jetfire, do you copy? Jetfire? Hotshot? Optimus?"

Carlos yelling trailed off, as he looked up and stared at Megatron who stood there smirking

"Well, how unfortunate. Something seems to be wrong with your communicator doesn't it? Never did trust such shoddy pieces of Autobot technology myself you know, they always had the unfortunate habit of malfunction at the most inopportune of times."

"He's jamming us," whispered Carlos in horror.

Megatron suddenly moved, apparently aiming to close the distance between them.

Perceptor jumped in front of them, his arms held out protectively in front of them. Megatron however continued unperturbed, and a moment later they knew why as Leader-One appeared out of nowhere and attacked Perceptor. The two Minicon's wrestled briefly but as Perceptor had been caught by surprise, the fight ended with Perceptor pined to the ground by Leader-One.

Megatron held out his hand, the smirk gone and replaced with a deadly and dangerous seriousness.

"Now give me the Minicon girl. Just give it to me, and I'll be on my way and you can rejoin your Autobot friends without harm."

Alexis shook her head violently, turning her body to shield the Minicon from him. "And you think we believe that you're just going to let us go?"

"Of course. I just want the Minicon. It's below me to even think about wasting the energy to punish you for your impudence. Prime will do it for me thanks to your apparent disregard for his orders," His smirk returned. "You need to learn obedience, and I'm not going to interfere with that."

"Where is Optimus?" asked Alexis, hoping to distract Megatron. At least until either help came or Rad and Carlos came up with something. "Last we heard, you were fighting him."

"Oh we separated a while ago, that young fool Sideswipe was cornered by Wheeljack. Prime rushed off to help, leaving me to deal with that old scrapper Scavenger. And then of course, Demolisher called to inform me that Hotshot had found the Minicon."

Megatron paused for a moment, bringing his outstretched hand back to touch his chin thoughtfully. It seemed for the moment, Megatron was happy to tell them how he had found them. She knew the boy's beside her would be doing some fast thinking.

"I didn't suspect anything amiss until Cyclonus happened to mention that you were no longer with Hotshot, though you had been when he had attacked earlier. I was going to take care of Prime when I noticed that Perceptor here."

He smiled coldly down at the immobilized Minicon.

"Had also disappeared. Since I knew of all the other Autobot's movements, I realised that you were for some reason on your own."

Megaton suddenly redirected his gaze to a point where, Alexis suspected, Optimus and the others were. With Megatron's optics off them for the moment, she felt the boy's shift slightly beside her. Without turning her face away from Megatron's she looked at Rad who had slipped his hand into a pocket. As she watched, he carefully withdrew his hand holding a small fat stick.

Looking towards Carlos she saw he had done the same. Moving slowly so Megatron wouldn't notice their movements, they slipped their sticks into her arms, hidden by the Minicon. Alexis knew what they were; special flares the Autobot's had given them. They were activated by being thrown hard against the ground causing a brilliant bright white light.

Alexis had a wonderful idea about what precisely to do with them.

"It struck me as odd that Prime and his men hadn't reacted any quicker than us when Hotshot supposedly found that Minicon. Now why would your friend not alert his leader unless he especially wanted us to notice him? And so," he concluded looking back at them. "I realized your little plot and tracked you down."

He gazed thoughtfully at them for a moment before extending his hand again. The three kids backed up slightly, they couldn't go far as there was a drop right behind them. Megaton gave a small sigh and started moving towards them, possibly to stop them falling in with the Minicon where it would be harder for him to get out.

"I will not ask again, give me the Minicon, now," he commanded as he lent towards them.

The kids glanced at each other, and then their shoulders slumped in defeat.

"You'd better give it to him," said Rad softly.

Alexis stepped forward as Megatron leaned even closer, looking triumphant at her bowed head. She started to uncross her arms which had held the Minicon close and causally placed one hand behind the Minion as though to support it.

Suddenly her head whipped up and she flung both flare sticks straight at Megatron's face. He reared back in shock as one exploded on his chest, the other on one of his horns. He yelled in pain as they exploded in a brilliant burst of light.

As soon as Alexis had thrown those sticks, the kids had sprung into action. Rad and Carlos had rushed Leader-One and knocked him off Perceptor, then yelled at Alexis to run as Leader-One tried to grab them only to be intercepted by Perceptor. The two Minicons started wrestling again, this time with the advantage to Perceptor as the larger of the two. Alexis couldn't run past Megatron or jump into or across the gorge so she ran along it as fast as she could.

"Little brats," snarled Megatron clutching at his optics but managing to straighten up to his full height.

Hearing the two boys struggling to help Perceptor, he blindly swiped at them, the tips of his fingers catching Rad and sending him flying. Carlos yelled as he friend hit a rock stack and slumped to the ground. Hearing Carlos's cry, Alexis stopped and turned back to see Carlos running over to a prone Rad. She made to run back towards them, when she saw Megatron rubbing at his optics and apparently able to see again.

His angry red optics focused on her and his face twisted in a snarl. Seeing that Rad was still moving, she turned and sprinted away. She could hear Megatron coming after her and knew she couldn't out run him, but at least he wasn't going after the boys.

She twisted and turned among the large rocks, turning a corner and ducking under a large slab of rock that balanced on two smaller ones. There was a small tunnel in front of her with light at the end so she ducked into that and quickly crawled through, but to her horror she out in a box canyon.

Surrounded by high cliffs, some parts of which possibly could be climbed but would leave her completely exposed, she realized her only escape was the tunnel she had just come through.

But a she was about to run through it, Megatron vaulted over the rocky outcrop, one of his feet crashing down to block her escape route. His face was thunderous but his voice was low when he spoke.

"Did you honestly think, truly think, that you could defy me and get away with it girl?" His optics were flashing and he bared his fangs.

"That Minicon is mine. And as I said before, you require a lesson in obedience," He clenched one hand into a fist, as he continued. "And while I was going to leave it to Prime to teach it to you, it appears you obviously need some… extra motivational discipline."

His fist crackled with electricity and Alexis flinched, remembering when she and the boy's had been captured. There was no way out, he was going to grab her and hold her, till she fell limp to the ground. She still shielded the Minicon with her arms but soon he would take it, rip it from her grasp. Megatron started to reach for her when it happened.

"Hold fast, Megatron!" A loud voice boomed.

"Prime," snarled Megatron as a tall blue and red mech leapt between him and Alexis. Alexis couldn't believe her eyes; Optimus had arrived just in time. Optimus was poised ready for battle, while Megatron straightened to look him full in the face.

"Out of my way, Prime, she needs to be taught a lesson and I'm going to give it to her," Megatron snarled.

"Not a chance Megatron. You'll have to go through me first," replied Optimus his hands poised to strike.

"It would be a pleasure Prime," said Megatron as he lunged at Optimus. The two locked hands and started grappling. Alexis didn't know what to do; she couldn't risk trying to run for the tunnel, not while too very large robots were fighting in an enclosed space. But then there was a whoosh of engines and she looked up to see Jetfire hovering over her.

"Need a lift?" he called cheerfully reaching down and scooping her up.

With her safely in his hands, Jetfire lifted up, clearing the cliffs. Alexis sighed in relief but saw Megatron glaring up at them. He suddenly kicked Optimus, followed by a brutal punch to the side of the face, smashing Optimus into the side of the cliff. Megatron made to climb up but Optimus recovered himself and seized Megatron around the waist. While trying to push Optimus off, he yelled into his communicator.

"Starscream, get me the Minicon and the girl."

"As you command, Megatron," came Starscream's voice.

"Uh, oh," said Jetfire, searching the sky for the seeker. "Looks like we're going get some company. But don't worry, I can handle him."

"Oh, really?" came a cold voice right behind them. Jetfire spun to face Starscream who slowed to hover in front of Jetfire. Starscream had the Starsaber and he held it out horizontally, a brazen challenge. Jetfire brought Alexis against his chest protectively but he still sounded cocky as he said.

"How you doing Screamer?"

"Do not call me that!" snarled Starscream. "You will pay for that and then I will take my prize." His optics were fixed hungrily on the Minicon for which Alexis was somewhat grateful. She hoped she never saw him looking at her like that.

"I think your forgetting something Starscream," said Jetfire smugly.

"Oh and what might that be?" asked Starscream.

"I can just warp right out of here with Alexis and the Minicon and there's nothing you can do," said Jetfire even more smugly.

But before Starscream could react to that, Alexis cried out.

"What about Rad and Carlos, they're still out there."

"Oh, uh yeah," Jetfire mumbled as Starscream smirked.

"I guess you won't be going quite yet Autobot."

"Starscream!" yelled Megatron from below as he still tried to get Optimus off him. "I thought I gave you an order! Now capture that Minicon and the Girl this instant!"

"Yes Megatron," Starscream responded before he looked curiously at Alexis as he and Jetfire continued to hover. "I don't know what you did to annoy Megatron, but I'd advise you to simply take his punishment and get it over with. He'll leave you alone after that."

Alexis stared at him for a moment, a strange look on her face before she responded. "Is that what you do Starscream?"

Starscream froze for a moment, then his face twisted and he lunged at Jetfire with the Starsabre. Jetfire flew backwards dodging Starscream's attack, holding Alexis out and away from him while he tried to aim his gun at Starscream. Unfortunately the Seeker could easily block the shots, so Jetfire opted for keeping up a barrage of shots at Starscream, forcing him to take a defensive stance.

On the ground, Optimus was still holding onto Megatron who was thrashing and punching, trying to claw his way up the cliff. Optimus knew he couldn't keep this up, they would have to separate.

"Men, converge on my signal and find Rad and Carlos!"

"Oh no you don't Prime," growled Megatron. He also yelled into his communicator.

"Decepticons, regroup with Starscream and me, take out any Autobots you see and," he said with a malevolent glance in Optimus's direction.

"Get me those little brats!"

"Aw man we are in so much trouble" Carlos groaned as Megatron's order came over Wheeljack's comm. Wheeljack now smiled sinisterly down at him and Rad. Things had gone steadily downhill since Megatron had found them.

Ten minutes previously.

"It's alright Perceptor," Rad said as he hauled one of Leader-One's arms off Perceptor.

"Yeah as soon as you’re free, we are out of here," panted Carlos as he struggled with the other arm. Unfortunately, their exertions caught Megatron's attention as he clutched his optics and he blindly swung at them. Carlos ducked but Rad was hit and flung through the air to collide with a rock stack.

"Rad," cried Carlos as his friend slid down and lay motionless.

"Go," beeped Perceptor who was free enough to grapple with Leader-One. Carlos nodded wordlessly, let go of Leader-One and raced over to Rad. Carlos gently cradled his friend in his arms, checking for injuries. He saw a very large lump on the back of Rad's head but it wasn't bleeding and he didn't seem to have any other injuries.

Carlos now looked up to see Megatron recovering but he wasn't paying attention to the two boys. Carlos saw that Alexis had stopped and looked like she wanted to run back and help Rad.

"Don't do it," thought Carlos as Rad moaned and shifted. This seemed to snap Alexis out of it and she turned and sprinted away. Megatron, now fully recovered, snarled as he set off after her. Carlos groaned, feeling completely helpless with one of his best friends injured in his arms and the other being chased by a very large angry robot.

"Carlos," Rad murmured trying to wake up, his face grimacing.

"Don't move man, just relax," Carlos said feeling desperate. What was he going to do?

"The comm, Megatron's not here so it should be…nooo," Carlos moaned seeing the crushed remnants some feet away. He had dropped it when for Leader-One and Megatron had stepped on it as he pursued Alexis.

Carlos heard a cry and looked up to see Leader-One throw Perceptor off him. The Deception Minicon stared at him for a moment before transforming and setting off, disappearing from sight. Perceptor now came over to Carlos and bent over Rad, beeping concernedly.

"Don't worry," said Carlos. "He'll be fine, but we need to find Optimus or Hotshot or anybody...." He broke off, trying to stay calm.

"Perceptor," moaned Rad softly. "Go help Alexis, she's in more trouble than we are."

"He's right, amigo," agreed Carlos. "We'll get under cover, you can get Jetfire or someone to pick us up but Alexis needs backup, especially if that Minicon activates."

Perceptor nodded and was about to set off but there was a sound of jet engines and they turned to see Thrust hovering in the air.

"So, the female child has the Minicon," he said in his dull voice. "Excellent, she will not be difficult to take and no doubt Lord Megatron will reward me if I am the one to do it."

Perceptor beeped in anger and charged at Thrust, separating and leaping into the air. Grindor clawed his way up to Thrust's face and started pummelling it. Highwire and Sureshock were hanging onto Thrusts arms as he thrashed about, trying to dislodge them.

Carlos glared at the struggling figure in the air but then Rad moaned again. Carlos shifted his grip and lifted Rad in his arms as he stood.

"Come on, man, I'm getting you out of here," Carlos said as he carried Rad away. He struggled up a rocky hill, hoping he could spot an Autobot from the top. It was difficult going, with small grit and rubble causing Carlos to slip and slide. Eventually, though he made it. In the distance, to his delight he saw Jetfire hovering in the air with Alexis in his hand.

"Rad," he cried excitedly. "Jetfire's got Alexis."

Rad opened his eyes and smiled. But then he gave a small frown.

"Where's Megatron?"

"I can't see him," said Carlos scanning the surrounding area. "He might be further down, you know in a gully or something. Rad, why don't I try to signal Jetfire and he can still pick us up?"

"Yeah," said Rad turning his head. "Or... Is that HotShot I hear?"

Carlos listened and sure enough he could hear the roar of a car approaching. But oddly enough he couldn't see the car even though it sounded close.

"HotShot," Carlos called. "Sideswipe."

They heard the car turn and head in their direction. As it approached, Carlos looked back towards Jetfire and saw that he was now facing off Starscream. He heard the car right behind them and turned saying.

"Jetfire's fighting Starscream, HotShot what are we going to do..." he broke off with a gasp. There was nothing behind him but a voice suddenly said.

"Oh I'm not HotShot."

The air shimmered, then a black car materialised right in front of Carlos, before transforming into the former Autobot, Wheeljack. He smiled coldly down at them and said.

"Thought I was one of the Autobots, did you? Sorry to disappoint,"

"It's no big deal, man," said Carlos smiling nervously back, hoping Whelljack wasn't interested in them. "Um, I think Thrust might be in a little bit of trouble, could maybe do with a hand."

Wheeljack grimaced, he obviously wasn't very fond of Thrust, but started in the direction of Thrust's yells. Unfortunately it was at this point that Megatron's order came over his comm.

"Decepticons, regroup with Starscream and me, take out any Autobots you see and get me those little brats."

Wheeljack turned back to look down at Carlos again and smiled sinisterly. Carlos clutched Rad as Wheeljack said.

"Looks like a change of plans, boys. Just hold still and I won't hurt you."

He bent to grab them but sudden roar of engines made him start and turn as a yellow car raced up the slope.

"HotShot," Carlos cried as HotShot transformed and lunged at Wheeljack. Carlos managed to scoop Rad up and away as Wheeljack crashed to the ground under Hotshot.

"You're not taking these kids anywhere, Wheeljack, not while I'm around."

Wheeljack snarled and the two bots grappled fiercely with each other. Suddenly another car appeared, it was Sideswipe who raced up to Carlos and Rad swinging open his doors.

"Need a ride?" he asked as Carlos helped Rad in, strapping his friend in before fastening his own belt. Sideswipe roared away, followed by Hotshot who had jumped off Wheeljack and transformed. Wheeljack also transformed and chased after them.

"Where's Alexis?" said HotShot as they raced towards Jetfire.

"Jetfire has her and Alexis has the Minicon. Sureshock and the others are fighting Thrust," said Carlos.

"Call them and tell them to rendezvous with us," said HotShot.

Carlos did as he was told, wondering if they were ever going to get home and in one piece.

Meanwhile Alexis was clinging to Jetfire as he continued to fend off Starscream's attacks. Unfortunately a particularly ferocious thrust caused a deep wound in one of Jetfire's wings with the StarSaber. Jetfire crashed heavily to the ground with a cry of pain.

"Jetfire!" Alexis cried as he cradled her with one hand and his wing with the other.

"It's just a scratch," said Jetfire staggering to his feet. Starscream landed triumphantly next to Megatron who had finally managed to climb out of the pit. Jetfire bravely stood his ground. But suddenly he was hit with a burst of laser fire from behind by Demolisher who had just appeared. Jetfire fell to his knees, bent over in pain.

"Finish him Starscream," Megatron said smiling nastily. But he had momentarily forgotten Optimus who had just climbed out as well and who shot at Demolisher. Demolisher yelled and clutched at his hand. Then several things happened at once.

Hoist appeared over a ridge and in a moment had launched the SkyBoom Shield. Starscream charged with the StarSaber high over his head. Jetfire, wounded, tossed Alexis to Optimus who caught her and faced Starscream. The Seeker was just bringing the Sword down when Optimus caught the Shield. There was a deafening boom and a brilliant flash of light as the Sword hit the Shield.

Before Starscream could recover, Optimus shoved with the Shield, sending him staggering back. Megatron growled seeing Starscream at a disadvantage and so snatched the Sword off him and shoved him out of the way.

"Must I do everything myself, Starscream?" said Megatron advancing on Optimus.

A roar of engines, made everyone pause, it was HotShot and Sideswipe being pursued by Wheeljack and Thrust. The three Minicons could also be seen racing along.

"Optimus, we've got them," yelled HotShot.

"Red Alert, activate the Warpgate" yelled Optimus into his comm.. as he leaped back to let Jetfire grab hold of him.

Megatron lunged forward yelling "Prime!" as the Autobots warped out of view meaning the Sword sliced through empty air. Megatron's curses could be heard throughout the valley.