Author's Note: Wow, it's been awhile. In the few months that have passed, I have seen the truck alt mode of Optimus in the fourth movie in person, met with the legend himself Peter Cullen (for a few seconds - He called me beautiful 3), gone to an Imagine Dragons concert, visited Italy, graduated high school with honors, got accepted into university, stood against my Dad's ex as she screamed at me and got kicked out, lost my dog, hung up a few posters and assembled a bookshelf, started collecting Warcraft (TM) novels, and of course, worked quite a few shifts. Phew.

As it has been awhile, I had to re-read my story to get a feel for it again. The good thing is that the absence of writing conveniently paired up with Jazz and Prowl's travel. So just consider it a really long trip XD. My apologies at the time it took for this to come out, however I would love some reviews :)

Without further ado, Enjoy~

Prowl's P.O.V.

I was pulled from my subconscious with a soft groan, and I was dimly aware of a ringing inside my head. It was persistent, and so I became more alert to figure out where it was coming from. Realization hitting me, my hand flew to my commlink and activated it.

"This is Prowl," I answered groggily, already throwing my pedes over my berth and trotting to the door.

"Prowl – we need you in at the main entrance, stat!" Came a rough, slightly irritated voice. Leaving my quarters behind, I turned for the main entrance.

"I am on my way Ironhide." With a snort, he ended the conversation, and I walked at a fast pace to get there in a hurry. Rounding the bend near the rec room, two identical bodies appeared at my side, and they seemed just as, if not more eager to know what was happening.

"What's going on," huffed Sideswipe to my left, still wiping sleep off of his face. There was a growl to my right, and I could tell Sunstreaker was in a bad mood. I sighed, and shook my head slightly, tucking my wings in lower so that they were more streamlined.

"I don't know," I grumbled, my battle computer running speedily. "I assume they will tell us when we arrive." This received a small snort from Sunstreaker. We continued on for a few moments, occasionally running across a curious Autobot. I was thankful that I was strict on scheduling and timing, for they continued on with what they were doing rather than following us. There was one curious solder who followed us for a few steps, but at a low growl emanating from Sunstreaker, he immediately continued on his way. I should think to bring these two with me more often, I thought amusedly.

At last, we arrived at our destination. There was a small crowd consisting of officers – Perceptor, Wheeljack, Ironhide, and Optimus. I held back, and after a moment's eagerness, the twins stayed with me as well. Ironhide and Wheeljack were holding someone up, whose armor was white and blue. Optimus was in deep conversation with two scouts, one white with red and the other a murky looking grey. Camshaft and Groove, who were supposed to be patrolling and scouting the far borders nearest Decepticon territory. Hearing grumbling and cursing behind me, I saw the twins tense and bolt aside to the wall. Recognizing that voice, I followed suit and turned to find a groggy Ratchet storming towards the group. Smokescreen was behind, concern visible on his faceplates. Flicking a greeting at him with my wings that was returned in the same manner, I walked towards my father. The twins followed behind, tense and ready to spring on someone. Optimus' face was crinkled in deep thought, his bare lips pulled in a frown. It wasn't often his battle mask was retracted.

"What's the matter?" I asked, coming up beside him. The Twins flanked my right side, watching as Ratchet scanned the battered white bot. Optimus nodded, distracted, and ordered the two scouts to get some rest. Dipping their heads low in respect, the two scurried away with a nod in my direction.

"That's Mirage," My father explained, jerking his head at the battered bot – who, at a closer look, I confirmed to be Mirage. "He just escaped from imprisonment by the Decepticons. They have the information about the neutrals," he murmured, shooting me a quick worried glance. "The two scouts Camshaft and Groove just reported that after they found Mirage, they spotted a large party of Decepticons moving in the same direction that the coordinates lead to." So that was what was bothering my father, and my tanks squeezed in worry. Like my father, I too worried about the lives of innocents, although at a glance I appeared emotionless. I nodded, my battle computer firing rapidly.

"What do we do? We're going to have to move fast if we are to catch up with them. The coordinates given are quite a distance away, and our chances are improved if we leave in the half day," I added, glancing over at Ratchet cursing over Mirage and gently steering him toward the Medbay. Wheeljack and Perceptor were arguing about something, and Smokescreen hovered near Ratchet. After a quick moment of thought, Optimus nodded, and beckoned with his hand for me to follow. He walked swiftly toward Ratchet, and Ironhide immediately followed close to him, and when I moved to follow the twins flanked my side eagerly. I didn't have to look to know that they were anxious to fight someone, and that they were concerned about the neutrals. Ratchet by this point had First Aid and Hoist help Mirage swiftly to the Medbay, deeming his wounds un-fatal. His sharp optics lifted to Optimus, and we all met in a tight circle. Optimus explained what he had said to me to him, and Ratchet growled lowly.

"Well, are we moving or what?" He grunted, impatient. Optimus nodded, already turning to Ironhide.

"Ironhide, assemble a party fit for battle as well as travel. We will need about forty soldiers ready and here within the hour." Ironhide nodded, and ran off with his hand on him comm. Optimus turned to the twins next. "Sideswipe and Sunstreaker, get First aid and the other medics as soon as they have Mirage stabilized. Ratchet, for the duration of our absence you will stay here and assume command," he ordered, and Ratchet grumbled but nodded. The twins raced off in the direction that the medics had left. Optimus turned to me next, and I tensed. "Go to Blaster and set up a stable communications link. He will come with us. Do any other preparations needed," he added, and explained himself. "I will stay here for this is where we will meet, and the soldiers will be comforted knowing that I am here. I can give you thirty minutes." Nodding, I turned down the halls and darted towards Blaster's office. Luckily, it was past the shift change and everyone was at their post. Not so luckily, that also meant that the perfectly ordered schedule would be out-of-whack. Sighing to myself, I darted around the halls before finding Blaster's office. I knocked swiftly, however before he could respond I burst in. He swivelled around, surprised. I swiftly closed the door behind me.

"The Decepticons are moving in on the Neutrals. We are taking a party that includes you to stop them, and we require a stable communications link," I informed him bluntly. He nodded, his face dropping grimly and he turned around to his console before tapping rapidly.

"An' how long do we have?"

"Twenty-seven point fifty-two minutes." He blew out some air, nodding.

"Ai'ght. Cuttin' it close for such a distance, but I'll get it done." I nodded, satisfied.

"The meeting point is at the main entrance. We leave as soon as everyone is ready for the long duration of the trip. Appoint someone to control communications for your absence," I explained. Blaster grunted acknowledgement, consumed in his work. I turned and walked out of the door, twisting around the hallways with a mental checklist. Wheeljack supplied updated ammo, and Perceptor condensed some energon cubes so that we could carry more on us for the duration of a long trip as well as in the possible case of the neutrals needing aid. Smokescreen met me in the halls, and we discussed who would take care of tactical when I left. We ended up agreeing on a mech, and we rounded the last bend to the meeting point with half a minute left. Ironhide had forty-five mechs in line, each loading their weapons with upgraded ammo and grabbing a few cubes of condensed energon. A crude wagon was set up to carry medical supplies, weaponry, crude tents invented by Wheeljack, energon, and any other supplies needed. Smokescreen was on the commlink with the mech in question, and as I was walking up to my father I saw Blaster round the corner in the nick of time. With a nod in my direction, Optimus waited patiently with Ratchet, observing the soldiers. Ironhide was directing them with rough barks, and Smokescreen was now talking aside with Blaster, Perceptor, and Wheeljack. I saw a flash of colour, and the twins raced to my side, but not before Sideswipe stuck his tongue out in a silly gesture toward Smokescreen, who flashed a grin at him in return. The minor medics flew to Ratchet's side, and with reluctance he bid farewell to Optimus and returned to the Medbay to prepare for the possible surging influx of patients that could arrive. All in all, the base was in chaos to ready ourselves for the long trip ahead, as well as making sure that the base was relatively defended. Sunstreaker shook his head beside me, his face showing hints of disbelief.

"What it is, Sunstreaker?" We had a few minutes of preparation left, and I pulled out my gun to clean it. He shot me a look as I opened the chamber and took out the ammo, and he shook his head.

"Mirage was saying how he escaped. I can't believe it," he chuckled lowly, and Sideswipe looked up from cleaning his blade with a frown. Furrowing my optic ridge together, I sent them a questioning gaze.

"And how did he escape? There was a very low probability of him doing so." Sunstreaker sighed, and focused on his weapon. It was Sideswipe who answered the question.

"He said a 'Con mistakenly showed him how to escape." I paused in my movements, surprise hitting my data net. Frowning, I mulled over the possibilities. He was in chains, then. What Decepticon would know how to get out of chains? And more so, what would drive one to allow a prisoner to escape? I continued my movements, although slowly, thinking. It was Sideswipe's turn to sigh, and Sunstreaker's lips twitched into a reluctant smirk of admiration.

"He described the 'Con as the same that me 'n Sides fought over on that mission." I froze completely now, frowning more. Jazz. He means Jazz… He went on after a snort, missing my moment of distress. "I mean, C'mon. The mech's a good fighter, and he helps us?" I looked up in time to see Sunstreaker flash a small smirk to his brother, who was grinning back at him.

"This guy has our respect – but," he agreed, turning to me, smile lowering. "He could've gotten in trouble for that." Before I could say anything however, Sunstreaker smacked his twin behind the head.

"He can take care of himself, moron."

"Oh yeah? Is that why he managed to beat your aft?"

"I didn't see you helping."

"Hey! I did too!"

Rolling my optics as the twins dissolved into bickering and hitting one another, I couldn't help but feel just a smidgeon of pride for Jazz. Only I knew his name, and have spoken with him. And hugged him, the enemy, my mind supplied. I shook my head, and finished cleaning out my acid-pellet pistol that Ironhide deemed that I had needed as a child. My spark beating warmly in its casing, I made a mental note to thank him the next time I saw him – outside of battle, that is. Sighing, my mood was brought down as I was reminded of why I was leaving.

I looked up to my father, only to see him watching me and the twins. His optics seemed tired, however he drew himself up and slid down his battle mask.

"Autobots!" Everyone turned to him expectantly. "Roll out!"

- / -

Jazz's P.O.V.

3 weeks later

Frag was this a long trip. We've been walking for days, no, weeks, and it's the same boring thing over and over again. Megatron would wake us up at the crack of dawn, and we would have to pack up the scraps of leather and furs we used as bedding, gulp down a minimal portion of Energon, and start our long haul. We would only stop if we were navigating our way through rocky terrain, or for the occasional gulp of water in streams to conserve Energon. Only when the sun had completely set would he allow us to rest, and even then he sent mechs to patrol the area and watch over the sorry excuse of a campsite. I had to do that a few times already, and the nights without recharge severely drained my systems. I was simply lucky that Soundwave took his usual place beside me those days to imperceptibly warn me of any jutting rocks in my path.

Stretching my arms behind my shoulders, I huffed lightly in the cooler air. The air I blew out condensed and floated away from my face in a soft mist with the growing chill. Shaking my head and dropping my arms, I knelt down and collected the scrap of wolf fur that I had carved out myself. Everyone had to carry their own weight, and if one so happened to be smaller, then the pelts and energon load were in return smaller. Sighing, I stayed crouched down and observed the rest of the presumed hunting party. Starscream was whining softly about his cold aching joints as he did every morning, and Soundwave was gently feeding Ravage while his other deployers had their energon. Megatron was on a rock overlooking the party, optics narrowed and watching us with knife-like precision.

Sniffing the crisp, autumn air, I quickly pulled out my half-drained Energon cube and gulped down its contents. I've been keeping to only halves or thirds of a cube per feeding time. Standing to my full height and crushing the cube's container before stowing it away with the wolf fur, I carefully tread toward Soundwave. By now all of his deployers had had their fill, and he sent Lazerbeak to scout ahead before ushering the others all into his chest compartment. I let out a small puff of misty air before turning to Megatron. He gave the signal, and with heavy pedes we moved onward.

- / -

I growled lightly to myself as I listened to Starscream brag about this thing or whine about another. Megatron had called Soundwave to the front to walk with him, and I was now stuck with Screamer. At the moment, he was raving about feathers.

"… They can hold many disgusting diseases, but are light weight and look alright. I mean, some birds are outright ugly and tiny, but the birds of prey are something to be admired. Soaring above the clouds, diving so fast that their prey can't see them coming… and of course their talons are deadly to kill said prey. I too have nice claws, nicer than your small, sheathable ones, but that's not what I'm talking about. Their feathers must be slimmer or some slag like that, otherwise I just can't see the smaller prey birds with the same feathers." Groaning inwardly, I shoved that information to the back of my head in case I might find it useful later on, which I severely doubted. Starscream likes birds of prey and their feathers. Woohoo. God forbid a 'con talk about themselves, but when it came to an absurd thing of interest, Starscream could go on for days. I swear he loved the facial expressions of 'kill me now' from his speeches and lived entirely off of them.

Rounding a corner on the small mountain we were walking on, I caught the view of Lazerbeak flying just past Megatron's shoulders to insert himself into Soundwave's chest. We must be close, I thought to myself. Seeing movement from the corner of my vision and noticing a lack of talking, I turned to see Starscream observing me. His face was guarded, although I could tell he was studying me. Catching my glance, he looked over to where Megatron and Soundwave were, and rose an optic ridge.

"…Lazerbeak don't have no feathers," I supplied after a moment. That caused his lips to jerk into a side smile for a brief moment, but he shook his head.

"Don't you want to be up there with your father?" I blinked, taken by surprise by his question. The answer was a 'No, thank you, I'd rather be on the other side of this planet', but I couldn't just say that to Starscream of all mechs.

"Ya mean our Lord?" Was what I settled on. Starscream snorted and looked at me with that gleeful look of his when he extracted uncomfortable information from someone.

"Oh please, I know you know your heritage. You didn't answer my question." Smirking, he jumped lightly over a small boulder in his path before giving me a pointed look. Well, frag. Make up something, quick!

"Just 'cause Ah'm his son don't mean I should be up there. Ya gotta earn that place," I replied, the last statement becoming a small jab toward him. Soundwave was up there, but he wasn't. Starscream's glimmering smugness turned immediately into a scowl. We walked in blissful silence for a few minutes, but of course that didn't last long with Starscream.

"You hang out with Soundwave more." I blinked, and looked his way.

"Yeah, and?" Snorting, he tossed his hands up in the dramatic way that he did things.

"Shouldn't you be by your father's side, proud of the fact that your father is the glorious leader of an effective war machine known as the Decepticons, and train to be his heir? Instead, you hang out around the most boring mech of all mechs known in the universe," he dramatically asked, and I could hear the wistfulness in his voice. It was a known fact to even the Autobots that Starscream wanted to be in charge of the Autobots, however he did admire the current leader every now and then. I shrugged.

"Like ah said, ya gotta earn that place. Wouldn't'cha rather be leader, instead of me?" That caused him to purse his lips and really think for a moment, before waving the question away. He left me alone after that. Thinking for a moment, I came to the conclusion that if I were to choose a Decepticon companion, it would always be Soundwave. He looked after me in a way that Megatron never did. In fact, I can't ever remember when Megatron wasn't beating on or growling threats at me.

My thoughts were interrupted as Soundwave stopped and waited for Starscream and I to catch up. Once we did, Megatron leapt onto a boulder and turned to face the now halting party. As there were no different paths to take, nor any water nearby, I assumed that we were at or near our destination.

"Decepticons! Surely you all must be excited for this opportunity as I, are you not?" A loud cheer was wrought forth from the others, however we three officers simply looked onward, watching. Starscream did lift his head up and smirk, though. "Then rest up. Tomorrow at dawn we descend on those who thought themselves untouched by this war. They will be no longer." I blinked in surprise at his order to rest. It was late afternoon yet not quite evening, and I honestly had thought he was going to drive us harder than ever. The soldiers around me chanted, stomping their pedes on the ground in a rhythm. Interesting… War cries are still technically music. Heh. Starscream threw his helm back and laughed in sadistic glee. I merely shared a cautious look with Soundwave.

- / -

I was lying down in a nice, shaded spot near a small stream, the soft grass springy and comfortable underneath me. Judging by the fact that the last thing I remember was stretching, sparring, and getting ready for our meeting of the neutrals, it was quick for me to realize I was dreaming. Blinking in the warm sunlight, I gazed upward at the different types of tree branches above me and to the left. Why not enjoy the dream? I rarely had them, after all. Feeling a yawn come about me, I allowed it to come and stretched as I did so. At the peak of my stretch, my arms brushed against something smooth and warm. Curious, I turned my head to see what it was only to find a pair of blue optics staring back at me.

Prowl.

He was propped on his side, his wings lifted as to not be in an uncomfortable position. He was as shiny and clean as usual, however I dimly noticed a scar on his shoulder that wasn't there before. Instead I turned onto my side to see him more, to do... Something. Blinking, I waited for him to say something. Instead, he tilted his head at me curiously and flicked his wings in what I somehow knew as a greeting. Well hell, It'sa dream ain't it? Feeling a little bold, I reached out with my servo and gently caressed his cheek. It was so warm and smooth, and Prowl simply nuzzled my hand back, making my servo go warm and tingly. Well then. I mean, it is my dream – of course he's gonna respond ta what ah want. Pulling my hand away, I had to steel myself against the pouty look he gave me in return.

"What'cha doin' here, Prowler?" Honestly, I was curious. Prowl blinked at me, surprise coloring his optics and furrowing his optic ridges. All he did was gently point to my chest, and I moved my head to look down. The dream at that point faded, and I subconsciously growled in frustration as I slipped into the black, dreamless sleep my body needed.

- / -

I woke a little before dawn to a muzzle nudging me awake. Immediately recognizing Ravage, I onlined my visor to Soundwave standing not too far off from me, waiting. Stretching, I rolled onto my pedes and collected my fur. Ravage watched me for a moment before going back to Soundwave, and when I looked up he gestured for me to come with him. Treading lightly so not to disturb anyone, I quickly followed him into the more forested area to the left, away from a natural path that we were currently residing on. I shook my head to clear any images that dared to remain from last night's dream. He stopped in a small space in between the trees, not even much to call a clearing. Petting Ravage behind his ears, he nodded to me, and I returned the gesture.

"Possibility: Execution of Neutrals," he stated. I nodded again. I was aware of this, and I sent that thought in his general direction. Looking down at Ravage, he pat him on the neck. "Greater possibility; Neutrals possesses Sparklings and Younglings." At this, my tanks raged, and I felt myself start to feel sick.

"Mah age or younger?" He was silent for a moment.

"Both." I cursed under my breath. It felt so wrong, like becoming a creature made of stone.

"Please tell me it ain't right." Soundwave sighed softly, now rubbing Ravage's chin.

"Natural coding; positive. Decepticon expectations; negative." Of course,I thought bitterly. Sighing, I rubbed my face in a sense of tiredness.

"So if we do attack, ahm gonna have ta face off 'gainst some younglin's?" Soundwave also looked tired, and he nodded.

"Statement; most likely." I groaned at this. I felt sick, drained, tired, and fed up with having to change my 'natural coding' to become more of a Decepticon. Soundwave seemed to pick up on this, watching me for minute. He dipped his head for a moment, then opened his chest compartment for Ravage. Transforming and stowing himself away, Ravage joined the others in Soundwave's chest. He walked up to me, and hesitated for a moment before putting a hand on my shoulder plates. He squeezed me gently, and I vented deeply to calm my tanks. We stayed that way for a moment, and then he was gone.

Sighing, I sent a general thought of small gratitude his way. It was better with him coming to tell me, before the others like, say, Starscream or Megatron figuring out that I wasn't exactly thrilled to learn that I should be killing innocent little ones. Oh yeah, definitely better. At least this way I could slowly steel myself for what was to come. Straightening, I glanced around to make sure I was alone before slipping into the shadows just in case. Yellowed leaves brushed lightly against my armor, but I ignored it. Maybe I could get away with targeting the older, harder to kill mechs? I mean sure, they're also innocent, but hey – It's better than if they joined the Autobots. Only one 'bot's really worth my worry. One I've been told ta kill an' two more have my respect, but tha's outta a whole faction, I thought to myself.

Determination rising with the idea of staying away from the little ones, I looked down and opened a small subspace before reaching deep inside. Catching the tiny lock with the edge of one claw, I flipped it and groped inside for what was being held there. Taking it out and watching the soft morning light begin to reflect off of the deep red crystal glass, I sincerely hoped that I didn't need to use it.

- / -

Prowl's P.O.V.

We were almost there. Only a day's travel away, we were praying to Primus that we weren't too late. I had been travelling alongside Optimus and discussed the strategy of which mountain passes to take once we travelled out of the forested area we called home. When I wasn't needed, I travelled beside Smokescreen and was almost always flanked by the twins. We didn't have much to talk about. The whole party had been growing more and more silent as the days passed. The grim situation up ahead had us all wondering of what was to come. Would the Decepticons really recruit them, or would they slaughter them all? I shivered inside at the thought. Throughout the journey, a small voice inside my head would ask about Jazz. Would he be there? Would he kill an innocent? The logic in me concluded that yes, he would. My emotions squeezed tight at such a thought.

Later on in the journey, I was not surprised that I had hardened myself against him. We was a Decepticon after all, and allowing a prisoner to escape was not alright when he had killed someone with ease. Someone that I have worked beside, and saw that he was no real threat to anyone. The Logical processors took over along the journey. What Jazz and I had, whatever it was, was not logical. He would not be acting the same way in a situation where his superiors were involved. Even if it meant killing innocents of all kind, including sparklings.

The twins kept teasing me of my frowning at first, however I looked to where they were as they trotted alongside me and noticed that they too were now frowning in the morning light. Sighing softly to myself, I continued to check my gun, ammo, and the small knife that Sunstreaker had given me to ensure that they were battle ready.

Gently rubbing the frost on the edges of my pistol, my tanks squirmed at the prospect of what I would find up ahead.