Optimus had been standing atop a ridge, surveying the territory, when he heard the roar. Although it was just a noise, it spoke a thousand words to him—and the message was troubling. He had no idea if Megatron himself was marching straight towards his camp or if it was just a bluff to put him on edge, but he didn't need to ponder on it for very long in order to take action. He was taking no chances whatsoever, especially with younglings at risk.

The Prime descended down the hill, his enormous frame parting through the shrubbery like a shark in the ocean. He moved swiftly, occasionally pausing to look around or sniff the air.

It wasn't long before he found the threat. He had made his presence known long before they came into view, hoping it would be enough to scare them off. His brilliant red and blue scales told them exactly who they were dealing with. He couldn't be mistaken for anyone else.

"Soundwave." The Prime stated aloud, a soft growl evident in his tone. He halted a good distance away from the slender dragon, noting the cluster of Vehicons behind him. This was definitely meant to be an invading force. No border patrol was that large, and they would never cross into another territory so carelessly unless they had a reason to. "Invading Autobot territory is a bold move, even for you."

Soundwave remained silent. He stared down the Autobot leader, his purple gaze emotionless and blank. The Vehicons behind him shuffled nervously, growing antsy in the presence of such a large threat. Some of them, however, looked eager to tear into him.

Optimus huffed, his breath coming out of his nostrils like white clouds. Obviously Soundwave wasn't intent on leaving, but perhaps he could change that. "I will say this one time and one time only. If you truly care for your Vehicons, I urge you to stand down. Do their lives not matter as much as your own?"

Even if his face didn't show it, Soundwave hesitated. Optimus could tell based on the way he was standing and how his talons dug into earth beneath them.

Had he finally gotten through to him?

Unfortunately, the moment was short-lived.

Optimus narrowed his eyes as Soundwave flicked his tail, signaling for the Vehicons to attack. He had been hoping to avoid a conflict, but now he had no choice. He needed to defend those he cared about.

He struck down the first Vehicon with his front paw, then whipped his tail around to send another one flying into a tree. A hiss of pain escaped him when one managed to slip past his defenses and latch onto his foreleg. He sunk his fangs into the back of their neck and flung them away.

As soon as he deflected one Vehicon's attack, another came to take their place—and this wasn't even all of the Vehicons that were present. Some of them hung back, either too afraid to attack or waiting for him to grow tired.

The scent of blood filled Optimus's nostrils as he tore through the smaller dragons. The battle was quick, only lasting a few minutes before he had either killed or injured enough of them to force a hasty retreat.

Soundwave stood there, having done nothing but watch the entire time. Now it was his turn to be dealt with.

Before he had the chance to flee, Optimus swept his paws out from under him and pinned him to the ground. The Prime snarled, baring his teeth in Soundwave's face.

"Where is Taylor? What have you done with her?" Optimus demanded. Blood streamed down the side of his face from a gash just above his right eye.

Soundwave refused, choosing to hiss at Optimus instead. He whipped his tail against the Prime's side with a loud thwack in an attempt to discourage him, but the Prime did not budge.

Optimus pressed his paw down on Soundwave's shoulder, the tips of his claws scraping the smaller dragon's black scales. "Soundwave, I am giving you a chance to save yourself. Tell me what you have done with Taylor."

Soundwave's muzzle wrinkled in a silent growl, making his displeasure evident. He couldn't ignore the pained whines and groans from the wounded Vehicons surrounding them. Those who survived had huddled together as they watched, hoping they'd escape with their lives and not end up like their unlucky companions.

The slender dragon hissed softly in frustration, then turned his head to glare at Optimus. "Human-place..." His voice was distorted and raspy, but understandable.

Optimus blinked in surprise, having never heard Soundwave speak before. There was no time to dwell on that, though. As soon as the meaning of Soundwave's words hit him, his eyes widened in horror. They were using Taylor to lead them to the human-place! "No..."

Soundwave took the opportunity to slip out from under his paw and dart off into the undergrowth. The remaining Vehicons quickly followed.

Despite his injuries, Optimus pushed himself to run as fast as he possibly could back to camp. If the Decepticons reached the human-place, that would certainly spell disaster not only for the humans that lived there, but mankind as a whole. Even the Autobots! He couldn't let that happen, not while he still had breath left in his body.

We're coming Taylor. Hang on.