Before she could process what was happening, the vehicle turned sharply and slammed her into the door. Mae gasped in pain, grasping onto anything that would keep her stable. Ratchet cursed a strange word from beside her, twisting the steering wheel again and sending them to the left.

She opened her mouth to ask what on earth was going on when something hit the ground directly in front of them. BOOM! The ground shook so violently her teeth clattered.

Mae's wide eyes stared out the window, catching sight of the flying object again- a large, silver jet. There was no time for questions as something else exploded directly beside them. Suddenly, she felt Ratchet press her into the floorboard.

"Stay down!" he shouted at her.

"What's happening?" she cried out in panic.

Ratchet didn't reply as his eyes widened and slammed on the breaks. The jet sounded lower now, almost directly above them. He cursed as she tried to climb back up and see what was happening.

"I said get down!" he yelled again.

Mae was frightened. She wouldn't admit it to him, but her body was shaking as she silently followed his order. What on earth was happening? The jet must have circled back around, because it sounded like it was coming from behind now.

A few more explosions sounded, all growing closer and closer until something hit the back of the ambulance and sent them flying sideways. She screamed, suddenly feeling her body fly through the air as they rolled.

The world was spinning- literally. An engine roared from somewhere, and another large mass hit the side of the car. It must have been her side, because she felt the wind knocked out of her and there was a loud ringing in her ears as pain exploded throughout her body.

In the background she could hear voices shouting. The sound of clicking and metal against metal was faint in her ears. Her skin suddenly felt cold as air hit her, making her hair rise and goosebumps spread across her pale skin.

Mae hit the ground hard. She rolled a few more times, unable to process what was happening and how on earth she'd fallen out of the vehicle. A groan escaped her mouth as she squeezed her eyes shut. Laughing surrounded her, followed by a high pitched voice.

"It must be my lucky day! Fancy meeting you out of your base, medic," the person said.

"Optimus must be desperate if he's sending you out onto the field," another deeper voice added in amusement.

Whoever they were, they sounded dangerous. She groaned quietly and forced her eyes open. Her body was trembling in pain as she attempted to push herself up and a gasp escaped her mouth as she realized something large and metallic was sitting directly in front of her.

"What are you doing all the way out here alone, Ratchet?" one of the voices sneered. Ratchet! She frantically started looking around, but froze when she finally realized what was in front of her.

Giant freaking metal man.

A robot.

Before her stood two large metal robots- one was blue and silver, the other was red and silver. The red and silver one had two pointed wings on its back, and was much thinner than the other. Her eyes trailed from the two before her, to the metal foot that stood next to her small body.

"What I am doing is of no concern to you, Decepticon," Ratchet's voice snapped back.

Why does that giant robot sound like Ratchet? Mae frantically searched for the ambulance, but it was nowhere to be found. Her breaths escaped her in frantic puffs as she tried to stay as silent as possible. She knew better than to interrupt what seemed to be a quick draw between giant robots.

"Megatron will be pleased to hear our discovery," the deeper voice stated. The robot, which apparently had a face, grinned. "It's such a shame Bulkhead isn't with you. I would have loved to fight."

"And what makes you think I won't fight?" The robot with Ratchet's voice asked snidely. His eyes were trained on the two before him. Mae crawled forward, trembling at the effort. She was out in the open, and very visible.

Her movement was noticed by the skinnier robot, and his eyes squinted before they fell upon her. The robot next to her saw his sudden smirk and then looked down as my hand rested against his foot.

"You autobots and your humans," the voice teased, "Have you found a human pet, Ratchet?"

Everything began to click as the robot's eyes met hers. They were that same electric blue as Ratchet's. And he sounded just like him- Mae felt sick to her stomach.

Ratchet is a freakin robot.

"The human is none of your concern," he growled out.

The blue robot snickered. "First an Autobot medic and now a human? Luck is on our side tonight."

Ratchet tensed. His foot shifted directly in front of Mae, which she was thankful for. It felt like forever until someone spoke again.

"Retrieve them, Breakdown. I will report to Lord Megatron about our discovery."

The blue and silver robot, Breakdown, grinned and punched his open hand.

"Gladly."

Ratchet took a short step forward and unsheathed a blade from his wrist. His stance was steady, waiting for the attack, but also nervous. Those eyes kept shifting from Breakdown to Mae, and then back to the skinnier robot and back again.

"I will retrieve the human," the skinnier one stated after pausing to press a hand to his ear.

Mae gasped as Breakdown rushed forward, his own weapon in his hand as he swung at Ratchet with all of his might. He ducked, stepping to one side. She felt a hint of worry for the robot as he fought but the idea of being stepped on was worse.

I need to get out of here.

Her steps were clumsy, but she managed to stand and limp several steps forward. There was no telling what was wrong with her now- she doubted Ratchet had the time to examine her. He looked a little busy.

The skinny robot suddenly appeared from nowhere, making her jump in fright and stop in her tracks. He cackled as he pointed one arm toward her. A missile was attached to his arm.

"Prepare yourself, human! I, Starscream, will-"

Mae was already running.

Starscream noticed her slow, retreating figure and snarled, taking a mere one step forward before blocking her way of escape. Somewhere behind him, Ratchet managed to land a blow on Breakdown, making him hiss in pain. She would have cheered him on if it wasn't for the giant hand that reached down to snatch her off the ground.

A scream finally tore from her throat. The noise signalled Ratchet, who looked toward her. Breakdown took advantage of the distraction and attacked, smashing Ratchet in the head and sending him flying to the ground.

"Ratchet!" she yelled out.

The hand finally reached her, wrapping its cold fingers around her and squeezing. She gasped and sucked in as much air as possible.

"You do look like a little pest, scrambling around like that," Starscream grinned at his own little joke.

Mae struggled for a short moment before clenching her teeth. "Aren't you a bit full of yourself?"

The hand squeezed tighter. Way to go Mae, getting the giant robot holding you like a barbie mad. She clenched her eyes shut until the pressure was released and Starscream placed his free hand onto his hip.

"I would finish up over there, Breakdown. We wouldn't want Lord Megatron waiting."

Ratchet slashed a few more times, but his movements were slow. Blue liquid dribbled from his face and side, where a few dents could be found. Mae would have been worried if she wasn't afraid of being squished like a bug.

"Release her," Ratchet demanded.

Breakdown pointed his weapon. "Stop fighting and come with us quietly, or she dies."

To emphasize this threat, pointy-wings squeezed. She grunted and let out a pained squeak. Ratchet stared at her for a moment. His eyes never left her form. For a moment Mae wondered if he would retreat and leave her behind. She could see him going over his options before sighing and sheathing his sword.

Breakdown nodded. "That's better."

Before he could do anything, Ratchet was smashed in the side of the head and knocked over. She tried to yell, but nothing came out as he was left limp against the ground.

"Humans are so convenient," Breakdown chuckled in amusement.

"They are," Starscream agreed with a twisted smile.

A gigantic swirling mass of color opened in front of them all. Trembling in fear, she watched Breakdown bend over and haul Ratchet over to it by the arms. Starscream followed, glancing down at her every once in a while. She felt intimidated, but forced herself not to look away when he stared at her.

Show them no fear. Who was she kidding? These beings were obviously not of her world. Not even close. And they were huge. How could she not be scared? Still, she steeled herself for whatever would be behind this swirling portal and held her breath as the small group passed through.