"Not only did you see an Autobot but she escaped?!" Megatron roared at Starscream who shrunk back in fear, his tail tucked between his legs.

"A-an o-oversight, my liege," Starscream stuttered. Megatron snarled as he whacked the Seeker dragon away.

Comet, Echo and DawnSeeker watched the other flier scurry away. Megatron growled as he paced to and fro.

He huffed, smoke flying from his nostrils. He looked to Soundwave, "send for Predaking."

The silent dragon nodded before he walked away. Megatron walked over to his cave and glanced up at the crystals embedded in the walls. They served as nightlights in a way.

"You wanted to see me, Lord Megatron?" He turned to Predaking walking into the cave.

"I need you to find that Autobot," Megatron said calmly, "and bring her here alive. She could be useful to us in the long run. Echo will accompany you."

"Yes Lord Megatron," Predaking said. The large Omega dragon walked out of the den and flew up into the air. Echo flew after him.

Bluebell watched them go before she walked into Megatron's den. "And what can I do for you, Bluebell?" He asked.

"Why do you need Primrose, Lord Megatron?" Bluebell asked. "She could tell us where her Autobot friends are," Megatron said, flicking his tail, "either that or she could be useful to the cause as another soldier."

Bluebell frowned slightly as she listened to her lord and master. The thought of her sister becoming a Decepticon didn't sit well with her. She didn't want her here.

As if sensing her disdain, Megatron tapped his tail against hers, making her look at him. "Now, my dear, I will see to it that she receives the most gruesome training possible."

"She deserves it," Bluebell spat, her tail lashing sideways. Megatron only smirked.

◊◊◊◊◊

"You shouldn't have even gone out alone in the first place!" Ratchet exclaimed as he tended to Primrose's injuries.

"I'm fine, Ratchet," Primrose insisted and she flinched as the medic pressed the wet moss into her side. Ratchet huffed, mumbling about sparklings and how Primrose, Smokescreen and Bumblebee were going to be the death of him.

When he was done, Optimus walked over to her. She looked away from him, "I know what you'll say. The same thing over and over."

"I do not say anything over and over," Optimus said, "you do not know me like that, Primrose." She looked at him, frowning.

"I just wanted to say that you should be careful," he said softly. Primrose stared at him and she sighed softly.

"I'm sorry," she said, "it's just... it's this war that's going on and-" "I know. It has taken a toll on many others."

'It's taken a toll on you,' Primrose wanted to say but she stayed quiet. She leaned forward and nuzzled Optimus, "please be careful."

"I will," Optimus said softly, "get some rest." He smiled at her as he walked out of the den. Primrose watched him before she rested her head on her forelegs and closed her eyes.

Ember Pax walked over to her and laid down beside her. She leaned into her, resting her head on her shoulder.

Optimus walked out to the high cliff before he spread his wings and flew up into the air.

Unbeknownst to him, Echo and Predaking saw him. "Wait," Echo said to Predaking who looked about ready to pounce.

Optimus flew through the air before he landed in the middle of a clearing and there were many stones. The stones belonged to the ones who had fallen during the war, both Autobots and Decepticons.

The Prime lowered his head, his shoulders shaking and he began to cry softly. All of the weight of being a Prime was taking a toll on him every now and then.

There was a deep pain in his spark. It was distant but it was still there. He clutched at his head, sobs wracking his body.

"I'm sorry... I'm sorry," he whispered, "I'm sorry for causing so much pain to all of you." He lifted his head as he heard the sound of wing-flaps.

He grunted as Predaking suddenly slammed into him. Optimus snarled and he tried to move but Predaking was already on top of him and pinning him down.

Optimus flinched as the larger dragon dug his claws into his skin. The Prime gritted his teeth before he snarled and he clamped his teeth down on Predaking's arm.

Predaking screeched and he almost reeled back. Optimus took the chance and he blew his fire at the Predacon who stumbled back.

Optimus grunted when Echo slammed into him and the two tumbled. Optimus wrapped his claws around the femme's neck and she widened her eyes.

Optimus whirled around with him on top of Echo and he snarled as he tightened his grip. Echo choked and coughed as she clutched at the Prime's wrists.

"Echo!" Predaking shouted and Optimus blinked. He looked down at Echo with wide optics. Before he could react quickly, a blast of fire hit him in the side and he tumbled across the ground, hitting one of the stones.

Optimus got up on shaky legs and he glared at the two defiantly. Predaking and Echo snarled at him, their teeth bared.

Optimus snarled and he let out a roar of defiance, his eyes glowing brightly. Predaking narrowed his optics before he flew away with Echo following.

Optimus breathed heavily and he looked himself over. There was a small bruise forming on his side. He frowned and his eyes scanned the fields.

Taking in a deep breath, he flew up into the air and made his way back to the mountains.

"Those Cons are getting bolder," Arcee huffed as she flicked her tail. "Yeah," Cliffjumper said. Elita One looked at Ultra Magnus who was frowning deeply and scanning the clouds. NightRain looked at him.

"Something feels... wrong," Helios said, shifting nervously on his feet with discomfort. Optimus flew over to them and he landed with a flinch.

"Optimus? What happened?" Ultra Magnus asked as he hurried over to his leader.

"I was ambushed by Predaking and Echo," Optimus said. Primrose hurried over and she saw the bruise on the Prime's side.

She frowned deeply and glared at the clouds.