*Weeks Later*
Ratchet's POV
"Why is this so difficult?!" I hiss, my gaze resting upon the formula for Synthetic Energon, along with the various array of scattered tools. "Nothing seems to going right as of late!"

Y/N has been gone for weeks now...

Get over it already! Just move on!

Suddenly, a continuous series of familiar toned beeps manage to snap me out of my thoughts.

"An Energon signature?" I muse aloud, leaving behind my work and focusing on the information at hand, pulling up the source of the signal's origins, surprised at the familiarity of its location. "Optimus, I have an Energon reading not too far from where we last encountered the Decepticons."

"Things have been all too quiet around here when it comes to Con' activity..." The voice of Arcee states, the sound of everyone else's footsteps following not far behind her statement.

"It does seem sort of an odd occurance..." I add, looking towards Optimus, who looked thoughtful.

"It is worth investigating. For all we know it may very well be a likely source of Energon." The Leader determines, heading towards the Groundbridge controls.

"You're going by yourself?" Bulkhead asks quizically, voicing the question that was likely shared between everyone.

"No. Ratchet, will you accompany me?" Optimus asks, turning to face his team.

I sigh, casting my gaze towards my messy workspace, mentally running the possibilities of ever finding a quiet moment to actually finish my work, before answering the waiting question.

"I don't see why-" I start, but Arcee cuts me off.

"Just go, Ratchet. You've spent too much time stuck in here working on that formula. I'll man the controls."

"Alright, alright! I'll go, but make sure Bulkhead doesn't crush anything of importance."

Nodding my thanks, I join Optimus at his side as Arcee activates the Groundbridge and we stroll into the vortex of green and blue.

On the other side, I take in the familiar surroundings of the canyon. The walls of rock and sand on either side feel pressing, closing in around me.

I sigh in an attempt to clear my head, focusing on the large boulders littering the ground before me, as the mech beside me begins his search, working on triangulating the source of the signal.

"You didn't stay true to your word..." The pained voice of Y/N swirls around my headspace as the regret and sorrow pushes itself to the front once more.

I tried! I tried Y/N! What could I possibly do to make it up to you?...

"Ratchet?" Optimus's voice pulls me from my thoughts, startling me slightly. "Are you alright?"

"Of course I'm fine! Why wouldn't I be?" I snap, my temper short.

The Prime lowers his gaze back to the screen in front of him and resumes his search, intent on finding the source of the signal.

If only... If only I could solidify that formula... Then, I wouldn't be so useless.

"The signal's source seems to be emitting from here."

Snap out of it!

"Huh." I huff, making my way to observe the possible source, surprise creeping up on me as I examine the area. "There's nothing here..."

"I fear we were not the only ones who picked up the same signal, my Old Friend." Optimus states as a new voice sounds from farther down the canyon.

"You would be correct." Knockout jeers, tossing a cube of Energon around casually. "It's too bad we beat you to it. I'm sure you could really use it, after half of your Engergon supply was blown to smithereens over that one pitiful fleshling."

"Pitiful fleshling! These humans are far more valuable than you'll ever be!" I retort, anger evident in my tone.

At this, Optimus takes a step forward.

"My team needs that Energon and I do not intend to leave here without it." He threatens, switching his servos into their blasters.

I follow suit, activating my blades.

"Do you really think this is wise?" I question sharply, watching warily as the Medic's counterpart arrives on the scene. "We cannot afford either of us becoming injured!"

"Understood." Comes the reply as the Prime charges forward, pressing the attack.

"We're actually doing this..." I mutter, pressing forward and into the fray of battle.

****
Knockout's POV
"That would be our exit! Breakdown!" I yell at the mech who was currently locked in combat with the Autobot Leader.

Breakdown casts his gaze to where I was standing, the Groundbridge waiting behind me.

"Let's go, already!" I demand once more, growing impatient as time ticked by.

Seeing an opening, he lands a blow to the Prime, who stumbles slightly.

"Let's get out of here." Breakdown agrees, dashing through the portal.

Before I can follow suit, however, I take one last gaze at the Autobots in front of me.

Something isn't right here. They're missing someone...

"Pitiful fleshling! These humans are far more valuable than you'll ever be!" The voice of the Autobot Medic's retort from mere moments ago echos in my head.

He was so defensive of the lifeforms on this planet...

The sound of heavy steps running towards me snaps me from my thoughts as my gaze rests on Optimus Prime, who was rushing forward, weapons outdrawn.

"Gotta go!" I jeer, picking up the cube of Energon and dashing through the Groundbridge, leaving the Autobots behind.

It only occurred to me once back aboard the Nemesis that the bots were missing a human.

Ratchet's human companion was nowhere to be seen.

"Now that I think of it, I haven't seen that pest for awhile. Not since Megatron terminated the first one." I hum to myself while making my way to the Bridge. "Lord Megatron should be pleased. We succeeded in our task and I didn't even get a single scratch on my finish!"

Reaching the doors that served as the entrance to the Bridge, I step inside, only to nearly collide with a tossed aside Starscream.

"Forgive me, Master! Please give me another chance!" The sleek Seeker pleads as the Warlord looms over him, ready to strike and end his miserable life.

"You've already had your chances. My patience has finally worn thin." Megatron declares, activating his blade.

At this, Starscream's optics fly wide as he makes one last desperate attempt to flee.

This is ridiculous.

"My Liege," I interrupt, "I have returned with information that may serve our cause well."

Noticing the chance to run, the Seeker instantly transforms, flying out of the room and out of sight.

"News? And what type of news may this be, Knockout?" The Warlord inquires, his blade sliding away as he turns to face me, annoyance evident on his face.

"About the Autobots... It appears that one of their human allies have departed their ranks."

"Permanently?" He asks once more, his voice steely.

"I cannot be certain, my Liege. I should also add that it appears that our enemies are quite desperate for Energon after their detrimental loss of the scarce resource last time we met to terminate that pesky fleshling."

"I see..." Megatron pauses, thinking. "I need you to keep a close watch on the Autobots, as well as their human counterparts."

"Of course, My Lord. I will see to it immediately." I agree, turning to leave.

"Oh, and another thing." The Warlord demands, stopping me dead in my tracks as I turn once more to face him. "Do not fail me this time, Knockout. That human girl could be of use to us..."

Bowing slightly, I quickly make my exit, my thoughts whirling.

How could one measly human be of any use to us Decepticons?

"I guess we'll find out." I mutter, transforming and leaving the Nemesis in my wake.

****
Your POV
"Morning, June!" You yawn as you make your way upstairs from the your apartment, your running shoes in hand.

"Where would you be off to this early?" Your hostess inquires, sipping a cup of coffee.

"I've been thinking," You begin, only to be cut off by Jack, who was nearly tripping down the stairs while he hastily shoved various binders into his backpack.

"Uh oh. Y/N's been thinking. That's never a good thing." The taunts, slipping on his shoes.

"Har har." You shoot back dryly as you turn to June once more, continuing. "As I was saying, before someone interrupted me, I think I'm gonna see if I can find some work around here so I can pick myself up again."

At this, June's eyes soften.

"Y/N..." She whispers in a pitying voice.

"Please don't pity me, June. You and Jack have already done more than enough to help me out in my current situation. The last thing I need right now is for you to be throwing your money at me." You sigh, shrugging off the sudden sadness that had washed over you. "Anyways, I'll be heading out now..."

Turning towards the front door, you feel a gentle hand rest on your shoulder.

"Here. Have a Pop Tart for the road." June smiles, handing you the small, unhealthy pastry.

"Thanks." You smile back, slipping into your already tied up running shoes. "I should be back around noon."

The Nurse only nods in response as she turns her attention to whatever had just came on the radio in the small kitchen.

Smiling to yourself, you head out the door and into the morning heat of Jasper's sunshine.

"See ya later, Jack!" You shout over the sound of the boy's motorcycle's engine, continuing on with a wave.

It only hit you halfway down the street that Jack's motorcycle wasn't actually a motorcycle. It was a robot from outer space. An Autobot from Cybertron.

Somethings you just can't leave behind you, apparently...

****

"Kid, I can't just hand you over a job!" The owner of the local mechanic shop argues while you stand there, formulating something, anything, to make this man agree with you.

"Listen, Sir," You start, laying your hand on the counter top of the Shop's front desk calmly. "I've been working on small engines since I was old enough to know my A, B, C's. I started work on vehicles when I was in Grade 4 and I've been working hard since then. I just need somewhere to get my feet back underneath me."

The gray headed man in front of you sighs, seeming to contemplate something before speaking.

"Though I can't get you started right now... I think I could have a position open in the next week or two, but I can't be certain..."

You mentally let out a sigh of relief as he continues.

"I'll just need your contact information and such..."

After you both exchanged all the necessary information, you make your way towards the door, thanking the owner once more.

As Jasper's sun beats down on your back, you can't help but smile and hum an upbeat tone.

"Things finally seem to be looking up." You murmur to yourself, kicking a loose stone as you make your way down the sidewalk back the way you had came earlier.

You watch the stone skip across the pavement absentmindedly.

As you finally catch up with it again, you kick it once more, a bit harder than anticipated as you watch it's journey across the sidewalk once again.

Suddenly, the sound of a plane overhead distracts you from your stone watching as you allow your gaze to leave the stone behind and scan the blue sky.

Such a beautiful day... It's hard to believe there's an alien war going on...

Ugh! Stop thinking that way, Y/N! You left the Autobots behind!

And I'm starting to wonder if that was the right choice...

As the noise of the aircraft dies away, you gaze ahead once more, noticing a cherry red Aston Martin sitting parked on the curbside.

"What's such a nice car doing in a place like Jasper, Nevada?" You ponder aloud, your thoughts getting the best of you.

Nearing the sports car, you can't help but notice the vehicle's familiar paint scheme.

Realization hits you like a bullet as a jolt of alarm choruses through you, causing you to instantly pick up your pace.

There's no way...

Nearly running now, you reach the end of the sidewalk, frantically hitting the pedestrian crosswalk button.

"Hurry up already!" You hiss at the sign across the street praying that the the red 'stop' hand would change.

"Come on!"

Finally after what seemed like an eternity the hand changes to the white 'walk' human outline and you dash across the crosswalk.

Gotta get home... Home is where I'm safe...

Running now, you quickly reach the end of this sidewalk, and as you turn to cross another road, the same cherry red Aston Martin is sitting, waiting at the stop sign.

It's definitely following me.

Not paying any mind to the car sitting beside you as you dash once more across the road, your feet pound the pavement once more as you run up the Darby's driveway, pulling out your keys in the process, opening the door and slamming it shut seconds later, only to slump to the floor in vain relief as you take in the surroundings of the familiar house.

"I can't believe it." You mutter, dragging your palms down your face slowly. "Knockout, the Decepticon's Medic found me. He was following me for heavens sake!"

You make your way to a shaky standing position, descending the stairs leading to your apartment.

"I just can't put the past behind me. The Con's know I'm still out here. They probably know where I live now!"

You let out a frustrated sigh.

"Next week. If this stuff keeps happening by the beginning of next week, I'll go back to the Autobots." You decide halfheartedly, plopping yourself on your couch and cuing up the news.

****
Knockout's POV
"Ah! Knockout! You're back! What news do you have for me about the Autobot's human companion?" Megatron demands as I stroll casually into the Bridge of the Nemesis.

"Well, the fleshy is still alive, my liege. I followed it for awhile and traced it back to where it seems to be currently inhabiting."

The Warlord in front of me begins to laugh, smiling wickedly.

"You will persuade this human to join the Decepticon cause, and if it doesn't comply, force must be implemented. Is that clear, Doctor?"

This should be easy.

"Of course, Lord Megatron. I will see it it immediately... Though I do not entirely understand your reasoning behind adding a human amidst our ranks-"

Megatron turns to face me once more, fury evident on his face.

"I was sure that you would understand, Knockout. Let me as you this... The human was seen accompanying the Autobot Medic, correct?" He snarls, angry gestures following along with his speech.

"Y-yes, I believe so." I stutter, retreating backwards a few steps.

"Well, are you that incompetent that you cannot see the connection?" The Warlord hisses once more.

"I-"

"This human likely learned multiple medical and scientific skills which could give us an edge! Not to mention another bargaining chip to use against our enemies!"

"I- I see now, my liege. I will be going now..." I reply shakily, making my way towards the Bridge's exit.

"Do not fail me, Doctor."

****
Your POV
"Local authorities are investigating the scene of the collision closely..." The voice of the news anchor on TV concludes, jolting you awake from your spot on the couch.

"I must've fell asleep..." You mutter groggily, pulling yourself into a sitting position, yesterday's events flooding into your foggy headspace.

Walked to the mechanics... Hopefully got a job... Walked home... Ran home... Red car...

Cherry red Aston Martin! The familiar paint scheme! Car followed me home!

In a flash, you rush to your feet, running up the stairs and throwing the door open, only to nearly collide with Jack.

"Good morning to you too." He jokes before noticing your wild posture. "Is everything okay, Y/N?"

Evening your breathing, you lean casually on the doorframe.

"Yeah. Everything's fine, Jack. 100%."

"If you say so..." Your friend trails off, continuing his way to the kitchen. "You know, I think the bots really miss your company." He states, rummaging around in the cupboards.

"I already told you! I don't want anything to do with them anymore." You state firmly, walking into the kitchen and sitting down at the island.

I don't want anything to do with the Autobots anymore...

They're my only chance for protection... Plus, I was learning so much...

You couldn't resist asking the question that had been on your mind ever since you slammed the door to the Ambulance that afternoon, leaving behind the grumpy old war Medic who so graciously took you under his wing, so to speak.

"How... How is Ratchet doing?"

Your voice sounded small, almost childish.

"Ratchet?" The teen confirms, raising a questioning eyebrow. "Ratchet is as grumpy as ever, maybe even more so compared to when I first met him."

And it's my fault.

You sit there, quietly digesting the info that your friend, your mentor, was hurting, all because of you.

"Well, I'll see you later, Y/N." Jack calls from the front hallway, seemingly off to school.

"Y-yeah! See you around!" You reply quickly, still caught up in your thoughts.

As you make your way back downstairs to your apartment, your thoughts continue to whirl, annoying you to no end.

"I'm going for a run." You state aloud, talking to no one in particular as you throw on a sweater and head outside.

I should go back.

But if I go back, will the accept me again?

I'm sure they will.

Why would they? You just up and left without a word.

Well...

Your feet move at their own accord, walking you out of the main area of the town and into the outskirts of Jasper.

Sighing, you take in the sights of the bleak desert on either side of you, memories unwillingly dragged to the forefront of your mind.

"It's so quiet up here..." You muse aloud, walking atop the Autobot base's roof, taking in the expanse of desert stretched out in front of you as far as the eye could see.

"That's why it's nice. No annoying children to pester me to no end." A familiar voice huffs, clearly overhearing you.

"I'm just an annoyance now?" You joke, nearing the Autobot medic.

Of course, no answer is given, only a light silence as you sit beside Ratchet, awaiting some sort of answer as the desert landscape swallows your attention once again.

"Why were you up here anyway, Ratch?" You question out of nowhere, not wanting the silence to continue.

The medic sighs heavily, clearly not happy with your question.

"It doesn't concern you."

"Yes it does. Your my Guardian, my mentor! And I'm your charge, your friend! If something is bothering you I deserve to know." You press, wanting an answer.

"I was up here - wait... I'm your mentor?" The medic fumbles, mixed emotions straining his voice.

"Yeah! You are a giant alien robot from space that has similar interests to me! I can learn so much from you! And I have!" You exclaim excitedly, a sudden rush of happiness overtaking you. "And I'd like to learn more, if that's okay!"

Tears begin to well in your eyes as you recall all of the other conversations you had with your Guardian.

"I shouldn't have left like that." You mutter, watching the bleak landscape through blurry vision as you hold back the tears.

Continuing to trudge along the roadside, another memory washes over you.

"You'll be fine." A familiar voice states from beside you.

Cracking your eyes open slightly, you turn to see a familiar, yet not immediately identifiable, human sitting beside you.

"Ratchet?" You croak, your voice barely a whisper.

The medic grabs the water bottle, passing it to you with a passive expression on his face.

You accept the water happily, taking a few small sips to quench your sudden thirst and dry throat.

"I... I thought you said I wouldn't see you in your holoform again."

"Well, here I am." Ratchet mutters, clearly not happy with where he was currently at.

The pair of you sat in a comfortable silence, not bothering to speak.

"I think I've figured out how you did these." You muse aloud, your fingers brushing over the spot where stitches had once been.

"And how would that be?"

"Holoforms."

At this, the always seemingly miserable war medic smiles slightly.

"See? I'm smarter than I look." You smirk, laughing lightly.

"How could I have been so stupid?" You yell aloud, not caring if anyone who might drive down the desolate road would give you a strange look. "I left behind friends. I left behind family."

Wiping your own tears away, you stop in your tracks, turning to look back at the town of Jasper then to the blue sky above you.

"And I need that family more than ever."

Finally feeling at peace with yourself, you barely notice the squealing of tires erupting from behind you, getting louder with every passing second.

What the?

Quickly turning on your heel, the sight in front of you nearly causing you to fall to the ground in shock.

"What? How did you?" You scream frantically, beginning to take even, measured, steps backwards as the cherry red Aston Martin - now bot - strides toward your small figure.

"Oh come on, human, I'm not that frightening!" The sports car hums, taking smaller steps now.

You scan the bot's paint scheme for any insignia, any recognition of who's side this mech was from.

Finally, your gaze rests uneasily upon the Decepticon symbol, confirming your suspicions.

"You." You begin, your voice steely.

Show no fear.

"You're the Con's medic. Knockout, isn't it?"

"The one and only." He replies smoothly.

You roll your eyes, your gaze watching each and every move the cocky medic makes.

"You're also the one who practically killed my Mother slowly, due to your apparent lack of understanding towards us humans." You seethe once more, anger taking over.

Taking a breath, you continue before Knockout can butt in.

"You should take a note or two from Ratchet, he's come a long way learning about our species, compared to you, who likely only sulks around like a child, waiting for Megatron's next order. How is that damn brute anyway?" You jeer smoothly, hands on your hips.

The Decepticon only gapes at you.

"You must've drove an awfully long way to come and find one measly human! Surely you have something to say."

"Listen fleshy. If I wanted to offline you, I would've done so already." Knockout snarls as you just roll your eyes once more. "Now listen, Lord Megatron wants you to come with me and join our cause-"

"Um, how about no." You sass, your courage and bravado quickly fading away as the Con continues.

"It's not like you'll have much choice in the matter." The medic sighs, quickly glancing over his shoulder.

"Megatron gets what he wants, either way."

"So I'll leave you with this. You better get back to your Autobot friends before Megatron finds you, or you'll be coming with us, used for your knowledge of Cybertronian biology as well as a bargaining chip. It won't be pretty." Knockout finishes, instantly transforming into the familiar cherry red Aston Martin and speeding off, kicking up dust.

You watch the vehicle slowly fade away into the distance, an uneasy feeling rising within you once again.

"Knockout, the Decepticon medic literally just warned me about my ultimate doom." You muse aloud, confusion clouding your thoughts.

I guess I better heed his advice.

****
"There you are, Y/N! I've been worried sick about you!" June Darby cries as you walk through the front door, covered in sweat and sand. "Where on Earth have you been?"

"That's a long story..." You sigh tiredly, collapsing into the Darby's sofa with a hiss of pain.

I am never willingly walking that far ever again.

"Needless to say, I happened to run into a Decepticon who literally told me to run and hide, which ultimately means joining back with the Autobots."

The Nurse just stares at you in disbelief.

"A Decepticon warned you about their plans?" She confirms as you nod.

"Yep. Knockout, the Con's medic."

"What? A Decepticon?" The voice of Jack arriving home from school asks aloud as he rounds the corner into the living room.

"Yeah. Knockout, the Con's medic decided to play nice and warn me of Megatron's plans. 'Prarently they plan to kidnap me sometime later this week."

At this, June lets out a strangled gasp of surprise.

"Kidnap you? For what possible reason would that be?"

You shrug as you reply,

"They want me for by knowledge of Cybertronian biology as well as a bargaining chip."

Now it was Jack's turn to gasp.

"Well then we have to get you outta here! Get you back with the bots!"

You put a hand up, stopping your friend from saying anything further.

"No. This is the perfect chance to take down a good portion of Megatron's troops. We already know their plan, we just don't know when they'll strike. So I'll stay rogue a little while longer while you inform Optimus of everything that I've just told you. Got it?"

At this, Jack smiles, giving you a thumbs up.

"Gotcha."

"Let's do this. All we're waiting for is the Cons to strike at the right moment and then bam! Docknock's info gave us a win."

!A/N!
I am so sorry for the lack of updates lately! Life has gotten busy! Anywho... Please leave feedback! That's what keeps me writing!

Also, let me know what you thought of this chapter!

Peace out and though it's not a Star Wars book, tomorrow is May 4th, so May the Fourth be with you all!