Sorry for the long wait again, I had issues.

Hope you like it.

Optimus walked the both of us out in silence, following the agent and the soldiers. We were doing this. I'm pretty sure nothing this exciting has ever happened in my life. Just the other day I was freaking out because Mom didn't want to get me a car quite yet. Now I'm freaking sitting on a giant alien robot's shoulder! Not just a giant alien robot, their leader! I'm not sure if I should be freaking out or saying this is awesome; any normal person would probably say freaking out. But I'm not normal, am I? I'm one of their kind reincarnated. Or, will be. In the past. Whatever.

The important thing here is that we've got to get to this Cube before Megatron melts, or before he destroys Los Angeles, at the least.

"Is it here?" Optimus demanded. Will glanced up at us, not seeming to believe what was happening either. He was just fighting for his life against their kind, now he's fighting with them.

"Yes. It's wedged in the rock real well though-" Agent Simmons trailed off as we entered the room and Optimus strode right up to it. I watched what he did closely, but I still couldn't for the life of me tell you what it was he did. All I can say is within the minute, it was a lot smaller.

It was like it just folded in on itself. Watching the Autobots transform wasn't even as breath-taking as such a simple shape transforming into only a smaller version; fusing into itself, giving off waves of infinite energy you could almost see. When he handed the All Spark to me, still sitting on his shoulder, I did a double take. I'd already found they liked me, and they trusted me and all, but it was amazing how he just handed such an object to me.

In an instant, that awe was gone.

"Where is Megatron?" Optimus demanded quickly.

"That way. All the way back over there." Simmons sounded irritated, jabbing a thumb carelessly the opposite direction. I don't think I like him too much. "I wasn't to find something I can shoot at." he grumbled, running out when he realized we waited for him to lead the way. Optimus ignored that and set me down, transforming. He left the doors open for the soldiers, there weren't many, and they piled in willingly. No matter how much Simmons seemed to distrust Optimus and probably pin him down for experiments like they did Megatron, he took the lead somewhat excitedly. I imagine he wanted to return his position of power and importance after seeing the miracle Optimus just preformed.

"What's the plan?" they seemed aware that Optimus was the guy in charge, not Simmons. He shut the doors and took off after the agents, for the other one had followed after.

"We take it to the city. Mission City." he replied. I looked out the window, we were approaching the two agents.

"The city? Will the bad guys follow?" the other guy, Epps, asked.

"Yes, but casualties will be kept on the minimum. The battle will be short, and painless. Trust me." he urged. Optimus bypassed the agents when it became clear where we were going. Simmons scowled in the rear view mirror.

"Yeah, yeah. Ok, I certainly don't trust you. And this better pay off, because I am not about to let this planet go down in smokes to these Decepticons. I've got a kid-" the other guy cut him off.

"Here we go. Will, nothing's going to happen. We haven't lost a battle yet." it was the guy that hadn't spoken. Fig, I think. Something like that, I didn't hear his name well.

"Yeah, 'cause if we did, we'd be dead." Epps rolled his eyes.

"No one here is going to die in this battle." Optimus swore, but without saying a past/future-life me told him that we win the battle. I'm fairly sure this won't change anything here.

"Right. Ok, I'll believe it when I see it. What're you here for?" he asked me. "Civilian kid with these guys."

"Bought a car, turned out to be an alien robot." I shrugged, smiling slightly. We're all probably going to die, I can't get rid of that 'OH MY GOD WE'RE ABOUT TO GO INTO A BATTLE AGAINST THE DECEPTICON IN THE MIDDLE OF A FREAKIN CITY' feeling. "Who knew?"

"Wow." Fig mouthed, and I'm sure it was at least partly due to what I said. The other most of his reason had to be the giant Decepticon tied up standing in the huge room we were just pulling into. He stood at least as tall as Optimus, and you could just tell there was no way he'd let you life thirty seconds longer after he got out. And those thirty seconds would be filled with torture, no doubt, it he had it his way. His colors were grey and dull, and his features sharp and angry, just the image of evil incarnated. I shivered involuntarily as Optimus came to a stop.

"Stay back." he ordered, entrusting me (and the Allspark) into the center of the group of soldiers. I glanced around me, they were arming themselves and Will got a look that told me I didn't want to be anyone with a gun pointed at him. I wonder how long he's been in the army before the Decepticons struck? I wonder if he has a family. They all probably do.

I hope Optimus is right and no one dies.

I looked back up to the mech in question, taking this small lull-before-the-storm to send some sense of accomplishment and caution to Bumblebee's patient curiosity. Acknowledgement came back, reflecting my caution.

"What's he doing?" Simmons and the other Agent, Tom, caught up. Will glanced back, not as irritated as I was, before deciding to ignore him. Epps, however, wasn't keeping the silence. At least, he did to keep it.

"Shut up."

"Hey, I'll have you under S-7-" Simmons began automatically, but when Optimus drew his energon blade and stopped before his frozen enemy, he seemed to have lost his voice. I wonder if Prime enjoyed that?

"It ends here." I heard from the living of the two mechs, but with a sudden jerk, the words 'loosing pressure on NBE-1. The backup generator just isn't going to cut it' meant he was loose.

Ice flew everywhere and red optics came online. He moved so quickly, having started out still somewhat coated in ice, that Optimus missed by a mile. Megatron used that momentum from the duck to jab his fist forward at Optimus's side in hopes of knocking him back. Optimus grunted, swiping with better precision this time, yet he only grazed the massive Decepticon leader. How long had he been pretending to not be breaking free? Had he known we were here, and that Optimus had the Allspark?

I didn't give myself anymore time to think. I tightened my hold on the Cube and pushed myself backwards as the soldiers took aim. Megatron took note of them and gave one more strike to Optimus before transforming and flying through the wall. Optimus made one futile blast after him, before running back to us and transforming. I was unconsciously freaking out with Bumblebee in unison over the link, even though he was mostly trying to calm me. I mean, seriously. OH MY SLAGGING PRIMUS (Where did that come from?) THE HARBINGER OF DEATH JUST ESCAPED, AND HE'S HEADED OUT TO WHERE RATCHET, IRONHIDE, JAZZ, AND BUMBLEBEE ARE!

Seconds later, the two agents were running down to the basement and Optimus was bursting out the front gates, soldiers and me in his cabin. I would have gladly moved on to Bumblebee's altform, it was cramped in here, but there wasn't enough time. The others were already pulling out when we flew past, so they fell in formation in stride. Above head, Megatron had disappeared, whether he had fled to the city having overheard us, or he was hiding somewhere on the S-7 base, I don't know. All I know is that now that things are actually happening, they aren't quite as bad as first thought.

"Bumblebee." Optimus commanded, and the scout's voice came through the radio.

"I'll get Sam as far from the battle as possible as soon as we get there." he said promptly.

"Good-"

"But, I have the Cube." I realized, looking down at the powerful object in my arms. "If we take the Cube out of the city, then they'll just follow."

"Give the Allspark to Jazz." Ratchet suggested. "It will still be under our protection, and far from Megatron." Because Jazz won't be anywhere near him anyways. Right.

"Yes, Jazz will take the Allspark, and Bumblebee, you take Sam." Optimus agreed.

"Ratchet and I will remain with the soldiers to take care of Brawl and whoever else dares show their ugly faces." Ironhide growled.

"I call the helicopter." Will said in a similar tone.

"And I'm taking care of Bonecrusher, then joining in on the fun." Jazz said, anxious. "I think we've got our battle plan laid out."

"Nothing will go wrong." Optimus assured the worries in all our minds. And he being who he is, we couldn't help but relax at least a bit, despite all odds facing against us. Just because we were allowed to know the future, doesn't mean time wants to be changed. I don't know where I got that sudden feeling of foreboding, but I knew enough to listen to my gut instinct. It was the same feeling that told me that rusty old yellow Camaro was the car for me.

Bee's POV because I love you all

I kept my sensors trained on the boy, along with a careful watch over the link. I wouldn't lose him again. But, I still knew this would be no trouble. He maybe a sparkling, but he was still an Autobot. Human or not.

"He's just the same." Jazz mused over the comm. link, finally breaking the silence.

"Of course he is, do you expect the boy to change over night?" Ratchet demanded, practically rolling his optics.

"No, but-"

"Then why expect him to change now?" The medic interrupted Jazz.

"Well, I at least expected him to act more, yeah know," Ironhide began.

"Human?" Optimus finished. I stayed silent, the boy now waiting impatiently as the man spoke on his own communicative device.

"Yeah." Ironhide said enthusiastically.

"Remember, as a sparkling he was more human than he would have been otherwise. We're just used to it." Optimus explained.

"Plus, he's got that link to Bumblebee." Jazz pointed out.

"True." Ironhide mused logically, which meant whatever he was thinking wasn't. "Since he doesn't already have guns, you aren't going to let me train him, are you?"

"No. Definitely not." I agreed, but stopped before saying anything else. The others must've been listening in too, because it was Ratchet that brought it up.

"Optimus."

"I want to go." Ironhide objected. "I want to take a shot at ol' Meggsie."

"No, it'll be Prime." Jazz agreed, though he usually sided with Ironhide. "Either him or Bumblebee, since whoever's going has to keep the suit's off the boy. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be too careful about it."

Ironhide laughed. "No, suppose not. What about Ratchet?"

"NO!" four voices rang out and Optimus just chuckled. Ratchet probably had a different reason than Jazz and I, and even Ironhide who answered his own question, but the answer was just the same.

"Then it's Optimus." I spoke up finally, aware of the boy's approach. "I don't trust Simmons yet. Could you... Ah..." I started to trail off, aware this Simmons figure was none too gentle or patient while working for S-7. I might be more tolerant of him, later on, but not now.

"Of course." Optimus nodded, starting his engine. "I'll keep the boy with me."

"Thank you." I sent just before severing the temporary link. I was aware as my sparkling climbed into Optimus's offered cabin, and they drove off. No one could keep the boy safer, but I don't think it was illegal to worry still, even if just a bit.

I felt no need to remain in contact with the others at the moment. I wanted to focus completely on staying aware on where they were, just in case we needed to assist them. Ignoring several more hails, I decided I had to look out for my own safety too when an engine revved behind me threateningly.

"Welcome back to Earth, Bumblebee." Ratchet greeted, annoyed.

"I was only trying to keep tags on them. What if Megatron melts and we need to help out?" I asked.

"Bumblebee, he's with Optimus. He'll be fine." Jazz said pointedly.

"I know, but, don't you get the feeling that no matter how much we try to change things, it won't work?" I asked, realizing this was what kept me edgy.

"No." Jazz said quickly.

"Yes." Ratchet answered as if Jazz hadn't spoken. "Likely, it is the natural universe fighting against a change in time the same way it fought against Unicron by creating Primus."

"How can a feeling keep things from changing?" Ironhide asked.

"It's going to take a whole lot more than a feeling to make me go anywhere near Megatron." Jazz said clippingly. I had to realize he was also pretty edgy, approaching his own predicted death date.

"The very fact we have changed already changes the future, before we actually do anything." Ratchet began. "Of course the universe would try to fight that. I doubt it's more than a feeling, I'm thinking that maybe, other things have changed to counteract our preparations."

"So, what you're saying is, Jazz is still going to die?" Ironhide asked.

"No." I answered for Ratchet, though I had no idea what his answer was going to be. I didn't want to either. "No. Whatever the universe throws at us to put time back on its natural course, if such a thing exists, it won't take Jazz. Or any of the others who's off lining we can prevent now. Sam was, after all, sent back to us to set this all in motion in the first place. Right?"

"Yes." Ratchet agreed hesitantly, but fell silent.

"What are you hiding from us?" Ironhide demanded.

"Nothing of importance." Ratchet replied. "Not now."

"Spill it. We haven't got anything else to do but wait anyways." Jazz insisted.

"It was the Allspark that brought Sam back." we were all silent, realizing what that meant. Something we'd been trying to give the benefit of the doubt.

"So, the universe still wants to kill us." Jazz finally said.

"Yes, most likely. Let's try not to change things as much as possible." Ratchet insisted. No way, this was more Wheeljack's area. Ratchet doesn't know what he's talking about, right? This is all ridiculous. This is just our processors making sense of what wasn't there. It's just a feeling, it's not like it's even an urge. I felt no urge to go instead of Optimus, as it would have been if things had not changed.

We were all broken out of our thoughts as alarms went off within the building. Tourists were vacated and agents swarmed like bees, no pun intended, around the building. Where had they all come from?

I started up my engine, twisting the front wheels toward the building, but I was stopped.

"Optimus can handle it. If he needs our help, he'll hail us." Jazz said. He wasn't first lieutenant for nothing. I remained silent, motor idling anxiously. A flurry of emotion seeped across the link as Sam temporarily forgot about it. There was panic, worry, and anger. I calmed him anxiously, knowing he didn't even realize where his calmness came from. Knowing him, he was so worked up he probably didn't even realize his calmness was unnatural.

None of us could speak, as the minutes passed. I was almost unable to remain in this accursed parking lot when his awe overtook me and I calmed completely. I knew exactly what was happening. They have the Allspark. It all came to an end with surprise, then he was thrown back into a flurry of overwhelming and worry I worked to keep control over. I started my engine up again, realizing I'd shut it off when they were getting the Allspark, when Megatron attacked. I knew exactly what was going on by what he felt, and what we could hear from here. It was amazing, yet horrifying. I wanted nothing more than to take Sam from there, within Megatron's grasp, into my cabin and drive until we were far away.

The building visibly exploded and a familiar jet flew out, soaring upwards and away, twisting over us as if to fire, then doubled back and disappeared. I realized why only when Optimus burst out of the building, carrying Sam and the soldiers inside.

You can bet I was first in line after them, and I myself opened up the comm. link to everyone once again.

"Bumblebee." Optimus commanded as soon as it was open.

"I'll get Sam as far from the battle as possible as soon as we get there." I said quickly, already planning on where to be to guard a hidden Sam, but still fight. As Optimus said earlier, we need everyone.

"Good-"

"But, I have the Cube." Sam spoke, not as hesitant as before. He wasn't shocked at our presence or skeptical of his previous/future life. "If we take the Cube out of the battle, then they'll just follow."

"Give the Allspark to Jazz." Ratchet suggested. "It will still be under our protection, and far from Megatron." There's no way Jazz is going anywhere near Megatron. Not after our little discussion about how time wanted us dead.

"Yes, Jazz will take the Allspark, and Bumblebee, you take Sam." Optimus agreed.

"Ratchet and I will remain with the soldiers to take care of Brawl and whoever else dares show their ugly faces." Ironhide growled.

"I call the helicopter." Will said in a similar tone.

"And I'm taking care of Bonecrusher, then joining in on the fun." Jazz said, anxious. "I think we've got our battle plan laid out."

"Nothing will go wrong." Optimus said firmly, and I felt myself relax slightly despite the situation. I couldn't help but believe him, even if he didn't actually know.

I hope he's right, though. Because we're already there.

I wrote more in one day than I have in the past, ah, long while. It's good, though, isn't it? You like it? Tell me about it, or, you know, tell me off for some problem because you're bored. Doesn't really matter, though I'd prefer the former. It'd be great.

R&R