WHOA! I MADE IT!! OF BUNNIES AND MAYHEM IS BACK!! I THOUGHT I WASN'T GOING TO KEEP IT UP!!!

o.o writer's block attacked me. I'm stuck into a horrifying depression.

Too much stress, too many bad things happening... too much pain to bear with,… oh my poor brain… it's dry like the dessert!! ¬¬

Anyways I still survive and I tried my best here, after all it made me feel a bit better.

Now on chapter 6!!

Warning: Humans are getting "screen time". Specially a Decepticon one. No worry, it won't happen very often. It's just that in this chapter it was ABSOLUTELY needed.

CHAPTER 6: RIDES

—Bringing that creature here was totally stupid from you Seeker Nami.—

—Once again, I beg your pardon, Master Megatron. Yet we cannot let her go. She'd give us more trouble.—

—It should not have been like that if you haven't bring her in the first place.—Says Demolisher.

—This is not your business!—

—Shut up you too! There won't be any solution but to leave her here. I warn Seeker Nami: I'll crush her to a bloody pulp if she ever makes a single mistake.—Alleges Megatron, hitting the stone throne with one fist.

Lollypop stands up, his eyes shining brightly making everyone stop. Demolisher, understanding its body language runs to the Radar Room followed by Seeker Nami. When they arrive, the main computer's screen is shining, displaying a map where the mini-con's location is being shown. The minicon's signal, however it's too weak, and Demolisher triangles and amplifies it whilst Megatron enters the scene.

—Where's that mini-con?—

—I'll download the coordinates to your systems if you wish, sir. I think Scavenger's "services" will be much appreciated.—Says the tank with a faint gag.

—Very well.—Megatron contacts Scavenger by his com-link.—Scavenger, I'll transmit the new mini-con's coordinates to your systems. You'll go down to Earth.—

Yes, sir.—

—Demolisher, you'll go with Scavenger. Cyclonus and Seeker Nami will depart with you. Bring mini-con enforcers if you think you'll not be able to handle them.—Megatron leaves without saying anything else.

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Hot Shot has been very distressed for the last few days. He has even rejected the kid's invitations to take a ride with them to the city, an activity he enjoyed in the past. But his combat with Scavenger, which was like a true affront to his personal pride, took possession of his CPU, making him stay for long hours training on the base at the brink of obsession.

Hot Shot, a teenager in Transformers' standards, was one of the very few that managed to survive their first vorn(A/N) in the army; hordes of young Transformers signed to the Autobot cause, but only a handful of them would survive. Actually, there were very few young Transformers remaining on Cybertron. And Hot Shot felt virtually invincible and until now he realized he was downright wrong. A part of what he felt these past days was not just indignation but he also felt terror –though he would have never admitted it to anyone-. He had finally faced a challenger that would bring him to the garbage dump in a matter of seconds and he was determined not to let it happen. He didn't want to die yet.

However… that wasn't the only thing worrying him… Optimus showed an almost reverent respect towards the old bulldozer. This surprised and annoyed him at the same time. Why should Optimus bear those feelings for a mercenary? Hot Shot shook his head; he had no rights to question Optimus' beliefs. Then he recalled what the Autobot himself told them when they first met Scavenger:

This man was my tutor when I was young. He did teach me everything I know about mêlée. I owe him much. He took me as his apprentice short after the first civil wars begun; I was an orphan kid back then. I felt lost and scared when Scavenger found me in the ruins of my city, he felt compassion and took me with him. It's for Scavenger I'm still alive and I'm this today.

Cybertron had always been a conflictive planet. The civil wars had long since started… Optimus was a very young child back then. Hot Shot let go of a gloom smile; it was hard to think of Optimus as a fearful little child and it was harder to thinking of Scavenger training him; well maybe that could explain some traits about the Autobot Leader. Besides, Prime didn't have the need to lie over such a delicate matter. Nevertheless he couldn't find the reason why Scavenger worked with the Decepticons instead of the Autobots… the payment must have been very wealthy.

A slagged mercenary…

—All Autobots to assemble on the Space Bridge immediately.—Alexis' voice echoed on the whole base.

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Federal Highway 160, surrounded by hills and mountains is one of the most crowded freeways everybody has to pass in the Peru of the year 2011. A new road across one of the mountains is now extremely required, leaving a total chaos of calcareous rocks and debris as a result.

And is precisely somewhere in this mountain where -perhaps for the machinery's handling in the petrous strata- the new mini-con was activated.

—What a crammed place. At least this area is under construction.—

—Those mini-cons are choosing the oddest places to hide.—Cyclonus tells Demolisher while behind them Scavenger is digging to recover the mini-con panel.

—You two ladies should be helping instead of talking.—

An alarm peeped on their com-links:

—Demolisher here. Over.—

-Demolisher. The Autobots are coming your way off from the southeast road. The traffic flow is even and they'll shortly arrive to your current location. Seeker Nami is on her way to stop them. Paulina out.-

—Well… this what I was waiting for. Transform!—Cyclonus goes back to his alt. mode.—C-ya Demolisher. I'm gonna help my mate. HAHAHAHA!!—

Meanwhile on the ground Paulina and Overdoze discovers a purple motorcycle driving hazardously amid the cars. Both Decepticons look at each other. Overdoze whines a bit. There's something strange about this motorcycle that demands further investigation.

The motorcycle takes the highway's lateral and Paulina decides to enter the action, following to a safe distance.

—Master Megatron, Overdoze and I have found a suspicious vehicle presumably alien, heading in the Autobots' same way. I'll go after it and unearth its intentions.—

-Do it. Just make sure not to interfere with the mission. Megatron out.-

Scavenger stops his dig-out and transforms into a robot. He holds the mini-con panel in his left hand.

Up the sky Seeker Nami and Cyclonus locates the Autobots on the road.

—Okay, we've got Optimus Prime and Hot Shot in the northern-south road.—

—Smokescreen's coming down the southeast road.—

—Oh, how clever they are. Don't you think Cyc?—Mocks Nami.—Thinking they could surround us… but they weren't counting with us. No, no, no-ho. Hahaha!—

—Let's make them fall in their own trap then.—Screams Cyclonus as he starts shooting to the cars beneath him and Seeker Nami follows on his game in the other road, causing a series of accidents and a resulting horrific traffic-jam.

—Now let's see if you can get outta there. Losers.—

Many other cars trapped in the middle of the traffic surrounds Hot Shot. He hesitates over his next movement; he has no other choice but to powerlink to Jolt in order to escape. I'll rather like these humans seeing a flying car than a rabid Decepticon tyrant over them.

-Optimus, you'll have to excuse me. I get off of the traffic-jam with Jolt's help. I'll try and locate the Decepticons.-

—Fine, just keep in touch.—Optimus stops in front of a bus stop, opening one of his doors, telling the two humans within him to get down.

—But Optimus…!—Whines Fred.

—I won't take you with me. I'll take up this lateral and reach Hot Shot on the east road. You two wait here.—

Paulina watched the scene from the other side of the road and frowned. So the Autobots own humans too, huh? Suddenly her attention snapped back when the motorcycle she was pursuing stopped beside the humans.—Lookat 'dath, Overdoze.—

—Hey you guys. Wanna take a ride?—Asks the motorcycle. Billy and Fred looks at the stranger with wide open eyes.

—A-are you an---

—I'm heading the same way your friend does. No worry I won't do any harm.—Still afraid, Fred and Billy gets up the cycle's rear seat and this resumes its way.

—Nuff for me. Follow that Transformer Overdoze.—

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Hot Shot tracks down the coordinates the main computer gave them but is stopped to a halt in front of a tunnel by Scavenger's presence who holds the mini-con panel up.

—Look who we got here. I see you haven't learned your lesson yet. Hot Shot.—

—You better shut up, old man! I'll fight you if needed.—A pause.—Rad, look for a hideout.—Hot Shot turns into a robot lifting his arms in a defensive attitude. Scavenger throws the first attack when Optimus arrives to the scene shielding his soldier.

—Optimus, please! This is my fight.—

—You heard him… Step back, lad.—

Laserbeak –now re-built- sends images of the combat to his base whilst he prays to Primus not to encounter the wicked seeker who reduced him to scrap the last time. However his prayers seems not to be heard when he looks up at the sky and sees the black jet and her blue friend above him. The small mechaniroid flies away panicked looking for cover far from the enemy. Nami watches him escaping and for a split second she feels the urge to shoot him down but pushed the idea away when she looks down at Hot Shot finding him an easy target.

—Oowww… lookie Cyc!! Hot Shot's just stepped in our target range.—

—It is said that butt-in off a duel is dishonorable. But not so many times you can get such an easy target.—Cyclonus tells his bondmate.

The two aerial Transformers fire their weapons at unison; everything hinted a perfect bull's-eye. However a short second before being hit Hot Shot was tackled backwards by a heavy motorcycle, saving his life.

—Yippie! We fried him!—Nami watches down as the dust cloud vanishes.—NO! It's not possible, he's still alive!—

—Hey! Who's that motorcycle wimp?—

—Motorcycle? What motor---Seeker Nami stops in the middle of her sentence when she looks at the purple vehicle that has just saved Hot Shot feeling a shudder run all over her mainframe.

Slag… no… it can't be… it cannot be him…

Cyclonus senses Seeker Nami's apprehension thanks to the bond they share.—Nami-chan. You okay babe?—He directs his sight to where she's looking and then back to her.—Is there something you haven't told me yet?—

—Cy… clonus… Shut up.—She mutters behind clenched teeth.

On the ground, Lollypop roars at the new Transformer from behind Scavenger's legs, its eyes glowing green-lime intensely. A second motorcycle shows up, Scavenger and the two Autobots turn their attention to the human girl and her mini-con.

—Scavenger, the Autobots have a new ally!—She announces pointing to the purple Transformer. Scavenger glances at Optimus expectantly but the Autobot leader only lifts his shoulders and shakes his head in a negative fashion.

The purple motorcycle leaves his passengers besides Rad. Hot Shot was about to say something when the newcomer speeds up pursuing the aerial Decepticons. Lollypop growls and follows him. Overdoze stares at Scavenger seconds before rushing to reach the others.

—Let them go Hot Shot! We must retrieve the mini-con!—Shouts Rad to his friend.

—The kid is right, But you'll have to defeat me first!—Yells Scavenger as he charges towards the Autobots.

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—Shit! That slagged motorcycle is right behind us!—Cyclonus screams when he feels a shot on his aft.

—Fuck up!—Seeker Nami's tension grows higher and frightened she desperately tries to getaway almost crashing with Cyclonus. A shot hits him closely to his propeller causing him to crash-land.

-You'll pay for this Seeker Nami!!-

-Sorry Blender-Butt, but it's your hide or mine.-

-What are you---? The young seeker closes her commlink.

Lollypop reaches the motorcycle and starts throwing bites to his wheels trying to take him out of control. The cycle's "rider" kicks it in the head every time it comes closer but the animal insists. The proximity to this Transformer makes its eyes shine brighter. The motorcycle hits Lollypop with all his weight, sending it flying meters away.

Petro-rabbit…? Then that black jet must--- His thought are cut when a laser shot scratches his armor plating.

—Hey you pimp! Come and fight me!!—

—I don't have time to play with children.—He leans his weight over the mini-con trying to make him lose control but Overdoze avoids the attack with ease.

-Overdoze, it's me Nami. Get the hell outta here! Megatron told you not to interfere!-

—As you command, Seeker Nami.—Overdoze diminishes his speed turning on his way in spite of his human master's complains.

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Hot Shot and Scavenger once again resumes their battle. Regardless of the yellow sports car's recently acquired experience over fighting Scavenger, his movements are more defensive than offensive. Scavenger's knowledge of martial arts surpasses the young Autobot's by far.

—Shame on you, kid! You're worse than a training drone. Give me a fight!—

—You want a fight? Fine, we'll fight my way.—Hot Shot transforms and speeds up, passing right between his challenger's legs heading towards the other side of the road under construction. Scavenger, with a twisted smile on his face also transforms and begins his hunting for the boy that, nonetheless, exceeds him in speed.

Ok old brute… let's see who's the best now…

Paulina draws closer to the old Decepticon joining him in the persecution.—Hey Scavenger. Need some help?—She asks when notices he is having trouble to get near his prey.—I see you're not doing very well. Wadda ya say if I "soften him up"?—She states smiling wickedly holding an Energo-whip on her right hand.

—This is none of your business girl.—

—C'mon ol' coot! You gotta admit you are in no way gonna get any closer to him. C-ya! YIIIHAAA!—She dashes, leaving Scavenger literally with his mouth open.

Hot Shot enters into a long tunnel –like many others in this moorland -, the tunnel would turn into a dangerous zone if the bulldozer ever happened to get closer since there was little room to fight or –in his case- defend himself. And so he aims all his efforts to get out soon.

-Hot BZZZT--- the Decepticons hav--- BZZZT--- The mini-c---- BZZZZRRRRTH--- Where are Bzzzthou?-

—I'm sorry Optimus I can't read you. I'm inside a tunnel.—

-Repeat BZZZT--- messagbzzzt... over.-

—I'm fighting Scavenger, I'll bring the mini-con with me. Hot Shot out.—Hot Shot closes his commlink directing his attention back to the tunnel's exit. He sees a green and silver motorcycle coming straight to him and gazes at its rider on whose black helmet bears the Decepticon insignia; a doubt lingers over him for an astrosecond and vanishes when he sees a Energo-whip grasped on the rider's hand.

Paulina stands up atop Overdoze's back and starts whipping everything in front of her, the energo-whip's clashing on the asphalt creates a string of energy discharges- Hot Shot tries to avoid the attacks yet many hits his armor making his body shudder at the stinging pain.

I never thought whipping someone would be so exciting! Paulina let go an impious smile as she sat back, bracing herself to the mini-con while he transforms into a wolf. Now that he is free to use his claws and jaws Overdoze leaps over Hot Shot, pricking his claws on Hot Shot's left side; his armor plating gives in as if it was a sheet of aluminum paper and soon a deep wound is open. A fortunate bite makes one of Hot Shot's wheels to blow, he loses control and slows up to prevent a crash.

Scavenger is getting closer to his objective thanks to Paulina's help and in silence he appraises these two new Decepticons' teamwork. The exit of the tunnel is a few hundreds ahead of them and Scavenger prepares to strike.

Hot Shot realizes that this Decepticon attacking him is indeed a human and tries to reason with her.—Hey. Don't you realize those Decepticreeps are the enemy? Megatron is using you as he uses the mini-cons! We Autobots do not want to cause you humans any harm. I don't want to fight you.—

—I don't give a damn about Megatron! I'm okay with them..—

—You kidding? Megatron will kill you once you're no longer useful to him. Save yourself!—

—And what if he kills me? The world won't lose anything anyways. I'm tired of your blathering. Shut the fuck up Autobot!—Paulina finishes her sentence whipping Hot Shot's wounded rear.

The tunnel has come to an end and now limping Hot Shot speeds up to reach the exit. When he has seen the light once again he finds out that the highway leads to a bridge that is not yet finished. Unable to stop –and not wanting to- he powerlinks to Jolt for the second time. The small helicopter lifts Hot Shot up the air seconds before he falls down the precipice. Hot Shot transforms and rolls in midair, aiming his bazooka straight to the unfinished road, destroying it with a single blast.
The three Decepticons fell off the road when the blast hit the asphalt, rolling down the hill amongst stone and debris.

Hot Shot lands on the highway's upper level and peeks down from one edge, feeling guilty for the young Decepticon human. Hot Shot sighed unconsciously when the mysterious purple motorcycle arrives; rabid petro-rabbit following from behind. Tired of the incessant molesting, he finally transforms into a robot.

Hot Shot watches him. The motorcycle grabs Lollypop by the neck and threw him to the abyss with a single blow. A roar could be heard as the petro-rabbit falls.

—Who are you and what's your alliance?—Hot Shot demands.

The stranger looks at Hot Shot for a moment before a red light shines on his chest showing an Autobot insignia in all its glory.

—My name is Sideways. And I bow to Optimus Prime.—

—And how's that he doesn't knew about you?—

—Let's say I'm a covert agent. I'll give you advice: Don't be to confident of Optimus' knowledge. He's no God.—

Hot Shot opens his mouth and closes it, unsure of what to say. When he opens his mouth again he is cut off by a loud crash behind his back.

—Watch out!—Sideways opens fire. Seconds later Scavenger leaps up the road along with Overdoze who's carrying Paulina and the furious Lollypop.

Sideways finds the mini-con panel clutched on the mini-con's jaws and attacks him to recover it. Meanwhile Hot Shot, wounded, tries to distract Scavenger for enough time.
Sideways fights the mini-con. Overdoze's claws ripping his armor easily as if it was made out of paper, Sideways shots him inside the mouth. The blast almost hits his CPU and collapses unconscious.

—Dude! I've got the mini-con!—Announces Sideways lifting the green panel up his head. The yellow sports car smiles as he transformas and both Autobots gets away. Scavenger sighs in frustration resuming the hunt.

—Optimus, we've got the mini-con!—Says Hot Shot to his leader.

Cyclonus appears nearby watching the Autobots' escaping. Odd… He thinks with sarcasm as he scans the area, finding his fallen comrades short after. To leave them or not to leave them? Oh… the senseless dilemma…

—Hey you guys! What's your situation?—

Idiot... Paulina rubs her head, lifting her body up her shoulders. –Status report: In short… we're slag!—She says weakly.

Cyclonus lands beside them opening his cab for Paulina and Lollypop to get in and he takes Overdoze in one hand.

—Megatron. Mission failed. Those stupid Autobots took the mini-con from Scavenger's hands.—Cyclonus tells his leader.

-Retreat immediately.- Orders Megatron.

Seeker Nami and Demolisher, who were surrounded by Optimus and Smokescreen stops their battle and vanish in their Space Bridge.

—Bye, bye, Autobutts. HAHAHA!!—

Scavenger stops in the middle of the road and reluctantly leaves the place.

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The night fell as the Autobots celebrated their small victory. Opal, the recently activated mini-con introduces himself to his new friends and thanks the m for saving him from the Decepticon's evil forces. Soon, the kids are playing with him and the other mini-cons outside the base.

Up a hill, behind one of the large parabolic antennas of the Astronomical Research Center, Hot Shot and Sideways are having a word:

—Why didn't you say anything before your arrival? And moreover why did you wait all than long to say anything? We had a tough battle out there.—

—I had no reason to. Besides we're too busy to stop and give details. You said so: we had a tough battle out there.—

—Still…—

—At ease Hot Shot. I'm a friend and that's all you need to know.—Sideways directs his glance to the starry sky in silence. Hot Shot does the same, decided to trust his new friend.

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—A human fighting along the Decepticons?—

—That's right Alexis. I had my doubts at first, but she was really a human.—Confirms Rad for the tenth time.

—I thought Decepticons didn't like us. But… What could ever be a human girl doing with them?—

—I don't know Alexis. And that worries me. She seemed to be helping them. Maybe she has been slavered by them and they hold her against her will.—

—But Megatron hasn't say a word… yet.—

—Oddly enough. Poor girl. I hope she'll be fine.—

—So do I. Maybe we'll rescue her and the mini-cons one day.—

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Author's Notes:

Vorn: Time unit equal to 84 Earth years.

Oh holy! I just can't believe it. This chapter is not that bad after all.

As you noticed, this was just a re-write of a whole Armada chapter. (Now, now don't sue me… I'm empty of good ideas…) I hope you liked it. And excuse me for giving a human too much time for herself, but she was a must-have in this chappy.

C-ya next chapter folks!