Morning started to roll into the sky; the sun's rays broke over the horizon. Ultra Magnus peered from one of the more secluded areas of their mountain territory. He breathed a long sigh, exhausted from the previous events that nearly overwhelmed the Autodragons' ranks.

Early in the morning one of their patrols had been ambushed by a group of Deceptidragons somewhere deep in the forest area that was encompassed by the gigantic mountain range both factions called their home. In an instant a furious battle erupted. Outnumbered and confused by the sneak attack, the patrol had to send a scout to call for reinforcement.

After who-knows-how-long the Autodragons were able to overcome their enemies and drive them back into their own territory. They had relished in their victory, only to realize someone from the original patrol was missing . . .

Ultra perked his ears at the sound of heavy footsteps heading his way. Without looking back he stated, "Report, Jazz."

The white dragon hesitated to reply, "All patrols have returned, sir. No other Deceptidragon activity has been detected." Jazz studied his old leader with concern. He'd been . . . awfully quiet since the disappearance of his nephew.

Ultra turned slightly to peer at Jazz through the corner of his eye, looking doubtful. "And I don't suppose Optimus has been found?"

". . . No, sir."

Ultra sighed. "I feared as much . . ."

Suddenly the two dragons became alert when they heard rustling in the bushes behind them. There were sharp but soft cries of "Stop shoving!" and "Ouch! Get off my foot!" A second later, two of the younglings fell out, exposing their eavesdropping to the senior warriors. Bumblebee grunted as his jaw smashed into the ground and Sari, lying on top of him, gave a small moan.

Jazz tried not to crack a smile of amusement, though Ultra looked a little annoyed. ". . . Younglings what are you doing here?"

Sari struggled to sit up on top of her older friend and she awkwardly hoisted her upper body up to meet eyes with the leader. "Um, I-I'm sorry, sir, but – if it wasn't for Optimus I'd be dead now!" Minutes before the battle Optimus and his patrol came upon the little dragon that was frantically looking for her missing father. She came in between the fighting, which Optimus managed to take her to a safer location before returning to fight.

Ultra looked at her quizzically. He had yet to get used to another youngling running around here, since he'd already had his claws filled with Bumblebee, Bulkhead, Hot shot, and others; however he wouldn't abandon a lone youngling.

"You gotta find him!" she pleaded. "I feel awful enough . . ."

Ultra Magnus looked to Jazz, who shrugged, and then back to Sari. He wanted to say something reassuring, though he was tired and doubtful about this whole outcome. He had faith Optimus would survive, but . . .

"I know he's out there somewhere . . ." Sari whispered.

At this time Optimus groaned from weakness. He had several cuts along his face and body that allowed trails of blood to trickle down. Much of his body felt fatigued from the fighting, then the sudden strike to his head that forced him to go unconscious. Every few seconds he'd manage to regain the slightest bit of consciousness, catching dim glimpses of the forest flowing past him quickly, soon to be replaced by a rugged landscape that he didn't recognize as Autodragon territory.

Eventually he slipped into slumber from which he did not wake up until now. One of his eyes opened to a slit, but his surroundings were so dark he couldn't make out anything. By the feel beneath him he assumed he was in a cave.

That's when dozens of scents suddenly bombarded his nostrils; all completely unfamiliar. By now his eyes began to adjust, though he still couldn't see much with the fraction of light he could detect from somewhere near him. Maybe the entrance? He couldn't move his head much from the headache he felt creeping onto him.

When he could handle the overwhelming scents he realized there were other dragons around him. At first their voices sounded muffled. But soon the headache cleared and his senses returned completely, allowing him to scan his prison. From the foreign scents and surroundings he could only assume he was somewhere in Deceptidragon territory. Oh great . . .

He perked his ear when he heard a small, menacing chuckle. "Oooh, how wonderful that we have a Prime warrior – and Magnus' nephew, no doubt!" He recognized that voice . . . Starscream! Yes, he was definitely in Deceptidragon territory.

Another male dragon spoke, though he didn't recognize whose voice it belonged to. "Don't get any ideas, Starscream. Upon Megatron's orders we can't lay a claw on him." Optimus tried looking up as best he could, hoping these dragons were oblivious to his awakened presence. The dragon that spoke was mainly black, though with purple on his face and body. One of his eyes had been clawed, leaving it blind and useless.

Starscream sneered. "'Megatron's orders'. PAH! What does that over-grown salamander know?"

Optimus' attention turned toward a third scent. Another dragon was in the room, standing a small distance away from the others. 'Th-That scent . . .' the red Autodragon thought with a small course of excitement running through him. 'Elita . . ?' But this she-dragon looked nothing like her; why did she carry the same scent?

Before Optimus could ponder any further on the matter, a foot slammed down right next to him. He gasped, startled by Starscream now towering over him with that same sly smirk on his muzzle. "Well lookie here! Our guest has finally awoken!" Optimus wasn't sure but he could have sworn he heard the dragon snarl almost inaudibly "Welcome to hell . . ."

He tried not to seem afraid, but he was battered, weak, and utterly at the mercy of his enemies. He reasoned that if he wanted to remain alive he'd have to stay on these dragons' good sides. "Why have you brought me here?"

Starscream didn't answer. He frowned – and kicked Optimus on his back where the worst of the wounds were. He howled in pain and shrank back against the wall. For a moment he seethed at the pain, but then he looked up and snarled at his tormentor.

Before Starscream could apply any more damage the unknown male stepped into his way. "Did you not hear me? Megatron said keep your claws off!"

"Get out of my way Shockwave," the second-in-command growled. "As I'd feared our guest left his manners back into his own territory." He glared down at Optimus. "Surely you know how to talk to your superiors!"

Optimus snarled, but didn't reply.

The she-dragon rolled her eyes and stepped between her two comrades. "No need to start any fighting before Megatron has even shown up yet."

That voice! That scent! Why did she sound and smell so familiar but had a completely different appearance? She couldn't be – ! "E-Elita?" Optimus asked out loud.

The three Deceptidragons looked down at him, surprised by his outburst. The she-dragon then looked away, as if ashamed or embarrassed.

"Oh, Blackarachnia, do you know this male?" Starscream asked mockingly. "Apparently he knows you."

"Go jump in a volcano," Blackarachnia hissed and walked out of the cave.

As if on queue another dragon appeared directly after the she-dragon departed. Optimus widened his eyes. His gray body was unmistakably familiar. 'Megatron . . .'

"I assume our guest has been treated kindly?" the big dragon asked brusquely, looking at Starscream accusingly as if he knew he'd disobeyed his orders.

Starscream shrugged nonchalantly. "More or less."

Megatron didn't reply. He stepped past him and Shockwave and towered over Optimus. For what seemed like hours those red eyes glare down at Optimus. The young dragon himself tried to assume a straight face, but couldn't stop his body from shaking. He'd never really met Megatron in battle; dragon leaders rarely participated unless it was a full-out war between the two factions or possibly invaders from another land. His uncle recalled having to face him several times, and barely making it out alive.

"So . . . Optimus Prime is your name, correct?" he asked.

Optimus gulped and replied, ". . . Yes."

He couldn't read the gray dragon's face. What was he thinking?

"You're rather young to be a Prime warrior," he remarked. "Though I suppose being Magnus' nephew has a few perks."

Optimus growled, "I'll have you know I earned my rank just as anyone else does! My family ties had nothing to do with it!"

Megatron cocked an eye-ridge. "Interesting."

"Though I suppose my family ties are the reason I'm here," the red dragon said with indignation.

"Correct." Megatron turned to Starscream and Shockwave. "Leave. Guard the entrance." Shockwave bowed and stalked away, followed by a mumbling Starscream who appeared disappointed he couldn't watch the show.

"What do you want with me?" To his embarrassment Optimus couldn't hide much of the fear in his voice now that he was alone with the Deceptidragon leader. If Megatron noticed, he didn't show it, though.

The gray dragon began to pace without removing his sight from the younger warrior. "Frankly I'm not entirely sure what I want to do with you. With my enemy's nephew in my grasp there are so many opportunities to take advantage of."

"What would you gain with me?"

"Many things. Despite our separate ways of life I know Magnus well; he wouldn't want his only remaining family member to be . . . shall we say, forever lost . . ."

Optimus gulped again. "Perhaps you don't know him as well as you think. Ultra wouldn't give up anything for the sake of me so willingly."

Megatron smirked. "You poor little reptile, you'd be surprised what some will do. Magnus may not admit it but he isn't willing to lose you – least of all, to me." He stopped pacing and looked down at his captive. "Why, I wouldn't be surprised if he would send a patrol here now to discuss a bargain in exchange for your release."

"How would he know you have me?"

"Magnus isn't stupid, and he's also very assuming. Their first notion will be my warriors captured you in all that madness."

". . . Is that the whole reason you attacked? To get me?"

"Actually, no. That strip of land you were patrolling once belonged to us, until your faction managed to steal it from us. We've been planning for a while to take it back, but your ranks overwhelmed us; so we turned to the next best thing . . ."

"Me." Optimus shook his head. "But that territory's not the only thing you want, is it?"

"You're smart, I'll give you that. But as I said, I'll have to figure it out later." Megatron looked out of the mouth of the cave for a while, then turned back to Optimus. "In a few hours someone will return to give you prey." At that he walked out of the cave.

"You've got the stealth of a fat squirrel," Bumblebee mumbled.

Sari glared at him and swiped at his face, hardly making a scratch on his jaw. "You're the one who broke the branch that made us fall!"

"Yeah, 'cause you stood on top of me."

"You wouldn't move, how was I supposed to see past your big head?"

"Well if I –"

"Cool it, you two," said Jazz. Bumblebee and Sari looked down and remained silent the rest of the way back to the Autodragons' camp. Despite their crude behavior, Jazz still cracked a smile and continued to lead them back from their "pleasant visit" when he spoke with Ultra Magnus.

Soon they came upon a huge expanse of grassland encompassed by a mountain range that took the shape of a bowl. Littering the walls of this range were countless caves and even some tunnels that ran underground. The valley buzzed with life; Autodragons sat about, some conversing, some napping. By the small amount, patrols were being set out for hunting.

Sari had seen it the night before but she still gasped in awe. From where she came from she couldn't remember seeing a valley or gathering of dragons this big! And that was saying something, considering she migrated with her father often.

The thought of her father made her frown. She didn't know where he was and if she'd ever see him again. A lonesome feeling hit her. And truth be told she didn't feel very welcomed here. Many of the Autodragons were friendly, though as a whole the faction seemed to portray xenophobic behavior. Then again, when you constantly fought for your territory, who could blame you if you felt a little uneasy about outsiders?

"You okay?" Bumblebee had forgotten about their quarrel and smiled to lift her spirits.

"Yeah." Sari nodded. At least Bumblebee, basically the first friend she made here, acted friendly to her. It felt good to be around other younglings. That was then a thought hit her. "Um . . . I stayed in the medicine cave last night . . . do I stay there again?"

Jazz turned around. "No, I doubt you'd want to stay in that stuffy place twice – not to mention Ratchet hates younglings around the supplies."

"You can stay with me!" Bumblebee announced. "In the cave area where the younglings stay. Oh, and I've been wanting you to meet Bulkhead. He's great, you'll love him!"

"Okay," she replied, feeling a bit more excited. They both looked up at Jazz, who nodded in approval.

Bumblebee gestured Sari to follow him and ran down the grassland. They passed several adult dragons, some of whom the yellow youngling eagerly greeted. "Hi Blurr. How's it going, Red Alert?" Sari timidly nodded to them. Soon Bumblebee skidded to a halt near a group of smaller caves where dragons their age gathered round to talk and play.

Two identical dragons, save for their color schemes, padded up to them. "Hi," said the yellow-orange one, looking at Sari with interest. "You are being that outsider, yes?"

Sari nodded.

The blue one nudged his counterpart in his side. "Brother, not being so rude!"

Sari paused, wondering if she should step in. Bumblebee only shrugged and whispered to her, "Don't bother, they're hopeless." While the twins quarreled they walked past and came to a nearby cave. Inside it was simply a bed of grass. "This is mine," Bumblebee remarked with pride. "And it's all to myself – well, not really anymore, but you get the point."

Sari suddenly felt a presence looming behind her. Slightly fearful, she peered behind and saw a big, green dragon smiling down at her. "Hi! Are you that new dragon? I'm Bulkhead. Nice to meet ya!"

"Um . . . hi." Sari smiled awkwardly. Bumblebee had told her Bulkhead was big, but he was huge! "So, you're Bumblebee's friend?"

Bulkhead nodded eagerly. "Oh yeah, we go way back."

Bumblebee ran to the large youngling's side. "Isn't this great? It's nice to have someone else other than the blabbering twins and Mr. I'm-so-great Hot shot." From afar the youngling Sari recognized as Hot shot glared at Bumblebee and stuck out his tongue.

"You're just jealous I can go on patrols now!" he called before stomping off to a group of adult dragons.

Bumblebee stuck his snout up in indignation, despite Hot shot was already long gone. "Puh, I'll be able to do patrols too soon," he murmured to himself. "Optimus said he would –" At the mention of the missing warrior Bumblebee paused and lowered his head sadly. "S-sorry . . . didn't mean to let that slip . . ."

Bulkhead smiled reassuringly. "It's okay. We all miss him."

'Yeah . . .' Sari thought. 'And it's all my fault.'

Optimus was abruptly awoken from his deep slumber. After Megatron left, Optimus was sure Starscream and Shockwave (or someone else) were still guarding him, so he figured escape was no option; he couldn't manage with his weakened state anyway. Instead, he could only rest. Rest and rebuild his strength. Oh, he wasn't going to stay here as a prisoner – he planned to find some way out.

However now he was awakened (and from a pleasant dream, thank you very much). He opened his eyes and found a dead bird near him. The young dragon looked up to see that same she-dragon from earlier. She glared down with contempt.

What was her name? Oh yes, it was Blackarachnia. Why did her scent and voice match Elita's? Ever since Optimus came upon this discovery it ate him away to figure it out.

She turned to leave, but he said, "Wait."

"What?" She craned her neck to look at him but still appeared ready to leave as soon as possible.

"You . . . you're so familiar . . ."

Blackarachnia bared her teeth. "I'm not who you think I am."

"No, you must be! It's unmistakable. You have to be Elita-1!"

Blackarachnia paused. She looked around and turned back to Optimus. "Don't breathe a word of this to anyone. If they knew I was an Autodragon at one time who knows what will happen?"

"So you are – !" Had the situation not been so dire Optimus would feel a wave of relief and happiness to know Elita was alive! "Do you remember me?"

She snarled, "Of course I remember you, you stupid reptile." She turned away. "I also remember how you abandoned me to die out there with those spiders. Huh, you took your sweet time saving that Sari Sumdac, but it seems those you truly care about come second." Before Optimus could respond she left the cave.

'Elita is alive!'

But she's also a Deceptidragon under a new name – a new life where she's holding a grudge against him. Optimus shook his head.

". . . Sari!"

Optimus' head darted to his left and for the first time he realized that not only was this cave larger than he first believed, but he wasn't alone. Out of the shadows a small, portly dragon with the same complexion as Sari timidly walked into the open. Optimus studied the dragon carefully. How long had this dragon been waiting in the shadows?

"Do you know her?" he asked.

"Yes," Optimus replied. He paused, trying to recollect the name Sari once mentioned. "You're . . . Isaac Sumdac, right?"

The small dragon nodded. "Sari is my daughter. Do – Do you know where she is? Is she safe?"

Frankly Optimus wasn't sure what happened to Sari after he relocated her. But he wondered if it would be better to stretch the truth – just a little. "Yes, she's with my faction – the Autodragons. She's completely safe with them."

Sumdac breathed a hefty sigh of relief. "Thank goodness! I was so worried when we were separated."

"How come you're here?"

The little dragon shrugged. "When I tried looking for her, these large dragons ambushed me and took me here. I'm not sure why, though I have a feeling I was trespassing."

Optimus nodded. "Sari's looking for you as well."

"Would they know we're here?"

Optimus remembered what Megatron had said. "They'll most likely assume so. I hope."

Sumdac appeared more relaxed and relieved. "Then we shouldn't be staying here for long, correct?"

Optimus couldn't help a frown. "I'm . . . not entirely sure. The Deceptidragons are an incredibly violent bunch."

"Oh . . . I – I see."

The two remained silent. Rather than press on, Optimus yawned and returned to resting.

Sari stumbled over the root of one of the few trees in this valley as she ran after Bumblebee and Bulkhead. Their excited chatter became indistinct as they ran farther and farther away, oblivious to her lack in speed. How did this Autodragons run so fast? Even Bulkhead managed to catch up with Bumblebee with ease!

To her relief they skidded to a halt at the top of a hill. Sari sped up until she came to Bumblebee's side, panting hard. The yellow dragon chuckled. "You know, we would have slowed down if you asked."

Sari shook her head and spoke indignantly when she caught her breath. "I was fine!"

Bumblebee shrugged. "Whatever you say."

"So what are we going to do now?" Bulkhead asked.

His yellow companion peered at Sari from the corner of his eye and murmured, "How 'bout a tour for our new friend?"

The green dragon nodded in agreement. "Oh yeah! You haven't seen the whole valley yet. You'll love it."

"Okay," she replied. As she feared they broke into a run again. However this time the two seemed to slow significantly where she was literally right on their tails. Sari grimaced, but didn't object.

They passed by several large rock formations that wove into a complete circle, which Bumblebee identified as where members of the council met. In fact, there were several dragons gathered there now, with dozens more surrounding the formation. Many chattered in hushed voices, sounding like whatever meeting may be taking place was of urgent importance.

Suddenly curious, the three stopped as one and padded toward the large crowd. Bumblebee addressed the closest dragon near them. "Rodimus, what's going on?"

The mahogany dragon turned around. "I'm not entirely sure. Though my best bet it's about Optimus' disappearance."

Without thinking Sari burst into a quick trot through the crowd and wove her way between countless feet until she came toward the rock formation. A sixth sense warned her to remain outside of the circle. After a moment Bumblebee and Bulkhead came behind her.

"Geez, don't run out on us like that!" Bulkhead exclaimed.

Bumblebee nodded in agreement. "What's with you?"

Without turning to meet their gazes Sari replied, "I wanna hear what they have to say about Optimus."

Bumblebee exchanged wary glances with Bulkhead. "Look, I know you're new, but there are some things outsiders can't do. And listen in on council meetings is one of them."

"Besides," Bulkhead reasoned, "We don't know for sure if it's really about Optimus."

"It's all my fault what happened to Optimus. Maybe if I wasn't in the way this wouldn't have happened."

Bumblebee shook his head. "No it's not. Optimus knew what he was doing and I wouldn't want to lose you." The yellow dragon snapped his mouth shut after uttering the final statement and his cheeks tinged red with embarrassment. Luckily Sari didn't seem to realize what he said.

The little she-dragon padded toward the right to get a better view, leaving them behind once again. Bulkhead smirked and nudged his companion in the shoulder. "Ha! You really let that slip out, huh!"

"Shut up." Bumblebee ignored Bulkhead as they followed Sari toward wherever she was headed next. They rounded the first structure's corner and came upon Ratchet. "Crud," Bumblebee whispered between gritted teeth; he and Bulkhead tried to appear casual in their step as they passed the old medic.

"What are you two doing?" Ratchet rasped.

Bulkhead shot Bumblebee a "we're caught!" glance and looked up at the old dragon. "Um, nothing. Why do you ask?"

"Because wherever you two are, there's always some sort of trouble sometime after." Ratchet craned his neck until staring face-to-face with the two younglings. "And I'm certainly not prepared to tackle any trouble during a council meeting."

Bumblebee looked past Ratchet to see where Sari had gone, but she was already out of sight in the large crowd. "Um . . . we were showing Sari around . . . and, um, we kinda wanted to, you know, check it out – 'cause we were wondering if, uh, they were talkin' about Optimus, you know?"

Ratchet cocked an eye-ridge. "Even if the meeting concerns that, you younglings have no business here. Now take your friend and leave."

"Uh, we would, Ratch, but . . ."

"We don't know where she went, 'cause you kinda stopped us," Bulkhead concluded.

Ratchet groaned and stood back up to his full height. "Great, I come here and turn into a baby-sitter." He gestured with his tail for the two younglings to follow him and he set about finding Sari.

Meanwhile the she-dragon snuck toward another structure. The council dragons' words were indistinct from afar; she had to get closer. Reluctantly she stepped forward by the slightest bit, almost fearful going beyond boundaries she was told not to would result in a fate worse than death. She looked around to see no one in the crowd realized her actions, which emboldened her to continue.

'Just a taaaaad bit closer, that's all. Bumblebee would understand, right?' Oh she sure hoped so.

"These events must have been planned – the battle, ending with Optimus disappearance. This can be no coincidence," said a dark blue dragon with an abnormally large chin than any of the others Sari had seen here. She recalled that Jazz often followed him around on patrols.

Some of the council members nodded in agreement. "The Deceptidragons most likely planned an assault to distract us and steal away one of our own," said a burnt red dragon with a monotone voice.

"Though why?" Ultra Magnus pondered aloud.

"Why else? Bargaining, of course," the blue dragon exclaimed. "They'll ask for something in return for Optimus' release, no doubt."

"The logic is sound. However we must agree upon what action we will take next," said Ultra, though he appeared doubtful for whatever any of the council members would propose.

"First, I think we should confirm this accusation to be true," said another member. "We can't know for sure that the Deceptidragons actually have him."

"Then what else is it, Cliffjumper?" the blue dragon asked. "Optimus decided to flee rather than fight?" He shook his head and growled, seemed to be recalling something. "On second thought, that doesn't sound too farfetched."

"Enough, Sentinel," Ultra warned. "This is a serious matter. If it really is true Optimus has been captured, we have to take action."

"And if he hasn't been and we ambush them . . ?" said Cliffjumper.

Sentinel shrugged indifferently. "If they don't, I say their previous attack completely justifies retaliation."

The majority of the council murmured their agreement.

"Another subject I'd like to address is this Sari Sumdac," said the monotone dragon. "How long are we going to allow her to stay."

Sari held her breath in anticipation.

"We are still in disagreement of that," Ultra reported. "The youngling claims to have been separated from her father and it no one is aware of his whereabouts."

"However is it such a good idea to house an outsider for so long?" Sentinel argued.

"She's a youngling, Sentinel. Where would you expect her to go on her own?" said an old dragon that sat next to Cliffjumper. "It would be unlikely she could possibly survive out there."

"You're always so trusting, Alpha Trion," Sentinel growled.

"Younglings aren't to be feared."

"I never said I was afraid! I find it rather convenient that that Sumdac female stumbled upon Optimus' patrol just minutes before they were ambushed, eventually resulting in his disappearance."

"Sentinel's a glitch. He doesn't know what he's talking about."

Sari jumped when she heard someone speak right beside her. She saw Bumblebee standing next to her, gazing up at the councilors as they conversed. A second later Sari felt someone grasp her tail and pull her back. She yelped as she was hoisted into the air by her tail.

Dangling, she saw a very irate Ratchet holding both her and Bumblebee up. "You're coming with me," he growled, however muffled.

"H-Hey!" Sari whined. "Lemme go! They're talking about me!"

Ratchet ignored her protests and carried them away from the crowd with Bulkhead sullenly followed in suit. "Don't bother," Bumblebee advised. "There's no changing Ratchet's mind."

Ratchet rolled his eyes and led them back to the youngling area. Once near the caves, he dropped Sari and Bumblebee, where Bulkhead ran up to meet them. "However many times must I explain that I – and everyone else – don't want you near during council meetings?"

Both Bumblebee's and Bulkhead's wings drooped simultaneously. Ratchet opened his mouth to speak again when his head darted up, looking up toward the top of the mountain range. The three younglings followed his gaze curiously. At first there was nothing but the medley of colors from the sunset over the mountains.

Then a group of large dragons came flying over and firing upon them.