Waking up, Alexandra felt stiff. Moving around, she realized that she was still in her jeans. She glanced around and thought,

'Why didn't I change? Why am I lying on a hard surface? What the heck happened last night?'

She felt the surface she was resting on move a little and heard soft mechanical noises; her eyes shot open as it all came back. Abruptly sitting up, she instantly checked to make sure she didn't drool while she slept since that would have been embarrassing. Thankfully, she didn't. Afterward, she looked around herself. She was still in Optimus's hands inside the cave he found. It was no longer raining outside, but rather sunny. Looking Optimus in the face, she saw that he was still sleeping, or whatever robots did. Slowly sliding out of his hands and down the rest of his body, Alexandra silently snuck out of the cave to take care of her bathroom needs, rinse out her mouth, and wash her face with the water from one of her water bottles from her backpack. Feeling a little better about her hygiene, she started eating a couple of fruit snacks from her backpack and returned to the cave to find a frantic Optimus searching for her. She smirked and walked up to him,

"Lost something?"

"Alexandra..." 

She recognized the fear and worry in his voice, but it quickly transformed into gratitude and happiness in a single word. 

"Where did you go?"

She rolled her eyes, 

"Well, Mr. Nosy, if you must know, I had to go take care of some female human things...Forget about it. I'm back. Sleep well?" 

She found a large rock, sat on it, then pulled out another fruit snack to chow down.

"Yes, I haven't had a good night's recharge in a long while. Thank you," 

Optimus softened, unsure why he kept trying to act like a military commander in front of Alexandra. She wasn't a Cybertronian, so there was no need to act like a Prime. Optimus cleared his throat and mind at the same time, 

"Anyways, how did you sleep?"

"I think I slept pretty well, despite the fact that I slept on an alien robot. You know?" 

Optimus almost smiles again. A beep from her watch distracted her. Reading it, her jaw dropped. She forgot that she was lost and that her parents and older sister must be having heart attacks since she was gone all night in a storm, 

"Oh no no no no no..."

"What's wrong?"

"I forgot I was lost...my family is probably freaking out." 

Alexandra halfheartedly shrugged. 

"I'm not too worried; I'll find them eventually. Or my older sister will find me...I am almost half convinced she has a tracker in me or something," 

She eyeballed Optimus, thinking. Her silence made him feel uneasy, 

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"You doing anything today?"

Optimus slowly shook his head, no. 

"Yeah, I didn't think so. Wanna help me find my people?"

Even though he did actually have things to do, like try and find a way back to Cybertron, Optimus wanted to help his newest friend, 

"Of course I will help you." 

He felt very proud of his choice when he saw the smile Alexandra gave him. He brought his uninjured arm up,

"I'll scan the surrounding area for human life forms."

"Cool! But you might not pick anything up for a couple miles...I hiked pretty far..." 

Alexandra nervously laughed. Optimus did indeed need to boost the signal to his scanners since he didn't pick anything up for five miles. He was able to do so since, over the night, his self-repair system fixed many of his internal problems. His enhanced scanner finally picked something up, 

"Alexandra, the closest humans I found are a little over 12.57 miles away."

"Dang! That's a new record! Ima have to bring Leo more often."

"Leo?"

"Oops, I haven't introduced you two yet. Optimus Prime, this is Leonardo, my iPod." 

Alexandra pulled out her light blue iPod nano, Leo, from her backpack, 

"I take this little guy with me everywhere since he never fails to play the perfect song. I named him after one of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles because I love those guys." 

She then lifted the iPod up as far as she could so Optimus could get a good look. The screen flashed in the sunlight.

"Humans and their devices...anyways, we should probably get going." 

Playfully face palming, Alexandra laughed, 

"Oh, right! In that case, waiting on you." 

Alexandra lightheartedly tapped her foot at a still-sitting Optimus.

"Oh..." 

He looked down at himself. His legs, hips, chest, and right arm were in good condition. His left was still pretty bad, but he could move it. His super mode gear was still damaged, but he wasn't planning on using it anyway. Deciding that he was fit enough to help Alexandra, he started making his way out of the cave. His body was screaming at him to stop moving, for it was still in a lot of pain, but Optimus pushed through it. Finally, outside the cave, he shakily began rising to his feet, using the outside of the cave for support. He shuttered his optics and slightly ground his teeth as he slowly inched his way up to his full height. His body was definitely sore. But through the ordeal, he felt something by his leg. He onlined his optics to see Alexandra lying her hands on him, trying to comfort him. The little, kind gesture made the pain worth it,

"Thank you, Alexandra."

Alexandra winked at the Prime,

"Anytime Optimus,"

The leader of the Autobots then knelt down carefully so that he wouldn't hurt himself again and extended his good hand to the human with his palm up,

"Need a ride?" 

He mimicked her by winking back. Alexandra laughed. Yep, she was totally getting him to loosen up.

"First class? Aw, you shouldn't have!" 

Alexandra climbed into his waiting hand. Once she was comfortable and secure, Optimus slowly rose. He decided that Alexandra could ride on his shoulder since there was no rain or wind. He placed her there, and she let her legs swing off of him. She pulled out Leonardo so they could listen to some music. While the hazel-eyed teen did this, Optimus started walking in the direction that he had picked up the human signals.

"Let's get going."

𝐶𝑦𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑛 – 𝐴𝑢𝑡𝑜𝑏𝑜𝑡 𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠 (𝐼𝑎𝑐𝑜𝑛)

On his way to the command center, where all the Autobots who weren't injured or a medic were gathered, Ironhide stopped to gaze out the window he was passing. The view showed the ruins of what was once the great city known as Iacon; its ruins were now the Autobots home base. There were many emotions the seasoned warrior was feeling: anger, regret, and loss. He was angry at the Decepticons for starting such a terrible civil war that was killing the planet. He regretted all the lives he couldn't save, including Optimus Prime. He felt lost with the new load of responsibility. The Autobots were counting on him to lead them to victory in the Prime's absence. Too much was happening too quickly.

"How did you do it, Optimus?" 

Ironhide sighed before continuing on his way to the command center. He took the kid he watched grow up for granted. Ironhide silently prayed before he entered the command center,

"Primus, help me." 

"Ironhide! What's going on!?"

"Is it true!? Is Prime missing?"

"I heard he was dead!"

"They're saying Megatron is missing too!"

"What are we going to do!?"

Ironhide stood by the entrance, patiently waiting for the Autobots to calm themselves down. Who knows how long he would have been waiting if it wasn't for the air commander, Jetfire, to speak up above everyone,

"Oi! I reckon we let our mate speak!"

The noise subsided, and all optics followed Ironhide as he walked to the center of the room and stood behind the crescent moon counter. Addressing the Autobots, he locked optics with each of them, 

"Optimus Prime is missing. He and Megatron both disappeared in the midst of battle through what eyewitnesses say was a space bridge."

"A space bridge? But that kind of technology has been lost for ages!" 

Ironhide nodded,

"Yes, I know. But you're kinda missing the point. All that matters is that we haven't had any luck locating our Prime. I'm not sure if the Decepticons are doing any better in locating Megatron, but we gotta pray that we find Prime before they do." 

He, like all the other Autobots, would not use Optimus's first name since it was disrespectful to his title as Prime. Even if he did see him as a little brother, 

"In his absence, I will assume command. Your orders aren't any different than when Prime was in charge. The only difference is that I am adding to our mission: locate Optimus Prime. Dismissed."

His orders were simple and clear, leaving no questions for the Autobots. Many left the command center to carry on with their duties, but a few stayed behind. Jazz came up and slapped Ironhide on the back,

"Yo, not bad for a first speech. It sucked compared to Prime's, but a good start."

Jetfire shook his head,

"Naw, don't you be lisnen to 'im. You did grayet!"

Jazz shrugged,

"Dude, I'm just preaching the truth." 

He saw a certain blue femme, who was leaning up against the far wall, start making her way across the room towards Ironhide, 

"Alright, Jetfire, I think you and I better bounce so we can give these two a moment." 

The green and white flier understood what his smaller silver friend meant, and they both left, leaving them alone. She didn't have to ask if he was doing okay; she already knew. She was feeling all of his emotions overflowing from his side of their bond. She pulled him towards her for a hug, letting him rest his head on her shoulder as she sent him feelings of comfort and security. She put her hand on his back,

"It wasn't your fault. No bot could have predicted that Space Bridge would show up. Besides, you helped train Optimus. He's gonna be fine. For now, we gotta worry about things here, alright?"

Feeling much better, Ironhide thanked her by kissing her shoulder. He moved up her neck, placing small kisses along the way, and finally made it to her face, where he placed his last kiss on her lips, 

"Thank you, Chromia." 

He kissed his mate one more time, 

"And if I know Optimus, he's probably doing everything in his power to get back to us."

𝐸𝑎𝑟𝑡ℎ

Optimus was thinking of ways to get back to Cybertron; it just seemed like too many distractions kept coming up. He was walking through the forest with Alexandra standing on his shoulder. She was using Leo to introduce Earth music to Optimus. The Prime was really enjoying the experience of listening to Alexandra sing. 

When life leaves you high and dry
I'll be at your door tonight
If you need help, if you need help.
I'll shut down the city lights,
I'll lie, cheat, I'll beg and bribe
To make you well, to make you well.

When enemies are at your door
I'll carry you away from war
If you need help, if you need help.
Your hope dangling by a string
I'll share in your suffering
To make you well, to make you well.

She continued on to singing the chorus. There was a slight pause in the music, and she finally had a chance to breathe, 

"So, you liking the music?"

"It is very different than what I am used to, but I like it."

When you fall like a statue
I'm gon' be there to catch you
Put you on your feet, you on your feet.
And if your well is empty
Not a thing will prevent me.
Tell me what you need, what do you need?

I surrender honestly.
You've always done the same for me.

So I would do it for you, for you.
Baby, I'm not moving on,
I'll love you long after you're gone.
For you, for you.
You will never sleep alone.
I'll love you long after you're gone
And long after you're gone, gone, gone.

Alexandra smiled broadly, 

"Come on, Optimus, be yourself. There's no Autobots here; it's just me." 

You're my back bone.
You're my cornerstone.
You're my crutch when my legs stop moving.
You're my head start.
You're my rugged heart.
You're the pulse that I've always needed.

Thinking about her words, Optimus figured that there would be no harm done in loosening up a bit. Wanting to surprise her, he decided to join in the singing, 

"Like a drum, baby, don't stop beating. Like a drum my heart never stops beating..."

For you, for you.
Baby, I'm not moving on.
I'll love you long after you're gone.
For you, for you.
You will never sleep alone.
I'll love you long after you're gone.
For you, for you.
Baby, I'm not moving on,
I'll love you long after you're gone.
For you, for you.
You will never sleep alone.
I'll love you long, long after you're gone.

Like a drum, baby, don't stop beating.
Like a drum, baby, don't stop beating.
Like a drum, baby, don't stop beating.
Like a drum my heart never stops beating for you.

And long after you're gone, gone, gone.
I'll love you long after you're gone, gone, gone.

Smiling since she finally got through to him, Alexandra sat back down, 

"Okay, I gotta question for you. How'd you know the lyrics to that song? I'm pretty sure you've never heard it before, ya know?"

Optimus glanced up towards the sky,

"I downloaded the words from the internet via satellite. It has provided me with much information, though not all of it useful."

Alexandra laughed, 

"Yeah, well, that's the internet for you."

Continuing on their journey, Optimus was able to learn more about Alexandra. Her father, Ron Witwicky, was the Chief of the Flagstaff police department. Her mother's name was Judy Witwicky, but all Alexandra knew was that she worked for the government. Alexandra also had an older brother named Samuel; he was sixteen, and he worked at KFC. Alexandra also had her older sister, Mazikeen Witwicky, who was a Commander in the Army and was currently training the newest recruits in the state. Alexandra was the baby of the family. The thirteen-year-old proved time and time again that she was very mature for her age. She was able to show Optimus pictures of her family on Leo. Her family was on their traditional camping trip that always took place a week before school started. Except this year, Alexandra got lost and found an alien,

"Yeah, finding an alien usually isn't on the activities list, just so ya know."

She smiled to herself as she thought,

'Though that could change,' 

Optimus glanced at her,

"Let's keep 'getting lost' off that list as well, shall we?" 

Alexandra pouted,

"Aw, but that's no fun! If it wasn't for both of us getting lost, we wouldn't have probably ever met." 

That comment struck Optimus as ironic. Alexandra wasn't done,

"I guess you and I better just keep each other out of trouble, whaddaya say?"

Optimus turned his head towards her, the small unique smile on his face. However, he didn't get to answer. In the distance, they could both hear someone calling Alexandra's name. Optimus stopped walking, trying to pinpoint the other human's location. He picked up multiple humans, but they were all a safe distance away. Apparently, Alexandra's parents called in a search party. Scanning the humans more thoroughly, Optimus found her older sister within their ranks. In fact, she was the one leading them, right next to her father, 

"Alexandra, it would seem that we stumbled upon your very own search party. Your older sister and father are among them; it is time that you return to them." 

He then gently picked Alexandra up in his powerful hand. Her sad eyes found his for the briefest of seconds. Optimus knelt down and put his small friend on the forest floor, 

"So...I guess this is goodbye." 

She could hear the sadness in the Prime's voice. She didn't want to say goodbye. Who would? She thought about it for a while, and then she had an idea. Alexandra looked up to him with a triumphant smile on her face.

"It doesn't have to be." 

Optimus tilted his head,

"Do explain." 

She told him her 'genius' plan, as she put it, and he thought it could work. He just needed to follow up on his part of the plan. Alexandra winked at him,

"I'll see you later, Optimus." 

She was about to leave, but she changed her mind and went over to where Optimus was kneeling. She had originally planned to punch him and say, "And don't be late," But it didn't work out that way. She went over to him and punched him on the shin. But instead of saying what she wanted to say, she yelped out in pain, 

"OWIE!"

Optimus just smiled and shook his head. He was about to say something but was interrupted by someone shouting,

"I heard something over there!" 

The search party was heading their way. Optimus stood up quickly but growled in pain as he did so. Alexandra smiled at him,

"Be careful, Optimus, don't be hurting yourself." 

"Likewise. I'll see you later."

 He then took off in the other direction, surprisingly quiet for a bot his size. He went to go find a form that he could use to disguise himself.

𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐶𝑟𝑎𝑠ℎ 𝑆𝑖𝑡𝑒

Two hours after Optimus and Alexandra left the cave, the site where Optimus crashed was drowning with humans. People ranging from scientists to military officials surrounded the crater he made. When NASA detected two UFO's outside of one of Saturn's moons, the government and scientists went berserk. And now, they were at the crash site looking for evidence from their alien visitor. A Special Forces officer turned to his superior,

"Sir, it's one of them. Going by the footprints it left behind, it is the biggest we have ever documented. We also found the strange, blue liquid in the surrounding area. Even though we don't fully comprehend what the liquid is, our forensic scientists suggest that it acts as the alien's blood. The scene shows that the alien was limping, so we are assuming it is injured." 

A small smile formed on the man's scarred face,

"Perfect. If it's wounded, then it will be easier to catch. Follow its tracks, find it." 

This alien will be his.