----- Autobots HQ the next day, night -----

Kari slept soundly after getting home with Optimus from a night in Jasper. She was out for a few hours until she had a nightmare and went to Optimus's room.

"O-optimus..." She peeped sadly from his doorway, holding Chase, a pillow and her blanket. Optimus looked over to see Kari at the door opening as she held her stuffed animal and her blanket. Optimus motioned for Kari to come in, already knowing what was wrong with the young girl.

"Another nightmare Kari?" Optimus asked as he put his hand down so Kari could climb on. Kari nodded and got on Optimus's hand then onto his chest.

"Yeh..." She said as she curled up. "I was hanging out with you guys, having fun when the deceptions showed up... They told me to come with them and I refused... That's when a fight started... Everyone was hurt badly but the deceptions were still up. E-eventually Megatron grabbed me and made me watch as he killed you all..." Kari explained her dream sadly. Optimus frowned as he smoothed Kari's hair out with a finger gently.

"It's alright Kari, I promise you nothing bad is going to happen to us and none of us would let Megatron and them take you away from us... Go back to sleep, I'll be here when you wake up." Optimus said kindly to Kari. The little bot nodded her head and sniffled then closed her eyes and curled up, falling asleep with a small sigh.

----- Autobot HQ a few weeks later, after noon -----

Kari and Bulkhead were hanging out together happily while Bumblebee and Arcee were watching. Kari was training her abilities with Bulkhead as well as playing a game that Bulkhead came up with to make training more fun. Ratchet was in his lab while Optimus was watching Kari as she practiced her abilities with Bulkhead. Arcee was sitting on the couch with Bumblebee as they were also watching Kari as she practiced and a game so she didn't get bored easily.

"Ok, now... Hmmm..." Bulkhead thought with a hum. "Now jump up once to touch the ceiling." Kari then looked up to see a target above her. She nodded and jumped up to touch the target on the ceiling. When she touched it confetti popped out and surprised Kari. Optimus let out a chuckle when the confetti popped out as Arcee was watching being amused and Bumblebee was clapping happily as the confetti was falling from the ceiling.

"Yay! Kari did it!" Bumblebee said in excitement as he watched her getting better as she practiced. Kari landed like a cat on all fours and giggled, standing up with a small smile.

"You've gotten a lot better Kari, don't push yourself too much." Optimus said with a smile to Kari. Arcee and Bumblebee nodded their heads in agreement.

"Yeah Kari, why not come take a break. You're always working so hard, you gotta make sure to pace yourself so you don't use up all your energy kiddo." Arcee said as she leaned back into the couch. Bulkhead nodded in agreement and Kari sighed.

"I guess I could relax for a while." Kari giggled and went and sat next to Arcee. Arcee smiled and ruffled Kari's hair gently.

"Hey Kari you wanna play a video game?" Bumblebee asked Kari as she joined them on the couch. Kari shrugged.

"Sure." She replied and the two began to play a video game. Moments later an alarm sounded. Decepticon activity. Arcee, Bumblebee, and Bulkhead got up as soon as the alarm went off. Optimus came from the computer room, which he had been in after Kari finished training. He then headed to the ground bridge.

"The decepticons are active once again." Optimus said as watched as the others follow behind him.

"I wonder what they're after this time." Arcee said crossing her arms. Kari raced to the ground bridge and jumped up and down happily, ready to go. Everyone turned into their vehicles as they waited for Kari to get in one of them. Kari put on the blue and pink helmet as she got onto Arcee.

"Autobots roll out!" Optimus said as he was the first one into the ground bridge as the rest followed right behind him. Kari soon looked around the place. It was a nice forest clearing. She took off the helmet and got off of Arcee and looked around in a daze. Everyone was now in their robot form, except for Kari, as they had their guns out keeping an eye out for deceptions.

Kari watched closely as well, ready to transform into her robot form when she was given the "ok" by Optimus. Soon they heard Starscream, Megatron and Kaiser. Kari turned her head towards them and growled as she took a stance, her hands in tight fists. Megatron looked to Kari and smirked.

"Well hello Kari, I see you joined your friends." Megatron said as Kaiser was between him and Starscream. Kari frowned and let out a low growl.

"Whatever, what do ya want?" She called before anyone could speak. Megatron chuckled at Kari's sassiness.

"I believe you know very well why I'm here." Megatron said and Kaiser looked up at him.

"And you already know the answer!" Kari yelled. "I'M NOT COMIN' WITH YOU!!" Kari growled and Starscream glanced at Megatron. Kari looked up at Optimus, wanting to go into her robot form.

"You won't be saying that for long young one." Megatron said with a smirk.

"Only Optimus gets to call me that, talking cheese grater!!" Kari grumbled, gritting her teeth, looking at Megatron then back to Optimus again then back to Megatron. Optimus nodded his head giving her the okay. Megatron stood there as he watched Kari. Bumblebee, Arcee, Optimus, and Bulkhead had their guns pointed at Megatron and Starscream.

Kari smirked and looked to Kaiser and began to transform. When she was done she made her right arm into a blade and went in for an attack. Kaiser's eyes widened, but then shook it off as she transformed and formed two blades and quickly went to block Kari. Megatron watched as Kaiser quickly left their side. Bumblebee started to shoot Starscream along with Bulkhead as Optimus and Arcee started shooting at Megatron. Starscream growled and shot at Bumblebee and Bulkhead, waiting for Megatron to give the word, then he would shoot at Kari. Kaiser blocked Kari with one blade then moved so she could attack her with the other blade. Kari then made her scarf ends into blades as she began to attack Kaiser quicker, showing no mercy. Kaiser blocked the blows as much as she could, but some did hit her. Bumblebee kept an eye on Kari as he ran and punched Starscream while Bulkhead kept shooting. Megatron was taking cover behind a tree as he shot at Optimus and Arcee. Megatron then looked to Starscream nodding his head over to Kari and Kaiser. Starscream smirked then kicked Bumblebee into Bulkhead, who staggered backwards into Optimus and Arcee then he aimed at Kari and shot what looked to be a dart.

Kari was too focused on Kaiser that she had no idea she was targeted and before she knew it a sharp pain went through her and she let out a scream. "WHAT THE HECK?!!" She yelped and turned to Starscream and narrowed her eyes. She had learned to speak through her mask, which was still on. Kari reached and grabbed the now empty dart and blinked at it in her palm. She then slid her index and middle fingers of her left hand over her mask towards the right and it slid to the right showing Kari's steel colored face. Starscream smirked and watched Kari, he knew it would take a moment. Kari narrowed her eyes then went to help the Autobots to their feet. Kaiser looked at Kari as she stopped fighting her and went to the autobots then looked back to Starscream then back to Kari as she watched to see what would happen. Bumblebee sat up as Optimus, Bulkhead and Arcee were slowly getting up as well. Kari sighed and then looked to Megatron then to Starscream then back to Megatron. She suddenly began to feel weird.

Kari began to wobble back and forth as she felt dizzy. She then made her right arm go back to normal and held her head up with her right hand. "Ugh... Wh-what'd this thing h-have in it?" Kari muttered, feeling a little natiouse. Bulkhead took the dart and held onto it so Ratchet could look at it later.

"Need some help Kari?" He asked, concerned. Kari shook her head.

"Nope, I'm all good." Kari replied, getting her second wind. Bumblebee looked at Kari starting to get worried.

"Maybe we should head back and check what hit you." Bumblebee said still looking at her.

"No, I'm fine!" Kari grumbled then her eyes widened as she felt something happen. "No, no... AARRGH!" Kari gripped her head. "No, no, no no no no! I'll never!! Stop it!!!" Kari began to shake, fighting back the stuff Starscream injected into her. Megatron was smirking as Kaiser turned back to human watching Kari fight with herself mentally.

"Kari what's wrong?" Arcee asked sounding concerned. Bumblebee put his hand lightly on Kari shoulder getting scared of what was going on. Kari growled and shrugged Bumblebee's hand off her shoulder quickly.

"DON'T TOUCH ME!!!" Kari snapped at him with an animal like snarl. "Ah! N-no B-bee I'm s-sorry, I didn't-- ARGH MY HEAD!! WHAT THE HECK?!" Kari growled, losing her mental battle. Bumblebee frowned having to see Kari in pain like this. Optimus looked at Kari before looking at Megatron and drew his sword running at Megatron as they fought.

"What did you do to her!?" Optimus asked in an angry tone as Megatron chuckled. Kari looked up quickly and vanished and reappeared between Optimus and Megatron, her gaze emotionless. She then sent Optimus skidding backwards a little. Next Kari landed on the ground between the autobots and the decepticons. She turned towards the decepticons and slowly began walking towards Megatron, trying to fight it but still walked while gritting her teeth. Bumblebee's eyes widened and Arcee couldn't believe her eyes at what she just witnessed. Optimus looked at Kari shocked and hurt internally at the same time. Kaiser was walking back over to the decepticon's side as she watched Kari walk as well. Bulkhead blinked.

"K-kari, wh-what are y-you doing kid?" He asked in a confused and upset tone. Kari did not respond and kept walking, each step showed how much she hated this and how much she wanted it to stop. She growled and gulped.

"W-what AM I doing?! Stop it! Stop it!! Turn around damn it! TURN AROUND!!!" Kari's thoughts screamed out but her body did not listen to her thoughts. As Kari walked she began to transform back to her human form, the metal seemed to peel backwards, even though it did not come off of Kari. The girl had her hoodie on, which was on in her robot form. But she had no shoes, cap, headband, goggles, gloves or wrapping around her feet. Megatron grinned down at Kari.

"Welcome to the decepticons, Kari." Megatron said as Optimus started to shoot Megatron.

"I don't know what you did to her, but give her back!" Optimus shouted as Bumblebee looked over to Kari sad and pained at her sudden strange behavior. Kaiser held her hand out to Kari with a small smile.

"Welcome home Kari." Kaiser said ignoring Optimus' shouting. Kari slowly took Kaiser's hand, her eyes hidden by her bangs. She then bowed to Megatron and gulped.

"GUYS!! PLEASE!!! HELP ME!!!" Kari's thoughts echoed sadly through her mind. Megatron chuckled as Kaiser sighed a bit but didn't say anything.

"Give her back!" Bumblebee shouted as he ran to grab Kari and run for it as he shot at Megatron and Starscream. Kaiser glared as Bumblebee got closer and pulled Kari behind her and moved her right hand forward as a wave of black mist sent Bumblebee flying backward.

"Bee!" Arcee and Bulkhead shouted as they ran over to help him while Optimus looked over to Bumblebee and then back to the girls. Kari had an emotionless look with her eyes still hidden by her bangs. But Optimus noticed a tear slowly going down Kari's right cheek. Bulkhead helped Bumblebee up.

"You ok Bee?" He asked with a gulp. Bumblebee looked over to Kari sad and shook his head "no".

"Let us go." Megatron said as he turned into his vehicle form. Kari got in Megatron while Starscream let Kaiser ride with him. Kari looked down as they took off, staring at the autobots with the same emotionless gaze as if she was a puppet. And Megatron held the strings, controlling her every move. Kaiser sat in Starscream as he flew away from the autobots being silent. Optimus looked up as everyone else did as Starscream and Megatron got away. Optimus punched a tree and it fell over from the force punched into it.

"We'll get her back, whatever was in that dart is what has her messed up!" Arcee said pointing to the dart Bulkhead was holding.

"Glad I took it from Kari. Now we can give it to Ratchet so he can analyze what was in it. Then we can reverse its effects!" Bulkhead stated with confidants. Bumblebee stayed quiet as he turned into his vehicle form and started to drive by himself to head back to headquarters. Arcee watched as she turned into a motorcycle, Bulkhead turned into an armored van and Optimus turned into a truck while he called Ratchet to open the ground bridge. Optimus figured Bumblebee took the long route back.

"Optimus, what's the problem? How's Kari? Should I ready the med kit?" Ratchet asked Optimus over his com-link.

"Just open the ground bridge and I'll fill you in when I get back." Optimus said as he had mixed feelings.

"... Very well." Ratchet stated and opened the ground bridge for Optimus and the others. Optimus and the other two went through the ground bridge returning safely, but feeling like they had a big hole in their chests. The group of three turned back into their robot forms as they saw Ratchet come into the room to greet them.

"Welcome back guys. How was--" Ratchet looked down and noticed Kari was not running up to him happily to tell him what had happened. Ratchet looked at Optimus with a frown. "Where's Kari?" He gulped. "Is she with Bumblebee?" He asked, noticing that the yellow and black scout was not with them either. Optimus shook his head "no" as he guided Ratchet away from the others after getting the dart from Bulkhead so Optimus could talk to Ratchet in private as the others tried to recover from shock. Ratchet blinked and looked to Optimus confused. Optimus sighed before talking.

"She... She's gone. Megatron and Starscream did something to her and she started to act weird after getting hit with a dart. They took her Ratchet, Bumblebee tried to run and grab her but Kaiser stopped him. It's like her body isn't doing what her mind is telling it to do." Optimus said as he held the dart out to Ratchet. "Whatever was in this is the cause of all of Kari's strange behavior... Ratchet I need you to find out what exactly was in this so we can find a way to save her and get her back." Optimus stated, giving Ratchet a saddened look. Ratchet gave a small, shocked gasp as Optimus explained then he slowly nodded, understanding the situation.

"I'll see what I can do." Ratchet then took the dart and immediately got to work, using all of his knowledge.

Hours later he went into the main room to see that Bumblebee was back and everyone was comforting him and Optimus sitting on the couch, just as broken as Bumblebee.

"I figured out what was in this. It's main contents is Cordyceps fungus. It has been altered slightly as well as a few added ingredients, most of which are cybertronian in origin. I believe they made this to control Kari's body. I don't know about her mind though." Ratchet sighed. "I will try to reverse the effects but it will take time and I'll need some Cordyceps fungus samples to get this right. I will also need some other ingredients that I have listed here." Ratchet handed Optimus a small list of items and sighed. Optimus took the list and thanked Ratchet as he went to the other three who were sitting silently feeling sad about losing Kari.

"Autobots, Ratchet was able to find out that a fungus called Cordyceps which is used to control the victim's mind, but a few other things were added so it seems that it's only Kari's body that is under control, but her mind is trying to fight against it." Optimus said as Ratchet pipped in.

"Well, Optimus, it's more the spores of the fungus that control a victim. And the victims are more likely insects. Not only that but there are TONS of different species out there, each targeting a different insect. I'm shocked they could even make this." Ratchet sighed. "I'm not sure what species they used though..." Ratchet looked down and sighed.

"So you're telling me you can't pinpoint exactly what kind they used in order for you to be able to reverse it?" Arcee said getting a bit irritated.

"Not exactly, no. But I did list some species that would most likely be it." Ratchet stated. "I bolded them and added a picture just incase." Optimus nodded his head.

"We need to split up if we want to find each of these so we can work on this faster the better we can save Kari from the decepticons." Optimus said as Arcee and Bulkhead got up nodding their heads. Bumblebee sat there almost lifeless hearing what was being said, but just feeling so sad, so empty on the inside.

"W-why do I feel like this? Like something so-so important to me is lost fo-forever...Why?" Bumblebee thought to himself trying to sort out his feelings. Bulkhead looked at Bumblebee and sighed.

"Hey Bee, lets go. The sooner we find these things the sooner Ratchet can make the cure and the sooner we get Kari back." He called out. Bumblebee looked up to Bulkhead and nodded his head as he got up from the couch and joined the group. They designated who would look for each fungus to make it go faster.

"Once you find your species of fungus come back here for Ratchet to examine and to determine if it could be the correct one used." Optimus said as they all nodded.  They left one by one being sent to different areas to look for the fungus in order to save Kari.

----- Decepticon ship a few days later, after noon -----

Ever since Kari "joined" the decepticons things have changed slightly. Kari stayed perched on Megatron's shoulder with a lifeless gaze off into the distance and did not hang out with Kaiser, much to the teen's despair. Whenever Kari hung out with Kaiser she did not do much. She just stood or sat in the same spot like a rag doll or lifeless husk that was once Kaiser's beloved Kari. Today Kari was in her usual spot on Megatron's shoulder while Megatron did some work. Megatron was checking the computers to see if there was any Energon anywhere that they could go and collect. Megatron looked to Kari who was on his shoulder like a good puppet.

"Why don't you go with Kaiser, you're probably bored watching this." Megatron said dismissing her since he didn't need her for anything.

"... Not fun... " Kari replied in an emotionless way. It was VERY rare for her to talk at all. "...Wanna stay here... I'm comfortable..." Megatron shook his head not arguing with the girl as he kept up his work. While back in Kaiser's little work area she wasn't in the right mindset.

"Grrr stupid piece of SCRAP!" Kaiser shouted tossing a random robot part at the wall as she walked over to the table and slammed her hands on it and gently hit her head on the table once. Ever since Kari came with them it wasn't the same like the past. Kaiser was happy that Kari was with them but not like this. It hurt Kaiser so much that Kari wouldn't look at her, speak to her and she would much rather be with Megatron. "I wanted to be able to hang with her again but now it's like I'm nothing to her... I didn't want it to be this way..." Kaiser said softly to herself feeling her sadness worsen. Knockout walked into the lab and saw Kaiser and looked at her sadly as he put down some stuff.

"What's wrong Kai?" He asked in a low tone. Kaiser stood up straight again fixing her fishnet shirt and turning around and fixed her hair as she saw Knockout.

"N-nothing Knockout, just another stupid grunt with so many broken parts that I have to salvage what I can to repair the parts then put them back." Kaiser said lying a bit since she was also getting irritated, but it was mostly Kari that was making her feel this way. Knockout sighed.

"I could help if you'd like." He replied with a small smile. Kaiser shook her head.

"No no I can do it, I don't want to take you away from all the work you got to do as well. I know Megatron gives you  more short time protects that need to be done quickly." Kaiser said giving a small smile. Knockout sighed and frowned.

"Very well. If you need my help do not be afraid to ask me, kay?" Knockout said then began to work on his things.

"Okie dokie K.O." Kaiser said picking up the piece she threw earlier and placed it on the table. Kaiser was going to work on the broken grunt, but then decided to go and see Kari because they seriously needed to talk because on the inside it was killing Kaiser every second that it wasn't like how it used to be. Kaiser left the lab and headed for the only place Kari would be in; with Megatron in the computer room. Kari stared out the window near the computer. Her gaze never changing. Kaiser got into the room as she saw Kari and Megaton's shoulder, their backs to her.

"Megatron sir, I'd like to have a word with Kari if I may." Kaiser said letting him know she was in the room. Megatron looked down to Kari and motioned for her to go. Kari slowly got off of Megatron and faced Kaiser, looking up with her lifeless gaze.

"...yes...?" She asked in an emotionless tone. Kaiser sighed as she ran her fingers through her black hair.

"I know you're not one hundred percent yourself, but why are you ignoring me? I-I know this is all bad and everything but I thought you'd be happy to be able to hang with me again." Kaiser said low for Kari to just hear her. Kari blinked.

"... I do not see what you do as fun... You bore me and I no longer believe you to be Kaiser from back then..." Kari said, her words like sharpened daggers. "... Please leave me alone, I wish to stay here.... I am here to serve Lord Megatron and nothing else..." Kari said plainly as if she was nothing more than a cold hearted person. Which at this point, if you didn't know Kari before this, then you would think exactly that. Kaiser looked at her as she felt her heartbreak and clenched her hands into fists.

"I AM the same Kaiser, but what was I supposed to do while locked away thinking that if I tried to get away they'd go and kill you! You were also brought here to be with ME! I didn't want you to be like this and now it's like I've completely lost you!" Kaiser said keeping herself together just barely.

"Then perhaps it is I who has changed... For I do not know who you are anymore... In a way... Please leave... I am done..." Kari then got back onto Megatron's shoulder and ignored Kaiser. Kaiser watched as her vision started to get blurry. She quickly left the room, speed walking to just get back to her cage not wanting to see anyone, not Knockout or even Starscream at the moment because she wanted to be alone while she was having a mental break down. Once she got in, she closed and locked the cage then walked over to the farthest side and sat with knees hugged to her chest finally breaking down and crying as she hugged Snowflake between her knees and chest. Kari payed no mind to Kaiser, as always. Kaiser just sat by herself as she cried and sobbed quietly trying to not bring any attention to herself not wanting anyone to see her weak like this.

"I-it hurts so much, I-I just want this stupid pain to go away! Th-this is why she doesn't belong here... I just want the autobots to come and take her away from here.... From me." Kaiser thought while crying as tears stained her face and her sapphire eyes red and puffy.