Sideswipe stormed through the dense forest, his vents heaving with frustration. The fight with the team had been worse than usual—accusations, eye rolls, and the ever-familiar sting of being pushed aside. He didn’t need them. He didn’t need any of them.

Kicking a rock out of his way, he stumbled upon the entrance to a cave, its darkened maw like an open invitation. Something about it felt…different. Unnatural. But Sideswipe wasn’t one to hesitate. He stepped inside, his optics adjusting to the darkness.

That’s when he saw it.

Hunched in the shadows, curled up in the deepest part of the cave, was a being—one unlike anything he’d seen before. It was powerful. It was alone. And best of all, it had no one else. Just like him.

A grin spread across his face. If he made this thing his friend, then the team would have to take him seriously. They’d never cast him aside again. Never talk down to him. He’d finally have something—someone—that was his.

Meanwhile, miles away, Jazz was scouring the forest with growing concern. The fight had been ugly, and while the others acted like Sideswipe would just cool off and return, Jazz knew better.

His little buddy was hurting.

And Jazz wasn’t about to let him suffer alone.