Orion glanced back at the sparklings who were roaming around the room. Their strange colored optics were bright with curiosity and wonder as they looked around. Despite the fact that they had been set loose around Orion's home before, the sparklings always found something that caught their interest. Their squeals of excitement and the sudden chatter would always bring a smile to Orion's face.
Raising the sparklings had its ups and downs. For one, they would stay up at odd hours, and Orion could tell that the lack of sleep was taking its toll on the young ones. However, once Orion started holding them at night, they were out like a light. He was also relieved to see that the food and fluids he was giving the sparklings was offering them some nourishment. He could see their strength returning. But Nelchie's spunk also returned with her strength, unfortunately.
Though, there were some things that he could not understand. Like, why and how Nelchie created those odd images on what he assumed was a whiteboard. He watched as she drew with quick, and sure strokes. Her small forehead was scrunched up in concentration as she scribbled quickly. Her optics were narrowed with focus, and it was a look Orion knew well, for he had worn that look many times. But, there was an urgency in her movements; this drawing, this creation of hers, was important for some reason. And Orion had no intentions of stopping her, but to merely watch.
They were certainly strange beings, as he had touched their soft helms that seemed to move at the slightest movement. He even watched as they removed their layers of skin, and he had to wonder if it was armor. If so, it was poorly made, as the material was soft and would do nothing to protect its wearer from any weapon. He and Ariel had found that out the hard way when one of Melchnie's feet had come off. That had set off a panic attack for both Cybertronians, until they found out by watching Nelchie that removing the layer from the foot was normal and nothing to worry about.
He found it amusing how Melchnie wanted to spend more time with him whenever he was working. The smaller sparkling would perch up on his shoulder, looking at the screen with fascination that looked adorable on his face. Orion intended to keep him close, as he had noticed how Melchnie seemed to be the weakest one out of the group. During his observations, he had seen how tired and in pain the sparkling was in. Judging from Lechnie's and Nelchie's reactions, this was not normal. Their chirps of concern touched Orion's spark when he held Melchnie close to him. The warmth of his spark seemed to do Melchnie some good though. But Orion was concerned as to what was causing him such pain and discomfort. The source behind the pain was not clear to him.
Ariel adored the sparklings. Plain and simple. She would come to his place just to drop by and check in on them, and they always seemed to eager to see her. Even Nelchie seemed to warm up to the pink femme. The sparklings spent the majority of the work day with Ariel anyway, as Orion's work would not allow him to spend time and watch them properly.
He watched as the sparklings swam around in the liquid Ratchet had provided. Their squeals as they splashed each other caused him to chuckle warmly.
"That's so cute," Ariel said softly, her optics shining with delight as she played with Nelchie, who was gripping the femme's finger as she was dragged around the small pool.
Ratchet snorted. "Yes, adorable," he grumbled. "And very noisy. How can creatures so small be so loud?"
"Oh stop it," Ariel said with a grin, unfazed. "You like them and just don't want to admit it."
Ratchet sputtered in surprise before turning back to his datapad, muttering under his breath. Ariel turned back to watching the sparklings, grinning in triumph. As much as Ratchet commented on the sparklings, it did not escape Orion's notice how watchful the doctor was over them.
Lechnie climbed out of the pool, his soft, grey armor dripping wet. Orion was still unsure if it was even armor in the first place, and that question had been bothering him for a while.
"Ratchet," he started as his friend placed the sparklings under a heat lamp. "What is that strange armor they are wearing?"
Ratchet frowned, glancing down at the sparklings. "I am not sure. Although, I can conclude that from where they are from, it must have some use."
"Is it like an outer layer of skin?" Ariel asked thoughtfully.
Ratchet shrugged. "Could be."
"Then if it is an outer layer of skin, shouldn't we remove it so that new, healthy skin can grow in its place?" Orion asked.
Ratchet shook his helm. "No. If it hasn't fallen off yet, then it is not meant to come off. However," he observed the sparklings with a thoughtful expression. "It has a different texture when wet compared to the rest of their body. So I doubt it is skin. But if it is, then it's something I've never seen before."
"Maybe it's normal for them," Ariel offered. "And just strange for us. After all, they aren't Cybertronian. They're organic."
Orion could see now that the topic of conversation was very interesting to Ratchet, as the doctor's gaze on the sparklings intensified. It was an unanswered question, a mystery that he wanted to solve. Orion almost snorted in amusement as Ratchet's optics followed the sparklings movements. They didn't seem startled by the scrutiny, but it wouldn't be long before Nelchie did some damage in retaliation to the sudden surveillance.
"We're going to be late," Orion reminded Ariel gently.
Ariel blinked, sighing. "You're right," she agreed reluctantly.
"Thank you, Ratchet," Orion said, gently placing the sparklings back in their box. "We appreciate it that you have taken the time for all this."
"Yes, yes," Ratchet said, frowning. Orion knew that look. It was one of a mech deep in thought. No doubt, Ratchet was thinking of the sparklings and their odd habits. "You are quite welcome."
Orion chuckled, causing Ariel to give him a curious look. "You are right," he told her as they left the building. "Ratchet adores the sparklings."
She shrugged happily. "They are rather interesting, and how can you not adore them?"
Interesting was one way to describe them, as Orion would come to understand when he reflected on the day. He was back in his home, and the sparklings had settled down for the moment. At one point, they could be high-strung and curious. Other times, they would be asleep, dead to the world as their tiny, fragile bodies huddled close together. They seemed to find comfort in each other, and just knowing where the others were seemed to bring a wave of peace to the older sparkling, Lechnie. The urge to protect and provide was a strong feeling for him.
Orion gave a start, his servo hovering over his spark. How would he know that? How would he know what brought Lechnie peace? Come to think of it, he also seemed to know when Melchnie needed to be held when he was in pain. Orion knew he was an observant mech, it was one of the reasons he was an archivist. But he doubted he would be able to pick up on the sparklings feelings like that, as they weren't Cybertronian.
He frowned, tilting his helm. He wondered if Ariel felt the same when she was around the sparklings. He shook the thought away. It probably wasn't even worth mentioning. Maybe he just assumed that was what Lechnie felt.
He was suddenly filled with panic, and a sense of...wrongness. Something was wrong. Someone was being attacked. He was up and running before Nelchnie's cries even reached his audio receptors. His optics widened in horror when he saw Lechnie holding Melchnie, whose face was a unnatural pale color. He seemed unresponsive, even as the older sparklings chirped at him in concern.
Orion wasted no time in scooping the younger sparkling up, cradling him close. "Melchnie," he murmured. "It's alright. You're alright Melchnie." He desperately hoped that was true. What happened to him? He didn't see anything physically wrong with him, other then he was unusually warm.
Melchnie stirred, his face scrunched up in pain. "T'o't," he murmured suddenly, his voice tired, yet full of hope. A small, feeble link was trying to reach out to him, searching for comfort and safety.
Orion stilled at that simple name, his optics widening. Why would Melchnie refer to him in such a way? There had been a sense of familiarity when he said it, as if the sparkling knew him in a way Orion didn't even know himself yet.
He was moving before he was even aware of what he was doing. The sparklings were in his servos as he he ran out the door. He didn't even bother getting the box. That would take time, and time was something he was unsure Melchnie had. Melchnie needed help, and he needed it now.
Orion watched tensely as Ratchet examined Melchnie. At first, the medic's surprised, 'back so soon' comment had been replaced with the steely silence of a mech at work. A simple look at Melchnie, and Ratchet had snapped into action.
"What's wrong with him?" Ariel demanded as she stroked Melchnie's helm. She had come as soon as Orion had time to contact her. In all his worry, it had only taken one comment from Ratchet for him to realize that Ariel should know what was happening. Her presence always seemed to calm him, and he took comfort that it was doing the same for the sparklings.
"I am not sure," Ratchet said gruffly. His optics were narrowed, but Orion could see the worry in them. "Just keep him close," he instructed Orion. "Your presence seems to be doing something good."
"T'o't," a sudden voice called out softly.
Orion responded to it, almost as if it were natural. That name, it was that name again. And this time, it had come from Nelchie. Still holding Melchnie, Orion slowly got up, optics locked on the small femme. He kneeled down, so she would not have to look up at him.
"Nelchie?" he said softly, the name a precious whisper.
Nelchie nodded, liquid forming in her optics. She held up her whiteboard, the one with the drawings. She looked at him, her optics pleading with him to understand what she was trying to show him. The one word she was repeating to him meant something to her as she flipped to the same two pictures she had drawn so carefully.
Even though he could not understand that one word she was saying, he understood the meaning behind it. It was a message. The one picture she showed, the one with the strange blue and green world was important to her. And that was the only time when she would say that one word, the word he could not understand.
But he did. He understood.
He quickly stopped Nelchie from flipping away from the picture of the blue and green world. Nelchie looked up at him with hope, as if she dared to believe that he finally understood.
He nodded to her, pointing to the picture, then back to her. His optics flickered back to the picture, back to the drawing of the sparklings home.
A wide smile broke across Nelchie's face as she nodded quickly. Then, it was like all the energy and strength escaped her, and she collapsed. But Orion was there to catch her, lifting her up so she could be with her younger brother. Nelchie slowly approached Melchnie, feeling his helm, as if searching for something. Apparently, she was pleased with what she found, as she smiled in relief.
"I know where we need to go," Orion said, looking at Ariel who was holding Lechnie.
She nodded. "Lead the way."
Ratchet didn't so much as protest when they ran out of the room. Ariel was able to keep up with Orion's long strides as they hurried through the streets. The buildings and Cybertronians they passed were all a blur to him. His only focus was on Melchnie and getting help. The picture Nelchie had showed him burned in his mind, and it troubled him.
"Hey! What the Pit do you think you're doing?" A Cybertronian demanded when they ran into the traffic. The bot's optics were narrowed and it looked like for a moment that he would charge right after them.
"Slag it!" Ariel called back, stopping the mech in his tracks. A small part of Orion swelled with pride at the spunk she possessed.
The Iacon Hall of Records came into view, and it increased his speed as he ran up the steps. The femme at the front desk gave a yelp in surprise when he barged in.
"Orion Pax!" she exclaimed. "What are you-?"
"Moonracer, please," Ariel said. "Let us pass. It's important."
Moonracer's optics flickered to Orion, before landing back on Ariel. The femme trusted Ariel, and she knew Ariel well enough to know when she was serious. At least, that's what Orion hoped. But when Moonracer showed no signs of stopping them, he took that as his cue to move on quickly.
His steps were determined as he strode right to the large doors that were so strongly guarded.
"I won't be able to get in," Ariel said suddenly, stopping when the guards in front stared her down.
Orion nodded as he took Lechnie from her. "I know." Though he wished she could come with him. Her support would be greatly needed.
"Be safe," she said, looking up at him. Though he was unsure if she was speaking to him directly, or to the sparklings.
The familiar halls stretched on before him. It seemed to take too long for him to reach the end, and the precious time seemed to trickle away.
"T'o't?" Nelchie asked nervously. He looked down at her, seeing the worry in her expression.
He smiled down at her, hoping to offer comfort. "Nelchie," he said softly. She nodded, taking comfort in her name as she snuggled close to her siblings.
He quickly punched in the code that was required to gain access to the room before the doors slid open. He strode in, hoping against hope that Alpha Trion was still here.
"Orion?" a familiar and much welcomed voice asked.
He spun around, relief flooding through him. "Alpha Trion," he greeted quickly.
The older mech approached him, his helm tilted curiously. "What are you doing back? Did you forget something?"
Orion shook his helm. "No sir. I need help." He gestured to the sparklings in his grasp. "Ariel and I came across these three sparklings, and we have recently taken them in."
The words came out in a rapid rush. All of Orion's calm and collected self was gone. He was afraid. Afraid for Melchnie. Alpha Trion was the only one he could think of who would be able to help him. He couldn't go to the Council, as he did not know what they would do to the sparklings.
"I don't know what to do," he finished helplessly when he was done with his lengthy explanation.
Alpha Trion said nothing as he looked at Melchnie. "It takes great strength to admit that you need help," he commented. He reached out for Melchnie. "May I?"
Orion hesitated, not wanting to be separate from any of the sparklings, yet he nodded. Though he had to restrain himself from hovering over his mentor's shoulder. He could feel the older sparklings unease as they watched their younger brother.
"Interesting," Alpha Trion muttered, and Orion felt a stab of panic until he realized that Alpha Trion did not sound concerned. "He has formed a bond with you," he stated, handing Melchnie back.
A rush of emotions crashed into Orion. Joy. Disbelief. Wonder. Bewilderment. A bond? With Melchnie? Of all the things Orion had been expecting, it was not this, and his expression showed it all. How? How had this happened? Was it a bad thing? Come to think of it, the idea of bonding with the sparklings was comforting...like it was right.
"How?" was all he managed to ask.
Alpha Trion shrugged, grinning. "You have been holding them close, I dare say. It was only a matter of time before it happened. And they do seem to trust you, which I find a bit interesting." He looked up. "But for a young Cybertronian to form a bond would mean that they look up to you and consider you their parent. But I have never seen a bond form between a Cybertronian and non-Cybertronians." He frowned. "You said something about their planet?"
That snapped Orion out of his daze. "Yes," he said quickly, gently placing Nelchie and Lechnie down. Questions were swarming in his mind. He wanted to ask more about the bond. Was it affecting Melchnie? What did it mean for them? But he understood that Alpha Trion wanted to get some answers first. Orion pointed to the odd pack the sparklings had been carrying around, the one that contained the whiteboard. Nelchie seemed to understand, and quickly showed the picture. There was one resembling Cybertron, and the one of the strange blue and green planet.
"You believe this is where they are from?" Alpha Trion asked, frowning.
Orion shifted. "Yes, I do."
"As do I," Alpha Trion said, surprising Orion. "But what of this?" he questioned, reaching over and flipping a page that Orion had not seen yet. The drawing was of two mechs locked in a heated battle. The dark mech's face was twisted in a snarl, his sharp denta flashing as he raised a large sword. The other mech's face was covered by a battle mask, yet his blue optics were narrowed as he blocked the dark mechs sword aimed at his helm.
The drawing was concerning enough to him. But Alpha Trion reached over to flip another page, and Orion saw the flash of panic in Nelchie's optics. He soon understood why, as he beheld the drawing of a dark planet. But he knew that planet. He had studied it, and stared at pictures before.
Cybertron. And it was no longer bright and full of life.
Ariel saw the sign of acid rain, yet she was reluctant to leave. She couldn't! Not when Melchnie might need her.
She began pacing around the steps outside the building, worry swirling in her spark. She tried to think back to her time with the sparklings, wondering if there had been some sign she had missed. They had seemed fine, happy even. It had not escaped her how protective Lechnie was over his younger siblings, and she could understand where he was coming from.
Did she overlook something? After all, they weren't Cybertronian, and maybe she had been looking for the wrong signs. She clenched her servos. If anything happened to Melchnie, she didn't know what she would do. If he was in pain because she was not paying attention...Primus, she hoped he wasn't in pain. He was so small, so innocent. It wasn't right what was happening to him.
She took in a deep breath. Panicking wouldn't do any good. She had to stay calm and gather her thoughts. She trusted Alpha Trion. He was wise, wider than anyone she knew, and would know what to do.
Her thoughts trailed back to the sparklings. It was like an endless cycle. She would try to think on the positive, but it would always trace back to the sparklings. Had she not noticed how ill Melchnie was? She held him close to her spark, but apparently that hadn't been enough. Maybe, if she had been more observant, she could have-
"Ariel!" a sudden voice shouted.
She looked up to see Orion exit the building, the sparklings in his arms. "Orion!" she shouted, running forward. "What happened? Are they alright?" She hovered over the sparklings, scanning them over. She wanted to touch them, but she was afraid to. Would she bring more harm with her touch? To her dismay, Melchnie was still asleep, unresponsive.
"It's...complicated," Orion said slowly. "I'll explain when we get indoors." He looked up. "The acid rain will come soon."
She nodded, tugging on his arm as they broke out into a run. No one was out, the streets empty as the clouds formed overhead. The worry increased for Ariel. There was no doubt in her mind that the sparklings would not survive the torrent of deadly rain. Not even Orion and her were safe.
The first drop hissed through her shoulder, causing her to winch. Both Cybertronians increased their speed, not slowing down, even as a light sprinkle began. The burning pain spread throughout her body, and she wanted to scream as she felt her armor weakening. The sparklings, think of the sparklings, she told herself. She had to stay strong, she had to keep pushing for them.
Ariel threw herself at the entrance of Orion's home, frantically punching in the access code. She shoved Orion through first before running in, the pain of the rain ceasing as soon as she was in.
"Are you alright?" Orion asked, his voice shaking.
She nodded, wincing as her sensitive metal burned from the contact of the rain. "Are you?" she asked.
"I'm alive," came the dry response.
She giggled, despite the pain. "And the sparklings?"
Orion lifted his arm to reveal the sparklings huddling in his arms with Lechnie and Nelchie protecting their younger brother with their bodies. It was than she noticed where the rain had hit Orion when he had tried to shield the sparklings.
"Let's head in," she said, getting up. She tried not to look at herself, aware that if she saw the damage done, the pain would increase if she became aware of where she was hurt.
"I might have something to sooth the pain," Orion said as they exited the hallway and into his home.
She sighed. "That would be wonderful." She watched as he gently set Nelchie and Lenchnie down on a table, allowing them to have a view of Melchnie, who was still asleep. Nelchie chirped at him, her voice cracking in sadness. Ariel could see the way Lechnie was struggling to remain strong, his tiny shoulders shaking.
Melchnie stirred, opening his optics to look at his siblings who squeaked in joy. Ariel sighed in relief, though she noticed that Orion did not look too surprised. Ariel resolved to ask him what had happened later. But right now, she was thrilled that Melchnie was alright. She noticed that the three sparklings stayed close to Orion's spark chamber, not moving far from his warmth.
Finally, she couldn't contain herself anymore. "What happened?" she blurted out.
Orion's gaze did not move away from the sparklings. "It's...complicated." He finished.
Ariel sat next to him, concerned. "Okay," she said.
"The sparklings seemed to have formed a bond with me," he explained in a rush.
Ariel blinked. "What?"
"I am not sure how it happened, Ariel. Alpha Trion and I talked about it and how being close to them kept whatever was afflicting them at bay. It seems like my spark is keeping them safe." He looked up. "And...it is the same with you. You are also connected to them in some way."
Ariel said nothing as she looked at the innocent beings in Orion's arms. She was connected to them? And on a more personal level than was normal. The thought filled her with joy, and a smile broke across her face. "That's wonderful," she found herself saying. She noticed the look of relief on Orion's face. "What? Did you think I would freak out?" she teased.
He hesitated. "Well, I was unsure how you would take the news."
"I think it's amazing," she said. "That three beings have formed a connection with us." It made sense to her, in a way. She always knew when Melchnie needed her, and she could feel the unease coming from the three whenever she was gone. The previous days became clearer to her, and for them to have formed a bond meant the sparklings were the ones to initiate the connection. The sparklings wanted Orion and Ariel. The joyful feeling came back in full force.
"There's something else," Orion said. "Have you noticed the pictures Nelchie has been creating?" At Ariel's nod, he continued. "There were some...disturbing images. One of Cybertron, or what looked like Cybertron, dark and...empty."
Ariel blinked. "Empty?"
"Void of life," he clarified.
Ariel frowned, feeling a jolt of fear stab through her. "Why would she draw such a thing? And how would she know what Cybertron looks like? Unless she's been up in space before. But that wouldn't make sense, as organic creatures cannot breath up there."
Orion shook his helm. "I am not sure. But I do think Alpha Trion knows more than he is letting on. He was acting peculiar when he saw the drawings."
A sudden, squeaking sound caught Ariel's attention, and she looked down to see Nelchie waving an object around. She leaned over, noticing the strange, square object with the image inside it that the small sparkling was holding. The image was of a large, green mech smiling. She frowned, not understanding what Nelchie was trying to show her. Was it a worker they had passed by in the streets?
Lechnie then tried to get her attention, showing her a different image. She blinked in surprise, leaning in closer to gaze at the image of the blue and pink femme in the image. The form, and the shape of the helm looked familiar to her. But why? Maybe it was another femme she had met once and she was now just remembering. But who was she to Lechnie?
"What is it?" Orion asked.
She leaned back with a frown. "I am not sure."
Orion hummed thoughtfully after a moment. "You'll have to stay here for the night," he said.
She nodded, looking toward the door, thinking of her sister. Chromia would be alright with Arcee, at least, she hoped so. But there was no way she was going out in the acid rain.
"I'll sleep out here," Orion continued. "You can take my berth room."
She turned to stare at him. "Absolutely not," she said firmly.
"Ariel," he started. "It's more comfortable there-"
"And it is your home," she interrupted. "I am not going to kick you out. I'll sleep out here."
Orion looked upward, though she could see the small smile. What did he find so amusing? "I am the host," he said, looking at her. "And it would be rude for me to not treat you as a proper guest. No arguments." He got up, ending the conversation.
"Oh no you don't," she said, getting up also. "Orion-"
"We cannot share the berth," Orion continued, his mouth twitching as he tried to control his amusement. "It would be considered improper."
She raised an optic ridge. "That was bold, even for you," she stated.
"The sparklings are tired," he said, gesturing to them. "You can take Nelchie."
Ariel glanced at the sparklings, noting that they did not look as tired as Orion made them out to be. But, it had been a stressful day. She stared at Orion, knowing he was right though. She gently picked up Nelchie and walked into Orion's berthroom. She hesitated, unsure what to do. She felt as if she was imposing, and she just stood there in the middle of the room. Plus, the thought of recharging in Orion's berthroom was uncomfortable enough. She could feel her face warming up on what her sister might think of the situation. But Nelchie's small tapping on her arm jolted her out of her thoughts, and for that, she was grateful.
She settled down on the large berth with Nelchie sleeping just over her spark chamber. She tried not to giggle as Nelchie turned in circles, trying to get comfortable. She really was adorable the way her head was cocked and how her eyes observed everything. She reached out and gently stroked Nelchie's back with her finger, listening to the sparkling talk. She could not understand what was being said, but she knew it was important, and she intended to listen. Never before had she felt more helpless than now. She wished she could communicate with the sparkling, and offer words of encouragement. But all she had to offer was her presence, and she hoped that was enough.
"So you're stuck?" Chromia asked.
Ariel sighed. "Yes. Until the acid rain lets up, we're not going anywhere."
"Same here," Chromia grumbled. "Arcee has been nothing but a wailing mess. I think the storm scared her and she won't stop screaming unless I hold her!"
Ariel chuckled. She could feel her sister's frustration through the bond. "It's preparing you for your own sparklings."
"Primus have mercy. I don't think I could survive raising Ironhide's sparklings."
Ariel knew her sister loved sparklings, just like her older sister. But Chromia's and Irohide's sparklings would be a terror to Cybertron, she just knew it.
"I need to go work out or something," Chromia grumbled. "Maybe beat up the offensive looking seats."
Ariel grinned, knowing that her sister's stress would be melted away by the time she got back, thanks to the abused seats. She sighed, staring at the wall. Movement to her right caught her optic, and she saw Orion typing away. Chromia's words echoed back to her, and she grinned.
Orion heard her, and he ducked out of the way when she pounced. She saw him smile as she got into a fighting stance. "It was only a matter of time before the confinement got to you," he said as he dodged her blows. "You've been practicing," he commented.
She jumped back, servos curled into fists. "Chromia's been very persistent."
He grinned, both of them circling around each other, looking for an opening. It wasn't as if this was their first time sparring with each other. Megatronus had insisted that Orion learn how to defend himself, and Chromia had been the same way. Over time, sparring had just become a way to pass the time and stay active.
Ariel winked, knowing what effect it would have on Orion.
She was right, as he paused in his attacks. Ariel took that as her advantage, kicking his feet out from under him. She launched at him, pinning his arms to the ground, preventing him from getting up.
"Gotcha," she said.
Orion grinned up at her. "Yes, you did."
"Oh, but I'm not done," she said, her grin widening. "Once you lose a fight, you get torchered." She then reached for Melchnie, who was giggling at the fight he had just witnessed.
Ariel wiggled her fingers, and Orion's optics widened. "Ariel, don't-" He was cut off when she tickled him. Orion's sudden laughter filled the room, and Ariel giggled when he tried to squirm away. In just mere moments, all three of the sparklings were on top of him, tickling him.
"You're terrible," he choked out when the sparklings ceased their attack. They were sprawled on Orion's chest, their tiny faces alight and their tiny laughter filling the room.
Ariel hummed. "I know." She rubbed the top of Lenchnie's helm, the sparkling leaning into her touch with a sigh of content. Melchnie slowly made his way over to Orion's shoulders, where he reached up and started rubbing Orion's helm.
"That feels good," Orion said, closing his optics. Melchnie beamed happily, his tiny face lighting up. The three sparklings just stayed sprawled on Orion, their chatter filling the room. Not for the first time, Ariel wondered what they were talking about.
A loud 'boom' startled them, causing the sparklings to squeak in fear. Ariel gathered Lechnie in her arms and got up, allowing Orion to rise from his spot on the floor. He joined her in the seating room, setting the sparklings on his lap. Ariel leaned in when he wrapped his arm around her, pulling her in close. "Look at them," she whispered, watching the three sparklings huddle up together, ready for a nap.
Orion nodded, his optics bright. He didn't have to speak to express his joy when it came to the sparklings. In just a short time, they became special to him, more so than he could imagine.
Orion hurriedly walked up the stairs, hoping to catch the sunrise. It was one of the things he wanted to share with the sparklings, to show them the beauty of his world despite its turmoils. By their grumbling and the fact that Nelchie refused to wake up, he could tell they were confused and tired. He just hoped they would find the sunrise as beautiful as he did.
He was proven right, if their joyous squeaks and exclamations of awe were anything to go by. Nothing was said as they watched the amazing array of colors dance across the city. Orion smiled, feeling the rays of the sun reach him. The city shimmered for a brief moment, and all its troubles were chased away. In a short moment, everything was as it should be.
The sparklings looked up at him, each expressing meaningful words to him. Their faces were alight with joy and wonder at what they had just witnessed. Orion's spark thrummed with pleasure. Yes, he did good on this one.
Coming home, he still found Ariel asleep on the couch. He grinned when the sparklings tried to wake her up, chattering excitedly. He had no doubt that they were trying to tell her about the sunrise. "Wake up," he said gently, tickling Ariel's neck.
"Go away," she muttered, swatting at his servo.
"You're going to be late," he reminded. Ariel only grumbled, curling up into a tight ball. Orion just grinned as he scooped her up into his arms, causing her to squeal in surprise.
"Orion!" she exclaimed, glaring at him.
He chuckled. "Good morning," he said.
"Good morning to you too," she said with a huff. "Was that really necessary?"
"You refused to get up," he said as he put her down, though he was reluctant to do so.
Ariel beamed when she saw the sparklings. "So how was it?" she asked, looking at the sparklings. "Did you enjoy the sunrise?" It didn't matter that they couldn't understand each other, they could read each other's expressions. And by the tone in their voices, the sparklings were excited as they explained what they had just witnessed.
Ariel watched, a bit confused as Melchnie and Lechnie observed her work station. They seemed to be conversing about the different symbols on her keyboard. Was it some game they were playing? If so, she wasn't sure if she would ever be interested in it. She started shutting down her computer, getting ready to leave.
"Nelchie!" a sudden voice squeaked out.
Ariel looked down to see Lechnie and Melchnie gesturing to her, both wearing expressions of panic. "Nelchie!" they were both repeating. "Nelchie!"
It was then that she noticed that Nelchie was gone. She looked frantically at the glass box and around her desk, but the sparkling was nowhere to be seen. Panic settled in her spark as the horrid thought came to her.
Nelchie was missing.
