Note: Thanks to everyone who left reviews so far, I read all of them and that encouraged me to continue. I will mention that later but for the one's who are curious:

Jazz's height is just a bit shorter than ordinary mech's torso. Bee reaches his upper waist. In all fics with younglings and sparkling people make them so small! I feel like this is more realistic. They height of others will be explained in the fic too.

Origin.

Chapter 3.

'First talks.'

When the strong servos finally released him, Jazz's peds hit the ground as he jerked forward and almost crushed in Bumblebee already in the furthest corner of the room. Hiding his younger friend behind his taller figure, Jazz hissed at the huge bots that brought them here, his red optics bright with rage. Intakes fast and deep, spark brightened behind his plating, his system was already overheated from running, fighting, struggling and panicking. He was scared, yes, but no, he was also too stubborn to follow that feeling. There was no time nor place.

He bared his dentals and got in a stance glancing at the mechs with a look of that a wild beast would carry.

Sideswipe first to leave, Ironhide looked at the Decepticon youngling and narrowed his optics with warning. The youngster was at the edge and was nowhere close to stopping his rage. The reaction Ironhide received was youngling's own optics narrowing with threat even more but Autobot's attention did not miss a small, almost unnoticeable scared jerked in the young's form.

Hopefully mechling would run his final energy soon and become too exhausted for further outbursts.

The huge warrior stood by the opened door and looked in the corridor. Optimus and Prowl were already walking towards the room with a grumpy Ratchet by their side obviously complaining or lecturing them for something. Well, the medic was good at combing both.

"Ratchet, I understand... Thank you for sharing your thoughts."

"Don't you- Agh, just call me when you're done. I will need to check them. And don't forget the medical grade!"

"He's quite exited, ain't he?" Ironhide's looked at the leavening medic.

"He is more interested in that matter than you can think... How are they doing?"

Ironhide glanced at the mechlings, one still with that wild gaze, other's faceplate hidden from his side. The older had not moved obvious to the huge mech's attention.

"Optimus, this one's furious. You really believe that-"

"Let us not rush with conclusions." Optimus stepped in, Ironhide waiting by the open door, Prowl standing just outside of it, able to see what would happen inside.

The Autobot leader gave a warm smile, battle mask off. The older mechling's height would be a bit shorter than ordinar mech's torso but Prime's was not an ordinary mech. He knelled, his own height resulting that his optics were at the same level withthe mechling. He positioned himslef leaving enough space for the young ones. The red-opticed one stood still, defensively. The younger one was pressing at his back, yet now his optics could be noticed as he moved his head a bit just to see the gigantic mech kneeling in front of them. This big optics were blue, others noticed that too, and that mean the mechling was either a neutral, either an Autobot sparkling. The paradox was that the one so selflessly and furiously protecting him was a youngling wearing the Decepticon signature, red optics proving his origin - Kaon city once announce the capital of Decepticon race.

"You are indeed a brave youngling." Optimus tried to approach with calmness mentioning the notice of mechling's bravery but the mechling stood his ground not giving any signs of possible trust,"And you protect your friend. But I assure you that we intend no harm towards you, noryour friend."

Red optics were still narrowed, Prime's words seeming to be no use. But the smaller figure moved from behind the Deceptcion mechling.

"Hello there, little one..."

The sparkling gave a short look, two pairs of blue optics meeting. But that look flinched away, as he timidly looked at his eldest as if asking for advice. The Autobot leader couldn't help but smile again and looked at both of them,"My name is Optimus. Would you share your-"

"-As if you don't know."

Prime was slightly taken by the sudden and harsh reply, so were others. Ironhide even narrowed his optics at the rude attitude. But could they blame the youngling?

Prime could not.

"Indeed... Yet it would be the right thing to let you introduce yourselves to us officially and willingly."

"Jazz. And that's Bumbebee. Now just skip that tricks of yours and split up what you want from us. Ain't our names fo' sure."

Bumblebee's optics flinched up at his friend's harsh words.

Prime's expression stayed calm as he studied both mechling and with the voice carrying the same calmness he continued, "You are wrong on that, mechling. Names can carry a great importance..."

He stood up and walked to the small table with two cubes and a bigger capsule with a light blue liquid Ratchet had prepared.

"But I won't deny my hope that you will be willing to answer several questions..."

Mechling'a gaze followed the huge mech as he filled the transparent containers. But he was still remembered the two Autobots by the door. Prime turned back and kneeled again offering one of the cubes.

Jazz did not rush. He observed the container and finally took it, the mistrustful look was again scratching at Prime's faceplate. And when Optimus was ready to offer the next drink, to the three Autobot's surprise, they saw Jazz lifting it up at the light. Mechling studied the liquid again, making it move inside the cube. With one more quick look at Optimus, as if trying to read his expression, he used the smell receptors. Then he rubbed the edge ofthe cube, dipped his didgits in energon and slowly rubbed the drops between them.

All was done so fast and neutrally that mechs' almost missed the part when he finally sipped a small amount of the blue liquid.

He paused satisfied and handed the cube to his young friend, who grabbed the container and hurriedly pressed it to his lip-plates.

Jazz looked at Prime again with a challenging yet this time calmer look, as if trying to say 'do not underestimate me'. When the second cube was still being offered, he took it. Rubbing his digit over the edges, as if making another check, youngling finally made the first gulp, not taking his intent gaze away as the blue liquid was disappearing from his cube.

"How did you end up on this base, mechling?" Prime finally asked as Jazz gulped the last bit of energon. The Autobot leader knew that this question might not have been the best choice to start with, if the youngling's caretaker had been on the base and was in the small number of the off-lined bot. Or, the guardian might have also left the base too... But that would mean that he left his charge behind. But the tricky part was why had a mechlingbrought to to this base inn the first place. Decepticons were not known for having anyone of a youngling age... That seemed to be the rarest occasion and Optimus was not sure how to act. He was not sure of a place the mechling had, so that is why the question was required. And... How was the younger one here?..

"It's a Decepticon base." Jazz snarled, optics brightening once more. He never liked the place, yet it was his fraction's territory. His territory. Autobots were intruders and enemies not to be trusted by any means.

He knew Decepticons, he knew Koanians. He was Koanian. And so learned a lot. One of these things being the fact that no matter your age or status, you were responsible for yourself, your own actions and your own safety.

Your mistakes were yours only.

And that any claim could be a waste of words no one would follow. Any claim could be a trick...-

"Not anymore, kid." Jazz's optics jerked at the black-armored warrior who once again reminded of the present. Standing around him were Autobots...

With Decepticons he knew what to expect, with these mechs he did not.

"Jazz," Prime's deep voice was fast enough to cut mechling's thought of the dead end he felt himself in.

"We need to know where you friends are hiding and if any of them got damaged during the battle..."

But Jazz was still glancing, not looking.

"It has been three orns after the attack, which means that at least three orns non of you have received any energon."

Words could be a trick, so could be his...

"They have already left, you won't find anyone."

Optimus was patient and he knew that the youngling had no reason to trust them. Sadly but he had to admit that Jazz already proved that his trust could not be gained without a proof. And it also seemed that the mechling was very wise for his age. However, in this case his lack of belief would only lead to suspension.

Patience. That was the key element.

"I have lived long enough, mechling, and I have learned to see when someone's lying... You mean well, I know, but please, listen. We want to help-."

"I'm a youngling, not an idiot."

A lot of patience...

"Jazz,"

Ironhide straightened at the change of Prime's tone.

Now his voice sounded deeper. Formal.

"You have no reasons to trust us. That is true. Yet, know that Autobots believe in certain rules of honor and one of them states that sparklings and younglings are not to be harmed. For the sake of your friends, please, tells us where they are."

Prime could read a hint of uncertainty revealed in the youngling's optics. It was almost unnoticeable and short yet Prime managed to see it. Unfortunatly, even if there was a thought of answering in the young processor, Jazz ignored it. To Prime's disappointment Jazz kept silent.

"Prime!-"

Three Autobots turned to look at Blaster's rushing figure stopping just before the entrance. With a datapod in his hands he gave Optimus a nod, slight excitement noticeable in his optics.

Optimus looked at Jazz's questioning, troubled and still mistrustful gaze and stood up with a sign. Mechling knew something was happening and Blaster's appearence was nt for nothing.

This yougling was a clever one...

Ironhide guarded the mechlings, keeping a optic on Jazz. Outside Blaster stood by Prime and Prowl showing the datapod,"We managed to find this map. See this space between the walls. They all are connected and also provide excess to circulation system - kids have been using them and sneaking around just in front of our sensors."

"What is their most possible location?"

"This part. It has the widest space. There is a panel covering some cables just a bit further, we won't be able to reach them directly but... I'm more than sure they will be able to hear us..."

"We should manage to talk them out." Prowl confirmed and Blaster's optics moved in the direction of the room with mechlings inside.

"I have already informed others. Any luck with this two?"

"Nothing. The sparkling kept silent the whole time. Watched but trusted the elder one to act. Youngling did reply but he has no trust at all..."

They headed towards the 'hiding place' and Blaster raised an optic ridge at his leader's comment, "Too clever for his own good?"

"He will require patience but the way he protected his friend deserves admiration."

"Not exactly a Decepticon act... Did you at least manage to get their names?"

"Youngling introduced himself as Jazz and the sparkling is Bumblebee."

"Jazz and Bumblebee? Bee- Heh, I like kids so far..."

"Your enthusiasm is acceptable but do not let it distract you, Blaster."

"Oh, come on, Prowl. You don't get sparklings falling from the ceiling every orn."

"Indeed, yet not everyone might support your positive thinking..."

"You're saying about 'Con-kid... He's just a youngling..."

"And has already revealed negative aspects of his character. While Optimus, you and I might tolerate such attitude it will not be in Jazz's favor if he continues those actions."

"Wait, so... Are we leavening him with us or taking back to 'Cons?"

Both Autobots looked at their leader.

"Let us discuss that later. We don't know how many younglings will we find and of what origin they will be..."

As Prowl had stated, Autobots tried to talk the younglings out.

Knowing the exact location, it was easier to check for life signals. They found the right spot yet could not tell the certain number, as the young ones seemed to be very close to each other to indicated separate signals. Autobots knew that right behind that wall the kids were hiding but trying the bring them out by force would most likely frighten them... And so, Prime talked.

They had taken down the cover sheet of the wall gap. After a while Mirage confirmed the detection of movement, yet there was still no one in the opening.

Prime remembered the day of the attack. The sparkling had been hiding yet it would not have protected them from explosions and some of the shut that could have gone through the walls. Even though the fight had been comparably short, it would have been enough to be terrifying experience for the oung. Optimus hoped no one got damaged.

If only they have known earlier... Three orns have passed. If not the incident, Autobots would probably be still blind to the secret inhabitants of the base...

They have waited for a while, giving time for the younglings to decide. And finally, there was more movement...

Optimus felt relief when he saw a servo grab the edge of the gap. Blaster was the closest, kneeling. Prime decided to stay a bit away due to his huge size, not wishing to scare the young ones. By him, Ratchet, Prowl, Mirage and no more. They did not need a crowd. The first meeting with Jazz and Bumblebee proved that a lot of mechs towering around the scared kids would not result positively. And if there were more with the same attitude as Jazz...

...The less mechs, the better.

Standing in front of them was now a red-armored mechling with white optics - a neutral. Prime cycled out. The mechling looke undamaged. His armore had small scratched and dents and was covered with oil and black lubrication of mechanisms behind the walls. But as a whole, youngling looked fine. He seemed to be half helm shorter that Jazz - reaching an ordinal mech'a waist- and a bit younger. But unlike the red-opticed mechling, this one's expression was stoic, examining. The tension in his details, armor - in his whole frame and posture - proved the understandable anxiety but his optics did make a short contact with each of the Autobots and then drifted at the floor, as behind him another figure had already appeared. Two figures.

One was a femmeling and Prime's spark flinched. He exchanged looks with Ratchet yet the medic only gave a thoughtful sign.

The youngling noticed Blaster's close presence and through him a look full of mistrust, lunching herself at the red-armored youngling and hugging his servo. Figure partly hidden behind him, she felt more protection that way, same as Bumblebee have done with Jazz. The other was one more machling. Both of them were a bit shorter than the red-armored one, optics blue - most likely Autobots. Femeling was blu, mechling mostly gray, both dirty, scratched yet unharmed. Mech youngling looked straight, optics narrowed all his posture demonstrating disaffection. He did not look scared, more than that, his expression seemed accusing. Yet he stood behind the oldest of them, waiting. Then even smaller figure jerked. The blue and grey armored sparkling Praxian it was. His green optics met Blaster's blue ones and the mech gave him a warm smile. Sparkling looked confused, timid yet did not flinch away only pressing himself closer to the group.

That was quit a scene - four younglings standing in front of them. They seemed undamaged, yet Prime was sure that their CMO would not wait long till rushing and running every possible scan over them. They would require some cleaning and armor rebuild. And feeding - that was for sure.

Blaster grinning satisfied, "See, wasn't that bad-"

"Where are they!?"

Mech almost flinched, so did the kids, red-armored one through a warning glans at the grey armored youngling. Yet the young one crossed his servos with irritation,"Jazz and Bumblebee."

Blaster chuckled,"They are fine, don't worry. We promised that no one will harm you, same goes for them. Do you want to meet them?"

Startled they all looked at the Autobot and then at the other mechs.

"Come on, how about having some energon and then getting you cleaned up?"

"You'll take us to them?.."

Blaster smiled as the young Praxian gave him a hopeful. He held his servo out,"Sure. How about... right now?"

Their optics lit up but the younger ones hesitated and looked at the eldest of them with questioning looks, unsure yet exited. Watching the older mech as if trying to see through, white optics looked at other Autobots still waiting patiently. Finally, he gave a short nod and Praxian took Blaster's servo as the mech stood up.

"So, kids, what are your names?"

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