Prime Blood: Prow-her Chapter 3 (Su' heart is breaking. Prowl hears Ratchet's secret. Prowl finds Prime's secret and steals it.)

Over the next few weeks, they make the garden a place of peace. But he takes her for rides outside the garden to speak of real life. He listens. He tells her of his own training. Of what his current mission is. How he feels there is something more destined for his life. But he can't name it. It seems to elude him no matter how much he meditates on it.

He also struggles with serenity to let it elude him.

They share their dreams. Their hopes for family and home. Peace for all…

Back at the base, he finds the court TV channel. Bulkhead and Bee think he is nuts for watching the boring channel. Prowl tries to educate them on American justice system. Optimus notices a change in Prowl. More than just his extended time away from the base. He can feel something is changing in Prowl. It's very familiar. Optimus places his hands on the All Spark praying for guidance.

~~ Then one day in the garden, Prowl is sitting on his rock. She is standing on hers. Face to face. No words are spoken. But something is drawing them together. Her hand moves on it's own to his face. His own finger toys with her silken strands again. He draws the hair over her ear. Her fingers trail down his cheek and touch his lips. He leans closer. With his other hand, one finger pulls her hand a way from his lips. He watches her face closely before he moves again asking for permission. Su begins to move in herself. But a hair from his face, she stops.

Yanking backwards, she almost falls off her rock. He puts a hand up and catches her, drawing her back. But she shakes her head.

She looks up at him while stepping backwards off the rock away from him, "I can't do this." And before she changes her mind, she quickly turns towards the house.

He reaches out with one finger lightly under her elbow, "Why?"

She points to the birds flying through the air, "Look at them."

"I have."

"And what do you see? Who is her mate?" She looks back over her shoulder to him, "It isn't a fish, is it?"

He takes a step forward. "Is that what you want?" But what isn't said is "from me."

Now her throat is starting to close up, "I… I have to live my life with a real future." The tears are starting and she knows she won't be able to stop. "I have to make a future for myself. And you know this could never be. You are a bird. I'm not. I… I set you free."

She turns away from him again and he drops his hand. But she only makes it three steps when his words stop her in her tracks, "What if I learned to swim?"

Su doesn't turn around. "I'll meet you in the pond on that day, until then…" And she dashes away before he hears her heart break.

Prowl's shoulders drop in grief. The one person who truly understood him more than even Jazz. The warmth in his life just burned him. He got too close. What is he going to do? Solemnly he slips out of her garden and slinks back to the base.

With out acknowledging the others, he slinks back towards his quarters. Bulkhead tries to come close and playfully mess with Prowl, but Prowl flings one star, and it embeds deep into the wall right next to his head. Everyone got it quickly, Prowl is in a nasty mood. Optimus, behind Bulkhead, watches Prowl continue down the hall, drawing another star in warning to anyone who dares to approach. They all look closely at the embedded star. It is embedded up to the hilt.

Bulkhead turns to Optimus, "What did I do?"

Bumble Bee smirks, "Ninjas in a bad mood are deadly. You got lucky he likes you and missed." Optimus physically turns the other two away. Everyone backs off of Prowl for the next couple days. Prowl continues to scowl and snarl.

~~ A few days later, Prowl comes back to his quarters, but he hears a voice inside. Stealthily, he approaches. It's Ratchet using a very hushed voice hidden well behind the tree. Prowl doesn't want to eaves drop but what he hears, freezes him.

Ratchet's voice is very tender with his hushed voice. A tenderness he's never heard, "Jazzol did what? Oh, Connie, I'm so sorry." Ratchet is trying not to laugh too hard. "No, I'm sure that has nothing to do with it. Yes! Optimus has hidden it on the shuttle. I'm certain no one else has been exposed." Then he really does softly chuckle, "I'm sure the last thing we need is more 'Bots like that running around." Prowl rolls his back against the tree but he has to hear more.

There is a heavy secret Optimus and Ratchet are hiding on the shuttle.

Ratchet's tone gets really soft, "Connie, I miss you so much." He rubs his forehead in frustration. Whatever is being said at the other end is comforting and supportive to Ratchet. "Thank you Connie. You know I couldn't do this if it wasn't for you. Take care. I'll call you again when I can." Then the next words are muffled while Prowl changes his position.

Ratchet closes the channel, leaning his head back against the tree trunk heavily. Prowl decides to give away his position by stepping on a twig, making it look like he dropped in from the roof. Ratchet quickly shoots upright and turns to Prowl. He sighs with relief seeing him, "Hey Prowl."

"Everything alright?" Prowl asks concerned.

"Sure, just enjoying your tree. Very calming. Thanks." Ratchet walks out the door. Prowl has to think about what he heard. What would Ratchet and Optimus be hiding on the shuttle?

~~~ The next day Prowl goes to find out. Optimus has something hidden in here. What were those words Ratchet used? Connie? Exposure? Jazzol? More 'Bots? What is he hiding and why?

It takes Prowl three days before he finds it. But now that he has this golden glowing orb, what does it do? He decides to ask the only person he is sure would tell him the truth. He lays it on Telatran 1's scanner, "Please tell me what this is."

Teletran 1 beeps, "Analyzing." After about ten minutes of Prowl's pacing, the computer beeps. "It appears to be a plasma energy field ball. It contains a virus."

Prowl's brow furrows, "A virus? What kind?"

"Human."

"A human virus? Why would Optimus hide a human virus?"

Teletran corrects him, "No, not that kind of virus. This virus turns Transformers into a human."

Prowl sinks into Optimus' chair in complete shock, "Please repeat that."

Teletran 1 tries again, "The di Vinci Virus found and engineered into this orb by Medic Ratchet. Once that orb is exposed to the spark inside a Transformer, it reacts and turns the being into a human."

"Permanently?"

"I don't know. Even Ratchet's notes are coded against me to that."

"Does it react to any other mechanical devices?"

"No."

"Why hasn't it effected you?"

"It is not inside my spark chamber."

Prowl looks at the orb very carefully. Su Kim's words ring in his head: "I'll meet you in the pond. Until then…"

Prowl tucks the orb back into it's storage container and takes it back to the base. But he brings it through the roof and stashes it in his quarters. Optimus calls the team together for a meeting. On the next assignment, Prowl holds back. A test to see if the team really needs him. Could they survive on this planet if he withdrew from the team?

The rest of the team is successful in capturing the piece of the All Spark without his assistance. Yes, he has much more training and a much better warrior than these 'Bots. But as they return back to the base and secure the shard, Prowl ponders the meaning of the All Spark. The others shut down for the night.

Prowl remains over the All Spark pondering his thoughts and choices. Optimus comes to him, "What is it Prowl? We've backed off and given you space. But tonight, you weren't very much help." Optimus doesn't even hint that he knows what Prowl's problem is. He tries to stay commander.

Prowl won't face him, "You did fine without me."

"You did hold back on purpose," Optimus challenges him.

Prowl taps the All Spark with his finger, "Tell me what this is to you."

Optimus reverently touches it, "The meaning of life. It makes us who we are."

Prowl leans into Optimus with baited meaning, "And who are we? What does it want us to be?"

Optimus doesn't like the tone of Prowl. It's not a challenge of leadership. No, this is worse. This is a challenge of his beliefs. A challenge of his past actions and future ones. "What do you mean?"

Ratchet comes into the room. Prowl sees him and narrows his gaze, "Then I'll ask him. Ratchet," Prowl taps the chest again, "What is the meaning of our lives?"

"To protect the All Spark." Ratchet answers simply.

"No, that's a redundant answer. It didn't give us life so we can protect its. That's a weak answer." Prowl broadens his hands, "What is the meaning of our lives? Not just the Transformers. I mean all of nature, what is the meaning?"

"Life." Optimus lowers his head. He knows the answer. "To live it to the fullest."

Prowl slams a fist down on the chest and smiles, "Exactly!" He turns on his heal and heads towards his quarters.

Ratchet calls after him, "And protect the ones we love." Prowl only hesitates for a moment with that one. What is Ratchet leading to?

After he is gone, Optimus asks Ratchet, "What was that all about?"

Ratchet rubs his brow, "I think he overheard a conversation I had with Connie the other day."

The color drains from Optimus' face. "You don't think he knows, do you?" Ratchet just shrugs his reply. "Hold down the base. I'm going to check the shuttle to be sure."

But by the time Optimus reaches the shuttle and finds the orb is gone, it's too late. Right after their conversation over the sacred All Spark, Prowl took the orb from his quarters and escaped through the roof. He found a storage shed near Su Kim's garden and went inside. Kneeling on the floor, he meditated over this next transformation for most of the night. But with the dawn of light, he had made his final decision. Now time to take action.

First he opens the orb case. Then he opens his own spark chamber. Slowly he brings the orb into his spark chamber. He can feel the change. He is encompassed by a blue shield of light and falling out of himself. When it quells, he sees his human feet. Then hands, legs and so forth. He runs his hands through his thick shoulder length Asian hair. Now he looks around the room realizing he is naked. This room looks like a storage room.

Prowl reads the Japanese writing on the boxes. These belonged to her brother. He hopes he has done the right thing. Reading the boxes further, he finds clothing. This one, looks about right. It's black silk pants and a black silk robe trimmed in gold. It must have been meant to be, he smiles and slips it on. As he turns to tie the sash, he bumps his metallic body. It ends a shutter through his human body. A chill goes down his human spine looking at his Autobot life he is walking away from. But also, it sends two things rolling to his feet. He can feel his breath quicken while picking them up. Iridescent black rings stripped in gold. The only part of his body exposed is his spark chamber. Clearly, that is where they come from. But… why would they come loose? Toying with them, one slips onto his finger. A perfect fit. The other ring is slightly smaller. The reason comes to him quickly. Carefully he searches the rest of the room. He finds just what he needs.

~~~ Su is sitting at her kitchen table drinking her tea and eating her bagel. For the last week, she has found no desire go to garden. It used to be her refuge and solace. But recently it has just been a place of painful memories and desires for companionship that will never happen. A life that can not be.

The window next to her table is open. She can see the cherry tree hasn't lost all it's blossoms yet. She ponders much of her past decisions. Maybe pushing Prowl away wasn't such a good idea. Now she was very lonely.

The sight of Sushi coming towards her breaks those thoughts. Something is in his beak. Su holds her hand out to him. He lands lightly on her arm, and drops his gift into her other hand.

It is a paper wrapped with a red ribbon. She unties it and finds the ribbon ties two black rings together. Then she looks at the note:

If you are willing to accept one, I am in the pond ready to receive the other. Bring your father. Koshi won't mind.

Su jumps up so fast, her chair tumbles over. Sushi flies out the window. Su tries to look though the branches to the pond, but she can't see clearly. She rushes out of the loft and down to her parents kitchen. Her father is about to pour his cup of tea. Su takes them out of his hands, "Don't ask, please, just come with me, Papa."

He stares at her confused. They are both still in their morning robes. Su just weaves her fingers through his and pulls him out the back door. He has to run to keep up with her. They pound down the gravel path. At the bend they both stop.

In the fish pond, with his pants rolled up to his knees, is a mid thirty year old attractive Asian man, feeding her fish. He is lithe, yet muscular, wrapped in the black and gold robe she had bought for her brother's wedding. It looks so much better on this man. He lifts his head and smiles at her. The eyes glow aqua-blue. But he doesn't leave the pond. Instead, he is waiting for her physical answer.

"Su Kim, who is he?" her father asks.

Su doesn't wait another moment, she rushes towards him and wades into the pond. "Is it really you?"

He slips his fingers through her silk hair. He watches the strands slip through his fingers mesmerized, "So soft." He lifts the strands again to his face and inhales the scent, "Mmm, smells like peace."

Su reaches up and draws her fingers against his strong jaw. Without a second thought she lifts her face to him. His fingers weave into her scalp and bring them even closer. But he just holds her gaze. He takes a step and their bodies are touching. The human heat can be felt. He doesn't wait any longer and lowers his lips to press against hers. She steps closer and parts her lips to get a better hold. Her fingers slip over his shoulder and grasp him tightly to her. He finds himself wrapping himself around her body. Yet it feels like she is lighting a force field around them. Energy is being exchanged. The kiss is no longer lingering. The kiss is hungry, needing and trying to make up for all the words that can't be said. His fingers begin to dig into her body afraid of her slipping out of his grasp. In turn, Su is clinging to this dream praying to never to wake up again.

Who knew the sound of a father's voice could slice through passion even spoken so softly, "Su Kim, who is this man?"

Su pulls back, but just far enough to look up to Prowl. She pulls the red tied rings from her robe pocket. She holds them up where Prowl can see them, "My mate." A smile spreads across both men's faces.

One hand slips from around her waist to hold them while she unties the ribbon. Her father comes to the edge of the pond. Prowl looks over to her father, "Mr. Kim, I would like Su to be my mate."

Her father smiles, "It looks like she has already accepted you." He leans in, "I don't know who you are, but if Su wants to be with you, heaven help anyone who tries to break you apart. Can you handle her being your wife?"

Prowl looks down at her. She has the rings free and he holds his hand up to her, "I can't handle being apart from her any longer." Su slips the ring on his hand.

Her father watches Su give Prowl her hand, "And what about you Su?"

"Papa, I've begged the stars for a perfect mate. It took so long for them to bring him to me. And now he finally arrived." Prowl slips the ring on her finger agreeing completely.

Her father finishes, "Then why are you asking me? It looks like only a spark from the heavens could have found the perfect match." Su reaches up and Prowl leans in again to seal the agreement. This time a only a short kiss. He has to hold her tightly. The feel of her in his arms is an overload of emotions he's never felt before. Su just tucks herself tightly into his embrace not daring to think.

Mr. Kim chuckles, "I take it you aren't going to be on the plane with your mother and I today?"

Prowl's body goes ridged. But Su soothes his back with a caressing hand on his spine, "Would you explain to my grandparents, Papa?"

Mr. Kim smiles, "You know they will be disappointed not to meet him. But I think your grandparents will understand. You know, Grandmother had a dream you would marry a mystery man under a cherry tree. But I never did understand the fish part of her vision."

Now it's Prowl's turn to chuckle. He turns his head respectfully to Mr. Kim, but terrified to let go of Su. "I'm sorry, Mr. Kim. I…"

Mr. Kim steps forward and puts a warm hand on Prowl's arm, "I don't know who you are, but obviously, you have gotten into Su's heart. There are many men's heart slain between our doorstep and her office who have tried to win hers. Any man who can make her run down those stairs and drag me out into the back yard, has my blessing." Then he turns to Su, "Your mother and I will be leaving within the hour. I won't tell her until we land in Japan. Alright. But you better kiss her good by."

Sun nods, "Yes, Papa. I will do that now."

Mr. Kim nods and heads back into the house. Su looks up to Prowl, "You don't have to go back, do you?"

He stokes her face, "No, never. I am yours. I won't be returning."

Su swallows hard. She knows he just made a huge sacrifice for them. She slips from his arms. He nods. It's amazing how much heat is created when two human bodies touch. His own body is now chilled without her.

~~ Optimus calls Ratchet on a secured channel zipping through traffic, /Ratchet, it's gone!/

Ratchet still at base with the others around him gasps, "What do you mean it's gone?"

"What's gone, Ratchet?" Bee asks.

Ratchet is embarrassed that the others heard him. "Hold on," he tells Optimus. He tries to go outside, but knows the others are following him. So he has to be cryptic with his frustrated. /Now what?/

Optimus cuts off another truck with a blare of the horn, /Where did he go?/

Ratchet shrugs, /You are asking where a brooding Ninja goes to hide? Ha! Better ask what a black hole doesn't eat./

/Ratchet,/ Prime growls in warning.

/Okay, okay maybe it's time to ask for help./

Optimus slams on the breaks beside the court house, /Wait. I have an idea. Go back and find out who he was watching on the court shows. We need to find out who she is./

/Oh dear All Spark. Not again. I warned you, but slag-it Prime you never listen to me./

Optimus is not happy with Ratchet's chastisement, /Tell that to Connie and the boys. Prime out./

Ratchet touches his com and then drops his head down to the banded mark on his own hand. No, he can't blame Prowl at all. He would do it all over again if he could. And he knows Optimus would too. He rubs his forehead and goes back inside.

"Hey Ratchet, what's gone?"

Ratchet doesn't face them, "My sanity."

Bee chuckles, "What else is new?"

Ratchet turns to Bee, keeping his hand on the banded mark. What if it had been Bee? Ratchet smiles. No then he really would have lost his mind.

Instead he goes to Sari and they go through the t-vo Prowl had recorded. In a short amount of time he knows who she is.

He touches his com, /Prime, District Attorney Su Kim. I'm sending the address to you now. Prime, remember, be gentle./

/Yes Doctor,/ Prime teases him. Then snarls, /I'll only light kick him in the aft with my ped before I beat him into the Matrix!/ click.

Ratchet morns for Prowl already, "Oh Prowl, it was nice knowing you. You're so dead."