Disclaimer: All Transformers characters belong to Hasbro. Any made up characters were created by me.
Summery: (AU) Even Cybertronians sometimes think they are something they are not. On Cybertron, one Cybertronian is not what she appears to be. Actually a male spark is house in the femme bot's body. Can she/he hide the femme form away from prying male optics, and make friends/protectors of her/he secret?
"blah" – Comm. Specking
blah – thinking
The One Called Prowl
by Yami-Yugi
Chapter 10
Everyone was talking and enjoying themselves. Miss Silvia threw out a few more drunks. Gadget, Bumblebee, and Safire were talking when the whole building shuddered. A familiar band of Decepticons piled in. "We told you, we'd be back," smirked Pile Driver.
"Oh? Why so tough? I can throw you out again," Miss Silvia glared.
"Cuz Megatron's gonna take control of this place," he smirked.
"Yeah," chimed in Breaker.
"No he won't. Iacon is an Autobot town. Optimus Prime won't let him take it."
"Let's show him we mean business," smirked Pile Driver. His cronies started smashing up the place as Pile Driver pushed Miss Silvia up against a wall. "Now, you can let us do what we need to do and get energon for the 'Cons, or we can force you to."
"You'll not take my pub or this city." Pile Driver punched her and pushed her further into the wall. She gave him a kick and ran towards her bar. She pushed an emergency button, signaling the Autobots. Gadget, Bumblebee, and Safire rushed over to try and help her. "NO!" she said as Pile Driver came up.
"You stupid younglings get out of my way!"
"No, she's a friend of my protector's!"
"Oh ho…" he smirked. "You're the pit spawn of him are you?"
"What?"
"Do NOT threaten my friend," said Safire.
"Get off me you stupid drone!" he said as he shoved her away. She fell to the floor. She brushed herself off and slowly stood, not hurt too badly.
"You evil 'Con!" cried Gadget.
"Don't get involved! I can slag you both."
"I won't let you take my pub!" Miss Silvia said as she pushed Pile Driver down.
"Oh, you'll pay for that! Looks like it's the hard way!" he said as he kicked her to the ground.
"Miss Silvia!" Bumblebee cried.
"GO! Get back to base! I can handle this!"
"Yeah, run home sparklings!" laughed Pile Driver. "Devitron is waiting for you there with Megatron's forces!"
"C'mon, Safire, let's go little one," said Gadget as she pulled her out towards the door. Bumblebee followed. He looked back at Miss Silvia.
"GO! Now!" They ran out and back to base.
Once back at the Autobot Base, the three were astounded to see the Decepticons and Autobots fighting hard. Megatron AND his son Devitron were both fighting. Optimus and Prowl had their hands full. "C'mon, Bee, they need our help!" Gadget said as she ran past the fighting.
"What should I do?" asked Safire, a bit scared.
"Run! Find a good place to hide!" called Bumblebee. Safire nodded and watched them join in on the fray. She looked frantically for a place to hide.
"Why do you protect such a freak!" called Devitron as he and Prowl fought.
"Because he's a precious life that deserves the right to live!" Prowl answered.
"You waste your time on that bug!" he said as he tackled Prowl. Prowl fought back and managed to wound him.
"He means a lot to me and the other Autobots! His mother would want him to be happy!"
"Ha! You speak as if you know that freak's creator…" Devitron said as he slowly tried to stand.
"What's it matter if I do! I'm his protector and I WILL protect him!" he shot at Devitron again.
"…You foolish Autobot!"
"Prowl!" Bumblebee called as he rushed over to help. He shot Devitron in the leg, causing it to hang limp. Devitron fell to the ground.
"Bumblebee!"
"You little bug!" He weakly got up on his good leg and made a grab for him.
"NO!" called Prowl as he shot his hand away.
"You insolent fool!"
"I'm coming!" called Gadget as she turned from helping Wheeljack and ran towards them. Safire watched from her hiding spot in a nearby alley. Megatron laughed as Devitron gave Gadget, Bumblebee, and Prowl a tough fight.
"Looks like my son is more than a match for your second in command."
"Don't be so sure," Optimus growled as the two tackled each other and tried to wound the other.
"-laughs heartily- He needs help from two younglings to even stand a chance. My son has one good leg even…"
"No! Gadget and Bumblebee!" Optimus said as he watched worriedly.
"Don't let your guard down, Prime!" Optimus was shoved to the ground.
Safire watched fearfully from her hiding spot. She watched Gadget and Bumblebee fighting and she watched Optimus fighting. She was torn between who to help. Oh how she wanted to help! She knew she wasn't strong enough to do anything, but they all cared for her. Devitron grabbed for one of Prowl's door wings, but Bumblebee stopped him. "No one hurts Prowlie!"
"You stupid bug! You're nothing but a freak! Worthless! Why do you protect your guardian!"
"That's my friends you're talking about!" Gadget shouted as she tackled him. Safire watched worriedly. Optimus cried out as he brought Megatron to the ground again. Safire turned her attention to him again. He had been so kind to her right at the start. He protected everyone, even her. She felt stupid for hiding.
"...I shouldn't be hiding...I should be helping..."
Devitron laughed as he easily threw Gadget off of him. He tossed her with a yell from the red femme. She knocked Prowl and Bumblebee over. "Ha ha ha ha ha! You cannot beat me!" He fired up his weapon to strike all three down at once. Optimus saw it out of the corner of his optics. He beat Megatron down into the ground, putting him in submission for now. He rushed over to the fight to help.
"NO! My friends!" called a certian small femme as she ran across the battlefield. Devitron then fired his weapon. "YOU WILL NOT HARM MY FRIENDS!" Safire dove in front of the three Autobots just as Optimus arrived on the scene. She was shot through and landed in Bumblebee's lap, not functioning. Optimus was speechless as he stared at her smoking body.
"Ha ha ha! You send a puny pile of scrap metal to save you?"
"She's not scrap metal!" growled Prime. "She sacrificed her artificial life to save theirs!" he said as he tackled Devitron to the ground. The two went at it as Bumblebee looked down at Safire. The three of them moved to sit next to each other on the ground.
"...Safire..." Gadget sobbed. "...No..."
"...P-Prowlie...?" Bumblebee asked as he looked up at his protector, tears in his optics.
"I'm sorry, little one. She's gone... She's too damaged to try and fix. I'm sorry, Bumblebee..."
"...Wh-why...?" Gadget sobbed.
Such a sacrifice must be honored. Your wish has been granted, little one. Bumblebee pulled Safire's remains close to him, crying into the cold metal. Gadget came over, sobbing. There was a great blue light that surrounded Safire's entire frame. Bumblebee and Gadget watched in awe as she glowed brilliantly with the blue aura.
Optimus pushed Devitron aside, leaving him with one arm and one leg. He came over to them. Blue energon started flowing from the fatal wounds and Gadget gasped. "She has a spark signature!"
Optimus smiled in amazement. "A miracle from Primus..."
"Get her to Ratchet you two." Prowl said.
"C'mon! We have to hurry!" Gadget yelled, practically pulling Bumblebee to his feet. "RATCHET! GRANDPA!"
Bumblebee held Safire's bleeding body close to him as they ran across the battle. Optimus glared at Devitron. "Tell your father to retreat or I'll turn YOU into scrap..." He slowly got up and hobbled across the battle to Megatron. Optimus watched him before turning to Prowl.
He only smiled. "She deserves such a miracle." Optimus nodded and saw the two younglings across the battle. The Decepticons were slowly retreating.
"Ratchet!" Gadget called as she plopped down right in front of him. He was repairing Brawn.
"Sit still, you're almost done. You didn't have to be so reckless about it you know." Brawn just rolled his optics.
"Teacher...Teacher it's Safire. She needs help."
"I can fix up the little drone later, Gadget. There's a few other Autobots that need my assistance right now."
"But she's alive..." said Bumblebee.
"...What...? What do you mean, alive?"
"She's alive," said Gadget. "She has a spark signature." Brawn got up and left, being finished.
"A spark...how can she..." He scanned her himself and noticed the blood. "It's a miracle of Primus!"
"She...she sacrificed herself to save us..." Bumblebee said sadly. "She needs help or she'll die again..."
"Don't worry, I'll see what I can do." Ratchet said. He checked her over and did some field patches to stop the bleeding and get her stable. There was a small pool of blue energon around her. "I've done what I can here. Let's rush her inside."
Gadget nodded and took her into her arms. "Is she going to be alright?" Bumblebee asked worriedly.
"I think she will." Ratchet said. Bumblebee sighed, still a bit worried. The rest of the Autobots filed in from the battle as Ratchet ran inside, Gadget and Bumblebee on his heels.
He ran into the Medical Bay and had Gadget lie Safire down on a berth. He hooked her up to monitors and an energon line. It was the first time she had ever needed energon so he had create his own opening for the line to feed into. "Wheeljack, I need your help in Medical Bay. I have a new fatally wounded patient. I need you to take all the non-criticals and fix them."
"Understood, Ratchet. I'm on my way. Is it Bee or Gadget?"
"Neither. It's Safire."
"What? Why Safire? She can't die, she's a drone."
"She's very much alive. Primus has granted her life because she sacrificed herself to save Bumblebee, Gadget, and Prowl."
"...Wow! Alright, I'm on my way to take the non-criticals."
Ratchet turned to Gadget. "Gadget, get me as many spare parts from the supply closet as you can. I need to completely rebuild her now."
"Is she that badly damaged?"
"That and she'll need real armor now and more sophisticated systems, the works."
"...C-Can't that extent of an upgrade kill a Cybertronian?" Bumblebee asked worriedly.
"I'm going to do my best to keep her alive." He wasted no time, starting work. He carefully removed all of her limbs except for her one good arm. It was the same arm that had the energon line in it. He used a low powered laser scalpel to cut away all the damaged chest armor. Bumblebee had to look away. He couldn't stomach watching the little femme they had worked so hard on and gotten so close to being taken apart. Ratchet made a well placed inscision, moved the plating aside and exposed Safire's inner workings. A weak, pink spark was bouncing around inside. "Primus! Gadget! Bring parts for a spark chamber!"
"Okay!" she called from the supply closet. He made a force field with his free hand, grabbing the spark with it. He emitted a low pulse burst to fuel it, calm it, and contain it.
"Easy now, Safire...hold on for me," he said to her prone form. The pink spark calmed to a slow and steady glow, still a bit weak. Ratchet held his hand still, hovering the spark inside her chest. He waited for Gadget to return with parts. She came over with three boxes and set them next to Safire's feet at the bottom part of the berth. "Good, Gadget. Now, I need you to build it and install it inside her. I need to keep her spark steady." She nodded and did as she was told. Gadget took the parts and tools and started work. She started building the inner connections and frame work for a leg. Ratchet stopped work on reconstructing her systems and turned to her head. He carefully opened her up and started working on upgrading the simple processor into a fully functioning one.
88888
Two joors later, Bumblebee returned to Medical Bay to get checked out. He had some aches, pains, and minor injuries that were starting to bother him. He went through the doors and noticed most everyone had cleared out. Wheeljack was still working on one or two mechs. Gadget and Ratchet were hard at work on Safire still. He took a deep breath and came further in. He stole a worried glance at Safire. She had both arms and one leg. Gadget was working on attaching her other one. Ratchet was finishing up on her processor and her chest was still open. "...I...I'm back..."
"Hi, Bumblebee," smiled Gadget, not looking up from her work. Alarms rang out as Safire's body went into shock from the sheer amount of rebuilding.
"Gadget! Hook her up to a stronger energon line!"
"I'm on it!"
"Is she going to be alright?" Bumblebee almost shouted in worry.
"Go on and get checked out. We're doing what we can."
"C'mon, Safire... I won't lose you!" Bumblebee reluctantly went to the other side of the Bay as Ratchet worked on keeping Safire alive.
"Hi, Bumblebee," smiled Wheeljack.
"...Hi..."
"What's wrong? Don't you worry about Safire. They've been taking good care of her."
"...She's going to be okay?"
"Yeah... See? The alarms have stopped already." Bumblebee stared over at Safire worriedly. He winced in pain as his injuries bothered him again. "Let's get you checked out," Wheeljack said. He took hold of Bumblebee's arm and led him over to a berth. "Take a seat." Bumblebee sat down. Wheeljack checked him over physically. "Well, you took a few hits out there."
"Ow..." he said as a few more damaged areas hurt to be touched.
"Sorry... That can all be patched up, no problem." He did some scans to check for internal damage. He started patching up Bumblebee's injuries. Bumblebee watched Gadget and Ratchet work on Safire as Wheeljack patched him up.
Gadget finished connecting her leg and worked on her chest. Ratchet went through the supplies and picked out parts for a helm. "What do you think, Gadget?"
"That type. It's plain but it's unique." Ratchet smiled and started assembling the pieces for a flat edged helm. There were small little horns on the top.
Gadget smiled and went back to work. Almond, purple optics slowly opened. They quickly widened in panic as Safire tried to sit up. "O-Optimus! Bumblebee! Gadget!" She started to cough up energon in the excitement. "...Gadget..!" Said femme took a hold of her hand.
"It's alright, Safire, I'm here. You're alright."
"Take it easy, youngling. You're in the Medical Bay now. You have to calm down or you could die."
"…Ratchet…"
"The battle's been over for awhile now. You're in safe hands."
"…Wh-…What about…Bee…?"
"He's over with Wheeljack getting patched up. He's alright. Prowl and Optimus are just fine."
"You should go back to sleep and rest. We still to need to finish fixing you," Gadget said as she gently rubbed Safire's head. "You'll be okay. I've been helping the whole time."
"…Al…Alright…" Gadget wiped the energon from her mouth and watched her until she fell back into a deep recharge.
She sighed heavily. "That was scary…"
"She'll be fine now," he said as her spark readings calmed. Both went back to work.
Safire slowly woke up. She was still hooked up to an energon line and a diagnostic computer. The Medical Bay was dimly lit and empty. Everyone was gone. She slowly sat up and looked around. She didn't like being alone. She took a deep, calming intake and stared at herself. She was completely upgraded with Cybertronian armor. Her body was powder blue in color with her hands and feet remaining silver. She looked around for a mirror. She found a tray of scanners and tools nearby. She leaned over and dumped the supplies off onto the cart. She took a deep intake and held the shiny metal tray up to her face.
Her almond optics widened at the face looking back at her. She had a powder blue helm with smooth edges that lined her face. She felt the small, flat horns on top. She stared at the smooth, silver facial plating and traced it. She felt around her purple, almond optics too. She blinked a few times before moving the surface down to her chest. She had a silver Autobot insignia branded there now. She smiled a bit. Her dream to be a real Cybertronian had come true. She set the metal tray down and felt her chest. It was no longer flat and drone looking. She grinned widely as she felt the pink spark pulsing excitedly underneath.
She picked up the tray again and angled it to look at her back. There was only smooth armor and plating now. "Yes!" she smiled. She no longer had the two ports denoting her as pure machine. She laid back down, dropping the tray. She happily lay there, taking deep intakes. She sighed with joy to feel truly alive. "Thank you Primus…thank you so much…" she smiled at the ceiling.
"You're quite welcome youngling," replied a familiar shape as he walked over to her. Safire jolted up at the reply. Ratchet was smiling at her. He looked over at the tossed supplies and tray on the floor. "Your second time in my Med Bay and you're already making messes."
"I…I'm sorry," she said as she sat up. "I…I just needed a mirror…for a second…"
"It's alright. I'm sure you were anxious to get a good look at yourself." He bent down and picked up the tray, organizing the supplies back on it.
Safire "blushed" as she watched him. "…Thank you…"
"Be sure to thank Gadget as well. She helped." Safire smiled.
"Where is she?"
"She's still resting awhile in her quarters. I'm sure Bumblebee is around here somewhere."
"Ratchet? I hope I'm not interrupting anything," Optimus Prime said as he entered. "I wanted to check on our young friend."
"She's just fine."
"Sir," Safire bowed respectively as the Prime came near.
"I wanted to properly commend you for your act of bravery out there. I also wanted to officially welcome you into the Autobots. You're part of us now."
"Thank you, Optimus," she smiled.
"I'll have to schedule training for you right away."
"Not so fast. She needs to be released by me first," Ratchet warned.
"Of course, Ratchet."
"You…You mean it? I can learn to fight like you? I can battle along side Gadget and Bee?"
"Only if you want to. You will still be a functioning member of my forces even if you choose not to fight."
"Oh I want to!" she said, trying to get up off the berth. Her new legs buckled under her and Ratchet went to catch her.
"Easy, youngling. Take it one step at a time," he said as he helped her up. He sat her back down on the berth and did some scans. He looked her over physically and undid the diagnostics. "You check out alright, but it will take awhile for your body to fully sync up. Everything's still new."
"Sorry…" Ratchet only smiled at her as he started putting things away. He undid the energon line as well.
"Ratchet? I came to check on Safire," Prowl said as he entered as well.
"Prowl! You're okay!" Safire shouted happily as she stood up from the berth. She took it much more slowly this time.
"Safire," he smiled. She slowly tried to walk towards him. Her legs gave out again and she fell against Prowl. He caught her. She "blushed" up at him.
"Sorry…"
"It's alright," he said as he helped her to stand. "I'm glad you're alright. I want to properly thank you for saving my life. You were very brave, sacrificing yourself to save Bumblebee and me."
"You're welcome. I wanted to. Bee and Gadget are my friends and so are you."
"Bee will be glad to know you're alright." She smiled at him and slowly walked back towards the berth. She wobbled a bit and had to catch herself. She fell against the berth as she reached it.
"…I…I guess I have to learn how to do everything. Before was just automatic programming…"
"I'll be here to help you," Ratchet said as he helped her to stand again.
"Thanks."
"I won't take up anymore time. I need to get back to work."
"Bye Optimus," Safire said as she climbed back onto the berth.
"Take care, Safire."
"I should get back to work as well. Jazz will fall behind if I don't go remind him." Ratchet laughed a bit. "You take care of yourself, Safire."
"I will. Tell Bee I'd like to see him. Gadget too if you see her."
"I will." He left with a wave at Ratchet. Safire sighed as it was just her and the CMO now. She looked at her feet dangling from the edge of the berth. She slowly started to swing them back and forth. They froze up a few times.
"Don't worry, you'll get it." Safire laid down with a heavy sigh. "Why don't you try going back into recharge for a little while? We can start practicing later."
"Alright. I can't wait to start training like Optimus said."
"That will come in time too." Safire sighed heavily again before going into recharge. Her excitement ebbed away as sleep claimed her. Ratchet smiled at her and went into the back into his office.
Two joors later, Safire woke up again. She stretched and started moving her arms and legs. She bent them, rotated them, and flexed them. She hopped down from the berth. She had to catch herself a moment, but quickly regained her balance. She noticed Ratchet wasn't around. She decided to try walking to his office and see if he was there. She slowly made her way to the back. She had to catch herself and use the edges of things to guide her. Halfway there, she had to stop and sit because her body gave out. She took deep intakes for a few breems before starting again, slowly this time. "Okay Safire...you can do this..." She made her way towards his office. She could see the door as she neared it. At that time said door suddenly opened. Safire was caught a bit off guard, having just let go of the edge of a berth. She fell forward into Ratchet just as he came out. Ratchet raced forward and caught her before she landed on the ground.
"Easy there, youngling. Did...did you walk all this way by yourself?"
"...Uh...Uh huh..." Ratchet couldn't help but smile. Safire smiled back.
"Are you that anxious to get started?"
"Yeah...sorry..." she said, bowing her head as he let go so she could stand on her own.
"Don't apologize," the CMO smiled. "I was just coming out to check on you. Let's get started." Safire smile again. He walked past her and led her to a more open part of Medical Bay. She followed slowly, still steadying herself a bit. "Let's try walking distance first."
"Okay."
Ratchet walked towards the first few rows of berths and stopped. "I'm going to stand here. Try walking back towards the office and back towards me in one go."
"Okay." She slowly turned around and made her way towards Ratchet's office. She held onto the wall with her hand a bit. She lost her balance and fell on her knees halfway there. "Why...why can't I do this...?" she sighed heavily, slowly standing up.
"It takes time." She just sighed again. She stepped forward to continue, but her legs gave out again. She let out a frustrated grunt.
"Okay..." she said sadly. He only smiled at her and led her over to the dispenser.
"You will get the hang of it." Safire only nodded a bit. Ratchet handed her a cube.
Safire took a deep breath before taking a sip. She was silent, having never had energon before. "It...It's good... It's not too bitter but not too sweet."
"That's good." Ratchet said with a smile.
She smiled. "I...I like it. I was jealous of Bee and Gadget before." Ratchet only smiled as she took another sip. She went over to a nearby berth and sat down.
"Feel better?"
"Yeah, a little bit."
"Let's try again once you're finished."
"Okay," she said, taking a big sip. She handed the cube back to Ratchet. "I can't drink anymore."
"You're smaller than most Cybertronians so that's alright." He took the cube and drank it himself. He set the empty cube by the dispenser to be washed later. "You should feel much better now." Safire nodded and started walking back towards the office again. She did her best not to grab the edge of anything. She looked back at Ratchet as he watched her. Both smiled at each other and she continued.
She made it to office without grabbing onto anything. She turned and smiled to make it back towards Ratchet. Bumblebee and Gadget walked in to see her making her way. "Hey! You're up and walking," smiled Gadget.
"Great job, Safire," smiled Bumblebee.
"Gadget! Bumblebee!" Safire exclaimed happily. She tried to run towards them, but she fell.
"Safire!" Gadget called out as she ran over. Ratchet came over too.
"I…got too excited."
"It's alright. Are you okay?"
"Yeah…no more damaged than before. Just a few minor scratches and dents."
"It will take a bit more practice before you can run. Take it slow and steady, youngling."
"Sorry Ratchet."
"It's alright."
"You look great, Safire," smiled Bumblebee. "The new look is great."
"Thanks," she smiled as Gadget helped her up. Ratchet checked her over.
"You'll be fine. Everything will heal on its own."
"Can…Can I go with Gadget and Bumblebee?"
"Sure. I'll release you as long as you take things slow. I don't want you to push yourself too hard too fast."
"Okay."
"C'mon! Gadget and I fixed up your spot in her room for you!" Safire smiled and happily left with them. Ratchet could only smile.
Gadget and Bumblebee happily led Safire to Gadget's room. "You're going to love it," the red femme smiled.
"You think so?" Safire asked. Both younglings nodded happily. Gadget keyed in the code and her door opened. Safire's optics widened as she saw her half of the room. There was a regular berth now. There was also a bookshelf filled with datapads and books. There was another shelf that was empty for her personal belongings. She had the nightstand still as well.
"Do you like it?" Bumblebee asked. Safire said nothing, but her optics started leaking coolant. "I guess that's a yes."
"Yeah," smiled Gadget. She came over and put a hand on her shoulder. "Safire...it's okay."
"I...I'm just...happy..." she sobbed. Bumblebee came over.
"You're one of us now." Bumblebee said.
"Yeah, you're name isn't an acronym anymore. It's your name. You're our best friend." Safire just couldn't help but smile.
She wiped her purple optics and hugged Gadget and Bumblebee. "Thank you... You've done so much for me..."
"That's what friends are for."
"I know..." she sniffled.
"Well, there's only one thing to do," smiled Gadget.
"What's that?"
"What do you see against the wall, Bumblebee?" Safire just looked at them confused.
"A shelf?"
"Yes..."
"Gadget...what are you scheming?" asked Safire.
"Bee?"
"Oh! An EMPTY shelf!"
"Exactly. Safire, we're going shopping."
"But...I... I might not be able to walk long distances and be outside yet."
"That's alright," Gadget smiled. "We'll help you."
"Yeah, I bet I can carry you if I need to."
"Okay, then let's go," Safire smiled.
"Great," smiled Gadget. Bumblebee smiled and the three of them headed out.
Back in the medical bay, Ratchet was cleaning up when the door opened. "Ratchet...are you the only one here?"
"Yes I am. Were you looking for someone?"
"...No...just making sure you were here alone..." the familiar voice said again.
"Why? Who's there?"
Prowl slowly made his way inside. "It's just me, Ratchet..." he said.
"What's wrong, Prowl?"
"I'm not sure...I just feel off since that last battle."
"Oh... Then let's have a look." Prowl came over and sat on an empty berth. Ratchet checked Prowl over before doing a more detailed check of the armor. He felt around the seams and checked for movement or shifting. Prowl tried to stay still for him knowing Ratchet knew of his secret. Ratchet felt around the chest seams and tried to pull them apart to check for integrity. Prowl tried to hold in a wince. "I don't see any problems. The armor is almost completely fused to your frame."
"Then why do I still feel like something is off?"
Ratchet did a few internal scans. "You check out alright, Prowl."
Prowl sighed looking down at the floor. "I must be over reacting or something..."
"You're probably having anxieties about Bumblebee. It's normal behavior for a creator."
"That last battle, the thought of losing Bumblebee to HIM..."
Ratchet smiled and put a hand on his shoulder. "It's perfectly normal."
"Is it? Being scared out of my spark normal?"
"You'll have to deal with your fears on your own, but yes." Prowl slowly place a hand on his chest plates. "You could always tell Bumblebee." Ratchet suggested.
"Yeah. He'll keep askin' 'til you tell him the truth," Jazz said as he came in.
"I can't..." Prowl said.
"Sure ya can. It's easy. Just tell 'im the truth."
"I can't..."
"Bumblebee won't hate you," Ratchet said.
"What are you scared of? It's not like tellin' him will hurt anything."
"You don't understand Jazz... If Bumblebee knew..."
"What? You have a whole city that wants to protect him. We won't let Devitron find out."
"...It's not just Devitron... It's IS the whole city... If anyone else found out what I am under this armor..."
"...You're afraid everyone will brand you and Bee freaks of nature." Prowl just nods and looks at the floor again.
Jazz gave him a one armed hug. "You're not a freak."
"...Yes I am..."
"No, you aren't. Primus made you the way you are for a reason. Bumblebee came from this. If anyone calls you two freaks, I'll blast off their faces."
"Then you have to take out almost everyone in town..." Prowl said sadly, thinking of all the emotional pain he been through before he joined the Autobots.
Ratchet sighed. "Prowl...you can't keep this up. It's not healthy. It doesn't matter what others think of you. They have shallow, weak sparks if they cannot accept you." Prowl sighed sadly.
Jazz hugged him more fully. "Don't hate what you are."
"I'm sorry..." Prowl said with another sigh.
"Don't be sorry neither."
"I'll...I'll tell Bumblebee when this war is over..." Prowl said.
"It's up to you when you tell him," said Ratchet. "However, do not blame yourself or carry the burden on your own."
"I'll try..."
"It's unhealthy, Prowl. It's alright to be afraid and worry for Bumblebee, but don't be so self loathing." Prowl sighed again.
"We're all here for you and Bee, alright?" Jazz smiled.
"...Yeah..."
"If that's all, Prowl, you're free to go." Prowl sighed again and got off the berth and started to head out the door.
Jazz turned to follow him, but looked back towards Ratchet. "Hey, how's Safire? I heard what happened and all, but I don't see her around. You release her?"
"Yes. She left with Gadget and Bumblebee."
"Good," he smiled. "I'm glad the little femme is alright. Hey! Prowl wait up!" he said as he ran after Prowl who had left by then.
Meanwhile out in Iacon, the three younglings had finished shopping and were happily walking to Miss Silvia's pub. "You'll be able to get your first taste of what we had last time," smiled Bumblebee.
"Yeah," agreed Gadget with her own smile.
"I can't wait," Safire beemed. They walked up to the pub. Or rather, what USED to be the pub. It was still damage from the last battle.
"...No..." Gadget practically whispered.
"...But...But...the Autobots should have gotten here in time..."
"H-How...How could they...do something like this...?" Safire gasped as she started to cry. The energon pub was almost leveled to the ground.
"I hope Miss Silvia got out safe..." Bumblebee said.
"Wh-What if she's dead? She didn't do anything!" sobbed Safire. "Why? She stood up to them! I don't understand!"
"That's what Decepticons do."
"You're still a sparkling of sorts, Safire," Gadget said as she pulled her into a hug. "You still have much to learn of this war. The Decepticons hate everything and they lust for power. Megatron turned against Optimus and became evil. He's leading the Decepticons to become supreme leader of Cybertron. They only know hate, that's why things like this happen."
"It...It was proof of their power."
"...I-Innocent...Innocent cybertronians...h-have to die...?" Safire sobbed, cuddling against Gadget.
"Sadly yes..." a voice said from behind them. Gadget jumped.
"Hey Prowlie," Bumblebee said.
Prowl smiled a bit at him. "Ah man..." Jazz said as he came closer.
"...M-more sacrifices like mine have to be made?" Safire sniffled. She shivered and sobbed against Gadget. The red femme rubbed her helm and held her close.
"Don't be afraid, Safire. We have Optimus. He'll protect us and lead us to victory. Iacon is the safest place to be." Jazz suddenly started to check through the rubble.
"Jazz, what's up?" Bumblebee asked. Gadget watched as she continued to comfort Safire.
"He's checking to see if Silvia made it or not." Prowl said. Bumblebee watched worriedly too. Jazz disappeared into one of the bigger areas of the pub that was still standing. "Found anything Jazz?" He was silent and did not reply for a few breems. The group waited and watched. He emerged with a severely damaged, yet familiar figure. She was being supported by him as she tried to walk.
"Miss Silvia!" Bumblebee shouted, now very worried.
"Please, I should just carry ya."
"...N-No, silver... I...I'm fine..." She was missing all but a small part of her thigh on her left leg. Her right leg was twisted backwards from the knee joint down. Wires were twisted out and some were sparking from open areas where plating was missing. Her helm had a hole in it with several cracks all over. One of her optics was shattered with scratches on her facial plating. She had severe wounds on her chest as well. You could almost see right through her in spots.
"We should take you back to our base and have Ratchet fix you up." Prowl said.
"I'm...I'm only missing my leg. I'm...I'm just...just fine. I just need...e-energon and some rest...and I'll...I'll be good as new." Safire turned to look at her. She surveyed the damage wide optic before expelling her tanks.
"No ya hurt Silvia." Jazz said "We will take ya to see Ratch."
"Alright...alright..." She coughed a bit. She turned to see Gadget, Bumblebee and Safire. "Well well... G-Good to see...you three...are...are alive...nice new frame...sweetspark..." Safire couldn't answer, but expelled the last of her tanks. She broke into more sobs.
Gadget rubbed her back. "It's alright, Safire. It's alright..."
"I'll contact Ratchet ahead and tell him to be ready." Prowl said.
Jazz nodded. Safire dry purged before sobbing into Gadget. The red femme continued to rub her back and helm. "Calm down, it's going to be alright. You'll be alright... Optimus will take care of everything and Ratchet'll patch up Miss Silvia. It's alright..."
"Ya alright, Safire?" Jazz asked worriedly as Prowl stepped aside to send the comm.
"She's never seen the horrors of war. She's still a sparkling," said Gadget.
"Yeah…it's the first time she's seen something as bad as Miss Silvia," added Bumblebee.
"Do I…look that…bad?"
"Yeah," Jazz agreed.
"I'm sorry, sweetsparks."
"Ratchet's going to meet us halfway back. Safire, you alright?" Prowl asked as he came over to Gadget.
"She's scared. She's never seen the war or bad things like this," said Gadget. "It's going to be alright…"
"Don't be afraid, little one," he said as he put a hand on her shoulder. "Optimus Prime will keep us all safe. We'll win this. Everything's going to be alright. Tough times may be ahead, but we'll face them together."
"…Th-thank you…" she rasped weakly.
"The Autobots will protect you. That symbol on your chest is a symbol of strength and hope. Don't ever lose hope." Gadget could only smile at Prowl's words. Bumblebee beamed proudly at his protector. "Let's go, everyone." Gadget picked up Safire into her arms.
"You'll be alright, little one. Bee and I will protect you too, because we're best friends." Safire only nodded, slowly calming down to sniffles. Bumblebee smiled solemnly and the group headed back.
Ratchet was waiting for them close to the entrance of the base. His optics widened and he rushed over. "Get her inside now!" he yelled as he rushed through the doors. Jazz did his best to follow quickly. Ratchet turned and took Miss Silvia into his arms and rushed towards Medical Bay. Prowl turned to the three younglings.
"Why don't the four of us go to the rec room and let Ratchet work?"
Bumblebee nodded. "We were going to get a hot, sweet energon treat we like to drink."
"Yeah. It was going to be Safire's first time to have it," Gadget said. She continued to rub her back as she took shakey breaths. She was slowly falling asleep against Gadget.
"...Gadget...?" Safire sniffled.
"Yes, Safire?"
"Can...Can we share...share a berth tonight...?"
"Sure," she smiled. "It's going to be alright." They headed into the rec room and Prowl walked up to talk to an old minibot.
Bumblebee watched curiously as Gadget sat down on a couch with Safire. She repositioned the little femme more comfortably in her lap. "Why don't you try to rest, alright? I'll be right here." The old minibot disappeared into a room. Bumblebee then remembered WHO Prowl was talking to. He came over to Gadget. "What's up, Bee?"
"Prowl was talking to HeatSpot just now. He went back into the kitchen." He smiled happily. "I think I know why." Safire blinks a bit confused.
Gadget smiled down at her. "You haven't met HeatSpot yet. He works in the kitchen to make sure we all get our energon. We use the dispensers when we need to too." Prowl came over to wait for HeatSpot with the others.
"Prowl told me about young Silvia. I'll pray to Primus for Ratchet to make her better. She was one of my best students before the war." The smaller silver Autobot said as he pass three familiar steaming mugs to the three.
Bumblebee smiled as he took his. "Thanks," he smiled.
"Thank you, HeatSpot," smiled Gadget. "Safire, feel like a drink?" she smiled as she offered Safire her mug.
Safire was unsure but slowly took it in her hands. "It will help you feel better," smiled Bumblebee as he swallowed his first sip.
She took a sip and smiled happily. "Thank you, HeatSpot. It tastes just like Miss Silvia's recipe."
"Who do you think thought her?" the old minibot said with a smile.
Bumblebee smiled. "Thank you, Prowl."
Prowl smiled back. "You're welcome little one."
Bumblebee "blushed". "Prowl...I'm not a sparkling anymore..."
"Right but you will always be my little one to me." Gadget just smiled. Safire smiled as she sipped on the energon drink. HeatSpot smiled.
"I'll be going back to the kitchen now. A student of mine wanted my opinion on a new treat she's trying out."
"Alright. Thank you again," Prowl smiled. HeatSpot only nodded with a smile as he retreated back into the far end of the Recreation Room and disappeared into the kitchen. Safire set aside her empty mug.
"I…feel better now…"
"That's good," smiled Gadget. "You can still recharge with me if you want." Safire nodded.
"I know it's hard," smiled Bumblebee. "It's still scary for me sometimes." Prowl looked at him. "I should be alright."
"You can sleep with me. It'll be like at the academy."
"No, I'll be alright. I know I'm safe with Prowlie and Optimus around." Prowl couldn't help but smile.
"Safire, the same goes for you," Prowl said. "You know all of us will protect you." She nodded, but was still unsure. She shivered at the horrific horrors from a joor ago.
"You'll be alright. How about a nice warm wash in the wash racks? That'll help you feel better too."
"Good idea," said Bumblebee. "I'll come with you, then go to bed."
"Yes, we've all had a taxing past few orns. Rest is a good idea." Prowl stood up and left the group. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Prowl."
"Goodnight, little one."
"Night," Safire said, cuddling against Gadget. The three stood and left their empty mugs behind.
Once at the washracks, Safire paused. She remembered the first time she was here. "What's wrong Safire?" Bumblebee asked.
"I was...just remembering...my first wash..."
"That was with the twins. This will be a much better memory for you."
"Yeah," smiled Gadget. She led Safire over to a shower and turned on the flow. Safire sighed happily at the warm flow of water. She liked the way it felt this time. Bumblebee only smiled and went to washing himself. Gadget turned on a nearby shower head and got wet herself. She switched both flows to the washing fluids and grabbed a scrub brush. Bumblebee then follow going into his own shower head. Gadget finished scrubbing herself and extended the brush to Safire. "Would you like to try yourself?" Safire stared, unsure at first. "Go on, little one." Safire smiled and took the offered brush. She stared with her arms and then around her helm horns. She slowly made her way down her body. She really got into it. Gadget could only smile as she rinsed herself off.
"Uh...Gadget...? I need help..." Safire "blushed". "I...I can't reach my back..." Gadget gladly came over and helped her get her back.
"Mostly everyone needs help can't reach back there themselves." Bumblebee said. Safire smiled as Gadget got her back. She finished and put the brush back. She sighed happily to feel clean. She stayed under the warm flow.
"You love baths don't you?" smiled Gadget.
"Yep."
"Feels good to get clean," smiled Bumblebee as he came over.
"Now...how do we get dry?" Safire asked.
"Well, there are two ways," said Gadget.
"You can use the driers or the towels. It's up to you."
"Maybe...Maybe I could try the driers? I don't think I've used them before."
"Sure." Gadget led the little femme over to a wall with two rooms. Adorning the walls were several driers that released jets of warm air. Bumblebee stepped into one of the empty rooms. Safire watched as he got dry.
"It's that easy," smiled Bumblebee. Gadget led Safire into the room. She jumped a little as the motion activation turned on the driers. She relaxed as she was blasted with hot air. She smiled a bit at the warm feeling.
Gadget went into the other room. The combined noise was a bit loud, bit it didn't bother Safire any. She stepped out. "I feel all warm and clean," she smiled.
"I know," smiled Bumblebee. Gadget stepped out, now dry.
"Well, shall we retire to bed?"
"Yeah..."
"I'm sure Silvia is going to be fine."
Safire shivered a bit. Gadget pulled her close. "It's alright..." 'You just HAD to mention you know who!' Gadget linked Bumblebee.
'Sorry.' Gadget only sighed as the group left the wash racks. She led them down the hall towards Bumblebee's room. "Well...this is where we part ways," said Bumblebee.
"Night Bee."
"Goodnight, Bee," Safire said as she hugged him.
Bumblebee hugged her back. "Goodnight, Safire. Goodnight Gadget." They exchanged smiles as Bumblebee disappeared into his room and locked the door.
Gadget took Safire's hand and they continued a few doors down to her room. Gadget keyed in the code for her door. She let it close behind them before locking it. She turned on a low light and walked over to her berth. She climbed onto it and settled in. "Are you sure you don't want to try out your new berth?" Safire just gave a nod. Gadget smiled. "Get over here, little one."
Safire made her way over. Gadget helped her up. She pulled her close to her. She let her rest her head against her chest. Safire sighed. "I...I don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight."
"Of course you will, Safire. Everything's going to be alright."
"...I hope so..."
"It's like Prowl and Optimus said. It'll be alright. We'll face this all together. I know you're scared, but you're safe." Safire cuddled closer to her and closed her optics. Gadget rubbed her back. "It'll be alright, little one." Safire was silent, she felt safe next to Gadget. The red femme smiled down at her and continued to rub her back until she fell asleep. "Sweet dream cycle, Safire. You'll be okay." She closed her optics and turned off the lights to her room. She soon fell asleep.
Safire tossed and turned in her recharge. She moaned as she kicked. The horrible sight of Miss Silvia kept playing over and over. Unknown Decepticons chased her down and tried to kill her. She was surrounded by darkness and death at every corner. Her kicking and moaning started to stir Gadget. "...S-Safire..." Gadget said with a yawn.
"...N-No... -moan-..." She kicked Gadget hard as she ran in her dream.
"Ow! Safire..." She sat up and started to shake the small femme. "Safire...Safire wake up..." Safire just moan in her sleep again. "Safire... C'mon, little one."
"NO! Miss Silvia! Leave me alone!" She kicked again.
"SAFIRE!" Gadget yelled as she shook her once more.
"...No...please...huh...?" she squeaked as purple optics opened.
"...Safire...?"
Safire suddenly wrap her arms around her. "...Gadget..." she sob a bit.
"You were having a nightmare, weren't you?" Safire nodded. Gadget pulled her close and wrapped her arms around her. "Oh, Safire...It's alright...It's alright..." She broke into hysterics, sobbing against Gadget's red chest.
"...I...I'm scared... So scared..."
"It's okay to be scared."
"It is...?"
"Of course it is. We've been telling you the whole time. The 'Cons are big and powerful, but so are we. It's alright that you ARE afraid, but you don't NEED to be. With Optimus around, you'll always be safe. We're all a little scared. We don't want any friends to die or innocent people to die."
"Is...Is Optimus scared too...?" she hiccupped.
"Of course. He doesn't want to lose any of us. He wants to bring peace and love. What he's afraid of most of all, is losing his brother. He's afraid he'll have to kill Megatron." Safire sniffed. "I bet you didn't know they used to be brothers. Anyway, everything's going to be alright. You're safe and you always will be. Besides, I thought you were excited to train and fight."
"...Yeah..."
"Want to try going back to sleep now?"
"...Okay..."
Gadget smiled and wiped the coolant from her optics. She laid back down with her. "You'll be alright, little one."
Safire nodded with a sniffle. "Good...Goodnight..."
"Sweet dream cycle, Safire." She closed her optics and cuddled as closely as she could to Gadget. She fell asleep with a sniffle. Gadget could only smile as she went back to sleep too.