+Author's Note: Hey guys! Thanks so much for your patience while I was moving. I'm in my new apartment now but I still have some unpacking to do. I'm also thinking about writing a secondary mini-story in addition to this one later that delves further into Starscream's past and the details concerning his indoctrination into the Decepticon ranks. I really can't do that in this story since the main focus is on Bee. Thanks for reading! :D

CHAPTER 10

Many years passed until Bumblebee had grown to the Earth equivalent of a seven year old child. He was a rambunctious little guy and had a knack for causing mischief. His curiosity over the years had substantially, increased. The youngling would oftentimes try to enter the restricted areas within the base. The armory, firing range, training room, prison block, and command center were the main off-limits areas that were usually locked down tight with highly classified security codes. The offices for the higher ranking Autobot soldiers were also off-limits and were protected with mid-level security encryptions.

One day, Bumblebee recruited the twins to aid him in breaking into one of those off-limits areas. They were all too eager to help but their assistance came with a price. Their young friend had to help them pull off a prank first.

If only little Bee knew what he was getting himself into…

The twins, like Bumblebee, had also grown and were now considered pre-teens. They had an insatiable appetite for causing mischief, much to Prowl's chagrin. It didn't matter how many times they were punished. They were determined to have fun and were more than willing to pay the price. The twin devils were very clever and rather ingenious for their young ages. They were able to hack into some of the off-limits rooms via their handheld decoder and slice program that they had manufactured themselves. Their lessons with Wheeljack and Perceptor in regards to mechanical and electrical engineering courses paid off. Just not the way their elders would have preferred…

So far the twins hadn't been caught. Yet.

"Are you ready Bee?"

The yellow youngling nodded with a small smile.

"I'm ready. Let's do it."

The twins were able to reach the keypad next to the office door-frame by standing on the tips of their peds. They proceeded to hack the security code. Once the green light blinked on to indicate that the door was now unlocked, Bumblebee proceeded to scamper inside. The twins made a hasty retreat and watched from a distance.

Once Bumblebee made it inside the automatic lights flickered on. The owner of the office was currently absent and was not expected to return for at least another half-an-hour. More than enough time for Bee to set up the twins' trap. He followed their instructions to the letter and then made a fast getaway back out into the hallway.

"Is it ready?" Sideswipe questioned as he checked his chronometer.

"Yep."

Their prey arrived sooner than expected. The younglings remained out of sight and watched from behind a large stack of ammunition crates as the owner of the officer entered the recently vacated room and returned to his post. They waited with baited breath.

Nothing happened.

"I thought you set that thing!" Sunstreaker frowned with a small growl.

"I DID! I set it up just like you told me!" Bumblebee argued in his defense.

After another five minutes the officer left and began to walk down the hallway. The younglings' optics nearly popped out of their cranial units at the sight that greeted them. They had to stifle their laughs when other Autobot's in the hallway began to notice their handiwork…

Prowl abruptly stopped and growled at the nearest soldier.

"WHAT?! What is so funny?!"

The Autobot whispered in Prowl's audio trying to remain professional despite the choked laughs escaping his throat.

Prowl's optics widened in alarm and he craned his neck around. That's when he spotted it…

Bright pink, neon paint was splattered all over his aft.

The twins couldn't suppress their laughter any longer and howled uproariously, as they abandoned their hiding place. They leaned on each other for support as their laughing fit escalated even as Prowl marched up to them with a death glare that could have sent even the bravest Decepticon running. He immediately began to interrogate the twins.

They pointed out a very good question. If they had been the ones to do it…why didn't they run for their lives yet?

At this point Bumblebee innocently began to inch his way further and further away. His sneaky tip-toeing unfortunately, didn't go unnoticed. Something must have clicked in the tactician's processor. Prowl soon whirled on the black and yellow framed mechling with a dark look that could melt steel and started chasing him. The twins continued laughing and had been reduced to writhing on the floor. Some help THEY were…

Prowl screamed death threats and a list of punishments he would reap upon Bumblebee the moment he was caught through the duration of the chase.

Bumblebee was terrified beyond all measure. He'd never made ANYONE this angry before… least of all Prowl. He squeaked with fright when he felt one of Prowl's fingers lightly brush his shoulder. That encouraged the youngling to kick it up a notch and poured on more speed. This had to be the fastest he'd ever run in all his young life…

He turned as many corners as he could, trying to shake the enraged tactician off his trail and spotted a utility closet to his right. He dove in and prayed that Prowl hadn't seen the closing door. He burrowed himself further into a dark, cluttered corner and held completely still when the mad pounding of feet stopped abruptly next to the door.

Oh no… this was it… he was doomed. Prowl would find him for sure…

A couple of long, agonizing seconds passed and nothing happened. The mech soon continued on his way and didn't even bother to open the utility closet. Bee breathed a sigh of relief and tried to will, his rapidly beating spark to slow down as his over worked vents and other systems tried to cool down.

Just when he thought he was safe, the utility closet door was ripped open and the scowling face of Prowl glowered down at him earning a startled scream from the youngling. He closed his optics and curled up into a ball as he awaited a terrible fate. He was soon plucked out and held protectively against the chest of his guardian.

News reached Optimus of the incident that occurred and he had been able to find his youngling using the spark-link they shared. The Autobot leader had been worried when he sensed the panic and fear emanating from his little Bee and had set off to find him, only to run into the prank victim in question. Prowl stood just a few feet away, seething with rage. His optics burned with fire that made the little one tremble and bury his faceplates in Optimus's broad chassis.

"There is no way you can protect that little cretin! I'm telling you, HE is GUILTY!"

Optimus vented a long suffering sigh and looked down at Bee.

"Is this true?"

The yellow youngling nodded in the affirmative as he squeaked out a soft "yes" with tears shimmering in his baby blue optics while a lower lip trembled. The disappointed and disapproving look Optimus gave him hurt more than any reprimand could have.

"SEE?! There's your confession!"

Optimus shuttered his optics and pinched the bridge of his nose plate, releasing another sigh.

"I will see to his punishment personally, old friend."

Prowl had no choice but to agree and stomped away but not before Optimus caught sight of the end result of the prank adorning his tactician's rear. He couldn't stop himself from cracking a small, rather amused smile. The Autobot leader then glanced down at his disobedient youngling and frowned. He took Bee with him to his personal quarters. The little one was shaking he was so scared. He honestly didn't know what was about to happen. He'd never been in this much trouble before.

Optimus sat down with the youngling on his knee, his facial expression softening.

"Tell me what happened Bumblebee."

The child sobbed and squeaked out his side of the story. He had no idea he was pranking Prowl and that the twins had no part in it. Just the truth. After he was finished, Optimus gave him a soft smile as he wiped the child's tears away.

"Child, I'm not angry with you. You told the truth rather than attempt to place the blame on someone else. I'm very proud of you."

Optimus then said something that Bumblebee would never forget as the elder mech placed a large hand over the youngling's chest plating.

"You have a good spark Bumblebee…never lose it."

Bumblebee smiled and snuffled his guardian as their spark-link was flooded with love. The child's face fell and his expression turned stony at what Optimus said next.

"Now my sweetling…you must learn to face the consequences of your actions. I will speak with the one you have wronged and decide what your punishment shall be. It's only fair that he make suggestions," Optimus gave Bee a small smile. The elder mech then set the little one down on the floor, expecting the child to run off and play. He was surprised when the youngling didn't.

Bumblebee requested that Optimus continue his tutelage in regards to the history of their world and the deeds of their race. His guardian was quite the historian and was full of knowledge. His lessons sometimes made his processor spin. Bee was always eager to learn more. The Prime was very good at telling stories.

He learned about Primus and Unicron and the creation of all life in the universe as well as the never-ending destruction that evil wrought. Bee listened intently as Optimus told him about the original thirteen Primes and about the Fallen. Unicron and the Fallen were defeated and cast out-Damned for eternity but would not remain so. It was foretold that someday the Evil One would return. The youngling was surprised when Optimus revealed that sometime after the original Cybertronians were created and began to procreate that some of their children defied Primus and in an act of rebellion attempted to resurrect Unicron. A few of the orginal Primes were forced to slay their own children to prevent the Chaos Bringer's return. It had been a tragedy but it would serve as a constant reminder to following generations concerning the dangers of falling to evil's sway. Thus Bumblebee learned what 'temptation' meant and the catastrophic consequences for giving in to them. Optimus warned the child that should he ever choose in the future to turn his back on Primus, their Lifegiver, and surrender his spark to Unicron…he would be eternally damned.

Then the youngling got to learn about the history regarding Megatron and the rise of the Decepticons and came to discover that the evil Decepticon leader was a Unicron worshipper. Optimus carefully explained that Unicron was the father of lies while Primus, his rival, was pure truth. Megatron was well known for his deception and lying spirit. Bee was riveted to Optimus's story-telling and his optics never left him for a single astrosecond.

"If ever you find yourself in doubt Bumblebee…listen to your spark. It never lies," Optimus stroked Bee's cheek with a gentle finger as he gazed down on him with all the affection a father could bestow.

"Okay," Bee chirped as he hugged him.

"Now why don't you run along and play?"

"Okay!" The youngling gave him one last hug and then bolted for the door. He ran into Cliffjumper just outside and the two young bots' immediately began to talk. About what, the Autobot Commander didn't know. He smiled softly as he watched the little one wander out of sight and then opened up a private communications line with Prowl.

It was time that they discussed the details concerning Bumblebee's punishment…

"Move along Decepticon scum!" An Autobot soldier pushed a prisoner into an awaiting prison cell with the business end of his blaster rifle.

The Decepticon in question turned around and sneered at his captor.

"Do you treat all of your prisoners this nice?"

"Only the ones who deserve it," the Autobot shot the prisoner an annoyed look.

"And to think, even Megatron treated his young captives better than this," the Decepticon scoffed as the Autobot soldier gave him one last shove.

The Autobot ignored him as he activated the cell's energy bars. They flickered on with a steady hum of solid, electricity.

"What do we do with this other one?" One of the guards questioned as he motioned towards the smallest prisoner who was shackled in stasis cuffs.

"Put him over there in that vacant cell," the soldier commanded.

The two guards did as they were ordered and locked the youngest prisoner in before resuming their posts. They stood rigidly at attention. Once satisfied that their captives were not going to be leaving any time soon, the soldier that roughly escorted the prisoners in, left the brig.

The Decepticon youngling sat silently in his cell and watched the two guards with calculating optics. He had a mission to complete and so far…everything was going according to plan. The elder Con turned to regard his younger comrade and began to mock him.

"Some Decepticon you turned out to be. You became an Autobot prisoner the first week out on patrol. Congratulations kid. You're a disgrace…" the elder Con spat with contempt.

The youngling remained silent and didn't bother looking the other in the optic and chose to focus his gaze directly ahead. His posture was completely relaxed as he sat cross legged with hands out in a meditative state.

"What, you're not going to grace me with a response? You really should respect your superiors…" the Con continued as his demeanor grew darker.

The elder Con imprisoned in the cell next door was playing his role rather well. The youngling just hoped he didn't bury himself in the part…

The youngling continued to ignore him. It seemed to infuriate his companion all the more.

"You should ANSWER me when I'm TALKING to you! You damned scraplet…"

"Shut up or shut down Decepticon!" One of the guards ordered with a growl.

"Stay out of this Autobot punk! This don't concern you…"

As the elder Con continued to harass the child, the Autobots grew more and more agitated. They began to shout at the prisoner and eagerly jumped to the little one's defense. Autobots. So predictable. A small smirk gradually formed on the youngling's lip components.

Oh yes…things were going exactly as planned.

Bumblebee ran into the twins again sometime after Cliffjumper was called back home by his guardian. At first he didn't want to talk to them and gave them the silent treatment but in the end he just couldn't stay mad at them.

"We promised to get you inside wherever it is you want to go! So, how about it?"

"Which compound shall we break into first?" Sideswipe grinned as he held up his hacking device.

Bumblebee hesitated. He was already in enough trouble with his father and Prowl. If he got caught…

"You won't get caught," Sunny encouraged him almost as if reading his thoughts.

"We will be your lookouts and will let you know if anyone is coming."

"If anyone catches us…we promise that WE will take the blame this time, okay little buddy?"

After a moment of silently debating with himself, Bumblebee finally relented.

"Okay. I need you guys to get me inside the prison block."

"The prison block? Seriously?" Sideswipe looked at him with extreme confusion. If anything, the red youngling would have thought that Bee would have wanted a closer look at the armory and the mounds of weapons stashed inside that lovely treasure hoard of raw firepower.

"Yeah. I know it sounds dumb. But I heard that the Autobots captured a Decepticon youngling…I want to go see who it is."

The twins shifted uncomfortably and shared doubtful looks between themselves.

"I don't know if that's such a good idea little buddy. That's like…the WORST possible off limits area in the entire base."

"We would ALL fry for that one if we get caught," Sideswipe cautioned.

"Please you guys? Come on…I took the full blame for your stupid prank earlier!"

"Bee…you're talking about the BRIG! The worst war criminals go there!" Sunny argued with a huff.

"You guys owe me!" Bumblebee angrily stomped the floor with one foot and crossed his arms with a defiant glare.

Sides took a step in front of his brother and placed a hand on his twin's arm.

"Come on Sunny, the prisoners are all locked up. What harm would it do for Bee to take a quick peek?"

The yellow twin scowled at his brother as he waged an internal war between loyalty and logic. Eventually he made his choice.

"Fine. I'll help. BUT we are forgetting something…there are security cameras watching the brig. And there are two armed security guards down there."

"Leave the guards to me."

"I guess I'll be the one to take care of the cameras…" Sunny massaged his forehead as if he had a processor ache.

"Great, then let's get started!"

"This is such a bad idea…" the yellow twin grumbled as he headed off to cut the camera feeds. There was a circuit breaker panel just down the hall. All he had to do was cut the main power cable and cross two others to prevent the back-up monitors from activating. Once he was in place he contacted his brother.

::I'm all set Sides::

::Give me a minute. Still working on the guards::

::Tell Bee he will only have about five minutes before the security team realizes the cameras have been tampered with and come to investigate with a whole squadron::

::Will do::

Sideswipe had Bee hide while he activated a voice modulator. He opened the door and called down the stairs disguised as the voice of none other than Optimus Prime.

"Guards! I need you to report to Ironhide immediately for a weapons check. Someone will be down shortly to relieve you."

"Sir, we cannot abandon our post until we have been relieved in person."

"Are you defying a direct order soldier? Perhaps you would like to spend time in the brig…"

"I'm sorry, Sir. Protocol dictates that-"

"Insubordination will not be tolerated. I COMMAND you to report to Ironhide immediately!"

"Yes, Sir."

Sideswipe tried very hard not to break down in a fit of laughter in between his rather clever dialogue. He went and hid with Bee just as the two troopers emerged from the prison level. They looked around in confusion.

"Where is Optimus?"

"How the scrap should I know? Look, orders are orders. We need to go."

"What about the prisoners?"

"The prisoners are locked up and they are being monitored by our security cams. They aren't going anywhere. Besides, Prime said someone will be down in a minute to watch them for us. Let's just go and get this over with…"

The two troops left, leaving the brig unguarded.

::Now Sunny. The guards left::

Sunny disabled the security monitors while Sides kept watch just outside the door.

"Go ahead Bee. Just be careful. Don't get too close to the prisoners. AND HURRY! We don't have much time."

"Okay," Bee scrambled out of his hiding place and headed down the stairs. He slowed his pace and stopped on the lowest step when his optics caught sight of two Decepticons. One was a large, brutish orange and black armored mech that sort of reminded him of an evil Ironhide. That Con was recharging. The other WAS a Decepticon youngling!

Going against his better judgment, the curious Autobot child approached the cell of the smallest prisoner. The young mech appeared to be meditating but opened his blood red optics when he heard Bumblebee approaching. He slowly stood and regarded the yellow bot.

The two simply stared at each other.

Bumblebee was the one to break the silence.

"What's your name?"

"Deathbringer. What's yours?"

"Bumblebee. How did you get a name like 'Deathbringer'?" the yellow youngling questioned with mild confusion as he cocked his helm to the side.

"It's a Decepticon thing. You wouldn't understand," the black armored mechling responded with a small smirk.

The two resumed their staring contest. Now it was the Decepticon youngling who broke the silence.

"You would make a good Decepticon Bumblebee. I can see you were clever enough to disable the security feeds and lure the guards out. I couldn't have done it better myself."

"I had help," Bee replied flatly as he narrowed optics on the other.

"Even so, you have talent. Megatron could use a bot like you."

"Thanks but no thanks. This is my home."

Unbeknownst to Bumblebee, the elder Con had been faking recharge and had been listening to the young ones' conversation the entire time. He cracked an optic open to catch a glimpse of the yellow mechling and snapped a picture. The Autobots were all fools. They never knew that he was a plant. Ever since his capture he had been documenting every surrounding detail. He now knew the number of troops stationed at this outpost, their firepower, the number of younglings currently in the Autobot's possession as well as their current location. And the bots were going to be in for a grand surprise once his little companion revealed the truth behind his capture. He closed his optics again and resumed his 'recharge'.

Bumblebee's attention was jerked away momentarily when a familiar voice echoed down to him from the top of the stairs.

"BEE! IT'S TIME TO LEAVE!" Sideswipe hissed down at him.

"OKAY! I'M COMING!"

Bee turned to wish the other youngling farewell, only to notice that he had a small gash on his arm.

"You're bleeding!" the yellow mechling gaped in disbelief. Why hadn't the elder Autobots seen to his injury? Wait a minute. Come to think of it…Bee was almost positive the wound wasn't there a moment ago.

The Decepticon youngling looked down at his arm in mild shock and clamped a hand over his wound to stem the blood flow.

"Wow…how did that happened…" the black mechling muttered to himself.

Bumblebee looked around for something in which to help the other youngling and found a small polishing cloth next to one of the guards' computer terminals. He rushed back over with a concerned frown and handed it to the black mechling.

"Thanks…" the Decepticon youngling looked genuinely grateful as he reached a small, energon smeared hand through the energy bars. In the process of taking the proffered cloth, some of the energon that was on the wounded mechling's hand got smeared on Bumblebee's wrist guard. He looked apologetically at the Autobot and gave him a sheepish smile.

"Oops…sorry about that."

"It's okay. I'll wash it off later."

"BEE HURRY UP!" Sides shouted down sounding a little frantic.

"Looks like visiting hours are over," Deathbringer sighed as he held the cloth over his wounded arm.

"You know…you are a strangely polite Decepticon…"

"Really? How many Decepticons have you met?"

"Besides you? None."

"Before you return to your Autobot pals, consider this-not every Decepticon spark is evil." He looked at Bee with an innocent face.

"BEE COME ON!"

"I gotta go!" Bee shouted as he began a hasty retreat.

"Nice meeting you Bumblebee!" the black armored mechling shouted after him. As soon as the yellow Autobot youngling was out of sight, a dark smile formed on Deathbringer's face as his entire demeanor changed into one of wicked delight. The elder Con sat up from the recharge berth he had been resting on and shot the young Decepticon mechling a toothy grin.

"Good work, kid. The Autobots won't even know what hit them. By the time they figure it out, it will be far too late…"

Both of the Decepticon prisoners resumed their previous activities as the original Autobot guards returned to their posts. The youngling slipped the energon soaked cloth into his subspace when the guards weren't looking.

Megatron was definitely going to be pleased with their success…

TO BE CONTINUED!

Author's Note: I know, Cliff hanger… *sigh*…please don't hate me?! Oh and can ANYONE guess what exactly Megatron's evil plot entails regarding the interaction between the two younglings? I'll give you a large energon cake for the first person who figures it out! ;)

HINT: it was mentioned in two of the Transformer Prime episodes.