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 12

Ratchet waited for almost two joors. He went inside the store to check on her. "Safire, it's getting late into the afternoon. Safire?"

"Oh, I'm almost done," she said as she came forward from a back row of models and trinkets. "Sorry…I got lost in all these amazing books and items."

"It's alright. We should get back soon. It's late into the afternoon and we need to refuel soon."

"Oh, alright. I'll just finish looking at a few things and I'll be ready to pay."

"You know what, I'll go to Miss Silvia's and get us some energon for the way home."

"She's open already? She was only released a deca-cycle (week) ago."

"HeatSpot is helping her until she feels well enough to do it on her own. Besides, you be amazed how quickly Grapple and Hoist can rebuild a building."

"Oh…that's great. I'll meet you at the pub then," she smiled. Ratchet smiled back as he left. Starscream grinned and waited for the right moment. He watched Safire and the other Cybertronians in the store as Ratchet kept getting further down the street. He waited until Safire had paid and started to exit. He took off his disguise and pounced on her, snatching her up. "RATCHET!" she screamed.

"Silence you drone!" he yelled as he transformed, locking her into his cockpit.

"Help me please!" she cried, muffled from the take off and the glass of the cockpit. Starscream flew off into atmosphere of the planet, rushing back to the Decepticon base. Ratchet got a bad feeling in his spark as he entered Miss Silvia's pub. He immediately turned right back out the door.

"Safire? Safire! Where are you?" he called as he ran back. He found her pile of the medical supplies mixed with a few books and a broken model of Cybertron and its moons. A broken music player and CD were there as well. "SAFIRE!" He looked around frantically for her.

"You looking for that powder blue little youngling?" the shop owner asked as he came out. "I saw some flying jet fly off with her. I think he might have had a Decepticon symbol on his wings. I'm not sure."

"Starscream… That slagger!"

"Hey, take it easy."

"How can I?" he shouted. He picked up the items she dropped and stored them as he transformed. He raced off back to base. How could I have let this happen?

Prowl and Jazz were talking to Optimus when Ratchet came back. "Hey Ratch, where's Safire?" Jazz asked when he saw him.

He just sighed sadly and grumbled, cursing Starscream under his breath. "Prime, we need to talk ALONE."

"Ratchet what is it that you can't say in front of me and Jazz?" Prowl asked.

"And you never answered my question. Where's Safire? She was with ya and now she's not." Ratchet sighed.

"C'mon, something's got you upset and I think it has to do with Safire missing. Let's go talk in my office," Optimus said as he put an arm around the medic to lead him away.

"Wait for us!" Jazz said until Prowl placed a hand on his shoulder. "Why ya stop me?"

"I believe if we are there it will just make Ratchet more upset. Optimus will tell us soon."

"Nothing upsets the Doc Bot. I think he's hiding the real reason she isn't here. I want some answers..."

"Jazz..."

"I'm just as worried about her!"

"So am I Jazz, but I think the reason he wanted to talk to Optimus alone is because he doesn't want us to get even more worried."

"...But..."

"Jazz, if he's this upset about what happened, you pressuring him will only make it worse."

"I guess ya right."

Prowl only smiled. "Let's wait in the Recreation Room."

"Okay."

In Prime's office. Optimus was speechless in disbelief. "...I...I should just submit my resignation now... How could I have been so careless!"

"It wasn't your fault Ratchet. You had no idea Starscream was following the both of you."

"I should have known! I should sense something wasn't right. I shouldn't have left her alone!"

"If it were Gadget or Wheeljack, would you feel the same?"
"...No... They're both capable of defending themselves."

"Then it has nothing to do with you leaving her alone. You had no idea Starscream wanted her for any reason."

"But she was under MY supervision!"

"Ratchet...I'm not letting you beat yourself up over this. You are NOT resigning, I won't allow it. Sitting here arguing about who's fault it is isn't going to save her or bring her back. We need to move now if she has any chance of getting back home safely and in one piece." Ratchet sighed heavily. "I'll get Ironhide involved and we'll go."

"What about Prowl and Jazz?"

"We're going to go tell them together."

"...Right..." Optimus placed a hand on his shoulder and the two left his office.

Meanwhile, in Decepticon Headquarters, Starscream came before Megatron. Safire was whimpering, shaking, and crying. He held her in his grip with a fabric muzzle around her. "Look who I have, Lord Megatron."

"Ah, you brought the piece of scrap. Good. It seems I can rely on you for something," he grinned.

"Kneel before Lord Megatron!" Starscream demanded as he pushed Safire to her knees. Safire whimpered.

She was forced to bow. "Amazing...how you live..." Megatron spoke softly in his creepy, chilling voice. "Now, tell me how you did it."

"...I...I don't know..." She knew it was Primus, the creator of all Cybertronian life. There was nothing else that could give life like him.

"There are other ways to find out, Lord Megatron."

"...Yes...but I want answers first..."

"...I...It wasn't science... It...It was Primus... H-he...spoke to me..."

"Primus, she says." Starscream said with a huff.

"A miracle of science..." smiled Megatron. "Go then. Go examine your new specimen. Report all your findings to me. You may be of use to me, young one...if you survive..." Starscream couldn't help but smile. Safire whimpered some more as Starscream dragged her away.

She was lead to his lab. He closed and locked the doors to his private laboratory. He released Safire of her bonds. She immediately tried to escape. "Somebody help me!"

"Be quiet, no one can help you now." Starscream sneered. She broke into sobs. He grabbed her and strapped her to his work table.

"My friends will come!"

"There may not be anything left," Starscream laughed.

"You, you monster!"

"Be quiet!" he said as he cut open her throat and removed her vocalizer. She could not audibly yell in pain, but she still showed all the physical signs. Starscream laughed. To see her suffer with out the annoyance of hearing her. "Let's see what makes you tick, shall we?" She tried to squirm against the restraints to no avail. "Fool...you are mine now..." He laughed. He forced her head up and disabled her moter relays. He loved her look of fear as smirked down at her. Tears still flowed down her face. He forced open her chest and examined it. He saw her working spark. "So it's true..." He hooked up diagnostics to it to study it. "Fascinating..."

He let the diagnostics gather information for him as he moved to her head. He took off her helm and opened up her processor. The tears flowed more steadily, even though she couldn't audibly cry or fight back. He slowly picked apart the memory chips and analyzed them. "Interesting." Safire hoped the others will find her soon. "Such mushy memories... It seems those two Autobot scraplings built you..." Safire looked up at him fearfully, hoping he wouldn't hurt them. "Oh, don't worry. I'm not after them. YOU are most important to me," he smirked. He went back into her processor and analyzed the data there. "So...it seems you still have some basic programming from your drone state. This can be useful." He started to block, erase, and reformat some things. He closed her up and put her helmet back on. He closed her chest up. He fixed her motor relays and restored her vocalizer. "Stand up." Safire was unsure but slowly did so. "State your name."

"...My name is... I am unit S 01."

Starscream smiled. "Good. Now who do you obey?"

"You, my master."

"Good, now who is your enemy?"

"...The...The Autobots... But...why do I wear their insignia?"

"Because you are a spy."

"Spy?"

"Yes. I just brought you back from a mission."

"A mission?"

"Yes. You were at the Autobot city of Iacon. I've retrieved the information you brought me."

"Oh, I see. What is my next task?"

"Come, we must report to Megatron."

"Yes master." Starscream smirked as he led her back to Megatron.

Back at Iacon, Gadget got a horrible feeling in her spark. "Is something wrong Gadget?" Wheeljack asked.

"...Safire...I...I felt pain...and now...I barely feel anything."

"I hope nothing is wrong, I know she's been with Ratchet all day."

"I hope not either." Ratchet came in very sadly. Optimus, Prowl and Jazz were behind him. Ironhide waited out in the hall. "Ratchet? What's wrong? Where's Safire?"

"...S-Starscream...he...he took her."

"Oh..." Wheeljack sighed. "Are YOU okay?"

"...Not really... I... I left her at a store to go get some energon for us. Starscream...he must...must have followed us... He took her as soon as I walked away..."

Gadget got angry and upset. "...NO! You! YOU!" she screamed as she came over to Ratchet. Ratchet stood his ground, ready for the rage of the young femme. She hugged him tightly. "You must feel so badly... It wasn't your fault..."

"You're...not mad at me?"

"...No, teacher... If I'm mad at anyone, it's Starscream. I'm sorry..." she said as she rested her head against his shoulder.

"Where is Bumblebee?" Prowl asked when he didn't see his creation in the room.

"I'm not sure," Gadget said. Prowl started to get worried.

"Gadget!" shouted a familiar voice "Did you feel that?"

"Yeah," she said as she looked up at Bumblebee. "Starscream took Safire. He's done something to her."

"When are we going to get going? We shouldn't be standing around talking," Ironhide said as he came into Wheeljack's room.

"Prime sir?" Prowl said as he looked towards Optimus.

"Let's go."

"Us too?" Bumblebee asked.

"No, I think it's best you two stay here," Prowl said.

"But why?"

"It might be dangerous," said Ironhide.

"Besides, this is a very tricky rescue mission. We don't want your emotions clouding your judgement. We want both of you AND Safire to be safe. We'll bring her back as soon as we can," smiled Optimus.

"Okay..."

The group smiled at them and they left. Ratchet turned to them and put a hand on Gadget's shoulder. "I'll bring her back, I promise." Gadget nodded.

Wheeljack came up to them. "Let's go get some energon and wait together in the Recreation Room."

Back at Decepticon headquarters, Megatron was pleased. "She's finished Megatron. It seems she really has a working spark. A miracle indeed."

"You have done will with your new toy..." "You have done well, my loyal spy." Safire kneeled down to show her respects. "Rise," he smiled. "Starscream, can your reprogramming be redone to create more?"

"Yes, Lord Megatron. I had planned on copying her exactly to make more soldiers."

"Good." "You are an excellent spy, my dear. Please continue on your way. You are both dismissed."

"Come along, S 01."

"Yes master." Starscream led her back to his lab. "...Are the Autobots...my enemies?" she asked as she followed him. A small bit of her original self was pushing in on her processor.

"Of course they are." Starscream said "You are a spy. You were made to interact with them and feel part of them. You are NOT one of them. They are our sparked enemies."

"Why is that?"

"Because Megatron's rule is absolute. Prime and his Autobots fight to rule this planet. Megatron fights to keep the peace and maintain order."

"...You lie!"

"WHAT?" he barked, grabbing her arm.

"...I'm so sorry, Master. A glitch of my processor. I understand. Megatron is law."

"That's better." Safire smiled as they entered the laboratory again. "Come this way, I'll show where you're staying."

"Yes master." He brought her over to a cot that was set up in a corner. Safire examined the area. It seemed alright to her. "Have I always stayed with you?"

"Ever since you came to us, Megatron assigned you to me. Unfortunately, with so many of us soldiers, this space was the best I could do."

"Okay."

"Why don't you get some rest? You've had a busy day."

"Yes master." She laid down on the cot and slowly fell asleep. Once she was asleep, he moved her to the work table again. He carefully removed her helm and started to put stronger bypasses on her memory. He linked her up to a computer to analyze and copy her processor.

"We don't want that to happen again." he said to himself.

"My father told me you captured the little droid."

"What do you want, Devitron? She does not concern you."

"She concerns me plenty when that little bug helped make her."

"Not unless Megatron informs me directly. Need I remind you I'm second in command. She is between me and Lord Megatron. You are just annoying me."

"You may be second but Megatron is MY father and he has every right to tell me of these things."

"I doubt he's told you everything and that's the way I'm keeping it, youngling." Starscream made quick work of creating nine copies of Safire's processor. He removed most of her personality components from the copies before storing them away in a secret folder. "Do NOT interfere with my work."

"Very well, but I'll be back."

"No you won't. This is my personal laboratory!" Red optics glared at him before Devitron turned and stomp out of the room. Starscream sighed irritably. "Stupid youngling..." He unplugged her from the computer and closed her back up, placing her back on the cot. He went into the supply area of his lab and started sorting together parts for nine more drones.

Meanwhile the small group of Autobots headed towards the Decepticon base. "I hope we can get to her in time." Prowl said.

"Me too..." Ratchet sighed.

"I'm just ready to disintegrate some 'Cons."

"Autobots, let's move in. We're getting close to their base."

"Right Prime."

Back in Starscream's lab, said mech had nine pairs of arms and legs with empty chassis lying next to them. He was making quick work of drone bodies, having much more engineering and scientific experience. Megatron busted in to Starscream's lab. "Starscream! Are your little toys ready? The Autobots are on their way. Your new drone army would be perfect to use against them."

"I'm almost done, Lord Megatron."

"Good. Be ready. Send the original out with them."

"Of course."

"Let see how Prime will handle this."

"Yes...let's see how this will work."

"I'll expect you within the hour, Starscream."

"I will be ready within that time. By the way, could you please keep you son away from my lab. I don't want his curiosity to cause problems with my work."

"I will try but some day he will take my place as leader of the Decepticons, remember that Starscream."

"I mean only the deepest respects, my Lord."

"Very well. I will keep him out of your way, but if I want him involved I do not need your permission."

"As you wish my Lord." Megatron left with a smile. Starscream got back to work, putting the drone bodies together. When he was done he went over to wake up Safire.

"What's wrong, master?"

"Megatron has a new mission for you."

"I see." He led her over to the waiting drones. They had just been uploaded with her programming.

"These are your soldiers to command."

"Mine?"

"Yours. They are programmed to listen to me and Megatron as well."

"Thank you, Master Starscream," she bowed.

"Come, the Autobots must be here by now."

"Right. Soldiers! Rise!" The drones stood and followed her out of the laboratory. The group walked down the hall and met up with Megatron and the others at the entrance to the base.

"The Autobots are here. Let's destroy them!" yelled Megatron as the Decepticons rushed out to meet the rescue team.

"Soldiers, you have your orders! Follow me into battle! We must destroy the Autobots!" Safire cried as she rushed in behind.

"Autobots! Prepare for battle! Remember, rescuing Safire is our main priority!"

"I'm gonna blast my way through!" Ironhide cried as he rushed in. Ratchet fought off the oncoming waves of Decepticons, but he spent most of his energy looking for Safire.

"Safire! Safire where are you?" He didn't know if she would be in the heat of this battle or just inside the base. He knew he had to work his way inside because she was most likely locked away in Starscream's lab. "Safire!" Safire was fighting among the Decepticon troops as she heard her name. She stopped fighting and froze. The drones did as well, strongly connected to her by programming. Memories broke free and rushed before her.

"…R-Ra…Ratchet…?" She growled and held her head, as did the drones.

"What! What's happening?" Starscream yelled as he noticed. He ran over to Safire and smacked her over the head. "S 01, what is your glitch!"

"…I…I'm sorry master," she said as she shook her head. She rushed forward and started shooting at Jazz and Prowl. The other drones started shooting at the others.

"Is that… no way…"

"Jazz…you're probably seeing things. It could easily be a battle drone."

"No…look!"

"…It can't be… Why would she be… They've done something to her."

"Stupid Cons!" Jazz yelled shooting through the chaos.

"Jazz wait! You can't just-…!"

"Die Autobot!" yelled Safire as she tackled Jazz.

"Safire stop it! It's me!"

"Safire, whatever they've done to you, you have to fight it," Prowl said as he tried to help.

"…Pr-Prowl…? J-Jazz…? Ahhhh!" The drones froze, some of them falling over. "Noo! I must…destroy you!" The drones began to fight again.

"Safire!" Ratchet yelled as he saw the commotion going on and rushed over.

"…Autobots…destroy…them…" The drones started to twitch and fall over, becoming nothing but scrap.

"NO!" Starscream yelled. "My slave! My army!"

"I don't think so punk!" yelled Ironhide as he shot at him. Optimus was focused on keeping Megatron and his son busy.

"…Safire…" Jazz said as he held Safire tightly. "Ya don't wanna do this… I know you…"

"I…I…I don't…know…!"

"Safire, you can beat it. Come on…"

"I…I…" She fell unconscious onto Jazz from the overload. The drone copies lay useless on the ground, some trampled by the battle.

"Decepticons, we've won. Let's retreat!" Devitron growled and the troops followed Megatron inside.

"I will have my revenge for this…" Starscream hissed as he limped away.

"Safire!" Ratchet yelled as he came over and took her into his arms. Jazz sat up and watched him look her over worriedly.

"Will she be alright?" Prowl asked.

"…She'll be fine. I have some work to do when we get back. Thank Primus she's alright," he sighed as he carefully stood with her. "Let's go." Jazz sighed heavily n worry as the small group of Autobots headed over to Optimus Prime.

"Ratchet?"

"Mission accomplished. Safire's secure."

"Let's move out. Back to base," the Prime said as he transformed and drove off. Ironhide and Prowl followed. Ratchet slowly walked after them, cradling Safire.

"…I never…never let this happen with Gadget…ever… Even when she would run off and get lost… We could always find her before something bad happened…"

"Ratch…" Jazz started as he put a hand on the CMO's shoulder. "It wasn't yer fault. Starscream saw an opportunity and he took it. You were bein' responsible and careful. Ya only went down the street. 'Sides, Safire ain't Gadget. She's not yer daughter so you don't have complete responsibility for her. She wanted to-…"

"Shut up, Jazz," Ratchet practically growled as he whipped around. "As Chief Medical Officer I have 'complete responsibility' over EVERYONE. I'm responsible for what happens to them. I let her out of my sight for a moment… Now… Now she's damaged because of me…"

"Look…if yer upset cause of what Gadget's gonna say, don't be. She already forgave ya for losing Safire in the first place. Why are you beatin' yourself up so badly about her? She's alright now."

"Because it could have been Gadget! Or Wheeljack! Or anyone else! I…I couldn't live with myself if it happened again! Safire's practically a sparkling!"

"…Yer…Yer afraid no one's gonna trust ya anymore? That this scars your reputation?"

"…I…I've seen what mistakes and 'accidents' can do…" Jazz put both his hands on the medic's shoulders.

"Listen, Doc Bot… This ain't gonna change anything. Ya we're in a war now, but so what? We're all family and the Autobots are strong. We're stronger because we support each other and fight for peace and love. Yer the best medic we got and probably the best we'll ever have. Nobody's gonna think any less of ya, 'specially not me or Prowler. I know Gadget and Bee are probably waitin' for us to bring the little lady home. They'll be expectin' you to fix her up good as new too. Come on, Ratch, let's go home. We're fallin' behind," Jazz added with a smile. Ratchet turned around to see Optimus, Ironhide, and Prowl far ahead of them.

"Thanks, Jazz."

"No problem," he smiled.

"Could you load her up?"

"Of course." Ratchet handed Safire over to Jazz and transformed. Jazz carefully laid Safire inside. He waited for Ratchet to secure her inside and close the hatch before transforming. The two raced ahead to catch up with Optimus and the others.

Back at base, Bumblebee and Gadget were waiting for them anxiously. "Is everyone alright?" Gadget asked as Optimus and the group came up to them.

"Yeah, where's Safire?" Bumblebee asked.

"With Ratchet," Optimus said as he looked towards him and Jazz.

Jazz transformed and took Safire out of Ratchet. The medic transformed and took her from the third in command. Bumblebee looked very worried. "...Is...Is she okay...?" Gadget asked.

"She'll be fine little red," Jazz smiled. Ratchet walked down the hall towards Med Bay.

"Thanks for rescuing her." Bumblebee said.

"She's one of us." Prowl said. Ratchet didn't answer but kept walking. "Why don't we go into the rec room so Ratchet can fix her up?"

"But...I...Safire..." Gadget sighed, as she tried to follow.

"She'll be okay. Ratchet will fix her up."

"Go on, Gadget. She's in good hands. I have a feeling Ratchet wants to deal with this on his own," Optimus said as put a hand on her shoulder.

"Come on a nice hot cup of sweet energon will help." Prowl said.

"...Alright..." Prowl smiled and lead the two younger bots towards the rec room.

In Medical Bay, Ratchet laid Safire down on a work table. "I'm so sorry Safire..." He carefully took of her helm and hooked up her processor to a computer. He worked on sorting through everything and reversing the damage. "...Starscream..." he growled. He finished and put her helm back together. He hooked her up to a diagnostic line and started patching the damage she had taken in battle. Ratchet just hoped Safire would forgive him. He cleaned her up and moved her over to a patient berth to finish her recharge. "...I only hope you'll forgive me for what happened..."

"...R-Ratchet...?" He looked over at her from cleaning up. "...Where...Where am I...?"

"Easy Safire, you're in the medical bay."

"...Medical Bay...I...I'm home..." she said with a weak sigh of relief.

"Yeah, I'm sorry Safire..."

"For what?" she asked as she slowly sat up.

"If I didn't take you out with me Starscream would had never captured you..."

"That wasn't your fault. Oh no! My things!" she yelled, trying to get off the berth.

"It's okay Safire they are safe here."

"Really?" she said, sitting back down.

"Really," he smiled. He took them off of the shelve he had set them on. "I...I'm sorry but the model got broken and a few of the books were damaged."

"...Oh...the model..." she sniffled.

"I'm sorry. I took everything because I knew you'd want them. I can fix the model for you."

"You would do that?"

"Because I want too."

Safire smiled and reached out, hugging him. "There's nothing to forgive. Thanks for rescuing me." She started to cough and felt dizzy.

"You should take it easy and lie down. You're not well yet."

"But I'm not tired."

"No but you are still healing."

"Is reading considered resting?"

"I guess it wouldn't hurt." Ratchet said with a smile.

Safire smiled. "Then can I have one of my new books please?"

"Okay, which one you want?"

"The story book." Ratchet smiled and gave her her book.

She smiled and lay down, reading it. "I'll come check on you later. I should go report to the others. Just contact me if you need anything."

"...Okay, I will..." Ratchet smiled and turned down the lights but left the ones around her berth on so she could read. He let the Medical Bay doors close behind him.

As Prowl sat with Bumblebee, he thought about Safire. He would have been even more upset than Ratchet if it had been Bumblebee captured by Starscream. He looked at his creation slowly drinking his energon he had given him. "What's wrong, Prowl?"

"It's nothing little one." Prowl said.

"You sure?"

Prowl smiled at him. "I'm sure."

"What should we do now?"

"Why don't I take you out? We haven't had any bonding time since you've grown."

"Really Prowl?"

"Really, Bumblebee. My work is done for the day." Bumblebee couldn't help but smile. Prowl smiled back. "As soon as you finish, we'll go."

"Okay," smiled Bumblebee. The two smiled at each other as they sipped their energon.

"Yeah," smiled Bumblebee. Prowl smiled and stood up.

"Let me just set the cubes in the washer," he said as he took both empty cubes.

"Here, let me help." Prowl smiled at him.

The two set their cubes into the washer to be cleaned. "Shall we?" Prowl smiled.

"Yeah, where are we going?"

"You'll see."

Bumblebee just smiled happily as he rested his head on Prowl's shoulder. "I'm glad we can spend time together. I miss it."

"Same here." Prowl said. So, the two left the Recreation Room and headed out. Bumblebee still wondered where Prowl was taking him. "Let's go for a drive first," Prowl said as he transformed.

"Okay." Bumblebee said with a smile as the transformed too. Prowl smiled and drove off into the city. Bumblebee followed after him. "What was Praxus like?" Bumblebee asked.

"Why ask that now Bee?" Prowl asked.

"I was just wondering. I never saw the gardens..."

"...Oh... They...They were quite beautiful..."

"Did you go there a lot with your mom and dad?"

"Well..." Prowl sighed.

"Didn't they love you? What's wrong?" Prowl slowed down a bit. "Prowlie?"

"It's nothing..." Prowl said.

"Your parents loved you, right?"

"Yes, I guess you can say that."

"Guess?" Bumblebee asked sadly.

"...I...I had...a birth defect and it was hard growing up. My mother was very excepting and caring. My father...well...he tried..."

"It can't be that bad."

"...Oh...my father loved me... He had a hard time understanding at first..."

"What happen to them?"

"I think...I think they died when the Decepticons attacked Praxus but I'm not sure..."

"Well, maybe that's where we should go. It will help you feel better."

"...But there is nothing left of Praxus..."

"But it could help you feel better."

"...Alright... We can head that way..." Bumblebee smiled. The two then drove towards the direction of Praxus. Bumblebee looked at the scenery as they drove along. Prowl was still a bit unsure as they drove. The scenery turned to destruction and decimation as they continued. "...It was very beautiful once..." Prowl spoke softly.

"...It...It's so sad..."

"Yeah..."

Two vehicles were headed towards them. They transformed and stood guard. "Who are you two? This place is off limits." One spoke.

Prowl recognized them. "...Mom...? ...Dad...?" he spoke quietly.

"Are you friend or foe?" the male asked.

"We're Autobots." Bumblebee said.

"Oh..." said the femme. "Relax, Shadow. They won't hurt us."

"We can't be too careful, Crosswire." the mech said "Deceptions destroyed our city." Prowl pulled back unsure now if they should have come. Sure he was happy to see his parents alive but with his new look he was unsure if they will recognize him.

"Welcome to Praxus, or at least what's left of it," said Crosswire.

"Why are you two all the way out here anyways?" Shadow asked.

"I wanted to see Praxus." Bumblebee said "My guardian always told me how beautiful it was, and the gardens."

"...I see..." sighed Shadow. "There is nothing left of the gardens, I'm sorry to say..."

Prowl held back some more. "Let's go Bee..." he said "We'll go back into Iacon."

"But why? We just got here?"

"...Prowl...? Prowl dear, is that you...?"

"There's no way, Cross. Our son was in a femme frame."

"Prowlie, what are they talking about?" Bumblebee asked.

"It's nothing Bee, let's go." Prowl said.

"No! Please stay..."

"Please Prowlie? Can't we stay?"

It is you smiled Crosswire as she thought to herself.

"I'm sorry Bee. Optimus might need us back at base."

Shadow sensed that Prowl did not want certain secrets revealed. "You know what? I can take the youngling on a tour around here. He's so anxious to stay. I can show him around."

"I don't know..." Prowl said, unsure.

"It'll be alright. We're one of the few mechs left here. I can protect him from any harm."

"Very well..."

"Thank you so much Prowl!" smiled Bumblebee.

"Come on youngling, I'll show you around."

"Okay." Prowl didn't transform until Shadow had taken him a mile or so down the road.

He stretches his doorwings and Crosswire came closer to him. "Prowl?"

"...Hi mother..."

She hugged him tightly. "I missed you soo much! You look so mechly now," she smiled.

"The Autobots CMO did it for me."

"That was nice of them. I like it," she smiled. Prowl smiled a bit back as he glance over to his creation with his dad. "I thank Primus he gave you to me. I'm sorry we only had a femme frame..."

"...You wanted a femme but got me instead..."

"...No... I would have loved you either way," she said, nuzzling into him.

"...What about dad...?"

"He loved you too. It might have taken him a bit to understand, but he loved you. He still does. We both do. Prowl...you're mine and I could never hate you." Prowl smiled a bit at her. "...The youngling...you have a connection to him, don't you?"

"...He's mine..."

"Who's the lucky one that sparked him with you?"

"It's not...I'm lucky that I had Bee but..."

"...No...someone...someone...forced you?"

Prowl nodded. "...A Decepticon..."

"I'm so sorry! It's my fault... It's because of your original frame..."

"It's not your fault mom...I don't blame you..."

"So the little one doesn't know?"

"It's too dangerous right now for him to..."

"Oh, sweetie, I'm sorry... Primus blessed you with a beautiful, sweet mech." She kissed his chevron and put a hand on his chest. "There is so much love here. I know you're taking good care of him." Prowl smiled a bit. Crosswire smiled back and looked at her mate and Bumblebee. "He loves you, doesn't he?"

"Yes...even though he just knows me as his guardian..."

"You should tell him, sweetspark. He needs to know," she sighed as she held his face.

"Not now...to dangerous."

"You're afraid of the one who mated with you?"

"Yes...he's still out there, mom... He wants to kill the both of us..."

"We're always here for you," Crosswire said as she hugged him tightly again. "If you want, we can help protect you both. You can live here with us."

"I can't risk that. He would kill you to. Besides the Autobots needs us."

"...But..."

'Stop smothering him, dear. He's a grown mech with a youngling of his own now.'

"I'm sorry, mother, but I can't endanger you as well. He's protected under the lie and with the Autobots."

"I still miss you." She hugs him again.

"I know, I'm glad you're alright."

"I'm glad you are alright as well."

"It's a pity it's all destroyed. This would have been an awesome place."

"Yes, it was. C'mon, Crosswire. It's time to let them get back." She smiled at her son. He smiled back.

Shadow came over and extended his hand. "It was good to see you, Prowl. 'Feel free to come home anytime you want. I'd like to catch up some time.'"

'Maybe after the war's over.' Shadow nodded as they shook hands. They exchanged smiles.

"Prowlie!" Bumblebee smile happily as he came over and hugs him.

"Ready to go?"

"Can we come back?"

"If the situation permits."

"It was nice meeting you." Bumblebee said to the two.

"Nice meeting you too, youngling," smiled Crosswire.

"Let's go Bee." Prowl said.

"Alright." Crosswire and Shadow waved at them as the two transformed and drove off. Prowl sighed somewhat sadly. He was glad his parents were alive, he just hoped they would be alright in this war.

"You okay Prowl?" Bumblebee asked.

"Yes, I'm fine."

"Okay," Bumblebee said. They two drove back into Iacon. Prowl stopped in front of Miss Silvia's and transformed.

"You want to see Miss Silvia, Bee?"

"Yeah!" Prowl smiled. Bumblebee transformed and the two went in. Prowl looked around for the femme.

"Well hello," she smiled as she saw the two.

"I see you are doing better." Prowl said with a smile.

"Much. HeatSpot is actually getting ready to go back in a few days."

"That's good. He's good at what he does."

Miss Silvia smiled. "It's good to see you two," she smiled. "What can I get ya?"

"What do you want, Bee?" Prowl asked.

"I'll have a regular cup of energon."

"What about you?"

"The same please."

"Okay coming right up." Prowl and Bumblebee smiled at each other as they waited. "Here you go," Miss Silvia smiled as she returned.

"Thank you." Prowl said with a smile.

"Yeah, thanks," agreed Bumblebee.

"Things been going alright these days?"

"Yeah, Prowl took me to where Praxus was." Bumblebee said.

"Oh...I see. I used to have customers from there. I don't think anyone is alive anymore."

"A nice couple is." Bumblebee said with a smile "One of them showed me around."

"I'm from Praxus..." Prowl said slowly.

"Oh? You never told me that." Silvia said.

"I thought I had."

"No. Not even Jazz told me."

"Well...I am..."

"I bet you miss it."

"...Sometimes..."

"We can visit again," smiled Bumblebee.

"...Maybe..."

"That old couple seemed to really like you. We should go back," smiled Bumblebee.

"Some day, Bee."

"...Okay."

"I'll leave ya two alone," smiled Miss Silvia. Prowl silently drank his energon.

Miss Silvia walked away. Bumblebee stared at Prowl. "Prowlie... You okay..."

"...I'm fine..."

"Something's bothering you."

"It's nothing, Bee."

"You're sure?"

"I'm sure."

"Alright, you can tell me anything, Prowl"

"…"

"Prowlie…you can." Bumblebee grabbed Prowl's hands tightly. "I love you. You raised me for as long as I can remember. You can trust me, okay?"

"…I…I know Bee…" Bumblebee got up and hugged Prowl. He smiled and swallowed the truth once again. I'll tell you…someday…at the right time… "Thank you, Bumblebee. I needed that."

"You're welcome, Prowl." Prowl smiled. Bumblebee was about to sit back down when the two got an urgent comm. link.

'Prime, what is it?' answered Prowl.

'Prowl, we have a situation. You two better come back to base.'

'We're coming right away,' replied Bumblebee.

"Come on Bee." Prowl said as he stood up.

"I hope everyone's okay."

"Me as well, Bee." Prowl went over to pay Miss Silvia. "I'm sorry if we have to go so soon, we're needed back at base." he said.

"It's alright. Hurry on your way and be careful."

"We will." Prowl nodded his thanks and the two left. They headed back to Autobot base. Once there, they noticed a heavy battle enusing. Prowl took out his weapons, ready for a fight. "Bumblebee, be careful okay."

"I will, Prowl. You too." Prowl just smiled and the two headed into battle.

"It's about time you showed up! Thanks!" Gadget smiled as she saw Bumblebee.

"Status sir?" Prowl asked as he joins his Prime.

"...We're at a slight advantage right now."

"Soundwave! Send out your minions!"

"As you command, Lord Megatron." He sent out, Ravage, Rumble, Frenzy, and Lazerbeak. The four human sized Decepticons charged into the battle, easily wounding Autobots one by one.

"Primus..." Prowl started to try to come up with a solution about the problem. Gadget fought off Ravage and Frenzy.

"Get OFF me!"

"I'll help!" cried Bumblebee. Rumble and Lazerbeak ran after Bumblebee.

"NO!" Prowl cried as he noticed them going after him. He shot at them. He didn't hit anything vital but it did knock the two of them offline before they could reach Bumblebee.

Prowl sighed and went back to the battle. "Take that!" cried Gadget as she shot Ravage and Frenzy. The two ran off from a warning shot from Bumblebee.

"Megatron, the Autobots are winning!" shouted Starscream.

"SO!" He continued to fight back, watching his soldiers fall.

"Give up Megatron." Optimus said.

He growled and looked at the carnage. "Decepticons! Retreat! We've lost this day! Back to base for repairs!"

Soundwave saw Rumble and Lazerbeak badly wounded and out cold. He slowly went back for them. "Soundwave! Let's go!"

"Megatron..."

"Leave them! That's an order!" Soundwave looked sadly at his beloved creations. He watched Megatron retreat. His loyalty won and left them behind. Prowl looked back at where Rumble and Lazerbeak lay.

"...Prime...?"

"I'm sure Soundwave did not wish to leave them. They might be able to be of use to us."

"But how?"

"We'll find a way. They deserve to live."

"Okay sir."

"Let's take them to the medical bay." Prowl nodded. Gadget and Bumblebee gathered them up and brought them over to him and Optimus.

"Are you okay Bee?" Prowl asked.

"Yes, Prowl, I'm fine."

"That's good." Prowl said with a smile.

"What should we do with these two, Optimus?" asked Gadget.

"We'll think of something."

"Yeah, they deserve to live. I noticed how Soundwave was looking at them. He didn't want to leave them."

"Autobots! Let's get back inside for rest and repairs!" Everyone agreed and headed inside the base. Gadget carefully set Rumble and Lazerbeak on a spare work berth.

"What are you going to do with them?" Bumblebee asked her.

"We'll find something," she smiled. "I'm going to have father fix me up first. Don't worry, Bumblebee."

"Oh... Maybe Prowl can use them? He's always busy with work, he might want to have someone lend a servo or two."

"I'm sure he could use the company. We can suggest it to him later." Bumblebee smiled. He went over to Ratchet who was looking over Autobots. Wheeljack was helping by fixing those less severe. Gadget followed Bumblebee over to him.

"Hey," smiled Wheeljack. "Let's see how you two fared, huh?" He scanned Bumblebee first. "Alright, take a seat." Bumblebee hopped up on the berth. Wheeljack looked him over and patched a few scratches. "Well done, Bee. You only got a few minor injuries." Bumblebee couldn't help but smile at him. "You're up next, Gadget." Bumblebee hoped down so Gadget can use it. She smiled at him and then looked at her adoptive creator. He checked her over and did some scans. He looked over a particularly deep cut. "I suppose this is from Ravage."

"Ow! Yes..."

"Don't worry, we'll fix those in a jiffy."

"I'm not worried, Jackie."

She sat very still as cleaned up the wound and closed it up. He put a patch on it to be safe. "There, good as new."

"Thank you, Grandpa." Wheeljack couldn't help but smile. Gadget smiled back. "I've got to get to work on Rumble and Lazerbeak."

"Don't work too hard. Take it easy for a while."

"I will," she smiled as she walked back over to the two unconscious mechs.

"Has Prowl came in to be check up on?" Bumblebee asked Wheeljack.

"Haven't seen him yet but ask Ratchet just in case."

"Okay." Bumblebee went over to Ratchet, letting Gadget work. She surveyed their injuries and cleaned up the energon first. She felt sorry for them.

Soundwave must be so sad... she thought. She opened both of their chests and worked on repairing gears and critical lines. "Geez! When was the last time these guys had a decent upgrade?" She sighed and started to replace everything she could.

Bumblebee went to find Prowl from learning form Ratchet that he didn't come to the medical bay yet. "Prowl...you should get fixed up."

"I'm fine little one." Prowl said as he worked in his office.

"But...You should at least get a check up."

"After I'm done with some reports."

Bumblebee sighed. "Optimus isn't going to expect the battle reports right away."

"They still need to be done."

He sighed very heavily. "Promise me you'll get fixed up and looked at? RIGHT after, alright? YOU PROMISE?"

"I promise." Bumblebee hugged him and left him alone. Prowl smiled a bit before going back to a report he was doing.