I went and saw CARS 2 today! I liked the first one better, of course, but CARS 2 was pretty good as well, and quite fun! :)

I have gotten a deviantART account! Thanks for the encouragement, Jacqueline Walker :) So, now you all can see some of the things I've draw. I have the same username on deviantART as I do for FanFiction, "Cairistona," and I've put a direct link to my deviantART profile on my FanFiction profile. I put up a picture of Prowl watching as sparkling Bumblebee spins around on a twisted swing, an incident mentioned back in Chapter 32, "Tumbles, Pranks, and Tricks." Check it out! :D

Chapter 35

Learning Some Things and Keeping a Promise

Auri was jumping off the swing for the eighth time when she saw Prowl approaching at a slow walk.

"HI, PROWL!" she called as she landed. He raised a hand in greeting and continued his gait.

{I wonder what he's up to}, Bee signed. He was hanging upside down quite happily.

"There's no telling what Prowl is up to." Auri said, climbing back onto the swing. "But it looks like he's coming over to us. Oh, no. I hope the liaison doesn't want my help with something. He's been more annoying than even since he found out that I can find files very quickly. I was a little too helpful once before Prowl could stop me." She tucked her wings back and jumped off. "Hello, commander." She greeted Prowl as he stepped under the frame.

"Hello." He said, looking around.

"Are you feeling better?" Auri asked.

"A little less sore." Prowl replied. "Thank-you."

{Why are you here?}, Bee asked, still hanging.

A corner of Prowl's mouth dipped down. "Ratchet ordered me to take a break for an hour. He told me to watch you two and learn something."

"Learn what?" Auri asked, leaning on the swing.

"That is what I asked him." Prowl said, shaking his head. "He said something about life and living."

"'Just wanna have fun!'" Bee played a lively music clip.

Prowl didn't care for the idea and didn't reply.

"Well, we're having lots of fun." Auri said, though uncertain how to go on; she was well aware of how Prowl felt about fun.

"I am sure." Prowl said, "I will just watch."

::A lot of good that will do him.:: Bee sent over the comm. to Auri. He rarely used sarcasm, but he did this time.

::Yeah, I know. He's obstinate, though… have you any ideas?:: Auri sent back.

::No, sadly. Poor Prowl. He's too, too serious.::

::Yeah…::

Auri looked over at Prowl, who was looking away. "Do you want a turn on the swing?" she asked on a wild whim. She held back a giggle at the way his wings flitted up and back at such a preposterous notion.

"No, thank-you." He replied, ever courteous.

"'You probably couldn't handle it any way.'" Bee jibed using a line from the movie, Cars.

Prowl turned around, an optic-ridge raised. "Indulging in playground taunts?"

"Whatever gets the job done." Bee replied pertly.

"Playground taunts get you sent home for being a brat." Prowl stated.

"'And you know this how?'" Bee asked, winking at Auri.

"Common knowledge, and I saw it happen." Prowl replied. "Stop this now, younglings; I will not put up with it."

"Watchya gonna do? Tell on us?" Bee swung a little, mockingly.

"Please," Prowl entreated, "I am having a stressful day; please do not add to the stress."

"Just take one turn on the swing and then we'll let you be." Auri said, prompted by Bee over the intercom. She actually felt terrible for picking on him.

"So be it." Prowl said resignedly. Auri got off the swing and presented it to him. He scooted on with a grim look.

Auri climbed onto the frame near Bee.

"'Don't try this.'" Bee told her, indicating his upside state.

"Why?"

"If you fall and hurt yourself," Prowl said, "We will never hear the end of it."

"Ah." Auri said. He had a good point. He could also make the swing go high very well. "Maybe tomorrow I can try it?"

{Maybe you can just play it safe.} Bee signed with a stern look.

"I missed out on hanging upside on a jungle-gym, too." Auri said, sighing.

"You are trying to catch up on the things you missed as a sparkling?" Prowl asked. He had the swing about as high as it could go now.

"Sort of." Auri said. "It seems I missed a lot."

"Getting spanked, falling off swings, getting dizzy and falling on your face…" Prowl listed, "Certainly something you want to catch up on."

Bee rolled his optics. {Candy, swings, tickles, slides, laughing so hard you can't stop.}, he signed.

"What Bee said: Candy, swings, tickles, slides, laughing so hard you can't stop" Auri said. "I've never been on a slide."

"Wonderful things for falling off of." Prowl said, "Or, slide down, and then try to climb up again, slip and slide down backwards and hit your chin on the edge and make it ooze Energon. Very fun."

"You horrid cynic!" Auri exclaimed.

Prowl was amazed at her response. Nobody ever had the audacity to call him horrid.

"I'm sure you had more good times on a slide than bad!" Auri said forcefully.

"Well…Yes." He admitted after a moment.

Auri seemed satisfied with that and said no more.

"May I get off now?" Prowl asked.

Auri nodded. "Only if you jump."

Prowl jumped and did a stunning back flip, landing perfectly with his arms outspread.

"OOOoooh!" Auri was delighted with this. "That was splendid! Will you do that again, please?"

Prowl caught the swing. Bee looked a tiny bit annoyed at being outshone. "No." Prowl said, "It is somebody else's turn."

"Bee?" Bee took a turn, and Prowl went over to where Auri was leaning on the framing.

"You have caught up on swings and eating candy, and taunting someone on the playground, what is next?" He asked.

"I don't know yet," Auri said. Then she paused thoughtfully then added, "But I think that's part of the fun."

"Not knowing what comes next is… fun?" Prowl hated not knowing what was going to happen next.

Auri nodded.

"Oh." Prowl watched Bee gain altitude.

Bee jumped off, copying Prowl's magnificent back flip quite well. He landed neatly.

"Nice!" Auri cheered.

Bee looked very pleased,

"Bee-!" Prowl started, but he was too late. The swing smacked Bee in the head from behind.

"OW!" Bee yelped, putting his hands over his head. "Arrrrr!"

Auri ran over, "Oh, Bee! Are you alright?"

Bee nodded even though it was obvious that his head had to smart. "Ow." He muttered.

"Here," Auri said, leading him away from the swing and motioning him to sit. He sat, and she knelt, taking out her standard-issue first-aid-kit. "There should be something…"

Bee pointed out a small ice-pack-like object.

"Oh, of course!" She took it out and put it on top of his head. He repositioned it and held it in place. "You can take a turn on the swing, Prowl." She called over her shoulder.

'She thinks life is a game.' Prowl though as he got on the swing. He swung slowly. 'Everything is a game: Whoopsie, Bee got hurt, let's play doctor. Uh-oh, the liaison is mad, let's play like he's a tyrant who we have to serve. It's battle practice time, let's play we're fighting Cons… nothing is serious.' He shook his head. He watched her sitting with Bee, watching her face. It was very solemn. 'I take that back; it is a serious game, but a game nonetheless, and it does not upset her and make her mad. Ratchet should be happy now.'

Prowl kicked and sent the swing almost as high as it could go.

"Are you going to jump?" Auri asked eagerly as she and Bee turned their attentions to him.

"Yes." He said, his begrudging tone of voice gone.

He reached the maximum height and then jumped, flipping, and then catching sight of Optimus Prime in his alt-mode watching.

PRIME!

WHAM!

Prowl gazed up at the sky. Ratchet was going to have a field-day when he, Prowl, walked in having fallen off the swing.

Prime's face blocked his views of the sky. "Are you alright, Prowl?"

"I fell." Prowl stated crossly, daring to be short with Prime.

Prime extended a hand to him, and he felt an immediate rush of shame. He knew it he shouldn't have responded that way. He grasped Prime's hand, and his leader helped him to his feet. He winced.

"It was my fault."Prime said, "I apologize."

"It is alright." Prowl said, "I regret my tone… I apologize for being rude."

"I forgive you, Prowl." Prime said kindly. "Stand still."

Prowl stood still while Prime scanned his back and wings.

"Mainly just bruises?" Prowl asked, wishing Auri and Bee stop staring at him with concerned faces.

"Mainly." Prime said, "There's a minor break in your right connector, though."

Prowl twisted his mouth.

"I can repair it if you will let me." Prime added.

Prowl nodded. "I will." He said. Ratchet would beam him if he showed up a minute too soon in Med-Bay, especially with damaged wings.

Prowl ducked his head and kept perfectly still and silent while Prime mended the small break. Prime had neither the fine tools from Med-Bay, nor Ratchet's skilled fingers… it hurt a bit more than it really needed to. It hurt quite a lot actually.

::I'm almost done, Prowl, hang on a couple more moments.:: Prime reassured him over a private intercom line. He knew he was hurting his officer even though he didn't mean or want to.

The moments soon passed, and Prime patted Prowl gently on the shoulder. "I'm done now." He said.

"Thank-you." Prowl replied, meeting his leader's optics.

"You are welcome" Prime replied. He looked over at Bee and Auri. "You two don't need to look so grim."

"Indeed you do not." Prowl said. "I am fine."

"We're just concerned for your well-being." Auri said gently. "You're our friend, y'know."

Friend? That was one of those words Prowl generally tried to avoid.

"Well, I am fine, assure you." He paused then changed subjects, "Why are you here, Prime?"

"I am here because I made a promise some time ago that I need to keep." Optimus Prime's tone, and the twinkle in his optics, made Bee and Auri instantly curious. Prowl scanned his memories lightly.

"A promise to who?" Auri asked, " –I mean, whom?"

Optimus crouched down so he wasn't towering over her so much. "It was a promise to a little femme who wanted to stand and watch the North Lights shimmer in the sky."

There was a slight delay in Auri's response as she realized that she was the little femme. Then her face lit up with delight. "Are you going to take me to go see them again?" she asked, her excitement building.

Optimus nodded, a gentle smile lighting his expression.

"Oooooooh-!" Auri squealed with delight and grabbed Optimus around the neck to hug him. Although very surprised, he put his arms around her and hugged her back.

"Does that appeal to you?" He asked, pleased with her response.

"Oh! Yes! Yes, sir! It does very much!" Optimus could feel how excited she was. "Oh! -My guardians- I'll have to get permission from my guardians-"

"I have already gotten their permission." He couldn't help but be amused.

She hugged him more tightly. "Thank-you!"

"You are welcome." He said, gently setting her down and smiling at her.

"May Bee come with us?" she asked eagerly, "I know we can't go alone." She added.

"Certainly. Bee may come with us if he likes." Turning to Bee, he already knew that his little scout would be delighted to go along. Bee nodded, looking very happy.

"Oooh… the twins are going to throw a fit." Auri said, looking half amused and half annoyed.

"Let them." Said Prowl, "I can always brig them."

"'Ruthless-!'" Bee exclaimed.

"It's his hobby." Auri said seriously.

"Aurion-Blaze-!" Prowl reprimanded sharply.

Auri winced, and her optics grew wide as if she might cry soon. She hadn't meant to say anything wrong, truly, she hadn't.

Prowl reached out and touched her shoulder. "Do not say that again." He said more gently, seeing her innocence. "It is rude, disrespectful, and untrue."

"I'm sorry, Prowl." Auri said, "I didn't realize that… the twins just said it like fact."

"You were parroting them." Prowl realized aloud.

She nodded.

"That is unadvisable." He said. "Enough now. Do not worry about leaving them to go see the Auroras; they will not doubt survive the separation."

Auri smiled. "Yes, commander." She said. He automatically gave her a slight nod of dismissal then she looked to Optimus. "When will we go?" she asked.

"According to our readings, there should be a good display over the next two days, so you have a bit of a choice." Optimus replied. "When would you like?"

"Oh, as soon as possible!"

"No hesitation there." Optimus commented, amused and pleased, "Very well, we shall meet in four hours at the Land-Bridging device."

Auri paused, calculating the time zones. Then she nodded. "Acknowledged." She said.

Optimus left soon after setting the time, and the three door-winged bots were left to themselves.

Prowl did not condescend to climb of the frame and hang upside-down, and Auri was not allowed to, but Bee did it to his heart's content, and they all took turns on the swing. Even Prowl. True, he was a little stuffy about it, but secretly he was amused that the younglings insisted on him joining their "fun."

He made a final perfect back flip off the swing again, and then bowed slightly. "I take my leave." He said, "Ratchet will be expecting me."

"Alright." Auri said, slipping on to the swing, "Tell him hi for us."

"Very well." Prowl agreed. He narrowed his optics as she twisted the swing once. "Do not try spinning on a twisted swing today, Aurion. You will mostly likely miss out on your trip if you do."

Auri untwisted it quickly. "Oh, dear…! That would be terrible."

"'You spin me right round, baby, / Right round like a record, baby, / right round, round, round…'" Bee played for her amusement, and she giggled.

Prowl went off to Med-Bay, writing on his data-pad as he walked.

Ratchet was waiting for him when he entered. "Well, Prowl?"

Prowl handed him a data-chip and turned to leave.

"Nah!" Ratchet grabbed him by the wing. "You don't get out of this so quickly." He said, motioning Prowl to sit.

Prowl did as ordered, thinking grumbling thoughts about being Second-in-Command and getting treated like he was a sparkling by the Chief Medical Officer.

Ratchet put the chip in his data-pad and opened the single file.

He raised his optic-ridges as Prowl and then proceeded to read the list that came up on the screen.

1. Friends are there to help

2. Do what you must to get the job done

3. Be willing to compromise

4. There is more than one way to view something

5. Do not be afraid to jump

6. What comes next could be fun

7. Not knowing what comes next is part of the fun

8. Watch your head

9. Life is just a game; be serious enough to win, but not so serious that you do not enjoy it

10. Remain focused

11. Friends will help you when you fall/fail

12. Forgiveness is priceless

13. Pride is worthless

14. Hang on for a couple minutes more even when it really hurts

15. Friends are there to look after you

16. Always keep a promise

17. Bring along a friend

18. Delayed gratification may be highly over-rated

19. Friends watch out for you

20. Be careful, but have fun

"Prowl…?" Ratchet eyed the commander. This couldn't be from Prowl's hands… could it?

"Yes?"

"Did you write this?"

"I did." Prowl replied, and Ratchet knew it was true because Prowl was not good at lying in the least unless it was to a Decepticon.

Ratchet looked at the list again. "With no help?"

"With no help." Prowl confirmed "May I go now?" he asked.

"Ah… yes. You may go." Said the astonish medic.

"Thank-you." Prowl got off the berth and turned to leave Med-Bay, rather pleased with himself.

"WAIT!" Ratchet bellowed. "What happened to your door-wing?"

"Door-wing?" Prowl asked as if he didn't have any. "Oh. It is fine." He said.

"What happened to it?" Ratchet demanded.

"Prime fixed it for me after I fell while jumping of the swing." Prowl blurted out then transformed swiftly and shot out of Med-Bay before Ratchet could react.

"PROWL!" Prowl heard the yell as the door slid closed, but he didn't slow down.

In Med-Bay, Ratchet huffed, knowing he would never be able to catch Prowl if he tried to run him down. 'I guess I won't be getting an explanation out of him,' he thought. He looked around, slightly annoyed 'Oh, well, at least I got him to take a break for an hour, if nothing else.'

He went back to work and tried to not go crazy wondering about the details of Prowl's hour off.

OooOOoOoOOooO

Auri had told Ironhide and Chromia bye, and had patiently nodded through their admonitions to be careful, attentive, obedient, respectful, patient, polite, and to not pout when she had to go back, to not beg for more, and to not get into any trouble. Now she was hugging them.

"One thing I forgot to add," Ironhide said.

"Yes, sir…?" Auri had almost heard enough, but she still loved him.

"Enjoy your outing."

Auri grinned. "I will enjoy it immensely!" she said, nodding happily. "I will very, very much!"

Ironhide chuckled at her enthusiasm and gave her a pat. "I know you will."

"Well, I must not be late. You two enjoy your…uh, time."

Ironhide hid a broad grin. "Oh, you can count on it."

Chromia gave Auri one last hug and kissed her before letting her leave.

Auri finally got out the door and headed down the road. 'Honestly! You'd think I was leaving for the rest of my life and going completely alone.' She giggled to herself. 'It's not like Optimus Prime can't look after me. If he can't, nobody can.'

She met Bee at the Land-Bridging device. It was fully complete and functional, and it had been for a couple weeks. Prowl had simply told the liaison that it wasn't done because the building wasn't entirely finished.

"Are you ready?" Auri asked in an excited, hushed tone.

Bee nodded, his optics flashing with anticipation.

"Where's Optimus?"

"'Late!'"

"Uh-oh." Auri wasn't sure whether to be amused or concerned.

Bee shrugged, not too concerned.

"Has your balancing system completely recovered?" Auri asked.

Bee nodded. He had no idea why he had even twisted up the swing and spun around, but he had, and there was no denying that he'd been a little less than steady when he gotten off.

They waited about ten minutes, and then the well-known Peterbilt truck came down the road in high gear.

"I apologize, younglings." Optimus said as he transformed.

"It's alright." Auri said as Bee signed the same thing. They could both sense that Optimus was less than happy and not at all content. "Has something come up? –do we need to put off until next evening?" Auri asked.

Optimus smiled at her thoughtfulness. "No." he said, "Nothing has come up, and we are not putting this outing off. You are ready?"

Both little bots nodded, and Optimus motioned them to follow him. He focused on them and on getting to see the auroras; he pushed away his darker feelings and masked them so the little ones would not pick up on them.

He signed the three of them into the record and put down their intended destination. Then he got a small device for each of them; one he kept, the other two he gave to Auri and Bee, explaining that they would reopen the land-bridge on command. "Do not lose them." He warned.

Then, after he entered the desired coordinates, they were ready to go.

He activated the bridge, and Auri grabbed Bee in fright, having never seen the bridge in operation. Optimus took her gently by the hand, prying her off Bee, and led her through. Bee followed.

It was late evening at their new location. They were in a lovely wilderness with gently rolling hills, and there were mountains in the distance. There was a trace of sunlight left near the horizon although the sun had been down for some time.

The three Autobots walked a little ways and found a good place to sit. Optimus scanned the area, making sure it was secure, and then looked down at his young charges. They were gazing at the sky, wonder glowing in their optics. The sky was untainted by light-pollution and many, many more stars were visible than were visible at NEST.

Auri and Bee marveled excitedly over the intercom with each other, pointing out constellations and making comments on the beauty of it all. Optimus gazed on the sky in silence. The two little bots had the com open to him, and he could hear their chatter, but he saw no need to add his two-bits. He tuned them down and drank in the peace and serenity of the quiet night.

"Oh!" Auri cried out softly with delight, "There!" she pointed to their left. A band of color was showing up against the dark sky, a stunning green aurora tinged with purple. She watched the colors almost as if mesmerized by them. They were, she thought, the most wonderful things she had even seen.

She peeked over at Bee. He had a looked of pleased wonder on his face, much the one on her own face. He turned and smiled at her. "It's so pretty, isn't it?" he whispered in his own voice.

Auri nodded. "I love it."

"If we scoot down the hill a little ways, we could see a reflection in the lake."

"Okay."

Auri whispered to Optimus their intentions.

"Alright," he whispered back, "Only do not go too far."

"Yes, sir." Auri replied, and then she and Bee went down the hill a little ways.

The reflection was splendid. Auri had never seen Auroras reflected in water before, and it was even more fascinating then actually seeing the Auroras.

Optimus watched from where he was. He watched the sky as well as the little Autobots. He knew they wouldn't misbehave; he just enjoyed watching the younglings interact. Ratchet had caught him earlier that day and demanded to know what had gone on at the swing, and he'd told the medic all that he could. And Ratchet had told him about Bee falling on the ground while practicing a jump, and Auri getting hurt while trying to jump, and Ratchet had told him about giving them candy and the various reactions. Optimus had enjoyed that.

He wished he could just hang around and be a part of the little ones' lives in a fun way, rather than always having to be in one meeting or another, dealing with Decepticons, and dealing with all the hundred other things a Prime had to deal with.

Oh, to be free from serious responsibility for just a few weeks…! He pushed the thought away, knowing he could not do that. He could take a day off now and then, but never a week. Perhaps when the war was over, his job would be less time consuming. That would be good. He would give it his all, though, until it was over.

CRASH!

"YAH!" Optimus yelled as he rolled, knocked over by the impact of the metal body that hit him.

Bee and Auri jumped up with weapons ready, but they lowered them as the recognized Optimus's assailant.

Elita laughed and came up on top of Optimus as he stopped rolling.

He blinked his optics in amazement at the femme on his chest. "Hi." He said, slightly stunned. She was here! She had been able to come, and she felt marvelous.

"Hi…" she was warm and smooth, sending a thrill through his chassis. "You looked at little lonely," she said softly, and he could hardly wait for her to go on in her wonderful voice. She did, and it was heaven, "So, I thought," she interrupted herself by kissing him, "I would," she kissed him again, and it was awesome,"Stop," kiss, "And," kiss, "See," kiss, "If,"

"We are right here!" Auri squeaked.

Elita froze. She put her head up, and Optimus turned his. Rolling down the hill had put them right beside Auri and Bee.

"You… weren't alone." Elita said, her face warming up.

"Er… no, I was not." Optimus said. He had completely forgotten about the two younglings once she'd shown up.

"Why didn't you say so then?" she protested as she rolled off and sat beside him.

"You knocked all thought of others out of my head." He said, sitting up.

"That's a good line," Bee whispered, and Auri giggled softly.

"Besides," Optimus added, slipping an arm around her, "I liked where you were going." He leaned forward to kiss her.

She put up her hand to stop him. He paused, thwarted, but not for long. He took her hand and kissed the fine fingers. She gave a little warning look.

"I promise I'll behave." He whispered, and that settled it. She stayed with him, happy to be there beside him, close.

Auri and Bee grinned at each other, now sensing Optimus Prime's joy. He'd been sad earlier because Elita hadn't been coming along; now she was here and it was perfect.

Auri sighed as sigh of deep contentment. Prowl had made it past Ratchet and was satisfied as could be, Optimus and Elita were happy, Ironhide and Chromia were happy, she had three cool mechs for her best friends, one of them was beside her, and she was in the prettiest place on earth, watching the Auroras.

She felt certain that her old guardian would be quite content with how well she was. He would probably be sorry that he couldn't have shared time like this with her, but he'd be glad that she was able to enjoy it now with others. He might be a little jealous that she was so completely happy without him, but he would still be glad that she was happy.

She pushed the thoughts of her old guardian away, lest she get forlorn missing him, and refocused on the beauty and friendship that surrounded her. And she was quite happy.

Don't forget to check out my deviantART page (Yeah, I only have four pictures up, but I'll have more later).

http : / cairistona. deviantart. com /

And don't forget to review! ;) I love everybody's reviews, even the short ones. :)