How'd you like that cliffhanger! MWAHAHAHA HAHA HA! I hate cliffhangers, but I have to admit I like leaving things on cliffhangers. I am evil, I admit it. My dream is world domination, after all.

Xxx

Megatron didn't actually didn't want Optimus to leave the room yet, not so soon after what happened with Arcee, and really, Megatron should be helping the others search for the femme, but the moment Optimus had put the giggling sparkling in his arms, he was lost. Who could resist that face? The blue sparkling was already learning how to crawl. He was playing with his sire's face, babbling at him, trying to engage the larger mech in conversation.

"Really?" Megatron responded. As always, the mech grinned and continued. His excitement grew every time Megatron spoke to him as though he understood what the sparkling was saying.

He's not yours.

Megatron flinched slightly, but refused to allow his face to change, not wanting to startle Draco.

He is Sentinel's. He is your mate's rape child.

Shut up, fragger! Megatron growled into his mind. He is mine! Mine and Optimus. He will always be mine.

For now. But you won't be able to hide his heritage from him forever. Than what will you go.

Megatron held Draco close to his chest, earning him a startled click from the sparkling. Megatron shook, now afraid. What if Draco hated him? What if the others found out, and they hated him?

What if Sentinel comes for him?

No. He would protect him. He was his.

"Even if you hate me, I will always protect you," he promised Draco. "Sire will destroy anyone who tried to hurt you."

Draco purred and tried to pull himself up his chest towards his face. He succeeded and snuggled his cheek against Megatron's, his purrs becoming louder. Megatron smiled softly, a single tear escaping his optics.

He didn't even have time to gasp from the pain in the back of his helm before his body went limp. He watched in horror as Draco fell to the ground, while two sets of hands caught Megatron. Draco went still for a few moments, and Megatron feared the worst. But then he began to cry. Megatron was dragged away and laid out on the berth, allowing him to see his attackers.

He did not expect to see Bulkhead and Breakdown.

It only took Megatron a few seconds to figure it out. It was Sentinel. He had gotten to them while they were all captured. But what shook Megatron up the most were the tears falling from their optics.

"I-I... I'm sss-sorr-rry, m-m-mmy l-l-l-orrrd," Breakdown, fighting the programming with all his might, managed to get out, before he went for Megatron's chest plates.

Megatron screamed through his bond. Please, please not in front of Draco! As soon as Breakdown had Megatron's chest open, Bulkhead opened his own and moved on top of Megatron, his tears landing on Megatron's face as he moved to merge their sparks.

"Primus-"

Had Megatron been able to move, he would have sobbed in relief at the voice. Seconds later, Bulkhead was pulled off of Megatron. Megatron couldn't see what was happening, but he heard a lot of metal crashing against metal and Draco's crying beginning to fade, comforted by his carrier's presence. It seemed like forever before Ratchet came in, having followed Optimus, and closed his chest. He then reached behind Megatron's neck and pulled a small device off. Megatron immediately jumped up and ran to pick Draco up while Optimus knocked Bulkhead out.

Optimus was upset by what he had found, but was proud that he hadn't lost control. He had felt himself begin to slip away, but managed to keep it at bay. After knocking the green mech unconscious, he turned to find Ratchet watched Megatron as he cradled their sparkling, who was still sniffling, rocking slightly. Optimus knelt down next to his mate, sending waves of comfort and affection through the bond. Megatron leaned against Optimus, allowing him to wrap his arms around him. Megatron sighed and relaxed, purring softly.

Megatron's optics snapped online suddenly, and he jumped up after handing Draco to Optimus. He handed the sparkling to Optimus and ran down the hall to the med bay, where he knew Soundwave was. He ran into Knock Out along the way.

"Knock-"

"STAY AWAY!" Knock Out screamed.

Megatron froze.

"Programming... targeting..." Knock Out struggled to get out.

"Telepaths?" Megatron growled. "Where's Soundwave?"

"Left med bay... before... must..."

"Find Shockwave," Megatron finished. "Go. I'll find Bumblebee and Starscream."

xxx

"Get out," Dreadwing hissed.

Bumblebee blinked.

"GET OUT!" he screamed.

"Wha-? What-"

"I SAID GET OUT!"

"I don't understand, what did I-"

"I DON'T WANT TO SEE YOU AGAIN!" Dreadwing screamed.

Dreadwing had to keep himself from reacting when Bumblebee's optics widened in shock and pain. The yellow mech tried and failed to fight the tears as he ran out of the room. Dreadwing collasped against the wall the moment the door closed, panting.

"I'm sorry, bee... I..."

xxx

Megatron collapsed on his berth, exhausted. Optimus pulled Megatron over onto his chest and Megatron sighed, a sound mixed with relief and regret. Optimus said nothing, just soothed him through his presence and their bond. They had managed to save almost everyone. All except one.

They couldn't save Starscream.

They had found Arcee, who was leaning against the wall, her optics blank. The broken look on her face told Megatron everything. They had looked everywhere for the seeker in vain.

Starscream was missing.