Title: Transformers III The Day That Never Comes

Genre: Action/Drama/Romance

Rating: T for mild language, some strong violence, some crude and sexual humor.

Summary: With a chaotic end approaching, choices must be made that may end one war and will start a new one. Problem is, how will Earth be able to accept their possible fate?

~Chapter Thirty-Three~

An Almost Perfect Ending

Things were A lot different since the party. Because of Jazz's idea of throwing a celebration for Dawn and Sideswipe's wedding and the sparklings coming into everyone's lives, people were a lot more relaxed around the Decepticons.

After mingling with them, seeing them dancing easily with Autobots and humans, they were finally fitting in. The twins, both sets got along well with Skywarp, due to him being childishly innocent for a Decepticon. Plus je had some pretty good prank ideas to pull on everyone.

Soundwave was the most polite and professional of the group, though so was Groundhog. He was still a little intimidating because of his size and being very quiet but everyone found him easy to get along with. He got along just fine with Prowl, Mirage and even Blaster, who found himself growing quite fond of his subordinates. He made friends with Frenzy and Rumble all right, and the two Condors, Buzzsaw and Laserbeak treated him and others just fine. Ravage was just a little harder but he didn't mistreat him. But he was getting along just fine with Cheetor. They both could be seen running through the halls with each other, tackling one another when they saw each other and just play fighting

It was Reedman who was hard to get along with. He was not friendly at all, no matter what Soundwave did or said to reprimand him for being cold to Blaster. He was definitely the least of all of the Decepticons.

Even Nemesis Strika seemed to be getting better with the Autobots and humans. She easily talked to Elita One now, as well as Ultra Magnus. There didn't seem to be any hate between them anymore. Of course, everyone began to notice something they never would expect to happen.

Now and then, someone; Autobots or humans would catch her watching Ultra Magnus, especially when he began helping training the humans on how to take down Decepticons.

And surprisingly, Nemesis Strika joined in to training them. She actually jumped right in and began telling the humans how to take them down.

Groundhog got along the easiest with Ratchet and Jolt and even Nik. They were always together, talking about their methods of medical studies. He was learning a great deal from Ratchet, as well. Things he didn't know, Ratchet filled in the blanks. He was even learning human biology and health from Nik, wanting to not only help their own kind, but humans too. Everyone was quite pleased by that.

And eventually, Groundhog got fed up with his clanking tow truck form and scanned a new form. He chose a similar form to Ratchet's, only he was an interesting a yellowish-orange color.

Barricade, surprisingly, was getting along with Bumblebee. He finally admitted that he saw the yellow and black scout as a worthy adversary and rival. They shared a few laughs over some of their more embarrassing encounters when they were the first their fractions on Earth. Some of the stories were even funny to everyone listening to them.

As for Starscream, he wasn't easy for most to get along with but he got along just fine with Cole. Especially when she asked him for a favor.

"Hey, Starscream." Cole called as she carried Slipstream on her hip. She waited till he turned around to look at her, not missing how he stiffened a little at the sight of her and the Sparkling Seeker. She ignored it though. "Hey, I don't know much about Seekers but I do know there is no way I want Slipstream flying around without being properly taught. So can you teach her?"

Almost all activity stopped immediately within the room and stared at her in surprise. They couldn't believe she was actually trusting Starscream to teaching her sparkling. And neither could the Seeker, himself.

"You want me to teach her to fly?" Starscream asked bewildered.

Cole nodded as she gave him quite the look. "Yeah. I do, winged tin can. Why, is that a problem?" She asked skeptically.

"Yeah, he's a Decepticon. How do you know he won't teach her to be bad?" It was Quick Change to ask bluntly before getting slapped over the head by Ratchet.

Cole gave the Autobot quite the dark look before she looked back at Starscream as she shifted Slipstream, who was finding her hair interesting. "Look, I trust you. I know that Jetfire is probably a better flier than you but he is kind of old," she ignored the annoyed huff from the Ancient Seeker. "And he is kind of impatient. And I am not asking your crazy brother to teaching her to fly. So that leaves you. Now will you teach her or not?" She asked impatiently.

Amused, Starscream finally nodded. He didn't see a problem with it at all. So he figured why not? "Fine. I'll teach her." He told her.

And outside they went, right on top of the base.

Some people were actually quite curious about the whole ordeal so they went with just to watch. It was Autobots and humans, as well as the Decepticons. Even Chromia and Ironhide brought out Sizzle to watch, figuring they might as well begin teaching him things he would need to know.

Now, getting Slipstream's attention was another matter. She was just a baby, after all and was curious about her surroundings. Talking to her wasn't easy either. She was still very uneasy around other humans and Cybertronians so the most she did was bury her face into Cole's hair, trying to hide.

But Starscream had his own ideas to catch her attention. He simply transformed into his jet form and that had her looking quite at him curiously.

"Skywarp, transform. I think we shall give her an idea of what she could be capable of." The Air Commander said smugly.

Skywarp understood what he meant and smirked before making a swift transformation into his Night Hawn jet form. It received curious looks from everyone and a snort from Jetfire. Especially when both Seekers blasted off into the air.

Slipstream's attention was definitely on the flying pair now, her eyes wide with curiosity. Cole smiled as she turned her so she had a clearer view of Starscream and Skywarp.

"What are they up to? How is that suppose to help?" Sunstreaker asked huffily.

Spitfire smiled before folding her arms. "Don't you see it, Sunny? They're doing an air show." She stated, surprising everyone.

And sure enough, the two Seekers picked up speed, flying higher and higher above the canyons before they separated and began spinning rapidly in the air and doing loops through the clouds. The speed they were going sent whisps of clouds trailing after them like a tail.

In addition, both spun in the air, heading straight for each other. Everyone expected them to collide and had many breaths held for a moment before Skywarp made a swift transformation and practically jumped right onto Starscream's wings, launching himself higher into the air where he fell speedily. Again everyone caught their breath, watching as he fell.

Coming close to hitting cliffs, he transformed again and blasted into the air, kicking up dirt from behind him. He was after Starscream again, flying right beside him.

Both Seekers flew side by side, maneuvering together in sync, turning and twisting, twirling and spinning. They made even spun rapidly in the air, catching clouds and making swirly designs with them. The clouds honestly looked like ice cream when they were done.

Suddenly the clouds exploded as a large black jet flew right through it, surprising everyone. It took just a moment to realize that it was Jetfire. No one had seen him even take off.

All three jets flew together, in and out with each other. They even flew straight up towards the highest point before looping backwards and falling straight back towards the earth at high speeds. With a hundred feet, however, they kicked back up into the air, disrupting a few dandelion fluffs in the process and sending them scattering in the wind.

Slipstream giggled as a few tickled her strange antenna before she wriggled in Cole's arms to be put down. So the human obliged, smiling.

And that's when the little Seeker decided she wanted to try now.

Making a swift transformation, she launched herself into the air, making several, Cole included to gasp and scamper after her.

The problem was, Slipstream was faster than them and took to the air trying to go higher.

"Slipstream! No!" Cole called out as she was left behind, still running to catch her sparkling. She felt her heart give a jolt when the little femme wobbled in mid flight as she left the safety of the cliffs. She even began to fall a little, making several yelp in fear.

But then before they knew it, the rusty silver jet was there, using his wing to straighten her out and flying close to her to make sure she stayed in the air.

Cole let out the breath she realized she was holding. She watched with a smile, shaking her head as she watched the three larger jets surround her like a protective shield. She knew that her little sparkling was in good servos. And she was glad.

The now four jets flew through the air; the three large ones going at a steady pace so the little one could keep up.

Of course, when Slipstream tried to break loose from their formation, she was cut off immediately and a gentle reprimand met her by one of the three. She tried a few times before Starscream moved under her and lift upward until she was riding his wing. She squeaked in surprise and annoyance but he made it clear that if she didn't stop trying to break away from the three, the lessons would stop.

Slipstream understood that enough and settled for flying right with them. She seemed happier that way. Her excited squeals and whistles could be heard from the ground and it made several laugh or awe on how cute it sounded.

Suddenly, when Starscream, Skywarp and Jetfire didn't seem to be looking, Slipstream sped up very quickly and ducked under a wing that tried to slow her down by Jetfire. She dove towards the ground, causing breaths to catch. For a , moment, it looked like she lost control and was falling.

"No!" Cole yelped, her hands on her mouth and looking horrified again. She watched helplessly as her sparkling fell towards the field she was in.

Starscream was after her again, making a half transformation to catch her.

But suddenly, Slipstream slipped right through his reach as she sped through the dandelions again, sending fluff seeds flying through the air before she was blasting into the air, trying her own spinning and twirling.

It seemed to surprise everyone as they watched her, moving through the air, copying the moves that the older Seekers had pulled. She barrel rolled, spun somewhat clumsily but she was staying in the air just fine.

"Wow! She's a natural!" Flare-Up said impressed.

Ratchet merely frowned but had a look on his face plates as his eyes lit up. He followed the little Seeker carefully before he caught his breath. "I think I understand!" He said suddenly catching everyone's attention. "I need to run a few tests to be sure but I think Slipstream might have a photographic memory unit. She sees the maneuvers that the Seekers do and learns them quickly. She will be a fast learner and will probably master the formations quickly." he announced.

Everyone was surprised to hear that but pleased nonetheless. They continued to watch as Slipstream flew through the air with the three older Seekers, moving with them in a formation similar to what they were using before.

Finally after an hour, the little sparkling came back to the ground and landed softly into Cole's awaiting arms. She looked exhausted and it made everyone smile.

"I think it's time for someone's nap." Cole said as she held Slipstream close. She looked up at Starscream, Skywarp and Jetfire as they landed with light thuds and she smiled at them. "Thank you, guys. Same time as tomorrow for her new lessons?" She asked.

Starscream was looking softly at the little femme but he nodded to Cole. "Sounds like a plan." He said lightly.

Cole smiled, looking into his eyes before turning away to go inside and set Slipstream down for a nap. She was unaware of the eyes following her.

"Uh-hem." Someone cleared his throat and Starscream looked at Jetfire, who was smirking at him. "Just be sure you know what you're getting yourself into, my old friend. Humans are not like us. They don't stay connected with others when things get really screwy. So make sure this is what you want." He stated.

Starscream gave him a suspicious look before his eyes widen in realization. "It's not like that! You don't know what you're saying, old mech." He growled before he stormed off.

Jetfire watched him go, smiling. "Yeah, yeah, sure. You know exactly what I'm talking about and that scares you, don't it?" He asked more to himself before he followed everyone inside.

For the next two days, that was how it was. Starscream would take Cole and Slipstream outside for the flying lessons, everyone continued to go about their ways and the search for the All Spark and Alpha Trion continued. Though as the next few days passed, everyone realized that something was bothering Optimus. He was being quite serious and always looking around as if searching for something. He, especially watched Liaison Galloway very closely whenever he was around.

But no matter what everyone asked, he wouldn't tell what was up.

But no one kept pressing him. They had more things to worry about. Especially when Dawn and Sideswipe's wedding was only three days away now. They were trying to get things ready for the big day for the happy couple. Dawn had her dress picked out finally, as well as the brides maids dresses. The flowers were coming in and the main hangar was, once again, under construction by the femmes; humans and Autobots.

Everyone was looking forward to this, now that it was finally here. Jazz, Soundwave and Blaster all worked together with the couple, deciding what music and songs should be played during the reception and ceremony.

And finally, the day before came. And Sideswipe made a fuss about the tradition of not seeing the bride before the wedding. Optimus eventually had to make it an order to keep Sideswipe on one side of the base away from Dawn. He hadn't been happy about that one, however. But he wouldn't go against his Prime's orders.

The morning of, Dawn was in a state of jitters.

"Dawn, will you sit still? It will be fine." Eliza said as she tried doing Dawn's hair up.

Dawn was once again wriggling in her seat, pale as could be. She felt so many questions coming to her and she was unsure if she wanted to go through with this now. "Mom, were you ever this nervous?" She finally asked.

Eliza and Judy both smiled at one another before her mother nodded as she curled her hair with the curling iron. "Believe me, I was so nervous that I felt like puking. It's natural to be restless like this before your own wedding." She said gently.

Swallowing hard, Dawn looked up at her. "All three times?" She asked uneasily.

Eliza smiled faintly before nodding. "All three times, baby girl. Don't worry. It will be fine." She tried to reassure her.

"Mom," Dawn asked cautiously. "What was dad like before the wedding? Why did you fall in love with him?"

There was a long silence before Eliza smiled faintly again. "Your father was a good man, Dawn. He really was. He was sweet, romantic and he did make me feel secure. He was the love of my life." She said softly.

Dawn looked away, her eyes falling a little. "But what happened? What made him leave? Why did he not love you anymore?" She asked quietly.

Eliza slowly shook her head, looking sadly at her. "I don't know honestly, honey. I guess we just fell out of love. He found someone else. It happens to some people." She saw the worry in Dawn's eyes and she understood. She placed a hand on her daughter's shoulder, making her turn. "Dawn, it won't happen to you and Sides. You two...you are both so deep together that you are one. You move, he moves. He moves, you move. You two think alike, you know what each other will say, you can't stop being around each other. You two are most definitely soul mates. Nothing bad will happen between you two to make you split." She promised.

Dawn felt a little better. She needed to hear that. She knew that her mother was right. As it was, she felt that Sideswipe was her other half. She felt if she wasn't with him, she would split in half.

A knock came to the door, and Elita One popped her head in, smiling softly. "Dawn, it's almost time." She told her.

Dawn smiled gratefully as her mother finished with her hair and she stood up, looking over at Judy as she pulled out the dress from the closet. It was time.

The main hangar was full of people and Cybertronians in seats of all sizes. Even the Decepticons were attending and looking quite curious about the event. Even Nemesis Strika was looking interested about this human ritual. She was looking around at the scenery with interest, eyeing the many flowers and actually looking like she enjoyed the sight.

The most interesting part was some of the guests that decided to crash the wedding. It surprised everyone to see that the President had shown up, surrounded by four body guards, who were eyeing all of the Autobots with wide eyes and the Decepticons warily. They were not going to put their guard down with them.

Optimus was standing at the front of the aisle, standing tall and proud as he waited for his part to come up. He was glad and honored that Dawn had even asked him to even take part.

As everyone was finding their seats, there was soft music playing to keep everyone entertained for now, if they weren't talking at least. At the moment, Jazz had Heaven Candlelight mix by DJ Sammy and Yanou playing. It was a gentle love song that had a few married couples smiling to and holding hands. Though soon, it was going to change. There was a song that Dawn has specifically requested to be played instead of the usual Wedding ballade.

And soon, Christina Perri's A Thousand Years began playing, which was perfect for Dawn and Sideswipe. Once everyone heard the song, heads turned to see that it was beginning so everyone stood up in respect. It only meant it was time.

The first to come out was Sideswipe, of course, his brother right beside him, gleaming silver and looking his best. It was funny to see both of them were wearing two large black bow ties and brought a few chuckles from several that saw them. It was even funnier that Sideswipe looked quite anxious about getting to the end of the aisle and getting this over with.

Together, they rolled up to the front of the room and stood to Optimus' side, awaiting.

Behind them came Eliza and Nik, arm in arm looking happy as could be that this day had come. While she looked beautiful in a pale yellow sleeveless dress, he looked handsome in a fine German made black suit, a pure white rose tucked into his breast pocket.

Behind them, came the brides maids; human and Autobots, lined up. Arcee, Moonracer, Chromia, Flare-Up, and Spitfire were lined up and walking right beside them were Mikaela, Anya, Elena, and Maggie, whom smiled directly at Sunstreaker, who in return seemed to puff up and try to look taller. All of the four human girls wore smashing dresses; noodle strapped that ran down to their ankles and all a gentle sunbeam yellow, the color of rising sun. They carried beautiful yellow and pure white roses in their hands

After them came the freshly cleaned and gleaming pink and black, Elita One. She walked gracefully down the aisle, her head held up high and she represented the image of a princess very well. In her hands, she carried gorgeous full in bloom pale pink and pure white roses.

It was both Annabelle and Delia to come down the aisle nest, both looking adorable in white matching dresses with bows in their hair. Accompanying them was Sarah, walking right behind them and telling them what they needed to do. They carried baskets full of rose and lily petals, which they ceremoniously grabbed by the handfuls and let them drop onto the aisle.

And finally, at the peak of the song, came Ratchet with Dawn standing right beside him.

Breaths were caught at the sight of her and her dress as she stood beside the Autobot CMO. No one could deny, not even the Decepticons, that Dawn looked beautiful as a young bride.

Her wedding gown was of pure white fabric, fitting her frame just fine before flaring out around her waist like an upside down white rose. Small but white embroidery of vines were done up in the fabric, spreading all around her and down the bell of her dress. Her sleeves were tailing off her shoulders, looking more like transparent fairy wings, spilling down from her thin straps and down her scarred arms, which she showed no fear or uneasiness of people seeing them. Her veil was of the same material but with a thin silver tiara with a line of pearl yellow gems gleaming and sparkling in the light. Her hair was done up in an elegant bun with small white baby breath flowers braided in it. And in hand, she carried a small boutique of long stem pure white lilies and brilliant yellow and orange spotted tiger lilies in the middle of a small bundle of white and pearl yellow roses.
The look on Sideswipe's face plates when he saw Dawn was of pure glowing. He looked as if time had frozen all around him and in a way, it did for him. Nothing else mattered to him but just her. His glowing blue eyes softened and in a way to her, looked more like blue stars. They saw no one but each other, even as she walked down the aisle with Ratchet having carefully lift her up into his hand half way and made the rest of the way with her standing there.

"Dawn," The CMO spoke very softly as he went, making her merely glance at him. "Thank you for asking me to be a part of this. I feel as if I really am giving away my own for such a deal. You and the rest of the girls have become something extraordinary to myself, Optimus and the rest of the Autobots. And I don't think even the most lovely angel nebula constellation could ever beat how beautiful you look today."

Dawn smiled up at him, slight tears in her eyes but she forced them down. "Thank you, Ratchet. I am so glad you are the one giving me away. I am so happy that all of you came into my life and pulled me out of the darkness that I was in." She said softly.

Ratchet looked at her softly and smiled before looking up as he reached where Sideswipe and Optimus stood. He gently lift up a finger to touch Dawn's face before gently lifting her up so that his face was close to his. Dawn lightly tapped her own against his before she was carefully placed into Sideswipe's hand.

Smiling lovingly at each other, Dawn and Sideswipe turned to Optimus, who looked proudly at them.

"Friends, family, honored guests," The Prime began in a gentle voice, laced in pride. "We gather here today to honor and witness the uniting of two souls who found one another through the endless reaches of life. This is a day where it proves that no matter how long it may take, two halves of a soul will find one another. Of sparks and hearts unite, this is a day of the making of one."

And the words went on but the only thing that existed between the two were only each other. It was the only thing that mattered was each other.

Finally came the vows.

"Sideswipe, make your vow that you will hold to your very spark to your other half." Optimus finally spoke at the time.

Looking deeply at Dawn, Sideswipe smiled at her as he held her somewhat closer. "In all my existence, since the day I was sparked from the All Spark, I knew only war and an endless day of battle. I fought every day for eons without ever dreaming or thinking of finding someone like you, Dawn Jade Adams. I never thought I would find someone who makes me feel peace and tranquility as you make me feel. You re what I want to be. Kind, gentle, loving, pure. My Spark goes on with only you and as long as you live, it will continue to go on. My spark, my soul belongs only to you, Sunrise. You are the Dawn of my eternal peace. And I swear with all of my being, my life, my spark, I will love and cherish you as my sparkmate. I will protect you from all harm and any who threatens you, they will find what a true warrior can be. I take you as my sparkmate, Dawn Jade, and never will another take that from me or you." He promised.

Dawn smiled softly before her eyes lit up like many other humans had when a gentle glow came from directly of Sideswipe's chassis, where his spark was.

"Dawn Jade Adams, make your vow that you will hold to your very spark and heart to your other half." Optimus said gently to her.

Nodding to him, Dawn looked right into Sideswipe's blue glow and smiled. "For all my life, I was in the darkness. I had heard that soul mates existed but never believed it because of the things in my life. I was twirling in a pit of dark despair until you came, like a beam of pure light. You saved me from so much that you will never know. I was nothing until you came, Sideswipe. You gave me life when I felt I had none. You gave me a reason to be. You make me feel loved, secured, safe, and like I matter. From the moment I met you, I knew you were someone pure and gentle. From the moment you protected me from danger, I knew you would always be there for me. And now it is my turn. My heart and my soul, my very spark of life belongs only to you. And no other will ever take that away. I belong only to you and your spark and Primus and God knows that if any tries to take you from me, they will find that a human can be what they cannot handle. I love you, Sideswipe and from this day forward and as long as my soul exists, I will your other half and only yours."

And as she spoke those words, Dawn felt her heart warming up, beating and twirling as if it was a spark. She felt her very words reach out for Sideswipe's spark and felt as if someone had gently taken her heart into his hand to protect. She felt him. She didn't know how she did, but she could feel his spark touching her heart. She felt as if a warm blanket was shielding her from the coldness of life and despair, protecting her.

"By the word of Primus and the human God, let no one speak against this union of souls. As Prime, I shall name and pronounce that this union be complete as the sparks and hearts connect for the existence of them becoming one spark and two sparkmates." Optimus said proudly before motioning to Dawn and Sideswipe. "As they say in human terms, I prononce you mech and wife, sparkmates forevermore and let no one break such a tie. Sideswipe, Autobot Warrior, connect and be still with your wife and sparkmate." He then chuckled. "You may kiss the bride." He added and a few chuckles broke out with in the crowd.

Grinning, Sideswipe lift Dawn up in his hand leaning his forward towards hers, even as she leaned hers. They were nearly touching when...

"I object this union and abomination of life!"

Everyone jumped at the sound of a shout, the couple included. Heads whirled around to see who interrupted the most important part of the ritual and Eliza gave a very loud gasp as she jumped to her feet and covered her mouth in shock.

Dawn took one look at who rudely spoke against her marrying the one she loved and her soul longed for, and she too gasped in shock and alarmed.

There was a man standing right in front of the doors, at the end of the aisle. He was tall, in his early fifties. He wore a dark suit and even a darker look on his face. He had dark brown hair with silver at his temples and his eyes were a dark green. He was clean shaven yet he had a scar running across his cheek, like an angry burn had scorched his flesh.

And he looked livid that this was happening. A union and a human.

"I am sorry, but what?" Sideswipe asked, lowering Dawn a little.

"You!" Cole spoke up, her tone hard as she stood up and glared across the room at the man. She obviously knew him.

The man did not even look at her as he marched down the aisle, looking quite angry and annoyed. He walked past may gawkers right up to Eliza, glaring at her for a moment before looking at Dawn. "I will not allow this to take place. This is sick and wrong for a human to marrying an alien from another planet!" He said coldly. "I speak against this marriage and I will not allow it!"

Frowning, Optimus placed a hand onto Sideswipe's shoulder when he started growling. There was .threat if he and the others ever heard one.

But it was Keller who spoke as he stood up, frowning at the man. "I am sorry but I am afraid we don't know you. Who are you speak against this union?" He asked seriously.

"You do not have a say in this, Daniel." Eliza suddenly spoke up, ice layered in her tone as she finally got over the shock. It made many frown.

"The hell I don't, Elizabeth." The man, Daniel spoke just as cold as he turned to face her, his dark eyes flashing. "I will not allow Dawn to ruin herself by involving herself with an alien."

"Who are you?" Sunstreaker asked annoyed at the human.

But it was Dawn who spoke up, her tone just as icy as her mother's. "You gave up the right to speak on my behalf when you ran away with another woman, leaving my mother heartbroken and me feeling like a useless pile of scrap heap," she paused with a cold feeling. "Dad." She spat the final word as if poison in her mouth.

His name was Daniel Adams.