Author's note. A nice long chapter for everyone, I hope you all like it.
This chapter was written with the help of ZabuzasGirl.
Enjoy and please review.
Meanwhile, Elita was walking with Megatron along the cliff edge, gazing down at the churning water below. Everyone else had disappeared but she'd wanted to have some peace and quiet before exploring more.
She liked standing and watching the tide come in and out on the sand. She wondered if Optimus liked to come here, she knew she'd love to come here with him. But it wasn't so bad with Megatron, he was just holding her arm, not trying to grope her or anything.
She let out a sigh. How she wished she was with Optimus right now. She would much prefer being with him at that place than with Megatron. He caught the sigh and turned to her.
"What is it, Elita?" he asked softly.
"Nothing...it's nothing," she said quickly. "This is a very peaceful place."
She looked back over the scenery with a smile on her face and he smiled with her. Truth be told the scenery was nice even if he didn't like the planet that much. If only it wasn't crawling with humans and Autobots, he might grow to like this planet.
"It is peaceful," he now said to Elita as she paused to watch the waves.
"But you should see what it's like in the poles of this planet, everything is white and there is total silence."
Elita cocked her head. She was interested in what he was saying despite herself.
"They have only snow and ice at their poles," he explained.
"There are barely any organic creatures that can survive up there. Everything is...clean and yet wild at the same time."
She was very curious about that.
"That's interesting," she said. "How do they survive up there if it's like that?"
"They adapt," Megatron said simply.
"They consume only high energy foods, and have thick pelts. Some I believe sleep during the harshest part of the winter."
He smiled as he said.
"They call it the land of the Midnight sun, at a certain time of year, the sun never sinks, it is permanent daylight. But then for another part of the year, the sun never rises."
Elita did a slight shiver at that. She didn't like the idea of being in the dark for that long. But she did like what he said about the midnight sun. It sounded beautiful.
"I'd like to see that sometime," she said softly, it would be something totally new.
"I'll take you there, but at the moment it's the wrong time of year," Megatron said, giving her arm a squeeze.
She shivered again. Being in the dark like that was not her idea of a good time.
"Do you want to stay here Elita? Or shall I take you somewhere else?"
She turned toward him. "Maybe just a little bit further," she said, hesitantly. Her optics were back to the scenery.
"Whatever you want, my dear," he said softly into her audio, lightly stroking her side.
She mentally sighed but didn't react, she didn't want to fight with him. At least not today, she was having such a nice time right now and so were her girls. She didn't want to spoil it for any of them.
If Megatron was in a good mood by the end of the day, she'd be able to convince him to let them out again. She already loved this planet, it was so alive, unlike their own planet at this time.
She was sure that by the end of this day her girls would want to come out again. She didn't want to be the cause of them not being able to give them that chance. But she knew Megatron wouldn't make this easy, he wouldn't be able to resist having a go at her. He wanted her to be his mate and kept trying different tactics to woo her. And she also knew Optimus would find some way to check on her, and she didn't want him seeing Megatron trying to kiss her.
Right now she was torn between two sides but right now the sake of her girls was very important to her. As it always has been.
"Why don't we have a seat?" Megatron now asked, gesturing at some flat stones that over looked a particularly scenic spot.
She nodded. She liked the scenery where they were now and wanted to watch it for a while.
Megatron led her over and they both sat down with Megatron slipping an arm around her waist. She realised this beauty spot made it perfect place for couples, it was just so romantic. And she had a feeling Megatron knew that as well.
It would be just like him to take full advantage of a spot like this. It was just the perfect situation for him. And sure enough, he started to gently nuzzle her as they sat there silently, his arm firmly gripping her to him.
She let out a sigh.
"Megatron," she said softly.
"Yes Elita," he said, lightly kissing her audio while his free hand slowly inched its way towards her.
She put her hand over his to stop its advancement toward her. He looked at her with a raised brow.
"Please, let's not spoil this," she said gently.
"I wasn't going to spoil it," he replied coolly.
"Megatron, you know I'll resist and then we'll end up arguing, I don't want that. Can't we just have one day without any of that. It's getting tiring," she pleaded.
Megatron growled.
"Then how to you suggest I court you?" he demanded.
She shrugged not really knowing what to day to that.
"I'm already mated Megatron, you shouldn't be trying," she said softly. "Especially as I have no desire to leave my mate."
Her face turned soft as her thoughts turned back to her beloved Optimus. Her mate was forever in her mind. But this made Megatron scowl and he jerked her face back to his own.
"My Sparks tells me I should continue," he hissed as he held her.
"Our Sparks can't be denied Elita."
She looked at him and gently dislodged his hand from her face. Her expression was neutral.
"No," she said softly, her expression not changing.
"They can't."
A glint she didn't like appeared in his eyes. But being the femme she was she met his gaze evenly. He leaned forward and grazed his lips against hers.
He brought one hand to the back of her neck. This was to keep her where she was and to deepen the kiss. She pressed her hands against his chest and tried to push him away but his grip was too strong.
Megatron moulded his lips against her. He made their lips fit in alignment and he locked them together. He wasn't being rough. His lips were gentle as he was doing this.
She squeezed her optics shut as he did this, simply praying for this to be over soon. He stroked her back with his other hand. He was trying to relax her.
He could feel how tense she was, even though she wasn't struggling or trying to hit him. This was only because she didn't want to fight and spoil her day out but he didn't want this. He wanted her to enjoy this with him.
For some reason right now just didn't feel like the right time. He continued kissing her and holding her gently against him as he kissed her. But eventually, he let her go, allowing her to have a break.
She refused to look at him when this happened. She kept her gaze on the beautiful view in front of her.
"Elita," he said with a sigh, he didn't want her just tolerating his kisses and touches.
He brought his hand up. He took her chin in his hand and as he did so he gently turned her face back towards him.
"Why are you so cold towards me, Elita?"
"You really have to ask that," she said. Her voice was firm as she spoke.
"Yes," he said softly.
"I want you so much, Elita and I want you to be happy with me."
She was shaking her head. There seemed to be a look of sadness on her features.
"I'm sorry Megatron, I want you to be happy but that can't be with me. We could only ever be friends, not mates."
She touched his face lightly, gently rubbing her fingers over the touch metal. She gently stroked his brow. Megatron closed his eyes at the touch, enjoying the feeling. He'd never really had any one care for him before, not since he was a very young Sparkling. He leaned into her hand, letting her soft fingers rub against him.
He liked the way her stroking was making him feel. Truly he hadn't felt that way in Stellar Cycles. He took hold of her and brought her into his arms, gently hugging her. He stroked the back of her head as he laid her against his shoulder, needing her close.
His arms cradled her against him. His had formed into something like a protective shield around her body. He wanted that moment to last forever but knew it couldn't. Eventually, they would have to break apart and they'd go back to the way they were before. A War lord holding a beautiful Femme prisoner in a fortress.
Megatron let out a deep sigh. He loosened his grip on her. Elita was able to move her position a little bit. She moved so that her back was now against his chest so that she could admire the view. He loosely wrapped his arms around her middle, his chin resting on her shoulder.
Unconsciously she leaned back against him. She laid her head back against his chest, closing her eyes. She let herself relax. He smiled as she did this, maybe he really was making progress with her. Before, she wouldn't have let him touch her without a grimace but now she was willingly relaxing against him. Now he just had to take things slowly and maybe they achieve something more.
If he moved too fast she'd probably distance herself from his again. He didn't want that at all. Something about her made his Spark flutter, heating his chassis up from the inside. He had to win her, he had to find some way to do this.
Prime had her faithfully right now. But he wouldn't have her much longer. Not if he had anything to say about it. His face twisted into an evil smile, he'd win this fight yet.
Meanwhile, the other Decepticons were getting on very well with their Femmes. Just like the femmes the Mechs were having the time of their lives with the girls. It had been a while since they'd enjoyed themselves like this.
"Come on," Arcee laughed as she run across the open plain, Thundercracker running after her.
"I want to see what's over there."
Thundercracker smiled. He had a feeling that she would like what she saw when she reached the end of the plain. She got there in a matter of minutes and when she did she let out a small gasp.
"Oh," she cried in delight as she gazed at the field bursting with wild flowers, all a different colour.
Arcee walked further out. When she went a good distance she knelt down, being careful in order to try to crush any of them.
"They're so beautiful," she said in awe, enjoying the silky feel of them.
"Yeah, I thought you'd like them," the blue Seeker said with a smile as he watched her.
Arcee reached out her hand to touch some. She then plucked a few more of them from the ground and examined them closer. They were unbelievably delicate, making her wonder how they survived? This area wasn't sheltered at all and it was near the sea, meaning it must experience extreme weather. And yet these lovely blooms somehow found a way to survive and flourish.
She brought them closer to her face and caressed them. She closed her eyes at the feeling of them on her face. Thundercracker smiled, he kind of liked flowers. Just the fact they could exist like that held a certain attraction to him.
These flowers lived in a harsh environment but even thought they looked very fragile they were strong at the same time. In many ways they reminded him of Arcee. She was now in a harsh environment but she was strong.
If not for the fading marks on her lower back, he wouldn't have known she'd been recently whipped. She was moving as though it had never happened which impressed him a lot. She was healing nicely. It wouldn't be long before she was healed completely.
He hoped Megatron wouldn't ever have to do that again, a Femme like her didn't deserve to be scared for life. He'd have to keep a closer optic on her from now on. He just hoped that Arcee wouldn't do anything else to provoke Megatron's anger. He wouldn't be able to do anything about it if that happened.
"This is a lovely place," Arcee said with a sigh, as held the flowers up and took in their scent.
She shot Thundercracker a smile.
"This is a nice place for you guys to crash land on."
Thundercracker grinned. He barked out a laugh at that.
"I suppose it is," he said with a chuckle.
"None of us thought that at the time, we all believed it was a disaster. But your right, of all the places we could have landed, this is the best. There's so much energy here, it's...leaking it."
She nodded in agreement. She could feel the energy radiating from the planet. But it was a good type of energy. Unlike the one back home with seemed stale and dead. The energy on this planet was more soothing and made you more prone to relax.
She gently laid the flowers back down and stood up, she wanted to see more of this planet. But where to go, the options seemed limitless.
"Are there any other places where we should go," she asked him. He looked thoughtful for a moment, thinking it over.
"The humans do have some interesting land marks around here," he said slowly.
"Would you like me to take you to go see them?"
She nodded quickly, the eagerness clearly showing on her face. Thundercracker smiled at this but before they moved on he picked up a flower and placed it on her helmet.
"Blue suits you," he said softly, lightly touching the sky blue bloom.
Arcee blushed, touching the flower. She then took his arms. He smiled, gripping her firmly and then activated his thrusters. She gasped as they lifted up, it almost felt like she was flying by herself.
She held onto him tightly and looked down as they were moving. The land they were passing over was so beautiful she couldn't take her eyes off of it.
Fields coloured like a rainbow made way for scrubby trees and as they continued this gave way to dry plains. Looking up she could see sliver buildings rising in the distance, clearly a city. But looking in another direction, she could see rocky looking mountains which sat in a hazy smear of heat which meant it was in a desert.
This area of Earth had a very wide range of environments and she was awestruck by the sight.
She hadn't seen all of earth but right now it was like she was seeing all parts of its natural environment in one blow. She had a lot of astonishment and awe showing on her face. Thundercracker couldn't help but smile as he was watching her.
"Hold on," he said, bringing her closer to his body so that he could fly higher and faster to the destination she had in mind.
She held on even tighter to him. She smiled and let out a shout of joy at the speed they were going.
"This is wonderful," she said, joyfully.
"I know," he replied, pleased that she was enjoying the flying.
Not all ground based models did so he always appreciated those that did. With ground based transformers they were more comfortable with being on the ground. He was glad that Arcee was one of the few ground ones that actually did enjoy flying.
Perhaps he could take her out for proper flights sometime, teach her a little bit about the art. It would at least be something to take her mind off the fact that she was a prisoner of the Decepticons and not allowed to see her father.
Yes, that would be a good idea but he'd have to discuss it with Megatron first. He only hoped that he would approve when the subject was brought up.
He'd wait until Megatron was in a good mood before he dared suggest it. He'd also have to sear that he wouldn't let any Autobots near them during that period, in case they tried to 'rescue' her.
And as much as he'd like her to have her freedom, it just wasn't possible at this point. Megatron would just kidnap her back, beat Thundercracker and probably separate them. He certainly didn't want that to happen. While she was being held captive they had gotten close during that time. He didn't want them to get separated because of something like that.
"We're nearing the first big landmark," he called, giving himself a mental shake to he could focus on the here and now.
"Just keep your optics straight ahead, you'll soon see it."
She did as she was told and focused and what was in front of her. A few more minutes passed by. It wasn't long before she was the first to spot the landmark that he was talking about. She gasped.
It was an ice blue lake, gleaming brightly in the sunlight. But the strange thing about it was it seemed to disappear off an edge which confused her. How could that be, it was as though the earth ended right there. But she soon realised why this was as Thundercracker climbed higher.
"Oh my," she breathed. She was looking at the largest expanse of water she had ever seen.
But the most amazing part about it was the fact it was completely dammed up. And it was also surrounded by high ridged mountains, creating an incredible affect. Water was coming out of it but in considerable amounts at a time. It was a very big waterfall.
"The humans use this place to produce energy and I'm afraid we've raided this place a few times. But your father has always managed to protect this place enough that its never been destroyed."
She nodded her head, a proud look on her face. She was proud of her father. And she was happy he'd managed to preserve this place, it was very awe inspiring. She hoped her mother and the other Femmes would be able to see this place sometime, it was fantastic.
She would have to tell them about it later. They had to see something as magnificent as this. Maybe they could see it before they all went back to the Nemesis, it was likely they'd all meet up before that happened.
She looked up at Thundercracker.
"Can I contact the others," she asked. "I'm sure they'd like to see something like this."
He nodded. She then contacted her mother.
"Mama," she said. It was seconds before she got a response.
"Yes dear," said Elita.
"Thundercracker's just showed me this amazing landmark, I think you'd really enjoy seeing it."
"Really? What kind," asked Elita. Arcee then explained it to her over the comm.
"I think it's a wonderful idea," said Elita. "I'll gather the girls."
She then cut off the connection.
"What was that, Elita?" Megatron asked, his optics slightly narrowed.
"Arcee wants to show us all something," she quickly explained.
"Please, can we all go?"
Megatron looked down at her and into her eyes. He could see that she really wanted this. He gave into her.
"Alright then, I'll take you," Megatron said softly, allowing her to move so they could both stand up.
She smiled big time. She contacted the rest of her girls. She was really excited about this.
"Okay, we'll be there," Firestar said with a smile as she received Elita's message.
The race had just ended with only three crashes which had made the Combaticons very happy. And even though there was another race going to start after the track was cleared, she wasn't bothered. So she told them she wanted to go see this landmark Arcee had found and they reluctantly agreed.
The other Femmes had close to the same reactions. Darklight was up for anything and Echo was happy to see something new. Chromia wasn't bothered, she was missing her mate a lot but knew she'd be happier with her Femmes.
Before they all left everyone else gathered around Elita. They made sure that everyone was there before they left.
All the Femmes were lifted up by a Mech and were soon all flying again. Elita clung tightly to Megatron but she didn't mind so much flying over land, it felt safer than the sea for some reason. Everyone followed the directions that Thundercracker and Arcee gave them. They made sure they got the right place.
"Do you know this place?" Elita asked Megatron softly as he flew with her towards the location, she could already see Starscream up ahead with Darklight.
"I do, and so does everyone else, we've raided this place a few times," he replied coolly, not very interested.
She looked up at him with a raised brow. But she didn't comment on that. He didn't have to do this, especially if he couldn't give a damn so she was grateful. But she did ask.
"Will I like this place?"
He nodded.
"Yes, it's the kind of place you would certainly enjoy," he said.
She smiled.
"That's good, Arcee was very excited about showing us this."
"She's lucky Thundercracker is so tolerant," he replied.
She gave him a thump on the chest and looked back ahead. she waited until the landmark Arcee wanted to show came into view.
"Ohh," she gasped as it came into view.
A sparkling torrent of water cascaded down the hydro dam's walls as more of it was released. But beyond the flowing water was a sheet of ice blue which could blind if the sun's glare caught it. But all of it was breathtaking, so much so they Femmes couldn't speak for a few minutes.
The Mechs laughed at the astonished looks on the faces on the femmes faces. they were awed into silence.
"You Femmes are really impressed by this?" Skywarp asked with a grin, holding Moonracer tight to him as she rolled her optics.
"It's wonderful," Echo said softly, snuggling against her Mech.
"I've never seen anything so lovely," said Firestar. Chromia agreed with her friend.
"Yeah, I think even Hide would like this," the blue Femme said with a grin.
"And trust me, he isn't into scenery unless it's got targets."
The memory of her mate brought a bit of a sad look into her optics. Firestar noticed this and gave her a comforting squeeze on the shoulder.
"Hey, he's waiting for you back at the base," she said softly before adding with a smile.
"Maybe you can have a little private time together before he has to leave."
Chromia couldn't help but smile at that. There was even a bit of a mischievous look in her eyes. She shrugged playfully.
"Never done it in a cell before."
"You don't have to worry about the cold," Darklight cut in with a smirk.
"Just go fast enough to create some heat."
All of the femmes couldn't help burst out laughing. Elita and Arcee tried to smother their laughter but failed. The Mechs looked both annoyed and amused, depending on how they viewed the situation. Megatron didn't look at all happy of the idea of two Autobots making out in one of his cells but he declined to comment. With the mood the Femme were in, they'd simply mock anything he said.
The Mechs just watched as the femmes continued laughing. Eventually the femmes calmed down but they couldn't get rid of the smiles and twinkle in their optics. Some of the Mechs like Starscream and the Combaticons were hoping it might put their Femme in the mood for some intimacy later. However Megatron, knowing that he couldn't get any even if it were possible, was getting bored with the situation.
He cleared his throat to get their attention and looked to the femmes. Immediately they turned to him.
"We've lingered here too long, the humans will think we're going to attack," he said shortly.
"Go and continue whatever you were doing."
The Mechs nodded and started head off with their Femmes. Although some of the girls did want to remain there a bit longer.
"Come we go to that ledge over there?" Echo asked softly with a shy smile.
"I'm feeling a little tired."
"Your wish is my command," Soundwave replied with a deep rumble, making her blush and chuckle as he flew over to the ledge she'd indicated.
Once there he helped her settle down in a comfortable spot. She sighed in content with her hands over her belly.
"I can't wait to meet our Sparkling," she said softly.
"A little brother or sister for your Creations."
"Indeed," he agreed softly with a hidden smile.
"Creations are taking bets on what it will be, Femme or Mech."
"I really want it to be a little Femme, I hope it is," she said softly, there was a look of longing on her face.
"So do I but I will treasure it however it turns out," he said softly, reassuring her.
She smiled at him. He moved closer to wrap an arm around her. She laid her head against his shoulder and closed her optics.
"This is a beautiful place," she said softly, making Soundwave glad his creations had gone off somewhere, giving the two of them peace.
Soundwave couldn't help but agree. Even though he preferred machinery over organics he couldn't help but admit that this spot was nice.
It was nice to just take a moment to relax and enjoy the view without needing to survey it or something like that. And he didn't need to worry about the Autobots bursting in on the scene, he wasn't threatening humans or doing anything that could harm them.
Right now he was having fun and wanted to be with his femme without any interruptions. Meanwhile, Darklight was nuzzling against Starscream, tracing his Decepticon symbol while saying.
"Why don't we find a little spot for ourselves, flyboy?"
"Sounds good," Starscream purred but looked up at the sound of jets.
Optics narrowing, he growled.
"Streamfire."
Darklight looked up at the same time he did and saw what he was talking about. A jet was coming straight for them.
"That your sister?" she questioned and Starscream nodded grimly.
"Yes," he grumbled as the female jet transformed, glaring at her older brother.
For a few minutes they just stood there looking at each other. Darklight kept going back and forth between them with her optics.
"So," Streamfire finally said.
"You decided to show your face at long last. I suppose you've been jerking off in your room for the past few cycles."
Starscream snarled at his little sister. Darklight looked at her at the corner of her optic.
"It's none of your concern," he growled.
"And for the record, you can't tell me off for what I've been doing when you've been playing pleasurebot and master with that Shuttle."
Anger flashed in Streamfires optics. She growled and took an angry step toward her brother.
"At least Skyfire doesn't keep me locked up, unlike you brother," she snarled.
"I know the only reason you're out here with her is because Megatron's blackmailing Prime. Otherwise, you'd have stayed in that stupid base for a whole Stellar cycle."
Starscream gritted his teeth. He knew that was true but he didn't want to admit it. Not in front of her.
"It's none of your business, sister," he sneered. "Why don't you run back to the Autobots like a good Femme?"
Streamfire growled again. Darklight stepped in. She cleared her throat to gain both of their attention. Both of them now remembered she was there.
"I don't mind Starscream messing around with me," she said with a shrug.
"And I'm not an Autobot so I don't think it really mattered whether they knew about me or not."
She then smiled and asked.
"How is that big boy anyway, I've never faced someone his size before."
Streamfire looked a bit taken aback at first. But then she gave a small smile to Darklight.
"You should try it sometime, imagine being overloaded with just one thrust..."
"Enough," squawked Starscream, who did not want to hear any more details.
Both girls giggled at his expense. Right now he didn't look happy.
"We're leaving," he said flatly, wings held high with indignation as the two Femmes kept giggling.
"Are we?" Streamfire said lightly in a tone meant to annoy.
"I wasn't talking to you," said Starscream. He turned to Darklight.
"Let's get out of here,"
"Where you go, I'll simply follow," Streamfire said in a sing song voice.
Starscream turned back at her. "You really are annoying," he growled.
"I know," she said with a smirk.
"But you're not losing me that easily, brother."
Starscream just growled and began moving away with Darklight. She held onto him tightly as they were moving. Streamfire easily kept pace with her brother's speed, no matter how fast he went.
And he couldn't go very fast as he was carrying a pregnant Femme in his arms. And obviously, he couldn't transform and jet away, which he grumbled about since he could easily outstrip her that way. It seemed he'd have to put up with her for now.
He knew he was definitely going to regret this later. Streamfire seemed quite happy at causing her brothers discomfort.
"Will you go away?" he snapped, trying to ignore her and failing miserably.
She pouted, an innocent look on her face. "Why brother dear, I'm hurt," she said, placing her hand on her chest.
"Of course you are," he growled before snarling.
"If you don't buzz off this instant, I'm going to find Megatron, see how long he puts up with you."
Now that had an effect. She winced and anger appeared back on her face and in her optics.
"Oh, that's real low, bringing Megatron into this," she snarled as Starscream smirked.
"I reckon he can deal with you in less than a minute," he said, smugly. "Want to me call him?"
"No," she said shortly, glaring at him.
"I'll go...and have Skyfire frag me, film it and send it to you."
She laughed at Starscream's outraged face before flying off before he could say anything to her.
"Why that little...that little..."
"Calm down, fly boy," Darklight said with a laugh, stroking his chin.
"Come on, why don't we follow her example?"
The anger slowly left his face. He chuckled as Darklight nuzzled his neck.
"Hmm, that sounds like a good idea," he purred in her audio.
"I think that's exactly what we should do."
Darklight giggled and since his sister was no longer there he speed off. He did this while still being careful of his charge. She laughed loudly as she clung to him, already excited for what was to come.
The other Mechs were starting to take their Femmes back too. No matter how much the Femmes still wanted to stay out.
"Do we have to?" Arcee moaned as Thundercracker gathered her up, he'd taken her to a Skyscraper to watch the humans.
"I'm afraid so," he said gently.
She pouted but didn't object when he started flying them away. Although she looked very reluctant as this happened. Her eyes were still on the humans, they fascinated her.
Their body structure and the way they lived interested her. She wanted to meet one properly but understood that today wasn't the time to do that. But still, she didn't want to go back to the base quite yet.
"Thundercracker, can we walk through that field again?" she asked softly. "Before we fly back?"
He was about to say no but the look in her optics changed his mind. "All right," he said.
He then flew them back to that field.
Grinning, Arcee gracefully slipped out of his arms and started slowly walking through the field of flowers again. But as she did so, she suddenly realised there was a young male human watching her, sitting on a fence to one side.
She gasped and looked in his direction. Hearing this Thundercracker looked in that direction to see what she saw.
"What the...?" he said in surprise before recognising the human.
"What are you doing here?" he demanded, grabbing Arcee's arm before she could approach.
Spike smiled nervously.
He shrugged. He said "Oh not much. Just enjoying the view," he said, moving forward a little.
Thundercracker's optics narrowed.
"Did Prime send you?" he demanded as Arcee exclaimed.
"He knows papa?"
She looked at the human with new interest. Spike turned to her.
"Yeah we're good friends," he said.
"He's a real swell guy, done a lot for me and my dad, and this planet of course."
He shot her a grin and said.
"He said he had a real pretty daughter and I can see why."
Arcee cocked her head and tried to move closer.
"Thanks," she said with a giggle.
"Um, I'm sorry I don't know anything about you."
"It's alright," he said with a wave of his hand.
"I know Mega-douche has been keeping you guys' hostage."
Arcee laughed at the name Spike just gave Megatron and Spike joined her. Thundercracker narrowed his optics.
"It's not a very smart thing to insult my leader like that," he said coldly, giving Spike a glare.
Spike shrugged, an innocent look on his face. Well at least he tried to look innocent but he failed at that.
"Lighten up, he doesn't mean any harm," Arcee said, stepping between the irate Seeker and the human.
"I'm Arcee," she said softly, hesitantly reaching a hand out but not touching him.
"You can touch if you like," Spike said with a laugh.
"I know some of you guys can't resist."
She smiled at him before going down on her knees to get closer to the human. She then reached out to touch him. He took a step forward, letting her fingers touch his hair. Her optics were wide as she felt the softness of his hair as he grinned up at him. She then lightly ran them down his back, taking in how delicate he was.
Spike stayed perfectly still for her. He let her examine him without complaint. He knew from Optimus that this was her first time here and that she was just curious.
"So, what'd you think?" he asked with a smile.
"I've never seen anything like you," she admitted softly before adding. "But you feel nice."
Spike grinned at her. "Well thanks," he said, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Some of the bots aren't very keen on us but I'm glad you don't mind."
He smiled and then said.
"Optimus is going stir crazy back at the base, he's really upset you guys aren't with him."
"I know. I miss him," she sighed, as a sad look came into her optics.
"Hey, it's okay," Spike said, giving Thundercracker a side look before saying.
"He'll find a way to spring you guys, don't worry."
"That's my papa," said Arcee, smiling again. "He always has a solution for everything."
"I know, that's why he kicks ass," Spike said with a big grin as Thundercracker rolled his optics.
"Arcee, we can't be late back at the base, Megatron will think we're up to something," he said loudly, making the two remember he was there.
"Wrap it up."
Arcee pouted and gave him a look. Spike grinned, it was almost similar to the puppy dog eyes method.
"Arcee, do you want him getting mad at you again?" Thundercracker said pointedly and she winched, rubbing her back in remembrance.
Most of the pain was gone but some of it was still there. She certainly didn't want to go through that again.
"Alright," she said with a heavy sigh, standing up.
She gave Spike a smile and said.
"I hope I can see you again, Spike."
He smiled.
"Back at ya," he said. "Do have anything you want me to tell the guys?"
"Just that I hope to see them all soon," Arcee said before suddenly bending and giving Spike a kiss on the head.
"And that's for papa, tell him I love and miss him."
Spike blushed and rubbed the back of his neck.
"I'll tell him but I don't think I can give that in him in person." he said.
Arcee laughed as she made her way back to Thundercracker.
"Just tell him I gave him one," she said with a big grin. "I'm sure papa will understand you can't give him one."
That made both of them laugh, it took a few seconds for it to disappear. Thundercracker waited patiently for her.
But finally, she ran into his arms and he scooped her up before blasting off. Spike run as they lifted off, waving his arms and calling.
"I'll tell him I saw you, don't let the cons get you down."
"I won't," she called back, waving down at him. She kept looking back until the human was out of her sight and Spike did the same with her.
"I wouldn't tell Megatron you saw him," Thundercracker warned her as they flew back to the Nemesis.
"He doesn't like humans, particularly the ones that hang around your father and his Mechs."
This caught her curiosity.
"What did they do to piss Megatron off," she asked.
Thundercracker shrugged.
"They've helped the Autobots foil Megatron's plans but mostly he just doesn't like them."
"I can't see why," she said, sounding surprised. "I think they're quite fascinating."
Thundercracker shrugged again.
"Not all the Autobots actually like them but since most do, they leave them alone."
"I wonder what others are like. I think I'd like humans if more of them are like that one," she said. She looked back the way they had come even though she couldn't see the human anymore.
"Their varied I think," Thundercracker said casually.
"But you know, some of them have actually sold us supplies and parts for weapons, so they're not all good. But I don't know any personally, so I'm not giving an opinion. You should try Starscream, he'd be happy to give his."
There was a bit of sarcasm in his voice. Both of them knew what Starscreams opinion would be. She rolled her optics at his words.
"He's always seems happy to give his opinion," she said with a sigh, having witnessed a few famous Starscream rants at his leader which ended in a smack.
"But I think I'll wait to form my own,"
"But I have a feeling it's gonna be a good one," she said. Thundercracker looked at her out of the corner of his optics.
"It's your choice," he said softly as he neared the Landing Platform of the Nemesis.
Knowing the others were probably all back by now and inside, he simply landed and activated it so that they were taken down into the Nemesis's depths. He was right. The rest of them were back and some of them were there waiting for the two of them to return.
"Darling, I was starting to get worried," Elita said, wrapping Arcee in a hug as soon as she was set on her feet.
"I'm sorry mama, I just wanted to see something one last time," Arcee said with a smile, still wearing the flower Thundercracker had given her.
Elita noticed the flower and raised an optic brow. Some of the other femmes there noticed it too.
"Oh, we were at this lovely field full of flowers," Arcee quickly explained.
"You'd have loved it mama, it was great."
Elita touched the flower. she examined it for a minute and then smiled at her daughter.
"It is lovely, now come on, we'd best get cleaned up."
As the Femmes moved away, Megatron came over to Thundercracker and asked.
"Was there any trouble?"
Thundercracker shook his head. "No, sir," he said. "There wasn't any sign of the Autobots."
Megatron sneered.
"Well, it looks like Prime kept his promise. I can kick that piece of junk out of my base now."
Without another word Megatron headed for the brig. Thundercracker followed behind. Unfortunately one of the femmes heard what they said.
"Wait, you're not getting rid of Hide?" Chromia said anxiously.
She went as quickly as she could to catch up with them. She was careful of her Sparkling. Hearing her Megatron and Thundercracker stopped where they were and turned towards her.
"Yes I am," Megatron said, looking annoyed she'd followed.
"Why don't you go with the other Femmes, Chromia?"
She shook her head. There was a very stubborn and determined look on her face. Megatron went to walk off again but she went right in front.
"Why can't this wait until morning?" she demanded.
"I don't want him gone yet, I need him here."
"You may," said Megatron, "but we don't. I've already got enough headaches from that idiot."
He tried to push past her but she grabbed his arm and held on.
"If Hide goes, I'm damn well going too," she snarled.
This caused both Megatron and Thundercracker to stop in their tracks. They turned back to look at her. She had her arms crossed over her chest.
"You're not going anywhere," Megatron growled but Chromia wasn't backing down.
"I'm not going through this pregnancy without him," she snarled.
"So I go with him or he stays with me," she said, stubbornly. "Take your pick."
Megatron eyed her for a very long moment, weighing his options. And then he said.
"Then you leave."
For a few moments Chromia was stunned. She couldn't believe what she had just heard.
"Excuse me," she said, quietly. Megatron looked straight at her.
"I said you can leave," he said, reluctantly. There was silence.
"Really?" she said, her face lighting up in delight.
"Yes...but I'm not letting anyone else go," Megatron pointed out.
"So either you stay with your Femmes or you leave them behind, it's your choice."
She bit her lip at that. She wanted to be with Ironhide but she didn't want to leave the others behind. But then she remembered that the others were strong. They could handle themselves and that they would want her to be with her Mech.
"I'll leave with Hide," she said quietly.
She just had to be with her mate but maybe she could still help her Femmes from the outside. She could tell them how their Femmes were getting on and what the routines were.
Megatron nodded and continued to the brig. Thundercracker was behind him and Crhomia followed them. Ironhide looked up when they walked in. He smiled when he saw Chromia.
"Hey Mia, have a good time outside?" he asked with a grin and she nodded, but she couldn't keep the sad look off her face.
"What's wrong," he asked, concerned. He held out his arms to her and she took it. She snuggled against his chest. "Is the baby okay?"
"Oh yes, it's fine," she answered.
"Megatron letting you go and he says...I can go to,"
Ironhide was amazed but he immediately knew why she was upset. She didn't want to leave the others behind while she had her freedom. So he hugged her tighter and said.
"Hey, it'll be alright Mia. The others will understand, they'll want what's best for you and the Sparkling."
She nodded. Then within moments the sad look disappeared and a big grin came onto her face. There was now a sparkle in her optics.
"Well, at least we can finally have some proper alone time together," she said slyly, tracing his Autoobt insignia in sultry way.
He chuckled and nuzzled her. Then someone cleared their throat. They were reminded that they weren't alone.
"Better get going darlin, Prime'll be going nuts," Ironhide said, scooping her up into his arms, pleased at the ease he managed it.
Having to live in a changeable environment meant his joints got a little rusty and stiff but he had no problems today. In fact knowing that he was going to be taking Chromia home was making him feel really good. Better than ever.
He wouldn't spend sleepless nights wondering where she was and how she was going. He could keep both her and their Sparkling safe now and the thought made his Spark swell with happiness. Even Megatron's scowl couldn't dampen his spirits, nothing could spoil his mood right about now.
The two of them looked up at the two Decepticons in the cell with them. Thundercracker's face was neutral while Megatron was wearing a scowl.
"We don't have all day," Megatron said grumpily, it was clear he was going to assist Thundercracker in taking them back to shore.
Thundercracker was quite strong for a Seeker but there was no way he could safely carry both Autobots. Megatron and Thundercracker headed out. Ironhide followed with Chromia in his arms right behind them.
"I'll need to take her," Thundercracker said softly, it made more sense for Megatron to carry Ironhide, something neither Mech was looking forward to.
Ironhide reluctantly handed his Femme over to Thundercracker. Thundercracker made her comfortable.
Ironhide walked close by Thundercracker as he carried her into the Landing Platform. Once there, it was activated and rose high up into the air in the darken sky. Chromia snuggled into Thundercracker, she couldn't believe she'd soon be free of this place and the collar she still wore around her neck.
Ironhide then very awkwardly wrapped his arms around Megatron who looked furious at the whole situation. Megatron took off after Thundercracker. It wasn't long before they caught up. They found a good landing site a few minutes later.
Ironhide quickly let go of Megatron, the two Mechs putting some distance between each other, clearly trying to forget how close they'd been. Chromia gave Thundercracker a sneaky kiss, thanking him for his help. Megatron now said.
"Tell Prime this is all he's getting, Arcee and Elita are staying with me."
Both Ironhide and Chromia didn't like that at all. They wisely kept their mouths shut
Chromia would have dearly loved to punch him but she suddenly felt very tired and couldn't summon the energy. As Ironhide supported her, he glared at Megatron and growled.
"Ah'll pass on yer message."
"See that you do," growled Megatron. As he turned away, Chromia stuck her glossia at him while his back was turned.
Ironhide smirked and though Thundercracker spotted it, he didn't comment.
"Goodbye," he said softly and both he and Megatron blasted off.
The two of them watched the Decpeticons fly off. Then after a few seconds everything sunk in.
"I'm...I'm free," she said in complete wonder.
"I'm free!" she whooped, grabbing Ironhide and crushing his lips in a passionate kiss.
Ironhide let out a whoop and returned the kiss, holding her tightly against him. Although he let go when he felt a nudge from her abdomen.
"Looks like the little guy's happy as well," he said with a huge grin, dropping to his knees to press a kiss against her abdomen.
She chuckled, rubbing the spot where Ironhide had kissed before saying.
"You think it's going to be a Mech?"
"Don't know but a Femme is good too," he said, kissing her stomach again. They smiled at each other.
"Better contact Optimus," he said. He then activated his comm.
"Optimus," he said.
"Ironhide," Optimus replied immediately.
"I assume Megatron kept his word?"
"Even better Prime, I've got someone with me."
He shot Chromia a loving smile before saying.
"Well, technically, I've got 'two' bots with me."
"What are you talking about," asked Optimus. Ironhide grinned saying "Come see for yourself."
He then gave Optimus the coordinates for where he was and cut off the connection. The two of them then waited. Under an hour later they could see Optimus and a few others in the distance. Chromia hid behind Ironhide, wanting to surprise them.
"Chromia," Optimus gasped surprise and delight, a view shared by the others.
"Dang, old Megs actually let ya go?" Jazz said with a grin as Ratchet rushed up to Chromia to scan her quickly.
"Everything seems fine," Ratchet announced.
"But I want you in berth as soon as possible with a decent cube of Energon, no interfacing."
Chromia just nodded, grinning. She was bouncing up and down on her heels in joy.
"You're no fun Ratchet," she teased before hugging him tightly.
"Oh, I missed you, you old slagger."
Rachet couldn't help but hiug her back. Her mood was contagious right now.
"It is good to see you functioning," Prowl said formally but he was smiling and they all knew he was happy to see her.
"Let's get you both back to the base," Optimus now said warmly.
"We can talk once we're safely there."
She nodded but the grin on her face just got wider. She couldn't wait to see Jazz's mate again. It had been so long since she'd seen her.
"I'm going to need a ride," she said with a sly smile, patting her middle.
"I can take you," Ratchet said, transforming.
"You'll be safe and so will the Sparkling."
Ironhide carefully helped her inside the red and white ambulance and once she safely strapped down, transformed himself. The others transformed as well and soon there was a little convoy heading home at long last.
Author's note. Chromia talks to the Autobots about life at the Nemesis and how all the Femmes are. Meanwhile, the Nemesis gets some new arrivals but who are they? Find out next time, until then.