Sit down and wet your whistle and have a nice bite to eat. We are serving, for your pleasure, another chapter for The Warrior is the Child by Silver Elf Child.

Optimus found Dinobot dying in his daughter's arms. Razor claw looked up at him. "Mamma?" she sobbed.

Optimus blinked and looked across the battlefield to E.O's still form.

"Is dead, hush now," Dinobot soothed. Razor Claw huddled closer to Dinobot, letting him wrap his arms around her. Rattrap drove up and sucked in a shocked breath. There was no mistaking it. Dinobot was a goner. All the Maximal's gathered around Dinobot as soon as the forest fires had been put out.

"E.O. fell defending us," Dinobot told Optimus.

"She was protecting her child," Wind Chaser softly whispered as she knelt down.

"So she wasn't a cranky ol' dinosaur after all," Cheetra sighed. "She did know what love was."

"She fell a warrior, in battle, have her recycled with honor." Razor Claw wept silently holding Dinobot's hand. "Daddy?"

"And what of you old friend?" Optimus asked.

"There's got to be something we can do," Cheetor said optimistically with his hand resting on Razor Claw's shoulder.

"He's too far gone, even for stasis lock," Rhinox said mournfully.

"Well fought my friend. You saved the valley. You saved the lives of those that live here and of those who are still to come."

"Then there is no regret."

"Like I said, you are just a slag spoutin' saurian, but it's nice to know where you stand." Rattrap clasped Dinobot's right hand, giving comfort to the dying Maximal.

"Upwind of you for preference, vermin." The last insult put a smile on Rattrap's face.

"What about Megatron?" Kuma asked.

"He's gone." Rocksore informed. "He left when he saw us coming."

"I mean, if E.O.'s gone and Dinobot's dying what happens to Razor Claw? Megatron will want to destroy her."

"Optimus," Dinobot swallowed. "Do me one last favor before I go."

"Rest now."

"Will you raise my children? I know it isn't a sound plan, but at least teach them the best you can the way I would have."

"I will do as you ask, Dinobot."

"Rhinox?"

"Yes?"

"When I am at rest and sleep forever more, give my optical sensors to Razor Claw."

"She will see again through your optics," Rhinox bowed.

Razor Claw sniffled and wiped her optics. Dinobot smiled tenderly at his eldest daughter. No words could be said to explain how proud he was of her. "Make me proud. Listen to Optimus and the other Maximal's. They are just as much your family as they were mine." And just low enough for her to hear he added. "And make the vermin's life hell." Dinobot turned back to Optimus. "Tell my tale to those who ask." He was referring to his children not present and future generations. "Tell it truly, the evil deeds along with the good, and let me be judged accordingly. The rest is silence." Dinobot's optics faded and his head fell to his chest. The sound of his systems shutting down was heard in the quiet forest and his spark left his body, pulsating as it ascended into the heavens. As the ball of power ascended the Maximals stood and saluted their fallen comrade. Razor Claw fell across her father's chest and wept openly and loudly.

"He lived a warrior and died a hero. May his spark join the matrix, the greatest of Cybertron."

"Now what?" Cheetra asked Wind Chaser. "We can't take her back with us, she's a raptor."

"Not now, Cheetra," Wind Chaser reprimanded.

"Come on kiddo. We can't stay here all day," Rattrap coaxed Razor Claw to release Dinobot.

"Mamma Daddy both gone."

"Yeah," Rattrap hung his head in sorrow. "Gone."

Rogue placed her hand on Rattrap's shoulder and he gave her a genuine look of gratefulness.

"Come here, Razor Claw," Wind Chaser soothed. The tiny raptor complied with her request and crawled into her arms. Cheetra glared at her, not liking the way things were headed. How could they even begin to accept her, she wasn't a Maximal! Her parents were both Predacon traitors, they couldn't be trusted and neither should she. Her siblings and her would only bring more headaches to the Maximal's.

Optimus gently wiped away one of Razor Claw's tears and sighed. This was going to be an interesting experience that was for sure. Not only were they out numbered, again, but also now they had to deal with four young bots. Optimus looked up when he heard Cheetor start to laugh. The young cat was watching his female counterpart glare at the tiny dinosaur.

"Now who's jealous?" Cheetor whispered into her ear.

"I am not."

Optimus smiled, knowing full well why the cats were fighting. He swept Razor Claw out of Wind Chasers arms and into his. "Let's go home."

Rocksore helped Rhinox and Rattrap build a litter to carry Dinobot's body back to the Axalon. Once Dinobot's last requests were fulfilled they were going to build a burial pyre and give Dinobot a hero's send off. The ceremony to come reminded Optimus of an old Earth custom held by the Vikings and Celtic nations during the middle ages. The humans would burn their kings and battle hero's on floating funeral pyres as a demonstration of respect, loyalty and for the office that they held. Optimus hoped that he would do Dinobot justice in his last rite.

"HALT! No Maximal shall leave this battle field alive!"

Optimus Primal whipped around to find the Raptor Gang prepared to do battle. Demadex stooped over E.O's lifeless frame, inspecting her for any sign of life. To his dismay none remained. Demetrius looked from the Maximals over to the raptors medical expert, hoping against hope, that his captain still functioned. Demadex looked to his new commanding officer and shook his head with regret and in mourning. E.O was colder then slag and beyond help. All that remained was for her to be avenged.

Demetrius returned his glare to the retreating Maximals. "So, you destroy our leader and leave her on the battle field like a piece of left over aluminum siding that you did not need when repairing a ship. So the Maximal's truly have lost all concepts of honor."

"We did not attack her, nor did we destroy her. She was dead before we got here. Why don't you ask Megatron for the reason of his sister's death?"

"He would not kill her," Demetrius said flatly. "We are of more value to him as allies then enemies."

"We did not kill E.O."

"Says you."

"Yes, says me." Optimus nodded curtly.

"You may not have, but he did!" Tarsis accused pointing at Dinobot's fallen frame.

"Dinobot died defending his daughter, Razor Claw," Wind Chaser said coolly. "Any father would have done the same."

"Razor Claw?" Demetrius' head shot up upon her mentioning. "Where is she?"

Optimus motioned toward the tiny raptor, safe and asleep in his arms.

"Release her now!"

"She is coming with us."

"I think not. She is a raptor, not a Maximal. Release her or face the penalty of your impertinence." Demetrius emphasized his point by pulling out his sail and whipped it around in a circular motion. The sail completed the three hundred and sixty-degree turn and connected, latching onto Demetrius' arm in a fin shield on his left arm.

"It was Dinobot's last request for Razor Claw to be raised by the Maximals," Optimus explained, hoping to appease the raptors.

"How convenient for you," Euto spat, drawing his weapon. "As our commander already informed you, Razor Claw is a raptor, now hand her over."

"Euto," Demetrius held his hand up, quieting his friend's rebellious talk. "Give her back to us, Primal and we will hold no grievances against you."

The Terrible Trio looked at Demetrius, shocked that he could agree to such a bargain. How could he say that they would not hold grudges against the Maximal's for E.O's death? The Maximals were souly responsible for E.O's death, no doubt, and that loss was to be paid for in mech fluid, Maximal mech fluid. Demetrius dismissed the Trio's threatening growls; instead he waited for Optimus' sure consent. After all the Maximal leader had to consider that the lives of his troops were far more important then his pride.

"I'm afraid that I cannot," Optimus said sullenly. "I swore to protect Razor Claw"

"As did I."

"And we made other promises. Dinobot wanted Razor Claw to have his optics, so that she could see again. Rhinox promised to do so before he went off line. I mean to see that it is fulfilled."

"We can do it. Demadex is more then capable of accomplishing the surgery."

"I will not put her in danger, and if I left her in your care I would be doing just that. Besides I will not allow Dinobot's remains to be in your care. No doubt you will not have respect for our dead."

"Is that suppose to mean something?" Herrera growled. Having grown tired of the conversations proceedings she too had drawn her weapon, poised to fire. "Because if it is"

"As you can see, Primal, you arrogance is offending my troops."

"Watch it Sail Back!" Rattrap threatened, Rogue pulling him back by his arm. "We've had about enough of you too."

"Shut up, Rattrap. Demetrius, this is crazy. You were once a Maximal. Join us. Become a Maximal again. Help us end Megatron's reign and avenge E.O."

"Nice try, Primal, but I'm not that stupid. I left the Maximal's for a reason. There is nothing you can say or promise to make me convert back."

"Nor me," Herrera snorted.

"That goes double for me," Euto added.

"We are Raptors, and Raptors stick together. We belong to no one. You have one of our own, Maximal. Holding her as a hostage is an act of war. Release her or else we shall have to take her by force."

Optimus sighed. He really didn't have much of a choice. He had to let Razor Claw go. Wind Chaser watched Optimus and felt his anguish. As Maximal leader he had to look out for the safety of his troops, yet he couldn't bear to release Razor Claw to Demetrius. Wind Chaser quickly pulled Optimus back and whispered a hurried, not all together thought out, plan.

"What?" Optimus asked pulling back.

"Just do it. Trust me this is for the best."

Optimus smiled at his friend, fellow Maximal leader, and mate. He was grateful for her advice, but would it work? There was only one way to find out. "I have a counter proposal, Demetrius."

"Oh really, I don't see how you are in any position to bargain."

"I'm holding Razor Claw, you will not fire upon me as long as I have what you want."

"That's not very Maximalish of you, using a child as a hostage, and further still as a shield."

Optimus chuckled. "True, but then again I'm full of surprises. You dare not jeopardize Razor Claw. Therefore you shall not fire until you have heard my proposal."

"Just like a coward to hide behind a child. Tell me Optimus did Dinobot teach you this? Did the coward tell you to use his daughter as such?"

"Take that back!" Rattrap exploded. "Dinobot was my friend and you will NOT besmirch his name like that!"

The other Maximal's nodded and mumbled their agreement. If Demetrius was looking for a battle, they were now more then ready to oblige him. No one, not even an ex-maximal, was going to insult their fallen comrade or his memory.

"Enough name calling, Demetrius. Can't you let the dead rest in peace?"

"As soon as Razor Claw's in our possession once more."

"Speaking of Razor Claw how about we let her decide who she wants to go with?"

"What?!"

"Let her decide who she wants to live with, after all it is her life we are discussing."

Demetrius smirked. Could Optimus be as dumb as he looked? How could he think that this latest ploy would work in his favor? So be it, let him think what he will and hold onto his futile hope. Razor Claw is a Raptor, she will choose us. "Agreed!"

"What are you doing, Demetrius?" Herrera asked hoarsely.

"You'll see. Optimus is a bigger fool then ever."

"Will she choose us?" Euto asked.

"We ARE her family. She will choose us, just watch."

Optimus gently shook the sleeping raptor and she slowly opened her optics, stretched and yawned. He was about to explain to her the situation but she jumped out of his arms and ran toward the raptors. "Demetrius!"

The Maximal's were stunned. It appeared that Razor Claw had no need of Dinobot's optics and regretfully she had made the decision they were all hoping would not have been chosen.

Demetrius knelt down and held his arms open for Razor Claw. That's it Razor Claw, come back to us and don't look back. Come back where you belong and forget the Maximal's.

His smile never faded, even as Razor Claw slowed her approach. She stopped a meter or so away from the raptors and looked at them. Something wasn't right. "Come on Princess let's go home." Demetrius coaxed, so close to victory.

Razor Claw shook her head and looked back to where Optimus was. He hung his head and slowly walked away with the other Maximal's. She watched as the litter bearing her father slowly followed them. Demetrius stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her victoriously, watching the Maximal's go. Razor Claw broke free and ran after them, but they did not see her. They were too overcome with grief to care about her miraculous recovery. "OPTIMUS!"

Optimus stopped and looked back. Razor Claw was standing by herself holding her hand out to him, almost as if she was begging him not to go. Wind Chaser joined Optimus and the pair stepped towards the little raptor. Demetrius, not liking what he had just seen, had no other choice. Razor Claw had made her decision.

"All right, Primal, I'll consent to a joint custody of Razor Claw and the twins."

"Thank you, Demetrius."

"What can I say, a child needs to know both sides of their family, mother and father. Come, Razor Claw, we'll talk with the Maximal's later."

Razor Claw nodded, but waved to Demetrius to lean closer to her. He did so and she whispered into his audio receptor. He stood hastily and looked at her with a raised eyebrow. He had not expected a child her age to request something so strange as she had. "Optimus Razor Claw requests that you do not dispose of Dinobot's body just yet. She wishes to have it done with her presence at a later date."

"I will honor her request."

"Thank you. And Optimus forgive me for speaking harshly of Dinobot. I was wrong for doing so."

"You are forgiven, Demetrius. Thank you and we'll talk later regarding the custody."

Demetrius nodded and let the Maximal's go. When they were gone the Raptors gathered around their fallen commander's form and paid their last respects. Each Raptor bowed their heads in silence, knelt down and placed their right hand, clasped in a fist, held across their chest. With their last respects paid a litter was built and the Raptors carried E.O from the field.

/ page break /

Razor Claw, looking out her bedroom window, looked up to the stars, searching for answers that may never come. Demetrius had tucked her into bed earlier, but something felt wrong about sleeping just yet. "Mamma, Daddy, I miss you already. Why did this have to happen? Why now?"

A voice from her past spoke softly in her mind and Razor Claw looked around her hoping against hope to see her mother. Instead she found an empty chamber. The Warrior is a Child, Razor Claw. One day you will see the story come true.'

When Mamma? When will I see the story of the warrior child come true?'

In time, sleep now.'

Razor Claw could practically feel her mother's kiss on her brow, remembering the night she had first heard the story of the warrior child. What was it, the song her mother sang to her that night? If only she could remember the words Razor Claw tired hard to remember the words, but all she could remember was the music, so she hummed it silently to herself. "Lately I've been winning battles left and right. But even winners can get wounded in the fight." Razor Claw smiled as the words came back to her. "People say that I'm amazing, strong beyond my years, but they don't see inside of me, I'm hiding all the tears. They don't know that I go running home when I fall down. They don't know, what picks me up when no one is around. I drop my sword and cry for just a while, cause deep inside this armor The warrior is a child."

She shivered for no reason and quickly thought of Megatron and Death Striker. Only those two sent shivers up her spine. "I'm afraid because his armor is the best. But even soldiers need a quiet place to rest. People say that I'm amazing, never face retreat, but they don't see the enemies that lay me at his feet. They don't know that I go running home when I fall down. They don't know who picks me up when no one is around. I drop my sword and cry for just a while, cause deep inside this armor the warrior is a child."

How true were these words. No one knew, not the Maximals, not the Raptors, not the Predicons, no one knew how she felt inside. True they knew she was hurting because she had lost both parents, but there was more. More that no one saw. "They don't know that I go running home when I fall down. They don't know who picks me up when no one is around. I drop my sword and look up for a smile, cause deep inside this armor deep inside this armor deep inside this armor the warrior is a child."

Razor Claw finished the song whispering the final words; "The warrior is a child."

A knock at the door scared her and she jumped. Composing herself she called out, "Come in."

"Hello, Little One."

"Hello, Demadex."

"Why so sad?"

"Mamma and Daddy died?"

"Really?" Demadex smiled. "I thought that they were here."

Razor Claw nearly lost her hold on her emotions and her bottom lip began to tremble as the flood of tears she had been holding back rushed forth, but she kept them from falling.

"Razor Claw," Demadex softened his voice. "As long as you honor and remember them then they will never die. They live on in you and the twins. Do you remember what I once told you about hero's?"

Razor Claw nodded.

"How can you tell if a warrior is a hero?"

"His shield."

"That's right, his shield. To return with your shield meant you fought the battle, to return on your shield meant you died a hero, and to come home without your shield meant you were a coward and fled."

"What about Mamma?"

"What about her?"

"She did not battle. They killed her."

Demadex smiled and gave a soft chuckle. "E.O. was the greatest warrior of all. She fell defending the greatest treasure Cybertron ever beheld." As he spoke he puffed out his chest, full of pride.

"What's that?"

His chest deflated quickly as if his pride had been injured. "You."

"Me?"

"Yes, you. When the day comes you will know. Your tale has already been told, Little One. It was written even before the Great War."

"Will daddy be remembered like Optimus Prime?"

"Go to sleep, Little One."

Razor Claw flipped around and pulled the covers up to her chin. "Will he?"

"Do you want the universe to remember his deeds?"

Razor Claw nodded. "Yes."

"Then you will see it done. For now go to sleep or else I'll have to fix you" he gave her a sly smile. "A sleeping remedy."

Razor Claw giggled at the implied concoction. She decided natural rest was better then induced sleep. The last time Demadex had fixed the mentioned brew the recipient never woke. Maybe he should not have spoken mutiny against E.O or threatened harm to her child. Well not in ear shot of Demadex anyway. "Good night, Little One."

"Good night, Demadex."

Demadex waited till she was asleep before he crept out of the room. Before he left he leaned a tiny shield against the foot of her bed. "To return with your shield meant you fought the battle."

Fin.

I hope I did this story justice. It took me long enough. Thank you for reading and if you could leave me a review I'd be much obliged. Now if only I could get Optimus and Demetrius to work things out peacefully. IF not this custody battle could get ugly

Smile, Live, Laugh, Love and God Bless

Oh yeah and thanks again to BlueMoonDuchess and Lady Electra for the inspirations and added details to this story.