Subi: Alright! It might take awhile for some posts, because I'm only a chapter ahead of my posts right now and... Yeah... this is a short chapter, and I made up the song myself-

Shiori: (interrupts Subi) Starscream's home! W00T! (runs around happily)

Subi: Oh brother... (sighs)

Optimus Prime: Shiori, calm down already!... Shiori! (sighs and catches her as she runs past)

Shiori: NOO! LET GO OF ME! OPTIMUS! (struggles to get free) LET GO!

Subi: Uhm... Posting now, before this turns into an ugly mess... (posts chapter)


3. Return

"What's wrong, Alexis?" Shiori asked, finding her daughter on the couch with an unhappy look. Alexis sighed.

"Hot Shot hasn't come yet..."

"Hot Shot runs a resteraunt, Alexis. He'll get here when he can." Shiori sat down next to her daughter and hugged her. "You know it gets busy at his place in the evening."

Alexis snuggled closer to her mother. After a moment, rocking Alexis back and forth slightly, Shiori began to sing softly...

/ Mist rising in the morn;

Dewdrops sparkle with morning stars' light.

I hold you close with great adorn,

Peace is here, even as the great spirits fight.../

Shiori heard the door open, and Hot Shot's soft, questioning call. She kept singing, but raised her voice somewhat so Hot Shot could hear where they were...

/ Song sings a spark to life,

Weaving fears into hopes so bright;

Yet pain still cuts like a knife,

Darkened by the blackest night.../

Shiori realized someone else was singing with her, and looked up. She nearly faltered, as she saw Starscream standing in the doorway with Hot Shot beside him. Starscream kept singing with her as she continued...

/ As each star burns and dies,

Our heroes still protect our rights.

Still giving us time to fly

To rescue our own knights... /

Starscream quietly walked over to them, and Alexis looked up at him wonderingly. Starscream was singing alone now...

/ Friends and family stay ever near and true;

No amount of darkness can fight

Against a brightening hue

Of a loving Sparks' light. /

There was a ringing silence when he finished, and he stood before both of them. Shiori stood and hugged him. He wrapped his arms around her, and pulled her close into his embrace.

"I'm sorry it took me so long to come home, Shiori," he whispered softly. Shiori shook her head in his chest, letting her tears fall freely.

"I'm just glad that you came home, Starscream," she told him quietly. Starscream pulled away slightly, and looked down at Alexis. He gently reached out and laid his hand on her shoulder. A smile touched Alexis' lips and she jumped up and hugged both of them. Behind them, Hot Shot smiled faintly, and waited for Alexis to notice him. It didn't take long.

"Hot Shot!" She cried, spying him, and letting go of Starscream and Shiori. She dashed across the room and hugged him. He smiled at her gently and returned the hug.

"Hey there, Alexis. Sorry it took me so long."

"It's okay. You're busy at nighttime," she said, grinning up at him. Hot Shot laughed.

"Tell me about it... I'm sorry I can't stay long, Alexis; I need to get home."

"Aww... Okay, Hot Shot. Bye!" She called after him as he waved good bye and left the house. Starscream chuckled slightly, and stepped over to Alexis. He picked her up and swung her up into his arms.

"Whee!" Alexis cried happily. With a soft giggle, she snuggled deeper into his chest and quickly fell asleep...


Optimus Prime: (looks extremely pleased and happy)

Shiori: THAT WAS AWESOME! (dancing around)

Subi: ... Clearly... (mutters) Someone's hyper... (notices Optimus's look) Not you too...

Optimus Prime: What? That was a good chapter- And you finally got Starscream home! (innocent grin)

Subi: (Siiigh) I give up. You guys are impossible to understand completely...

Optimus & Shiori: What was that?

Subi: o.o; Nothing...

Optimus & Shiori: (both glaring at Subi)

Subi: Uhm... Why are you looking at me like that?

Optimus (takes out a rope) Tie her to the chair now?

Shiori: I don't care, just as long as she updates soon. (hehehe) (happy look)

Subi: HELP! THEY'RE AFTER ME! (tries to escape them) SHOCKBOX, SPIRITPRIME, ZARIUS, NAUNDI! ANYONE! HELP! (runs down a small hallway where Optimus and Shiori can't get her) ;-; Where'd the trust go?...