Author's Note: I feel so absolutely loved! It's already chapter seven and we're almost breaking 100 reviews!! Thank you guys SO much for your attention on the story; it's only going to get more twisted (in a good/bad way) from here on out! So, with that said, please enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers.

Edit: Credit for the Nightwind character goes to ice-nydwen. I forgot to give her credit and I feel really bad! So, it's not my character from here on out. Sorry for not doing it before! I'm terrible!

Chapter 7: Brother

"What happens if another Decepticon is changed into a sparkling, Prime?" Prowl asked, glancing at his leader. "Being in battle with so many of their own kin, it might be difficult to retrieve the child."

"Megatron is neurotic, apparently becoming obsessed with getting the children," Optimus responded quietly, watching in the distance for any signs of his arch rival, "Thus we'll concentrate mostly on them, but if a youngling appears in the ranks, we will be discrete and quick with trying to get them first. We cannot harm them, however, and if worst comes to worst, we'll allow the Decepticons to take them. Megatron obviously knows something that we do not…perhaps about their powers, perhaps about their pasts. Whatever the case, we must do all we can to protect Starscream and Skywarp."

The second-in-command seemed to judgmentally accept the reason, but he still appeared to be frustrated with something. He decided to voice his opinion, saying, "I just fear that if Megatron were to recognize his potential strength with the children, he could have a devious advantage, especially if he gains their trust. I don't even think I could bear watching children turn into weapons. Not like this."

Prime turned to his officer, a gentle expression crossing over his face. When Prowl seemed to be such a stoic soldier, it appeared that the youngling's love was able to penetrate his cold, outer shell just as it did for Sunstreaker and Sideswipe. Now one the cruelest warriors of the Autobots were considered the most gentle, protective and distinct mechs just because of their interaction with Starscream and Skywarp. It was breaking them from their normal habits and desires; though they would never admit it, they all had a great and devoted love for the two. It was becoming aware amongst them all.

Now they just needed to protect that love from Megatron forever—even when they grew up.

--

Starscream felt him.

The contact was immediate, he knew, and it was nearly as overwhelming as Skywarp knew it was. The violet Seeker even wrapped two supporting arms around his ivory elder in order to balance his waver steps, grasping him firmly as Starscream gasped somewhat at the touch of the other's spark. It wasn't something he'd ever felt before—it was extremely familiar, reassuring, kind…like growing relationship between Optimus, but though the spark wasn't as bright and golden, it was just as honest. Yet, there was something different about it…standing there on the ridge of the rock, in between Sideswipe and Sunstreaker, Starscream realized this. Even from such a distance, he could feel it…

Reaching out with his own spark, he brushed the recognizable mech in the lightest of touches; a way to show that Starscream was there, that he had felt the other and knew him.

There was a brief pause, as if the other was surprised by the contact, before it was returned with a rush of warmth—so utterly kind and gentle, that Starscream even giggled a little. Skywarp accompanied him, also in link with the not-so-strange stranger, his own essence wrapping about the elder, his own kind and strong. There was a soft whisper, then, an invisible hand smoothing down Starscream's back and nuzzling him affectionately. The resemblance towards Optimus was astounding…not quite as fatherly, yes, but definitely just as gentle. The ivory Seeker felt it differently…like a brother.

"Starscream?" Sideswipe asked, turning to him, perplexed. "You all right?"

The little one nodded in turn, too shy to respond to his discovery. A spark likeness. That was huge; he hadn't felt a spark so close in similarity since he was separated from his daniluk and opiluk, or his creators with their specific names (like a mother and father in human terms). This could also mean…that his creators were around as well! Starscream felt a flooding sensation of happiness, having not seen his dani in so long and having the hope of seeing her once more…it was almost unbelievable! His dani would come and pick him up, and he would be safe again. And then Optimus and he and his dani would be happy together, just like the family that had been gone for so long before…so long.

"There's Hook," Sunstreaker stated, his dead-set gaze on the horizon. "Behind that rock formation, right there. Where Jazz is positioned."

We're getting in configuration, Optimus murmured through the private link of the Autobots, We must protect them at all costs, no matter what sacrifices this may bring. They've given us more than we can ever ask for, diverting Megatron's deceitful ways from the humans, bringing us our own peace, showing us love and beauty through the optics of a sparkling. We must return the favor by defending them with our lives. Perhaps they could bring harmony between our failing race…

A hum suddenly developed from the two larger mechs that Starscream and his other sat in between; a prayer in the form of ancient Cybertronian language towards Primus to keep protection over the two unknowingly younglings. Nevertheless, they joined from habit, happy to contribute. When it ended, the twins mounted their gear, polishing their cannons and preparing for battle. Starscream and Skywarp sat obediently, quietly, not quite sure what was going on, but knew that it wasn't good. Starscream sighed; he didn't like it when things got bad. That usually meant that mechs were going to get hurt, and…it was usually his fault.

"Aw'right," Sideswipe said with a grin, staring down towards the brewing fight. "First one that gets Mega-head in the groin is the first I'm buyin' a drink for!"

Deal! Half of the squad cried, leaping out into the open.

Battle erupted while Sunstreaker tugged the two sparklings beneath his helm in order to block their vision from the carnage, even by the darkness of the night. Considering the compassion Starscream had for others, no doubt he would attempt to 'protect' his elders by rushing right into the fight…which would no doubt end in everybody ripping one another apart to retrieve him first. However, without being to see what was going on, but feeling the desperation and fear within both sparks of his guardians, he couldn't help but want to try and escape anyways.

"Don't even think about it…" Sunny muttered dangerously.

A shiver washed down Starscream's spine as he backed off, but whimpered softly when he felt the strong, capable sparks pulse with pain and hatred. Their emotions were overwhelming to his little spark, in all honesty, and though Skywarp wasn't as connected to them as the ivory one was, he could feel the harshness of the situation. He, too, could feel their suffering.

Starscream pursed his lips, coming to a decision. If this was to go on for much longer, he wouldn't be able to stand it anymore. Mechs would get hurt; his friends might even die because of him, and he couldn't have that at all. There must've been a way to stop them, and if nothing else, he could certainly use his voice to interrupt their attempts. It's all he could do left for them, after all they had done for him. It seemed like the only right thing to do. Thus, as slowly and as quietly as possible, he slipped under Sunstreaker's massive chassis and under his arm, tip-toeing away in silence. One thing he was good at was being sneaky. It always kept him alive.

Once out of earshot, he made a mad dash for a large rock formation to hid his tiny form. Breathing hard for a moment, fear trembling his insides, he just realized what he done. He had ran from his guardians. But in a strange, distant way, he didn't really feel as bad as he thought he should. He was…only answering the call. Turning, he made way for the corner of the formation before pausing and making another run, noticing that nobody was around. Bolting from his cover, the minibot did his best to remain balance against the slanted, smooth rock, while also attempting to get in a better proximity towards the known spark.

Where are you? He asked through the distance.

What? Came the response, as if the other was surprised Starscream was looking for him.

His name suddenly rang out behind him, making the mini-Decepticon jump in fright before he whirled about, pumping his legs in attempts to get away. Oh no, Sunstreaker and Sideways were going to find him, and they were going to hurt him for disobeying! That's what always happened when he disobeyed! Terror pulsed through his small systems, realizing his fault. His step-opiluk would always beat him whenever he tried to run away! This would be no different…he'd never done it before, and for a good reason. But now…he could already feel their enormous knuckles beating into his tiny, softer helm, denting it and cracking it. The bruises and scratches that he was going to retain were going to be…the most painful thing ever. And there were two of them.

Starscream was suddenly cut off.

Not by mech nor by rock, but by something else.

Water.

Gulping, he stared at the wide and black adversary, the night's stars flickering over its surface. A different fear then scored through his body, making it tremble as he recounted the endless methods his guardians tortured him in the form of liquids. The worst feeling was when it would pour into his mouth, suffocating his systems, choking him…

"Starscream!" Sideswipe's voice echoed over the valley, making the smaller one twitch in apprehension.

He had no choice.

Slowly walking up to the lapping crossroads of water and land, Starscream took his time in getting in, feeling his body's minor adjustments in making him air-tight. Once he was sure they had worked to their fullest extent, he finally pushed away from the rock surface, struggling to get across the expanse. Swimming was a lot more difficult than he first thought it'd be…Skywarp seemed to be able to do it easily enough, though, so he could probably do it, too. Fear was making insides ache nonetheless—he kept imagining something bursting from the surface from underneath and dragging him down, far into the pits below. He would've turned back if he hadn't the sudden and very desperate sensation he was receiving of his other. The elder seemed as abruptly dedicated to find him as Starscream was, and that was reason enough to keep him going.

"Starscream!" continued the twin's voice, growing louder as it grew near.

Oh no…Starscream thought quietly to himself.

That was another good reason to keep going, that was for sure.

"Starscream, come out right now!" Sunstreaker barked over the distant noises, only further digressing Starscream's fear of them.

Oh, they were definitely going to punish him for this one.

Yet, by the sight of land approaching him, he felt a bit better. This would help bring him closer to his relative, be it a brother or even an uncle in the like. Whatever the case, he knew once he got to them, he knew he would be safe. At last, he felt solid ground rise underneath his small feet and he pulled himself out of the offensive water, feeling a sort of accomplishment from crossing such a frightening thing.

That, however, was abruptly interrupted.

"Starscream!" Sideswipe's voice called over the perch from the other side.

The little one gasped, pumping his legs as he forced his body to rise over the sharp incline of the hill, rising over it. It was obvious that the elder could see his little body, for he began to yell for him all the more desperately, his steps echoing as he dashed down towards the water.

"Starscream! Come back!" he called, but the smaller one was only provoked further on by the urgency he misunderstood as a promise for punishment in his tone.

Eventually he made it up and over the rise, pedaling down as he faced a steep in the hill. He could already tell that the familiar spark was growing nearer, his warmth increasing; he couldn't wait. Dashing throughout the rock formations, he discovered it was becoming easier and easier to find his way around them. His body actually enjoyed the exercise for what it was worth; why didn't he do this more often? Even Sideswipe's voice was growing thinner as he continued on, a promising outcome to meet up with his spark-relative becoming something quite exciting.

Are you there? He whispered softly, knowing the more specific he came, the quicker he'd find the other.

Stay right where you are, little one, I'll be right there, replied the other in a tone of infinite gentleness, once again an unseen touch nuzzling his neck.

Okay, replied the youngling, giggling a little bit from the action.

Now tired from his run, Starscream sat down on the warm rock while his optics traveled around the horizon to see his elder. He felt his spark pulsing with eagerness—a relative. Another just like Optimus, who would never yell at him, would always be encouraging, would make his nightmares all better. The more he thought about, the more he actually became gleeful. It was like a dream come true…ever since, after all, he was separated from his dani…all he wanted was family again. That's all he needed.

"Starscream…?" a soft voice arose from around a corner, making the smaller jump in surprise.

However, simply by the tone, he could tell it was the elder. Leaping to his feet, he cried, "Brother!"

"There you are!" he exclaimed in turn, appearing from around a small hill of stone. "I was very worried about you."

Starscream giggled as he jumped up and down, before beginning to walk to the other, noticing his wings, his slender built, could tell that he was, in truth, his brother just by the shadow alone. He probably would look the same when he grew up, just since they were so related. He would teach the smaller how to fly, to show him everything that he knew…oh, it was so exciting, he—

Happy thoughts were interrupted as a hand suddenly snatched Starscream from behind, lifting him off the ground by his scruff bar before he was tucked into a broad chassis. In fear of it being a stranger, the small ivory one cried out in horror, struggling vainly against the powerful arms that kept him captive. The mech who was holding him only grasped tighter, a sudden voice saying over his cries, "Calm down, Starscream! It's me, Trailbreaker. It's okay, calm down…"

"Let him go," the smaller's spark-relative growled lowly. "Or it's plasma through your processor."

The dangerous voice made Starscream shiver, but his love and trust of his brother kept him from saying anything. Trailbreaker growled defiantly and raised his own cannon, turning so that the youngling was completely blocked from sight. "I don't think so. What're you going to do? Kill me right in front of him, or so that not so low, even for a Decepticon?"

There was silence, then a grunt. "You can't shoot me, either."

"Well, I guess we're both in a rut, then, aren't we?" the strategist murmured, beginning to back up slowly.

"Wait!" Starscream then exclaimed, appearing as he grasped the broad shoulders of his guardian. "He…he's my brother! Please don't hurt him!"

Trailbreaker froze, gazing down at the smaller with a gaping expression. "He's…your…brother…?"

Starscream wasn't able to respond before the older Seeker was suddenly upon them, pulling the mini-Decepticon into his body as he used his leg to propel Trailbreaker away. The Autobot snarled as he caught the blue seeker's foot, gripping as he used it for leverage to gain the youngling back again. Unable to understand and scared out of his wits, Starscream whimpered and curled up against his brother; this was all getting so confusing—why were they fighting? They were both good, and….and…!

"Optimus!" the sparkling cried out, tears beginning to fill up his optics.

"Give him back, Thundercracker!" Trailbreaker demanded, reaching out with a free hand.

"He's my brother! You won't put your filthy hands on him again!"

This was getting so puzzling! Starscream didn't know what side to choose, didn't even know why sides were even there, but the more time went on, the more scared he became. All he wanted to do was go home and wrap up in his warm blanket, snuggly fitting into Optimus's comforting arms as he lulled him to sleep. He didn't want to be here. He didn't want to be here at all!

Things became jumbled and lost again when Starscream was plucked from his brother's arms and hauled out of the scene, Mirage sweeping past with his usual elegance as he leaped and came upon Thundercracker. The Seeker growled, but became overwhelmed as three more Autobots arrived and came upon him, forcing him down to the ground and cuffing his hands behind his back. Starscream whimpered before glancing up at his holder, to which he twitched at the sight: Sideswipe. The red twin, in noticing the smaller was looking at him, glanced down and gave him an irritated look. That's all it took.

Starscream burst into tears, curling up and bawling right into the Lamborghini's chassis, sobbing for forgiveness through it all. Sideswipe gnawed at his lip as he felt guilt overcome him, then he couldn't take it anymore and wrapped a comforting arm around the youngling, whispering softly into his audio receptors. It was one thing to interrogate the others in catching something they weren't supposed to be doing, but it was damn well hard to do it to Starscream. The little guy just look so spark-stricken…after a moment of nuzzling and comforting, Sideswipe finally brought himself to ask in the gentlest voice he could muster, "Now tell me, little one, why did you run away?"

"He…he's my brother…!" he managed to gasp through hiccups, "Please don't hurt him!"

Sideswipe froze.

"Brother?!" he cried, making everyone jump.

Everything turned almost deathly silent as all optics turned towards the red twin, Starscream cowering somewhat. Did…did he anger his guardian…?

"Yes, I'm his brother," Thundercracker snapped, yanking his arms against the restraints. "He wouldn't run off like that if I wasn't."

"So then I suppose Skywarp is the same," Sunstreaker muttered, whom everybody hadn't realized until up at that point the violet Seeker had been violently struggling to reach the other. He was screaming and kicking, absolutely hysterical he wasn't getting what he wanted, and that was Thundercracker. No wonder the golden twin wasn't assisting in the whole beat-the-crap-outta-Thundercracker and capture him all in the same bit—he was having a hard enough time holding Skywarp in itself.

The blue mech glanced towards the Lamborghini, inspecting him for a brief moment before he said, his tone less fragged off, "No. I'm his cousin."

"Wait," Sideswipe began, lifting up his hands as if he could stop time itself, "You're Starscream's brother, but Skywarp's cousin. That would make Skywarp and Starscream cousins, right?"

"Correct."

"Then who were their creators?" Jazz put in, who was kneeing Thundercracker into the hard rock.

The Seeker sighed; he looked peeved, but seemed to have enough brains, unlike his Decepticon counterparts, to answer honestly, if not a bit respectively. "I'm not telling."

"Why not?!" three mechs barked together.

"Because, in all truth, it's first: not your business and, second: in the position Skywarp and Starscream is in, do you really want them to start rekindling? I mean, that might screw up the whole part about you having them anyways," he replied smoothly, striking a hard blow against their egos. "You have the chance to change their lives drastically, if not all together."

Silence hung over the environment again, aside from Skywarp's angry clicks and snaps about not getting his way, while Starscream sat quietly in Sideswipe's arms, optics still watery. That only thing he was heavily concerned with was getting Optimus to come and pick him up, now. He was afraid of his brother and all the rest of the mechs, including the one who was holding him, and couldn't digress more in his mind how much he wanted his enormous guardian. He had upset them and now they were sure to be angry at his disobedience, as his step-opi always was. It was something frightening: He could already feel the fists coming down upon him, bruising and batering his soft metal…

But Optimus's warm spark would comfort everything—and that's what he needed most right now.

But what if this was like in his nightmares?

When he would never show up?

Starscream felt like crying all over; this time, in helplessness. He felt so alone, even with all of his guardians around, and was so afraid he couldn't even think clearly. He wanted his blanket—he wanted Optimus.

"Starscream."

Everything had gone quiet. Turning, the ivory minibot noticed, with the greatest sense of relief he every got: Optimus.

Whimpering, he reached out his arms, stretching out as far as possible to gain access to those forgiving, gentle arms. Prime picked him up immediately, snuggling him into his great chassis while the larger pressed a kiss into the smaller's helm. Starscream clutched the thick neck of his most beloved sentinel, holding him close, afraid that he might simply poof into thin air. The brilliant spark of Optimus comforted him as well—waves of warmth and tender reassurance flooded the confused and distressed spark of the youngling, instantly relaxing him.

"And look what we have here," Optimus whispered, pulling something out from his subspace.

The ivory sparkling was shocked to see his second most favorite thing in the world: his blanket! A smile spread across his face through his tears as he was wrapped tightly with the warm and soft confines, blocking him out from the scary world around him. Optimus's grand arms held him to his chest, protecting him.

"I'm so happy you're here," the little one murmured.

"I felt your fear…it's okay, we'll go back home and everything will be just fine," Prime said gently, a thick finger running down his spine.

"Uh…boss? I think Sunstreaker is having a hernia trying to keep Skywarp under control," Sideswipe muttered, pointing towards his twin in concern.

Optimus turned to the yellow Lamborghini, seeming to assess the situation before stating, "Put him down, Sunstreaker."

"What?! Are you crazy?!" he snarled, already aggravated from his efforts at keeping the tiny one restrained.

"Just do it."

"But boss—"

"Do as I say, Sunstreaker," Prime said quietly.

For a moment, the golden one only stared before his expression twisted into irritation and he finally obliged, placing Skywarp on the ground. The violet one squealed with excitement before practically blasting over towards Thundercracker, Autobots moving accordingly so that their shins or calves weren't damaged by the flying ball of insane. The sapphire mech only seemed patient with the little one as he rammed into the larger one's head, hugging him with enough power to fuel the universe. He chatted happily, ecstatic even as he proceeded to tell the elder everything known to Transformers. Thundercracker smiled, however, baffling most and confusing others.

"What about Megatron, sir?" Jazz murmured while striding up to his leader.

"He has been taken care of. His troops retreated once he thought that the younglings weren't with us," Optimus murmured, "Which probably wouldn't have been the case if Starscream hadn't run off."

"Don't encourage him! He could've been seriously injured if Hook or Cyclonus or one another of Megsy's idiots found him!" Sideswipe snapped.

Starscream whimpered, a fresh new wave of tears filling up his optics. He knew Sideswipe was mad at him. The red mech hated him now for disobeying orders…and Starscream thought that he had loved the smaller, too…

"Do not blame Starscream for his actions," Optimus replied boldly, shocking everyone. "If your own brother was separated for years unknown, would you not try to search for him if the call came?"

At this, Sideswipe instantly shut down. His defiant features became depressed, a look of fear at the mere thought transferring to Sunstreaker. The golden Autobot appeared just as distraught, walking up to his twin and giving Prime an irritated expression for bringing up the subject. However, he remained absolutely silent as he knew the message had been spread across, and no one said anything about it again. Yet, something else was in need of taking care of…

"Your Decepticon comrades are gone," the leader of the Autobots said quietly as he walked over to Thundercracker, "yet you obviously have great knowledge about the two younglings. I'll make it easy and simple for you: you can either cooperate and come back with us as neutralist or Autobot, or you may come back as a Decepticon prisoner. You know the consequences of each. It's up to you now to decide if you want to be close to your family or not; I'll respect and live up to whatever choice you make."

"You can't do that, he might still be on Megatr—" Jazz began.

Optimus silenced him with a single hand.

"I wouldn't let Megatron lay a hand on them," Thundercracker murmured, nuzzling Skywarp with his nose, "I know already what he wants them for; he knows more than you probably want, and more than I do, for that matter. I can't abandon them, though, so…I suppose a neutralist it is."

"Very well," Prime responded, "Trailbreaker, Hoist, release him."

"But Optimus!"

"That's an order."

The two mechs exchanged apprehensive glances—then, reluctantly, unbound the chains holding the Decepticon (or thought to be) tight. From this, Thundercracker moved slowly to get to his feet, Skywarp leaping onto his shoulder as he did so. Sore from the recent beating he had received, he groaned when a loud 'pop!' cracked from his back.

"All right, let's head back to the base. These two had a very long night, and it's due for a nice recharge," Optimus declared, pointing towards the east. "Let's roll out, troops!"

Despite the orders, many gave the blue mech a final pointed glare before transferring to their vehicle forms and charging away. A few remained, Ironhide, Prowl, the twins and Ratchet, all but one simply being sure that Thundercracker didn't try anything fast. Optimus, however, seemed nothing but compliant as the Seeker treaded along, whispering softly to Skywarp as he walked. Walking beside him, Autobots on all sides, Thundercracker didn't feel as lonely or abandoned as he should've. But he knew why. His family was back. And not only that, but Starscream seemed to be in far better shape than he ever comprehended he'd be. He was curious, though, if that was because of the Autobots, or for another reason…

"Spike got you and Skywarp another movie," Prime murmured to the ivory one, "so we can watch it tomorrow. Aren't you excited?"

"Does it have singing in it?" Starscream gasped, a smile lighting up his features.

"It does! It's about a lovely Native American princess that meets a man that's from far, far away," Optimus replied with his own warm smile in response. "They go through many adventures together—and it has lots of singing in it."

"He's sung to you?" Thundercracker asked, a little bit surprised.

The leader turned to and gave him a stout nod, saying, "He has quite the power. It appears that Skywarp can control it with an accompanying dance."

"Yes, I know…I'm surprised that he showed you so early, though," the blue mech said quietly, "He's not usually so trusting."

"It might've been the movie he watched," Prime suggested, "It had a lot of singing in it, so perhaps he was inspired. He actually was able to download from the human internet more of a selection of songs after he got so excited. Did you retrieve anymore?"

Starscream shook his head. "Wheeljack didn't want me to get sick from catching a virus so he made sure that I didn't."

"I see, very true," the elder agreed, situating the little one's blanket again before tickling him with a finger.

Starscream burst into a fit of laughter, struggling to get away as he clicked and buzzed at Optimus's action. "Wa…wait! That tickles!"

"Are you hungry?" Prime asked, even as he continued.

"Yes! Yes, please!" the ivory minbot giggled, continuing even after the elder stopped to get a few cubes from his subspace. He offered two to Thundercracker, smiling gently while adding, "For you both."

The blue mech paused, a bit surprised by the leader's generosity before taking the supplements. He acted like Thundercracker had never been a part of the Decepticons in the first place; was he simply acting, trying to gain the sapphire one's trust? But…that wouldn't make any sense…there would be no purpose to betray him, as Thundercracker feared, simply because he needed the blue mech to teach him things about the younglings. There would be absolutely no logical attachment for Prime to stand against him, unless he thought the sparklings were going to change sides. Only during that time, however, Thundercracker knew that he would also try to stop Megatron from taking his family. The 'singing' and 'dancing' could take control of an immeasurable amount of energy, which would in turn give him the upper hand.

Now he understood.

"May I?" a voice asked, breaking Thundercracker's thoughts as he turned. Noticing the Autobot medic and his outstretched hands, he reluctantly handed over Skywarp (who seemed to be just as disinclined to be given to someone else) and let the doctor inspect the little one for any injuries. The examination was quick, however, and soon enough the little bundle of joy was back in Thundercracker's warm arms, holding him close. Then, something dawned upon the blue mech that made a smile become drawn across his face as he reached out with a free hand, searching for a certain subspace. He knew he would need this once again.

Prime had turned to him, curious as to what he was looking for, before being surprised yet happy to see Thundercracker pull out a large—if not very old—stuff toy. It looked soft and warn, desperately loved, but a mech-toy all the same. It represented a Seeker, somewhat in the same colors of the little one himself, but off in the same instance. "It's a good thing I enjoy keeping things with sentimental values," the sapphire Seeker muttered before giving to it to an absolutely delighted Skywarp, who took it in open arms and snuggled it tightly.

"He does destroy all his toys, you realize," Sunstreaker grumbled on his left, raising an optic ridge, who had the unfortunate task of picking up the foam and cotton innards of the toys themselves after Skywarp went insane.

"Not this one," Thundercracker countered, "I don't know what it was about it…he just simply loved it too much. He had it before I picked him up from the orphanage, and carried it around everywhere he went."

"That must've been a very long time ago," Optimus murmured, "Perhaps from his creators?"

"Assuredly," the blue mech replied.

Silence hung over the group for a moment, before being disrupted by a gasp that came from Ratchet. Optics swiftly turned to him, as he was inspecting Starscream as well for wounds, before the group stopped and Optimus leaned into the white mech. "What is it that you see?" the leader asked, staring at a confused Starscream.

"Do you see this?" the medic asked, lifting the little one's arm with finger and trailing it over his chest, showing a smooth line.

"Yes. What is it?"

"It's new growth," Ratchet replied, "this shows that new armor is coming through."

"And? What's wrong with that?" Sideswipe asked, also joining with Thundercracker at the other end.

"It means that his body is changing…his armor won't be the same as it is," the ivory doctor went on, continuing to examine Starscream's fragile little body, "As you can see, it appears as if his body is as it should be when he grows up, just smaller. However, this growth shows that new armor and possibly even a new design to his body is going to take place."

"You mean he's going to look different?" Thundercracker asked, abashed.

Ratchet finally glanced up, looking at all of them individually, "Possibly. It might be due to the things he's going through because of the war and his body is simply rising up to meet the challenge. If it continues, he could grow up to be taller, stronger, faster, or even more powerful than any of us…they could be very formidable warriors indeed."

"But we don't want that for them," Prime said softly, nuzzling Starscream. "We want them to have a peaceful life…"

"They might never see such a thing, not with Megatron still in the picture," said Thundercracker in a solemn tone, "they might not have a choice."

"You mean to say," Sunstreaker then put in, "that even if we did find a way to put them back the way they were, it might not be possible for the way their bodies are changing?"

"Correct," Ratchet responded, turning Starscream onto his back, "Look at this; even his boosters are expanding."

"We cannot give up on the search for the cause of this, however," Optimus murmured, "We must know where this originated, as we might be seeing this individual again. I fear that it might not be the end…Megatron might not be our only threat to the children."

--

A/N: Read and review, please.