As per Miss Sparkle1s' permission, I am posting a muse her story (Slave to Love) has enticed. {If you think you saw this a year ago, (12/27/11 so my computer file says) you did, but had pulled it due to thinking the quality was poor. After another revision, and extenuation circumstances, and a second look, I have decided to repost. So I re-copyright this 2/15/13}

Ever since curiosity got the better of her young mind (boarding on full-fledged femme) that caused her to peek in on Thundercracker while he was bathing, her dreams and thoughts have turned full femme. Now she was understanding what fueled Chromia and Ironhide. Now she understood why she had found her parents on her father's desk in that position, data pads scattered to the floor. Now she understood the noises Wheeljack and Moonracer made in his lab… Now she knew what this crazy opening on her body was for.

Tonight Thunder is in their quarters going over his reports at the desk while she took her turn in the private rack. She couldn't help herself, but close her optics and remember what he looked like in this very spot. That slick blue under armor, trim but strong torso and waist. Strong shoulders that supported those wings in battle and flight. Arms gracefully stronger than his SIC. Those solid firm thighs supporting his beautiful frame. And least of all to be forgotten, the long hard spike slipping through his firm palm. Back and forth. Arcee's hands caresses and stroked her own body on the verge of it's own final transformation, while remembering every line of his naked body, every stoke of his palm, the tension on his face as he stroked faster and gripped harder. Her own fingers make their way down her body and just imagined what would it be like if he slid his hands-

"Arcee, are you almost done? Megatron is waiting." She can't answer the warm voice outside the door she so wished was whispering her ear… in here… right now. "Arcee, what are you doing in there?" Did he just have to ask that question? "Hey, are you alright? Please don't make me come in there. I really don't want to."

Her spark sink at the last words. Please Thunder come in here and show me what it means to be a femme. Her spark cries out. No, he'll never see me more than a child. A sparkling. Tears streamed down her face.

His voice is so tender and caring as the door cracks, "Arcee, are you okay?" Arcee sinks to the floor and sobs. His voice turns sad, "Should I get someone?"

She chokes out spark-aching, "Just go away, Thunder."

He sighs, "Arcee, I'm closing my optics and shutting off the water. It's turning cold anyways."

He does as he warned. Draped over his arm is his towel, not hers. It's bigger and worst of all, smells of his cologne. He nudges her with his toes while blindly shutting off the water, so he knows by feel where she is when he drops the towel on her. She wraps it around her, wishing it was his arms of mately-love. Not of guardian. "Are you decent?"

She grunts a positive answer. But her optics remain closed until she feels his body heat kneel beside her. His hand strokes her head and lifts her chin to face him.

"Look at me, Arcee." His voice is so comforting and warm.

But she is so afraid of what he will see in her optics. She shakes her head slowly in his tender warm palm. "I don't want to be this way, but you know good and well what Megatron's temper is like. We must go."

Her head leans into his palm while a few more tears slip out. He doesn't move either. Then she allows herself a taste of her dream, she turns her face into his palm and kisses it sweetly. He smiles, "That's a good sparkling," her spark sinks lower, "We must go." He pulls away robbing her of his touch and leaves the room. Arcee reluctantly stands, but does enjoy snuggling to his towel and his scent. He calls again the warning through the door and she quickly dresses.

Stepping out of the washroom, she avoids looking at his face, sure that hers is heated. He turns and is beginning to lower himself to look at her again, but she turns away and heads to the door. Remaining respectful to whatever her young-femme-issue is, he just opens the door and leads the way. She follows behind him, which just makes matters worse.

Primus why are you so cruel? Look at him! He's strong, he's proud, he's damned sexy, and he's tender and warm. Caring. Primus, he's wonderful. But Papa would never permit me to bond with a 'Con and Thunder would never leave his Trine. Oh Pit it doesn't really matter, he doesn't see me as anything more than a sparkling anyways.

Thunder wasn't doing any better. On this same walk down the hall he is yelling a Primus too for the incredible personality trailing him. Damn you Primus! She's a scraplet! A child! A sparkling! What is with you putting a strong, brave, cunning, warm, wonderful, loveable, sigh, desirable personality inside a child? Are you so sick to think I would…! No! No!

"No! Damn you Primus! Damn you!" he actually yells out loud.

And as luck would have it, Skywarp comes down the hall at the same time. He snarkles, "Cursing Primus? Are you aiming for the Pit? Heh."

Thundercracker is furious and thrusts his face in Skywarp making him think his anger is directed at him, "I already am! Frag you Skywarp!"

Skywarp waves a hand, "Nah, you aren't my type. Too prissy, you are." Thundercracker snarls out loud. Skywarp just loves pushing Thunder's buttons, "You wouldn't know how anyways. Virgin!"

Thundercracker grabs Skywarp with one hand to the chest and throws him down the hall. He hits the floor and slides the other half. Skywarp is truly shocked by Thundercracker's temper. Thunder huffs and turns away ignoring Arcee.

Thunder's outburst does nothing but fuel Arcee's problem. He stomps down the hall, Arcee silently follows him.

At the appointed door, Thundercracker opens it and then thrust and arm indicating her to enter. Arcee does. Thundercracker turns away. Megatron pipes up from his throne with Elita sitting at his feet, "I thought you were going to stay for this meeting."

Thundercracker makes a daring yet brazen answer to his leader with his back still turned, "I'm not well. I would be best if I was else where not exposing anyone to what ails me."

Megatron leans in, "Liar."

Thundercracker doesn't move, "True." He still walks away letting the door close behind him. Thundercracker com's Starscream, "I'm not well. I need fresh air and flight. I will take over the current long distance surveillance patrol."

Starscream carefully asks, "Thundercracker, why don't you go see Hook?"

Thundercracker takes a deep breath and nearly begs, "Star, please. I need to clear my processor. I need time alone."

Starscream can tell something must be serious and spark-wrenching for TC to use his tender nickname. Knowing that Soundwave is probably listening in and not wanting Thunder's soft side to be exposed he teases back with support, "Just don't let the humans find you fragging off in mid air. We still haven't recovered from Skywarp's last escapade." Thunder only grunts and leaves the base.

~~ Arcee was dropped off by Thunder at Megatron's feet. Now that they were alone, Elita stands up and can see her daughter is troubled, "Arcee, what has happened?"

Arcee scowls, "Not in front of him."

Megatron frowns. How much this hurts that his own granddaughter hates him. But given how he has treated her in the past, he really can't blame her. He remains silent.

Elita hugs her daughter, "Are you okay?" Arcee nods avoiding Megatron. Elita takes a deep breath and gets to the task at hand, "I have asked Megatron if we could have Coming of Age Party for you. He has agreed. I want to know from you, is there anything special you would like?"

She sneers at Megatron, "Papa!"

Megatron ignores the rant, "I have permitted a live transmission to Teletran 1. You may receive your father's blessing via vid link."

Arcee shakes her head, "Its not the same thing."

Megatron actually drops his tone softly, "Arcee, I know. I'm sorry. I have to remain in control. I cannot afford to look weak. I have to be able to hold my prisoners. You have to admit, have I given you more leeway than say your father would a Decepticon mate and child."

Brazen she yanks out of her mother's grasp and comes straight to his face, "Optimus Prime, yes, MY FATHER, would never have kept a sparkling as a prisoner. My father would have given you your offspring back. And never ever would he have tried raping your mate, you bastard!"

Megatron stands up and raises his hand ready to strike her. She stands bold and proud ready to take it, full force. Elita gasps. Megatron's arm shakes in rage and then Arcee's optics glint into purple, a beautiful hue between Decepticon red and Autobot azure blue. Her face changes in an instant. His arm shakes harder seeing a flash of her dead mother's body, Maple... His daughter.

"Oh Primus," he gasps clutching his spark.

"Do it you bastard! What don't have the bearings to strike me once more? Because, I'm ready. I'm becoming a full fledged fighting femme like my mother and when my body finishes this transformation, you and I are going to have a talk. Fist to fist. Maybe I'll be the Prime lineage to end your rein."

Megatron sees his own face yelling back at him. She's beginning the final transformation before his very optics. The power and pride she gets from both her training,( Pitful Prime!) and her blood… his blood…. Is coming at him full force. His arm drops. So does Arcee.

Elita barely catches her before her head strikes the floor. "Arcee? Arcee? Honey, wake up."

Megatron's voice shakes. "Get the door, Elita. Page Hook. Get your femmes." He scoops up Arcee into his own arms and races to the med bay. Elita does as he says and races after him.

Megatron makes it to the bay before Hook and is stroking Arcee's face. A tear escapes, "I'm sorry, Arcee. I'm so sorry for everything. Please Primus, guide her through this. Make her strong like me. Make her everything I wasn't."

Elita makes it to the doors in time to hear the end of the prayer. She gapes silently. Hook comes pounding in followed by the femmes. Swiftly, Megatron steps back letting the doctor do his duty.

Then Elita and the femmes push Megatron and Hook out the door, "Now it's our turn. Go. Hook has made sure she's okay, let us do the rest."

The medbay doors close. The mechs are standing outside. Hooks points to Megatron's face, "You've got a bit of Arcee's fluid on your face, lord."

Megatron wipes his own tear away and turns, "Inform me of there is a change." He strides away.

~~ Thundercracker is near Mars when a strange energy reading comes across his scanners. Kicking in his afterburners, he heads off to Neptune. There it is: Pirates. Thundercracker backs away far enough and sends the message, "Soundwave, Pirates are trying to raid our mining storage facility on Neptune. There's a lot of them. We are going to need nearly a full team."

"Understood. Stand by for instructions. Observe."

Thundercracker heads back and observes. These Pirates were vicious. Pissed Prime was placid compared to these guys. Thundercracker smirks, but these guys have never run across Mad Megatron. They're going to be sorry.

~~ Megatron arrives in the control room to relieve Soundwave when the message come through. Megatron hits the open com to the base, "Prepare for full attack on Neptune. Hook you too, the medical supplies are there. Soundwave, stay with the femmes. Move out, now!"

Soundwave turns to Megatron, "Sir, I should go-"

Megatron lays a soft hand on his shoulder, "Repeat this, and you will be mute forever. Understood?" Silently Soundwave nods. "Stay with her. Protect your mate. Protect your lineage. I will kill you myself if you neglect your first duty to your family." With that, he turns his back with full prideful leadership. Soundwave sits silently shocked. There's no way he could repeat what he heard. No one would believe him.

~~ The battle was fierce, intense and bloody. Hook called ahead and told Elita to clear his med bay. "Get it ready!"

Throwing a drape over Arcee, Darklight and Firestar took her to Thundercracker's quarters. It would be the safest and most comfortable place for her while her body continues to change and recover. With the rest of the femmes and Soundwave's help, the bay was ready when the first injured mechs arrived. Neither Thundercracker or Skywarp were injured badly. They were carrying the more wounded ones into the bay. Hook, stressed and a bit singed himself barked, "I need Elita and Firestar now!"

Thundercracker shakes his head, "She won't leave Arcee's side at this time."

Hook leans in waving a bloody instrument, "Fine! I'll have Megatron do it." Thundercracker's face pales and he leaves. There was nothing he could do in the med bay anyways. But truly dreaded what would befall Arcee's mother again if she refused Megatron. What could he do? He slunk back to his quarters.

The room was dark except for a lone low light next to his bunk when he entered. "Arcee?"

Elita stands up ready to strike with the chair she is holding. Thundercracker quickly raises his arms bracing for impact. But she stops, "Thundercracker? What are you doing here?"

He scowls , "I thought this was my quarters. Has something changed?"

Elita drops the chair, "We were told to clear the med bay. She needed a quiet safe place to recoup. She's safest with you."

Thundercracker's shoulders slump in defeat, "I was told to order you to assist Hook with the repairs. It was horrific. A few may not make it."

Elita bites her lip, "I don't dare leave her alone with horny Skywarp and Arcee's delicate condition."

Thundercracker sinks to his desk, "Go. I don't want you hurt and you wouldn't be able to defend Skywarp anyways. I'll stay." Elita doesn't move or say anything.

But a tired, clearly femme voice comes from the bundle of cloth on his bunk. "Go Mama. I'm nothing but a scraplet to Thundercracker anyways. Please, go help them. Maybe it will put you in good graces with him." Some how, the way the words were said, felt like a stab to Thundercracker's spark. Elita didn't notice.

"Are you sure?" Elita asks worried.

"Mom, trust me. I'm fine. I'm perfectly safe with Thundercracker," she moans Then whispers, "… too safe."

Only Thundercracker heard the last part and lowers his forehead tiredly to the desk top. "Get out of my quarters, Elita. Arcee needs her rest and you are bugging me," he mutters.

With a last kiss to her daughter's helm, the mother leaves.

Air rushes out of the bundle on the bunk. "Thank you, Thunder." He only grunts. After a lengthy silence, her grown up femme voice nearly pleas, "Thunder…cracker…? Umm…"

His voice is muffled by his crossed arms supporting his face down helm, "Arcee, unless it's life and death, I need to rest. And so do you."

"I need you to do me two favors."

"Why should I?" He bites back angrily.

Her voice retreats meekly, "I'm sorry. Never mind." He hears her roll over and softly cry, definitely trying to stifle the sound in the blanket.

He waits a few minutes giving himself time to calm down. Her cries stop as well, but he knows her too well. They've lived together long enough for him to know her sleep-breathing vs. her quiet thinking-breathing.

"I'm ready to listen." He responds softly.

"This is probably a stupid time to ask with your friends in the med bay-"

He growls tiredly, "Out with it already."

"Would you give me my first dance?" Her voice is quiet but firm, nearing an order.

He gasps and lifts his head, "Me?"

She rolls over, but still he can't see her wound up in the blanket. The main reason is to hide her virgin adult form that only her mother and "aunts" have seen. The other reason is because her body is still hardening and the new under-armor skin is still tenderly delicate to temperature and sensations. But what Thundercracker can see are her optics. They aren't her adoptive-parents' azure. And sure as Pit aren't Decepticon ruby red. No, this is the most beautiful pinkish-lavender he has ever seen. He is captivated… lured… drawn…

No, you Fragger! It's her hormones she is giving off. Her first release is so potent that no male is supposed to be near a virgin femme until her official coming out. Only her father can resist her because of their matched code. Her father… her father…

He closes his optics, "Why me Arcee? I'm not-"

Arcee's is so full of confidence for him. She is trying to support and encourage him, "Thunder, you are the only one I trust to touch me."

He groans, "You shouldn't ask me." She starts to rise and he instantly raises a hand and closes his optics, "Arcee! Don't move! Lay back down now."He turns his back just to put up another barrier. He hears her lay back down.

"Is Skywarp right that you are a virgin?"

Thundercracker drops his forehelm to his hand, "Pit, no Arcee. Please Primus, when will Elita be back? Save me Primus, please."

Arcee gets worried, "Thunder, are you alright?"

He growls out loud, "Oh Pit no! My shoulder and processor are killing me. I'm worried about Starscream. He got hit bad blocking a shot meant for Skywarp and I. Your hormones are not helping and now you asked me to perform one of the most precious moments in your life meant for Prime. NO! I'm not alright!"

She cringes, "You're mad at me."

He whips around and nails her lavender optics with his narrow ruby ones, "No, never! This is so not your fault. Primus has been cruel and Megatron is worse. How could I ever be mad at you, Darling Arcee?" She can't breathe. Nor can he. What did he just say?

His breath pants an order, "Go to sleep." She lowers her head and follows his order. He turns back to his desk and drops his head to the cool top and slips into recharge himself.

~~ A sound instantly onlines his systems but he doesn't move. The soft footsteps move across the floor towards Arcee's bunk. Ever so silently, Thundercracker pulls his dagger from his ankle. He flicks it and it strikes the intruder in the shoulder, it growls.

Thundercracker speaks in a guardian's threatening reply, "Take another step towards her and you will be a eunuch. Got it?"

"I dare you to try," Megatron warns.

Thundercracker stands with the other dagger bouncing in his palm not caring who he is, "You made me her guardian, I will uphold my duty to the end. Am I clear?"

Megatron smiles broadly, "Just making sure you were taking care of our youngest charge."

Thundercracker moves himself between Megatron and sleeping Arcee, "What do you really want? I expected Skywarp first, not you."

Megatron steps back, yanking the dagger from the chink in his shoulder. He hands it back to Thundercracker, "Aren't effected?"

Thundercracker steps even closer to Megatron, nose to nose. "My duty overrides my desires. I have no desire or urges other than to kill anyone who thinks of harming my charge. As per your orders, my lord. That includes you. Now! What do you want?"

Megatron laughs, "You talk with a the tone of a mate. Hanging around Soundwave too much?" Thundercracker doesn't laugh. His only response is to step back and show Megatron both daggers pointing to the door. Megatron growls, "Don't push your luck, Thundercracker."

Thundercracker now smirks, "Actually, I'm saving my aft. If I allowed anyone to harm her before the ceremony, I will have both you and Prime to contend with. Not to mention her mother." At that Megatron does chuckle. He backs away and leaves, never seeing his granddaughter.

Thundercracker sinks back down to the table. Arcee sirs again. "He was here, wasn't he?" Thunder grunts. "Are you better?"

"I'm still in one piece, if that's what you mean. You?"

"You didn't let him touch me, yeah." They both laugh lightly. "Thundercracker, I really need to ask a mech some questions. Even my Pap wouldn't answer these. Uncle Ironhide might, Jazz for sure… But.. Well…"

He groans, "Primus, you reallllly hate me, don't you?" He sighs and resigns himself to his fate, "Alright, out with it."

"Are you a virgin?"

Thundercracker raise his fist to the ceiling, "You and me are going to have a long talk later. Get ready!" Then drops his head again to Arcee, "Yes and no."

"Huh?"

He takes a deep breath and then belts it all out praying no one enters, "It was the night of induction. I was drunk, well, Pit we all were. I barley remember the femme. I don't know her name or even what color she was. Slag, I don't remember much. Just she said thank you and left me laying on the couch exhausted. Are you sure you want to know this?"

She smiles, "Thunder, you've always be truthful with me. That's why I trust you. So why do you consider yourself a virgin?"

He twirls a dagger on his finger point avoiding her, "Skywarp will hump anything weather it moves or not. I doubt he would know love if it fired a photon blast directly into his spark… if he has one. Now Megatron and Starscream are a bit more selective of their, um, conquests? But, I happen to agree with Soundwave. Why subject myself to viral risks, clingy femmes -seen that happen to Starscream-, or their lies and boyfriends & mates?" He sighs again, "Skywarp likes to tease me about having a spark like a femme. I like to tease him that he's hump his own sire if opportunity knocked."

Arcee giggles, "Sounds like him."

Thundercracker shrugs and catches a hint of her lavender optics watching him, "I want to wait for my bondmate. I don't want to be so desensitized that I can't enjoy or bring her joy. Stupid?"

Oh Primus Thunder, you are such a romantic. Don't you understand that' part of what makes you so attractive? Damn, even your spark is sexy. Primus, he is right about you. Why are you so cruel?

He turns away flushing. Arcee sees it, "Thunder, you're a romantic. It's sweet."

He huffs trying to be the hardened warrior again, "I'm a Decepticon. Sweet is not in our vocabulary."

Just then the door opens. Elita is pissed. She kicks the nearest thing, the chair. It flies across the room. Thundercracker catches it before it hits Arcee. "Slagit Elita! You nearly killed your own child!"

Elita slams her fist down on the desk, "He said no!"

Thundercracker grabs her wrists before she can slam them down again, "No to what?"

Elita has been crying, "He said she can't have her night of vigil under the stars. He said she can party all she wants in the rec-room but no all night prayer vigil under the stars."

Before Elita can say another word, Thundercracker is out of the room. He hits his com, "Starscream, Megatron's throne room. STAT!"

"What's going on?"

"I'm gonna kill him!"

"Not without me you don't."

Thundercracker's stomps get louder as he smirks back, "Then you better beat me there!"

Starscream comes to the throne door just as Thunder does. They slam open the door. Thunder points a finger straight at the war lord, "Frag you! How dare you!"

Megatron stands up and prepares to strike, but Thunder raises his own fist, "You have taken so much from that child! Her mother, her father, her home. How dare you deny her a prayer vigil. Take away the party, the first dance, but don't you dare deny her a prayer vigil."

Megatron pokes his finger straight out, "This is a rouse. A scheme Elita and her femmes have come up with in order to set up a rescue. Prime knows the party is scheduled for tomorrow night, so he will be waiting while the femmes wait outside all night for him. No! The answer is N-O. NO! Got it? Fool Guardian."

Starscream carefully steps forward, "My lord, not to correct you, but Elita speaks the truth. As a member of the Elite Guard, quite often, we stood guard over counsel daughters and mothers the night before their coming-out. As Prime's daughter, as Elita's daughter, it would be expected for her to have a prayer vigil to Primus."

Megatron looks back and forth between the two angry Seekers. He remains firm. "Fine! Follow me!"

The two Seekers flank their leader back to Thundercracker's quarters. Elita is there standing guard over still concealed Arcee. Megatron uses his ordering tone. He points to Thundercracker, "Guardian, you will stand Sentry." He turns to Elita, "You may escort her as far as the lift, but no further. Since the Seekers seem to know the ritual, they will over see it. Starscream and Thundercracker. That is my final word." With that, he turns on one heal and leaves.

"Thank you," Arcee calls from the blankets.

The door closes. Elita strokes her daughter's face. "I so wanted to give you my robe, but…" Both the femme's sigh sadly.

Thundercracker opens his subspace container. Reaching in deep by only feel up to his shoulder, he finally grunts, "Ha! Found it. I think this will do."

He hands Elita a rolled heavy bundle of fabric tied by a blue and gold trimmed ribbon. He pulls the ceremonial dagger off that had been bound to it. Before he releases the fabric, he lowers his head sheepishly, "You may want to air it out and turn it inside out, because of the logo. I… I only used it once."

Elita looks at the rich red fabric turning the corner of it, white satin with blue and gold trim. She gasps, "No, Thundercracker, this isn't…"

He drops his voice nearly a whisper, "Just take it. She must be concealed before Primus during her vigil. I hope he doesn't mind." His mouth irks grin, "He and I are kind of having a fight right now."

Elita smiles and strokes his cheek, "Yeah, you and me both." Then she kisses his other cheek.

Thundercracker leaves, "I'll be outside all night if you need me. Tomorrow night, I'll do my duty. I won't let you down. I promise." He exits and the door closes with a resounding click.

~~Thundercracker stood guard outside his own quarters. A few hours later, Starscream, limping comes to him with a cube of Energon. "Hey, you okay?" Thundercracker takes a good long drink avoiding the question. "How was the mediation?" His friend tries again.

Thundercracker finishes the cube, "Oh you mean battle? I think Primus won. Why does he always have to win?"

Starscream laughs, "Humm, that's what makes him a god?"

Thundercracker lays his head back against the door, "Yeah, yeah. Ask a stupid question, get a stupid answer."

Starscream lays a hand on his friend's shoulder, "TC…?"

Thundercracker closes his eyes, "Go away Starscream. Figure out where she is going to stay after tomorrow night. Because I will not share quarters with a virgin femme."

Starscream tries to use Skywarp's annoying tone, "But she's safest with you, vir-"

Thundercracker grabs his friend by the throat near crushing and turns him slowly shoving him against the door, thus placing him in the sentry position. "Second in Command, get that femme out of my quarters. Am I clear?"

With that, Thundercracker walks away to the training quarters to avoid everyone. Most of all, himself. He wants to pray, but he's so mad at Primus, that it would be no help. So instead he does the second thing that helps him relieve his frustration: Spars with himself. He pulls up the hologram, yanks his sword and begins training. Thrust, parry, curl, strike….

Hours later, several shredded dummies, and dripping with sweat he heads to the communal wash rack. He doesn't dare going to his own quarters. Making sure he has the door locked, he turns the water to hot and does the third thing that helps him relieve his stress. The amount of code that ejected from his spike shocked even him. He drops to his knees. Who knew releasing that much pent up code would make you so exhausted?

He checks his time device. "Scrap!" He was going to have to hurry to refuel and be at the door on time. There's pounding on the door.

"Hey, who's fragging off in the wash racks?!" Great! Skywarp.

Quickly drying, he releases the lock on the door and sneers back, "I don't frag-off. Remember? I'm too prissy! We virgins don't like anyone seeing our delicate forms while bathing." Then he pulls up to his full imposing height and his optics lock into warrior mode. This stance of TC's always frightens Skywarp. The blue Seeker's voice drops to a warriors growl, "I have sentry duty. Out. Of. My. Way." With a palm to Skywarp's chest, shoves him easily out of the way. Thundercracker strides away as the proud old Elite Guard he used to be.

He comes to his own quarters and softly knocks the old guard code. Elita answers and smiles, "You haven't forgotten." Thunder winks to her. No, he would never forget the old ways. This was one duty he actually felt honored to perform.

He checks the hall. Megatron is waiting at one end, Starscream at the other. Elita exits first and guides a bundle of satin out the door. Firestar takes the other side. Echo , Darklight and Moonracer follow behind. Taller, the blue Seeker, brings up the rear guard.

Arcee trips, but Elita and Firestar gather up some of the extra fabric and assist her.

Thundercracker has a stoic face, but his spark is racing. He's actually pleased that his cape was too big for Arcee. It was made to cover his larger frame and his wings. He can see Elita had done her best to modify it slightly, to cover Arcee's head and hide her femme curves. There was so much fabric it could have wrapped around the frame before him at least twice. But he doesn't allow himself to smile. No, this was a rite, and he had been asked to over see it.

The mechs stand back when Starscream and Thundercracker draw their wing swords in warning not to approach the procession.

At the lift door, Starscream activates the door. Elita lifts the "hood" of fabric and gives her daughter a tender kiss. "Pray for your father as well. He's hurting so much right now." The red satin nods silently. Thundercracker catches out of the corner of his optic, Megatron drops his head sorrowfully.

Each femme lays a hand on her and then steps back lining up against the wall beside Starscream.

Elita assists Arcee stepping into the lift and arranges the rest of the fabric inside the lift. Thundercracker carefully steps in, avoiding the fabric. He nods to his Seeker Commander. Starscream nods back and closes the door. The femmes head down the hall. Megatron grabs Elita's arm, "You are coming with me." Elita doesn't argue, but doesn't go happily either.

Inside his quarters, she yanks away from him. He sinks down to his bunk. "Tell me, what does mother and daughter pray for at this time?" He takes a shaky breath. "And a… sire." Elita sinks to her knees. She begins to pray out loud that her daughter may continue to grow in strength and duty and honor. That she may find a worthy mate and live a life of peace and prosperity. Megatron lowers his own helm and for the first time in eons, prays.

~~ On the roof top, Thundercracker assists Arcee to face east, and arrange the fabric to keep from choking her while she kneels. Then he starts to step back, she speaks, "Thunder, is it true you have stood guard before?"

He breaks protocol, "A sentry does not speak. You need to begin your vigil."

Her head drops to touch the floor. It cracks his spark to hear her sobs, "What's the point, Thundercracker? Primus has abandoned me! I'm trapped here under the tyrants rule. He wants my mother and will use me to get my father to cave. My mother will never break her vows to my father. I will die before I let her sacrifice her vows for me. My father will never stop trying to get Mother and I back." She sobs harder. "I will loose them both all because of me. My original sire and creator died protecting me. And now my adoptive ones will die because of me again. The Autobots will loose a leader because of me. I am nothing! I will never find a mate trapped here. I mean seriously, who will I ever meet? Twisted 'Cons? Even if I found one with a romantic spark," (they both know that was directed straight at Thunder, he gasps) "What would my father say? How could he permit the daughter of Prime to bond with a 'Con?"

She raises her head and screams a blood curdling cry. "WHY PRIMUS AM I CURSED?"

Thundercracker feels like his own spark would fall to the floor and join hers. He wants to gather her into his arms and kiss away her fears. He wish he could take away her pain. To be more than just a physical guardian. He wants to guard her hopes, fears and spark. She's so strong and wants to remind her of her strengths. But no, that is what tonight is about. She must find that strength herself, guided by Primus.

Instead, he steps back and takes his sentry stance. Legs in a wide stable proud stance. The tip of his sword evenly placed between his peds, palms over lapped resting on the hilt top. His head centered, erect and facing forward, scanners on full alert scanning the skies for foes. But his spark is heavy and pleading for his charge. Every spark beat pleads a prayer for her pain. He wished and prayed that Primus would forget him and just heal Arcee. Please Primus, help her. This is supposed to be a scared moment. She is supposed to feel you guiding and supporting her. You are supposed to show her you love her. Can't you just grant her that? Grant her peace and comfort in this Pit-hole.

Arcee's sobs finally subside and she lifts her head to the proper position. Kneeling before the stars, hands folded, head bowed in submission, spark open to Primus' guidance. Arcee fell into blissful meditation.

Thundercracker himself, for the first time in months, felt Primus' presence. A sense of peace finally came over him. Primus has granted him peace and comfort.

~~With the dawn of morning, the first glow of the rising sun brought the loveliest hues. Arcee dared turn her head to look at Thunder. With the black of night still behind his erect proud stance, and the dawn of pink-orange light bathing his front features setting off his royal blue and pure white stripes with hints of gold. She saw the slightest smile across his stoic sentry façade. This night had effected him as much as her. His optics barely adjusted. He winked to her, acknowledging, this was a moment just for them and he wished to be closer to her, but didn't dare break the moment. She winked back, seeing how her optics were all he could see under his Order of the Seeker's Cape.

The sun continues to rise. With it their hopes.

"Thundercracker, prepare to bring her in." Starscream softly orders.

Thundercracker takes a step forward and puts a hand out to Arcee. She gathers a wad of the fabric, so that her hands are still covered, a lays it in his palm. He helps her rise.

Her voice is a whisper in the dawn, "Thunder, will you give me my first kiss?"

He smiles tenderly, "I would love to." Then smirks, "If Prime and Megatron don't offline me first."

She smirks back, "Would it be worth it?"

He leans in and whispers in her audio tenderly, "It would be worth going to the Pit." They grip each other's hands a little tighter as the rising lift is heard. The door clanks open bringing an end to their moment in time. He guides her in, gently using his ped, shoves the rest of the fabric in and punches the lift to sink. Arcee reaches for his hand and he gives it to her.

The lift comes to a stop, he pulls back to his sentry stance. The doors part. Elita and Firestar take their places again. Elita glances at Thunder, but his façade reveals nothing.

They guide Arcee to the rec room with Starscream taking lead sentry guard position again. Inside the room, Starscream takes sentry to the right facing forward with Elita directly before kneeling Arcee. Thunder takes the left, facing back (keeping an guard for rear intruders.) The audience of other femmes and mechs line the wall.

Elita begins the ceremony when Optimus' face comes on the screen. Arcee looks up and smiles to her father. He winks a smile back, and then returns his face to ceremonial stance. "Youngling, state your designation."

Respectfully she answers, "Arcee, daughter of Hexbolt and Maple whom Primus has granted home to the Well of All Sparks. Now I am daughter of Optimus Prime and Commander Elita One, leader of the Autobots." Optimus and Elita beam, that wasn't exactly how it was supposed to be stated, but Arcee threw it in like a jab to Megatron.

Elita continues, "Why are you here?"

"I wish permission to be a femme among the ranks of Autobot Warriors." Megatron groans. Optimus lightly chuckles.

Elita warns softly, "Arcee, do it right."

Thunder, lets off a puff on amusement. Starscream grunts for Thunder to get it together.

Arcee sighs. "Alright. I wish to be granted acceptance as a femme. I have put away my sparkling ways and desires. With my transformed body, and my transformed optics, and a night of Primus guided spark, I am ready to live as an adult and all the responsibilities that go with it. I will help and guide others. I will no longer depend on others to provide and care for me. I will care for them. And if Primus grants it, I will find a worthy mate, and continue my proud heritage. And I will fight and die protecting them just as my sires and creators have done for me."

Elita groans reminding her once again to get in line.

Arcee juts her head up to look directly at her father, "I will not hide my spark! I am an Autobot warrior and will die as one!"

Optimus leans in, "Daughter, I do not doubt your spark. Your mother is just trying to protect you from aggravating Megatron."

Arcee rises quickly to her feet in defiance. Thunder takes a step back hoping to catch her optics, but they are locked on her father. "That is my point exactly. I do not wish for you to see me as your daughter anymore. I wish for you to see me as your soldier, PRIME. Does this look like the body of child any more?!" She goes to yanks the fabric from her body, but Starscream and Thunder each clamp a hand down on her shoulders keeping the fabric locked in place. Only her helm is revealed.

Vibrant blue with streaks of dawn-pink. She has a helm like a graceful sand pail (Lord Buckethead's granddaughter?) but shooting forehelm-centered and straight back is a pink antenna like spike. On each side are antenna's like Optimus, only instead of straight up, they gracefully curl back in a blue violin scroll-like style. Sleek, graceful, deadly.

Starscream whispers to the budding warrior, "Today you are asking us to treat you like an adult. Tomorrow you may make you warrior's pledge. Don't push too hard or your mother may not grant you your wish. Alright?"

Arcee turns her head to catch, Thunder's optics. He smirks, "You won't get your second wish if you keep acting like a spoiled brat." He could swear he felt her spark jump. He snaps his head back into position when Starscream gives him a curious look.

Arcee drops her head, "Very well. I ask to be treated and granted all the rites of adulthood."

Elita nods. Starscream steps back. "Do you promise to follow all the rules and laws of Cybertron?"

"I do."

"Do you promise to uphold the laws and rules of Primus?"

"I do."

Elita glances back to Optimus and smiles, "Do you promise to save yourself for your bondmate?" It was a threat to all mechs in this room.

"Absolutely." She wanted so badly to turn to Thunder after their conversation.

Elita grunts, "Do you promise to follow the rules Megatron has ordered his femme slaves."

"Lord Megatron," he reminds her. She remains silent. "Say it."

Elita grunts and then sighs, "Lord Megatron."

Arcee turns to the war lord, "As long as he understands, my chastity comes first and I will defend it with everything I have." He nods. "I will."

Elita takes a deep breath. "Daughter of mine, I welcome you into the rites of femme-hood."

Optimus then makes his pledge, "Arcee, I will do my best to see you as a woman. It will not be easy seeing how you were so delicate and fragile when I made a promise to Primus to guide and protect you. I'm sorry I let you down."

Arcee smiles, "Papa, last night, Primus spoke to me. Do not grieve my imprisonment. He has a reason. There is a reason he chose me to be here. I am tingling with anticipation."

Optimus chuckles, "Just do me a favor, try not to piss of Megatron too much. That's my duty."

Arcee smiles and nods, "Yes, Papa Prime." Megatron groans and rolls his eyes.

Optimus turns his attention to Megatron, "Watch yourself. You though you have a child easy to control. She was anything but. Now she is a femme, Primus help you now!"

He laughs. Even Thundercracker and Starscream laugh. Megatron chooses to remain silent.

Each one of the femme's come forward and give her their blessings. Echo is last laying her infant in her mate's arms. She comes to Arcee, "I hope you find love and a whole bunch of sparklings." Arcee just blushes. Echo steps aside glancing up to Thunder who avoids her gaze.

Elita grabs the edge of the cape, "Femme Arcee, are you ready to reveal your new life to your friends?" Arcee nods. Elita comes around behind her, so that her form is revealed to her father first. The red satin billows her peds. Everyone in the room gasps. Thundercracker doesn't dare look. Instead he keeps his sentry stance.

Optimus speaks, "Dear Arcee, you are lovely. Primus has granted you a strong, functional, beautiful form." He winks, "Your mother is still more beautiful."

Arcee giggles, clinging to her mother's arm, "I can live with that Papa."

He smiles and stands back to every one else in the Autobot base can see Prime's daughter. The cheers from the Autobots send tears streaming down her face. She can hear her friends and family yelling out their blessings.

Chromia bellows the loudest, "Darl'n, give 'em Pit!" Optimus finally nods, giving Arcee permission to turn around and face the Decepticons. As she does, Skywarp wolf calls. Megatron strikes him with one fist.

"Thank you Megatron," Optimus growls. Skywarp leaves the room knowing he's scrap if he stays.

Elita gathers the cape and sets it aside. Finally Arcee turns to catch Thundercracker's gaze. Shock is across his face. He thought for sure all time had stopped. It was the femme of his dreams.

A graceful face still Arcee, but with those sunset pink-lavender optics. Her strong neck of grey along with her hands, peds and trim belly. Her chest is not overly robust, but clearly a full fledged femme of blue with pink trim highlighting the curves. Her hips are warrior hips. Strong, yet lithe, deadly. He would enjoy sparing with her. This solid firm thighs and calves would offline Skywarp in a second. She is a vision of everything he found attractive.

She lifts her hands, "I believe you promised me the first dance."

He meekly nods and steps forward. Her fingers clamp over his palm. Before his hand can touch her waist-

"No! NO! No, no, no! This is my rite!" Megatron growls and strides forward.

Optimus hisses, "No! It's mine!"

Megatron whips his head around to face Optimus, "She's my granddaughter!"

Both sides of the vid screen erupt, "WHAT?"

Only Arcee hears Thunder's groan, "I'm beyond scrap. I'm slag now."

Megatron tries to grasp Arcee's arm, but she curls her body against Thunder's for protection. Thundercracker doesn't let go. He just does as Arcee begs.

Optimus growls, "I suggest you explain, Megatron."

Megatron points to Hook, "Explain."

Hook nervously answers, "There was an accident and Arcee was badly injured." Elita moves closer to the couple. Thunder is rubbing Arcee's back. "She needed a transfusion. Seekers aren't compatible even though they all tried." Arcee looks up to Thunder, he shrugs. Hook continues, "Megatron offered. When I ran the compatibility test it came up that… Maple was Megatron's daughter."

Arcee and Elita whips around to Megatron. Instead Megatron growls his own anger, "You know what the Elite were doing to the gladiators for their code?"

"Regretfully, I heard rumors when I was Orion."

Starscream nods as well, "There was nothing we could do either. And no, we didn't support it. Some of us even tried to persuade them to stop. We were to be quiet or be replaced."

Megatron snarls, "Do you understand why I hate the counsel so much. Not only were we second class slaves, but they raped us as well."

Optimus sighs heavily, "Megatron, I do not approve of what they did, but look what you are doing? Are you any better than them? You have taken the opposition hostage." His voice turns very tender and soft, not an ounce of anger, "What have you tried to do to my mate? The same thing?"

Megatron steps forward and strokes her face tenderly, "She's wonderful. She deserves to be at my side."

Optimus sighs, still not angry, "Megatron, you know how it works. She's already bonded to me. Our sparks are already one. You can't have her spark. Taking her body…?"

Optimus turns to Arcee and Thundercracker. "What about her? You've already hurt her. Your own Energon and code."

Arcee lays her head in the crook of Thundercracker's neck. The look is tender and warm for the femme in his arms. Optimus and Megatron look to the child they care about now wrapped in another's arms.

Megatron narrows his gaze to Thundercracker, "What do you think you are doing?"

Thundercracker turns to Optimus, "Well, I was going to ask you at the end of this day for permission to court your daughter. But it looks like I will have to ask you both."

Optimus moans and drops his forehelm to his palm. His tone is for a son making a bad choice, "Thundercracker…. Oh you poor thing."

"What's that supposed to mean?!" Starscream barks not liking the thought of one of his Seekers being shunned again by the reining Elite.

Optimus lifts his head, "Think about it, Starscream. Look at Echo and the others. They have a choice to make. Do they stay with the ones they care about, or take back their pledges and vows to turn to the traitors. Spark or allegiances?"

Then he turns back to his blue Femme, "Arcee, just now you pledged to the Autobot cause. I can see you care about him very much. But Sweetspark, the last thing I want to see is you hurt. Torn apart by this war.

"And you Thundercracker. An honorable Seeker. A valiant warrior." Optimus chuckles rubbing an old wound TC had given him in the past. TC blushes. "Seriously, if the time comes to bond. What will you do? Leave your Trine? Leave the Decepticons?"

Starscream blanches to Prime's honest concern. Thunder shakes his head in distress. "Thundercracker, I would be proud to call a Seeker a member of my family, but I can't accept my enemy. I hold nothing against you personally. I find you devoted to your commander, even if he's a psychopath."

"Careful Prime," Megatron warns.

"Really Megatron?" Optimus cocks his head sideways. "Look, you are no better off. Your daughter died at your army's hands. How does that feel? Now your granddaughter despises and hates you. She would rather side with your enemy and call him sire/father than side with you. What do you think about that?" Optimus takes a very deeps sigh and tries once more, "Megatron, why are we fighting? What is this slagg'n fight all about? Do you remember any more? Better yet, do you care?"

Both sides of the screen fall into heavy heavy silence.

Thunder lifts Arcee's chin and smiles whispering, "Before the cannons and pistols come out again, may grant you your second wish?" She only smiles in response.

Thunder curls her tighter into his embrace and parts his lips ever so slightly to gather hers into his kiss. He presses warmly, sweetly. Arcee never expected a kiss to do things to her whole body. She leans in closer wanting to feel more of his warmth. His lips move to get a better grasp and nudging her to respond. She does, moving her lips under his. She can feel his spark warming and thumping harder against her own armor covered one. Her hand slips up not letting his helm pull back. Instead he smiles against her lips, thus changing the connection. She does like wise. Then he does pull back and presses his forehelm to hers.

She smiles, "mmmm, to the Pit and Primus and back. So worth it."

He smirks, "Not bad for a virgin."

"You or me?" She asks. He just lightly giggles.

Optimus smiles at the tenderness of the moment. He turns back to Megatron who was still digesting Optimus' speech. "Megatron, do you have time to meet with me today. Maybe a walk by the beach. Maybe Thundercracker and Arcee could join us. You know, two fathers keeping an eye on the courting couple?" He smirks. "Maybe the answer is before us, after all." Megatron looks back to the couple hands clasped star gazing into each others' optics. "A new hope?"

Megatron nods. "Tasmania, noon."

Optimus shakes his head, "No, I have a base there. Japan, noon."

Megatron chuckles, "I've got one there too."

Optimus and Megatron actually laugh together. Then at the same time, "Bermuda Triangle?" The two leaders roar with laughter. And nod in agreement.

I have more in mind, but lets' see what Ms Sparkle 1 says. Thunder and Arcee get some alone time and accidentally bond while, ha-hem, before they got the authorization.

RC & TC 2 Bermuda Triangle:

Arcee and Thunder slowly walk down the beach chucking rocks into the surf and watching the crabs burrow while talking. Trailing behind them out of regular audio range the leaders of the warring factions talk.

"So, what are we going to do?" Megatron asks.

"Well, I've been thinking on the way over. There's some neutral spots still on Cybertron. Why not send them there." Optimus encourages.

"Are you saying groom Thundercracker into a leadership roll? You need to get your processor rebooted!" Megatron curls his face into distaste.

Optimus chuckles, "No. Thundercracker is not leadership material. Arcee, yes."

"A femme Prime?" He ponders the thought, "I could live with that."

"She's young. Too young!" Optimus gasps.

Megatron 's turn to chuckle, "And were you much older?" Optimus frowns. "Besides, she has two great leaders to glean from."

Optimus releases a smirk, "Did you just compliment my leadership abilities?"

Megatron scoffs, "Arrogant mech. I meant Elita, duh."

Optimus smiles broadly, "I whole sparked agree. About Elita…."

"No, I won't release her." Megatron takes a few steps forward away from Prime.

Optimus jogs to keep up, and then grabs Megatron's arm making him face a calm but hurting bonded-mech. "Think for a moment." Megatron yanks his arm out of Optimus' grasp. Optimus takes a sigh and drops his head, "Megatron, she can never be yours."

Like a friend with a soft tone breaking bad news, Optimus continues, "She's bonded to me. Our sparks are fused. Even if she wanted, she could never bond with you."

Megatron smirks, "I could always kill you."

Optimus returns the smirk, "Yes, and if you bond with her, you bond with me. She gets my essence in death. So, do you really want me as your bond mate? Hum?"

Megatron shudders. Optimus chuckles. Megatron takes a swing at him, but Optimus pulls his head back, and the fist misses. Optimus gives Megatron a moment and tries again. "Help me understand why you want Elita? It's not just to tick me off, is it?"

Megatron turns away shaking his head. "I don't understand why you are playing bot-shrink all of a sudden?"

Optimus steps in front of him with a ferocious near animalistic male guardian scowl and a deep aggressive growl, "I could go back to the angry mate mode. " He sneers an evil scowl, "I don't mind. I would love to shove my hand through your chest and crush your spark in my bare hand." He crushes a rock to dust to prove his point. Megatron actually shivers. Optimus takes a step back, a deep breath, and returns to the calm bot of a few moments ago.

Megatron asks respectfully, "What do want me to say?"

"The truth."

Megatron lifts a proud head, "I have every intention of being victorious. Elita is a worth mate of a leader. Please don't be angry, but she has been compassionate to my past. She listens. She knows exactly how to support and encourage a leader. She's strong in body and spirit. And of course, she's the most stunning creation Primus ever made."

Optimus can't help but smile, "Yes, I agree. That's also what makes her a great commander and mother. But, her spark belongs to someone else. You're crushing her by keeping her captive. She would never cave." Megatron nods and sighs. Optimus lays a gentle hand on Megatron's shoulder. "Have you ever been in love?"

Normally, proud, warrior and gladiator Megatron would have scoffed. But this hurting grandfather just sighs and nods. "Her name was Ricochet. Shea, I called her."

Optimus lets his hand slip. He knew that look. He's seen it enough in his own mirror lately. This was a much deeper pain.

"Fragg'n Elite Counsel secretary!" Megatron yanks away from Optimus so he can release some anger not on the bot. "He spark raped her. And they call me a barbarian!"

Megatron picks up a huge bolder and throws it into the water. Thundercracker arched himself so his wings would protect Arcee from anything that rained down.

Optimus' turn to shudders then he smiles, "I don't think he got away with it."

Megatron turns, "Don't tease me. It's not fitting of you, Prime."

Optimus continues to smile, "I heard of a black and purple bot named Ricochet. She runs an orphanage on Velicotron."

Megatron actually gets his hopes raised, "If you are pulling my servo, I will crush your spark and then bond your mate. The only way to keep you from completing the transfer."

Optimus chuckles, "Shall we take Elita."

Megatron smiles cruelly, "I may trust you, but I'm not stupid." Optimus roars with laughter. Thunder and Arcee turns to the two fathers.

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