This chapter mostly occurs while Kacey is finishing up her training with Prowl. We delve into the minds of Kacey's brothers and sister. I'm hoping to get their personalities across in this chapter.
For those interested, the Ultra Magnus fic is up. It ties into chapters 32 and 33 of MBRS. It has a few chapters up with a couple more to go. Also, go vote for Orion's alt form for the third Kaceystar story!
Orion
I focused on my lessons as I always do. I love learning. Trion says I'm as eager to learn as Kacey was. That made me extremely proud. I love my big sister. She's always been there for me, Ariel or Leo. She's even there for Galen or his little sister Kayla if necessary. And she knows every mech and femme on the base.
But today I'm more focused than usual in order to distract myself. As much as I love my sister, I love mom too and I really miss her. I'm anxious for her return this evening with dad. Not that I loved mom more than dad. I loved them both so much and would be spark broken if anything ever happened to them. It's just that mom's better at tucking me into bed than dad.
I know he is busy. He's Prime and has many responsibilities. And I know he loves me very much. I feel it every day through our spark bond. He tells me every day with words or actions. But there are just some things mom is best at.
"Leo, stop daydreaming about fighting Decepticons and at least look like you're reading," I hissed at him as he slouched in his seat, his processor so obviously somewhere else.
He rolled his optics at me but sat up. I know he thinks I'm a geek. It doesn't bother me. I strive to do the best I can in all subjects. I study hard. Pay attention. Ask Trion for extra reading assignments. Anything to satisfy my processor's craving for knowledge.
I'm not a warrior like Kacey or Leo. I don't enjoy fighting. I'm not as sure as Leo or Ariel are with what I want to do with my life. I just know fighting isn't for me. It's not in my nature which to me is ironic since both mom and dad are legendary skilled warriors. Even Ariel though at times can appear docile has a fighting spirit; she's just like mom.
I sometimes wonder where my place is in my family. Does my desire to not fight make me a coward? I shudder within. That's a horrendous thought. The son of the great Optimus Prime is a coward.
"Time's up," Trion announced rising to his feet, interrupting my thoughts. "You're to finish your history reading assignment. There will be a test on it tomorrow."
"Another test?" Leo whined.
Trion gave my brother a look that made him straighten up and shut up. It never took much to discipline Leo. He rarely misbehaves. He simply gets…distracted with these fantasies of him fighting Decepticons.
"You're all dismissed," Trion said.
I slowly gathered my datapads, my thoughts still lingering with doubts once again. Maybe I can talk to mom tonight. She always understands my worries.
"Hey, Orion…check this out," Leo whispered, winking at me.
I rolled my optics. What's the mini lugnut up to now? I slowly followed, watching as he walked over putting himself between Galen and Ariel who were discussing…whatever they talk about when together.
"Just remember, Galen," Leo started with a fiendish smirk. "You start interfacing with my sister, you'd better treat her right. Or I'll rip you a new aft. Got it?"
"Leo!" Ariel shouted, taking a swing at his head.
"Missed me!" he snickered, as he ducked.
"I'm gonna get you, fragger!" she yelled chasing after him.
"Orion, what's interfacing?" Galen asked me quietly, having enough sense not to get into a fight with Leo or Ariel. Last time he did he got smacked hard by both Leo and Ariel and ended up in the Med Bay.
"I'm not sure but you're dad should know. I heard mom telling my dad that he needed to talk to Kacey about it."
"Oh, I'll go ask my dad then."
"Orion," Trion called as I reached the doorway.
"Yes, Trion?"
The elder mech gestured for me to come over and take a seat. I did as instructed thinking he had some extra homework for me.
"I've noticed how your brother and sister have already decided what they want to do once mature. Your personality is as strong as theirs yet you have not chosen a path. May I ask why?"
"I don't know," I replied honestly. "I'm not as brave as Leo. I don't have the fighting spirit like Ariel."
"Are you afraid to fight?"
"No! I…I just don't see the point of all this fighting. Does that make me coward?"
"Orion, being noble and brave doesn't necessarily mean you have to fight. Do you know of a mech called Decimus?"
"No," I answered honestly.
"Decimus was the only son of a brilliant strategist and fierce, almost ruthless, warrior, Telamus. He started training his son at a young age to following him into the Elite Army and the glorious reputation that came with it. But Decimus was not a fighter. He was an intelligent mech, knew the laws of our kind, of many worlds. He loved his father very much. Followed his father's teachings until the day he was of the right age. His first fully mature year, he finally spoke his spark."
"Telamus was furious. The two mechs, both stubborn as could be, had a falling out. Decimus left his home city of Praxus and headed to Iacon to make it his own path. He was determined to prove to his father that one didn't have to be a great warrior in order to do good or to be remembered in our history."
"And so Decimus started on his path. At first, just working in the lowest of positions. A runner, retrieving information form the archives and hand delivering them to aids who in turn handed them to members of the High Council during deliberations. He eventually earned the position as aid to Eryx, the High Council's chief negotiator of treaties with the neighboring multitude of races, some enemies and some friends, within our universe."
"He studied hard, paid attention during the Council's discussions as they passed new laws and rewrote old ones. And he watched everything Eryx did during his negotiations. Decimus was one very perceptive mech. He had an uncanny knack for knowing when someone was unsure, being truthful, or lying. And he would never hesitate to tell Eryx this information so that they might use it to conclude a deal."
"It was during one such negotiation that made Decimus into the mech history now knows him for. Eryx went against his aid's better judgment going on his own past experience with the Delemphians in the Galicon Quadrant, a race of organics whose technology rivaled our own. Most years we were at peace with them. This particular year we were at on the verge of a full scale war with them. Eryx was attempting to negotiate the release of several families and key military personnel while at the same time trying to put together a peace treaty with the Delemphians once again."
"Only time had changed them as a people. Eryx made a critical mistake that cost him his life. Decimus, knowing how important this peace treaty was to the High Council took it upon himself to complete the mission. He went against protocol by not immediately informing the High Council of what had happened. But he also knew there was no time to waste and knew the High Council would order the Elita Army into the Galicon Quadrant."
"And so, Decimus retracted his armor so that he'd be in his most vulnerable form, walked with arms out, palms up, and knelt down in the center of the assembly room. The energon from Eryx was still warm as it flowed from his offlined body nearby."
"What happened? Did they attack Decimus? Was he taken prisoner as well?" I asked, excitedly sitting on the edge of my seat.
"Priad, the Delemphian's leader, ordered his guards to beat down Decimus. No matter how badly it hurt, how hard they hit, Decimus would always return to his knelt position. Until finally, Priad asked him why?"
"What did he say?!"
"Orion, let me tell the story," Trion laughed.
"Oops, sorry," I cringed.
"'I do so because I must for my family as you would for yours,' was Decimus' response. 'Neither of our people want war. You and I both know this. I am here to listen to your needs and hope to bring about peace for generations to come. And if my death will bring about the peace you want for your family, then so be it.' Now Orion, you notice how Decimus kept speaking of family?"
I quickly nodded.
"Decimus noticed how close Priad was to his sons, though guards in his military, they never strayed far from their father. Eryx was too aggressive with his negotiations. Pried felt threatened and reacted as any father would by protecting those he loved. Priad and Decimus wrote an entirely new treaty together. One that lasted to this very day or at least from the time I left Cybertron."
"What did the High Council to do Decimus for not following protocol?"
"An excellent question, Orion," he smiled, patting me on the head. "You forget nothing do you? Truth was there wasn't much they could do to punish Decimus. News of his bravery had already spread across Cybertron. Plus, he completed the mission given by the High Council themselves. The fact that our Prime at that time was a prisoner and was witness to all that had happened, only benefited Decimus even more. And through Sentinel's influence Decimus was made a member of the High Council. The two mechs became the best of friends as a result of it. And Sentinel often accompanied Decimus to other worlds if a strong military presence was required as part of negotiations."
"So you see Orion, you do not have to fight to consider yourself brave. It takes courage to stand up for what you believe in as well. And if you do not believe in fighting, then don't let anyone tell you differently. Understand?"
"Yes, Trion," I smiled. "Did you meet Decimus? He sounds like someone I would have liked to meet."
"Yes, I did meet him. And in away, you have," Trion smiled. "He was your grandfather and Optimus' father. In many ways, you remind me of him. You have that same determined spirit he had."
"Did…did Telamus ever forgive his son?" I anxiously asked, wondering how my own father would react to me not wanting to fight.
"Yes, the two mechs reconciled. Telamus apologized to his son and was there to witness Decimus being appointed to the High Council."
Trion rested a reassuring hand on my shoulder.
"Optimus is proud of whatever you do, Orion. You should see the look in his optics when I tell him how well you do in your studies," he said to me and I raised my head slightly upon hearing this. "Now go, Kacey will be looking for you soon if I keep you any longer."
"I'd better go find, Leo," I said, rising to my feet and feeling that something was upsetting Leo at the moment. "Thank you for the history lesson. I'll remember that one always."
Ariel
Arg! I could just kill my little brother sometimes! I swear he must have a screw loose in that processor to keep antagonizing me like that! The unbelievable things that he says just really piss me off! He knows it. I know it. Yet he continues to do so!
I know he says them to tease Galen. He knows Galen isn't a fighter and can't defend himself even though he is taller than my little brother. Nor would I allow Galen to resort to that kind of behavior. Though smaller, Leo would kick the slag out of Galen if properly provoked.
Just like I'm going to kick the slag out of his aft now when I get hold of him!
"I'm gonna rip your aft, Leo!" I yelled, chasing after him.
"You have to catch me first!" he laughed and turned a corner.
I came to a stop and growled, deciding it best to get him later instead of wasting energy by chasing him all over the fraggin base! I turned and hurried back, catching up with Galen. He always had a calming effect on my nerves whenever Leo riled them all up.
"Don't worry, Leo won't hurt you," I smiled, taking Galen's hand in mine.
"How can you be so certain? Leo always means what he says."
"Because I told him once you're a qualified surgeon you could easily remove his interface appliance. He freaked and ran," I giggled.
"Ariel, I would never do that to a mech," he said seriously.
"Don't be so stuffy, it was a joke! I'll beat him up before he ever lays a hand on you."
"Gee, thanks. I'm not sure I want that kind of a reputation where my femme does all the fighting for me."
"I'm not going to stand idly by while you get beat up," I snapped. "And if you'd let Kacey teach you some moves like she's taught me I wouldn't have to."
"You know how my mom and dad feel about that," he sighed. "Besides, I know how to shoot a plasma rifle. You don't know how to do that yet. And when I become a surgeon, my hands will be too important for any kind of hand to hand combat."
"Smart aft," I said, playfully pushing him.
Galen simply gave me that smile of his that I adored. I'm so glad he's recovered from his systems upset he had yesterday. I didn't like seeing him sick. Of course, he says the same thing about me when I'm the one who's sick. We're always there for each other in anything we do, our studies, our medical journals we read, or just playing.
I've asked mother how she knew father was the right mech for her. She said it was a feeling in her spark she got whenever father looked at her. It was an indescribable feeling. She just knew he was for her.
I feel like that with Galen. I know I'm only a youngling of eight. But I know what I want to do with my life. And I know who I want to be with. I honestly cannot imagine my life without Galen.
"Ariel, do you know what interfacing is?" Galen suddenly asked.
"Something the matures do for fun but don't tell us about. We're not old enough so of course they don't talk to us about it. Unless you're, Sunny. That mech doesn't know the meaning of discreet nor does he know how to keep his mouth shut."
"He is funny," he laughed. "Even if he makes jokes about my dad."
"True and he claims to know everything about interfacing. But mom will dismantle Sunny if he even thinks about it near us younglings."
"No, something this important needs an expert. I was going to ask my dad."
"I'll go with you," I smiled. "We'll find out together. I have time before Kacey comes looking for me."
"Ok," he smiled, pulling me along. "Come on, let's hurry!"
It didn't take long to reach the Med Bay. There we found Ratchet with a stack of datapads in one arm and a cup of energon in the other walking into his office.
"What are you two younglings doing here?" he immediately asked. "Ariel, you're supposed to be with Kacey and Galen, you were supposed to get your sister."
"I know dad, but I had a really important question to ask you first. It will only take an astrosecond or so."
"Very, well, what is it?" Ratchet smiled.
"I…I mean Ariel and I want to know what interfacing is and how it's done."
"What?!" he yelled as datapads and energon flew out of his hands, scattering all over the floor. "You're only 8! What the frag are you asking me a question like that for?!"
"Geez, don't get a glitch over it," I scoffed. "It was just a simple question."
"That is not a simple question," he said, hands on hips glaring down at both of us. "That is a question I will discuss with Galen when he's old enough and one your parents will discuss with you. For now all you need to know is interfacing makes sparklings, now Ariel, get going and don't even think of asking Sunny! Galen, in my office now!"
"But dad…"
"NOW!"
"Yes, dad," he frowned. "I'll see you later Ariel."
"Ratchet, don't be mad at Galen," I said in his defense. "It was Leo's fault. He threatened Galen, saying that once he starts interfacing with me that he'd better treat me right or Leo was going to rip his aft."
"Is this true?" he asked Galen. Galen quickly nodded. "Fine. Go get your sister. I'll talk to Optimus about Leo. That little lugnut needs to stop hanging around the twins."
"That will never happen as long as Kacey hangs…" I started but was interrupted at the distress in my spark.
"Ariel?" Galen asked softly, taking my hand.
"It's Leo," I said sadly. "He's upset about something. I have to go find him."
'Ariel…' my brother called over our bond.
'I feel it to, Orion. I'm coming.'
"Ariel, wait! I'm coming too," Galen said with determination.
"Get…" Ratchet started.
"I'll get Kayla too, dad, don't worry," he said, following me out.
I ran, trusting that Galen would catch up. Despite the pain in the aft Leo can be I do love him dearly. He's my little brother. We're lucky he's still with us thanks to Kacey saving his life. I didn't understand when I was a sparkling, but I do now. I know Kacey would literally risk her own life to saves ours.
Leo
I was so bored out of my processor sitting there counting the astroseconds clicking away slowly. Far too slowly it seemed. I wanted to be somewhere else, doing anything but this!
Since I couldn't go anywhere, I let my processor wander. I had ways to entertain myself.
"Leo, stop daydreaming about fighting Decepticons and at least look like you're reading," Orion snapped before I could really get into my internal thoughts.
I rolled my optics at my brother but sat up and pretended to read. What a geek. He was Trion's best student now that Kacey no longer required lessons. Ariel and Galen were close behind. I just didn't see the point of some of my lessons if I was going to be fighting Decepticons.
What a day that will be when I get to fight along side my big sister! I can't wait!
"Time's up," Trion announced getting to his feet. "You're to finish your history reading assignment. There will be a test on it tomorrow."
"Another test?"
Trion gave me that look to shut up and be a good mech or I'll get a bad mark and my father will give me another lecture. Honestly, dad's lectures weren't that bad. Now if I were to get a lecture from mom I'd get extra homework and extra duties she'd personally assign to me.
"You're all dismissed," Trion said.
About time! I quickly gathered my datapads, seeing Galen helping Ariel with hers. I smirked to myself. Oh, I was so bad at times!
"Hey, Orion…check this out," I whispered. As my sister and Galen made their way for the door, I nonchalantly wedged myself right between them. And with a serious tone spoke to Galen. "Just remember, Galen. You start interfacing with my sister, you'd better treat her right. Or I'll rip you a new aft. Got it?"
I ducked in anticipation of the blow.
"Leo!" Ariel shouted, her arm easily missing my head.
"Missed me!" he laughed, stuck my tongue out at her and ran.
"I'm gonna get you, fragger!" she yelled, from behind me. "I'm gonna rip your aft, Leo!"
"You have to catch me first," I teased, knowing she couldn't catch me or rip my aft.
Not only was I already stronger than her and Orion, I was faster. The only one who could catch me was Kacey. Even without her transformation abilities she was fraggin fast on her feet.
I slowed to a trot, making my way to Prowl's office. If he was in there that meant Kacey was back. I was hoping she was back. She said she had a surprise for today and I really wanted to see it.
"Leo, aren't you supposed to be heading to Wheeljack's lab where Kacey is?"
"Oh, hi Magnus," I smiled after I turned to see him behind me. "I was looking for Prowl. Dad left my favorite toy in his office and said I can get it after class. But I need permission to go in and get it."
"Prowl made a stop but he should be on his way to his office soon. I'll give you permission to get your toy and get your aft to the Jack's lab before your sister sends out a search team."
"Yes, Sir!" I saluted.
"Behave little mech," he smiled, patting me on the head.
"Magnus! Did you mean what you said yesterday?"
"I mean what I say. With training you will be able to fight Decepticons effectively. But I think we'll leave Megatron for your dad, ok?"
"Ok," I smiled. "I'll see you around."
Magnus nodded and went on his way while I headed to dad's office. The lights were off but I didn't need them on. The computer panel illuminated the room enough for me to see my toy, a fake gun Ironhide made for me, was sitting on dad's desk where he left it.
I smiled, making my way to retrieve it. I had tried to sneak it into class this morning but dad confiscated it. He wasn't too mad at me and suggested I pay attention more to Trion and spend less time imagining I was blasting Decepticons' afts.
"Whoa! What's that?" I asked myself, when I suddenly spotted a glowing light through a slit in the wall near dad's desk.
I quickly made my way around dad's desk and examined the wall around the glow. It was a secret panel in the wall! I know I shouldn't but I had to see what was glowing. I suddenly remembered seeing a button underneath dad's desk one time while playing under there. I wonder…
The panel slid to one side. My optics locked on the glowing object. I dared not touch it but I wanted to know what it was and only knew one femme who would be willing to tell me.
After closing the panel, I raced out of dad's office with the intention of finding Kacey. If anyone would know she would! She's the smartest femme I know next to mom. And she's smarter than most mechs, except for dad.
"Hey Leo!" I stopped to see Sidewinder down the hall. "I heard Orion in class today. You need to stop daydreaming about Decepticons."
"And why is that?" I asked.
"Well look at you," he snickered, staring down at me, thick arms folder across his even thicker chest. "What good would a puny mech like you do on the battlefield anyway? You're so small you might get stepped on during a battle."
"Look whose talking leadhead," I snarled. "You're so stupid you might shoot our own warriors!"
"At least I won't grow up to be a runt, you metallic mini meatball!"
"I'm not a metallic mini meatball!"
"Well you're sure are a runt!" he laughed. "You're so small a Decepticon wouldn't even bother wasting his time shooting at you."
"That's not true!" I huffed, feeling my optics well up with tears.
I wasn't going to let him see my tears or that he hurt my feelings so I ran. Most things didn't bother me. I knew I was short. I knew I wasn't going to grow as tall as Orion or even Kacey. But I didn't need to be reminded of it every fraggin day by Sidewinder!
Some days I could take it. Today wasn't one of those days.
I didn't even know where I was running too. I just ran through the halls ignoring the shouts after me from concerned mechs or femmes. I couldn't even see through me tears. If I could, perhaps I would have noticed the yellow leg blocking my path when I turned a corner.
"OW!" I yelped after I bounced of the leg and hit the floor.
Normally I bounced up to my feet. I just didn't have the strength in me all of a sudden.
"Leo! Primus, are you hurt?"
"Bee," I wept throwing my arms around his neck as he bent down to pick me up. "No, I'm not hurt."
"Then why are you crying?" he asked.
"Because I'm a runt…a metallic mini meatball!"
"I see. Ironhide's little mech picking on you again?"
I nodded, wiping my tears.
"Do you know why he picks on you?"
"No," I sniffled.
"He's afraid of you."
My optics covers blinked in surprise making Bumblebee laugh.
"You're smarter and stronger than Sidewinder. And besides, a meatball is round, you're not round. Sidewinder is more round than you."
I know he was saying that to make me laugh but some days it was just so hard being so small.
"But look at me, I'm so little. How can I hope to be a descent warrior if I'm…puny?"
"Have you heard about Jazz?" Bee seriously asked me.
"I've heard dad and mom say his name a few times."
"Well, Jazz wasn't the biggest nor was he the strongest. In fact, he was smaller than me. But he was a regular mech wrecker like the rest of us."
"How?" I eagerly asked.
Bee tapped me on the center of my forehead.
"He was smart. He knew his enemy, knew their weaknesses and how to exploit them. He also knew when he was in over his head and called for heavier back up."
"Like Ironhide?"
"More often he'd call your dad," he said making me smile proudly.
'Leo!' Kacey's voice resonated through our bond.
I could feel she was worried for me. I could even feel Ariel and Orion's concern for me. Now I felt bad. I never liked it when there were upset.
'I'm alright. I'm with Bee,' I quickly responded to Kacey.
'I'm coming to get you.'
"Kacey's coming for me now," I said, dropping my chin to my chest.
"She worries for you."
"I know," I sighed. "She always worries for us all, Bee. Including you."
"Well of course me, silly. I'm her favorite uncle!"
"Mine too," I smiled, hugging him tightly.
"Here's your sister," he said softly.
"Primus, Leo! You're breaking my spark when you get so upset," she frowned, taking me into her arms. "Thanks Bee."
"It was nothing," he smiled then slowly walked off.
"What happened?" she asked.
"Nothing, Sidewinder was calling me names."
"Leo, how many times have I told you, names cannot hurt you?"
"But your foot on my aft will," I smiled, making her laugh.
"Never doubt your spark, Leo. You may be small but you've always had one mighty spark. I have never doubted that from the time you were conceived to this very day. It's why I gave you a strong and noble name."
I nodded, my tears falling again as I hugged her. Kacey always tells me my spark is mighty like our dad's. To be honest, it seems so dull compared the love and strength within hers. But I am young. One day my spark will be as strong as hers.
"Is he ok?" Orion and Ariel asked in unison as they run to us.
"He's fine," Kacey answered, kissing the side of my head before setting me on the ground.
I was immediately squeezed by Ariel. It doesn't surprise me. She does that a lot. Threatens to rip my aft one astrosecond only to give me a loving hug the next.
"Where's Galen?" I asked, noticing he wasn't with Ariel.
"He had to get Kayla and will meet us at Wheeljack's lab," she answered.
"Sorry for teasing him earlier."
"Don't worry. You should have seen the look on Ratchet's face when Galen asked him what interfacing was!"
"I did mean some of it," I said in earnest. "You're my sister. I never want to see you get hurt."
"I know."
I looked up at Orion.
"Same goes for you too bro," I smirked. I just couldn't help it. Blame hanging around the twins too much for it. "If some mech ever messes with you and hurts your feelings I'll always be there to kick his aft."
"You fragger!" Orion shouted, tackling me to the ground.
I laughed uncontrollably. Ariel jumped on the pile too and both of them were tickling me. It was my only weakness. I was the smallest and most ticklish. Well, almost the most ticklish of the family. Kacey was actually the most ticklish.
She stood there, arms across her chest, smiling down at us silly younglings.
'Orion, Ariel…we haven't gotten Kacey in a while time,' I told them over our bond.
'What was that last week?' Ariel asked.
'That was dad, we joined in afterwards,' Orion answered.
'Oh yeah, then we got dad,' she giggled. 'He's always so funny whenever we tickle him.'
'Mom gets him good like that too,' I said. 'I hear then in their bedroom laughing sometimes. On three. Three…two…one…mark.'
Our choreographed plan of action, which always worked, was for Orion to get Kacey's left thigh above her knee and Ariel to the right thigh, just above the knee. That usually brought Kacey down low enough for me to jump up on her back and tickle her left rib area, the most ticklish spot on her.
"You little pit spawns!" she laughed, falling to the floor in a heap.
Yeah, our attack plan always worked. The only problem was she didn't stay that way for long!
The tickle war was on!
Up next: We start with Galen as he and his sister join the fun. Chapter 36 should come out fast. It's mostly done! Woohoo!