Finally! I updated! I meant to do so over the weekend, sorry! For those interested there are a couple of new Kacey OC fics by two wonderful writers – Plenoptic and Bunnylass. Plenoptic's is a Kacey x Jetfire fic and Bunny's is a Bee x Kacey fic. The story links are on my profile page if you're interest.
Also, if anyone would like to see I put a picture of Kaceystar up as my avatar on my profile page. It's a rough copy…really rough since I can't draw well and it took me hours just to get her helm the way I wanted it. I don't have the art programs on my computer so I took a digital picture of the drawing and uploaded it. If anyone is interested in seeing a better pic you can PM me.
Now to chapter 68. Wow. 68! Honestly, I'm not sure whether to cry or not as this story is almost at an end. There are only one, perhaps two more chapters after this one. Again, I want to thank everyone who has gone on this journey with Kacey and hope to see you all there when the new journey of her life begins.
Author's notes: italics denote comlink chatter and '…' denote bond talk.
Elita
I stood there, anxiously waiting and watching as Kacey carried the Decepticon sparkling towards its creator. At the moment, I didn't care that it was another of Megatron's spawns. Never mind the fact that I had just witnessed one of the most spark palpitating, optic popping battles of my life! I only cared that my daughter was alive and for the most part whole.
Primus, the last time my arms were this anxious was when I discover my Kacey wasn't dead as Megatron had told me when held captive. Like then all I wanted to do was hold my child close to my spark. Pfft, I couldn't even take my optics off her right now. My younglings and my sparkmate were my life without one of them a part of me would be missing…I would never feel complete.
"Red, it doesn't need to be perfect!" I grumbled, watching Kacey set the sparkling down.
"There it's done! The weld is temporary and should hold as long as you don't go running around," he explained rising to his feet. I made a move to head for my daughter but he grabbed my arm and injected me with something. "For the pain, Ma'am."
"Thank you," I nodded.
"Not a problem. Now for you, Sir," he said, turning to Optimus who I could feel was as equally anxious about Kacey.
"I'm fine," my stubborn mech said even though I could tell his shoulder hurt like pit by the way he was standing. He was a little stiffer than usual. Although no one else would notice as the change in his posture was very subtle. Having known him for so long I've come to recognize all the signs.
"Let me at least stop the bleeding, Sir."
'She's ok now, Optimus,' I said to him over our bond.
Optimus looked over at me, his expression one of worry and concern. But then his features brightened and he smiled. I felt our daughter's love before I turned to see her hurrying over to us.
My Kacey…my little sparkling that was born into a world of so much turmoil. She had come so far from that sparkling to the armored femme coming towards me now. And to think, in a few more years she was to be a fully mature femme. I almost couldn't believe it. I almost couldn't believe my optics when she battled Venom. My sparkling had grown up.
"Mom!" she exclaimed, arms open, tears flowing from her optics.
I held my first born sparkling close, kissing her lovely face over and over. Like long ago when she was a sparkling and upset, I murmured Cybertronian words to sooth her tears. It only made her weep harder. So hard I could feel her body trembling with emotions of relief and joy.
"Shh, my sparkling, no more tears," I cooed, gently holding her face in my hands. "I'm alive and well. We're together now."
"I know," she replied, her voice trembling, her face so full of sorrow. "It's just…all this time…I had no idea if you were alive. The last thing I felt was father's anguish at the same time I felt your presence fading from my spark. The emotion from him was so raw…so powerful I knew something terrible had happened to you."
I felt a sudden wave of sadness and regret from my love. While pulling Kacey close to me, I looked over to see Optimus' proud frame sagging, with his head bowed down, his normally bright optics dimmed. I knew he was beating himself up for no reason.
'It wasn't your fault, my love,' I told him over our bond.
'But it was, Elita. I couldn't control the way I felt when the little ones were murdered. Then when you were dying…'
Tears filled my optics as the emotions from my sparkmate and my daughter were overwhelming. Red alert seemed to understand the need for us as a family to be alone and discretely left. I alone knew how deeply it hurt Optimus when the little ones were killed…when Leo was injured…when we learned that Kacey was taken from us.
Optimus tries to keep his feelings to himself during such times to keep me from worrying about him. But our bond was much stronger than it was when we first joined our sparks. I can feel when he's happy, sad, angry, or whatever despite his attempts to keep his feelings to himself when he feels he should.
"I'm so sorry, Kacey," he said, so much sorrow in his voice.
Kacey turned her head upon hearing her father's voice. I didn't need to encourage her in anyway for she rushed out of my arms right into her father's.
"It wasn't your fault!" she wept uncontrollably, burying her face in his abdomen plating clinging on to him tightly.
Despite the pain he was in, Optimus bent down and lifted our sparkling up, holding her close. A long sigh escaped him as he nuzzled the side of his head against her, closing his optic covers.
They didn't speak. They never had to during moments such as this. The bond was so strong between father and daughter that one always knew what the other was feeling so acutely. Plus, the two always had a habit of sharing such potent emotions with one another. Their emotions of pure joy and relief flooded our bond. They were so overpowering that I could feel them as well.
"I love you so much my child," he murmured, holding Kacey so tight that I heard her make a soft whimpering sound.
"I love you too,"she sniffled, leaning into my affections. Then she reared back slightly, tears rolling down her cheeks. "I want to go home. Please…can we go home now?"
"We will," he smiled, rubbing his nose against her forehead before kissing it tenderly.
"Primus, you're hurt!" she gasped quickly wiping her tears, optics wide with concern as they looked at his injured shoulder. "Red!"
"We're fine Kacey, our concern now is for you," I smiled.
"You're hurt too!" Kacey said, weaseling her way out of my arm and back onto the ground and then she was off chasing down Red Alert.
I rolled my optics. Then I looked accusingly up at my sparkmate.
"What?" he inquired.
"She's just like you…more concerned for everyone else but herself."
"Speaking of which," he smirked, scooping me up in my arms.
"Optimus! Put me down!"
"No can do femme. The temporary weld on your leg might tear if you go marching about."
"Put me down or else I'll…"
He silenced my protest with a passionate kiss that rivaled the happiness within us. Yes we were both so excited that our youngling was finally going home.
"Pfft! Never mind Red…if they can interface their repairs can obviously wait," Kacey commented. Our lips parted and we looked upon our daughter standing there with her arms crossed over her chest. "Honestly, get a room. I thought Ironhide and Chromia were the horny ones on the battlefield. Sunny says he's spotted them interfacing a few times behind some rock or something."
"Just wait until you fall in love," Chromia snorted. "When the moment takes hold of you there's nothing you can do about it."
Optimus intakes hitched! A strangled noise sounded from his vocal processor.
"I'm not seeing things clearly," he mumbled, swaying where we stood, making us all laugh at him. "Please don't joke about Kacey being in love because then I just…I don't want to think of her…interfacing! I'm so not ready for that!"
I merely laughed at him. I laughed in relief that we were finally taking our daughter home.
Ironhide
"Red! I think Optimus is going into spark shock!" I teased, laughing.
The look on Optimus faceplates was priceless! I couldn't help but tease him! I thought for certain he was going to collapse on the spot. Just what he gets for laughing at me the day I fainted when Chormia introduced me to a son I had no idea even existed!
"Hide, that's not nice!" Elita chided, gently smacking Optimus' face plates.
"No, but it is funny!" I laughed harder. "Besides, he needs to get over it! Kacey's one attractive femme and if she's like the femme magnet will have mechs, instead of femmes, lining up for her."
"Hide!"
"Oh yeah, lover? Keep laughing! If he falls over you'll have to carry him back! They'll I'll have to deal with the dents in your aft after Elita kicks you half way to Earth!" Chromia pointed out, nudging me to stop laughing over our bond. Of course, I stopped laughing.
"Dad, relax. I'm not into dating mechs at this point in my life and I can't interface yet. Those systems didn't come online," Kacey chimed in, pushing Red Alert's hand away when he tried to give her an injection. When he tried again, she grabbed him hard by the wrist and glared at him. "I'm fine. Don't make me stick that injector where the sun doesn't shine."
"Red, back off for now, she's fine," I said to him. "She's going to be spending enough time with Ratchet later. Give her some space for now."
"Very well," he reluctantly said.
Kacey released him and returned her attention to Optimus. I gently took hold of Chromia's hand and pulled her close to me, contently watching Kacey soothing her father's suddenly frayed circuits. It was a sight I almost thought we might not ever see again when we couldn't find Kacey. When I was able to speak with Optimus during those days I could tell he was barely holding it together. Honestly, I don't think I could have held myself together at all after losing sparklings and nearly a sparkmate.
"Optimus, I believe it's time for us to be going," Prowl spoke up gently, when he arrived beside me.
"Yes, it is," he said, adjust his hold on Elita slightly.
Kacey looked our way and frowned, "You lost one of your door wings, Prowl?"
"I'm fine as are you. That's all that matters," he replied.
I had no doubts she was now feeling guilty seeing our injuries. I know that because when Optimus was so young he always felt guilty and took any injury of an Autobot to spark. I lost count of how many times I had to remind him that such things happen when at war. To this day he still feels the same way, only his deals with his emotions about it much better now that's he's older.
"Kacey, you have nothing to fret over," I told her, patting her on the shoulder. "We Autobots never leave a mech or femme behind. You know that better than anyone."
Before she had a chance to respond, the other Autobots who'd graciously waited for Kacey to be reunited with her family now came over and surrounded her, showering her with high praise. Each one of them surprised her. I could see it on her faceplates and wide optics.
"That's some mighty fine fighting there, Kaceystar."
"Welcome to the ranks, Kaceystar."
"If you need anyone to back you up just let me know young Kaceystar."
"It would be an honor to fight by your side, Kaceystar."
The young femme was a bit overwhelmed at this unexpected show of respect each mech and femme displayed towards her. She even blushed bowing her head as she humbly thanked them all.
I smiled for she was just like her father. Optimus was never comfortable receiving a compliment. It made him shy. She'd probably say what he did too.
"Thank you. All of you. But I can't take all the credit. I had excellent teachers," she smiled, glancing at Magnus, Prowl, and myself.
"Still it is up to the student to take what she has learned and apply it appropriately," Prowl commented. "You did exceptionally well, Kaceystar."
The femme smiled and blushed more brightly than before, making everyone laugh.
"Alright, lets move out," Optimus ordered, chuckling.
"Wait, the Quintessons can take you, mother and Prowl back since you're injured," Kacey quickly. "Rema, is that satisfactory?"
"Of course, we will gladly transport any injured," Rema said. By the sound of its voice it was a female and she appeared to be the leader by the way the others stood behind her.
"Excellent idea," Prowl said. "Red see to it that Optimus and Elita are comfortable."
"You as well, Sir," Red smirked.
"I'm taking a ride back too," I said.
"Kacey?" Optimus called when she took several long strides away from us.
"Can I have a moment?"
Optimus nodded then carried Elita into the shuttle.
Everyone not taking the shuttle had already transformed and sped off. I watched Kacey stand there, her optics surveying the battle field. From what I could see she appeared to be deep in thought.
"Is she ok?" Chromia asked as I took her inside the shuttle.
"She's happy, relieved…and…something else," Optimus answered softly, looking outside.
"She's been through a traumatic ordeal that's now over," Red Alert explained. "Sometimes it's hard to process."
"I'll get her," I said to Optimus, resting a reassuring hand on his good shoulder. "Sometimes a friend is better to talk to than family during such moments."
Optimus nodded knowing exactly what I meant for he would always talk to Ratchet or myself about issues he was afraid to speak to Sentinel about. Although Kacey was one feisty femme like her mother, she was most definitely her father's daughter. I saw it today when she battled Venom. She was strong, courageous, and resilient.
As I approached Kacey I noticed that she was looking at a marking on the underside of her forearm. It was a Cybertronian glyph mark elegantly etched. I recognized it's meaning immediately.
"You are so like Optimus," I spoke softly, gently taking hold of her arm and touching the inscribe on her armor. "He too doubted his own abilities until they were fully tested on the battlefield. There is no reason for you to not believe in yourself or your abilities. You proved that when you escaped all on your own and went one on one with that pit spawn."
"Is that why everyone called me Kaceystar? I've always been Kacey to them before."
"Yes. You've earned it," I adamantly said.
"I may have proven myself an Autobot…but…will I be the leader everyone expects me to be?"
"I have no doubts about it," I smiled. "Of course, just because you may one day be my Prime doesn't mean I'll go easy on you during target practice." Kacey laughed. "Ok, maybe just a little. I did have to let Optimus win every so often to keep up his confidence."
The femme laughed even harder.
"Isn't that the other way around," she smirked up at me. "I seem to recall me being the one to beat you…repeatedly…at target practice."
I narrowed my optics at her, smiling.
"Let's go, femme, before Prowl starts to fret about us remaining here too long."
"Thank you Ironhide," she smiled, hugging me tight.
"You're most welcome, young Kaceystar."
Prowl
My spine kept tingling, alerting me that we needed to get out of here. I noticed there was less smoking coming from the Decepticon base which meant they finally got the fire under control. It would only be a matter of time before Megatron changed his mind and came after us.
"Optimus, I suggest we not delay when we land. I've already contacted Ratchet about getting our wounded loaded up. Hound is working on gathering our fallen and scanning for any survivors as we speak."
"Kacey is coming," Optimus replied calmly, his optics locked on the young femme as she came towards the shuttle with Ironhide.
"I've stopped the bleeding and I'm reactivating your sensor relay," Red Alert said. "It's not good to have it off for very long. I'll give you a pain suppressant to make you more comfortable. Once back at the base we can re-attach your doorwing without any complications."
"Very well," I nodded, watching as Kacey and Ironhide walked up the shuttle's ramp.
I winced minimally when I felt a sharp pain where my one doorwing was missing. Almost instantly the pain was gone after Red injected me with the pain suppressant. Then he moved aside and Kacey immediately came over to me, optics full of such sincerity. For a moment I was puzzled by her expression towards me.
"Thank you for everything you taught me," she said, optics glistening with fresh tears. Then to my surprise she hugged me tightly. "I probably wouldn't have survived without the training."
"You're welcome," he spoke softly, returning the hug. I felt her trembling and my spark went out to her. I had warned her about the after affects of being held prisoner to the best of my ability. But honestly, each mech or femme healed differently. I had no idea how well or badly she was going to handle the nightmares and sudden memory recalls. "I'm grateful you are back where you belong, Kacey."
"It feels wonderful to be back with my family and friend," she whispered and I held onto her just a little tighter.
"Are you sure you don't want to change your mind?" Ironhide asked over a private comlink.
"My decision is final, my friend. I'm sorry."
"It's not me you should be apologizing to. You do know you're going to break her spark when you tell her."
"I know. But she will understand."
"When are you going to tell her?"
"The healing process has barely begun for her. I will wait until I feel she's recovered enough to handle it."
"Good, so I have time to try and change your mind," Ironhide replied, smiling as he sat beside his sparkmate.
"Better now?" I questioned when Kacey finally pulled away, wiping her tears.
She nodded then headed over and sat between her mother and father, nestling in Optimus' embrace. I got up, moving to behind the pilot's seats, focusing my attention out the window. It wasn't often they I got this kind of view after a battle. Not that I wanted to see it.
The scene below was…horrific.
The desert landscape was marred by the carnage the two factions caused during the battle. Small craters caused by explosions were filled with pieces of armor, body parts or shallow pools of energon. Black sand smoked lazily from weapon's fire. Corpses lay unceremoniously, baking in the sunlight.
"Hound, do you have a count?" I asked over a private comlink.
"Twenty-three sparks extinguished and three missing," came a somber response.
"Missing? Who?"
"Hot Shot and the twins. Something happened to Sideswipe I think because Sunny suddenly took off running, telling me he had to get to Sides. No one has seen Sunny since. Magnus and Rox headed to their last known location now."
"What about the humans?"
"All humans accounted for. Lennox reported a few injuries but nothing major. Wheeljack's invention worked beautifully."
"Good. Optimus will be glad to hear about that. Keep me informed about Hot Shot and the twins. Prowl out."
I sighed, bowing my head contemplating what needed to be done in case the Decepticons decided to attack us. Only I was distracted from my innermost thoughts when out of the corner of my optics I noticed that Kacey was staring at me. Her face showed no emotion, yet her optics seemed intent on watching me. And when I turned to take my seat she quickly stopped looking at me and looked at something on her arm. I decided to ignore it for the moment thinking perhaps she was simply lost in thought as I was.
"We'll be landing in a few minutes," I announced turning to face the others. "Kacey are your friends traveling to Earth with us?"
"We…" the one called Rema started to say.
"No, they have their own path to follow," Kacey interrupted rising to her feet.
Then she started speaking in a language I'd never heard before as she brushed past me. It must have been the Quintessons language. About the only thing I could recognize was Rema's name. If my limited knowledge of the Quintenssons serves me well, the markings on this Rema meant she's the Alpha-Q.
"What are they saying?" Ironhide asked me quietly when I sat back down.
"I have no idea," I replied honestly.
"Kacey is very adamant about something," Optimus observed.
Whatever it was they were talking about, Rema finally agreed. Kacey seem happy about it and hurried to the shuttles control panel. Her fingers played over it quickly before she pointed and said something to Rema. Again, Rema nodded her head in agreement. Then Kacey erased the display before I could get a good look at it.
"Thank you, my friends," Kacey said, shaking Rema's hand with both of hers and bowing her head in respect.
"So, you gonna tell us what that was all about?" Ironhide asked when Kacey came back towards us.
"Another time perhaps," she replied, her optics glancing my way briefly before turning back to her parents. Again she had the poker face and I couldn't read her expression. "Right now, I just want to go home."
"We are landing now," one of the Quintessons announced.
"Thank you," I said as the shuttle's rear door opened and I could see the many of the Aubobots moving the wounded, following Ratchet's instructions. Even Lennox and his human friends were doing what they could to help.
"You are most welcome," the Quintessons all said together.
I and the others bid them farewell as we descended the ramp. I only watched the shuttle briefly as it lifted off before turning my attention to where it needed to be. I was eager to help finish with the evacuations. Like Kacey, I was ready to go ho…to go to Earth. I still can't bring myself to actually call Earth my home. It was just a place where I lost Jazz and my home has and will always be with him.
Magnus
I wasn't as good at tracking as Hound. But the droplets of energon in the sand were good enough for an amateur to follow. Unfortunately they led me to something that made my spark still.
Up ahead I saw Hot Shot face down on some rocks. Several meters from him was Sunny cradling his brother, rocking back and forth.
"Primus," I gasped then took off running. "We need a medic! Now!"
"I've finished up here, I'll go!" Sockets replied.
"Keep me informed, Sockets," Ratchet chimed in.
"Rox, check on Hot Shot!" I ordered when we got closer. I slowed up and walked the last few steps.
My spark clenched at the gaping hole in Sideswipe's chest. Arcs of electricity crackled from his exposed spark chamber. His optics were totally offline. Frag, I could barely get an energy reading from him.
As I knelt down beside them, I looked at Sunny's face. His optic covers were closed. His face plates exhibited his concentration. His lips were moving quickly but I couldn't make out when he was saying. Daring to lean closer, I turned my head to listen.
The quiet words were in our native language…a prayer…no a plea to Primus to not take his brother away from him. I did nothing to interfere with the young mech. There wasn't much I could do until medical help arrived anyway.
A loud moan sounded from where Rox was kneeling down beside Hot Shot. The yellow and red armored mech grabbed his head as Rox helped him to sit up.
"Report," I said, quietly making my way towards him.
"We were chasing Cyclonus on foot," he winced. "He led us straight into an ambush. Sideswipe jumped in front of me and took the hit. That…that's the last thing I remember, Sir."
Sunny suddenly let rip a horrifying yell getting out attention. When I turned I saw him convulsing.
"SLAG!! SOCKETS HURRY IT UP!!" I screamed into my communicator at the young medic as I hurried to the twins. Kneeling down I quickly took Sunny in my arms. "Lay Sides down gently."
"What's wrong with Sunstreaker?" Rox asked as he and Hot Shot did as I suggested.
"Spark shock," Hot Shot said sadly, holding Sides' head.
"Is he…" Rox said softly.
"I'm barely detecting a spark pulse," Hot Shot said, shaking his head.
"NO!!! SIDES!!!" Sunny screamed, arching his body violently while I held him.
"Help me hold him down so he doesn't hurt himself!" I quickly ordered. "Come on Sunny, stay with me!"
"NOOO!!!"
"Where the frag is Sockets?!" I growled.
"Here! Sorry, these slaggin rocks distort your energy signatures," he quickly explained, hurrying to Sideswipe.
"Can you do anything for him?" I asked as the young medic's hands delved into Sideswipe's chest cavity.
Sockets didn't answer. I didn't pressure him since he appeared to be focused on whatever it was doing.
"Stay clear!" he suddenly exclaimed as I saw his hand transform into a medical tool I'd seen Ratchet use a few times in hopes of reviving a spark.
I immediately started to pray for Sunny's brother. As much as the duo are a pain in most everyone's afts, we need mechs like them. They're great for moral. And they're loyal and excellent warriors.
Sockets sent a current into Sideswipes spark chamber causing the mech's body to jerk. At the same time Sunny screamed, straining against us as we held him down. I held the young mech as tight as I could.
"Don't let him go, Sunny," I spoke into his audio receptor. "Don't let him go!"
Leo
As instructed I remained in my seat watching over Bumblebee as he rested comfortably on his back in a medical induced recharge. From what Ratchet told me, the surgery was a success. My best friend was going to be fine despite the gaping hole still in his chest that was filled with some medical gel foam slag that smelled disgusting.
Alone with my friend, my processor mulled over what Bumblebee had confessed to me.
For some reason or another I've always known he felt that way about my sister. Kacey and I were nearly inseparable when I was a sparkling. I often recall images of her with Bumblebee and the twins of course. Usually I was sitting on Bumblebee's shoulder or in his arms. Unless I was being fussy then Kacey held me as they played poker. But I always got this vibe from Bumblebee that he cared for Kacey just a bit more than he let others believe.
And in knowing what I felt to be true I couldn't think of a better mech more deserving…more…well suited for Kacey. As I've grown from sparkling to a teenage youngling, I've seen how Bumblebee treats my sister. He treats her as father taught me to treat a femme - with respect and adoration. Femmes are to be cherished not conquered. And that's how Bee threats any femme I've seen him with, especially Kacey.
Although, I know of at least a dozen such femmes that are going to be spark broken when Bumblebee finally begins courting my sister, whenever that may be. I know each of them well since I'm rather…skilled at chatting with femmes no matter what age they are. They're all beautiful and stunning but none of them have Kacey's energy. Bee has a similar energy. He's just better at controlling it than Kacey.
"Leo…"
"Bee! You should be recharging," I whispered, quickly kneeling beside him and pushing him back down.
"Please…"
"Shh, I promise I won't tell Kacey or anyone that you're in love with her. Now recharge before Ratchet returns."
"You're a good mech Leo," he smiled weakly. "I'm blessed to have you as a friend."
"You won't be saying that if you do anything to upset my sister. I won't hesitate to beat your aft."
He chuckled softly then winced, "Ow. Don't make me laugh. It hurts too much."
"Sorry," I cringed slightly and watched as he panted slowly a few times to regain his composure. "So…when will you tell her?"
"Not until she's fully mature at least."
"Why wait?" I asked, making a face at him.
"It's the honorable thing to do, my friend," he seriously said. "And its tradition for a mech to wait until the femme is of age for courting which is…thirty five I think. Back on Cybertron it was taboo or even forbidden to approach a sexually immature femme."
"Cool. I could use that on Galen and Ariel!" I giggled and then I suddenly gasped grabbing my chest.
"Leo?"
"It's Kacey…she's close by," I said looking out the wide open rear door of the shuttle.
My spark longed to feel her but I dare not disobey father and kept my end of the spark link as quiet as possible. I know I'm already in so much trouble as it is and will be punished. I didn't want to make my punishment any worse.
"Go Leo. Follow your spark," he smiled. Then he pushed me with what little strength he had. "Go you little lugnut!"
"I'll be back," I promised then hurried to the shuttle's door and stood on the ramp.
My optics surveyed the goings on until I spotted a shuttle with a Decepticon symbol on it descending from the sky. No one made a move to fire upon it. Not even the humans feared it. And when my optics locked on it I knew my sister was on board.
It was with so much anticipation that I watched it land. I waited anxiously for the door to open fully. Joyous tears instantly filled my optics and my spark raced with excitement when I saw my sister. She looked different but I recognized her face, her optics…her spark.
She was happy and relieved. Even though I had shut down my spark bond from reaching to her I could feel her emotions. They were strong. Her smile lit up her optics as she was greeted by Firestar and Akima. I could just barely make out her laugh when she spoke to Lennox, Epps and her other human friends that had joined the Autobots in this battle.
I couldn't stand this…I needed to…
'Father…please,' I timidly begged over our bond.
His bright blue optics and loving gaze turned my way. He nodded at me. I felt his approval and raced out onto the sand, running as fast as I could towards my sister. I almost forgot that I had been holding back from Kacey along the way. So at last, I let my guard down so she could feel everything…my happiness, my sadness, my relief and excitement. I let it all come pouring out.
The astrosecond she was aware of me she turned around and our emotions, our love for each other as brother and sister intermingled together. It was overpowering.
"LEO!"
"KACEY!" I wept, tears streaming down my face.
I was so close to her now that I leapt up into her waiting arms. For several long moments all we did was hug each other and cry. I tried my best to sooth the guilt she had felt when she thought I had died. And she did the same when I felt like I had let her down.
"What the frag are you doing here?" she growled, her voice sounding angry and contradicting to her actions for she was hugging me, kissing my face, her spark happily pulsing in tune with mine.
"I had to come," I choked and sobbed. "I missed you so much."
"That was a foolish thing," she said, resting her forehead against mine. "But I'm so glad to see you're ok." She hugged me tightly once again. "I'm so glad!"
"Primus sent me, I swear," I explained to her. "He sent me here to save Bumblebee."
"Bee," she gasped, gently setting me down.
"Come on, he'll want to see you," I smiled grabbing her hand.
Together we ran side by side as I led her to the shuttle where Bumblebee was recovering. Only once we reached the ramp did I let go and allow her to move ahead of me. I smiled to see that Bumblebee was still awake and that he seemed to gain strength in Kacey's presence.
"Oh Bee," she wept kneeling down at his side. Her hand trembled as she delicately touched part of his chest before pulling her hand back.
"It's nothing," he shrugged. "An easy fix once we're back at the base now after Leo saved my life."
Such immense sadness shrouded my sister within.
"He's ok, Kacey," I said, moving to her and hugging her from behind.
"I know Leo," she sniffled. "It's just that…so many…there are so many…"
"So many what?" I asked a bit confused as she hid her face in one hand.
I glanced to Bumblebee who shook his head at me indicating I was not to trouble her anymore about it. So I did the next best thing, I took Bumblebee's hand and put it in hers.
"I'm glad you're ok, Bee," she smiled through her tears, clutching his hand to her chest.
"You'll have to give me that hug you promised me later," he smirked, making her laugh softly.
"And hopefully go racing."
"That's right! You've got your armor now. What about your interface systems? And urges?"
Kacey blushed, "No. I'm not ready for that! Processor out of the pit Bee."
"Just wondering…for Optimus' sake," Bumblebee stated. "He'd probably order me to fend off mechs with over active interface systems that might throw themselves at your feet."
Kacey laughed heartily at that.
"I'll help with that," I chimed in, standing tall and proud.
"I'm sure you will lugnut," she smiled, rubbing the top of my head.
"Frag it to pit! Bee!" Wheeljack exclaimed rushing in. "If Ratchet sees you out of recharge he'll reformat you into a toaster!"
"He'd have to get by me first," Kacey said.
"And me too," I added, making the genius engineer shake his head.
"I'm glad to see you've got your armor Kacey," Wheeljack smiled. "Kind of reminds me of those first few days we met."
"Yes, it does, doesn't it?" she countered, glancing down at it.
"You've come so far from that little femme we rescued. I'm proud to be called your friend."
"Thanks, Jack. That means a lot to me."
"Good, now as your friend I suggest the two of you get going before Ratchet finds Bumblebee out of recharge. Prowl's out there having kittens as it is! You don't want wrenches to fly too, do you?"
"Kacey's got armor now," I spoke up, leaning against her and wrapping my arm around her.
"Yeah, but Ratchet's got a good arm," Wheeljack grimaced, rubbing the back of his head. "Even with armor, it still hurts."
"Leo, stay with Bee and keep your optics on him for me please. I need to say hello to some friends before we board the shuttles."
"You can count on me, Kacey," I smiled.
"And you Bee, I'll give you that hug the moment you're all healed up," Kacey sighed, kneeling down and kissing him on the cheek. "I promise."
Bumblebee smiled as he fell back into recharge. The moment he did, I felt the sadness return to Kacey. I decided not to ask her about it. I didn't want to make her feel any worse.
"I love you little brother," she said, kissing me on top of the head. "Just promise me you'll never do anything like this again."
"I promise," he said, hugging her. "I love you too."
Optimus
Elita and I figured it best to allow Kacey and Leo time to themselves. My love watched our two sparklings be reunited with tears in her optics and a smile on her face. I too was overjoyed upon seeing the love my eldest and youngest sparkling had for each other. And when the two of them ran off I took Elita to our shuttle to get her settled in for the journey home.
"We did a good job, didn't we?" she asked.
"Yes, we did," I replied, leaning down to kiss her tenderly. "Now rest while I help Prowl with the evacuation."
"Send Leo to me…please?"
"Of course my love," I smiled then quickly headed back outside.
Right away, once my feelings of relief and joy started to settle down, I noticed a…tension within Kacey's spark. It was as if she was trying to hide something from me. I knew from experience not to pressure her, that when she was ready she would come to me. In that respect, she was just like her mother. Still, it troubled me greatly and I could not help but worry. At this point, I still only had a vague idea what had happened to my child while held prisoner.
Kacey has not yet said what actually transpired and I know it is too soon for her to speak of it. Ironhide and Prowl both reminded me separately to not force Kacey at this point. As it is, I am apprehensive yet at the same time eager to know. I'm terrified to think that she was perhaps…compromised in anyway as I had seen happen to femmes while in captivity. For my spark's sake, tt was something I needed to know. I must know. I will not be at ease until I know if my daughter…my precious sparkling had been violated or not.
"Kacey?" I called questioningly as she emerged from the shuttle where I was informed that Bumblebee was resting after his successful surgery. Such sadness enveloped her. I of course took long hurried stride to reach her only to see my child had tears streaming down her faceplates. "Kacey, talk to me."
"Oh no!" her voice trembled and she suddenly ran desperately past me.
I quickly turned and followed only to see Magnus, Rox, Hot Shot, and Sockets arrived with the twins. Sunny was sitting in the back of Rox's alt form clinging onto his brother. Sideswipe was badly damaged. I could barely detect his energy signature. And Kacey was running straight for them.
"Hold on, Kacey!" Magnus said, quickly transforming and taking hold of her. "Give them some room. Where's Ratchet?"
"Here!" the CMO said as he arrived. He quickly started tending to his new patients.
"Sunny's in spark shock," Sockets started to explain. "I nearly lost Sides when his systems went into catastrophic failure."
"You did good. He's stable but requires emergency reconstructive surgery on his spark chamber. Magnus, Hot Shot, give us a hand. Rox, on my orders I want you to pull forward."
Magnus gently pushed Kacey aside. To say she was distraught was putting it mildly. I moved and took her in my arms as we watched Ratchet, Sockets, Magnus, and Hot Shot lift up the twins.
"Move now, Rox," Ratchet ordered.
"Make a hole people!" Prowl ordered, moving a couple of curious mech's aside. "Ratchet…"
"I know you want to evacuate. I can do the surgery on the shuttle. Sockets you're with me. Red! Take care of everyone else as you see fit. Sunny! Sunny, if you can hear me, keep a hold on your brother. Don't let him slip away."
"No, Kacey…let them do what they have to," I cooed gently, trying not to hold her too tightly as she strained in my arms to get away.
"Are they going to be ok?" she asked with a look of sheer fright on her face plates.
"Ratchet will do everything in his power to make that so," I replied honestly.
Kacey suddenly wretched and choked hard until she ejected some dark fluids from her mouth. I cooed to her softly, caressing her back has she heaved over and over. Red Alert who'd been keeping a close optic on my daughter was quickly at my side, scanning Kacey's systems.
"This is normal, Sir," he said, tapping in commands on his medical instrument attached to his wrist. "Her systems are in a mild state of shock. It's all a little too much for her to handle. For now, I can give her a mild relaxant to help calm her down."
I nodded my head and watched as he gave Kacey the injection.
"How many, father?" she asked, teary optics pleading as she looked up at me. "How many died in order for me to live?"
"Twenty-three brave sparks," I said softly, knowing I could not lie to her because she would eventually find out the truth. "Each one of them volunteered for this mission, Kacey. They knew the risks."
"But they died…because of me," she wept, pounding her fist against her chest.
"And if they had it to do all over again or if it was another Autobot we were trying to rescue, they would have done it exactly the same way. We never leave our brethren behind. Never. Every Autobot is precious to me, Kacey. You know that better than anyone else here."
"But if I hadn't been captured…they would all still be alive," she countered, her bottom lip trembled.
"And if the Decepticons hadn't attacked the base none of this would have happened. You must not think of the 'what ifs' my child. You do not honor those fallen by thinking that way."
"I know," she hiccupped and then shuddered. "I just feel terrible that they had to die."
"I know you do. I do as well. It is our burden to bear," I said, affectionately wiping away her tears. "But we can do it together."
"Together…we are stronger."
"Exactly," I smiled, filling her spark with my love. For the second time that day she threw herself at me, hugging me tightly. Like before, I lifted her up, holding her close and soothing her tears. "Let's go home, my beautiful star."
"Sir…" Red Alert spoke hesitantly, glancing at Kacey.
"Yes?"
"I believe its time for Roller to disengage. His energy levels are at critical. It could damage them both if they remain powerlinked much longer."
Kacey looked up me worriedly.
"Very well," I sighed. "Kacey order Roller to disengage."
"Be ready, Sir," Red said, moving closer.
"Father, I will probably drop into a forced recharge once Roller severs the powerlink," she explained. "I'm relying on him for energy at the moment."
"She should recharge the majority of the trip back to Earth, Sir. I will remain on the shuttle to continually monitor her."
I nodded and sent Kacey an affectionate love surge over our bond for reassurance. I could feel she was apprehensive. About what, I still wasn't sure.
'I love you my child,' I told her over our bond when she hesitated, looking uncertain. 'I will be there when you wake, I promise.'
Kacey smiled shakily at me. A moment later I heard the familiar hissing sound. Having linked up with Roller on several occasions I recognized the sound of a powerlink uncoupling. As Red said, Kacey's optics darkened instantly, her optic covers shuttered closed, and her form went limp in my arms. Roller fell into Red Alerts barely online.
"How are they?" I quickly asked, adjusting Kacey to cradle her more like a sparkling.
"Nothing a good long recharge can't fix, Sir," he smiled confidently. "They'll both be fine for the journey home. Roller will be speeding through the hallways in no time. And of course, Kacey will be a terror in the skies."
"Good, let's get loaded up," I said then activated my comlink. "Prowl, give me an update."
"Everyone's loaded up, Optimus. For Kacey's sake we will not have any injured in our shuttle, except for you, Elita, and myself. I thought it best that she not be exposed to any injured Autobot after I saw how she reacted to the twins."
"Good idea. Thank you."
"Magnus?" I questioned as he came stumbling down a shuttle's ramp.
"Ratchet booted me," he chuckled shakily. "I was just worried about the twins and wanted to help was all."
"I'm sure they'll be fine. If he wasn't sure he would have told me so," I said to my friend. "Let's go home."
"As you command, Sir," he saluted then trotted off to my designated shuttle where Akima was waiting for him.
I stood there for a moment as all the other shuttles closed up their doors and their engines powered up. I thanked Primus for giving my daughter back to me as I headed into the shuttle. Once seated, I looked down affectionately at my son now recharging on his mother's lap.
There are days when I need to remind myself that I helped created such beautiful sparklings. Not today. Looking at Kacey made today one of those days when I couldn't imagine my life without them.
A soft sniffle sounded, accompanied by a nudge I felt over my bond from Elita. Looking over, I saw her with tears in her optics staring at the recharging femme in my arms.
'What is it my love?' I asked over our bond.
'I'm scared for her, Optimus,' Elita confessed, moving her gaze to me. 'I'm scared for out little sparkling, Kacey. How is she going to cope during the next few days ahead of her?'
'She will not be alone. We will be there for her every step of her recovery. I promise.'
Up next: Kacey's nightmares start up and her recovery begins. Optimus and Elita find out some of the horrors their daughter had to endure. Also, there will be a proper Kacey and Bee moment – processors out of the pit, save it for the love story people!
If all goes as planned chapter 69 will be the final chapter of this story. There will probably be a chapter 70 Optimus Epilogue to conclude the story and set up the next one. It might take a little longer to get those chapters out as I am working on chapter one of the love story at the same time.