Author's note. With thanks to Prowlsgirl and madisonxhougen for their suggestions, they were a big help.
This chapter was written by me and Mrs Bumblebee.
Enjoy and please review.
The kids stood miserably against the bars of the cage, contemplating the situation with the Decepticons. Megatron and his men had gone off some time ago to carry out Megatron's new plan. Only this time it involved capturing Optimus and forcing the other Autobots to collect Minicons for the unfortunately, with that new Decepticon Scavenger, it looked like the Decpeticons had a good chance of pulling it off.
"Do you think he can really do it?" asked softly. "Capture Optimus?"
"I don't know," Rad replied helplessly. "I really hope not but..."
His voice trailed off, they all knew what he was thinking.
Carlos spoke again.
"Do you think we should, you know, try and do something?"
"Maybe," Alexis said tiredly. "But the likelihood of use actually achieving something isn't very good. And if he finds out..."
She didn't need to finish that sentence as she unconsciously rubbed her behind. Even though their punishment had happened hours ago, they were all still feeling pretty sore. And Megaton had promised them worse punishment if they acted out of line again.
So the only thing they could do was to wait, and to hope.
Hours later back on the battle field...
Megatron stood over Optimus who was now tied up with Energon ropes and forced down on the ground. Megatron smirked down at the fallen leader.
"Well Prime how does it feel to be defeated?"
Mergatron didn't give Optimus the chance to answer when he signalled for the Warp Gate to open and teleport them back to base.
The kids had been lightly dozy in their cage, the long hours having finally taking their toll. But suddenly they heard a distance noise and this woke them up as they recognised the humming sound of the Warp gate being leapt to their feet, wondering how the battle went and hoping that Megatron had lost. Even if this meant they received Megatron's rage.
Megatron smiled when they reached their base and reached down and grabbed Optimus's shoulder, lifted him up and tossed him off the Warp Gate and onto the floor, making sure his landing would hurt.
Optimus gave a small grunt but otherwise didn't give an indication that that had hurt. He struggled to his feet as the Decepticons exited the Warp Gate. Nobody but Optimus saw the slightly pained look on Scavenger's face, as Megatron sneered down at his fallen rival.
Megatron walked over to Optimus but instead of hitting him again he reached down and grabbed his shoulder plating. He then lifted him up until he could stand and started herding him out of the room and started leading him the Throne room.
"Their coming," Rad muttered as the sound of approaching footsteps could be kids held their breaths, waiting to see who all was going to enter.
"Optimus," Alexis cried out in agony as she saw the Autobot leader dragged into the room by Megatron, his arms tied behind his swore and cursed in Spanish while Rad just glared grimly at the sight. Their worst fear had come true.
Optimus looked up when he heard his name and gasped when he saw the children.
"Kids," Optimus cried back to them but Megatron didn't let him go to was led more into the room before forced to kneel, facing the children. Megatron left Optimus and walked over to the children's cage.
"What's the matter?" Megatron asked in a gloating voice. "I thought you children were desperate to be reunited."
He laughed at their shocked and angry faces. Optimus however, twisted his head to give Megatron a glare.
"Don't taunt them Megatron, it isn't becoming."
Megatron snarled and turned back to Optimus.
"Don't try and order me around Prime," Megatron hissed.
"I'm not ordering you Megatron," Optimus said in a calm voice that seemed to infuriate Megatron."I was just offering a suggestion."
The kids couldn't help but smile ever so slightly at the way Optimus was able to keep his cool, even bound and kneeling on the floor. Megatron, however, wasn't so impressed.
"I don't need any suggestions from you prime," Megatron snarled and walked over to the kids cage and picked it up.
Optimus watched warily as Megatron held the cage. As the kids held onto each other and the bars of their cage, he said."What are you doing, Megatron?"
"Just having a little fun Prime." Megatron said and then reached up and opened the kids cage and then set it back down in an agle for them to get out.
The kids were tipped out onto the table, and they managed to land on their feet. They glanced over at Optinus who was now flanked by Demolisher and Cyclonus before looking up at Megatron who was waited to see what he was going to do.
Megatron reached down and started picking each of them one by one off the table and onto the floor. Once they all were on the ground he gestured them to Optimus.
"Go on, I know you'll want to see him," Megatron chuckled.
They paused, in case Megatron was just taunting them. But when he simply smiled, they moved forward a fraction, and when he didn't react, rushed over to Optimus. The Autobot leader chuckled as they flung themselves on him, hugging his knees and legs.
"We missed you, Optimus," Alexis said softly, holding onto him tightly.
"I missed you as well," Optimus said gently, wishing he was able to hug them properly.
Megatron stood there and watched as the kids hugged and greeted Optimus. He knew they were suppose to being punished but he wasn't going to be cruel and not let them be near their friends. He was going to let them talk and all that...for a short while.
Scavenger hid a smile as the kids started chatting to Optimus, first asking if he was okay and then enquiring about the other Autobots. He was pleased to see Megatron allowing this, even if he knew the Decepticon leader was only being glanced to the side and saw that both Cyclonus and Demolisher had neutral expressions. But when he looked at Starscream, he saw a small smile there. the Seeker was happy that the kids were happy, conferming Scavenger's suspions that he was very fond of them. This could prove to be very interesting.
Megatron let the kids and Optimus talk for a little longer before speaking up.
"Alright that's enough talk, back in the cage," Megatron said and walked over to the small group.
The kids grumbled but obeyed, they didn't want to get into any trouble. Especially when Megatron could take it out on Optimus. The Autobot leader smiled sadly behind his mask as the kids let Megatron pick them up before going over to put them back in their cage. He was pleased to see they seemed alright, he had been very worried when Megatron had caught them on the communicator. He didn't think it would be a good idea to ask what had happened to them, he'd put the kids back in their cage and locked it, Megatron turned back to Optimus with a smirk.
"Now then what to do with you, men, any suggestions?" Megatron asked.
"Tie him to some explosives," Cyclonus immediately suggested, earning a groan from Demolisher and a snort from Starscream.
"Right, that sounds like a great idea," the red Seeker said sarcastically. "Pity I can only imagine all of us being blow up with him the one left standing."
Megatron couldn't help but think this statement was probably true.
Demolisher now spoke.
"Sir, lets just tie him down in the brig, he won't bother us there."
Megatron nodded and walked over and forced Optimus back to his feet and started leading him out of the room, to the brig.
Optimus stole a glance behind him, none of Megatron's men were following. Apparently they thought Megatron could take care of the situation himself. As he was forced along the corridor, he asked quietly.
"What did you do to the kids after you caught them?"
Megatron snorted at Optimus.
"If you must know Prime, I punished them, that is all you need to know," Megatron said.
Optimus grimaced but let the matter drop, for now. he didn't like to think about how Megatron had punished. It was strange though, that the Decepticon leader didn't want to talk about finally reached the brig, and Optimus was untied only to be forced against the wall. Smirking grimly, Megatron forced his arms above his head and chained them there with energy chains. He then attached a chain to Optimus's waist before attaching that to the back, he smiled some more and said.
"That should hold you, shouldn't it Optimus?"
"I'm sure it will," Optimus replied dryly.
Megatron chuckled and left Optimus in the brig.
When Megatron returned to the Throne Room, he found Demolisher and Cyclonus idly chatting about the latest battle. Or rather, Demolisher talked and Cyclonus cackled. Scavenger was standing by himself watching Starscream who was at the kids cage and murmuring softly to looked over as Megatron entered and raised an optic brow. Megatron smirked before turning his attention to Starscream.
"Starscream what are you doing?" Megatron asked his soldier.
Starscream jumped slightly before turning around to face Megatron.
"Nothing sir, I was just making sure they were alright."
Megatron frowned at this and walked over to him and looked down at the kids.
The kids gazed back up, their faces fairly neutral. Starscream had just been talking kindly to them, since he saw how upset they were about Optimus. But it seemed Megatron was suspicious of the Seekers intentions.
Megatron looked the children over and then looked at Starscream.
"What were you doing?"
"Nothing sir," Starscream repeated earnestly in his raspy voice. "I was just checking them while you were dealing with Prime. I hope you've got him secure."
Megatron watched Starscream's body language as he spoke with him.'Yes I do, he's not going any where with out any of us knowing," Megatron said with a smirk.
"That's good, sir," Starscream replied his body showing both relief and saw his optics briefly flick to the kids before asking."What now sir, now that we have Prime, what are we going to do?"
Megatron smirked and chuckled.
"Oh I have plans," Megatron said.
The kids shivered at his tone, Megatron sounded altogether too gleeful. They hoped whatever plans he had, did not involve torturing Optimus. A thought suddenly struck Carlos and he voiced it at the same time Starscream asked.
"What kind of plans sir?"
"Are you going to let us go now?" the boy asked quietly.
Megatron looked at Starscream.
"I'll speak of the plan later,"
Megatron said and looked down at Carlos.
"And no, I'm not," Megatron said, starting to smirk.
"In fact you're part of my plans for Optimus," Megatron chuckled.
"What sort of plans?" Alexis asked suspiciously, she and the boys didn't like to think what that could be.
Megatron simply chuckled again.
"You'll find out soon enough, my dear."
And with that, he picked out up their cage and started carrying them out the room. Pausing at the door, he turned to his still assembled men and said.
"You're all dismissed for now, refuel and rest for now, I will talk with you all later."
As they nodded and murmured thanks, he continued out the door and along the corridor. He didn't speak and the kids didn't ask any questions, they knew he wasn't willing to answer any. Finally, they reached the brig and Megatron entered it, walking along until he came to a certain lifted his head at the sound of footsteps and his optics widened slightly.
"Megatron?"
"Surprised to see me back so soon Prime?" Megatron chuckled and entered the cell Optimus was being held in and locked the door behind him.
"Yes," Optimus said quietly before seeing what was in Megatron's hand.
"What are you up to now, Megatron?" he demanded, sitting up straight as the kdids gazed sorrowfuly at their bound chuckled again as he opened the cage before tipping the kids out onto the floor.
"Why, I thought you'd like some company Prime."
Optimus was confused by this and watched as the children picked themselves up off the floor, groaning and rubbing their heads.
He then looked up at Megatron and narrowed his optics. Megatron, could on occasion, display a brief flash of kindness, letting the kids out of the cage to get him was an example. But this was a little too much.
"What are you up to, Megatron?" he asked slowly as the kids rushed over to his legs and clung to them for comfort.
Megatron chuckled again and walked over, leaned down, and picked one of the kids up.
"Oh just showing you what their punishment was since you asked earlier," Megatron said and then hooked a finger in the kid's pants before pulling them down enough to reveal the bruised rear.
Alexis gave a cry of pain as her pants were roughly yanked down, and then starting sobbing slightly at the humiliation of Megatron showing Optimus what had been done to her. As the boys loudly protested this, Optimus's optics went dark blue with rage.
"You Slagger," he snarled and tired to lunge at the laughing Decepticon but was pulled back by his laughed even more as Optimus struggled to his feet, still holding Alexis in one hand.
"Why so angry Optimus?" Megatron questioned leaning down and putting Alexis down. He reached out and grabbed one of the boys and repeated the same treatment to him.
Optimus was now simmering with rage as Megatron held Rad in front of him, the boy's face screwed up with embarrassment. Carlos was meanwhile trying to comfort Alexis who had pulled her pants up before crying into his arms. The Autobot leader longed to attack Megatron and beat him to scrap but knew it wasn't possible. Not when he was chained to the wall like this.
"Let him go, Megatron," he said quietly, his voice shaking with anger. "You've no right taunting them like this."
"Oh but I do," Megatron chuckled and pulled Rad's pants back up and held him upright to pet him.
"They are still being punished," Megatron said.
Rad winced, the petting wasn't nice on his sore body. Optimus saw this and said.
"If you have to punish someone, punish me, Megatron."
Megatron stopped petting Rad and looked at Optimus.
"Why should I do that? By doing that, these kids would think they could get away with anything now, knowing they wouldn't be the ones being punished," Megatron said with a snort.
Before Optimus could protest, Carlos said softly."It's alright Optimus, we can handle it."
"Yeah," said Alexis, now more calm. "We don't want him taking it out on you."
Megatron snorted at looks down at the two.
"Thank you for your concern kids, but you've three suffered enough," Optimus said.
The kids gave small, sad shrugs, they couldn't deny that. But they still didn't want to watch Optimus beaten in front of them.
"It's fine, Optimus, really," Rad said, trying to smile. "It stops hurting after a bit anyway."
Megatron raised his brow at this and reached down and very gently touched Rad's rear, making him cry out.
"Ouch,"
Rad suddenly realised everyone was watching him, Alexis and Carlos with pained expression.
"Uh," Rad said, rubbing his rear ruefully. "Well, maybe it's a little tender for a bit."
"Oh Rad," Optimus sighed sorrowfully.
Megatron chuckled, leaning down and placing Rad back down on the floor.
Optimus took a deep breath and then said in what he hoped was a calm voice.
"Have you finished punishing them yet, Megatron. I think they've clearly had enough."
Megatron chuckled as he stood back up.
"Almost Prime, but they will being staying in here for the rest of their punishment," Megatron said.
Optimus nodded slightly, at least they'd be away from Megatron.
"Alright," he said softly.
Megatron smirked and bent down to pick up the kids. They tensed slightly but he just patted them on the head before placing them on Optimus's lap.
"Now, you three stay here and behave," he said sternly and they nodded silently.
He chuckled before leaving the cell, pausing only to say.
"I'll see you later, Prime."
Optimus groaned, making Megatron chuckle at this and left them be.
Optimus heaved a sigh and then looked down at the kids who were now snuggling into his lap. He was angry about the way Megatron had hurt them but conceded that in theory, Megatron was right not to let someone else take the fall for them when they had disobeyed. But still, he felt that hitting them hard enough to bruise was going too far.
"I'm sorry kids," he said softly, wishing he could comfort them properly. "I asked Megatron what had happened to you, but he didn't want to say. I was trying to spare you embarrassment."
"It's okay, Optimus," Alexis said softly. "I know we shouldn't make him mad, we just couldn't bare the thought of you getting hurt."
Optimus smiled down at then and leaned his head back and started concentrating on a plan.
Out in the corridor.
Starscream was just heading to the Med Bay to pick up a couple of things for minor wounds he had when he passed Megatron. His leader was looking very pleased with himself, a smirk was clearly visible as he passed. That was the first thing Starscream second was that Megatron no longer had the kids with him and this worried the Seeker slightly. Clearly his throat, he called out.
"Megatron, what did you do with the kids."
Megatron stopped and turned around to sneer at Starscream.
"Their keeping Optimus company, Starscream."
Starscream inhaled sharply at this but kept it to himself so Megatrton didn't notice. Megatron turned and left him. Starscream looked down to the corridor Megatron came from and back at Megatron retreating back.
He heard a low chuckle from Megatron and though the large Decepticon didn't turn or puase, he still heard his next words.
"You should have seen how angry Prime got when I showed him those little brats bruises."
Starscream inhaled again sharply, barely managing to keep the sound to himself as Megatron laughed and then disappeared around a corner.
Making sure Megatron was gone, Starscream turned and headed down the hall to the brig.
Optimus was just thinking about how he should proceed next when he heard a noise. He looked up from his brooding and realised it was someone entering the brig. He frowned, surely Megatron wasn't returning so soon?On his lap, the kids were stirring at the odf approaching footsteps, they could tell it wasn't a Minicon. But it didn't sound like Megatron either, he didn't tread as softly as this person. They gasped when the figure came into sight, right in front of their cell.
"Starscream," Alexis said in deep surprise, the boys also looking shocked.
Starscream smiled at them. He opened the door and walked in.
"What do you want, Starscream?" Optimus asked warily as Starscream came over to him.
"Nothing with you, Prime, I'm taking the kids with me."
"Where to Starscream?" Optimus asked as Carlos groaned."Aw man, what does Megatron want now?"
Starscream shook his head.
"No Megatron, I'm doing this for you three and on my own free will. Don't worry, Megatron doesn't know what I'm planning," Starscream said and knelt down to get a better look at them.
He saw with regret their faces were drawn with the stress and pain they had gone through the last while. The lack of food hadn't helped either.
"Megatron said you had bruises," he said softly, extending a finger to lightly stroke Alexis's side.
Alexis smiled up at Starscream and patted his hand. Starscream smiled back and looked at the boys.
"I was planning to do something for you three to make you very happy," Starscream said.
"Show us Earth again?" Rad said with a small smile, remembering the time Starscream had down that to cheer them Starscream simply smiled and shook his head.
"No, I'm going to take you to Earth."
All the kids gasped but then quickly covered their mouths so they wouldn't scream in excitement. Starscream chuckled at this.
"I'm going to take you down to Earth to get something to eat and maybe let you contact your family."
The kids squealed and grabbed Starscream's hand in a tight hold, nearly crying with happiness. As Starscream chuckled, Optimus felt himself smile behind his mouth. He knew he would remain here but at least the kids could get away from Megatron.
"Thank, thank, thank you," Alexis was now saying, she had been so worried about her parents and now she could tell them she was okay.
Starscream smiled but then frowned.
"But there's a down fall to this. I have to bring you back. If Megatron comes back to find all three of you gone he'll go on a rampage and come after you and recapture you," Starscream said.
They all nodded, they knew this to be true. They would only be free when Megatron said so.
"We understand," Carlos said with a wide smile. "You need to get us back here before Megatron comes swaggering back. But how long do you reckon we have?"
Starscream smirked.
"An hour or two, by now I believe Megatron's in the Throne room drinking high-grade," Starscream chuckled.
The kids snickered at the thought, and even Optimus smiled behind his mask. That sounded like Megatron alright.
"Heh, he'll probably be too busy gloating to worry about us," Carlos said with a big and Alexis laughed before Rad said.
"So, shall we get going then?"
Starscream nodded and leaned down and offered his hands to the kids to climb on.
They eagerly got on, and he carefully straightened, with them cupped safely. As he started to back out of the cell, they looked over at Optimus a little sadly and said.
"We'll see you later Optimus,"
"Have a nice time kids," Optimus replied gently, his optics twinkling back at them.
The kids giggled happily and hung on as Starscream made it to the warp gate and left the base without being noticed.
In another moment, they had arrived on Earth, ready to for a couple of hours of fun.
To be continued.
Author's note. Find out what the kids and Starscream get up to in the next chapter as they relax on Earth. Until then.