Author's note. Phew, it's been a while since I updated but now I'm back.
There is another Alexis/Megatron moment as requested by Kiatamis but it is brief.
Also the new character only appears briefly at the end, the next chapter will feature him properly.
This chapter includes what has to be Cyclonus's finest moment, read on to find out what that is.
Enjoy and please review.
Megatron frowned thoughtfully as he examined the small, jade coloured shield sitting in the palm of his hand. It had been delivered to him some time ago by Starscream who had then sloped off somewhere. Megatron didn't know what his Second was in a bad mood about, but he didn't really care.
All he cared about was why this Minicon Shield didn't activate.
"Curious," he murmured softly.
He was pretty confident that this wasn't a trick by the Autobots. They had looked genuinely confused by the fact it wasn't activating. Plus, he'd done tests on it and knew it wasn't a fake.
Needles to say, he was very intrigued.
"Leader-One," he suddenly barked out and his Minicon hurried over.
"Why won't this Minicon activate?" he asked without preamble.
Leader-One climbed up into the throne and examined the shield closely. Megatron waited impatiently for a response. Eventually, Leader-One spoke.
"He won't activate until he is reunited with his brothers,"
"Brothers?" Megatron repeated. "What do you mean by that?"
"He has two brother and they make a combiner team," Leader-One explained.
"Like Perceptor on Earth."
Megatron looked interested at this.
"So they can combine? Into a larger Minicon?"
Leader-One hesistated.
"Actually Megatron, I believe this particular team forms into a...shield. The SkyBoom Shield."
Now Megatron looked very interested as he bared his fangs into a grin.
"Really?" he said silkily. "The SkyBoom Shield."
He considered this for a moment, idly patting Leader-One. And then he laughed.
"Well, this is just perfect," he growled in pleasure. "Not only will I soon have a powerful weapon, but with Optimus as my prisoner, I can simply get the Autobots to collect the other Minicons."
He luahged again, simply loving the situation he was in. Patting his Minicon again, he said genially.
"Thank you Leader-One, you may go now."
The serious faced Minicon inclined his head and hurried off. Megatron stood up and went over to a special container and carefully placed the Minicon Shield within. As he drew his hand away, a protective energy field came to life, surrounding the container and protecting it.
The Warlod stood back, admiring his handy work.
Then, suddenly in a very good and generous mood, he turned on his heels and walked away. He only paused to collect and fill a cube of Energon before continuing on his way.
Optimus's POV.
Optimus stirred at the sound of approaching footsteps. As Megatron emerged from the darkness, Optimus's optics were drawn to the large bright pink cube he was carrying. His tanks rumbled at the sight but he ignored them.
Megatron grinned down at him and said.
"Optimus, how good to see you."
"Megatron, what a surprise," Optimus replied, playing the game they always played.
Megatron grinned and entered Optimus's cell.
"Isn't it, Prime," Megatron now replied conversationally as he reached up and released the chains around Optimus's wrists.
The Autobot's arms feel and he grunted slightly as they limply lay in his lap. He started to move his shoulders, allowing feeling to flow back through them until he could move them. Megatron chuckled as Optimus started to tub them.
"A bit stiff, eh, Well, this should help."
He offered Optimus the cube of fresh Energon and the blue and red Mech took it, his hand only slightly unsteady.
"You know Optimus, I'm impressed at how quickly your men came up with the goods," Megatron said as Optimus started to drink from his cube, his hand obscuring his bare face.
He chuckled again.
"Let's hope they keep it up."
"Indeed," Optimus said wryly pausing between gulps.
"So who's got the new Minicon?" Optimus now questioned.
"No one," Megatron said which made Optimus look up at him.
"It won't activate," Megatron explained.
"Apparently, it requires the presence of two other such Minicons before that will happen."
Optimus frowned thoughtfully, he'd never heard of that happening. But then a thought struck him.
"And what happened when these three Minicons meet up?" he asked softly.
Megatron grinned widely in delight.
"That's the best part Optimus," he said just as softly. "When they combine, they form a weapon known as the SkyBoom Shield."
Optics gleaming, Megatron leaned forward and whispered.
"Think how powerful I will be when I have that weapon within my grasp, Optimus."
Optimus could only imagine and it wasn't a pretty picture.
"You don't have them yet, Megatron," he pointed out quietly but Megatorn only grinned and pulled back.
"True but I've only just got the first one, I can afford to wait."
He now straightened, surveying Optimus with a smirk.
"I'll leave your wrists unbound fro now Prime, we're sparring later and I don't want you stiff."
Optimus raised an optic brow but merely said sardonically.
"Thanks."
Megatron chuckled as he left the Autobot leader alone.
Optimus sighed softly as he drank the remainder of his Energon. He had to admit it wasn't bad, though it had a stronger taste than the stuff he was used to. But still, it was decent Energon and he was grateful for it.
He wondered if he'd be able to see the kids or had Megatron learned his mistake in gloating in front of them? He chuckled, the answer to the latter was probably not.
The kids POV.
The kids were lightly dozing together when they were woken by a loud shout.
"Come on, wake up if you want to be fed."
"Cyclonus," Rad grumbled with a groan as he forced his eyes open.
The helicopter Decepticon grinned down at him before extending a finger and poking Carlos. The boy grumbled and buried himself under the blanket.
"Come on," Cylconus said, looking gleeful as he poked Carlos again.
"I made you food and you're gonna eat it."
"Man, I was sick the last time I had your cooking," Carlos moaned, still not emerging from the covers.
"You'll like this one," Cyclonus insisted, now prodding Alexis in the stomach.
"Ow," Alexis cried out, clutching her abdomen in pain.
"Get lost, you big lug," she snarled, looking very grumpy as she glared at him.
Surprisingly, Cyclonus didn't get angry but said.
"It's got chocolate in it."
Alexis stopped glaring and looked interested. With a grin Cyclonus continued.
"It's also got strawberries and honey on it."
The boys were also looking pretty interested now as their mouths started to water. Looking exceedingly smug, Cyclonus produced a large covered disk and placed it in front of them.
"I was looking up stuff about what humans kids eat and I found these."
And he lifted the cover off to reveal a massive stack of steaming pancakes. And as Cyclonus had said, were covered in strawberries, honey and melted chocolate. And it all smelled absolutely wonderful.
"What do you think?" Cyclonus asked innocently.
"I'm dreaming," Carlos whispered, eyes wide.
"So am I," Rad agreed as Alexis tentatively reached forward and tore a piece off.
She raised it to her lips, fat droplets of honey threatening to fall and took a bite. The boys held their breath, waiting for her verdict. She chewed once and then closed her eyes as an expression of ecstasy came across it.
"Mmm, she mumbled.
The boys didn't need telling twice and tore into the pancakes with gusto. Alexis had joined them a moment later. Cyclonus cackled as they demolished the delicious pancakes.
"So, you like them?" he asked slyly and laughed when they made noises of approvel.
"Thought you would," he said proudly.
"Dude, this is so good," Carlos said wiping away a dribble of chocolate from his chin.
"Mmm, totally," Rad mumbled mouth full as Alexis grinned.
Cyclonus couldn't be more puffed up then he already was. His face actually looked like it would crack from the amount of smiling he was doing.
"I heard Megatron wants you kids later," he now said as the kids finished up.
Thanks to their wonderful breakfast, this news didn't bother them that much. They did hope Megatron was in a good mood and wouldn't do anything mean. They didn't want such a good start to end badly.
"You've got ten minutes to get ready and then I'm taking you to him," Cyclonus announced, taking the now empty dish away.
"I'll be back in a minute," Alexis said as the Decepticon left, her face slightly smeared.
This made Rad remember the first time they had been fed, their faces had been pretty messy. This had prompted Megatron to take a cloth and wipe their faces clean. Looking back, it was funny situation though at it hadn't been at the time.
Carlos was now grinning and Rad just had to ask.
"What's so funny?"
"Eh, just thinking about Megatron," Carlos said with a slight shrug.
He hadn't told Rad yet about his conversation with the Warlord as they hadn't been alone together up till now. He didn't want to upset Alexis or embarrass her.
"See, I asked him about why he kissed Alexis," Carlos explained after making extra sure Alexis wasn't about.
"He claimed he just did it to shut her up but I don't know. I think he enjoyed it more than he's letting on."
Rad stared at him in disbelief.
"What, you think he actually likes Alexis?"
"Maybe," Carlos said with a shrug. "He couldn't completely deny it."
Rad suddenly smiled.
"Did you fluster him a bit?"
"A bit," Carlos agreed with a wink.
Rad chuckled before sighing.
"I don't really think he thinks of her like that. I just think he loves taunting her like that because she gets so embarrassed. She's the one who always have a smart retort for him so he can get his little revenge this way."
Carlos nodded thoughtfully.
"You're probably right," he said before grinning.
"But you really should have seen him, he nearly had a fit when I asked about him and Optimus doing it."
Rad stared at him for a moment before he burst out laughing. Carlos joined in, it had been such a funny moment, especially with the expression on Megatron's face.
Rad was still laughing when Alexis returned. She asked what the joke was, and once she'd heard it, laughed as well.
Some time later.
Alexis gasped and grabbed Carlos's arm as Megatron aimed a kick at Optimus's mid section which the Autobot leader managed to dodge. Her friend looked tense as they watched the two goliaths fight it out on the Moon's surface.
But they apparently weren't fighting, but simply sparring with each other. Optimus had no choice since Megatron was bored and wanted to fight someone, that someone being her prisoner. And even though they knew this wasn't a real fight, it still looked like one.
"Can they do anything together that doesn't involve fighting?" Alexis couldn't help but questioned as the two large robots strained against each other.
"Mmm, I think it's a robot thing," Rad muttered softly, they were sitting in Demolisher's hand as he, Scavenger and Cyclonus watched the match.
"Or a guy thing," Alexis said but to herself.
The battle was brutal and seemed to go on forever but finally the two broke apart and collapsed back. Megatron was panting slightly but looked utterly exhilarated. He grinned as Optimus looked up at him, kneeling like the Decepticon.
"Not bad Prime, I'm glad to see sitting around all day hasn't dulled your abilities."
"Don't worry Megatron, there's no chance of that," Optimus said firmly as Scavenger approached him, apparently making sure nothing happened.
"Good," Megatron said with a fanged grin before saying loudly.
"Now, I hope I can trust you to allow Scavenger to escort you back to your cell?"
He looked pointedly over at the kids who stiffened at the implied threat.
"You can trust me, Megatron," Optimus said quietly as he allowed Scavenger to help him up.
Megatron smirked as Optimus was led away, he'd really enjoyed that. He looked again at the kids who looked disappointed that they hadn't been able to talk to their friend. He now stood to his full height and walked over to them.
"And how are my little pets doing?" he asked, grinning down at them.
"Good," Rad said with a light shrug.
The boy was still bruised and looked a bit weak but he was healing nicely. However, it looked like he'd need another rest, his eyes were drooping, sign Megatron had learnt meant tiredness.
"Demolisher, take your charge back to the Medical Bay, he needs recharge," Megatron ordered even as the boy groaned.
"Cyclonus, you spend some time with your charge," he added to Cyclonus who grinned and nodded.
Megatron looked for his other solider but couldn't see him.
"Where has Starscream got to?" he demanded.
"I think he's taken a short trip somewhere sir," Demolisher replied, holding Rad carefully in his hand.
Megatron growled with annoyance.
"It seems I'll be having words with that Seeker," he said softly before turning his gaze on Alexis.
"Very well, I'll take my little pet for now, you two get going."
"Yes sir," they both replied and left, leaving Alexis alone with Megatron.
She glanced at him but then looked quickly away, blushing as she thought of last time they'd been together. Oh damn, even that wording was weird, it made it seem so much more than it was. She really hoped he wouldn't mention that incident, she didn't think she could bare it.
Unfortunately for her, Megatron caught her blush and chuckled.
"Something the matter, my dear?"
"No not at all," she said mildly, still not looking at him.
He chuckled again and caught her chin with the tip of his finger. Turning her face to look at him, he said with a smile.
"You're not shy around me, are you Alexis?"
"No," she said, putting some annoyance into her voice but still blushing.
"Good," he said softly. "I know an immature Femme like yourself must feel some shyness around mature Mechs but I wouldn't want you to be afraid of me in such a way."
"I'm not afraid," she said firmly, the blush disappearing slightly as she glared at him.
He grinned and suddenly raised her to optic level so that she was very close to his face.
"The prove it, my dear," he said just as softly as her eyes widened.
"W-what do you mean?" she asked with a stutter as he grinned.
"Show me you're not afraid of me Alexis."
His meaning was clear but she didn't know what to think. She didn't want to back down but also didn't want to be tricked. What was the worse option?
"Damn it," she thought as the leaned forward and peeked him on the cheek, like she might do a distant relative come to visit.
He sighed and said.
"Now, you know that's not what I meant."
"So?" she said with a smile and a shrug. "You should be clearer when you ask someone to do something."
"Hmm but that wasn't a proper kiss, my dear Alexis," Megatron said with a smirk.
"This is a proper kiss."
And he pressed her close, his bottom lip brushing against hers. He did it so fast, that she couldn't stop herself gasping. His lips travelled lower so that his to lip was pressed to both of hers.
And then he had released her and was holding her out again.
Her face was aflame with embarrassment as he lightly chuckled.
"Don't worry," he said, stroking her head with one finger. "I don't think of you that way. No matter what your little friend speculate."
She didn't say anything, just bowed her head.
But then footsteps could be heard and a moment later, Starscream had entered the room. He still looked a bit grumpy and his scowl only increased with he saw Alexis with Megatron.
"Starscream, where have you been?" Megatron demanded as the Seeker neared.
"Forgive me Megatron, I lost track of time," Starscream said softly, optics flicking downwards at Alexis.
"Well, now that your here, you can take your charge."
"Of course Megatron," Starscream said, gently taking Alexis from Megatron's hand.
Megatron smirked at him and said.
"I want her back in the Medical Bay in a while, you may have her until then."
And then he strode off without another word, probably back to the Throne Room for a nap.
"What happened?" Starscream gently asked his charge who looked a little miserable.
"Just Megatron messing with me," she said softly and he suddenly lifter her up to press her against his cheek.
She hugged him tightly for a long moment before he finally said.
"I have a gift for you, Alexis,"
"Really?" she said, surprised.
He smiled and dropped a glittering object into her hands. She gasped when she saw what it was. On a sliver chain, was the most beautiful emerald coloured rock she had ever seen, it really looked like a jewel. IT was quite big but would still hang easily enough from her neck.
"Where...where did you get this?" she asked as she examined it with awe.
"On a planet not too far from here," he said with a smile. "I thought it would cheer you up, I hear human Femmes value such things."
He broke off as she flung her arms around his hand.
"Oh thank you, thank you, it's a wonderful gift,"
"I'm glad you like it," he said with a gentle smile as she continued to hug him.
What never of them notice was a watching shadow, which hid within the true shadows. One that didn't like the direction the War was taking.
"With Optimus Prime as his prisoner, Megatron is not feeling as much hate as normal," this shadow thought to its self.
"And while Prime's grows, it is still not enough. The balance must be restored."
And restored it would be. He would not allow anything to prevent this, not even some meddling brats would stop him.
These Transformers were about to get a very rude wake up call.
To be continued.
Author's note. Who is this mysterious shadow and what are his plans? Find out next time, until then. Suggestions welcome.