Disclaimer: We do not own Transformers Prime or its canon characters; Hasbro and the Hub do. We do however own our -moyashi owns the lovely Skye Shelsher, Plasmarift and Silverblaze, and Dream'sRealm owns Darkstorm, Skybreak, Emusa, Starlight, Drift, Shiv, Jolt, Blackout, Air Raid, Caliber, Speedway, and Jetfire.
Theme Song: Stand Tall by the Dirty Heads
Since it was summer on Earth, a few of the Autobots and their charges decided to visit during their human allies' "summer break." Special Agent William Fowler informed them of a beach that was isolated not only for privacy's sake but for another organic who had no access to a holoform and whose appearance would most certainly alarm any human.
When Alana exited the space bridge and beheld the beach and, more importantly, Earth's ocean, her face split into an excited grin. Before Seaspray or anyone else could say anything, she was already sprinting into the water.
What came next was surprising, however. Autobot and human alike watched as the organic femme… changed. When she was deep enough into the water, she jumped up, showing a fish-like tail as she yelled exuberantly and dived back into the water.
Bulkhead and Miko stared after her, slack-jawed. "Whoa, dude! How did she do that?!" Miko asked.
"Alana's people live on a water-based planet. When she comes into contact with water that has a high enough salt content, her cells replicate to meet her needs," Seaspray explained with a subtle smirk. "Pretty cool, huh?"
"Pit yeah!" Miko grinned.
The Wreckers were interrupted as Alana called out to them. "What are you all waiting for? The water's wonderful!"
Miko and Raf ran into the water too though a bit shallower than where Alana dared to go. A few of the Autobots in their holoforms followed suite.
She gazed at Seaspray, a slightly mischievous look plastered onto her face. My dear Seaspray, don't tell me you're not going to join me.
He donned a smirk. Just waiting for the humans to get safely out of the way. He transformed and sped across the water, sending columns of spray behind him off either side. Some of it flew across the humans but was harmless aside from soaking their hair.
Alana grinned. Catch me if you can. With a flick of her tail, she was off. You may be Cybertronian but I'm a Tlalakan and this is my element.
My dear, if you were talking to the others they'd have reason to worry. But you forget I'm built for this, just as you were born for it. He sped after her, doing a few superfluous zigzags just to send more water flying.
Alana laughed as she surfaced again, performing a small somersault as she poked the top of Seaspray's alt mode and dived back under the waves. But, you're still slow. She said playfully.
Oh hoohh it's speed you want, is it? Seaspray straightened his path, tilting the front of his alt mode down slightly as he gained speed. I can give you a run for your money.
Just before Alana moved to jump again, Seaspray's alt mode cut her off. She landed awkwardly on top of him and her shoulders shook as she laughed. "Ah, my dear Seaspray. You haven't lost your touch, at all." She kissed him where she lay.
"It's because I have someone who can keep up. No one else I've met, of your planet or mine, quite has your skill. And those who did lacked your grace-wait." He came to a halt as they came to the edge of the cove. A large object was peeking out from the side of the last cliff.
"Ah scrap!" Seaspray knew it was a ship of some kind, but he couldn't identify it. Which meant it was a human vessel . . . and they were in biiiiig trouble if it spotted them. He quickly turned and powered full-steam ahead back to the beach. He commed Bulkhead as he thundered on, unsure if they could pick up communications while in their holoforms. "Bulkhead, we have a problem."
"What's the problem, Barnacle Butt?" Bulkhead replied.
"This 'barnacle butt' was just spied by a human ship. I need you to tell that overweight human to get them out of here before Prime rips us a new one."
"Slag," Bulkhead muttered as he ended the comm link. He immediately turned to Agent Fowler. "Er… we have a situation."
"What kind of situation?" Agent Fowler asked, slightly exasperated.
Bulkhead gazed around him before answering the man's question. "Umm… Seaspray and Alana were spotted by a ship and…"
Agent Fowler didn't need Bulkhead to finish. He pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. "Tell that loose cannon to come near the shore. I'll try to handle the situation as best as I can. Let's just hope they didn't contact their superiors in a panic."
Bulkhead commed Seaspray again. "U-Uh, Agent Fowler wants you to come to shore."
"Nah, I thought I'd go say hello, maybe sit down and share some war stories over some fresh energon-what did you think I was going to do?!"
Bulkhead became even more sheepish at his response. "I-I'm sure he'll get it all sorted out. Is Alana okay?"
Seaspray sounded exasperated. "We're both fine, just trying to high-tail it back before these guys open fire. Or whatever it is humans do to vessels they can't identify."
"E-Er… umm, that's good. Well, see you then." Bulkhead awkwardly terminated the comm link.
Only Seaspray returned to shore. Alana said she would swim beneath a nearby reef where the ship couldn't follow, out of sight.
"I'll be back soon, June," the government agent smiled.
"Be careful." She matched his expression.
"I will," he nodded before moving to where the Autobot lay. He sighed exasperatedly once more as he climbed on top of the watercraft. "Now, where was this ship?"
"Exactly in the opposite direction in which I was just heading. Shortest distance is a line, no?"
"So it would seem and make it quick before they send reinforcements."
Seaspray travelled towards the ship's area. It was a relatively small Coast Guard vessel though they still packed weapons. Grumbling to himself, Agent Fowler waved them down. "Excuse me?"
"Hands where we can see them or we'll shoot!" a voice over a megaphone ordered. Agent Fowler looked to see the commanding officer and some other members of the vessel on board, staring up at the large watercraft carrying the government agent.
He put his hands up in the air peacefully. "My name is Special Agent William Fowler and I wanted to explain this vehicle's presence in these waters. May I?"
The captain turned to some other officers. They seemed to confer before he spoke again. "Go ahead but keep your hands up."
Agent Fowler nodded slowly and continued. "This is an experimental government vehicle that is being tested by my unit. We have clearance to be here. If you don't believe me, then just call General Bryce. He can easily explain the situation to your superiors."
"If that was an experimental government watercraft, then why did it flee when it spotted us? And that still doesn't explain what my men saw… They said there was some sort of… mermaid, on board," the captain added the last part hesitantly, as if disbelieving them.
Agent Fowler forced a wry chuckle. "A mermaid? Captain, if your men report that, they'll be called in for an immediate psych eval. Should I call General Bryce to do just that?"
Silence again as the captain conferred with his men. He spoke again with a slight sigh. "On your way, Agent. I'll talk to this general of yours but… my men are to stay out of this. They're probably just a little seasick, nothing more."
Agent Fowler smiled as he saluted. "Thank you, captain."
When the ship was out of sight, Agent Fowler freely exhaled in relief. "You're lucky I was here or else they'd have swept the whole area." He half smiled. "But, then again, the claims of seeing a mermaid would have been enough to keep the captain from doing anything too brash."
"I don't know, you organics are rather . . . unpredictable. Well, humans anyway."
"We don't turn into fish when we hit the water," Agent Fowler shook his head amusedly. "Now, bring me back to shore and you can go back to whatever you two were doing. As long as it's away from the west of the cove."
"I don't know about Alana, but I think I've had enough excitement, at least for a while. I'd hate to risk another incident."
Agent Fowler sighed. "That would be best."
When Agent Fowler was brought to shore, Seaspray reached out to Alana through their bond. Coast is clear.
Several minutes later, Alana swam to the shore. She scooted onto the sand, waiting as her tail slowly morphed back into legs, before walking over and facing Seaspray sheepishly, face downcast. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get you into trouble."
He smiled. "Trouble? That's nothing. You should see the antics Wheeljack and I got up to back on Cybertron. Fowler is nothing like Ultra Magnus."
"If you are certain," Alana smiled hesitantly.
"Absolutely. Really, this is nothing."
"Yeah, it wasn't your fault the Coast Guard saw you," Miko crossed her arms before grinning. "And you should have seen you two out there! It was awesome!"
"Why, thank you, Miko." Alana's smile widened. "It certainly was nice to be back in an ocean… after so very long." She turned to Seaspray. "But I'm afraid my sparkmate has had enough excitement. I suppose I can always hear more of those war stories of yours." She grinned, seeing Miko's excited expression, and chuckled softly. "And I'm sure Miko would, as well."
"Pit yeah!" Miko grinned before a subtle smirk. "I haven't heard the one about how you two met."
Seaspray looked surprised. "You don't want to hear about one of the many times I saved your guardian from the smelting pit? Or when Wheeljack about blew me to smithereens?"
Miko's smirk widened. "Tempting, but we can always hear those later."
Bulkhead chuckled before turning to Seaspray. "There's no use reasoning with her when she's like this."
"Indeed," Perceptor added with a slight smirk. "It would be best to simply comply."
"Sides, we're all Wreckers here and I for one am curious to know," Wheeljack matched Miko's smirk as he crossed his arms over his chassis.
Seaspray looked between his fellow Wreckers and knew there was no getting out of it. They wanted him to squirm . . . He motioned to Alana. "Well she tells it far better than I."
Alana blushed lightly as she tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Why, thank you for shifting this onto me, my dear Seaspray. "W-well… I do suppose I do…"
Miko was grinning wildly as she looked up at the alien woman. "Sooo?"
Alana sighed. "Well, we met back on my home planet, Tlalaka. That was back when the Decepticons had taken over and were using my people as slave labor to harvest energon. I and a few others led the resistance…"
The sky was dark as a lone band of the Tlalakan resistance maneuvered through the dense jungle. Their planet had long since been taken captive by strange metal soldiers because of the natural energon reserves that grew there. Their leader was but a child when they came.
Tlalaka's skies became darkened as black ships bearing a strange purple symbol invaded their atmosphere. The natives at first tried to accept them peacefully until they knew of their true intentions. The battle was long and bloody and many Tlalakans died. Those remaining lived in the depths of the ocean or the interior of inhospitable jungles where no robots would dare travel or became victims to their slave labor camps.
Still, others had the audacity to break free and fight back, hoping that their beloved home and people would be free once more.
The Tlalakan resistance paused, spears and clubs raised as they heard a noise in the brush behind them. They were fully prepared for an attack but immediately calmed when they saw one of their own approach.
The boy was young and looked to be in a battered condition. He glanced around wildly. "Your leader! I must speak to him! Please, it is urgent!"
A voice chuckled. "I am the leader of the resistance but I am no man." Her voice softened as she knelt and beckoned him to come closer. "Come here, little one, and I shall hear your counsel."
The boy cautiously approached and stared at the leader of the resistance in awe. There had been tales, of course, but they were always of a strong man who was twice a normal Tlalakan's height with fangs and claws and the ferocity of a shark.
He wasn't expecting to see a beautiful young woman with long violet hair dressed in a simple tunic. Her face was not that of a warrior. Her features were soft and her slanted eyes were a dark blue, as blue as the Tlalakans' beloved ocean. The only adornings she wore was a golden headband that bore the mark of a chieftain. She held a spear aloft and her body was covered with traditional war paint.
The boy cleared his throat before nervously replying, "Forgive me for the intrusion but my village, Madam, is being attacked. Another star ship landed there and there is a large struggle. Please, you must help us."
Alana's expression became grim. "And so we shall. Lead us to your village, quickly!" The boy smiled gratefully and immediately took off running. Alana turned to her warriors and yelled, "My warriors, to me! Let the ground be stained with the strangers' blue blood tonight!"
A throaty cry resounded through the forest as Alana's forces ran forward, preparing to give their very lives in order for freedom.
When they arrived at the boy's village, it was as he had said. Fires were erupting from their straw huts and several black aliens were wrestling… but not with some of her people as she had presumed. No. It was another alien that seemed to be their enemy.
Alana held her people back with a wave of her hand as she assessed the situation, elf-like ears twitching as she picked up snippets of what they were saying. She may not be an alien robot but she was intelligent like her chieftain father before her. She was able to teach herself most of their dialects while in bondage in Tlalaka's capital.
She studied the stranger that his attackers were referring to as "Wrecker". Unlike most of the aliens Alana had encountered, he bore a red insignia unlike the purple one she had come to despise. His paint job was a faded navy blue and Alana could tell by the various dents and scratches that he was a fierce warrior.
And… as her father once told her, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.
She turned as one of her trusted advisers addressed her, "What are we to do, Alana?"
"You, Kurta, and the others make sure that those still in the village are taken care of," Alana ordered before turning to Swera, one of her fiercest warriors. "You and your warriors come with me. We shall see to it that the hostiles are destroyed. But leave the blue one to me."
They followed her orders immediately.
The "Wrecker" as he was called seemed to be losing the fight. He was on his back and an alien above him raised his cannon, about to let loose a barrage of fire into his chassis before Alana ran forward.
The blue mech watched in amazement as an alien organic femme bravely engaged the Decepticon. Ferociously, she matched his every blow and kicked him forward, driving her spear into his spark.
The Decepticon coughed up energon before he slumped forward, his optics offlining. He could see other organics do the same with their enemies.
Alana offered a hand to the navy blue mech once she discarded the mech's frame though her eyes still portrayed suspicion. She wasn't sure if he spoke the main language that the evil robots did but still, she tried to address him in Kaonian though it was not given justice due to her organic tongue. "Are you harmed, Wrecker?"
He eyed her hand, her face, then her hand again before accepting it. He brushed the dust off his legs once he was standing. "Just a few dings, nothing major. The help is much appreciated."
"The enemy of my enemy is my friend," Alana replied with a slight smile. "Now, care to return to the favor in sending these despicable destroyers back to where they came from?"
"Oh we don't want them back." He laughed. "But I'll never pass up the chance to blast a few 'Cons."
"It is good to know we are in agreement," Alana grinned before barking orders to the others. "The Wrecker is an ally and he shall not be harmed. He will aide us in this battle."
More shouts emerged from the warriors as they saluted the Wrecker with their spears. Alana bowed her head. "We are grateful for your aide, Wrecker."
"I may be a Wrecker but my real name's Seaspray," he smirked. "And anything to get back at the 'Cons."
Alana took this in before slowly smiling. "Seaspray… I am Alana, leader of the resistance and last free chief of the Tlalakans."
Seaspray too smiled and was about to reply before something caught his optic. Alana gasped as she was pulled down. Seaspray activated his cannons and shot the Decepticon until he fell.
Alana glanced behind her before staring up at the Wrecker's scarred facial plating. "Guess we're even," he said.
"So it would seem," Alana chuckled before retrieving her spear from the ground and moving forward to attack with the rest of her warriors.
The battle was long and arduous but with her warrior's bravery and the aide of their new ally, the Decepticons were pushed back and yet another village kept its freedom. Under Alana's watchful eye, the wounded were gathered and carried to safety while she remained there with the Wrecker.
"I thank you again for your aide, Seaspray. But, I… must ask you something more," Alana began. Seeing him nod, she continued. "Ever since I was a child, my people have been held in bondage to our enemy." She stared into his optics. "If it is your will, we would greatly appreciate your aide in taking back our home."
Seaspray vented as he turned his helm, studying the landscape around them. "I've been fighting for a long time to bring peace to my own home. How could I deny you the same?" His optics turned back to her, a small smile coming to his facial plating. "I will help for as long as you need me."
Alana smiled as she placed a hand on his shoulder plating. "Then my people and I are forever in your debt. Thank you, my friend. Thank you." She turned, about to join her people by the ocean. "Tell me, Seaspray, can you swim?"
He smirked. "I think I'll let you be the judge of that."
Alana raised a delicate eyebrow before matching his smirk. "Judge, hmm? You may come to regret your words." She walked over to the water's edge and jumped in, her cells detecting the salinity of the water and immediately setting to work. In but a few moments, her legs had morphed into a fish-like tail. "We Tlalakans were born for it, were you?"
"Oh we may be more alike than you think." He transformed into his alt mode, assuming the form of a hovercraft. His engine revved as he glided over to the water's edge with more grace than most of his kind bore.
Alana's eyes widened, surprised, before she laughed. "There certainly more to you than meets the eye, my friend." She grinned. "But about me being the judge of your abilities? Your test starts now." With a flick of her tail, she was off, gliding smoothly as if she was part of the water itself. "And I have never met an invader who could match me."
"I'm no intruder, so you're in uncharted territory here. Just try to keep up, kay? I can't best you at combat and speed, that's not fair to you as the great leader of the resistance. If the way you barked orders earlier was any indication."
"Pride goeth before the fall, Wrecker," Alana smirked as she increased her speed, pausing only to jump over Seaspray's alt mode so he could see her move ahead of him. "The skills in both combat and speed are clearly mine."
"Hmm guess we'll have to keep track for a little while to find out who the true victor is. Just be warned, I've been fighting a loooong time, certainly long enough to easily best you at it."
"I too have spent most of my life in the art of war. Besting me will not be easy for I've been known to never back down from a challenge." Alana grinned. "I wish you the best of luck."
"I don't need luck." He put on a burst of speed, pulling up beside her. "I have ammo and skills."
"Then, I pray they don't fail you when you are up against me," Alana replied.
And that was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
Alana stared up at the fierce Wrecker as he stood next to his ship, fighting to be strong. The war for her planet was finally over thanks to his help. Her people would never have to worry about the evil mechs known as the Decepticons again.
A part of her wished for this day with all her heart and another part of her dreaded it. It was a day of celebration for her people… but mourning for herself. While she'd never admit it to the others, she had become attached to the Wrecker.
She did not have the heart to say goodbye to him. But… her people… Surely she had to stay in order to take care of them.
But she no longer wanted to know what life felt like without him.
She hesitantly met his gaze, squaring her shoulders to eliminate any signs of weakness. "So… I do suppose this is goodbye."
Seaspray didn't even try to hide his sorrow. "It doesn't have to be." He motioned to his starcraft. "There's room for two."
Seeing his gaze nearly broke Alana's resolve. She bit her bottom lip as she shook her head. "You know as well as I that my place is here… with my people. They need me, Seaspray. I am their chief and I must fulfill my duty." Her eyes met his as she forced a smile. "It was an honor fighting by your side… D-Do visit when you can."
He vented, his expression and nod conflicting in their messages. Like he didn't want to leave but couldn't stay. "You can count on it." He tilted his helm slightly. "Take care of yourself, Alana."
"And you, dearest Seaspray." Alana averted her gaze so that he would not be able to see the tears welling in her eyes. "Until we meet again."
He steered her back to face him with a gentle digit under her chin. "Are you sure? Alana, you've been sacrificing yourself for others since you were young. You can't help yourself for once?"
Oh, how Alana wanted to say yes… She wanted to with all her heart. But she couldn't. She wouldn't fail her people… They needed her. "I cannot," she whispered. "Please, Seaspray… I must do this."
He nodded again, this time more in agreeance than before. "Guess that settles it then. But don't think this is the last you'll see of me."
"I should expect nothing less of you," Alana half smiled. "Goodbye… I shall count the days until you return."
Seaspray forced a smile. "Until then," he said as he began walking towards his ship.
Once his back was turned, Alana let her tears flow freely. Her heart ached. How was she to live without him? The metal man that had stolen her heart?
She lifted her head weakly when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She gazed up into the old face of her father's and her own most trusted adviser. "Manak? Why are you-?"
"Go to him," he said simply.
Alana's eyes widened as she tried to process what she was saying. But, again, he repeated, "Go to him."
"But, Manak, what of our people? They will need a leader. I cannot fail them."
His gaze softened. "Alana, do you trust me?"
"Yes, with all my life-"
"Then trust that I can handle things here. I know you love Seaspray. He is kind and his heart is good. You should go with him and be happy. Your father would have wanted nothing less."
Alana shakily smiled before embracing him. "Thank you. Thank you so much." Manak smiled and returned the embrace.
When they broke away, Alana reached to grant him the golden chief's head piece but he simply placed his hands over hers, his soft expression never changing. "It is your father's and it is the only thing you have left of him. Keep it."
Alana's eyes filled with tears again. "Thank you…"
Manak's smile widened before he pushed her away. "Now, go. You would not want him to leave without you, now would you?"
Giving her childhood guardian and adviser one last smile, she immediately sprinted towards the Wrecker's direction just as he was poised to take off. "Seaspray! Seaspray, wait!"
With a spark slowly filling with hope, Seaspray left his ship's controls and opened the hatch. "Alana?" He was thrown backwards as she wrapped her arms around his neck cables tightly.
"I choose you," she whispered. "I choose you. I love you, Seaspray, and I cannot bear to see you leave. Wherever you go, so will I."
Seaspray slowly returned the embrace. "I… love you too, Alana. And I wouldn't want to go anywhere without you with me."
Alana leaned away slightly so she could stare into his dark blue optics, seeing only sincerity and love. Tears ran down her cheeks in a steady stream. It was true. She'd never once thought for herself ever since her father died at Decepticon servos.
She spent seven long years in a labor camp being beaten and abused until she was able to escape and start the resistance, if only so her father's dying wish would be fulfilled. Her goals were always to aide her people…
But when Seaspray came, she became so distracted. Whether they were training, swimming, simply watching the stars, or even if he wasn't there at all, he filled her every thought. The graceful and kind Wrecker that had stolen her heart.
And, now that her people were in good hands, she knew she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him. She didn't care where they went. She didn't even care that he was of a different species. She loved him. That was all that mattered.
"Nor I you, dearest Seaspray," she whispered as she caressed a side of his scarred facial plating gently with her hand. She stared into his optics for a few more moments before she leaned forward and kissed him.
Seaspray froze, unused to such physical contact, before offlining his optics and returning it. The two eventually pulled away, Alana smiling widely. "So, is there still room for two?"
He returned the smile. "Absolutely."
Alana chuckled as she righted herself and offered him a hand. "Then I guess you will have to get used to more competition with me being around you so much in the future."
"I'd expect nothing less from you," he smirked.
Wheeljack lowly whistled before playfully nudging Seaspray. "Now, I know why you're so taken with her, Barnacle Butt."
The mech smirked at his friend. "Yeah, she actually shows me some semblance of respect. Which is more than I can say for you lot."
Alana shoulders shook in silent laughter. "Respect, hmm? But I thought it was such an adorable nickname." She smirked. "Barnacle Butt."
Not even the normally stoic Perceptor could hold back his laughter at that point.
Seaspray shook his helm. "Oh nu-uh, not you too."
Alana giggled as she kissed his buccal plating. "Oh, but you know I only do it because I love you."
"D'aaw," Wheeljack grinned at his fellow Wrecker.
Seaspray pointed to him. "Before you say a single word, let me just say if you do, the day you find someone I will make you regret what words you use today. So use 'em wisely."
"Pfft, please. I do best flying solo, remember?"
"That's not what we see when you get together with Arcee," Miko countered.
Bulkhead laughed while Wheeljack glared down at the wild-haired Asian. "Whose side are you on?"
Seaspray laughed as his optics widened. "You and the blue two-wheeler? Oh I'd love to see that."
"It's not like that," Wheeljack grumbled. "Sure, she can wreck with the best of 'em and I like her and all, but I'm hardly thinkin' we'll be sparkmates." When Perceptor looked at Wheeljack with a raised optic ridge, the Wrecker muttered, "Shut up."
"Truly? Because when I talked to the other Autobot femmes, they seemed to have a different perspective of it, as well. Say, maybe we should pay Arcee visit, Seaspray," Alana smirked.
"Oooo, I wanna go too!" Miko grinned and waved her arm excitedly.
"If this is payback, two can play at this game," Wheeljack glared at his tormentors.
Seaspray crossed his arms. "I'm thinking this is a game you don't want to play. I've been at this for far longer than you, after all."
"And what game would that be?"
The Wreckers turned around to see the blue two wheeler femme, staring at them with a raised optic ridge. "Eh, just some good natured teasing, 'Cee," Wheeljack answered, subtly glaring at the others.
"Riiiight." Her suspicious expression softened into a half smile. "Care to escape the teasing for a walk?"
"Sure thing." The others watched in surprise as Wheeljack willingly activated his holoform and began to walk next to Arcee in hers.
Once they were out of hearing range, Miko grinned. "See? I told you our two lone wolves were going to hook up!"
Seaspray cupped his servos in front of his facial plating. "Take it easy on 'im, 'Cee! He may act all tough but he's really a big ol' softie!" The mech smirked and crossed his arms again. "Never thought I'd see the cycle."
All the Wreckers laughed when they saw Arcee stop in the distance, looking at Wheeljack. Most likely questioning why Seaspray was saying something like that. Wheeljack seemed to reply before turning back to the others. "I'll show you big ol' softie when I'm kicking your aft, Barnacle Butt!" he yelled back before resuming his walk.
Alana chuckled before turning to her sparkmate. "Well, I like to think that even the most stubborn mechs can change in that regard." She grinned. "Just look at you. It took you how long to ask me to be your sparkmate? One, two voors?"
"Part of that was because I knew the guys would give me such scrap once they found out."
Alana smiled amusedly and shook her head. "You can take on Decepticons yet pale at the thought of being teased? I'm surprised at you."
"Fighting 'Cons is easy. All that mushy stuff? You ladies take the cake there."
Alana's smile widened as she raised an eyebrow. "Mushy, hmm? Keep talking and I'll show you how unmushy I can be."
The mech laughed and raised his servos defensively. "That wasn't a challenge, simply stating a fact."
Alana chuckled and shook her helm. "Oh, Seaspray… How do I put up with you?"
He brought a digit to his chin in a thoughtful pose. "Mmm could be my unique charm. Could be how I have a bit more grace than my fellow mechs. We may never know."
Miko, seeing an opportunity for further teasing, took it. "Or it could be that you're a good kisser." She grinned a bit evilly. "That's probably why 'Storm puts up with 'Bee."
Alana placed hand over her gaping mouth as her tanned complexion became stained a dark crimson. "Miko!"
"Miko!" Bulkhead stared down at his charge in slight shock.
"Listen here, kid." Seaspray tried to put up a solid front, but they could still hear his cooling fans running. "I'll issue the same remark to you as Wheeljack. The day will come when you will find someone, and when you do I'll make sure to return the favor of these witty remarks. Savvy?"
"As if that'll ever happen," Miko rolled her eyes before smirking. "But whatever you say. If it'll help you stop blushing."
"Don't write it off, kid. Wit is a rather attractive thing, shows conversation won't get too dull."
"Ooo," Miko's smirk widened. "So that's why Alana puts up with you?"
"Mmm, careful, little one. I may just be tempted to join my sparkmate in tormenting you," Alana chuckled.
Seaspray raised an optic ridge. "You think this is torment? You should see how brutal the Wreckers can be if you give them even a sliver of a reason."
Alana rolled her eyes. "Oh, yes. I'm well aware. Brutal, but," She smiled playfully. "Not brutal enough to keep me away or prevent me from downing them with a single blow."
Miko cackled. "Oh, she told you!"
Seaspray playfully glared at the girl. "Laugh it up, short stuff."
"You don't have to tell me twice," Miko smirked. "Barnacle Butt."
Seaspray put his hands on his hips. "Ohhh this is war, kid. This is war."
Skye watched the others having fun in the ocean with a long expression. She sat in the sand a good distance away from the shoreline, so as to not get wet at all. She'd long since given up any hope of playing in the water like she and her friends had done when she was younger. And usually she didn't even think about it-there weren't many beaches in Keene Valley, after all. But watching everyone now, enjoying the water while she had to sit back . . . it hurt.
She saw Smokescreen approach from the corner of her eye and tried to lighten up her expression, but it seemed to be to no avail.
"You okay?" His voice was quiet and sounded sad itself. Skye already felt bad to be ruining his fun in the sun.
She sighed, her gaze turning subconsciously to her prosthetic. It was visible in her outfit-she wasn't going to wear pants and a winter shirt at the beach, so she was sporting shorts and a tank top. She could honestly say despite her longing for the "good old days," she appreciated being in the company of those who wouldn't look on it as a mutation or something to be pitied.
"Yeah, just . . . watching. Remembering. Kicking myself."
Smokescreen knelt down next to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Anything I can do to help?"
She leaned into him, biting her lip. She was silent for a moment as she took in his simple presence. A presence which meant more than it ever had . . . well, more than it had for others in her life, anyway. Once she felt the build-up of emotions die down a little she released another sigh. "I think this is plenty."
Smokescreen smiled slightly and kissed her forehead. "Aw, come on. There's gotta be something I can do to cheer you up."
She wrapped her arms around his midsection and smiled as well. "Just not having to be alone for once means a lot." She nuzzled her head against his shoulder. "Thank you."
"You'd have done the same for me," Smokescreen grinned. "And we can always build these sand castles I've heard about."
"Scrap yes I would have. After two years of being alone I never want to go back. Especially now when I have someone as precious as you to hold onto." She bent her right leg a little with a small huff. "And have you ever made a sand castle? You can try explaining to Dar'sain why I would have half the beach in my servos and gears. Sand is messy."
"Oh," Smokescreen's expression turned sheepish. "Right. Well, I'm sure we'll figure out something."
She closed her eyes and settled more comfortably next to him. "For the moment I think this is perfect. We might just need to switch sides every now and then so I get an even tan."
Smokescreen chuckled. "Sounds like a plan to me."
Sunstorm repeatedly knocked on the door to his sister's quarters. "Sister? Sister? Sister? I know you're in there. Sister? Sister? Si-?"
"What?!" Slipstream flung open the door, glaring at her older brother. "What do you want?"
"Temper, temper," Sunstorm smirked as he wagged a digit, completely unphased by her outburst. "I simply wanted to say good morning and see to your well being."
Slipstream observed his sly expression before raising an optic ridge with one servo on her hip. "Why are you really here?"
"You were always were the perceptive one…" Sunstorm chuckled. "Alright. I was wondering if you had seen Dar'sain."
"I might have heard about an escape to an organic world, Earth I think it was. But don't even think about starting something with the scout, I won't have you pulling me into trouble again."
"Me? Starting something? Why, Sister, I'm hurt, deeply. I simply wanted to keep the company of a beautiful Seeker femme. Is there something wrong with that?" he smirked.
"Were it anyone else, I would say no. But you already know that she surrounds herself with protective mechs," Slipstream shook her helm. "I honestly don't know why you're putting this much effort into it. I'm sure other femmes will be returning to the planet soon, Seekers even. Why are you so intent on this one?"
"She's…" Sunstorm's smirk took on a feral nature. "Intriguing."
"And the fact she's already bonded doesn't phase you at all?"
"A temporary arrangement that can be easily remedied," Sunstorm waved a servo nonchalantly. "At least something is keeping me occupied in this dreadful place."
Concern flashed across Slipstream's features. "Brother, please tell me you're not thinking of doing something rash. Much as I speak of you dragging me into mischief, I'd hate to see you end up in a difficult position where I can't help."
Sunstorm scoffed, though a small smile tugged on his lip components. "You worry too much about me, Sister. I'll be just fine. We survived the war, didn't we?"
"Try 'we scrounged through a war and begged like commoners to occasionally enjoy the charity of others'. And now is again such a time. War or no, we're still different from the others, and we're still dependent on their charity."
"I suppose… Still, you know me, I do loathe waiting," Sunstorm flashed her a borderline evil grin before holding out a servo. "Now, care to take a quick flight with your dear brother?"
The femme vented as she looked from his servo to his facial plating, "I can't say I care for that grin, but you know I can never turn down a chance to fly. Especially now that we can do so without having to dodge artillery fire."
"And who knows? It might even brighten that painfully dark mood of yours," he joked lightly as they began to walk down the hallway.
She rolled her optics. "My mood is hardly dark, I simply have a lot on my processor."
"Could've fooled me, gorgeous," a familiar voice met their audials.
Slipstream's optics widened before she offlined them with an annoyed vent. "Just what I need."
His sister's annoyance mixed with his own as Sunstorm sharply turned towards the red and black Seeker mech. "I do believe my sister does not care for your presence. So, unless you wish to face me, I suggest you keep moving." His optics narrowed dangerously.
Skybreak merely smirked. "Face you? I'm already facing you and let me tell you, my optics are starting to hurt from your skittle orange paint."
"Why, you lower class scoundrel-!" Sunstorm snarled and moved to draw his weapon.
Slipstream lept into action, stepping between the mechs with her servos raised defensively. "Sunstorm, please! I told you not to do anything rash. Besides . . ." The femme looked to Skybreak then back to Sunstorm, "How is this so different from your situation?"
Sunstorm searched his sister's gaze before his own darkened. "Care to explain, Sister?"
Her posture straightened slightly as one of her peddes slid back. Slag, she hated that expression. She again glanced to the back behind her before looking to her brother, trying to think of how to keep her wording vague. Last thing she needed was for them both to get fired up. "Have you already forgotten what we were just speaking about? Just before using the phrase 'my sister does not care for your presence'? Just . . . keep everything in perspective, Sunstorm, not just your point of view."
Sunstorm's optics flared angrily as he pulled his sister closer, hissing out through clenched denta, "I am your brother and I refuse to let you gallivant around with that rogue."
She took another step back, angry surprise now evident on her own facial plating in her raised optic ridges. "Oh, you refuse to let me? Might I remind you that your own affections are turned on his sister, who is equally 'a rogue'? Nevermind your lack of authority over me, in maturity or other matters, but I will not stand for this hypocrisy." Her wings rose as she finished, showing her anger.
"Unfaki?" Sunstorm snarled, reverting back into their native language in his anger. "Agus conas leomh t'u! Dar'sain n'i bradacha! Agus n'il m'e ina amadan!" Hypocrisy? And how dare you! Darkstorm is not a rogue. And I am not a fool!
His blazing orange optics bored holes into Skybreak before he turned back to his sister, chassis heaving with rage. "Very well," he muttered darkly. "If you wish to keep company with this brute, I shan't stop you." With that, he stomped away.
Skybreak glared after him. "Well, frag you too." His expression soon turned concern as he turned to Slipstream. "Hey, you okay?"
She took a deep breath before letting it out in an annoyed vent. Much as she wanted to direct said annoyance toward Skybreak, at the moment it was all towards Sunstorm. She looked up at the former 'Con before watching her brother walk away. "Just one more thing weighing on my processor that I have to take care of."
Skybreak half smiled. "Family issues, huh? I'm… sorry if my presence caused anything."
Slipstream shook her helm, "Things were a bit tense anyway, all your presence did was force us to talk about it."
"Well, I admit I'm not really pleasant company but if you need to talk about it… I'll be here."
She looked the "rogue" in the optics and found an all-too-rare calmness in them. "I might have to consider that offer, but for now I just need some time to think."
"Understandable," Skybreak smiled weakly. "But hey, maybe we can go flying later? I know it umm… usually helps my sister when she's down."
Slipstream offered a subtle nod, "We might just do that."
This immediately brightened Skybreak's expression. "O-Okay. See you then, gorgeous!"
Despite herself, Slipstream allowed a small smile to cross her lip components before she returned on her voyage down the hallway.
"I don't know about this, Orion. From what I have heard, these two Vos royals are not to be trusted," Elita One began with a slight frown before venting heavily. "Especially if the history of the Vos monarchy is any indication…"
Optimus vented, as well. "I realize that, Elita… But don't you believe that anyone can change? Why, even Megatron has shown just that."
Elita's facial plating creased with worry and she held Rodimus tighter to her chassis. "Forgive me for not being easily convinced but I was stranded on this planet for five entire voors without you… I've seen what cruelty mech and femme alike are capable of. I've seen what this war has done to you. Please, I beg of you, be wary around them. For the sake of me and our young son."
Optimus smiled softly though his optics portrayed the guilt he still felt about not returning for his sparkmate. "You have my word that nothing shall befall us. I promise."
Elita smiled for him when he kissed her forehelm though worry still clouded her spark. Optimus gave her one last encouraging look before taking Rodimus into his arms. "Now, how about we go on a patrol, little mech? You must be getting bored in here." In response, the mechling laughed with glee. Optimus chuckled before turning to Elita.
"I am… tired. I shall join you both when I have rested."
Optimus frowned, his facial pleating creasing in concern, before he eventually nodded. You need only say my name and I will be there.
I know, Elita smiled. The couple shared one last kiss before Optimus left, Rodimus' laughter trailing behind him.
When they had left, Elita freely vented.
God, let my suspicions be wrong, she prayed.
D/N: And there is the summer chapter! Vacation fluff along with some drama on Sunstorm and Slipstream's part XD Buckle your seats, my lovely readers, because this will only get feelier and feelier the farther we go.
To Windcharger: *struck speechless* Aaaaaw! Thank you! You're too sweet. And yes, I do know Windcharger from G1 and if you want to, I'll still call you that. ^/^ Lovely? Lol, stahp. You're making me blush. I hope to hear from you again too, my friend!
To Guest: *cackles like a maniac* Yes, he hassss. You like?
To Super Shadic: Yup x'D 'Blaze and 'Bee will certainly become quite the dangerous pair. And indeed. Megatron is finally starting to make the best of his second chance. As for Windblade, pit yeah! Man, I love those comics. I haven't actually read them; I've read the summaries on Wiki but gosh, they are so awesome. The Starscream in those comics looks amazing.
(from P.S. God Loves You! By Connie Witter)
Give every concern of your heart to Me, and ask Me for guidance. Do not rely on your limited knowledge. In everything you do depend on Me, and I will show you the way to go.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take" Proverbs 3:5-6
We wish to thank each and every one of you for your support. May God bless you and your day! And hey, if you have time, please check out our tumblr, ask-dreamy-and-blondie. We have a lot of goodies on there for you.
Until next time, Dream'sRealm
B/N: Can I just say I really really really like Seaspray? I'm not familiar with his G1 personality, but I'm kinda thinking back to Dee Henderson's novels about Navy Seal teams and the relationships between the guys therein for a bit of help. Even so G1 Wheeljack's a bit different than TFP but we still love him, so I hope you guys enjoy how we're writing his fellow Wrecker as well
You people who mentioned that you know/like Knight Rider? I love you :')
Windcharder: W-well thank you very much ^/^
God bless, guys