Disclaimer: We do not own Transformers Prime or its canon characters; Hasbro and the Hub do. We do however own our OCs. Blondie-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: Starlight by Muse

Starlight awakened that morning and smiled softly when she found that an offline Megatron still held her servo.

"Ah, you're online," a feminine voice said softly so as not to frighten her.

Her helm leaned towards it. "You're one of the medics? The one…" She paused, unused to calling her nameless companion by his true designation. "Megatron was talking to?"

"Yes. My designation is Darkstorm and my associates would be Knock Out and Ratchet. They should be joining us shortly. May I ask your designation?"

"Starlight," the femme smiled at the friendly voice.

"A beautiful designation… Tell me, Starlight, did I inject enough pain inhibitors?"

Starlight slowly nodded. "Y-Yes. Thank you."

"You are most welcome. Now, why don't I get you some energon? You must be hungry," Darkstorm looked up as she was relieved. "I shall be back soon. If you need anything else, don't be afraid to ask." And with that, the femme Seeker left.

The blind femme tilted her helm as she heard footfall approach her position. "Ratchet...? Knock Out?" she asked tentatively.

A servo rested gently on one of her own. "Knock Out. Can I get you something?"

"N-No… but thank you." The blind femme shook her helm with a soft smile. "Is my sonar equipment fully repaired?"

"It took quite a beating, but it's back in one piece."

"Can I have it back, if it's not too much trouble?" Starlight chuckled slightly. "I am so used to 'seeing' with it that I feel helpless without it."

"Of course." The scraping of peddes on the ground moved away from her, but came back a moment later. Knock Out's servo lightly picked hers up and held it to the equipment. "It's right here." After a moment he vented. "How long have you been dependent on it?"

Through touch alone, Starlight expertly maneuvered it on, though careful not to awaken Megatron. The large gray mech did not stir, the past events probably wearing down on his already weary spirit. When everything was in place, she activated it with a smile. "Ever since I was a youngling, perhaps four or five voors old?" She scanned the area with servos and her optics seemed to fill with awe at her new surroundings.

Her servos finally stopped in front of the crimson medic as she was able to get a good "look" at him. "What a magnificent paint job you have, Doctor."

It took him a second to respond. "W-th-thank you." He paused, as though deciding whether or not to ask something. "Five voors old . . . but this is damage I've only seen from Enforcers. What could a five-voor-old possibly have done to deserve this?"

Starlight's optics seemed to take a faraway look. "My dearest carrier and sire… We were so poor and so easy to frame for any crime that took place. A con mech named Swindle framed my father for a scam. The Council ordered the Enforcers to put us all into prison. I can remember my sire trying to protect my carrier and I and then… black." She gestured to her optics. "Per the Council's orders, because of my father's so-called mistakes, I was given no medical attention except sonar equipment and forbidden to seek help." Her facial plating brightened again. "But that is in the past. I was so young when it happened… It's but a distant memory to me now."

"By the Allspark . . ." Knock Out took several breaths, needing a moment to process it. Everyone knew the system was corrupt but it seemed all too easy to forget just how corrupt, given the threat that had faced Cybertron since those days. "We went into the Great War trying to stop things like that from ever happening again." He turned toward an empty berth, but sound had been coming from there a while ago. "But it seems only pain came about as a result. It appears everywhere, it would seem."

"I left in a Neutral ship before it began but I knew that was what both sides were fighting for. For the poor…" Starlight's servo found Megatron's again. "But the Great War is over and there is no need for sadness, only joy. The corrupt system is gone; is that not something to celebrate?"

Knock Out laughed, though it was quiet as to not disturb the resting warlord. "You sound uncannily like another young femme I know. Two, actually."

Starlight tilted her helm with a smile. "Really? Who are they?"

"One you met earlier, the lovely Darkstorm. And the other . . ." he vented. "Emusa. She was actually Neutral like yourself."

"Darkstorm. She is indeed lovely. I haven't met very many femmes as kind as she is." Despite herself, Starlight chuckled. "Though I'm afraid I have rotten luck." She smiled. "And Emusa, hmm? Well, I'd certainly like to meet her someday." Her smile widened. "She's your sparkmate, isn't she?"

"I think in place of your optics you have telepathy." His voice held a smile. "But yes, she is indeed. We've known each other since before the war, but we followed different paths." His tone dropped somewhat as he finished.

"There's a reason I survived with only these," she tapped a sonar generator on the palm of her servo before tapping Knock Out's Decepticon insignia. "I can only imagine what happened. But, you're together now, aren't you? You should not dwell on the past so, Knock Out."

The smile returned. "You really do sound like your medic. Believe me, I am far too busy enjoying what I have now. Besides, Emusa would give me an earful if I dwelled on the past too often. She doesn't like when I brood."

"I believe both I, my medic, and your sparkmate have more in common than I previously believed," Starlight softly smiled before she heard familiar footfall. She turned and could now see Darkstorm clearly as she handed her a cube of energon. "Darkstorm?"

She could "see" the femme grin and nod. "The very same. I do hope the sonar equipment is working properly."

"It is. Thank you," Starlight smiled and took a sip of her cube. "Your colleague was just telling me how I sounded like you."

"Oh, really?" Darkstorm turned to Knock Out.

"For how different your designations are, you two share a common sense of optimism." Knock Out's smile changed as he spoke, becoming more of a smirk as he looked between the femmes.

"What would we have in this world without optimism and faith?"

Darkstorm chuckled to herself. "I suppose we do sound alike." She turned to Starlight with a smile. "And I can't help but agree, my friend." She paused. "Speaking of optimism however, there is something I must ask of you."

"Of course. Anything."

"My friends and I cannot guarantee it but… if you will let us, we will try to fix your optics. But, we would need your permission."

Starlight sat there, frozen like a deer in front of headlights, as she contemplated the femme Seeker's words. "C-Come again?"

"We can attempt to fix your optics and give you back your sight, if you would let us," Darkstorm repeated softly.

Coolant welled in the femme's optics. "T-Truly?"

She saw Darkstorm nod. "Truly."

The normally shy, composed femme grinned as she wrapped her arms around the sleeping warlord, her joy being too much to contain. The sheer force of the embrace caused him to learn backwards. He hit the ground with a slight yell.

"My friend, I have wonderful news! I may be able to see!"

If it was anyone else, Megatron would have shot them on sight but… This was Starlight. His companion, the strangely optimistic femme that he did not have the spark to say no to. The way she touched his spark baffled even himself.

He chuckled softly and returned her embrace. "My, this is wonderful news." He paused before turning to the others, a rare flash of gratefulness in his optics. "You… would attempt this for her?"

"We are medics," Darkstorm smiled softly. "Our job is to help those in need. Though, as we said before, it is indefinite whether she will be able to see again. We will need to conduct further examinations of her optics to be certain and even then…" She trailed off. Her somewhat solemn demeanor was interrupted however as the blind femme righted herself and wrapped her arms around the Seeker femme.

"I do not care if it definite or no… The fact that you are willing to aide me is celebration enough. I cannot thank you all enough."

Darkstorm's spark clenched as she returned the embrace. Though this femme was nearly twice her age, Darkstorm felt a need to take care of her. She would try her hardest to fulfill her dreams, Lord willing. They all would.

I can see why Megatron is so taken with her, she thought with a smile.

"So… she must remain here?" Megatron interrupted the silence hesitantly.

"Some of the more intricate equipment is harder to move. She will need to be here during diagnostics," Darkstorm replied, trying to smile encouragingly as she saw the former warlord's gaze darken.

"Then I am afraid I cannot join her."

Starlight whipped around to face her companion. "You cannot join me? Why?"

Megatron wearily vented. "If the sniper's actions are any indication of how I will be greeted if my presence were to be widely known, I believe it would be best if I was not present here in Iacon."

The medics looked on however as Megatron looked down, conflicted, as the femme latched onto his much larger servo. "Please, my friend… I need you here. Regaining my sight would not be as memorable without you. Besides, the mechs and femme in this room would not harm you…" A sincere smile that melted his spark crossed her lip components. "And even if another party attempts such an action, I can protect you." Her blank optics gazed up into his pleadingly. "Please, I beg of you… I know this is painful and forgive me if I am selfish in saying so, but… I need you here."

A few voors earlier, Megatron would have cursed himself for his soft spark. What about this femme caused him to want to fulfill her desires if only to see her smile?

"No, not selfish. If it is your wish that I remain, then I shall, but out of sight when the medical bay contains more visitors." A wry smile tugged on his lip components. "I would not wish to inconvenience your medics by inadvertently adding more scorch marks to the walls."

"If you feel uncomfortable, you can always remain in the equipment room," Darkstorm paused. "But I am sure you aware that, whether you wished it or not, there are some who know of your presence here."

"Optimus included?"

"Of course," Ratchet drew himself up. "I keep no secrets from him."

"And he has not attempted to terminate me. How… chivalrous," Megatron smirked before venting wearily once more. "Very well. I agree to your terms and, of course, will adhere to Autobot law whilst I am in your city so you can recharge without fear. For, I am hardly ready to terminate those in their sleep."

"No one ever said you were," Starlight frowned as she squeezed his servo.

Megatron simply offered her a bitter smile in response before he turned back to the medics. "And do I have your word that she will not be harmed in any way?"

Starlight's frown deepened. "No One, they won't-"

"Of course we won't!" Knock Out's optics narrowed slightly. "What kind of medics do you take us for?"

Megatron simply chuckled humorlessly in response. "I'll take that as a yes."

Darkstorm vented as she continued her examination of the femme's optics, albeit tensely due to Megatron's watch. Thank God, the optical nerves connected to her main processor were undamaged but the main lenses and connective circuitry were still in need of repair. It would take a while for her and the other medics to repair them, if they were even salvageable at this point.

But… she thought with a slight smile. Bumblebee's voice box was thought to be unsalvageable at one point. And God healed him. I have faith that He can do the same for Starlight.

Darkstorm immediately became on guard as she heard familiar footfall. She dropped her tools and quickly shooed Megatron back into one of the storage rooms in the back of the building. Megatron followed her lead irritatedly.

The Seeker femme tried to compose herself as she walked back and saw the med bay's new visitors: Emusa, Smokescreen, and Skye.

"Emusa?" Knock Out asked in slight surprise. "What are you doing here?"

"What can I say? I'm booored," she rolled her optics saucily before smirking. "Besides, I've been dying meet this Neutral femme you've been telling me so much about."

"Us, too," Smokescreen rubbed the back of his helm sheepishly. "Sorry we came at a bad time."

"E-Er, not at all!" Darkstorm said a bit too forcefully as her wings nervously twitched. "We… just didn't expect visitors, that's all."

Observing the Seeker's strange behavior, Smokescreen raised an optic ridge. "Okaaaay."

Meanwhile, the blind femme tilted her helm, holding out her servos as she studied the three new visitors. "Emusa… You look even more beautiful than what I had imagined. A pleasure to finally meet the femme Knock Out talks about so often."

Emusa looked startled and it took her several seconds to process the femme's words before her facade returned. She looked at Knock Out slyly. "Oh, really?" The medic awkwardly coughed and muttered a response. She grinned as she turned back to Starlight. "I like you, girlie."

Starlight giggled. "And I like you, as well." She turned towards the other two with outstretched servos. "And who would you two be?"

"Smokescreen," Smokescreen smiled. "It's nice to meet you, ma'am."

Starlight rolled her optics though the expression was only found by the way she tilted her helm upwards. "I'm not that old. Please, call me Starlight." Her facial plating softened into a smile again as she gazed down at the organic. "And who would you be?"

The girl took a shy step forward. "S-Skye. Pleased to meet you."

"The pleasure is all mine. And an honor, I must say, to meet Darkstorm's human charge. She often talks about you," Starlight's smile widened.

A light shade of red crossed Skye's face as she glanced at her guardian before turning her attention back to Starlight. "Don't let the stories of my spur-of-the-moment antics fool you; I at least try to be responsible."

"I have only heard stories of your bravery, little one, not 'spur-of-the-moment antics'," Starlight replied warmly. "And congratulations, by the way. Smokescreen is lucky to have a femme such as yourself."

Skye lightly laughed. "Oh, thank you." She turned to look at the mech. "And I am to have him."

Smokescreen smiled down at Skye as his cooling fans activated. Starlight chuckled in response before turning to Emusa. "So, I heard from Knock Out that you were a Neutral like myself before the Great War?"

Emusa smirked as she crossed her arms over her chassis. "I never was one to get involved in war. Too much risk for cosmetic damage, you know."

"Nor I, though my reason is physically apparent," Starlight's gaze faltered slightly before it brightened again. "But, that may change. With the help of your sparkmate and my other doting medics, I may be able to regain my sight. That… is why I am still here actually."

Emusa had heard what had happened to the blind femme. It is very difficult to hide information through a bond and she was known for her… persuasiveness. Knock Out eventually told her how Megatron (Megatron, of all mechs!) brought her into their medical bay after she suffered a fall whilst rummaging for energon in the ruins of Altihex. Emusa vented slightly. She now knew why Knock Out was so adamant on joining Megatron after seeing destruction like that caused to the poor femme. Blinded… by Enforcers. Enforcers her upper class sire upheld. The thought of it unsettling her tanks.

"So I've heard. That was… quite the beating you took. Thank God someone was there to save you."

Starlight's smile softened. "Believe me, I thank God continually for him."

Emusa seemed taken aback as she studied the femme. Megatron, of all mechs! And Knock Out told her that Starlight knew who he truly was! While Emusa believed that one could change… This was still Megatron. It would take a while for her to accept the idea.

Skye's attention was diverted from the femme as a scraping sound reached her ears. No one around had shifted so she knew it had to have come from elsewhere, though it still sounded like one of the 'Bots' peddes sliding against the ground. She looked up at her guardian before walking toward a large door curiously, where she assumed the sound had come from.

The door must have been motion-activated, because once Skye was a couple Cybertronian footsteps away, it opened without any action on her part.

The sound prompted Darkstorm's attention to be redirected. "Ski'ri, wait-"

Skye froze as she recognized the pedde in front of her from the time she and the kids had stormed the Nemesis. Her breathing and heart both seemed to stop as her eyes travelled up the frame before freezing on the helm . . . Megatron.

She tried to move backwards, but ended up falling back instead with a yell. Her instincts said to run but her mind was frozen, unable to think straight.

Smokescreen immediately sprung into action. Despite Darkstorm's adamant protests, the former Elite Guard ran forward and cradled Skye to his chassis before pointing a cannon at the former warlord.

"You! What are you doing here?! I swear, if you laid a single digit on her-!"

Before Megatron could reply, he was surprised to see Starlight glare up at Smokescreen as she placed herself between them. Her arms were spread out as if she was trying to protect him. "Smokescreen, leave him be and deactivate your weapon systems now! I won't allow you to harm him."

Smokescreen seemed taken aback. "But, this is-"

"It matters not! I won't allow you to harm him." Her normally soft voice was hardened and dark. "Deactivate your weapon systems… now!"

Smokescreen hesitantly complied. He watched as Starlight turned towards Megatron with… Was he seeing this right? Concern? "Are you alright, my dear friend? He did not harm you, did he?"

"You forget that I grew into a warrior in Kaon's gladiatorial pits… but I thank you for your concern. I am fine." A slight smile danced across his features. Such hidden fire his companion had… and it was revealed while she was concerned for his welfare! These past stellar cycles were certainly ones that surprised and astounded him… but he was beginning to think they were of the pleasant sort.

Starlight vented in relief as she wrapped her arms around him. "Oh, I was so worried…"

Smokescreen watched the exchange with wide optics before turning on Darkstorm. "You knew about this?!"

"Smokescreen," Darkstorm attempted to placate. "He only wishes to see that Starlight is properly repaired. He was doing no harm to anyone here."

"No harm? No harm?! If I hadn't gotten to Skye in time, who knows what that monster could have done-" Smokescreen glared.

Starlight's glare returned. "My friend is no monster! And I am weary of hearing him called one. He would no more harm Darkstorm's charge than he would harm me." Her gaze softened only when her blank gaze met that of Megatron's. "Would you?"

Megatron vented before turning to the others. "I said before that I did not come here to fight or to harm others. It would behoove you to not make a further scene. I was doing no harm. May I remind you that the organic sought me out?"

"Accidentally and after you fragging scared her to death!"

"Smokescreen," Darkstorm's voice was gentle yet stern. "It is not the Autobot way to engage unless first engaged. If you cannot control yourself, then you must leave. Not only for your own safety but so that my patient is not further agitated."

"I'm surprised she isn't already agitated! Is she blind?! Just because he saved our tailpipes once or twice doesn't mean that we can trust him!"

Megatron's spark raced with anger as he saw Starlight's strong facade crumble. Smokescreen immediately regret his words. "I-I didn't mean-"

"I know full well what you meant," Starlight replied softly. "Perhaps, I am blind. Everyone here seems to be surprised that I can care for a mech such as him, even he himself. But doesn't this God that Darkstorm talks about so much teach forgiveness? I have seen Decepticon and Autobot alike be reconciled in this city. Why is he any different?"

Smokescreen's gaze faltered and he opened his mouth only to close it again. Darkstorm placed a servo on his shoulder plating. "Smokescreen, you need time to think. Please, just go."

Smokescreen slowly nodded before exiting the medical bay in a rush, Skye still in his arms.

Despite Starlight's words and the fact that nothing violent had happened, Skye was shaking. "Th . . . that voice. It's the same as at the Omega Lock . . . I wasn't sure it was him until he spoke." She gulped then looked up at the mech carrying her. "I'm sorry."

Smokescreen vented. "I don't care what the others say… I still trust him about as far as I can shoot him." He glanced down at her, concerned. "Are you alright?"

She nodded, albeit hesitantly. "I think so . . . just brings back none-too-pleasant memories."

"Believe me, the feeling's mutual," Smokescreen muttered as he slid down the wall, venting. "I thought that we'd never see him again, especially after the DJD incident. He said he exiled himself and now this? Darkstorm is letting him parade around the base… Does Optimus know? And, more importantly, what if it's all a trap? Some Decepticon trick to offline us all." He offlined his optics. "I was terrified, Skye. Terrified that he'd hurt you. He was close to killing you once… I won't give him a second chance."

Her shaking subsided enough to offer a small smile. "Darkstorm won't either. I may not understand why she trusts him as she does, but I know for certain that she will do whatever it takes to keep us all safe." She put her hand against his. "You don't have to worry about handling it all on your own."

Smokescreen weakly smiled. "She's certainly never been wrong before but…" He vented. "Megatron? What can that femme see in him?"

Skye shook her head. "Your guess is as good as mine. Then again, she hasn't seen what he's done like we have."

"Well, as long as he doesn't hurt anyone, I guess it's fine." Smokescreen paused before venting again. "And I just suffered from that foot in mouth disease again in there, didn't I?"

The girl laughed, though it was light. "Actually I'd say your reaction was to be expected."

"Still, even if I think that the femme's fragging insane, that wasn't fair to her."

Skye shrugged. "I guess. But I think we're all on edge with him around . . . I don't know how the medics looked so calm."

"Try working in a Triage facility," Smokescreen chuckled. "Or being a medic in general. It tests your calmness meter."

Skye tilted her head, thinking back to her wreck. "I guess they have to be. They see some pretty horrific things, and those in need of help certainly aren't calm."

"That and your guardian always had a level helm," Smokescreen smiled slightly.

The girl laughed again. "Despite her brother's helm being a little off-kilter."

Smokescreen joined in on her laughter. "You're telling me." He turned to her with a smile. "Hey, why don't we go for a drive around Praxus? I think we both need to get out of the base for a little while."

She matched the expression and nodded. "That sounds wonderful."

"I'm really sorry you had to endure that. The rookie can… lack tact," Emusa said.

Starlight vented before smiling softly. "I understand that he is protective of his sparkmate. There is no need to apologize on his behalf." She turned to Megatron with a somewhat sheepish gaze. "Forgive me… I did not realize that things would become so heated."

"It… cannot be helped," Megatron replied though his gaze seemed elsewhere.

Such fear… How could he ever have enjoyed seeing such expressions of terror on others' faces?

Starlight frowned. "Are you alright?"

He seemed to snap out of his daze as he at least attempted to genuinely smile for her. "Yes. However, would I be permitted to leave you for a joor or so? I…" He vented. "Need to clear my helm."

Starlight frowned but nodded. "Stay safe, my friend."

And with that, he left.

Sensing that he was gone, Starlight freely vented before turning to the others. "Why can't others see him the way I can? You all treat him civilly but the others… If I knew he would be welcomed like this, I would have never asked him to stay here."

"Some wounds from the war still run deep," Darkstorm smiled softly as she placed a servo on her shoulder plating. "While I can see that Megatron has changed… Others may need more convincing."

"I know that he was the leader of the Decepticons and I heard that he had done terrible things… but, he has only ever been kind to me. It hurts to see him so hated, Darkstorm."

"As I said before," Darkstorm vented. "Some wounds run deep."

Emusa frowned. While she was still far from accepting that Megatron had changed, even she could plainly see the soft expression that came over the former warlord as he looked upon the blind femme. He never once raised his voice at her or threatened to harm her in any way… It baffled her and she could hardly believe the idea, but… the evidence was there.

"Well, I say we quit moping around the medical bay," Emusa smirked, trying to cheer her fellow Neutral. "While you're here, girlie, we might as well show you a good time."

"Oh, no no. What if he returns? I do not want to needlessly worry him," Starlight shook her helm.

"Surely he can't expect you to be confined to these quarters forever," she winked at Knock Out. "Even if they are graced by incredible medics."

Starlight seemed hesitant not only because she was unfamiliar with social situations but because most she did involve herself in… never turned out well. "What… exactly did you have in mind?"

"Introduce you to the rest of the family, maybe watch a few decent human flicks," Emusa chuckled. "Preferably ones that don't make slick threaten to burst into tears while he's attending to patients."

"Ah, so that's what caused his erratic behavior? I did find it odd that his optics kept filling with coolant and a certain time when he nearly broke a scalpel in half out of sheer anger," Ratchet said with a hint of a smirk.

"Ha bloody ha," Knock Out rolled his optics.

Despite herself, Starlight laughed lightly. "If human 'flicks' have that effect, then I think I have a right to be cautious."

"Eh, not all of them," Emusa smirked before muttering under breath. "Just that slagging Titanic film."

"Or any of Miko or Moonracer's… horror movies or creature double features," Darkstorm shook her helm. "I'm sure we can find something suitable."

"Well… I suppose it could not hurt," Starlight began hesitantly before turning to Ratchet and Knock Out. "You will inform me when he returns?"

"Of course," Ratchet nodded.

"Thank you. I appreciate both of your help," Starlight smiled softly before turning to the other two femmes. "So… rest of the… family?"

"Everyone, this is Starlight. She… is temporarily residing here for medical reasons," Darkstorm introduced the femme to the rest of the group.

Elita One and Arcee offered friendly smiles while Flareup tilted her helm upwards, studying the femme cautiously. Moonracer, meanwhile, promptly grinned and embraced the newcomer.

"Hiya! Name's Moonracer."

Starlight seemed taken aback by the embrace before chuckling softly and returning it. "A pleasure to meet you, Moonracer."

Emusa chuckled. "Sorry about that. She's a hugger, that one." Emusa smiled and pointed to each femme. "That's Elita One, Flareup, and Arcee."

"A pleasure to meet you, darling."

"Same here."

However, Flareup made no move to say anything, she simply nodded slightly out of politeness, her arms still crossed over her chassis.

"Is Plasmarift not coming?" Darkstorm asked.

Silverblaze steadied himself against the wall, momentarily taking some of the weight off the braces on his legs. "Oh she'll be along to nag in a minute." His voice held an air of amusement, like said nagging was just another daily occurrence. He nodded to Starlight. "You're the one the place has been all a-buzz about."

Starlight glanced downward timidly. "A-buzz? About me?"

"Oh yeah, everyone's been talking about ol' Bucke-erm, Megatron showing up with a femme. All good things on your part though, I've actually been looking forward to finally meeting you. I'm Silverblaze."

The blind femme subtly frowned at the slip of speech but said nothing. "I see," she vented before hesitantly smiling. "Looking forward to meeting me? I must say I am unused to being told that… Nevertheless, I thank you. It is a pleasure to meet you, Silverblaze."

The mech smiled and nodded. "Likewise."

"So, tell me. You seem fairly close to Plasmarift. Are you her brother or her sparkmate?"

Blaze laughed. "You're rather observant. Sparkmate, though it hasn't . . . well, let's just say we have a rather unique relationship."

"I've learned to be what with the ineffectiveness of my optics," Starlight smiled. "And I have heard that Plasmarift is indeed a unique femme."

Blaze's smile slowly fell. "Yeahh I may have heard about that. I'm sorry; it's tough losing something you're so dependent on. As for Plasma," a small smile returned to his battered features. "She may have a reputation for being a bit . . . obtuse, but she's really a sweetspark once you get past that tough facade."

"It is of no consequence. My sonar equipment is efficient enough. Besides, Darkstorm and the others said there is a slim chance they may be repairable. I can be content with that." Starlight chuckled at the mech's comment about his sparkmate. "And, I see."

"Yeah, Miss-... Plasma really isn't all that bad once you get to know her," Emusa smirked. "Bit of an acquired taste but not that bad."

Silverblaze laughed as he looked to Emusa. "Wow, I didn't expect to hear that from you, Em-eh, can I call you Em? Just with the way you two butt heads . . . excuse me, but it's just a bit unexpected is all." He cleared his throat as his optics shifted back to Starlight. "Uhh where were-oh yeah. Congrats. You can rest assured, if anyone can put you back in top shape, it's our little medley of surgical maestros."

"Sure thing, 'Blaze," Emusa smirked before chuckling. "And we came to an armistice of sorts, I suppose you could say."

Darkstorm, meanwhile, smiled shyly whilst fiddling with her sharpened digits. "I believe surgical maestro would be a more fitting term for Knock Out or Ratchet…"

Flareup snorted. "Please." She smiled slightly. "I've seen you in action. I'd say the term is pretty well placed."

"And if you refute your medical expertise, at the very least I can vouch for your combat skills." Blaze held his light tone. "I may have been clocked out when you and the good doctors fixed me up, but you all got me out of that pit-spawned DJD lab. That was certainly no easy feat."

Darkstorm cleared her throat cables in embarrassment. "W-Well, your sparkmate and mine did do most of the work."

Starlight frowned slightly at the term DJD. Though she was a Neutral, every bot had heard of the Decepticon Justice Division's cruelty… She chose to say nothing more on it. That experience must have been painful for the mech. It was a wonder he was still sane. Then again… what did one have if not for optimism and faith?

She instead chose to dwell upon a cheerier subject. "You have a sparkmate, Darkstorm?"

"W-Well-"

"Yes," Emusa interrupted with a smirk. "Bumblebee, the Autobot scout. She's practically helm over peddes for him."

Silverblaze mirrored her expression. "And he for her. You ought to hear how he talks about our dear little 'Storm, like she's the last femme on Cybertron. It's adorable, really."

Darkstorm's cooling fans activated loudly as her wings began to twitch. "E-Er… w-well… u-umm…. Truly?"

Emusa grinned a tad bit evilly. "You should hear how 'Storm talks about him. It's always 'Bee's the greatest.' 'Did you hear what he did?' 'Oh look what he got me! Isn't it beautiful?'" She fanned herself like a school femme. "'And his paint job and muscles! And that voice!'"

"Oh it's the same for the scout. 'Darkstorm's still in the medbay helping so-and-so. She's so sweet, always putting others before herself.' Or 'doesn't Darkstorm just look stunning today?'" Silverblaze spoke in a high a voice as he possibly could, servo over his spark.

Starlight couldn't help herself. She began to uncontrollably laugh as did some of the other femmes in the room.

"Oh, but she always looks stunning in my optics. My darling, light of my life," Emusa added, her voice too changing to a higher pitch.

Darkstorm glared at the two as her cooling fans increased in volume. "Oh, how very amusing."

Silverblaze snickered and high-fived Emusa. "We certainly think so."

"You know, I like you," Emusa grinned. "It's very rarely someone joins me as a partner in crime." Her facial plating returned to her default smirk. "And even rarer to find someone that can make Darkstorm as flustered as I can."

"May I remind you that you're just as 'helm over peddes', perhaps even more so, about Knock Out?" Darkstorm crossed her arms.

"What of it? You don't hear my cooling fans, do you girlie?" she replied impishly.

"Oh I don't know, just bring up that shining finish or his deep and sultry voice and see what happens." Blaze smirked as his optics locked on the two-wheeler, waiting to see if it worked.

Emusa fought to keep herself under control, feeling that it was working, as she glared at Silverblaze. "Careful, 'Blaze. Two can play at this game."

"Oh I'm nigh fearless. Your sparkmate may know his way around needles and scalpels, but mine's a sniper. I'm much more afraid of her."

Starlight paused in her laughter as her optics widened. Sniper… Could his sparkmate be the one who attempted to terminate her friend? "You said… sniper?"

Silverblaze paused in his teasing as he rubbed the back of his helm with a servo. "Yeeaahhhh . . . one who about scared ten voors off everyone in the medbay from the sound of it. Sorry about that. She can get a little . . . fired up about ol' Bucket-Megatron."

Sensing Starlight's fear, Darkstorm placed a comforting servo on her shoulder plating. "There is nothing to fear from her. As Silverblaze said, she really is quite sweet once you get to know her. She… just needs to get used to the idea of him being here as many others do, that's all."

"You do not think she will attempt it again, do you?" Starlight asked softly with undertones of concern.

Moonracer, Flareup, Elita One, and Arcee stared at her. So the rumors were true… While Elita and Moonracer firmly believed just as Darkstorm did that anyone was capable of change, though they were still wary of Megatron, Flareup and Arcee couldn't believe what they were seeing and hearing.

Was this femme fragged in the helm? Flareup thought in disbelief. It almost made her grateful that her sister and Inferno decided to leave Iacon. Yes, Flareup often visited with the kids and Fido, but it just wasn't the same. Still, she knew after all she and her sparkmate had been through, they deserved some distance from the drama.

"As long as I'm around and Megatron behaves, she should be fine." Silverblaze smiled at Starlight. "I'm sure she'll do all she can to steer clear. She's still steaming that she missed him earlier, though more because her pride as a sniper has taken a hit more than because she didn't take him out. And she's weird in that she won't rush to settle the score anytime soon. You don't have to worry about her."

Anytime soon. The words did nothing to comfort Starlight. Oh, she should have never asked him to stay here…

"If you are certain that there is nothing to worry about…" Starlight trailed off with a slight vent.

Silverblaze reached to place a servo on her shoulder plating but thought better of it, not wanting to spook her with the sudden contact. "Absolutely. If nothing else Optimus won't let us shoot the place up. Something about Cybertron being restored rather than reduced to rubble."

"Optimus… Yes, the leader of the Autobots. I've heard about him. I suppose you're right." Starlight smiled hesitantly after a few moments. "You all must think me strange."

Silverblaze laughed and turned to the others in the area. "I don't think we have any right to judge. You have the battered snipers, nobodies-turned-war-heroes, 'Cons-turned-'Bots, and . . . well, probably a lot of stories that haven't even been shared." He looked back to Starlight. "I think you'd fit right in."

Starlight seemed taken aback. She'd never been expected nor welcomed to fit in anywhere. And, even though most of them hated her friend so, they welcomed her with open arms. It was an unusual feeling but… pleasant. However, a part of her spark ached. If only they could do the same for her dear Megatron. "I-I… Thank you."

The femme tensed however and took a few steps backwards as she sensed a new femme enter the room. It must be Plasmarift, she thought.

The sniper femme grumbled as she approached Silverblaze. "You shouldn't be standing for so long, Blaze."

He didn't heed her words; he simply laughed and shrugged. "See? What'd I say about the nagging?"

"Now." She pushed him forward, not enough to knock him over but enough to tell him she wasn't backing down.

Darkstorm chuckled. "Plasma's right. Your injuries are still healing and I don't want to have to drag you back into the medical bay to reset your braces because you did not heed my instructions, again!" She pulled up a chair and pointed to it. "Sit. Doctor's orders."

His doorwings and shoulders drooped as he pouted at the Seeker. "You always take her side."

"This is not a matter of sides. I am simply looking out for your well being as it is my duty as a medic." Darkstorm crossed her arms. "And I for one am weary of resetting that pit-spawned brace because you cannot listen to me."

He crossed his arms and sat, his optics fixed on Darkstorm as he continued to pout up at her like a sparkling being scolded. "I don't like it either," he mumbled, also in a childish manner.

"Well, whether we like it or not, you need it in order for your legs to properly heal. So it would behoove you to listen to your sparkmate and me."

"And to stop making yourself sound like a child in front of our guest? At least try to pretend you have some pride." Plasmarift looked to Starlight. "I swear, a youngling in a mech's frame. Hey, I think I saw you earlier. In the med bay?"

Starlight slowly nodded, her frame becoming even more tense. "Y-Yes… I was in the med bay undergoing repairs… You must be… Plasmarift?"

The femme nodded. "The one and only. And you are . . .?"

"Starlight," the blind femme replied politely.

"Hmm, nice designation."

Silverblaze smiled up at Plasma. "She was afraid you were some big mean brute, but we told her otherwise." He held his childish tone, his peddes swinging back and forth as he spoke.

"I-I assure you, I thought no such thing. I… simply feared for the… safety of another."

Plasma's expression hardened, similar to deadpan but with some frustration. "Oh, him. He's kept his tailpipe out of trouble for long enough. I'm sure he doesn't need anyone watching out for him."

Starlight visibly winced at the femme's change in tone and demeanor. "Forgive me. But he has 'watched out' for me for so very long. It is only natural that I feel the same."

Plasmarift vented. "It's nothing personal to you, I just watched some of his warmongering first-hand. Lost almost everything to it. It takes a while for me to trust anyone, but asking me to just forgive Megatron is a tall order."

Starlight averted her gaze. "I… am well aware. And I am sorry that you had to suffer so. I… understand that it may be hard." The thought of her dear friend being a war monger bothered her. She had only ever seen his soft and distant kindness and guidance. But, the femme spoke with such bitterness. Was she truly as naive as the others made her out to be? "However, in the future, I would be much obliged if you would not shoot at my dear friend, if possible."

The femme grumbled. "The mech's nigh bulletproof. There's no point in me wasting the energon if I'm just going to mar the walls anyway."

"I see," was Starlight's soft response.

Darkstorm gazed between the two femmes and attempted to change the subject. "So, why don't we watch those human films I promised?" She smirked at Emusa. "No chick flicks, though."

"What a relief," Emusa rolled her optics.

"Ooo! Oo!" Moonracer grinned and excitedly waved her arms back and forth. "We can watch Insidious!"

"Pit no," Flareup crossed her arms. "You're gonna give us all nightmares again. That scrap can fly with Miko but not with us."

Moonracer pouted. "You guys are no fun!"

"Let's just play it safe with those Disney movies Raf's mother brought us," Elita suggested.

Silverblaze seemed to brighten at the idea. "Yeah there's one I heard about I've been wanting to see. Freezing . . . or Froze or something like that. The one with the ice and the queen and the . . . ice."

Darkstorm seemed to remember the name from Skye. "Frozen?"

The mech pointed to her. "Ah-hah! Yes, that's the one."

"If it's a chick flick, I swear I'll peel everyone's paint," Emusa grumbled.

"From what Skye told me, it should be alright to watch," Darkstorm said, smiling encouragingly at the femme. "She said she particularly enjoyed the music."

Starlight brightened slightly at the thought of hearing music again, whether it was Cybertronian or no. "Well… I suppose it can't be that bad."

"Wait, aren't Disney movies supposed to be for… human younglings?" Flareup quirked an optic ridge.

Blaze looked at her. "Hey, you never out-grow Disney!"

"Riiiight." Flareup moved to go. "I'd better get going anyway. Fido and the boys are probably about ready to send out a search party." Moonracer stopped her.

"Flare!" she whined. "You made me watch that boooring crime show! Now you have to watch this! Besides, you need a femme's night out every once in a while. We barely hang out anymore!"

"The last 'femme's night out' we had, my optics were threatening to leak coolant," Flareup glared at her. "Read my lip components. No."

"Flare!"

"No."

"B-But-"

"No!"

Moonracer crossed her arms stubbornly. "You watch this with us or I'm going to tell everyone that you and Predaking just-"

Flareup's optics widened. "You wouldn't dare!"

"I would," Moonracer smiled a tad bit evilly.

Flareup hissed curses under her breath in Cybertronian before throwing her arms up in the air in surrender. "Fine!"

Moonracer grinned wildly and embraced her friend. "You're the best, Flare."

"You're lucky I like you," she grumbled.

"I guess this is my cue to leave." Plasma turned and started heading toward the corridor before the others could stop her.

"Plasma, wait." Silverblaze reached for her but she was already out of his reach. With a groan, he stood and went after her. He caught up to her after they both rounded the corner and were part-way down the hall. He gently grabbed her arm and turned her to face him.

"Blaze, I don't do group things like this. It hasn't been the same since I lost you, and I don't feel like going rounds with the two-whee-Emusa. Or Starlight."

He offered a kind smile as both his servos rested on her shoulders. "You won't be spoiling anyone's fun by staying. Actually, quite the opposite. It won't be the same without you there brooding over how irrational humans are."

She turned her helm away. "Or just everyone in general."

He turned her face back to his with a digit under her chin. "We haven't had a lot of time together. Let's not waste more apart over such simple things as this. Let's just go enjoy the vid."

She stared up into those optics and knew there was no winning. Plasma vented. "Fine, but you owe me."

He laughed and kissed her forehelm. "I love you, too."

The video started out simple enough. A blonde human with "magical" powers and her sister. However, her sister was harmed and her father trained her from that point forward to conceal, to not feel anything.

Emusa cursed herself as coolant began to well in her optics. This human flick was hitting home and she did not like it. She too had to conceal her emotions, to force herself not to feel anything as she went to the dinners, danced with the obnoxious upper-class mechs, and smile and behave like the perfect daughter her sire always wanted her to be.

Slagging human films.

She was tempted to leave but didn't want Darkstorm following her and asking her what was wrong, like she was bound to do. Or the others wondering what had happened. She'd grin and bear it. After all, it couldn't be as bad as the Titanic.

Starlight meanwhile smiled softly as she listened to the beautiful music. It was nothing like Cybertronian but oh… it took her breath away.

Both the parents of the human girls died in what seemed to be a sea storm. Elsa was crowned queen and a huge banquet was held. The two sisters were reunited in the first time in forever. All seemed well until Anna introduced a prince that she was planning to marry… after they had only known each other for barely a cycle!

Emusa snorted and rolled her optics. Were human femmes this dense? Is this what they see love as? Marry the first glitchy mech that smiles at them?

Knock Out and her had known each other for three voors at least and he still hadn't proposed to her. It takes more than a cycle to become sparkmates with anyone. She didn't care if he was like this high and mighty Prince Hans or not.

"So beautiful," Darkstorm smiled softly.

Emusa smiled wryly to herself. She would.

That is when things went awry. Elsa, after being pushed by her sister, released her powers and fled the kingdom out of fear. Anna went out to search for her and left the kingdom in Prince Han's capable, Emusa inserted sarcasm here, hands.

That is when the dam broke. Soft piano drifted through the air as Elsa began to sing on that lonely mountain top.

"Don't let them in, don't let them see. Be the good girl you always have to be."

Against Emusa's will, streams of coolant escaped her optics. She kept her facial plating fixed on the screen and tried to relax, hoping the others wouldn't notice.

She had no friends when she was a youngling. No one. At least, no true friends. And, what friends she did manage to secure, were always stolen away from her. She was forced to be the femme her sire wanted her to be. She never made a single decision for herself until she went to the Academy… and met him.

"Conceal, don't feel. Don't let them know."

She concealed her feelings behind a sarcastic facade and a polite, proper one when around her sire and his associates. The walls around her spark were so strongly fortified that she believed nothing could break them. She was her sire's puppet, going through the motions as if life were one huge drama. She thought the strings holding her to him would never be cut until she bumped into a medical student by chance. She had never let anyone see her true self, the femme she was on the inside, until Knock Out came.

"I will rise like the break of dawn. Let it go! Let it go! That perfect girl is gone! Here I stand, in the light of day! Let the storm rage on. The cold never bothered me anyway."

Yet more tears came as Emusa saw Elsa hide herself away triumphantly in her icy palace. Free.

Slagging human film. Why does this always happen to me? she thought.

Slag it, Emusa. Do I have to restrict you from those blasted human vids?

She looked downwards guiltily. I-I'm so sorry…

Nono, don't apologize. But I will say this, if I'm not allowed to brood, you're not allowed to brood. Deal?

I'm afraid I'm just as difficult as you are, slick. But… I'll most certainly try. Emusa weakly smiled.

Knock Out seemed amused. I'll take what I can get.

Emusa disguised wiping her tears away by making it look like she was rubbing her tired optics. Please tell me you didn't almost cry in front of the rust bucket or a patient.

I'm half-lucky, just the old timer.

Her lip components twitched upwards slightly. I told you this would get taxing.

And I told you I'm with you no matter how badly you shatter my image. With love, of course.

I'm afraid your image might be shattered a bit more often than you would like being with me. Emusa vented before smirking slightly. But, you did order me not to brood. And I'm afraid you might take drastic measures if I'm too stubborn to listen.

Oh I know just asking very sweetly will get the job done. Now if it were that mech Silverblaze, I might have to whip out my particularly scary-looking tools. But you're more reasonable.

Emusa snorted back laughter. Reasonable? I'd never have used that to describe myself, she smiled. But you always did see the best in me.

Compared to that mech? I think a newborn sparkling is reasonable compared to him. Not to say you're impossible to sweet-talk or level with.

And I still say you are severely lucky that that "sweet-talk" works.

Mm-hmm. Just get back to crying over your blasted vid, I'll see you later.

Emusa rolled her optics. Oh joy, oh bliss. She turned back to the film to see that Elsa had lashed out at her sister accidentally. Her heart had been frozen.

Darkstorm's optics welled with coolant. "Oh, no," she moaned.

Let me guess, another movie night?

Darkstorm chuckled. Unfortunately. But, this is far preferable to the Titanic.

Yeah, I was on the verge of sobbing when you watched that one. She could hear Bumblebee's laughter. Just take it easy, alright? He smiled. I love you.

And I love you, my beloved scout, Darkstorm smiled softly.

Elita One had a similar conversation with her sparkmate through their bond as she too teared up during the movie.

And, surprisingly, Flareup did, as well.

Sorry, Fido, but tell the kids I may be later than expected. Moon is making me watch a fragging Disney film of all things. And she almost spilled! Can you believe that?

She was met with a deep, amused chuckle. I still do not understand why you keep our bonding a secret.

Oh, they'll find out someday but not now. She smirked. Besides, you know how I hate being in the spotlight. 'S always been my sister's job.

Very well. Still, I believe you have a beautiful voice, he purred before he began to sing a song that he had taught her in the Predacon language. Won't you join me, my beautiful warrior?

Flareup mentally glared at him as she felt her cooling fans activate. Cute, but not that cute. Still, she knew she couldn't keep up that front for long. Her expression melted into a smile as she said, See you in a few, then I might indulge you.

I look forward to it.

Flareup rolled her optics. Mechs.

Starlight simply tilted her helm and continued to listened to the film since her sonar equipment did not compute the wavelengths on the television. She deeply enjoyed the movie thus far. A very interesting plot. She was worried about Elsa's fate but oh, the music… It was beautiful.

Arcee observed the movie nonchalantly while Flareup muttered under her breath. "I still can't believe you made me do this, Moon."

"What? I kinda like it," Moonracer replied innocently.

"You would," Flareup brusquely replied.

Silverblaze's coolant-filled optics shifted to Plasma as he leaned toward her, though still facing the vid. You okay?

She looked at him, surprised. Wh-what? It's just a human vid, why wouldn't I be?

Because I know how guilty you feel. Our bond may not be as strong as it used to be, but I still get little inklings to how you're feeling. And, my dear, this is pulling at your spark strings.

She grumbled. Has anyone ever told you how annoying you are?

You mean annoyingly adorable? You've told me on occasion.

She smiled and shook her helm. I'm fine, I swear. You, on the other hand, have coolant in your optics.

He sniffed. It's a touching vid.

Uh-huh. Just keep the waterworks pointed to the screen, will you?

He smiled. I can try. Plasma rolled her optics as she turned her focus back to the film.

The movie went on as the song "Fixer Upper" was played. It certainly lightened the mood before the climax. Anna was sent back to her kingdom and was about to kissed by her fiance, only to be turned down and left for dead.

Darkstorm and Elita began to tear up out of sheer shock.

"Knew it," Emusa muttered under her breath. "That mech screamed jerk from klicks away."

"You're telling me," Arcee smirked.

And then… as Elsa attempted to escape her captors and flee, the ultimate sacrifice was made. Just before she fully froze, Anna shielded her sister from the prince's blade.

Darkstorm covered her gasp with a servo. "No!" she yelled in anguish.

Plasma heard small gasping sounds next to her, and turned her attention from the screen to investigate. "Mech, are you . . . crying?"

Bawling was more accurate. Servos to his face, coolant freely flowed down Silverblaze's facial plating. He looked to her, surprise on his features. "What, you're not?" She just shook her head with a smile as she continued watching. Sure it was sad, but . . . really?

Emusa, Flareup, and Arcee began to chuckle at the mech's reaction. "Hang in there, 'Blaze," Arcee smirked. "It's almost over."

Just when all seemed lost, Anna was thawed by the power of her sister's love. The kingdom was restored to summer and the movie ended.

Darkstorm wiped her optics. "I'm sorry… I didn't realize it would be that bad."

"I told you we should have watched Insidious!" Moonracer said.

"And give the poor darling nightmares?" Elita asked, referring to Starlight.

"I… do not get night terrors easily," Starlight smiled. "But thank you for your concern."

"I still can't believe you blackmailed me into watching this scrap," Flareup grumbled.

"I should've left at the beginning," Emusa rolled her optics. "Slagging human vids."

Darkstorm nodded in silent agreement before turning to Silverblaze. "Are you alright?" she smiled.

He wiped at the still-falling coolant. "Maybe. In a joor or five. Slaggit, what kind of depraved people are humans that they make such spark-breaking vids?"

"Try watching the Titanic," Emusa said blandly. "It was so bad, the big O and 'Bee were running in here to check up on their sparkmates."

"And your sparkmate wasn't close to doing the same?" Flareup smirked.

"Oh ha ha," she glared.

"Well," Starlight interrupted. "If it is not too much trouble, I must see if my friend has returned."

"Of course," Darkstorm smiled softly. "I'll see you all around soon." She turned to look pointedly at Silverblaze. "And give your legs a rest, won't you?"

"And if I told you the hinges are already getting a little squeaky?" Despite the coolant, he offered the medic an innocent-too-innocent-smile.

"Then I would strap you to a medical berth until you gained some sense," Darkstorm countered.

His face dropped and optics widened. Plasma put a servo on his shoulder and leaned toward Darkstorm. "He'll see you tomorrow morning. That way you can take your sweet time and work on that joint aaaaall day."

He turned to his sparkmate. "N-no no, you can't leave me alone in the med bay."

"Then stop walking around when you're not supposed to."

He grumbled as his doorwings dropped. "Traitor."

"We only do it because we care for you," Darkstorm chuckled. She walked through the doorway along with Emusa and Starlight before turning back to the mech. She touched two digits to her optics then pointed back at the mech. "I'll be watching you."

And with that, the three femmes left towards the medical bay. The med bay was still empty, save for the medics, when they arrived. Starlight frowned but said nothing. The events of the cycle must have upset her friend deeply… He needed time. That much she understood.

Sensing her upset demeanor, Darkstorm placed a comforting servo on her shoulder plating. "He will return to you. Have faith."

"I suppose," Starlight smiled slightly. "Though I wish I had as abundant a supply as you."

"All thanks be God's," Darkstorm smiled.

Emusa somewhat sheepishly approached her sparkmate. "Are you alright, slick?"

"Well that depends." He wrapped one arm around her shoulders and hugged her to him. "Did you have fun or did my emotional stability suffer in vain?"

"Eh, I suppose the movie wasn't half bad," Emusa's expression faltered. "I… truly am sorry about that. I didn't mean to make your emotional stability suffer."

"Nununo, if you had a good time it's all that matters. No need to feel bad or do I have to brood to get the point across?" He smirked as he spoke, though he meant what he said.

Emusa felt as much. A slight smirk pulled on her own lip components. "I told you before how stubborn we both are." Her facial plating slowly brightened into a mischievous grin. "But no brooding from you. Because you know I will take drastic measures to make that you cease and desist, my beloved mad doctor."

"Exactly. So don't make me go to extremes to convince you it's quite alright."

Emusa impishly giggled before kissing his buccal plating. "You drive a hard bargain but I suppose I'll try to accept it."

"Attagirl." He smiled and kissed her back. "See, I knew what I was doing when I decided to take a chance on you."

"And I'm afraid my processor was so scrambled from that deep voice of yours that I didn't know what I was doing," Emusa joked.

"Oooohh so that's the secret, is it? I can just speak and your processor gets all jumbled?"

"Voice, stunning finish, handsome features," Emusa smirked. "Not to mention your charming personality. You name it. I'm afraid you have that effect on me, slick."

He donned a confident smile as his gait straightened. "Well, it's nice to know I only have to work at one of the above; the rest are just innate gifts. You're lucky to have found such a catch."

Emusa laughed lightly. "Careful. You might dislodge a tire by patting yourself too hard on the back."

Knock Out let out a sound that was a hybrid of a laugh and a cough, both showing his surprise. "Oohhh nice one."

"I may be gorgeous but isn't my sharp wit what keeps you interested, my dear?" Emusa grinned.

"That's a loaded question I dare not tread near. I'll just stick with "all of the above" and call it safe."

"And you're smart, too," Emusa chuckled. "I am lucky to have 'caught' you." She smirked. "Though with your spark melting qualities, it's hard to tell who's the fisher here."

"Mm from what I know of human culture, the one who's not the fisher would be easily lured in by shiny things and end up with a hole in their lip . . . let's just say we found each other and leave such . . . unsavory aspects out of it, shall we?"

Emusa shook her helm amusedly. "Humans…. They never cease to astound." She turned to Ratchet with a smirk. "Everything alright here?"

"Yes, but-"

"Good," Emusa grinned before taking Knock Out's servo in her own. "I believe we both need a break from emotional instability. And I'd say it's about time you had some fun, doctor's orders."

He laughed slowly as he tapped his digits against hers. "I think I could get used to this." He turned his helm to Darkstorm as they headed toward the door. "You'll know how to find me should you require assistance."

"Make sure he doesn't come back too sore, Emusa," Darkstorm joked.

Emusa laughed. "If he does, it'll be his own fault." She waved with her free servo after doing a mock salute. "Take it easy, girlie."

"I will most certainly try," Darkstorm chuckled. "Enjoy yourselves!"

When the medic and his sparkmate left, Starlight chuckled. "It certainly must never be dull… having them around."

"You have no idea," Darkstorm followed suit while shaking her helm.

Megatron vented softly as warm air cascaded past his alt mode. He continued to fly at a high altitude, out of sight, around the wilderness of Praxus Heights. The flight was calming, to at least some extent.

Still, the events of the past cycle disconcerted him. Not only did that sniper attempt to terminate him but... that organic femme. Darkstorm's charge. He remembered seeing her back when he and Optimus fought over control of the Omega Lock.

Such fear... How was he not bothered by this before? How could he ever have reveled in such expressions?

Megatron cursed his spark for aching. It was only a pathetic organic femme, but it ached all the same.

He thanked this God that Starlight did not treat him in such a manner.

Starlight, he thought with a smile. Even when she knew my true identity, she dared to call me a friend.

However foolish her actions may have been, Megatron appreciated them. Though he felt it selfish, he welcomed the warm relief that enveloped his spark whenever she was near.

Besides, once the medics were finished, he could leave once more. No more flashes of hatred or fear. He can be lost to Cybertronian society again.

He... felt he had all that he truly needed anyway.

Speaking of which, he thought. I may as well return.

Megatron never was one to run away from a challenge. He would face whatever came from the Autobots and former Decepticons head on, as long as Starlight was content.

When he returned, only Ratchet, Darkstorm, and Starlight were in the medical bay.

"Now let's remove these lenses," he heard Darkstorm mutter. "You are fortunate they have not shattered. Perhaps if these were replaced..." He watched as Darkstorm gently removed the cracked and broken lenses to reveal the circuitry underneath.

Starlight fidgeted slightly. "This... will not harm me in any way, will it?"

"Of course not. I'm only taking a look now and replacing an external part. If I were to rummage around and repair circuitry, I would have induced stasis," Darkstorm said gently. "There is nothing to fear."

"So it would seem, though you always were a capable medic," Megatron said, interrupting the silence.

Starlight smiled wildly, hearing his familiar voice, and moved to embrace him before Darkstorm held her down with a servo. "Don't move. I don't want you hurting yourself. He can come to you."

"Very well," she vented.

Megatron chuckled softly. The excitement that overtook her whenever she saw him (him, of all mechs!) never ceased to astound his war weary processor. "It would be wise to heed your medic's advice." Starlight smiled once more when she felt his large servo envelop her shoulder plating. Not a single shudder of fear changed her countenance nor a grimace of distaste nor a snarl of hatred. Just a smile filled with silent joy.

Megatron felt his spark involuntarily warm.

"I am glad to see that you are back, my friend. Tell me, did your flight go well?"

"It was... pleasant enough. And how did you spend the time while I was gone?"

"Darkstorm and Emusa introduced me to the other femmes in the base. Most of them are quite friendly. We watched a human film called... Frozen, I believe. My sonar equipment couldn't quite help me view it but I could distinguish most of what happened by listening." She vented a bit wistfully. "And the music, No One... I didn't realize humans could orchestrate so beautifully."

Megatron quirked an optic ridge while Darkstorm chuckled. "Though, needless to say, I believe Emusa and I might be banned from human films for the time being."

The left corner of Megatron's lip components tugged upwards slightly before he turned to Starlight. "Well, I... am pleased that you enjoyed yourself, my dear."

Starlight brightened and Megatron could have sworn that a light enveloped the medical bay. Oh, what was this femme doing to him?

Darkstorm smiled knowingly to herself before replacing the cracked and broken lenses with new ones, careful not to damage the coolant ducts. "There, that should make you more comfortable."

"Thank you, Darkstorm, for your kindness and aide," Starlight replied softly. "I am forever in your debt."

"No debt is necessary, my friend. God has called me to aide others and I am all too happy to accept that calling." Darkstorm turned to leave. "Well, I might as well end my shift before 'Bee comes looking for me. I gave you my comm code and that of the other medics if you need any assistance. Get some rest. We'll see if I can't repair those frayed circuits in the morning."

"Thank you."

Darkstorm smiled once more before turning to Megatron. Her expression softened. "The same goes for you. Get some rest and, if you need to refuel, I left some spare energon cubes in case you need them."

A wry smile crossed his features. "Have you forgotten that I was once a gladiator in Kaon? I am quite capable of taking care of myself."

"Oh, I am well aware. Still, can I not try to help those who are in need?" Darkstorm replied softly. "I offer you no pity nor anything else save for this: If you should need any assistance, I will be here."

"My thanks," Megatron lowered his helm in a slight bow, though his voice had darkened considerably.

Darkstorm's gaze faltered before she eventually left. Starlight turned to Megatron with a slight frown. "Why do you scorn her aide so?"

Megatron vented wearily. "I... know not. Perhaps it is because I do not believe I can be fixed, no matter how capable she is. Or... perhaps it is because I am reminded of what she had to endure under my rule."

"What have I told you about dwelling on the past, my friend? It will do you no good, only harm. She seems to forgive you. Why can you not forgive yourself?"

"Sometimes that is the most difficult part of healing," Megatron smiled but with a melancholy air.

Starlight softly caressed his servo. Megatron nearly melted in awe at the gentleness, and kindness, of her touch. "I know... and though you believe you are unfixable, you forget how headstrong I can be. I beg of you, Megatron, do not close yourself off. She is only trying to help as I am. You know you do not have to bear this burden alone."

Why was it that his designation sounded heavenly when falling from her lip components? She said it with such... love. No better word could describe it. Love and genuine concern. He could not help but think of how strange it truly was.

And a still, small Voice commanded him to listen and that... he was never alone.

"I was once a mighty leader, a commander of an entire Armada with thousands, perhaps millions, of Cybertronians under my command. I have become accustomed to bearing burdens on my own." Megatron smiled slightly. "But I find it strange, Starlight, that it takes only a femme's word to convince me to obey."

"As I said before, I am headstrong, especially towards that which I value. Why do you think I stayed by your side in the early cycles of our meeting? Besides... I never was one to run away from a challenge."

"Oh? So I am a challenge then? An obstacle to be conquered?" If Megatron had spoken to another with these words, they would have quaked with fear and immediately apologized for their Freudian slip of glossa. But, Starlight laughed for she had known Megatron in ways the others never did. To her, he was a beloved friend and her opinion of him would never change. Besides, the mech could never bring himself to be truly angry at her.

"No, not an obstacle." Starlight shook her helm with a grin. "I simply meant that you were so introverted when we met, so... afraid. But you were alone and I was alone so I thought it fitting that instead of wallowing in our own pits, that we remain together. And, I must say, whoever has your spark has a beloved treasure indeed. You are a challenge with a worthy prize."

Megatron withdrew his servo from her shoulder plating as his optics widened. His spark... a beloved treasure. He was struck speechless as his processor attempted to decipher the femme's words.

He had been called so many things as did his spark. Cold. Broken. Black. Filled with evil, hate, and sadism. Lusting for blood shed. Some even claimed that he had no spark. But... a beloved treasure?

Mistaking the gesture and Megatron's shock, Starlight lowered her gaze. "F-Forgive me for my impudence. I did not mean-"

"No," Megatron interrupted softly. "You did nothing wrong, my dear. I... simply am unused to being referred in such in a manner." He placed a reassuring servo on her shoulder plating before turning to leave. "Get some rest. I shall be here to greet you in the morning."

When the doors to the storage room closed, Megatron slumped downwards as the femme word's circled around his processor. A beloved treasure...

And, he was beginning to think that she had already gained that, his spark. Whether by his will or not, Megatron could not deny that he cared for the femme like he had cared for no one else.

Megatron smiled wryly before his optics offlined. The mighty leader of the Decepticons defeated by a mere femme... Oh, how Starscream would mock him.

Later that night, when all had abandoned their posts for recharge, Starlight adjusted her position on the medical berth for the nth time that night. Even when they were dwelling in that cavern near the ruins of Altihex, his presence was at least a few feet away and it comforted her.

She reluctantly stepped off her berth and approached the storage room. She silently prayed that he wouldn't be cross with her. She meant no offense. The gesture was harmless. She simply needed to recharge and he calmed her enough so that she could.

The door to the storage room opened and Starlight could see that the warlord's form lay slumped against a rack, his optics offline. He was recharging.

Good, she thought. I can just slip in here and then leave in the morning unnoticed. Truly, there is no harm in that.

She positioned herself on the ground adjacent to him and vented contently as her optics offlined.

A few voors later, Megatron onlined his optics. He never could recharge peacefully. Nightmares, mainly. Ever since the first time he was possessed by Unicron, they plagued him without respite.

He vented and was about to get up for another flight before he felt something was amiss. He turned his helm and observed that Starlight had repositioned herself in her sleep so that her helm was laying on his chassis.

The femme seemed... content with a soft smile that seemed permanently plastered onto her lip components.

Megatron smiled and shook his helm amusedly. This femme...

Megatron wrapped an arm around her and watched as the femme snuggled deeper into his chassis. He offlined his optics.

Thank this God that he had her.

D/N: 35 pages… The longest chapter to date. This was partially because we clumped together plot bunnehs we wrote during Christmas break because we're both busy and partially because since we're so busy, updates might be few and far between. We will definitely finish this series but I am beginning to debate writing our last saga because it will be long and require a lot of time and effort that I might not have. Just a heads up.

And onto the long list of prayer requests I have. If you wouldn't mind, can you please pray for blondie's coworker? Her brother recently died of cancer. And also for a friend of mine who lost his father two nights ago, my family's financial problems, my own struggles with finding the Lord's path for me, and the whole mess with Israel and Russia and everything going on in the world right now.

Also, I just wanted to let people know that if they are fans of Joel Osteen, to watch a video on my Tumblr. It kinda shook me up that his wife would say something like that so… be cautious.

To Bluefeather4299: x'D Yup. Quite hopelessly, I'm afraid lol. I'm glad you liked the chapter, hon!

To Mindwipe: Wow, that's an awesome OC. I love him~ Are you sure you're not a professional author? You have some wonderful ideas. And, please, just Megan will do. I am so glad to hear that your brother is alright. That must have been quite the scare. And… yet again, I am struck speechless. Tell your brother that he is very kind and that I thank God for him, too. I am simply trying to share the love of God with others.

To Sparkcrusher: Darkstorm looked at the message, optics slowly narrowing. "You can tell Galvatron," she began coldly. "That I changed my allegiance for the sake of peace. If he tries to terminate either me or my brother, the consequences will be most dire."

To Super Shadic: Well, thank you. I'm glad you love the way I am characterizing Megatron. As for the father/daughter thing, you will have to see. :3

"Do not let your hearts be troubled (distressed, agitated). You believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely on God; believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely also on Me. Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]" John 14:1,27 AMP

"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]" John 16:33 AMP

Thank you all for the lovely reviews and your continued support! May God bless you and your day!

Until next time, Dream'sRealm

B/N: Holy cats is this really from Christmas? . . . Wow. Yeah guess so, since it was while I still liked Frozen, so it was before it was released in March . . . dang I thought this was more recent xDD anywho hope ya enjoyed this chap and all the silliness therein, then the feels as always. As Dreamy said we have a lot of stress right now, the both of us, but getting to write and get feedback on it lifts our spirits :33

Mindwipe (TIAFD): askdfjlhaskfdh D: maker's breath, tell him to take it easy amg

God bless, guys~