Author's note. Written by me and the-writing-mew.
Enjoy and please review.
Later...
Kaon's palace city...
"What? After insulting her, he now wants to see her? What the frag for?!" Starscream practically screamed as his leader and friend told him the news of their travel to Iacon and that his daughter was required to go as well.
"I don't know, all I know is that he wants to meet her personally just as Ultra Magnus; but don't worry my friend, I will not let her being abused by that rusting, poor polished waste of metal."
The Emperor's reassurance wasn't enough for the seeker as this one started pacing the office. "That is not what worries me, what does worries me is that she...she can follow his games and end up in an insult fight with the High Council mech! And Primus knows she learned many new words after hearing Ratchet fight with you and Hook!" Exclaimed the winged mech.
"I think she's wise enough to keep quiet, a verbal fight with an idiot is pointless, it reduces you to their level and defeats you by experience." Megatron tried but the commander didn't looked convinced.
"She's smart and incredibly intelligent but still needs years of experience to be considered wise! She kept quiet once, the first time he insulted her but I really fear next time she will just...bit him! With everything she learned and more! Primus, I know my daughter and I know...I feel she wants revenge after he called her an insect!" The seeker babbled desperate and Megatron put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Slipstream is still a sparkling and Alpha Trion is as old as the universe, he may know with just seeing her how to push her buttons! And even for me they are easy to find!"
"Calm down. Starscream; you need to trust more in your daughter, besides I will be there, Valour will be there...and even the Magnus will be there and he assured me that he will not let that old thing to bully her."
Starscream looked at Megatron desperately still. "I know is normal for a carrier to feel this scared when their sparkling is in a potential danger...but..."
"But nothing, everything will be okay, I will talk to Valour about this and will tell him to help her to control herself just in case... I suggest you to do the same with Slipstream, speak with her and tell her that there is no use in a verbal fight no matter how much that decrepit dog barks." Once again the emperor assured and suggested, but Starscream still seemed worried.
...
The next day...
Iacon...
Magnus's estate...
The Decepticon emperor reached the entrance closely followed by his son and heir and his fiancée; both sparklings looked amazed at the beautifully carved rocks that decorated the entrance, pillars, doors and even fountains, also everything seemed so white.
"Wow..." gasped Slipstream in awe before floating around admiring every piece. Good that her brothers were back in Kaon with her carrier or they might have touched everything no matter how much she insisted them to stay on ground...
...and not even she could stay on ground even if she didn't touched anything. "So white...is like being in the clouds...!" The seekerlet said before Valour ran after her and lifted up his arms in order for her to lift him up and see better the beautiful paintings on the roof,
Just as she took Valour and they started flying towards the high ceiling, Megatron took his son by the legs and the femmling by the waist and continued walking without caring about their whines of disappointment.
"Not now, children, we're going to see very important people and you must behave like adults in front of them, just as your rank demands on you." The Emperor instructed and both sparklings put a face at him before they saw an elegant white and silver femme walk near closely followed by two sparklings that walked behind her with their heads up and their backs so rigid and erect that they seemed to believe the world was theirs...
...it was obvious they were the creations of some senator.
The femme made an educated nod at the Emperor closely followed by the sparklings following her; by now both Valour and Slipstream were on the ground again and the other Autobot sparklings just eyed at them with their nose up and their blue optics scanning them before pulling up a sneer on their faces.
Slipstream frowned at their rude gestures and her wings fanned angrily, but before she could say or do anything, Megatron took her up. "Hey!" She said in indignation and the older mech replied. "They hadn't done anything to you, but its up to you to believe they had and act upon it; it is not worthy to waste energy in a situation that is not dangerous in any case."
She crossed her arms and pouted as they continued walking and Valour innocently waved his hand at them...who of course just gave him the same contemptuous look; however for the little red and blue sparkling it was nothing and he continued after his sire and friend.
"I hope we don't have to play with those Sparklings," Slipstream muttered, if she had to interact with bratty snobs, it was not going to end well.
"I'm sure we won't have to," Valour assured her. "We're having a fun day with my carrier and grandparents; we won't have to deal with them."
"We better not," she mumbled as they entered a beautiful garden.
"Whoa, this is brilliant," Valour exclaimed as they walked through an arch way made up of exotic flowers whose scent gently wafted down to them.
Megatron was impressed, his gardens were good too but they were also quite young, these gardens had had stellar cycles in which to grow and be tended to. So of course, they were pure masterpieces and it was hard not to feel envious.
"I bet daddy likes this," Valour now said and Megatron frowned. Was it possible that Optimus would enjoy himself too much living in Iacon and never want to return to Kaon Palace? It was an unpleasant thought and he quickly forced it down. Today was about getting to know his mate properly and spending quality time with their son.
"Can we go flying later?" Slipstream begged Megatron, she really wanted to soar above such a lovely place and admire it. Not to mention, there might be trees she could sample fruits and crystals from.
"Perhaps later," Megatron said, he was distracted by the sight of three figures in the distance.
"Daddy!" Valour squealed in delight and he started to run forward.
"Be careful of your arm," Megatron warned, it was still healing up.
"I will," Valour promised as he ran along, Slipstream close behind him.
"Valour," Optimus said happily, bending down as his Sparkling reached him and scooping him up. "My sweetspark, I missed you."
"I missed you too daddy," Valour purred, cuddling in.
Ultra Magnus watched with a smile, Alpha Trion just looked uninterested. The former had warned him to behave but it didn't mean he had to put on ridiculous shows of emotion.
"Hello lady Slipstream," Ultra Magnus greeted. "I'm Ultra Magnus, Optimus's carrier...I believe you've met his Sire."
"Yes sir," she said with a nod, looking at Alpha Trion. "It's good to see you again High Councilman Alpha Trion."
He nodded stiffly.
"How is your arm?" Optimus asked his son as Megatron walked up. "Does it hurt?"
"No, it's just stiff," Valour assured him. "Mama and Hook fixed it right up; grandpa says I can take the cast off soon."
"That's good," Optimus said in relief, unable to stop shooting Megatron a look which made the other Mech squirm. "Megatron."
"Optimus," Megatron said softly. "You're looking very well."
"Thank you, you look good too," Optimus said, half turning away. He wasn't sure how to be with his mate, his former master.
Valour then looked up from one Mech to the other and then said; "Why don't we go and walk around?"
"Yes!" Slipstream squeaked and Alpha Trion gave a little jump before scowling.
"Come on!" He said practically jumping from his carrier's arms to the floor and ran towards the inner gardens closely followed by Slipstream who floated behind him.
Ultra Magnus chuckled and shook his head. "Ahh...sparklings... how nice is to have them running or flying around this ancient gardens... right Trion?"
"Hmm...!" Was everything the older mech answered before crossing his arms against his chest.
"Well, come on, let's take a seat and ask for some tea...and talk," The Magnus said and all of them agreed...
...all of them but Alpha Trion who looked at the direction the sparklings left as if he wanted to go after them too, and with a frown that is what he did,
"Where you think you're going?" Ultra Magnus stopped him by taking him by the waist and purred against his audio. "You're staying here with us; Optimus' sire cannot go just like that as he is being courted."
Megatron and Optimus stared at the show and the Emperor seemed ready to purge again at seeing them together like that; they could not hear what Magnus was saying but the way he was holding the other was not...appropriate.
Optimus guided his intended mate towards the tea table under a beautiful formation of white crystals and made him sit giving the elders their back. "Believe me; you've not seen the worst..." The Prime stated making Megatron pull a shocked and disgusted face before hugging his mate close.
"My poor Optimus...You've suffered so much! ...and now had to see that? I promise I will make it up for you...anything you want...I swear!" Megatron promised still hugging the younger Autobot to his chest who was trying to release himself from him.
"Then please NO interfacing for a while...," The autobot said making Megatron freeze and look down at him in shock. "Not after I've had to see them...here...doing it...twice..."
Once again Megatron looked down at him surprised before smiling kindly. "Of course, love...I understand after such event you must be rather...traumatised...urghh..." The emperor shivered in disgust still holding Optimus.
"What did I say about keeping your hands to yourself, Megatron?" Ultra Magnus came and practically growled making the emperor growl as well.
"What did I say about you keeping your hands to yourself too? ...but instead went to touch all over that...mech!"
The Magnus and the Decepticon Emperor looked at each other with deep frowns and even showing other teeth before Optimus spoke. "Where is Alpha Trion?"
"Frag!" Ultra Magnus cursed noticing that his old mate has gone after the sparklings using the distraction of Optimus and his intended mate to escape his sight.
"Oh no...Slipstream! I've promised her carrier I would look after her!" Megatron started desperately before rising from the couch.
"Come on, we better go and find them before Trion does!" Magnus started before they went in search of the sparklings.
...
However these gardens were built and designed by Alpha Trion himself and he knew every secret passage that not even the Magnus have the idea they existed and soon found the little creatures sitting against a big pink crystal.
The elder couldn't help but smile at the sight of it; it was the first crystal he planted himself; but then the femmling stood and started walking as if making a mock of someone snobby walking like it.
"And you saw them! It was as if their backs were going rigid as a stick!" She laughed and Valour followed her laughing too.
"I...I wonder how they can walk like that!" The red and blue sparkling laughed making his friend laugh too.
Alpha Trion knew who they were talking about, after all two great grand creations of senator Xaaron came today to present themselves at him and honestly, he cannot see anything wrong with walking like that...it was the right way a high ranking bot does!
"You're doing it wrong," He decided to come from his hiding place and startled both sparklings before unsubspacing a golden rod and walked towards Slipstream who assumed a defensive position, ready to defend herself and her mate to-be.
However the old mech only said. "Straight! Put your back straight! Wings up...not so up," Then with his stick moved her chin up but not so up. "You don't need to look down; there is nothing there that may interest you," He declared. "Now walk, let me see how you do it," He demanded to the femmling.
She stared in shock, that wasn't what she was expecting. But then he tapped her again and hesitantly, she tried to walk in the position he'd placed her in. However, it wasn't as easy as it looked.
"Straight back," he commanded as her back and wings started to slouch forward. "Posture and pose, that is the key. Autobots might have to...embrace Decepticon culture but in return, we expect our traditions to be observed as well."
He turned to Valour and said in a commanding tone. "Stand up as well; I want to see a straight back."
Valour obeyed and tried to imitate the ram rod straight back of those Sparklings but it was hard to maintain and he felt his back aching with the effort.
"Come along," Alpha Trion ordered, using his cane to straighten Valour's limbs and also place his chin into the correct position. "All high ranking Autobot Sparklings learn this, it's about time you did too grandson."
"Yes grandpa," Valour said demurely, trying to walk as Alpha Trion wanted him to.
"Slow steps," Alpha Trion barked out. "Your steps must be slow and measured until you can do this without thinking. When you can walk properly, then you can mock those Sparklings to your Spark's content."
Valour felt a little remorse, he hadn't meant to make fun of them, they'd just looked really snooty. So far, he was managing the walking a little better than Slipstream because his wings were still tiny. However, his grandpa still didn't look satisfied and kept correcting them whenever they faltered.
"Autobot Sparklings really do this?" Slipstream couldn't help but as her chin was forced up for what felt like the hundredth time after letting it slip.
"They do," he confirmed. "They practice every day until they prefect it. You are both extremely far behind the level you should have reached by this age."
Just then, they heard calling and realised the other adults were looking for them. Valour wondered why they sounded so frantic and called back to them.
"Valour," Optimus exclaimed as he burst onto the scene and scooped his son up. "Are you okay?"
"Of course daddy," Valour said in confusion. "Why wouldn't I be?"
"Your grandfather didn't say anything upsetting?" Ultra Magnus asked with suspicion.
"No, he's showing us how to walk," Valour explained as Slipstream nodded.
"Showing you how to walk?" Megatron said in complete confusion.
"My grandson is a high ranking Autobot Sparkling as well as a Decepticon one," Alpha Trion drawled with dignity. "As such, he should be given the same education as others are, the same one I and Ultra Magnus received."
Megatron still looked confused so Ultra Magnus quickly explained.
"We are taught to walk a certain way...like this."
He imitated the way Autobot Sparklings walked, with a prefect straight back and careful walk. Megatron was amazed, that was how Sparklings were supposed to walk.
"I don't suppose you were taught that Optimus?" Alpha Trion asked, shooting Ultra Magnus and annoyed look.
"No," Optimus admitted, feeling better now he knew Alpha Trion hadn't been saying anything nasty to the Sparklings.
Alpha Trion made a tutting noise of disapproval.
"This is hard," Slipstream complained, wriggling her back which was still aching.
"It gets easier with practice," Ultra Magnus assured her.
"Elegance...charm..." Alpha Trion said to her keeping his erect pose but somehow t seemed natural in him. "Now, again!" He then tapped back her winged back as her big red optics scanned him.
She'd seen someone walk like this and never paid any attention...could it be...?
"Sire knows how to walk like this..." She stated while still thinking and Alpha Trion thought about it for a moment.
"Who's your sire?" The older inquired and she shook her head at him before saying; "Its a secret, carrier doesn't want anyone to know."
That made Alpha Trion lift an optic ridge. "Why would your carrier deny your sire his rights?" he already concluded that whoever was this mech was a high ranking Autobot.
"He knows...," She answered. "But we don't want to see him... He's bad."
All present mechs frowned except Megatron who felt awkward...and Alpha Trion noticed he knew, after all, wasn't he friends with commander Starscream? Better known as 'the Winglord'?
Slipstream trying to imitate her sire distracted the elder enough to see her make a wrong move with her legs that made her fall on her front heavily.
Optimus gasped and Megatron was going to lift her up before Alpha Trion used his long golden staff to barricade him from doing so. "She must do it herself!" He exclaimed stopping his grandson from helping her as well. "If we made a mistake we must lift again by ourselves, not by someone's help."
Slipstream then started getting up again hating being the centre of attention like this. "Get used to this, young lady, when you make a mistake and fall everyone will set their optics on you...and no one will help you up so you must learn to get up fast with elegance and class ignoring others, is that right?"
Slipstream just groaned before mumbling "Yes sir..."
"And don't show any signs of weakness like groans or cries because that will make others try harder to bring you down again just for the delight of seeing you suffering!" The older mech stated and now even Megatron had to admit he was right.
"If you want me to approve your betrothal with my grandson then your manners must be impeccable; not only I will respect you then but others will as well without hesitation once they see your superiority...if you have it."
Her optics widened and so she stood faster desperately trying to remember the way her sire walked or stood.
She tried once again, shoulders back, wings held high proudly but not agresively, chin lifted up slightly, torso flat and legs separated. Once she was done, she looked at Alpha Trion for his approval, who examined her with his hand on his chin before his golden rod petted her outer tights.
"Close them; you're a femme not a mech." He said making her break her posture.
"Awww...come on!" She started but then seeing his cold, un-amused glare returned to her pose and closed her legs...
...only to have her lose her balance again and almost fell on the ground. She growled in annoyance.
"Winged femmes...their technique is different from mechs..." Alpha Trion started. "Is been millennia since the last time I've saw one walk with such elegance... But I don't forget the technique... It is not easy but once is reached with naturally she can literally look like a goddess. When I was your age," He gestured to Optimus. "I've seen many seeker or shuttle femmes doing it, however when the Decepticons left along with the seekers said abilities were lost...even more since currently there are no Autobot shuttle femmes and the few remaining Autobot shuttles are high ranking mechs..." He stated this looking down at her still keeping his chin up as if telling her he suspected who her sire was.
"Well, that's not much use," she stated before asking. "Is there any video of them?"
"There might be," he acknowledged as an idea started to form inside his processor."Do you wish to learn their natural grace?"
"Yeah," she said with a nod. "My papa would be proud if I could manage it, I heard him say he loves the way Sire moves."
She didn't look terribly convinced that the way her Sire moved made up for his shortcomings.
"Very well," Alpha Trion declared. "I shall see what I can do for you."
"Thank you sir," she said with a bow.
"Can I learn a well?" Valour asked and Alpha Trion declared. "Of course, I fully expect you to be educated in all the correct areas."
"We'll discuss it later," Ultra Magnus decided before saying. "Trion, why don't you and I walk ahead with the children? Give Optimus and Megatron a chance to talk in private?"
"If you wish," Alpha Trion said, not looking terribly happy but not feeling like arguing.
"Come along," Magnus said to the Sparkling. "I believe there's a pond up ahead with some aquatic creatures, we can feed them if you like."
"Cool," Valour exclaimed, he and Slipstream eagerly followed the older Autobots, leaving Megatron and Optimus alone.
There was silence for a few breems before Megatron finally broke it.
"Do you...do you want to talk about us? What happened?"
Optimus sighed and sat down on a bench.
"Where do you want to start?" he asked softly.
"The beginning would be good," Megatron said, knowing he probably wasn't going to like what he had to say but needing to know.
Optimus thought for a moment, wondering what to say first.
"Megatron...I didn't want to bond with you," he said finally. "I only did so out of duty, because I was worried what you might do if I refused."
His mate looked horrified and ashamed all at once.
"You really didn't want to?" he said brokenly as Optimus nodded.
"No," he said slowly. "And I hated you for forcing me to give up my entire life to be your slave."
"I never wanted you to be my slave," Megatron said, his voice thick with grief. "I just...I just wanted you so much, I couldn't wait."
Optimus nodded, that had been obvious.
"It was too fast for me," he stated. "I couldn't cope with what was happening, I felt like my mind might break. I promised myself I would endure it all, being you mate, pleasing you and baring you Sparklings. I could see no way out of my misery."
Megatron felt his spark breaking in sorrow. Did he really hurt him that badly?
"I was just kept there in your quarters when we bonded without anything to do or even try to become something else...without even training...not that I wanted to...I just wanted to lay there with my misery until the moment you return to take me again and do as you please..."
As Optimus continued Megatron realized his mistake. "I kidnapped you..." He whispered making the other fall silent. "Starscream already told me... Hah...and I was just so blind in my own happiness..." He hid his face in his hands and for the first time in millennia, he cried. "I'm sorry... I am so sorry..."
Now he knelt on the ground and buried his face on Optimus' lap still crying for forgiveness.
Meanwhile the young Prime could feel his mate's sincerity and pain at what he did right in his spark and that made him feel sad as well... He hadn't meant to make the Emperor cry...just to see the truth.
Optimus caressed the head on his lap softly as he continued hearing his mate mumbling how sorry he was and how an idiot he was for not noticing it before or courting the mech he wanted to bond with...or at least find him a job to keep him distracted.
"You were not a bad husband...just a little blind, Megatron," Optimus tried but said Emperor could not look at him yet.
"I was such an impatient idiot who hadn't even cared when you cried...when you begged me to stop... I raped you!"
Optimus remained in silence. That was exactly what he felt their bonding night which of course contributed to his behaviour when he gave away their son.
Finally he spoke again. "Yeah...you have to admit you were an idiot and behaved like a blind stupid in-love mech," Megatron tensed hearing that. "But honestly...you cared for me in a way not even my creators or adoptive family ever did, yes, sometimes it was overwhelming and I felt like I was choking...but...it was how you believed I will be happy," Now he took Megatron's head from his lap and looked straight into his red optics. "I want to start again... I want to know you...to love you like I know you love me," Then dried some tears who fell from the Emperor's face with his thumbs "I wanna give you a chance, because we all deserve one and I know you didn't wanted to hurt me on purpose, I want you to court me before I return with you to Kaon..."
Megatron was having troubles expressing his feelings or plain moving as Optimus continued. "Did you bond with me that fast so no one will ever challenge you for me? That was my doubt lately seeing our son's dilemma..."
His mate blinked before looking a little sheepish.
"I was selfish and greedy," he said miserably. "When I saw you, I wanted you straight away. But a part of me was concerned another might spy you and spirit you away from me. I couldn't bear that the thought someone else might win you so I took you as fast was I was able. You are so desirable my love and the fact you were adopted made things...easier."
"Because I didn't have my true creators to claim me?" Optimus asked and Megatron nodded.
Optimus considered this before saying gently. "Megatron...Decepticons grow up with this, they fully understand how it works and what they can do about it. Autobots don't and their vulnerable to exploitation by Decepticons who might try to force them to be their mates. I don't want that to happen, I experienced the feeling of being enslaved and it was a terrible feeling. I was so low that I willingly gave up my son, I couldn't even hold him after he was born, only name him."
"Oh Optimus," Megatron gasped, the pain in his spark increasing, how could his mate give him another chance after everything he had done.
"Will you do that Megatron?" Optimus asked calmly although his Spark was also experiencing turmoil. It was not pleasant to talk about such things but he knew he needed to do it. And a part of him did feel better at revealing everything to Megatron.
"Will you protect them?"
"I will," Megatron assured him. "I'll talk to your carrier, your Sire, my advisers, we'll work something out. I won't allow anyone to suffer...like you have suffered."
He couldn't look at his mate any more, he had to hide his face so he could cry some more. He knew it was undignified but he didn't care, he couldn't hold back his emotions.
"Thank you," Optimus said warmly. "That's the right thing to do; we'll fix this for everyone."
He paused, continuing to stroke Megatron's head as he said.
"Let's go for a walk, we can talk some more about this some other time. Valour will be upset if he sees you so sad."
"Are you sure?" Megatron asked and Optimus smiled.
"I am," he told him. "Come, let me hold you."
Megatron meekly rose up and allowed his mate to gather him into his arms and hug him as he sobbed. Optimus held him, rocking back and forth as some of the blackness that had been around his spark disappeared a little.
...
Later when Megatron and Optimus returned they found a dining table prepared with Valour and Slipstream sitting on the chairs as Alpha Trion looked at them.
Near was also Ultra Magnus who seemed to be drinking some tea with the uttermost care and elegance possible.
Megatron snorted forgetting for a moment his sadness. "It looks more like a show than a tea, why can't just bring the cup to their mouth and drink it?"
Optimus rolled his optics and nudged at his mate to behave. "Its in our culture, besides, you have to admit is fun to watch...as long as they don't see you watching because that is bad education." He whispered the other.
"The finger... Valour...up!" Alpha Trion started but it was hard for the mechling to do so. Somehow it was easier for Slipstream who looked at her cup of tea and little finger up with interest.
"Young lady, sit straight!" The elder said petting her back as she lost her posture. "Do not recline!"
"Then what is it for the recliner if I can't recline?" Slipstream couldn't help but ask.
"Ornaments, now, watch the Magnus, elegance...charm..." Alpha Trion stated as she rolled her optics obviesly annoyed. "And don't roll your optics! Leave that for the lower class because they seem unable to control their bodies and allow their feelings to overtake them!"
Thinking that the sparklings had enough, Ultra Magnus lifted up from his chair and set a hand on the eldest's shoulder. "I think is enough, Trion; why don't we take them into a place in where they can learn and practice their abilities?"
The councilmech looked at him with a frown before looking down at the younglings...and that included his son and his mate. "Very well, let's see how well they behave in the crystal mall."
Ultra Magnus lifted an optic ridge, that was one of the most exclusive malls in all Iacon and sometimes when a sparkling didn't behaved he was looked poorly and somehow the people treated them different from then on...like a pariah...
...it was more like a social club than a mall now that he thought about it.
"A mall?!" Valour squeaked excitedly clapping and bouncing on his chair.
"Ooh, me and mama used to go to one all the time," he explained eagerly, he missed going to that one.
"The crystal mall?" Optimus questioned. "That is a very expensive complex..."
"I can easily treat the Sparklings if they see something they desire," Alpha Trion and this was true enough, he was a rich bot.
"Do we have to walk like this?" Slipstream questioned, taking a few steps forward in the correct pose before coming to a stop before she lost it.
"You do indeed," he said with a nod. "And behave with the utmost decorum."
"So we can't have any fun?" she said gloomily.
"The shops and eating places on offer are very beautiful," Magnus quickly said. "And filled with many wonderful things, you can still have a good time. Trion and I will guide you through it and if you manage it, you'll both get a reward."
He paused before saying. "How about a trip to Polyhex's amusement park?"
Both Sparklings gasped, that was supposed to be the best amusement park on the whole planet, you went there to have as much fun as possible and it didn't matter if you got a bit messy. Alpha Trion didn't look impressed but he did want to see if they could behave properly under pressure.
Optimus was now smiling, he knew the Sparklings would enjoy that.
"If we behave," Valour said excitedly. "Can I bring my friend Bee? And Slipstream her brothers?"
"If you behave well then you can," chuckled Magnus, hoping that motivation would help his grandson and his intended. "We all just have to take things slowly, I know you will be excited but if you take your time, everything will be much easier."
"Okay," the Sparklings nodded as Optimus suggested.
"Why don't we have something to eat first? If the children are hungry, they might be distracted."
"A good idea," Alpha Trion agreed. "Lunch and then a trip to the mall, what could be better."
"What indeed," Magnus murmured to himself.
...
"This place is amazing," Valour breathed and Slipstream had to agree.
They were in the Crystal Mall with Valour's grandparents, Megatron and Optimus had decided to remain in Magnus's home to talk some more although they were probably going to be avoiding painful topics. So far, the children were awed by the sight of the crystal mall which its beautiful architecture which included hanging crystal chandeliers which glittered beautifully.
Unlike most other malls, it wasn't packed full of chattering crowds of families, instead there seemed to be only a few walking around meaning everything had a very open feel to it. There was no shrieking or shouting of any kind, everyone here looked dignified and important.
Valour wasn't sure if he preferred the fact there weren't loads of people there or if it made it harder. After all, he could easily observe them which meant they could easily observe him. Ultra Magnus was being very encouraging, murmured pointers to help them as they walked stiffly along. They'd already received some judging looks but he did his best to smile or nod politely at anyone who caught his optics. He couldn't help but admire how they pulled off those walks now that he knew how hard it actually was.
"What about this shop?" Ultra Magnus asked, gesturing at the shop they were passing. "It contains jewellery and beautiful cloths."
Slipstream looked in at the window, the displays were very lovely but she was almost nervous of going into a shop where she'd be under the scrutiny of shop assistants. Valour was also peering in and thus, did not immediately notice the shadow that fell over them.
"Daughter," came a deep but soft voice from out of nowhere. "What are you doing here?"
Slipstream let out a very undignified squeak and spun around with Valour to see who had spoken. Valour's optics almost pooped out of his head, standing behind his grandparents was the largest Mech he had ever clapped optics on. He towered over the two adults and they were not small by any standards but he made them seem like children. He was mostly white but his body and proud wings had lines of red and blue on them and his crystal blue optics gazed right down at them.
"S-sire," Slipstream gulped as Alpha Trion said. "Skyfire, what brings you here?"
"I thought I would take a look around, see if there was anything of interest," the large Mech replied, still staring down at them in a way that made Valour feel unnerved. It wasn't that he was hostile, or brutish looking, he was just so big and powerful, his whole being just oozed strength that could be unleashed at any moment.
"And then I saw my firstborn," the shuttle named Skyfire continued. "Without her brothers or carrier."
"She is visiting her...intended's family," Alpha Trion explained and Skyfire frowned, something which made Slipstream shake as she hid behind Valour.
"Intended?" he repeated, staring right at Valour now. "I did not know she was betrothed, I thought you did not want to accept any bot, daughter?"
"I like Valour," she mumbled causing Alpha Trion to exclaim. "Slipstream, you must speak clearly and look who you're talking to in the optic."
"Are you really Slipstream's Sire?" Valour couldn't help but ask.
"I am," Skyfire agreed, his distant optics suddenly looking a little sad. "But I don't have much opportunity to...visit. Daughter, how are your brothers doing?"
"Okay," Slipstream said softly, speaking a little clearly but judging by Alpha Trion's frown, it wasn't enough. "H-how are you?"
"I am well," Skyfire said, his expression neutral but there was still a sadness in his optics. "Daughter...do you require any credits, is there something you want to buy?"
"We...we haven't seen much yet sir," Valour said in Slipstream's behalf, she didn't seem capable of answering. "Um, we were thinking of looking in here."
He gestured to the shop behind them.
Skyfire then looked up at the shop and gave a small almost non-existing smile. "Would you like to see something in there, Daughter?" He tried and she just shook her head no. His optics saddened more.
"Umm...sir... Will you excuse us?" Valour tried while pulling Slipstream with him away from the adults. "Slips...you need to act normal... I know he scares you after what he did to your brother but... I don't know if you noticed where we are?"
"I... I did...that old grandsire of yours bring us to the battlefield!" She hissed.
"Good, that means he cannot harm you here and you can act ... umm ...normal ...like...umm...them normal." Valour said pointing with his head a couple of younglings that looked at them from above their shoulder and scowled.
Slipstream frowned deeply and couldn't take it anymore, releasing her claws, lifting up her wings aggressively she stomped one of her pedes hard on the floor towards them while growling dangerously...the sight could be considered barbaric and dangerous and that was exactly what the once scowling younglings thought before squeaking in fear and ran away from them not so elegant anymore.
Valour covered his mouth and looked at the three muted adults who had different looks for her. Alpha Trion was with wide un-amused and someone will say, furious optics while his mouth was a thin straight line, Skyfire just had his optics wide open with his mouth in a perfect ark downwards while his optics seemed worried and half scared and Ultra Magnus tried to hold back his amused smirk.
She them shook her entire body, took a deep breath and stood with elegance once again before taking Valour's arm and gestured him to go with the adults.
The mechling believed, judging by his grandsire's look, they were in trouble.
"That...," Alpha Trion said very coldly. "Was not appropriate behaviour."
"They were being rude," Slipstream stated and he replied. "They were only looking at you, nothing more."
"Why do they scowl so much?" Valour asked. "Why don't they smile? Isn't that polite?"
"Those Younglings would smile if they were greeted," Alpha Trion said stiffly. "I do not want to see any more displays like that, are we clear?"
"Yes," Slipstream said mulishly as Skyfire suddenly said.
"Does Starscream know you are learning Autobot etiquette?"
"No," she admitted, not really looking at him. "We just thought we'd try it."
Skyfire nodded slowly as Alpha Trion suddenly said. "It's a shame there are no Autobot Femme shuttles, Slipstream could do with a teacher. The technique to walking properly with wings is a little different to those without. Perhaps you could teach her Skyfire, you are her Sire after all."
Slipstream gasped in horror as Skyfire considered it.
"Starscream had been considering allowing me to teach her," he mused slowly. "But he changed his mind when her behaviour improved..."
"That's because I've got Valour now," Slipstream interjected. "He didn't have to send me away and he doesn't have to now."
"I thought you wanted to learn?" Alpha Trion stated.
"Yes but...," she tried to say.
"Then it's settled," the older Mech declared, looking up at Skyfire. "I'm sure her carrier won't have any objections and you can teach her how to be a proper Autobot lady."
Skyfire glanced at his daughter who did not look happy at all but all he said was.
"I will talk it over with her father," he said slowly, looking back down at Slipstream. "I have to go now daughter but I hope we will see each other soon. Perhaps your brothers would be interested."
"I don't think so," she muttered and his optics clouded with sadness before inclining his head to the others and walking away. Valour was amazed that he could tread so softly, no wonder he'd been able to sneak up on them.
"He's huge," Valour now exclaimed, feeling he could say this now that Skyfire was gone.
"Yeah," Slipstream said gloomily.
"Why were you so hostile?" Alpha Trion demanded.
She did her best effort to keep her posture and answer. "Because."
The older mech frowned obviously demanding more answers, but as she was looking away he spoke. "Didn't you said that your sire was bad?" She nodded and with a confused frown he continued. "Skyfire may be a very proportioned mech and sometimes that can scare others, however he is one of the gentlest mechs I've ever met; so, I don't understand why you refer to him like that..."
He then lowered his head towards her and with his golden rod make her look at him as he moved her chin towards him. "Or your carrier installed that idea into your processor so you will not want to be part of his family?"
She shook her head and let go of Valour. "He hurt my brother! He sent him to the hospital! He's bad brute hiding under those big blue optics and 'gentle' voice! Don't be fooled by him!" Slipstream exclaimed and both adults looked at her surprised.
"Skyfire? Hurt someone?" Alpha Trion questioned. "Impossible! You might as well say that the quintessons have a spark."
She frowned deeply obviously upset that someone was defending her sire. So Ultra Magnus decided to speak now. "It must have been an accident, you know? I don't believe he did it on purpose; besides, if he was the brute you're claiming then your carrier wouldn't have make all those brothers with him or keep in contact, don't you think?"
She just scowled and looked somewhere else.
"Why would Starscream keep him as a secret? He's a noble autobot and his family is sadly decreasing, do you know that?" Alpha Trion informed but she seemed to not care. "I just don't get it why he would keep his relationship with a noble a secret after so long, it just doesn't makes sense... Unless he doesn't wants to share you with his family and made you for his own family..." The older mech concluded surprising the Magnus with his ideas.
"He doesn't likes sparklings and lacks patience..." She said almost growling.
"Well... Maybe you and your brothers were not making it easier for him..." The older mech stated once again. "Have you ever met your grandcreators from his side?"
"No sir," She answered, although she didn't look at him. "And why would they want us? We're seekers, they are shuttles...refined and...educated in etiquette...for them we are barbarians... I don't want to meet him... Honestly I have enough with you."
Alpha Trion now seemed livid, no one ever dared to speak to him in such a manner…but Ultra Magnus spoke next.
"You will never know if you never give them a chance."
"Yeah," Valour added. "He looked sad... I think he wants to meet you more and for you to give him a chance."
She made a tsk li like sound obviously annoyed with the subject. "Can we change the subject? I don't need my sire's family and certainly I have had more than enough with your snobby grandsire!"
Alpha Trion made a strangled noise of outrage as Ultra Magnus tried not to smirk and instead said.
"Alright, we'll change the subject. You two go on ahead into the shop and we'll catch you up."
Not needing any more encouragement, the two Sparklings hurried into the beautiful but fancy shop.
"Did you hear what she called me?" Alpha Trion demanded.
"My audios are working just fine Trion," Magnus said wryly before saying. "Look, there's obviously some issues between Slipstream and her Sire, meeting him so unexpectedly stressed her out. There's no point in pushing the issue right now, just forget what she called you."
The old Mech pursed his lips before saying. "Fine, I will forget about it for now. But I'm still going to contact her carrier about getting extra lessons."
"Go ahead," Ultra Magnus said with a shrug. "But this is something they need to work out as a family, just like we do with our family."
"Hmm," Alpha Trion mumbled as they made their way into the shop to find the children.
Sometime later, they left having bought some lovely stick on jewels for Slipstream as well as a gauzy pink veil that sparkles with tiny gems. Valour had his very own red cloak which he'd be able to wear at special events and it came with a gold buckle. The children were much more cheerful and were more successful at walking along as the little group paused to admire window displays before moving on. Alpha Trion looked less disapproving and slightly more approving of their progress.
"You're both doing marvellously," Magnus complimented. "Your creators are going to be very proud."
Valour beamed but Slipstream was a little pensive. Her Sire was bound to contact her carrier and then what would happen? Would her father decide that she should go and stay with her Sire after all? She really didn't want that, she was happy where she was and did not want to spend time with the large Shuttle.
"You okay?" Valour asked softly as the two adults stopped to admire a new shop filled with various books and data pads.
"Yeah, I guess," Slipstream murmured as he said softly. "You thinking about your Sire?"
She made a face and said. "I'm trying not to."
He paused before saying. "My Sire's done a lot of stupid things you know."
"I know but he hasn't hurt any of your brothers," Slipstream snapped.
"No but he's hurt my daddy," he said softly. "And he tore off my arm by accident."
He indicated the protective cast on his arm. She grumbled and looked away.
"Your point is?" She tried not to growl.
"That you're maybe too severe with him... It was an accident, he's too big and may have hurt your brother when trying to control him," Valour started and she looked at him with a frown. "Come on Slips, we know how you were when I just came and before we ended up betrothed."
She wriggled her nose and mouth to one side and the other not liking to admit that she was very, very hard when judging someone by their mistakes.
"What you say if you give him a chance? I don't think he wants to hurt you... And seemed more than eager to make it up for you." The red and blue mechling added placing a hand on her shoulder as she thought about this.
"What if his family wants to take me away from my carrier? What if they judge me or reject me?" She whispered hopelessly.
"They won't, I know..." He assured her and she went to hug him placing her head against his chest. He smiled and hugged her back.
Alpha Trion watched the show of emotions and went with his golden rod to separate them. "Separate, now! Can't you see is inappropriate?!" The eldest hissed.
However Slipstream hugged Valour tighter ignoring the old mech.
"What...you...!" Alpha Trion started and Valour looked up at him pleadingly so he will let them continue. "This is not the right place to do it!"
"Oh, come on, Trion, don't be so strict." Ultra Magnus tried while getting close to the sparklings. "Children, maybe later, Alpha Trion is right and this is not the right place to show any emotions."
Slipstream then said sadly; "I wanna go home..."
Author's note. What happens when they arrive back at Ultra Magnus's escape? What are Optimus and Megatron up to? Find out next time, until then.