A full year has passed since my rebirth, and in that time, I've mastered crawling, learned the basics of Cybertronian biology, and started to understand what it means to be part of this world. Soon, Opi says, I'll transition to my youngling frame, where formal tutoring will begin—including training in self-defence.

Bumblebee has just transitioned into his youngling frame, crafted by Ironhide himself. Today, we're headed to visit him and see his new form for the first time.

The familiar hum of the base buzzed around me as Jazz carried me down the hallways toward the med bay. Jazz's pace was upbeat, his usual swagger evident as he guided me, excitement clear in his voice as he spoke.

"Wait till you see him, little one," he grinned, glancing down at me. "Ironhide did some solid work on his frame—Bumblebee's looking sharp!"

As we rounded the corner and entered the med bay, the sight before me made my optics widen. Bumblebee was sitting on a berth, his plating gleaming with a fresh polish, and his frame now taller, sleeker. He still had that unmistakable spark of youthful energy, but there was a new confidence in his stance that made him look like a completely different bot.

He had his obvious yellow colour scheme, I guess the black stripes came later. And he had these cute antennas on each side of his helm, like ears that wiggled and moved according to his emotions.

Ironhide stood nearby, arms crossed, his optics full of pride and a touch of nostalgia. When he saw me enter, he gave a rare, gentle smile and waved me over. Bumblebee noticed us too and straightened, a grin spreading across his faceplate.

"Hey guys!" he called, his voice carrying a slightly deeper, but still playful tone. He crouched down a little, making his new height less overwhelming as I approached.

I looked up at him in awe. "You look… different, Bee!" I said, reaching out to gently tap his new plating, feeling the smoothness and strength of it.

Bumblebee laughed, giving a little spin to show off. "Not bad, huh?" He winked at Jazz, who had crossed his arms with a proud smile, watching Bee's playful display. "I'm still getting used to it myself. Feels like everything's a bit bigger now!"

Ratchet placed a servo on my helm, speaking softly. "Soon enough, it'll be your turn," he said, a warm glint in his optics. "When you're ready, we'll start the process for your youngling frame, too."

I looked up at him, a bit of excitement bubbling up in me at the thought of the changes to come. Bumblebee chuckled, reaching down to give me a reassuring pat on the helm. "You're gonna look awesome," he said, his optics bright. "Maybe even cooler than me!"

Jazz smirked, giving Bumblebee a nudge. "Don't let that go to your head, Bee. We've still got a lot to teach you about being in a youngling frame!"

"And you'll need time to adjust to your new frame," Ratchet replied with a small, knowing smirk. "Things might feel stiff and a bit challenging at first, but the more you move, the faster your frame will sync up with the rest of you."

-~-

Last year, we faced a tense moment when the Decepticons were spotted digging around Crystal City, likely searching for any remaining energon after the planet's natural reserves dried up. Scouts reported that, after some time, they eventually abandoned their efforts, and the city has remained untouched since.

As for Praxus, it initially seemed like nothing more than a rumour, but we sent scouts to investigate just in case. It turned out to be a diversion, yet soon after, the 'Cons reappeared. We'd discovered an energon deposit first, and they weren't pleased. A fierce battle broke out, but in the end, the Autobots emerged victorious.

Since then, clashes over energon have become frequent between Autobots and Decepticons. Both factions often conduct raids on ruined cities, scavenging for even the smallest reserves. Much of the energon we've found has been sent off-planet for safekeeping, away from enemy hands. Meanwhile, our scientists and medics have been working tirelessly to develop a synthetic alternative, though progress has been slow.

We were in the rec room, where I sat on the floor with Bee, playing together as the grown-ups gathered at a nearby table, engrossed in conversation. Cubes of energon and datapads were scattered around them, but their laughter and occasional glances in our direction made the room feel cosy and warm.

Ironhide called us over for our daily energon. Bumblebee immediately jumped up, abandoning the toys and running over for his small cube of energon. He looked so steady, so tall and sure of himself, every step so easy. What if I tried to stand like that? What if I tried… walking? No practice, no warning, just a quick test to see if I could do it on my own.

I wiggled a little, pushing up with my hands and steadying myself on all fours. My stabilisers kicked on automatically, helping me find balance, and I felt the familiar hum in my frame as it prepared to support me. Just like I'd seen the big bots do, I pushed one pede forward, planted it firmly, and wobbled as I got the other under me. Now, I was crouched, halfway there, and my excitement grew. If I could stand like this… maybe I could walk too.

With a determined intake, I pushed up onto my feet. My legs felt wobbly but solid enough, and there was a rush of energy. I let go of the floor, balanced on my own, and took a careful step forward. The movement felt clumsy, but the freedom of standing tall was incredible. I didn't have to look up at everyone; for the first time, I could be at their level!

I took another step, a little faster this time, and nearly lost my balance. My hands flailed for something to grab, but nothing was close enough. For a terrifying second, I felt like I might fall, but then my other pede steadied me, and I caught myself. I was doing it! Another step, then another, and a wild giggle escaped me. Walking wasn't impossible after all. It felt like learning to ice skate all over again.

Then, in a burst of daring, I picked up my pace. Bumblebee was already grabbing his cube, and a few bots like Jazz and Sideswipe had turned, noticing me as I toddled forward, step by step. Their optics widened, but I was too focused on my newfound ability to stop. I took another step, teetering, feeling that shaky thrill with every shift of my weight.

I felt myself leaning too far forward, my arms windmilling as I tried to regain balance, but I was too determined to stop. With a little hop, I steadied myself and kept going, feeling each step grow steadier than the last. Every part of me was alive with energy and excitement. It was like every new step taught me how to keep going even when I wobbled.

The bots watching were smiling wide, cheering me on, but their voices were a blur in the background. All I could focus on was the joy of moving forward, of crossing the space all on my own. I was walking, really walking, without Ratchet or anyone else guiding me. The independence felt amazing, like I could go anywhere and do anything.

Finally, after what felt like an entire cycle of joyful stumbling and adjusting, I reached the table. I leaned into Opiluck's leg, giggling, and he bent over to my level, optics gleaming with pride.

"Look at you!" he praised, picking me up from under my arms and sitting me on his lap. "Where'd you learn to do all that?"

I just giggled and ignored his question, reaching around him for my bottle. I'd finally gotten used to drinking from it instead of relying on a pacifier.

"Growing up so fast," he murmured, patting my helm gently. I took a long sip, the energon's smooth taste a comfort after my big adventure. Bee clapped his servos together, grinning at me from his spot on the floor.

"You're almost as fast as me now!" he teased, giving me a playful nudge with his shoulder.

I grinned back, feeling a thrill from all the attention. I looked around at the others; even Ironhide had paused his conversation to give me an approving nod. Sunstreaker and Sideswipe leaned over, tossing me encouraging winks, and Jazz gave a thumbs-up from the other side of the table. It was as if, in that small moment, we were all together in celebration.

Feeling brave, I wriggled down from Opiluck's lap, determined to try walking again on my own. I took one shaky step, then another, excitement bubbling up with every bit of ground I covered. The room filled with cheers and laughter as I managed a few steps without wobbling, my tiny pedes steady beneath me.

"You've got this, kiddo!" Jazz called, raising an energon cube in a toast.

Ironhide watched with his arms crossed and a small smirk tugging at the corner of his faceplate. He gave a low chuckle as I took another wobbly step, determination etched into every little move I made.

"Would ya look at that," he remarked, glancing over at Ratchet with an approving nod. "She's stubborn as a junkyard glitchmouse. Ain't backin' down one bit."

Ratchet's optics softened, a hint of pride in his smile. "Wonder where she picked that up from," he replied dryly, giving Ironhide a knowing look.

Ironhide chuckled, unbothered. "Stubbornness might run in the family, but she's got that fire in her spark—that drive to keep goin'. Reminds me of someone, alright."

He turned his gaze back to me, watching as I steadied myself again and took another step. "Keep at it, little one," he said, a hint of warmth in his gruff voice. "You got the spark of a warrior."

And with every step, I felt like I was finally catching up to everyone around me, one careful move at a time. Sooner or later, I will be the one protecting them, not the other way around.