TRANSFORMERS: PRIME

A Sparkling Issue

*Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers. I write about them for my own fun and pleasure.

This is a fun story I randomly thought of one day and had to write! I must admit it turned out much longer than I originally intended. Credit and thanks to FanFiction writer Greendogg who allowed me to use a few of her concepts and also for her suggestions.

Chapter 1 – Battle for the Relic

High above the ground near the little town of Jasper, the Nemesis glided through endless Nevada sky like an ominous shadow…

"Starscream, have we reached the co-ordinance?"

"Yes, my lord," the scratchy voice replied. "We are right above them now."

"Excellent. Alert the ground team. You will lead the retrieval party."

The seeker grinned, wings twitching in delight at the charge. "As you wish, my lord. I shall not fail you." He started across the bridge to the exit.

Waiting a moment, Megatron spoke again. "Soundwave."

The Cybertronian moved closer in his silent precise way. His master turned to him.

"You will go along as well to make sure the artifact is procured. And should there be any sign of the Autobots, contact me immediately."

One silent nod responded. The sharp lean form made its way off the bridge, following Starscream through the doors.

…

Ratchet's servos worked the keypad vigorously. "Optimus! I've picked up Decepticon activity!"

The larger red and blue mech strode over, looking at the monitors over the other's shoulder. "Do you have a co-ordinance?"

"A little over 150 klicks east from here." The medic turned, faceplate taunt. "Do you think Megatron's found another relic?"

"There is only one way to be certain, old friend. Autobots!"

Bulkhead, Arcee, and Bumblebee had been talking with their human friends, but at the baritone summons, they quickly dropped their conversations and hurried over. Bumblebee took one second to look over his shoulder to bleep a message to his young friend.

"It's alright, Bee," Rafael waved. "Well decide what color to make my remote car when you get back." The yellow scout gave a thumbs-up.

"What's up, Optimus?" Arcee asked.

The Prime turned to his team. "It would seem the Decepticons are active again."

"Good!" Bulkhead smashed a fist in his servo. "I've been wanting to kick some tin afts lately!"

"Think they've found another artifact, sir?" Arcee queried.

Optimus's expression turned slightly grave. "It is very possible. And we must try to keep any more from falling into their possession. Ratchet, open the ground bridge."

A pull of the lever and the glowing green portal opened at the base's tunnel entrance. On the platform, the three young humans watched, leaning against the railing.

Miko frowned. "Bet there's going to be an epic fight. And where are we going to be? Here. Missing the whole thing, that's where." She crossed her arms with a pout.

Jack looked reprovingly. "You know these missions are too dangerous." Miko just grunted.

Their leader's voice filled the room. "Autobots! Transform and roll out!"

All four bots quickly transformed into their various alt modes, engines revving as they drove into the portal. From the platform, Miko glanced at Ratchet. He was distracted by the computer monitor. The coast was clear. In a wild dash, she suddenly flew down the stairs and raced for the bridge just as the last bumper was disappearing through.

"Uh oh. Jack?" Rafael pointed.

Jack sighed. "I should've known." He sprinted after her with Rafael on his heels. "Miko! Come back!"

But the girl paid no heed as she kept going with the boys right behind. Jack knew they wouldn't catch up in time.

"C'mon, Raff! We can't let her go alone!"

That's when Ratchet turned around. Having heard the shouting, he looked back to see the small figures running into the ground bridge.

"Children! Don't–"

Too late. All three vanished through the glowing swirl.

"Not again." Ratchet growled. He looked at the bridge, back at the monitors, back at the bridge, looked all around for some kind of help. The large frame sagged. "Primus … WHY ME?!" moaned with a roll of the helm. A growl in his throat, he jogged through after them.

…

When the team emerged on the other side of the ground bridge, they found themselves in a small canyon. They quickly rushed forwards in a crouching run, observed their surroundings, weapons up and ready. All seemed clear at the moment. From a slight bend just ahead, their audio receptors picked up the sound of voices.

"Be ready," Optimus instructed, battle mask sliding into place over his faceplate.

Quietly and quickly, they made their way there and huddled down. Cautiously, they peered around the rock. There were about a dozen vehicons with a few of those digging in a deep hole that they had apparently just dug. Nearly all backs were turned to the watching Autobots, focused on the excavation taking place. Watching from nearby were the unmistakable thin forms of Megatron's top commanders.

Bumblebee bleeped something softly as he pointed to them.

The Prime nodded. "I see them. Be cautious when we engage. Soundwave is a formidable opponent." The scout nodded.

"Doesn't look like they've found anything yet," Bulkhead whispered.

A voice came from the digging cons. "Commander! I've found it!"

"Spoke too soon."

"Orders sir?" Arcee spoke without taking her optics off the enemy.

"Arcee and Bulkhead, try to reach cover on other side while their attention is occupied," Optimus directed with a nod toward the opposite canyon wall where some large boulders sat. "Bumblebee and I will remain here. When you are in position we will attack from both sides. Whoever gains an opening, secure the relic. Then we retreat immediately."

"Got it."

They were interrupted when Bumblebee suddenly began to bleep excitedly and pointed upwards. They all followed the direction and saw.

Arcee scowled. "Uh oh. We've got company."

Higher above, a drone-like object with wings hovered.

Bulkhead snarled. "Laserbeak."

"Well there goes the element of surprise," Arcee mumbled.

…

From the hole, one of the dirt smeared vehicon's spoke up. "Commander! I've found it!"

Starscream smiled in his repelling way. "Very good. Bring it up here and let's have a look at our prize. I wonder what it is it does." A long claw-like finger tapped him on the shoulder. The seeker turned with an impatient huff. "What is it, Soundwave?"

On Soundwave's facial screen, a live feed of Laserbeak's footage appeared. Within the image, four Cybertronians seemed to stare straight at the seeker. Colors of red, blues, green, and yellow unmistakable.

Starscream gasped. "The Autobots! They're here! Ready for battle!"

From their hiding spot a deep shout echoed. "Autobots! Move out and attack!" Optimus appeared as he sprinted from cover, guns already blasting fire. The others followed in full attack mode.

Starscream rallied his forces. "Decepticons! ATTACK!"

The vehicons began blasting at the four oncoming bots as they scattered. Starscream sent a few rockets whizzing off before ducking towards the nearest cover with a yelp as lasers peppered the ground at his treads.

Soundwave paused for one moment, recording the four Autobots rushing towards them before sending his message to somebot he knew was watching.

…

Through the ground bridge Miko jumped out, followed seconds later by the boys.

"Hey, wait up!" Rafael called out.

The girl had stopped a few feet ahead. She pointed excitedly to where the team could be seen crouching beside the canyon wall. "There they are! They must be getting ready to sneak up on those decepticreeps!"

Jack jogged up. "Miko, what are you thinking? Haven't you learned by now? Every time you pull a stunt like this something always happens."

Miko flipped a hand, her focus elsewhere. "Don't worry. I'm not going to do anything. I'm just gunna watch."

Just then Optimus's deep voice was heard. "Autobots! Move out and attack!" Ahead they saw the team sprint around the canyon bend and out of sight. The sound of laser fire echoed across the rock.

Miko took off again. "C'mon guys! The battle's already started!"

Jack tried to grab her as she flew by. "Miko stop! It's too dangerous!" But he missed her arm by an inch. His shoulders sagged with a sigh. "Well we can't let he go alone." He took off after her.

Rafael gave a pant before following. "Here we go again."

Behind them two heavy treads stepped from the still open ground bridge.

Ahead, Miko rushed straight out past the turn and skidded to a stop. Jack and Rafael came up beside her. Jack was going to say something disapproving but even he was left speechless and staring at the scene.

The battle was in full swing. Bumblebee and Optimus were both fighting multiple opponents, swinging fists and firing their weapons while dodging attacks. Lasers streaked in all directions, dust kicking up from their impact and stamping treads. Optimus sliced his fist blade through a vehicon, then leapt over him as he fell while blasting another with his cannon and slamming a tread into a third's midsection before ever hitting ground. Bumblebee's cannon guns were smoking heavily. He smashed a con in the faceplate, did a forward shoulder roll and came up blasting, hitting two vehicons dead center. The blue femme was nowhere to be seen at the moment. Bulkhead was doing what he did best, just smashing straight through anything that got in his path. He grabbed two cons by the neck and slammed their helms together.

"Nighty night," he grinned, letting them drop in a daze to the ground and moving on to the next. "C'mon! That all you tin cans got? Gimme a real fight!"

Arcee made an appearance when she suddenly leapt out from a large hole in the ground with what appeared to be a triangle shaped object tucked under one arm. She landed in a crouch, laser cannon already firing.

"I've got it!" she yelled.

Suddenly Starscream sprinted out. "No! Give that back! It's mi– uh, Megatron's!" he screeched then yelped as Arcee turned her wrath on him. He leapt back, cringing from the lasers coming his way. "Soundwave! Get her! Soundwave?" A glanced back showed no one. "Soundwave! Where are you?!"

Arcee's gaze narrowed. "Guess it's just you and me."

The blue Autobot was confused when the seeker's panic turned into a sly smile. "Oh, that's what you think."

What could be only explained as a cold presence seemed to chill her very back struts behind. Arcee spun around as Soundwave's angled figure seemed to appear out of nowhere. Her shot went wide as a long tentacle rammed her from the side. She grunted as she flew off her treads and landed hard. The pyramid shaped relic tumbled across the ground. A tentacle snaked by straight for it.

"No!" Arcee reached out but was too far away.

As the claws went to grab its prize, suddenly Bumblebee appeared in mid shoulder roll, snagging up the relic mid-dive. He bleeped loudly to Arcee who gave a thumbs-up.

"Thanks Bee!"

Soundwave's countenance took on one of growing frustration. His long tentacles striking out at the taunting yellow scout who ducked and dodged nimbly while holding on tight to the prize, popping off a blast when he could. Behind Arcee was nearly laughing as she had Starscream literally dancing as her lasers peppered the ground around his struts.

Miko's gawping eyes were wide as she watched all in pure captivation. "Woah!"

"Children!"

To the side the boys saw Ratchet jogging towards them.

"Oh, we're in trouble now," Jack moaned.

The medic came to a huffing halt beside them. "What were you thinking?! Haven't you learned yet?"

"It was her," Jack and Rafael both pointed.

"Never mind that now, I've got to get you out of here before–"

His words froze in mid-air. A terrible rumble of jet engines filled the canyon with a type of impending doom. They all looked up at the sky above. Heading straight for them, sunlight gleamed from the metal of a silver Cybertronian space vehicle.

"It's Megatron!" Rafael gasped.

Ratchet waved his servos furiously. "Quick! Get to cover!" No need to be told a second time, the three took off.

No sooner had Ratchet spoken when the ship's cannon fired. The ground trembled at the rocket hit, sending a shock wave in all directions. The mech was thrown off his treads and sailed through the air a good ways before sliding to a halt in a scratching of metal. He spit dirt from his mouth as he pushed his torso up.

"Uughhh… That's gunna leave a mark," grunted disgustedly.

Thankfully he wasn't actually hurt, but a quick glace around showed the kids nowhere in sight. Slight panic rose in is chest as he thought about if they hadn't found cover.

"Ratchet!" Optimus threw off another limp vehicon and came rushing to him, having just noticed the medic's presence. He helped the mech to his treads then they quickly took cover behind a near boulder. "What are you doing here?" Optimus's voice held mild surprise. Ratchet opened his mouth to answer when…

"The creep's shooting at us!" a girl's voice spoke up from the other side of the cloud of dust that was still settling.

A teen boy's voice replied. "Well don't blame us! You're the one who rushed through the bridge!"

"Where's Ratchet?" another voice, that was ignored, asked.

"I can't help it! I'm a girl of action! Where's my phone? I've got to take a picture!"

Ratchet gave the Prime a bland look. "Does that answer your question?"

Optimus allowed himself a rare sighing vent. Sometimes those kids could really make things a challenge. The dust was settled enough now and he quickly spotted the three of them hunkered down behind a large rock near the other side. By the chattering and Miko flapping her arms as she talked they seemed unhurt.

"He's coming back around!" Arcee yelled. Above the silver ship was banking for another strike. She blasted once more and Starscream cried out as it nicked his tread and took a tumbled backwards. Arcee ran toward Optimus's direction. "Bee! Get to cover!"

Bumblebee dodged another tentacle and took off after the blue femme, relic still in his servos. Soundwave didn't follow as he saw the ship come streaking down from above. The master would take care of it.

The two Autobots raced as fast as they could, but the roar of engines was already upon them. There was another blast and the ground exploded nearly on their heel struts. Both were thrown forward and skidding across dirt. Bumblebee gave a panicked bleep as he lost his grip and again the relic flew through the air. Above the large Cybertronian ship came zipping down. It transformed and the ground vibrated as Megatron's heavy treads hit. Long claw-like fingers reached down and plucked the relic from the dirt.

"I'll just relieve you of this."

Arcee growled at the smug smile, sickened by it to her very core. "You…" Bumblebee began to jump up, optic ridges drawn in a hateful scowl. He hesitated when he found himself staring up into the gaping barrel of a silver cannon gun.

"Don't try to be a hero, young scout," snarled threatingly and Bumblebee backed down aversely.

Just then there was a tramping of treads beyond.

"I got him!"

Megatron easily sidestepped as the green wrecker sailed past him in a nosedive. He grunted as he hit dirt instead of his intended target, landing between his fellow teammates.

"I don't got him," Bulkhead groaned.

"Starscream!" Megatron snapped to the seeker getting up while favoring his left tread with small hops. "I'll take the relic to the ship. Stay here and take care of our Autobot friends." He transformed, tucking the relic inside his compartment, ready to take off.

From his cover, Optimus's optics narrowed above the battle mask. "Oh no you don't, Megatron," hissed quietly. Without explanation, he gave a mighty leap into the air and clung to a ledge on the canyon wall, then leapt to a near outcrop.

"What is he doing?" Ratchet mumbled, not really all that surprised, as Optimus jumped from one ledge to the next, rapidly working his way higher.

Megatron's engines roared as he took off, but had to come back around the way he came to head for the ship high above. He sharply banked and began his rapid ascent at a steep incline, a victorious chuckle resonating within the frame. Just as he was about to clear the canyon's top, a battle-like cry filled his receptors and a red and blue mech came sailing through the air at him.

"WHAT?!"

No time to dodge, metal clashed with metal and the two plummeted down to land on a ledge high above the battle taking place below. Bumblebee, Arcee, and Bulkhead were dodging and firing furiously at the vehicons that were left after Bulkheads rampage as well as fighting off attacks from Starscream and Soundwave.

Optimus quickly picked himself up as Megatron transformed, the relic in the Decepticon's claw-like servo. Optimus activated both fist blades. "Surrender the relic!"

The silver bot snarled. "Such a foolish demand! If you really want it you'll have to take it from my dead hand!" His own blade snapped out.

The blue optics narrowed. "So be it." Optimus rushed forward with a growl as the two mech's engaged.

The rock ledge trembled under the pounding weight as blows were exchanged. Weapons clashed again and again as the massive bots of opposing ideals battled furiously. Finding an opening, Optimus delivered a driving fist to Megatron's jaw, momentarily making him stumble back in a daze. In that moment the Prime happened to glance down. He had a bird's eye view of the canyon below. The bots were still contending with the other Decepticons, Soundwave making things particularly difficult for them. The three humans were still huddled behind their rock, peering out to watch the fight, but it was what was coming behind them that caught his attention. It was a small winged drone, stealthily making its way toward them, completely unnoticed.

Above the ruckus, Optimus's deep voice projected through the canyon like a bullhorn. "The children!"

It was all that needed to be said. Though risky to divert their attention, the team glanced over to see Laserbeak headed straight for the kids. Miko let out a yelp as she turned and saw. The bots tried to make their way over but Soundwave was making it near impossible. His tentacles seemed to be everywhere at once.

Rafael glanced at the quickly approaching drone, gauging time and distances. "They're not going to make it in time! We've got nowhere to go!"

Heart racing, Jack stepped in front of the others in an attempt to shield them. He tensed in anticipation of what was to come.

Suddenly, a white and orange mech came sailing through the air with a mighty battle cry. With a sweep on an arm, he swatted the drone aside like a fly. Sparks flew as Laserbeak went spiraling away in a trail of smoke. The mech landed with a terrific thud and came to a skidding stop much like a baseball player sliding over home plate.

"Wow!" Miko gaped in awe. She gave a thumbs-up. "Nice moves, Doc!"

Ratchet picked himself up. "Are you kids okay?"

"All good here," Jack replied.

"Then stay put and stay low," Ratchet ordered as he raced out past them.

Bumblebee, Arcee, and Bulkhead had succeeded in shifting their positions, placing themselves between their friends and the attacking forces, forming a tight wall. Ratchet joined them with a snarl and fist blades up and ready.

Above, Optimus gave a small vent of relief. The children were safe. Metal suddenly clashed and Optimus went flying back to crash against rock with a sharp gasp. His focus on the kids' safety, he had not seen Megatron regain his senses. Optimus shook his helm, trying to clear the ringing in his audio sensors.

The silver Decepticon leader sneered at the Autobot. "Like always, you let your sentiment for these puny fleshlings distract you. They are your weakness that will be your undoing."

The chrome face looked up. "Wrong. They give me determination." He leapt forward and their blades clashed in a shower of sparks. "And the more you threaten them; the stronger I will fight."

Megatron bared his teeth. "Fool."

Even though still clutching the relic within it, he brought his other fist around and drove it hard into the red and chrome midsection. Optimus winced from the blow, but in his haste for an attack, Megatron had left an opening. Optimus took it. He swung a hard phoenix punch, driving it into his opponent's wrist. The servo's wiring temporarily numbed, the relic flew free. Megatron howled in both rage and pain as it disappeared over the edge of the ledge. His red optics seemed to literally burn with hate.

"You won't stop me, Prime! I'll finish you!" He tried to seize Optimus's throat, but a large servo wrapped around his still aching wrist and held it back. Quivering metal rattled as both strained to overpower the other.

Below, the relic fell to the canyon floor and landed – and Shockwave saw. A glance upward told what had happened. Falling back from the line of vehicons still keeping the Autobots busy, Soundwave's long tentacles snaked out, picked up the artifact in their claws and brought it closer. It was shaped like a triangle, its old metal surface etched with Cybertronian symbols with areas for computer outlets. The angled helm tilted a bit as his sensors recorded something else. It also seemed to be admitting a low frequency hum, which it had not been doing before, that pulsated in rhythm with a green electronic glow that faintly shone through cracks in the cladding. He concluded the fall must have triggered something within the mechanisms inside. This would be an interesting study when back on the ship. Soundwave's faceplate booted up a recording as he turned on the comms.

"/-The artifact is procured-/" replayed in Megatron's voice from back on the Nemesis.

Megatron heard. He sneered at his opponent. "Sorry, my friend. As much as I'd like to stay and relieve you of your spark, I've got better things to do!" With a mighty heave he wrenched out from the Prime's hold and swung a mighty sucker punch into the red chest plates.

Optimus grunted as the force hit him. He felt his treads momentarily leave solid ground as he flew backwards. He quickly tucked his legs, throwing his weight forward. Treads scrapped stone as he skidded to a stop in a knelt position. Before him he saw Megatron prepare to transform. He pushed off with his bent leg, throwing himself at the silver bot, but was too late. He caught only air, nearly going over the ledge, as the Cybertronian spacecraft took off and swooped over the canyon.

"Decepticons! We have what we came for! Retreat!"

Starscream wasted no time. "Yes, my lord! You heard our leader! Retreat!" He sent off one last arm rocket before transforming into jet mode and streaked upwards. One of Soundwave's tentacles quickly retrieved Laserbeak from where he had crash-landed before he also transformed and swooped into the air with vehicons following, tentacles still gripping the artifact underneath his fuselage.

"No!" Arcee screamed through gritted teeth, desperately trying to hit the quickly departing targets.

Standing at the edge of the ledge, Optimus saw. In more reflex then processed thought, he took a quickly aimed shot. The bolt of laser zipped through the air and Soundwave wobbled as it struck under his wing precisely were his tentacle outlet was. There was a burst of sparks and the claws lost their grip.

"NO!" Megatron roared as his prize plummeted towards the ground. He quickly barrel rolled as more of the lasers shot past from the Prime's cannons.

The pulsating relic twisted through air as it fell.

"Somebot catch it!" Bulkhead shouted as all four rushed forward. But their treads weren't fast enough.

The relic struck hard rock with a resonating clang. There was a strange mechanical whirr and suddenly a blinding flash of light emanated from one of its points. Jack, Miko, and Rafael quickly ducked and covered their faces as the brightness stabbed pain into their eyes.

"W-what's happening?!" Arcee's voice came from within.

"By the Alllspark! What–" Ratchet's voice cut off.

The electronic whirr changed to a piercing high pitched squeal.

"AHH! My eardrums!" Miko yelled, palms smashed against her ears with eyes scrunched shut.

Even above, Optimus nearly went to his knee plates as the sound pierced his much more sensitive audio receptors and every processor inside his helm. Also forced to close his optics as the canyon lit up in the unearthly white glow.

Overlooking the spectacle from the sky, the Decepticons watched.

"What is that?!" Starscream shrieked.

"Very interesting," Megatron muttered in fascination. He noticed Soundwave wobbling as he flew, smoke trailing from beneath where the blast has struck. "Back to the ship! We shall repair our damages and return later for our prize."

"Good," Starscream grumbled. "My tread is killing me."

The Decepticons swooped upwards into the blue sky where the Nemesis waited high above.

…

The three kids grimaced as the light seemed to seep through even with their eyes tightly closed. Then as quickly as it had begun, the light swallowed in on itself and was gone and an eerie silence followed the bazar spectacle. Slowly, Jack raised his face from his arm to peak over the rock. All was as it had been before, the sun's warm rays lighting the canyon in its natural light.

"W-what was that?" Rafael asked. He blinked several times to chase away all the floating spots.

"I have no idea," Jack answered.

"The bots were out there! What if the freaky light did something to them? Maybe they're hurt! Maybe their dying!" Miko gasped. She jumped up and rushed out into the open. "Bulkhead I'm coming!"

"Miko! We don't know if it's safe yet!" Jack tried, but his words fell on deaf ears.

"Bee!" Rafael called as he too ran out, now worried by Miko's ramblings.

Jack face palmed. "Does no one worry about potential danger around here?" He couldn't just let them go alone so with a sigh he quickly followed. As he jogged along he glanced around, but didn't see anything. Where are the bots? he thought, hoping Miko wasn't right.

In front of him he saw Miko and Rafael had stopped running. He jogged up next to them and noticed their strange behavior. They were standing stock still, eyes wide and mouths gaping as if in utter shock. "Guys, what's–" Then he saw. His jaw dropped.

The three stared in silent disbelief at the scene before them.

Four small bots sat on the ground, no bigger that the kids themselves. Their helms seemed awkwardly out of size for their small frames. Wide optics looked about in childish wonder, little servos going after anything in reach. One colored blue with pink accents gave a soft coo as large violet/blue optics looked up at the humans.

Rafael was the first to finally find a voice. "They're – They're babies!"

Miko cocked her head a bit blankly, still wrapping her brain around the scene in front of her. "Awfully … BIG …. babies."

There was a mighty thud from behind that told Optimus had come down from his ledge. The tread steps quickly approached.

"Are you children unharmed?" the deep voice asked with concern.

Jack had no idea how to explain, so he pointed. "Uh … Optimus…"

Optimus stopped just behind the three and looked. His optics widened and, even mostly hidden behind the battle mask, the shock there was unmistakable. He had seen many things in his years as a Prime, but he had to admit, nothing compared to the sight before him.

They're colors were unmistakable, it was definitely his team, but not the one he knew. Ratchet was happily in a cycle of stacking rocks and pebbles then knocking them down again. Arcee seemed fascinated with a small white desert flower, poking at it with a tiny finger. Bulkhead looked somewhat like a rocking horse, rolling back and forth on his round body with bubbling delight while holding the ends of his treads. Bumblebee was sitting in the dirt, tiny servos exploring the vocalizer guard, which allowed him to "speak" in his beeps and bleeds, on his face plate. He grabbed it and pulled it out of his mouth as it disconnected and looked at it curiously. Rafael's brows went up as it was the first time he had ever seen the scout's actual mouth.

"What happened to them?" Jack asked.

The mask slid back, showing the Prime's mouth to be slightly open. "I … don't know." He then spied the triangle shaped relic that lay a few feet away from the shrunken team. "It would seem that when the relic struck it somehow activated, resulting in this … effect."

Rafael frowned slightly in thought. "Then the relic must have something to do with time travel. That must've been that flash of light. And when it activated, the bots were caught in the radius of the blast, somehow making them little again."

"Your reasoning is sound, young friend," the large mech agreed with a nod.

Miko took a few steps toward the little green bot with the roly-poly body. "Bulkhead?" Two big blue optics blinked at her. "Bulk, do you know me?"

The green helm tilted slightly, but there was no hint of recognition. He giggled as tossed some little stones up, watching them fall.

Miko slumped sadly. "He doesn't know me."

Optimus knelt down on one knee plate and reached out a servo though not physically touching her, trying to offer some sort of comfort. "I am afraid that along with the de-aging of their physical forms, their minds have also been reverted to a young age."

Baby Bumblebee dug his little servos into the ground. Wide curious eyes stared in wonder at the strange gritty brown substance they brought up. Then without hesitation he shoved it into his mouth.

"Very … young age," Optimus added.

Rafael trotted towards the yellow sparkling. "Bee! Don't eat that!"

Bumblebee gave a strange expression before spitting the yucky stuff out. He wiped a servo over his mouth with a whimper, not sure what to do with the odd taste. Rafael picked up the vocalizer guard where the little mech had tossed it and stuck it back in his mouth, the clasps reattaching. Bumblebee looked unsure for a second then waved his stubby arms happily with a squeaky bleep.

Miko put hands on her hips. "Well, at least we don't need to buy him a pacifier."

Jack looked up at the Prime. "So what do we do?"

Optimus reached out and picked up the triangle shaped relic that lay a few feet away. It no longer seemed active. "We'll take them back to the base. They'll be safest there while we attempt to figure out a solution to rectify the situation." As he watched as the kids tried to gather up the little bots, inwardly the thought, I only hope we can find one soon.