Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Optimus came to a stop on the wet grass, transforming from his alt mode and walked through the forest, the rain pelting down from the dark sky. The prime looks around as he listens to the gentle pitter patter of rain hitting the leaves in the trees and bushes, a calming sound as he walked around the forest, lifting his servos to trace the leaves as he walked deeper into the forest ‘it’s only been two years and yet this world is still beautiful’ Optimus thought letting out a small sigh. Then he notice something different about the area, something familiar

He knelt down, tracing a fallen tree, spotting a dent on the bark, he looked around realizing that this was the battle ground he, his Autobots, and the Decepticons fought in 2 solar cycles ago. He still remembers it, Megatron and his Decepticons testing out a new weapon around the area and he and his Autobots charges in to stop Megatron, the battle was long but the Autobots got the upper hand when Bumblebee shoots at the weapon causing it to explode, the burning rubble lands on a stack of energon cubes causing them to explode as well, with Starscream caught in both explosions, in the end Megatron retreated along with the Decepticons, flying away. Optimus looks at the small crater of the explosion, bits of metal still everywhere as he knelt down, picking up a broken piece of a Decepticon Insignia that belong to Starscream ‘Starscream, even though we were enemies, may your spark find its way into the well of Allsparks’ Optimus thought in a small prayer for the Decepticon Second in Command

But then, he heard a faint whimper making the prime look up, his optics scanning around the area to where the sound came from, a few clicks later he heard it again “hello, is anyone there?” Optimus asked standing up, walking to where the sound was coming from, he narrowed the source of the sound to a small bush ‘ is it an injured animal?’ Optimus thought kneeling down to the bush, he gently parts the bush away and gasped at what he saw, there curled up on the wet muddy ground was a tiny silver sparkling, shivering, wet and covered in mud “primus, by primus” Optimus whispered his servos hovering over the sparkling before gently scooping the sparkling up, it was very tiny that the sparkling could fit in one servo. He pulls his cupped servos close to his chest, shielding the sparkling from the rain, he looks down at the sparkling, the infant had not an inch of armor and was wet and covered in mud and scratches

Quickly, he takes out a blanket and wraps it around the sparkling as the infant opened his optics for a moment before closing them, curling up into the blanket for warmth ‘I need to return to base now’ Optimus thought transforming into his alt-mode and sped away back to the base, the sparkling buckle securely in the seat as he turns on the heaters to warm up the sparkling :Optimus Prime to Ratchet, do you read: Optimus said through his comlink driving around the bumps and tree roots :Ratchet here, what’s the situation Optimus: Ratchet said as Optimus drive out the forest :could you please prepare the med bay: Optimus said as he drive through the rain :What’s wrong, are you injured?: Ratchet asked sounding worried :I’m not, but there is someone who is, I’ll explain more when I reach the base, but please trust me: Optimus said as gently goes over a bump :alright, I’ll prepare the med bay: Ratchet said through the comlink :thank you Ratchet, I’ll be there soon: Optimus said cutting off the comlink as he continues to drive, the sparkling curling up into the blanket more “hold on little one, we’re almost there” Optimus said driving a bit faster

Finally, the red and blue bot reached the mountain, transforming mid-drive and runs inside, holding the sparkling close to his chest as he ran through the base, dodging confused Autobots as he ran towards the med bay. After turning a corner he reach the med bay coming to a stop as he went inside “Optimus” Ratchet said seeing the red and blue mech holding something bundled in the blanket close to his chest, the prime opens the blanket to reveal the sparkling, the medic gasped at the tiny sparkling “h-how?” Ratchet said looking at the tiny sparkling “I do not know, but they’re hurt and shivering” Optimus said as Ratchet gently takes the sparkling, the medic goes to a berth and gently places the sparkling down on it, opening the blanket more to inspect the sparkling more, he does a scan over the sparkling, looking at every inch of the sparkling “he’s barely a cycle old, very low on energon, and primus knows how long he was out there” Ratchet said cleaning the mud off the sparkling “where did you find him?” Ratchet asked looking back at the prime

“I found him in a bush, in the forest where we had fought the Decepticons two days ago” Optimus said as Ratchet turns back to the sparkling “this sparkling is a seeker, look at his chest where the cockpit is, it’s not yet developed but a tiny bubble of glass has already formed” Ratchet said pointing at the tiny bubble of glass "and his wings are still nubs” Ratchet said gently turning the sparkling to see two small wing nubs on his back as he finish cleaning the mud off the sparkling “if I know seekers, they are very attach to their sparkling, they would never abandon their sparkling” Ratchet said as he began to gently place cybernetic patches over the scrapes “so why was he abandoned?” Optimus asked, thinking. Then a thought came to his processors that filled him with dread ‘did Starscream…’ Optimus thought, but then the sparkling let out a cry snapping the prime out of his thoughts “easy now, you’re okay, just one more” Ratchet said placing one last cybernetic patch on the sparkling “now let’s get you some fuel” Ratchet said going to a cupboard to get some low medical grade energon

Optimus looks at the crying sparkling lying on the berth and knelt down, gently tracing his finger over the sparklings helm “it’s okay little one, you’re okay, you’re safe now” Optimus said, the sparkling slowly calms down leaning into the touch as Ratchet returns with the low medical grade “let’s get you fueled up little one” Ratchet said gently picking the sparkling up and tilts the cube to the sparkling, the sparkling whimpers and turned his helm away from the cube “now now, don’t be like that” Ratchet said as the sparkling turned his helm away again “perhaps I could try?” Optimus asked holding his servos out, the medic looks at the prime then to the sparkling before gently handing the sparkling to the prime “easy now, support his helm and neck” Ratchet said as the prime takes the sparkling into his servo while handing the low medical grade energon

Optimus tilts the corner of the cube to the sparkling mouth as the infant latches onto the corner and begins drinking the fuel “what will we do about this little one?” Ratchet asked looking at the sparkling “we take him in, raise him as our own” Optimus said looking down at the sparkling “you sure we can do this, with this war going on?” Ratchet asked looking up at the red and blue bot “I’m sure, I know that it might be difficult but I know that we will manage, and I think everyone will just adore him” Optimus said looking down at the sparkling, Ratchet looks at his leader and let out a small sigh “alright, I trust and will stand by you on this decision” Ratchet said with a small smile “thank you old friend” Optimus said smiling under his mask “so what should we name the little guy?” Ratchet asked, looking back down at the sparkling, Optimus thought for a moment before coming up with a name “well, I think I’ll call him...Starshine” Optimus said looking at the sparkling “Starshine, I think that’s perfect for him” Ratchet said looking down at Starshine

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“Did you see Optimus run to the med bay last night?” Sideswipe said as he and Sunstreaker walked into the common room “yeah, came running in like the cons were on his tailpipe” Sunstreaker said heading to the energon dispenser “and he nearly knocked Jazz and Red Alert off their pedes too” Sideswipe said standing next to his twin “and did you see what he was holding, wonder what it is” Sideswipe said getting his own energon “why don’t you two ask him yourself” Wheeljack said from behind the twins making them turn to him “whatever he was holding must’ve been injured” Wheeljack said taking a sip of his energon “but Ratchet can only repair bots not organic” Sunstreaker said as Bumblebee and Ironhide entered 

“Now what are y'all gossipin about?” Ironhide asked looking at the three “we’re just wondering what Optimus had that he nearly bulldozed us when he ran to the med bay” Sunstreaker said taking a sip of his energon “aren’t you curious about what Optimus had in his arms last night?” Sideswipe asked looking at the two as Prowl walks in “whatever it is we are about to find out, Optimus called all of us in for a meeting, he wants all of us at Teletraan 1 in 5 minutes” Prowl said looking at the others “I guess we will soon” Bumblebee said looking at the others. Later everyone was gathered by Teletraan 1 where Optimus stood “now that everyone is here, I have an important announcement to make” Optimus said looking at the Autobot “things will be a bit different from now on, but it will not affect all of you badly but hopefully good” Optimus said

The others murmur in confusion “what could it be?” Hound whispered to Mirage “I know most of you last night saw me running to the med bay while holding something in my arms, well what I was holding was a seeker sparkling” Optimus said, the Autobots gasped at what they heard “a sparkling...but how?” Trailbreaker whispered in shock as the Autobots murmured more “now I know that you are all confused and have a lot of questions, but for now we must welcome this little one with open arms” Optimus said looking at everyone who were still whispering and murmuring among each other. Then Ratchet walks in carrying Starshine making everyone go quiet as the medic handed the sparkling over to Optimus “everyone, meet Starshine” Optimus said holding Starshine in his arms

Everyone stared at the sparkling, no one moved an inch until Bumblebee stepped forward, looking over the red and blue bots arm to see the sparkling sleeping peacefully wrapped up in a blanket “he’s...so small” Bumblebee said looking at the sparkling “all sparklings are small” Ratchet said with a smile “do you wish to hold him?” Optimus asked, looking at the yellow minibot “c-can I?” Bumblebee asked looking up at the prime “of course you can, just keep support on his helm and neck” Ratchet said as Optimus gently handed Starshine to Bumblebee as Ratchet helped the yellow minibot hold the sparkling. Bumblebee looks down at the sleeping sparkling in his arms, Jazz walked over and looks at the sparkling “if that ain't the cutest sparkling you’ve ever seen I don’t know what is” Jazz said smiling

Then Ironhide joins in, looking at the sparkling “aww he’s gonna be a strong bot when he grows up, ah know it” Ironhide said smiling. Soon more bots gathered around Bumblebee, looking at Starshine in awe, Optimus smiles under his mask ‘I knew they would love Starshine’ Optimus thought happily, then Starshine began shifting and opened his optics, revealing a lovely shade of blue optics looking around the Autobots with curious filled optics. Then Starshine’s optics landed on Optimus and reached over to him, Optimus reached his servo over to the sparkling, letting Starshine grab his digit. Starshine smiles and let out a chirp that made all the bots sparks swell up with joy ‘so cute’ they all thought as Optimus chuckles his spark swelling up with joy the most

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2 Solar-cycles later:

“A sparkling?” Carly said as she and Spike rode in Bumblebee “yeah, they’re like human infants but cybertronian” Bumblebee said driving down the street “how do you make a sparkling?” Spike asked curious “u-umm, well” Bumblebee said, sounding nervous and embarrassed “Spike, you shouldn’t ask someone that if it’s private!” Carly said, elbowing him “oh, sorry Bumblebee” Spike said rubbing the back of his neck “it’s alright, though I’m sure Ratchet can fill you guys in better” Bumblebee said coming to a stop at a red light “what’s the sparklings name?” Carly asked the yellow beetle “his name is Starshine and he’s really cute” Bumblebee said as the light turns green and drives down the road “he must be, can we help out, like get you guys baby supplies and toys for little Starshine” Carly asked the yellow minibot “sure, that’d be great, Wheeljack had just finished making a crib for Starshine” Bumblebee said turning taking an exit leading out of the city

After a while they reach the ark, Bumblebee comes to a stop letting Spike and Carly out before transforming to his bot mode “hello Spike and Carly” Optimus said looking down at his human friends “hey Optimus, how are things with the new sparkling?” Spike asked with a smile “things are going well, it’s quite a learning experience with Starshine” Optimus said smiling under his mask “where is Starshine?” Carly asked wanting to see the sparkling “he’s with Mirage and Bluestreak at the common room” Optimus said as Carly made her way to the common room

Spike was about to follow her when he noticed something about Optimus “is there something on your mind Optimus?” Spike asked looking up at the red and blue bot “oh, it’s that there hasn’t been any Decepticon activity in a while, and it’s very suspicious” Optimus said looking at the human “yeah, that is strangely suspicious, you think they’re up to something no good?” Spike asked, looking at the prime. Optimus was about to answer when a loud scream was heard throughout the base “Starshine!” Optimus said running to the common room along with Spike, they entered to see Bluestreak trying to comfort a crying Starshine “it’s okay it’s okay Uncle Mirage didn’t mean to scare you” Bluestreak said trying to calm down the crying sparkling “what happened?” Optimus asked looking at the scene “Mirage thought it would be a good idea to turn invisible while playing peek-a-boo with Starshine and scared him” Bluestreak said half glaring at Mirage “I-I didn’t mean to Optimus, honest” Mirage said looking at the prime

Optimus gently takes Starshine into his arms “it’s okay Starshine, I’m here, everything is okay” Optimus said, Starshine’s cries turned into a whimper as he looks up at the prime, coolant tears falling down his cheek plates, Optimus gently wiped one away with a digit “there now, you’re alright little one” Optimus said smiling under his mask “I swear Optimus, I didn’t mean to scare Starshine” Mirage said looking at the red and blue bot “I know Mirage, but you need to know that Starshine is very young, abilities like yours, Hound, and Trailbreakers are very new to him so you need to be careful around him when using your abilities” Optimus said looking at Mirage “I understand Optimus, I’ll be very careful next time” Mirage said looking down at Starshine “I’m sorry for scaring you Starshine” Mirage said, Starshine looks at him before reaching to him

Mirage gently takes Starshine as the sparkling hugs his neck “looks like he forgives you Mirage” Bluestreak said smiling, Mirage smiles as he held the sparkling “so that’s Starshine” Spike said looking at the sparkling “yeah, our newest member” Bluestreak said as Carly went over to Spike “he’s really adorable Spike” Carly said smiling as Starshine looks over to the humans with curious optics “Starshine, this is Spike and Carly, our human friends” Optimus said introducing them to the sparkling. Starshine looks at the two humans, tilting his helm a bit in curiosity “it’s alright Starshine, they’re friendly” Bluestreak said as Mirage knelt down on one knee, lowering Starshine a bit to let the sparkling see the humans

Starshine tilts his helm with a chirp “you weren’t kidding carly, he really is adorable” Spike said looking at the sparkling before noticing the wing nubs “what are these?” Spike asked his hand raised to touch the nubs “careful Spike, those are Starshine’s wing nubs, they are very sensitive to the touch” Mirage said looking down at Starshine “wing nubs?” Spike asked curiously “Starshine is a seeker sparkling” Optimus said looking at Starshine “a seeker sparkling?” Spike and Carly said at the same time as Optimus nodded “but the only seekers we’ve seen are Starscream, Skywarp, and Thundercracker” Spike said looking back at Starshine “you don’t think Starshine belongs to one of them do you?” Carly asked looking at Starshine, Bluestreak let out a snort “I doubt it, there’s no way in the Pit that this adorable little guy is those cons” Bluestreak said, though Optimus didn’t think the same, remembering the bush Starshine was in right where the explosion crater where Starscream was ‘maybe’ Optimus thought looking at Starshine who looks back at him with a smile

~~~~~~~~~~~~(Insignia flip)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Meanwhile in the Nemesis, Megatron sat on his throne, his servo clenching into a fist resting under his chin as he glared at the wall in front of him, it was severely quiet as the warlord continued to glare at the wall. Then, the door opened as Soundwave enters with Lazerbeak perched on his arm “Soundwave, report” Megatron said sitting up “Lazerbeak: searched across battle site, no signs of Starscream's body” Soundwave said looking at his leader “so he still lives” Megatron said standing up

‘That cowardly seeker is still alive, and knowing him he is already planning a way to overthrow me and defeat the Autobots, I will not allow it’ Megatron thought his fist clenched tightly “have Lazerbeak search everywhere, let no stone be left unturned, I want my second in command here alive at my pedes” Megatron said his red optics blazing with rage “yes lord Megatron” Soundwave said turning around and walked out the room “don’t think you can hide from me forever Starscream, I will find you, and give you a punishment you will never forget” the warlord said pacing around, completely unaware of a black and purple seeker listening to everything before disappearing in a flash of purple

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“Come on now don’t be like that Starshine” Ironhide said holding a bottle of low grade energon to Starshine but the sparkling keeps turning his helm away from the bottle “Starshine open yer mouth” Ironhide said as Starshine turned his helm away again “having trouble feeding Starshine” Hound asked looking at the weapon specialist “you can call it that, I’m trying to feed Starshine but he won’t open his mouth” Ironhide said looking back at Starshine who turned his helm away from the bottle again “come on Starshine” Ironhide said looking at the sparkling “well isn’t it obvious, Starshine won’t let anyone feed him other than Optimus, Starshine practically imprinted on prime” Sideswipe said with a chuckle “well Prime isn’t here right now so Starshine needs to work with us until he comes back” Ironhide said trying to feed the sparkling

Then Sideswipe gets an idea “Hound, remember that new disguise you’ve been working on” Sideswipe said turning to Hound “yes” Hound said a bit confused “do you think you can use it on Starshine” Sideswipe said looking at the sparkling “are you sure, Optimus said we need to be careful using abilities around Starshine” Hound said a bit worried “it’ll be only for a little while, trust me” Sideswipe said looking at Hound “well, alright” Hound said activating his disguise, in a flash his appearance changes into Optimus Prime “let’s hope this works” Hound said holding his servos out as Ironhide hands Starshine over to him. Starshine looks up at Hound in weary before settling in as Hound holds the bottle to the sparkling

Ironhide, Hound, and Sideswipe watched as the sparkling latches onto the bottle and began drinking the fuel. The three let out a sigh of relief “It actually worked” Ironhide said looking at Starshine drinking the energon “what worked?” a voice said making the three turns to see Prowl entering the common room “Optimus, when did you return?” Prowl asked a bit confused “um it’s me Prowl, Hound” Hound said with a nervous chuckle “Hound, what are you doing disguised as Optimus Prime?” Prowl asked confused “well, Starshine wouldn’t let us feed him so I thought Hound could disguise himself as Optimus so Starshine could refuel” Sideswipe said looking at Prowl

“So you think that tricking Starshine is a good idea” Prowl said with a raised brow “come on Prowl, ya know Starshine won’t let anyone feed him other than Optimus, and Optimus won’t be back for a while” Ironhide said as Prowl crossed his arms “that may be, but you know it’s wrong to trick Starshine, like Optimus said, he’s very young, abilities like these are new and very confusing to him, what if Optimus walked in here and saw this, how would Starshine react to two Optimus’s” Prowl said as Starshine finishes the bottle of energon and looked around “it would be really confusing for him” Sideswipe said looking down “it would, so we need to be careful using them when Starshine is around, understand” Prowl said gently taking the sparkling into his arms

“Understood Prowl” Hound said deactivating his disguise, Prowl nodded his helm before looking down at Starshine who chirps up at him “and you need to let other bots feed you, not just Optimus” Prowl said as the sparkling chirps at him tilting his helm. Then Starshine turned his helm to the faint sound of engines, Prowl, Sideswipe, Hound, and Ironhide turned to the sound as well “seems like Optimus is back” Hound said as the four headed to the entrance where Optimus walks in  carrying a few boxes in his arms, along with Spike and Sparkplug

“Hey guys, we’re back with the things for Starshine” Spike said holding up a box with a smile, Starshine looks at the boxes in curiosity “so that’s Starshine, you weren’t kidding when you said he’s adorable” Sparkplug said looking at the sparkling as Starshine looks at the human, tilting his helm with a chirp “we got some toys for you Starshine” Spike said placing a box down and opened it to reveal plush toys of animals and blankets, Prowl knelt down to let Starshine have a closer look at the toys “we weren’t sure what to get but we hope you like them all” Spike said with a smile

Starshine looks at the toys before spotting a blue elephant plush and reaches for it, Spike picks it up and hands it to Starshine who hugs it tightly “looks like he already has a favorite” Sparkplug said as Starshine hugs the plush tightly before looking at Optimus with a smile, Optimus smiles back under his mask, his spark swelling up with joy

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It was past midnight in the ark, everyone was in deep recharge all but Optimus who was finishing up with reports as the faint sound of thunder and rain from outside. The red and blue bot hummed a small tune as he finished another report before picking up the last one and began looking over it before writing on the data pad “and, done” Optimus said, placing the last data pad down onto the neat pile of finished data pads. He gets up from his seat and stretches his stiff frame, as he did loud thunder echoed outside followed by a cry ‘ Starshine’ Optimus thought quickly going to Starshine’s room, he enters to see Starshine crying loudly scared from the thunderstorm outside coolant tears streaming down his faceplate

Optimus went over to the crib and picks up the crying sparkling “it’s okay it’s okay, the storm won’t hurt you Starshine” Optimus said gently comforting the crying sparkling, but Starshine continue to cry as the thunderstorm rages on “I’m here Starshine, I’m here” Optimus said looking at the sparkling, gently wiping the coolant tears with his digit

‘It always feels so quiet in the dark

It always feels so stark

How silence grows under the moon

And it's always gone so soon

I used to think that I was bold

I used to think love was for fun

Now all my stories have been told

Except for one’

Optimus looks down at Starshine who is no longer crying and looking up at Optimus

‘As the stars start to align

I hope you take it as a sign

That you'll be okay

Everything will be okay,

And if the Seven Hells collapse

Although the day will be my last

You will be okay

When I'm gone, you'll be okay’

Starshine leans into Optimus’s frame as the red and blue bot continues the lullaby

‘The day that you arrived, the sun went black

An artificial night

You came and stole away the light

And put it in your eyes

How could I possibly suspect

That you'd eclipse the midnight sun?

I thought that I knew all the moons

But then you pulled me back to one’

Starshine lets out a yawn as he snuggles close to Optimus

‘If the stars ever align

I hope you'll take it as a sign

That you'll be okay

Everything will be okay

And if the Seven Hells collapse

Although the day will be my last

You will be okay

When I'm gone, you'll be okay

And if the heavens crash aground

I know you'll hear the trumpets sound

And you'll be okay

Everything will be okay’

Optimus looks down at Starshine who was now asleep

‘And when creation goes to die

You can find me in the sky

Upon the last day’

Optimus gently places the sleeping Starshine back into the crib, placing the blanket over the sparkling 

‘And you will be okay’

Optimus retraced his mask to place a kiss on Starshine’s helm “goodnight Starshine” Optimus said his mask retracting back on before quietly leaving the room as the sleeping sparkling hugs his plush elephant with a smile

~~~~~~~~~~~~(Insignia flip)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In the Nemesis, Megatron stares at the blinking spark signature on the monitor screen, right where the Autobot base was “so that traitor is hiding within the Autobots” Megatron said his fist clenched before throwing a nearby punch to a wall making a big fist size dent on the wall “prepare every Decepticon for an attack on the Autobot base, have every Autobot out, and when they are Soundwave you and Ravage will enter their base and find the traitor” Megatron said turning to his third in command “by daybreak, we attack!” Megatron said his red optics flaring up with rage

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:Alert Alert, Decepticon activity!: Teletraan 1 beeps, alarms blaring as the screen flashes, Optimus runs over to the controls and pressed a few buttons, the screen showing Megatron and the Decepticons flying towards the base “Decepticons, they’re heading this way” Optimus said as the rest of the Autobots gathered around Teletraan 1 “how many are their?” Bumblebee asked looking at the screen “looks like old bucket heads bringing the whole Decepticon armada straight to our door” Jazz said looking at the screen “good, cause I’ve been aching for some action” Ironhide said cracking his knuckles

“But why are the Decepticons attacking now after weeks of silence?” Prowl asked confused “well I doubt they’ll give us answers after I’m through throttling them” Brawn said clutching his fist in his servo “Autobots, prepare for battle, whatever Megatron is planning, we won’t let him or the Decepticons get away with it” Optimus said looking back at the Autobots “Red Alert, Inferno, you two will stay here and protect Starshine” Optimus said looking at the security director and firetruck “you can count on me and Inferno Optimus” Red Alert said looking at the prime. Soon all the Autobots began preparing for the upcoming battle as Inferno and Red Alert stayed behind to protect Starshine

Soon everyone stood outside the ark, in position and blaster guns out with Optimus standing in the middle, then the prime looked up to see the Decepticons in view with Megatron leading the army. The red and blue bot watch was the warlord and the Decepticons lands 8 feet away from Optimus and the Autobots, no one moved as both sides glared at each other “Megatron” Optimus said glaring at the warlord “Optimus Prime” Megatron said matching his glare “I believe that you have something that belongs to me” Megatron said staring at the prime “I do not know what you’re talking about Megatron” Optimus said, Megatron let out a chilling laugh “don’t play me as a fool Optimus, I know you have him” Megatron said 

“Him who?” Sideswipe said looking at his twin brother who shrugs “return my second in command immediately, and we shall let you and your Autobots live” Megatron said glaring at the prime “he thinks we have old Screamer” Jazz said looking back at the others who murmured in confusion “Megatron I can assure you that we do not have Starscream within our custody” Optimus said as Megatron's glare grew darker “then explain to me why Lazerbeak picked up his spark signature within your base” Megatron said, the red and blue bot blinked in confusion ‘but that can’t be’ Optimus thought looking at the warlord “I will ask you one last time, give me Starscream and their won’t be any consequences” Megatron said

“And I will tell you again, we do not have Starscream” Optimus said glaring at the warlord, Megatron’s frown deepened “so be it, Decepticons attack!” Megatron said, firing his fusion cannon at the red and blue bot. Optimus quickly dodges it “Autobots, attack!” Optimus said, firing soon both Autobots and Decepticons began firing, some engaging in hand to hand combat as the battle began. However while the Autobots were distracted, Soundwave sneaks past the Autobots and into the ark “Ravage: Eject” Soundwave said pressing the eject button as Ravage transforms and lands on his paws “Operation: Search and retrieve” Soundwave as Ravage began sniffing around the base with Soundwave following behind

Soon Ravage runs up to a closed door and begins pawing it, growling as he scratches the metal door, Soundwave overrides the control door panels and opens the door to reveal a room with plush toys, blankets, and a crib. The third in command tilted his helm in confusion until Ravage ran toward the crib, Soundwave walked over to the crib and saw Starshine sleeping peacefully and cuddled up to his plush elephant ‘a sparkling?’ Soundwave thought tilting his helm ‘ Starscream’s spark signature: leads exactly to here’ Soundwave thought as Starshine stirs awake with a tiny yawn, the sparkling opened his optics and looked up at Soundwave tilting his helm in confusion at the strange new bot “Query: what has happened to you Starscream” Soundwave said taking a few pictures of the sparkling, Starshine chirps at the bot in confusion as Soundwave reaches towards the sparkling

“Stop. Right. There Decepticreep!” Inferno said, pointing his blaster at the communicator's officer's back “step away from the sparkling Soundwave, and put yer servos in the air!” Inferno said, Soundwave slowly raises his servos just as Ravage pounces at the firetruck. The third in command turned back but saw Red Alert who managed to sneak around them holding the sparkling close to him “Demand: hand over sparkling, now” Soundwave said taking a step forward “no, I won’t let you take Starshine!” Red Alert said his horns were sparking as he transformed and sped away with Starshine strapped into the seat “hold on Starshine!” Red Alert said driving out of the base as Inferno managed to get Ravage off him and fires at Soundwave who stumbles back from the hit 

Inferno then tackles Soundwave, hitting hims a few times before Soundwave punched the firetruck off him, collected Ravage, and he runs out the room, to where Red Alert fled out of “oh no ya don’t, come back here and fight like a bot!” Inferno said chasing after Soundwave. Back outside, the battle went on with the Autobots getting the upper hand in the battle, Optimus and Megatron were in hand to hand combat with the prime having the upper hand in the fight, the warlord looks around to see his soldiers were out-numbered and saw Soundwave running out the base with no sight of Starscream ‘Soundwave you fool’ Megatron thought as his third in command is tackled by Inferno. The warlord grunts as he throws Optimus off of him “I will have my second in command back Prime, you can’t hide him from me forever” Megatron said glaring at the red and blue bot “Decepticons, retreat!” Megatron called taking to the skies along with the others Decepticons as they all fly away

“Look at that, the Decepticons are running away with their tailpipe between their legs” Ironhide said smirking as he watched the Decepticon fly away, Optimus looked over at Inferno seeing him outside the base “Starshine!” Optimus said running back into the ark and towards Starshines room, he entered to see the room was a mess with the crib tipped over and no signs of Starshine “what happened?” Optimus said as Inferno ran over to him “Soundwave came in an tried to take Starshine, but Red Alert took him away before that con could nab him” Inferno said looking at the prime “where are they now?” Optimus asked looking at the firetruck as Hound runs up to them “I’ll track them right now” Hound said activating his tracker, a few seconds later he picked up the signature “I got them, they’re not far from here” Hound said following the signature with Optimus and Inferno following behind

A few minutes later, they came to a stop at a sand cave “Red Alert’s spark signature leads right inside” Hound said as the three went inside the sand cave, inside there was Red Alert curled up by the wall holding Starshine close “Red” Inferno said causing the security director to look up “Inferno!” Red Alert said standing up and running to his friend “Red, I’m so glad yer and Starshine are alright” Inferno said hugging his friend, Red Alert then looked over at Optimus and handed over Starshine to the prime “Starshine is alright, he’s unhurt” Red Alert said as Optimus holds Starshine close “thank Primus you’re alright Starshine” Optimus said as the sparkling chirps up at him “I don’t get why Megatron thinks we have Starscream” Hound said thinking “something isn’t right Hound, and we’re going to find out what” Optimus said transforming to his alt mode along with Hound, Inferno, and Red Alert and they drive back to the ark, Starshine strapped safely inside Optimus

Later, everyone was gathered around Teletraan 1 “Megatron said Lazerbeak picked up Starscream's spark signature within our base” Optimus said pressing a a few buttons “but that’s impossible, Starscream isn’t in our base nor in our custody” Perceptor said looking at the red and blue bot “not to mentioned that old Screamer was blown up from both explosion from the weapon and energon cubes” Wheeljack said equally confused “you think it could be a glitch?” Bumblebee asked as he gently bounces Starshine in his arms “well whatever is going on we are going to get to the bottom of this mystery” Optimus said pressing the last button “Teletraan 1, please do a spark signature scan for Starscream” Optimus said as the screen flashes and blinks before stopping

  :Starscream spark signature found: Teletraan 1 said shocking everyone “but it can’t be” Ironhide said bewildered “that’s impossible” Hoist said also bewildered “it’s no glitch, Starscream's spark signature is right here, in this room” Optimus said, everyone began to murmur as they looked around wondering where could the seeker be, then Optimus optics landed to Starshine ‘no it can’t be’ Optimus thought going back to Teletraan 1  and pressed a few more buttons, the screen blinks and showed Starscream’s spark and Starshines spark blinking at the same time :Spark signature match: Teletraan 1 said silencing everyone “it can’t be” Optimus said his optics widened “prime what’s wrong?” Jazz asked confused “Starscream's spark signature, matches with Starshines spark” Optimus said causing everyone to gasp “but...that would mean” Prowl said his optics widened “Starshine, is Starscream” Optimus said as everyone looked at Starshine who looked around at everyone in confusion

Chapter Text

“Starshine is Starscream” Sideswipe said still in shock as he looks at the sparkling laying on a blanket on the floor as he holds his elephant plush with Bumblebee sitting down next to the sparkling, his faceplate a morph of shock and confusion “but how, how did he become a sparkling?” Sunstreaker asked looking at the sparkling “do you think it has something to do with that explosion Starscream got caught in weeks ago” Sideswipe said looking back at his twin brother “maybe” Sunstreaker said as Cliffjumper paces around “I knew it I knew it, I knew there was something fishy about that sparkling, I felt it in my circuits” Cliffjumper said looking back at the others “this must be one of Megatron's tricks to spy on us, get any information from us to take us all down” Cliffjumper said glaring at Starshine who looks back at him with curious optics “Cliffjumper now is not the time for your superstitions” Bluestreak said looking at the red minibot

“It’s not superstitions it’s the truth, why do you think the Decepticons came and attacked us, so that Starscream could get as much information he can from us while we were distracted” Cliffjumper said still glaring at the sparkling “Cliff he can’t even roll over let alone walk, and he’s too small to reach the control panels” Smokescreen said looking at the red minibot “and not to mention that any information we have is under lock and key, secured safely inside Teletraan 1, and the only ones who can access them are Optimus, Perceptor, Wheeljack, and Prowl, so there is no possible way Starshine could get any information” Tracks said looking at the red minibot “stop calling him that, that is Starscream, Megatron’s second in command, and leader of the seekers!” Cliffjumper said causing Starshine to whimper in fear from the shout “no, he isn’t, not anymore” Bumblebee said gently picking Starshine up and held the sparkling close as he stands up “the Starscream we knew isn’t there anymore, all there is now is our Starshine, innocent, sweet, curious, Starshine” Bumblebee said looking down at Starshine who looks up at him “but–” but Bumblebee cuts him off “but nothing, Starshine is NOT a Decepticon and never will be, and if you even think about pulling the trigger at him, you’re going to have to shoot me first to get to him” Bumblebee said glaring at the red minibot

 Cliffjumper looks at the yellow minibot before turning around and walked away, Bumblebee watched before looking down at Starshine “it’s okay Starshine, you’ll be alright” Bumblebee said holding the sparkling close, Sideswipe looks at the sparkling “I think Bumblebee’s right, the old Starscream we knew and hated is gone, and all there is now is Starshine” Sideswipe said looking at the sparkling “yeah, our Starshine is Starshine, no one can say otherwise” Sunstreaker said with a smile. Standing by the doorway was Skyfire glancing over to the sparkling so many thoughts runs through his processors 

In the conference room, everyone was talking over one another while Optimus sat in silence his servos claps together as his thought were everywhere “I’m thinking it has something to do with the explosion weeks ago, the explosion from that weapon and the energon cubes must’ve caused a chain reaction of some sort that caused Starscream to revert back into a sparkling” Wheeljack said looking at the others “but how does it explain how Starscream became a sparkling?” Perceptor asked looking at the inventor “it’s the only logical explanation, what do you want me to say that it was from the divine powers of Primus!” Wheeljack said looking at the microscope “what if this is some part of a Decepticon plan, a way to spy on us to get important information from us?” Red Alert said his horns flashing, everyone began talking and shouting louder. Ratchet looks over to Optimus who had his helm pressed to his clasped servos his optics clouded with thought before looking back at the others

“ENOUGH!!!!” Ratchet shouted slamming his fist on the table, silencing everyone as they all looked at the medic “now I know that all of you are confused and want answers about this, but I can assure everyone that this isn’t some Decepticon trick, now when Optimus brung the sparkling to me I scanned him from helm to pedes and there was no signs of Decepticon spy equipment, coding, or anything dangerous, the scans only shows a newly sparked frame and spark” Ratchet said bringing out the data pad of the scans he did of Starshine and placed it on the table for everyone to see “and if most of you know, newly sparked sparklings optics are blue, we all also know that when a bot joins the Decepticons, their optics are change to red, permanently, not even the most experienced medic can revert them” Ratchet said looking at everyone as they all looked at the data pad

Everyone murmured quietly to one another as they all processed this information “that is true” Prowl said looking at the data pad before handing it to Jazz “but what about his memory processors, did you scan them?” Red Alert asked looking at the medic “Red Alert you know how dangerous it is to do a processor scan on a sparkling, but I can assure you that he has no memory of us or his past life as a Decepticon” Ratchet said looking at the security director, Jazz then turned to Optimus “what do you think about all this Optimus?” Jazz asked. Everyone turned to Optimus, the red and blue bot looks at everyone as memories of Starshine plays in his processor’s, he straightened up and intakes a deep breath “this, changes nothing on who Starshine is now, whether this is from the explosion, or an act of Primus, what I do know is that Starshine holds no threat to any of us, and we can all agree that we would’ve discovered anything suspicious about Starshine during the weeks he has been with us, and since there has been no suspicious activity’s, I can concur that the Starscream we knew is no more, and all there is now is Starshine” Optimus said looking at everyone

“And he will be raised by us, and be taught the ways of the Autobot” Optimus said looking at everyone, the others looked at their leader, letting the words their leader said sink in “now, are there any objectives” Optimus asked looking around, everyone didn’t say anything “then it’s settled, Starshine is staying” Optimus said standing up, everyone stands up as well, filing out of the room “prime, I said it once I’ll say it again I trust and will stand by you on your decisions” Ratchet said giving the prime a nod. Optimus nodded back as everyone left, leaving the red and blue bot alone in the conference room, the prime let out a breathe he didn’t know he was holding, he takes out the blanket he wrapped Starshine in when he found him, gently rubbing the soft fabric and remembering the many times he spended with Starshine, how the sparkling smiles up at him, how he reaches for him, how he holds him to comfort him when he cries, and how his spark swells and dance with joy every time ‘does Starshine, sees me as his father’ Optimus thought holding the blanket close to him

~~~~~~~~~~~~(Insignia flip)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“You incompetent fool, you were supposed to retrieve Starscream!” Megatron shouted glaring at the third in command “Reason: Starscream has changed” Soundwave said standing still “changed, what do you mean?” Megatron asked with a raised brow “Explanation: Starscream has changed into a sparkling” Soundwave said, the warlord was even more confused “Starscream, a sparkling?” Megatron said as Soundwave walked over to the control panel and pressed a few buttons, uploading the pictures he took onto the screen, Megatron looks at the screen “Starscream's spark signature: matches with the sparklings spark signature” Soundwave said turning back to the warlord

Megatron looks at the photos before bursting into laughter “oh how the clever Starscream, reduces into a pitiful sparkling” Megatron said laughing “and how did this happen?” Megatron asked, looking at his third in command “Theory: Weapon and energon explosion that had occurred weeks ago” Soundwave said, looking at the warlord. Megatron looks at the pictures, looking into those innocent optics “so innocent” Megatron said smirking as an idea forms in his processors ‘and easy to mold into someone loyal’ Megatron thought his red optics flashing red

On the other side of the door, Thundercracker and Skywarp stand by the door, listening to the whole thing “Starscream, a sparkling” Thundercracker said turning to Skywarp “do you think he’ll recognize us?” Skywarp asked looking at his older brother “familiar wise, I’m not sure, but maybe through our sibling bond” Thundercracker said looking at his younger brother “but how are we going to get to him, the Autobots won’t let him out of their sights?” Skywarp asked looking at the seeker “we’ll have to convince them we don’t mean any harm, we’ll talk more back at our room” Thundercracker said grabbing onto Skywarp as they teleported away in a flash of purple

Chapter Text

“So Starshine was Starscream?” Spike asked looking at Starshine who laid on the blanket on the floor as he played with his elephant plush with Carly watching him “yeah” Bumblebee said with a small nod “what do the other Autobots think about this?” Spike asked looking at his friend “most of the others don’t care about this, that Starshine is still Starshine, no matter who he was” Bumblebee said looking at the sparkling “but their a few who still sees Starshine as Starscream, like Cliffjumper, Brawn, Slingshot, and Gears” Bumblebee said naming the four bots “Brawn and Gears often keep to themselves and leave whenever Starshine is around, Slingshot and Cliffjumper are openly hostile” Bumblebee said looking at Starshine “Slingshot would openly and loudly call Starshine Screamer whenever he had the chance, and Cliffjumper would glare daggers at the sparkling, Starshine is scare of both of them” Bumblebee said

“Has Optimus done anything about that?” Spike asked looking at his friend “Optimus gives them warnings and Ratchet would whack them with his wrench, but they would still do it behind their backs” Bumblebee said with a small sigh “well, what do you think about this?” Spike asked the yellow minibot “me, well...the Starscream we all knew was evil, manipulative, loud, a coward, and a liar, and Starshine is innocent, curious, quiet, sweet, and happy, they’re both the same, but completely different, the old Starscream we all knew is gone, died in that explosion, and all there is now is Starshine” Bumblebee said looking at his friend. Spike looks at his friend, thinking over what the yellow minibot had said “you know, I think you’re right Bumblebee, after spending time with Starshine, I can’t picture him as Starscream even if I tried” Spike said with a smile, Bumblebee smiles back at his friend

Then Carly let out a loud shout, startling both Spike and Bumblebee “Carly, what’s wrong?!” Spike asked looking at her “you missed it, you guys missed it, look!” Carly said pointing at Starshine, the two looked at the sparkling and noticed something different, Starshine was on his belly and not on his back “he rolled over” Bumblebee said in shock “he rolled over!” Bumblebee said, smiling widely, picking up Starshine and lifted the sparkling up in the air “you rolled over!” Bumblebee said Starshine giggles at the yellow minibots excitement “now what’s goin on here?” Ironhide asked, walking into the room “Starshine rolled over look!” Bumblebee said, placing Starshine down on the blanket on his back “come on Starshine, roll over, roll over” Bumblebee said, kneeling down next to the sparkling. Starshine chirps and coos as he rocks before rolling over onto his belly “well I’ll be, Starshine is growing up” Ironhide said smiling “next thing you know Starshine is going to be running around the ark and talking” Bumblebee said lifting Starshine up with a chuckle

Starshine giggles as he was lifted up in the air, his wing nubs slightly wagging “we gotta tell Optimus this” Bumblebee said heading to where Optimus was

~~~~~~~~~~~~(Insignia flip)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“So Starscream really has turned into a sparkling” Elita said through the communications video feed, bewildered “yes, and from what we can tell he has no memory of his past life, and we still do not know how he was turned into a sparkling” Optimus said looking at the live video feed of the pink femme “I see, it’s rather hard to believe it to be honest, it’s as if this was from an act of Primus” Elita said looking at the red and blue bot “that’s what most believe, Wheeljack thinks it’s some sort of chain reaction from the explosions of both the weapon and energon cubes a few weeks ago, I’m not even sure which one I should believe” Optimus said gently shaking his helm

“Well...what do you think about all of this?” Elita asked, looking at the red and blue bot, Optimus looked at her before taking a deep breath “I honestly do not know, I never thought I would see myself raising a sparkling, let alone a sparkling that was the second in command of the Decepticons, but…” Optimus paused looking down at the communications control “but?” Elita asked with a tilt of her helm “but when I look into his optics, I see an innocent, sweet, curious, and so full of life, the way he reaches up to me, how I hold him when he needs comfort, and how he smiles up at me, it makes my spark swell and flare with joy” Optimus said looking up at the video feed. Elita let out a small chuckle “it sounds like you are experiencing what anyone would when they become a new father” Elita said smiling, Optimus felt his cheek plates burn red from that “and as for the sparkling, well I think it’s safe to say that he holds no threat to anyone, so I trust you in this decision” Elita said with a smile

Optimus smiles back when the door opens “Optimus, you won’t believe what–” Bumblebee stopped mid-sentence when he saw Elita on the video feed “oh, sorry prime, we didn’ know you were busy” Ironhide said with a small chuckle, Starshine looks at the video feed of Elita and tilts his helm in confusion “oh, is that him?” Elita asked spotting the sparkling, Optimus let out a small chuckle as he gently take Starshine into his arms “yes, his name is Starshine” Optimus said showing Elita the sparkling more, Starshine looks at the pink femme with curious optics “he’s so adorable” Elita said smiling “so what could it be that I won’t believe?” Optimus asked, looking at the yellow minibot “Starshine just learned how to roll over” Bumblebee said smiling “he did?” Optimus said looking back at Starshine who looks back at him “oh, you’re growing up so much Starshine” Optimus said smiling under his battle mask as he bounces the sparkling in his arms

Elita chuckles at the scene “I better go, me and the girls are about to leave soon” Elita said smiling at the red and blue bot “alright, take care Elita” Optimus said looking at the pink femme “you as well Optimus” Elita said smiling “and to think I was worried that you didn’t want sparklings” Elita said with a smile before cutting off the video feed, leaving Optimus’s face and battle mask a bright shade of red as Bumblebee, Ironhide, Spike, and Carly laughs as Starshine looks up at the red and blue bot, curious about the primes faceplate change of color

Chapter Text

“Come on Starshine, what’s the matter?” Beachcomber asked looking at the sparkling who laid on his blanket with a glum look, “you were so cheerful a few days ago, what happened?” Beachcomber asked as the sparkling let out a small whine before turning his helm away “oh Starshine” Beachcomber said picking the sparkling up into his arms “are you sick maybe” Beachcomber said looking at the sparkling in his arms, Powerglide walks in spotting Beachcomber and Starshine “hows Starshine, still not doing so hot?” Powerglide asked looking at the sparkling “no, and I’m scared it might get worse” Beachcomber said looking down at Starshine who whimpered in distress. The aerial acrobat looks at the sparkling, gently touching the sparkling helm “poor kid, does Optimus know about this?” Powerglide asked looking up at Beachcomber “he’s as worried as the rest of us, he barely recharges comforting Starshine” Beachcomber said remembering how tired Optimus would be as he comforts Starshine

“Well I don’t know much about seekers, but I do know that they don’t like staying indoors for too long, makes them all agitated and feel trapped” Powerglide said looking at the sparkling “maybe some fresh air can perk him back up” Powerglide said looking at the geologist “maybe, let’s try it” Beachcomber said as they headed outside to the mountain top, as they walked down the hallway, Cliffjumper walks past them shooting Starshine a glare full of hatred that made the sparkling whimper in fear, Beachcomber tucks Starshine closer into his arms as Powerglide shoots a warning look at the red minibot before they turned a corner. Soon they reached the top of the mountain “there we go Starshine, some good old fresh air” Powerglide said looking at the sparkling, Starshine looked around before looking up at the sky, the wind gently blowing, and the birds flying up in the sky. Starshine optics widened and he let out a squeal, practically leaping out of Beachcombers arms to reach for the sky “oh, careful Starshine” Beachcomber said holding Starshine

Starshine babbles as he reaches out, Powerglide chuckles “looks like he’s feeling better already” Powerglide said chuckling as the sparkling wiggled and squirmed while chirping loudly “easy Starshine, easy, don’t want you to fall” Beachcomber said adjusting his hold on the sparkling so he doesn’t fall “we’re probably going to need one of those kid leashes when he starts flying” Powerglide said with a small chuckle “I doubt those human leashes will keep him at bay” A voice said from behind the two Autobots making them turn to see Skywarp and Thundercracker standing there “Decepticons!” Powerglide said pulling his blaster gun out “hey don’t shoot, we came alone and we’re not here for a fight” Skywarp said holding his servos up “yeah right, as if we should trust you Decepticon” Powerglide said glaring at the seeker

“Trust me if we’d wanted to attack you, we would’ve done it, but we’re not, not in front of Star” Thundercracker said glancing over to Starshine, Powerglide stares at the two seekers before quickly glancing back at the sparkling and let out a sigh “fine, talk, but one wrong move and you’re both toast” Powerglide said lowering his blaster, glaring at the seekers. Skywarp looks at Starshine who looks at them with curious optics “hey Star, remember us?” Skywarp said smiling at the sparkling, Starshine looks at the two seekers, feeling something familiar from the two seekers within his spark and smiled, chirping as he reaches over to them, Thundercracker smiled and let out a few clicks that made Starshine perk up at that “what was that?” Powerglide said looking at the sparkling “seeker language, all seekers know the language right after they’re sparked” Thundercraker said looking at Starshine “it means, hello little brother” Thundercracker said looking at the two “little brother?” Beachcomber and Powerglide said together in surprise “you’re Starshine’s brothers, I never knew Starscream had siblings” Beachcomber said looking down at the sparkling

“There’s a lot of things you don’t know about Starscream, things that he didn’t want anyone to know, especially Megatron” Thundercracker said looking at the two autobots “It make sense, it would be too dangerous and Megatron would’ve used that to make Starscream more loyal and not betray him” Beachcomber said looking at the sparkling. Starshine whines as he reaches for Thundercracker, wanting the bigger seeker to hold him “I think he wants you to hold him” Beachcomber said looking at the sparkling, Powerglide looks at the seekers then to the sparkling “fine, but don’t do anything funny” Powerglide said glaring at the two seekers. Thundercracker nodded as Beachcomber handed Starshine to the blue and white seeker. Starshine looks up at the older seeker, his wing nubs flapping as Thundercracker let out a few clicks as Starshine chirps happily at his older brother with Skywarp joining in, gently petting Starshine’s wing nubs “you autobots are treating him well, he seems very healthy” Thundercracker said gently inspecting the sparkling “his colors should be appearing about now, how often do you take him outside?” Thundercracker asked still looking at Starshine

“Well, we haven’t, this is sorta the first time since Optimus found him” Powerglide said, making the two seekers shoot their helms up at the autobot “what?! No wonder his colors aren’t appearing yet, you’re supposed to take the sparkling seeker outside once a week, otherwise they’ll begin to experience problems such as slow development, anxiety, and low self esteem, seriously do none of you autobot know ANY seeker culture?” Skywarp said, looking at the two autobots. Beachcomber and Powerglide looked at each other “u-umm...well” Beachcomber said feeling a bit embarrassed, Thundercracker rolled his optics “it’s a miracle Star managed to survive this long with you clueless autobots” Thundercracker said gently bouncing Starshine in his arms “well since you know so much, why don’t you teach us then!” Powerglide said slightly glaring at the white and blue seeker, Thundercracker and Skywarp looked at each other before looking at the two autobots “alright, we will” Thundercracker said, shocking the two autobots “huh?” Beachcomber and Powerglide said in shock “we’ll teach you autobots everything about our culture so Starshine can grow and develop properly” Thundercracker said looking at the two autobots

“You’ll have to inform your Prime about meeting us on neutral ground so he should know as well” Thundercracker said as Starshine chirps as Skywarp made some silly faces “but why are you doing all this?” Powerglide asked looking at the two seekers suspiciously “because we know Star is safer here than he is back with the Decepticons, that you autobots can take care and protect our little brother” Thundercracker looking down at his little brother. Powerglide looks at the two as Beachcomber place a servo on his shoulder “It’s okay Powerglide, we can trust them, they are Starshine’s brothers” Beachcomber said giving the thunderbolt a reassuring smile, Powerglide looked at him and sighs “fine, for Starshine sake” Powerglide said looking back at the two seekers who were playing with the sparkling

Chapter Text

Brawn glance over at Starshine from the other end of the common room watching as the sparkling let out tiny huffs as he tries to lift himself up “that’s it Starshine you can do it” Spike said encouraging the sparkling, Starshine let out more tiny huffs as he tried to push himself upward but fails, the sparkling let out a tired huff as he lays on the blanket “It’s alright Starshine, we can try again another time” Spike said looking at the sparkling as Chip watches “it’s absolutely amazing that the Autobots are able to have sparklings, I’ve sort of thought that they were built as adults like the Aerialbots” Chip said looking at the sparkling “how old is he anyway?” Chip asked as Starshine grabs a ball

“Ratchet says he’s about 6 months old and should be learning how to crawl” Spike said as Starshine looks at the colorful ball. Brawn lets out a grunt as he looks at the sparkling ‘this sparkling has everyone wrapped around his little servos, all except Slingshot and Cliffjumper’ Brawns thought watching as the sparkling rolls the ball in his servos ‘ it’s been weeks and nothing has happened, is this sparkling not a threat to us at all’ Brawn thought as the ball slips from the sparklings servo and rolls over to Brawns pedes. Starshine chirps and whines reaching for the ball, Brawn looks at the ball then to Starshine before gently kicking the ball back to the sparkling who grabbed it with a happy chirp as he held the ball, he then looks at the sparkling and let out a sigh before standing up and walked over to the blanket

“You know during the golden age, the way we taught sparklings how to crawl was different but effective” Brawn said picking up the elephant plush “first we lift their favorite toy over them, not to high for them to not reach it, but not too low so they could grab it” Brawn said lifting the plush over the sparkling, Starshine reaches for his plush as Chip and Spike watches “then we wait as the sparkling gets on their servos and knees on their own” Brawn said as Starshine reaches for the elephant plush again. Starshine lets out small huffs and grunts as he reaches for the plushie. Then the sparkling place his servos underneath him and lifted himself up onto shaking knees and servos as he grabbed the leg of his plushie

Spike and Chip watch an awe as the sparkling stands up on his servos and knees “wow it’s working” Chip said as Starshine steadied himself, Spike quickly took out a small camera and began recording “now, we gently pull the toy away so they have to crawl” Brawn said gently pulling the elephant plush back. Starshine whines as he reaches for his toy, trying to grab it back as Brawn slowly scoots back, Starshine cheek plates puffed out as he slams his little servo on the blanket “looks like he’s getting frustrated” Chip said as the sparkling huffs in frustration “it’s normal, in a little while he’ll learn that he’ll have to get his toy back himself” Brawn said

Starshine looks at his retreating plush with a pout before leaning forward, his servos shaking a bit as he begins to crawl “oh my goodness” Chip said watching as Starshine shakily crawl forward. Brawn stops as he watches the sparkling crawls closer and closer to the older bot until finally he reaches the elephant plush, grabbing the plush and pulling it into a tight hug “you did it Starshine you crawled!” Spike said smiling as Chip claps “well done Starshine” Chip said smiling “you did good kid” Brawn said looking at the sparkling

Then Chip comes up with an idea “Spike I have an idea” Chip said whispering his idea into Spike’s ear “oh that’s perfect” Spike said and went to where the other toys were and grabbed a pull on duck toy with three wooden ducks and tied the string to the back of Chip’s wheelchair “Starshine look, follow the duckies” Chip said wheeling his wheelchair away from the sparkling, the pull along ducks following behind. Starshine watches the pull on ducks and began to follow them, chirping and cooing at the toy as he follows it “oh Carly is going to love this” Spike said recording Starshine crawling around to follow Chip and the pull along ducks, Brawn couldn’t help but chuckle as he watched the scene ‘I guess this sparkling isn’t so bad after all’ Brawn said watching the sparkling crawl. Just then, Optimus walks into the common room and saw the sight of Chip wheeling around with a pull along duck tied to the back of his wheelchair and Starshine crawling around to follow him

“Starshine, you’re crawling” Optimus said in surprise, the sparkling spotted the Autobot leader and smiles before crawling over to the red and blue bot. Optimus knelt down, his arms stretched out as Starshine crawls closer to him, when Starshine was close enough, Optimus picks up the sparkling and lift him up in the air “I’m so proud of you Starshine, you’re growing up so much” Optimus said smiling under his battle mask proudly as he held his sparkling close, his spark swelling and flaring with so much joy and happiness

Chapter Text

“Hey slow down Starshine BLAM WHAM !” Warpath said trying to grab the crawling sparkling who dodges his servos again “ BANG! You’re too fast to catch” Warpath said chuckling as Starshine crawls around the common room “he’s only 6 months old and already he’s a little speed demon” Sideswipe said watching as Starshine crawls around the common room as Warpath tries to catch him “by the time he starts walking he’ll be too fast for any of us to catch him” Sunstreaker said with a chuckle “Gotcha!” Warpath said finally catching the sparkling who let out a squeal "thought you could out crawl me huh BOOM! ” Warpath said as the tank began to tickle the sparkling causing Starshine to squeal and chirp louder in laughter that filled the common room

“Would you keep that noise down, I’m trying to have a stasis nap!” Gears said grumpily glaring at the tank “ah relax Gears they’re just havin’ a little fun is all” Jazz said as Starshine grabs Warpath’s barrel “oh careful there BLAM! ” Warpath said gently pulling the sparkling away from his chest barrel “well keep that racket down, or take it to another room, it’s hard enough to get a peaceful stasis nap around here” Gears said grumbling as he stood up and went to the doorway. Starshine reaches down to the floor, chirping and cooing “you want down Starshine BANG! ” Warpath said gently placing the sparkling down on the floor, Starshine immediately crawls towards Gears who immediately noticed the sparkling following him and tries to shake him off by walking around the common room, but Starshine kept following him

“Why is he following me?!” Gears said as Starshine followed him more “maybe it’s because he wants you to play with him POW! ” Warpath said as Starshine followed the older minibot, Gears growled as he walked faster, but the sparkling was still on his tail “go, shoo, beat it!” Gears said trying to shoo the sparkling away from him, but Starshine just looked at him, completely unfazed by it “scram!” Gears said trying to shoo the sparkling again, but Starshine wasn’t fazed by it “cool your engines Gears, he’s a sparkling not a mouse” Jazz said trying to hide his chuckle as Starshine was completely unfazed of the older minibots attempts to shoo him off

Gears glares at the sparkling and picked him up “you might have Optimus and the rest of the autobots under your spell, but it’s gonna take more than that to get me to–” but Gears was cut off when Starshine let out the most cutest yawn looking up at the older autobot tiredly, Gears bit his bottom lip plating ‘ah to Pit with it’ Gears thought letting out a sigh of defeat “fine, you win” Gears said pulling the sparkling close as Starshine drifts off to sleep

“Should we tell him that the real reason Starshine was following him was because we put stickers all over his back and arf when he was taking a stasis nap” Sunstreaker whispered to his twin brother “nah” Sideswipe said as he watches Gears hold the sleeping Starshine