Hidden Spark on Earth II (TFP)

Chapter 58

One Month Later...

The month passes by rather quickly. The autobots and decepticons had settled in with the Harbinger, while also working with Fowler to create a base within a military base to make use of while they repaired the Nemesis. They lost track of Galvatron within a short period of time and they were on a constant lookout for the bot. They all were very aware that Galvatron would be angry, and dangerous, so caution was being taken now whenever the bots and cons would leave the base, though that was rare.

The only time they would leave was to harvest more white energon as Saphira did not stop ingesting it as the twins needed it. Speaking of Calytrix and Stellaxy, the new parents learned very quickly about the demands of their offspring. Calytrix and Stellaxy were showing their personalities, even from such a young age. Stellaxy turned out to be the calmer of the two, and she often would wake and only whimper and chirp whenever she wanted attention now. It was a very unexpected trait, but they did not mind it at all.

Calytrix was quite the opposite. She would scream and wail whenever she needed something, especially when she wanted to be picked up. The two sparklings were removed from the incubators after two weeks as the skin around their protoform developed more to the point the skin felt like proper skin. The skin remained transparent however, which Ratchet presumed would maybe change over time as they grew.

And they were growing rather well. Saphira thankfully healed from the birth a week and a half after giving birth, a little longer than Ratchet had anticipated, and she found herself spending a lot of time with the two sparklings. A nursery had been created on the Harbinger, and Saphira had a lot of say of what it should look like. She had the nursey look a bit like they were underneath the night sky, as the ceiling was decorated with tiny, white, reflective, metal pieces that would glimmer gently above without producing much light.

Their cribs were rather large for them, but it was assumed they would grow into them. Ratchet and Knockout both agree that the sparklings likey will reach the size of an average four-year-old human by the time they were a year old. Saphira was happy they would grow big and healthy, but she found herself spending a lot of time with her daughters so she would not miss a day with them. She did give Optimus and Megatron plenty of time to spend with them too.

Knockout, Wheeljack and Bulkhead had all begun to spoil the twins as well. Knockout made special lotions specifically for the sparklings as their skin wasn't exactly like human skin, so he made something specific to them to use when they were bathed. It was really sweet of Knockout to do that, and there was enough to last a long time. He also made each sparkling cute headbands that were extremely stretchly, and likely would still be fitting them when they are a year old.

Wheeljack and Bulkhead ended up getting a few rattles and toys for them as well. They even replaced the large, plush orcas that were lost in the base. Calytrix and Stellaxy loved the orcas in particular. They both were seen hugging the toys whenever they were sleeping, and taking the toys away from them was just asking for them to scream.

Optimus did begin to decode the next Iacon relic locations as well. There were four new codes to decipher, and he found he didn't have a lot of time to work on them. Between helping Saphira with the sparklings, speaking with Fowler and his superiors, scanning a new vehicle form due to his upgraded form and assisting the others with anything regarding the Nemesis and the Harbinger, it became pretty much whenever he could spare time.

Starscream's body was also fully repaired during this time. Saphira found herself in the room where he lay a few times. She wished she could ask Primus how she could bring her friend back. She felt so terrible that Starscream had done something that saved her and her sparklings, and he died for it. She knew it was a noble thing, and both Optimus and Megatron have reassured Saphira that Starscream would have no regrets about saving her. She didn't know if that was true or not.

Saphira was currently walking through the Harbinger hallways after successfully putting the sparklings to bed. She had to sneak out in case any of them would wake up and she carried the monitor with her in case they would wake up. She was making her way to the predacon as the creature had been given its own space. Shockwave had built an underground lab and began searching for the fossils of the predacons that once roamed the Earth to clone them as well. Saphira was not sure if it was the best idea, but she liked Draco a lot.

She and the predacon had developed quite a friendship too. When she was healed, she actually began riding the predacon through the air. She nearly gave Ratchet, Megatron and Optimus a spark attack when they first saw her on the back of the predacon. It took a bit of convincing for them to decide it was okay, as long as she was careful. She was learning a lot about it and how intelligent it was. She only wished it would be able to transform, though she didn't know if predacons could.

She approached the door of the predacon's chamber and walked through as it opened. She looked up to see the predacon looking at a screen and saw it typing on it. Saphira was surprised and noticed that the predacon was bringing up historical records of predacons. It turned its head and its optics widen in delight upon seeing her. "I see you are searching for answers about your race, huh?" Saphira questioned as she approached with a smile. "I guess I can understand. You are the only one of your kind here...and so am I in a way."

The predacon lowered its head to her and nuzzled her gently. Saphira chuckled and rubbed the top of its head. "I wish I could help you learn more, Draco. Unfortunately..." She moved away and looked up at the screen, seeing the historical images of the predacons. "I am not from Cybertron. In fact, I am only eighteen years old, so there is a lot that has happened in the past."

The predacon purred softly and laid down, curling slightly and staring at Saphira. "Plus...I am not sure if you are aware...your species haven't been around for a long time." She looked at it with a gentle smile. "I know you have a memory, and I have no doubt the only thing you really remember is waking up and fighting, and protecting me. You know of nothing else. It's kind of sad..." She walked over to the predacon as it nodded and she sat down to lean against the neck. "To have only those memories...but I am sure you are aware that you are a clone. Shockwave created you and gave you a life. But now you have the choice to decide on what kind of life you want. I don't think you want to be controlled like an actual beast all the time."

The predacon turned its head slightly as it listened to her speak. It widened its optics when Saphira sniffled a little and was surprised she was sad all of a sudden. "Sorry...I was just thinking of my mother. It has been so long since I have thought of her. I think she would have loved you. She had the same kind, gentle soul that I have grown to have too. And..." Saphira closed her eyes as it hurt so much talking about her mother. "Now I have nothing left...Galvatron took it from me...the statue Optimus made...my only picture of her, and the guitar...everything is gone."

The predacon purred softly and nuzzled her arm gently, making her look at it and rub the top of its head. "I know none of this would mean anything to you, Draco. You didn't know me until a month ago. I hope that will still remember my mother's face in fifty years time...that is why I kept that picture...and Optimus made me a wonderful gift..."

Saphira looked at the doors as they open and she smiled as she saw Megatron walking inside. "I am sensing some sadness from you, Saphira. Are you okay?" He worried that she was upset about something from the past. "If you are worried about Galvatron..."

She shook her head. "No...I am just...grieving..." He widened his optics and thought of Starscream. "I lost everything that I had left of my mother was in the base, Megatron." He was surprised again and immediately softened his expression once he realized what she meant. "It is why I have been...sad...I have been thinking about her. And I had realized...I lost the very last things that ever had of her."

"Oh...I am sorry..." He walked closer and dropped down onto one knee, looking at her with kindness and love. "If I could, I would go back and search the rubble to find the picture for you. But...I know it is likely pointless..." She nodded in agreement and pats the predacon's head. Megatron looked at the creature for a moment before looking back at Saphira. "I am surprised you told the predacon about it."

Saphira shrugged with a smile. "Nothing wrong with that, Megatron. Plus...everyone else is busy. Optimus is looking for the next relic, you are still working with Soundwave to repair the Nemesis, Shockwave is in his lab, Ultra Magnus is overseeing weaponry upgrades with Wheeljack, Breakdown and Bulkhead, Arcee and Bumblebee are both with Knockout scouting for white energon and Ratchet...he's broken through with growing energon crystals and is focused on creating a massive farm of it...and Smokescreen is keeping Jack, Miko and Raf occupied while Will is needing to deal with Miko and Raf's families...seems like the team might get smaller..." She sniffled a little and took a deep breath. "And Draco here is the only one free to listen, Megatron. You may not believe he understands, but I know he does. I think he's lonely because there aren't any others for him to interact with."

Megatron immediately felt guilty as he realized that they have been so busy, Saphira was feeling lonely even while she was among all of them. He knew Saphira was also getting used to being a mother to two sparklings, and while both have different personalities, they have presented challenges to her. One of them being that Stellaxy will bite Saphira when she's feeding her, and Saphira had been contemplating on using a breast pump so that Stellaxy could feed from a bottle. Another was Calytrix, and her midnight wake up calls. It made Saphira tired, and while Stellaxy slept through the night, Calytrix already had kept Saphira up for two nights. And both sparklings were already bigger than their birth size. Meaning Saphira would eventually struggle to carry the both of them.

"I am sorry, Saphira..." He extended his hand towards Saphira and she stood up, walking over to the silver mech and stepping into the open palm. "I know we have been busy, and everything that we have been doing has been for the improvement of all of us. And..." Megatron pulled her closer to him and he smiled at her. "I realize that you need company now. I never really thought much until now. It was never our intention."

"I know..." Saphira smiled at him and they both kiss gently, making her smile widen as she felt his lips on hers. "I am not mad. I just didn't realize it until after I healed enough to walk around. When I realized everyone was busy...and that Miko and Raf may not hang around as often anymore...I guess it kind of feels...different."

Megatron kissed her cheek gently, completely understanding what she was trying to say. "I don't think Miko and Raf will be gone forever, Saphira. I think Miko will go back to Japan for a while, while Raf will still be around. I think his family are just worried about him."

Saphira could understand that. It just felt strange, and a reminder that this life with the autobots wouldn't be forever for the children. But for her, it most certainly was going to be forever for her. She just wished she knew if she could live as long as the Cybertronians could, and if she was even able to have a Cybertronian body. Being able to transform was in the nature of all Cybertronians, and she was related to them, so it felt normal to wish to be able to do that. Even if it was just to transform from human to a femme form similar to Arcee.

"At least I have you and Optimus," Saphira said with a smile. "Even if friends move away, we are still friends. That will never change at all." She kissed him again before looking at the predacon. "And I have my favorite predacon here." The predacon perked up and chirped at her happily. "Hmm...can predacons transform?"

Megatron raised an eyebrow and shrugged. "There is no historical record to confirm if they can. All Cybertronians can transform. The maximals could, the insecticons can...I guess that would extend to the predacons too. But there is no known evidence."

Saphira opened her mouth to ask another question when the predacon stood up and the sound of transforming began. Megatron backed away from the creature, holding her protectively as the predacon transformed, and standing before him was a warrior. One who is much larger than himself, and retained a more primal appearance on his body.

He smiled at Megatron and bowed his head. "I respect that you are not aware that I am perfectly capable of transforming..." Saphira smiled as soon as she heard the predacon's voice. "My name is Predaking. It took me time to learn about my abilities, and now I stand before you as a humble warrior for Cybertron."

"Wow!" Saphira exclaimed in disbelief. "This is...wow!" She giggled a little before realizing. "Oh...I hope you are not mad about the name I gave you, Predaking..." He glanced up at her and smiled at her. "I just didn't want to call you anything that wasn't...well...worthy...I preferred a name over anything else."

"I am grateful that you opened you heart to me, Saphira," Predaking said gently as he straightened up. "I quite like the nickname. Though I will only accept being called Draco by you, and you alone. You are the first one to treat me with more respect than even the one who created me."

Megatron smiled at Predaking. "It pleases my spark to know there is more to your race than we first thought. It shows how much we still need to learn about our past at times. Though now we have a way to do that. Shockwave means no disrespect, Predaking. He is very cold and calculating to everyone. It has nothing to do with you, Predaking. I apologize if I have unintentionally disrespect you in anyway."

"I appreciate the apology, Lord Megatron," Predaking responded softly. "I do know that Shockwave is currently creating a small army of my kind down below." Megatron widened his optics as he didn't know if Predaking was happy about that or not. "And I will be the first to say that I will extend my aid in ensuring the other predacons do not get out of control. Although...if it is possible, I would wait until we have a means of returning to Cybertron. I do believe this planet should not have predacons roaming it. Now that I have seen it for myself."

"That is a noble offer, Predaking." Megatron already liked the predacon and relaxed as Predaking did not show any aggression, only respect and calmness. "We already can reached Cybertron through the space bridge that have beneath the Earth's crust. We just need to begin repairing our world in order for future generations to inhabit it again. And I agree, Earth should not have any further predacons. I have already informed Shockwave that he is not to release them until the time is right, which will be on Cybertron."

Predaking was thrilled to hear that from Megatron. "You are a wise leader, Megatron. I have heard echoes of your past while I have been here. But I know Optimus believes every sentient being has the capacity for change. And I believe that too." His smile widens before tilting his head slightly. "Would it be possible for you to introduce me properly to everyone else? I would prefer not to scare the spark out of anyone else should I need to transform."

Saphira looked at Megatron with an excited smile. "I think we should. Predaking does need to get more acquainted with everyone else now that we have discovered this."
Megatron nodded in agreement. "Not everyone is on the Harbinger right now, Predaking. I can introduce you to Ratchet, Optimus, Ultra Magnus, Shockwave and the wreckers." He turned to leave the room and Predaking followed him. "I do hope that your species and ours can live in harmony on Cybertron should we ever repair it."

"As do I. I know we are considered extinct, but to be given a new chance of life is something I cannot pass up." He walked just behind Megatron as he approached the main lab where Optimus was working. "I do wish that I could be of greater assistance. I very much want to finish what I started with Galvatron."

"Until we can locate him again, we cannot have you flying around the planet looking for him," Megatron responded in an understanding tone. "I have unfinished business with him as well, Predaking. He tried telling me foolish things to try and distract me. It failed, but I still want to deliver the final blow to him as well."

Saphira chuckled softly. "I guess we have a line of anyone who wants a piece of Galvatron."

"It would seem that way." Megatron grinned at Saphira as he entered the main lab. "Optimus, I have someone here who wants to formally introduce themselves." Optimus turned away from the console and looked at Predaking with surprise. "It turns out predacons are capable of transformation like we can. Meet Predaking."

Predaking bowed his head respectfully. "I am pleased to officially announce my name to you, Optimus Prime. This past month has allowed me to realize my abilities and I now stand before you as a warrior. And leader of the predacons."

Optimus listened to the predacon quietly as he processed what he just heard. "I suppose we shouldn't be surprised that you can transform. You are a Cybertronian. I just wasn't expecting you to be able to speak. Another bad judgment on my part."
Predaking smiled at Optimus. "It is a lot easier to communicate than with growls and chirps. I needed to learn the language as well before I could even speak to you."

"I am deeply honored that you are part of our team, Predaking. You have been nothing but great since your awakening. I will do my very best to ensure that you are treated with respect." Optimus smiled before glancing at Saphira. "I sensed some sadness from you before, Saphira. While I am glad that you are overjoyed to have Predaking, I hope you were able to let the sadness out."

Saphira's smile faltered slightly. "Kind of...I was...I am just grieving about my mother again." She glanced away as Optimus widened his optics slightly before they soften with sadness. "I have lost the last things I will ever have of my mother, Optimus. Even the statue that you made for me. So I am just realizing that I will have to try and use just my memory to remember her face."

Optimus walked towards Megatron as the silver mech hugged her lightly before Optimus took her from him. "I am sorry...everything moved so fast that day...I never even thought about retrieving your most valuable items from your room. I am sorry for that..."

"It is okay...I will come to terms with it." Saphira smiled at him as Optimus listened to her and she felt guilt coming from him. "I am not angry at you about it. You don't have to feel guilty for something that is not your fault. I am sure if there was more time, they would have been retrieved. I didn't even say anything when we were evacuating, so I also forgot about them."

"I might be able to recreate the statue for you, Saphira," Optimus said gently as he pulled her closer for a kiss. "I am able to remember it clearly, so making another statue won't be difficult. I just won't be able to replace the picture or the guitar."

She hoped he could. She knew he created the statue after seeing the picture and remembering it. "If you are able to, I hope you can. I don't want to ever forget my mothers face. That is the main reason that I would want something to remember her with."

He smiled at her and kissed her again. "I will find the time to make it for you. I promise." He nuzzled her gently before glancing at the console. "I also bring some good news. I have finished translating another Iacon code. I was about to inform you that I would go and retrieve it."

Saphira was really happy to hear that. "That's great! I wish I could come...."
"You could since you're healed and you have a monitor with you," Megatron said with a smile. She looked at him in surprise at his suggestion. "Don't worry, Saphira. We will ground bridge to the location, and we can bridge back. So you don't need to worry. Besides, you only put them to bed about thirty minutes ago, right?"

"You know as well as I do that they could wake up at anytime, Megatron. But..." Saphira thought about it. She did want to go with them for a normal mission for a change, instead of needing to watch her back. She looked at Optimus. "Would you mind if I come?"

Optimus smiled at her and kissed her. "I think it will be fine, Saphira. Megatron is right. Bridging back here won't be a problem. If you don't want to come, it is up to you. I will understand that you will want to remain in case Calytrix or Stellaxy wake up."

Saphira was really tempted. It would be nice to get some fresh air as well. She smiled and nodded. "I think I will come. We should inform Ratchet and Ultra Magnus."

Optimus nodded and opened the com link. "Ratchet, Ultra Magnus, I have successfully translated the next Iacon code. I will need someone to man the ground bridge for myself and Megatron. And there is someone here who wants to formally intrude himself."

"What do you mean by that? Is there another autobot or decepticon?" Ratchet asked curiously as he was surprised by what Optimus had just told him.

"You will know him when you see him, Ratchet," Optimus responded with a smile, glancing at Predaking who was grinning. "And I for one am glad that we can get to know him better."

"Are you talking about the predacon, sir?" Ultra Magnus asked calmly as he listened to the conversation over the com link.

Saphira chuckled softly as it seemed that Ultra Magnus worked it out. Optimus just hummed in amusement. "As I said, you will know him when you see him."

Ratchet chuckled softly in amusement. "This is strange for you to have a surprise for the rest of us, Optimus. But I am intrigued." The leading out of the lab on the opposite side of the room opened and Ratchet walked in. "Alright, who am I..." He gasped when he spotted Predaking. "It took him a moment to process and recognize the color scheme and armor the predacon has. "I guess Ultra Magnus hit the target." Ratchet walked towards Predaking with a smile. "It is a surprise to me to know you can also transform. But I am pleased to officially meet you."

"The pleasure is all mine," The predacon responded politely. "My name is Predaking. It is very nice to be able to talk to you, Ratchet."

"I guess my hunch about the predacon was correct," Ultra Magnus said in amusement as he walked up behind Megatron with Bulkhead and Wheeljack behind him. "It is good to meet you, soldier." The Predaking was very happy to referred to as soldier, rather than beast. The commander looked at Optimus curiously. "Will you need additional assistance, sir?"

"No, that won't be necessary," Optimus said with a shake of his head "Saphira will be coming along with myself and Megatron." Ratchet widened his optics briefly before frowning and folding his arms, making Saphira giggle. Optimus gave Ratchet a reassuring expression. "Saphira will keep the monitor close to her, so if either girls wake up, we will come straight back."

Ratchet still was not happy about it. "They are still too young."

"We shouldn't be long, Ratchet," Megatron added in a reassuring tone. "You won't need to worry. We will come straight back if needed, that is a promise."

Ratchet stood there processing everyone as he considered it. He knew Saphira would want some fresh air, and that was fine. He just didn't think she would want to go through the ground bridge this soon. "Fine...you had better keep your word. I'll keep an eye on them in the meantime. I have a monitor with me as well."

Saphira was happy that Ratchet was a protective granddad to the sparklings already. She found herself really enjoying seeing him take on that role. "You at least can count on me to demand that I return. I'll just use the com link radio Shockwave gave me to communicate with everyone else when I want to come back."

Ratchet still seemed unconvinced. However, he was still processing it carefully before he sighed. "You'd better take the radio, Saphira. Even if the twins wake up and don't cry, I will be demanding that you return. Along with either Megatron or Optimus to help you."

Saphira chuckled softly and nodded. "I will..." She looked at Optimus with a smile. "Can you take me to my room so I can..."

"I will get it!" Megatron exclaimed as he ran from the room to get her radio. "I promise I won't wake the girls."

Saphira chuckled softly and looked at Predaking. "I hope you don't mind sitting this one out."

Predaking chuckles softly. "I don't mind at all. I am just glad that I can communicate with everyone now." He glanced at Ultra Magnus. "I know I'm considered an extinct species, but you are working on weaponry upgrades, right?"

The commander frowned slightly when not addressed properly, but he decided not to react badly to it as the question interested him. "That is what I have been doing alongside Wheeljack and Bulkhead. Those two have given some good ideas and we are working to make some prototypes. Do you have suggestions for a weapon?"

"I might. It will be something very similar to something I can do." Predaking was rather confident about it as well, which made Ultra Magnus even more curious. "I have no doubt you will think it to be foolish at the start, but I assure you, it will give you an advantage. Especially if we ever face Galvatron again."

Wheeljack smiled at Predaking as he listened to him. "You got me interested, beastie." The predacon frowned slightly at the wrecker when he called him beastie. "I don't think you being a creature of the past has anything to do with you knowing your weapons. I have no doubt predacons used to work on weapons as well. There is historical evidence for that fact too. Some of my ideas came from that era."

Predaking smiled at the wrecker. "That makes me real happy to hear that, Wheeljack. You have doubt made my ancestors proud of your achievements by using their weapons as inspiration. That means I am even more honored to give you my ideas."

Bulkhead grinned and chuckled softly. "And I say, the more ideas we have, the better. And you are right. We will face Galvatron again, and this time, he will not know what hit him."

Saphira chuckled softly as she listened to the conversation. She was happy that Predaking was getting along with everyone else. It was really nice that they could properly talk with the predacon and learn more about him. Saphira could see he was extremely intelligent, and she was happy that she never thought he was just a beast.

Megatron soon returned with the radio. He had to essentially tiptoe by the nursery when he went to Saphira's room to retrieve her radio. Although her room was also Optimus's and Megatron's room, though as she had more things in the room, it was often referred to as her room. She did start sleeping on their chassis again once she had healed, though sometimes preferred the bed as it was easier getting out of than trying to wake up a mech to attend to the twins. After Megatron retrieved the radio, Ratchet activates the ground bridge to location of the next Iacon relic. Not one of them knew what to expect, but they were all intrigued to see what they would find.