Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The three year old merchild was a flash of brown hair and yellow flippers. Riding the force of the current she let out a squeal of excitement as she went faster than she ever had. It wasn’t until her stomach churned did she flip to the side and rolled off the current into calmer waters.

Blossom knew she wasn’t suppose to be far from her pod. But with her father out hunting and her mother taking a nap, she hadn’t been able to resist the call of adventure.

Besides, what could be dangerous out here? Her grandfather told her how they were the strongest creatures in the oceans. No whale or shark scared her.

When her small stomach steadied itself she swam forward. Bored of the currents she wanted to find some treasure. The spot she had found for herself was covered in coral forests. Blossom swam toward the colorful array, hoping to find pretty shells for her pod.

Maybe even a shell for grandma next time I visit! It had only been a few weeks since her pod had stopped at a place called Brighton Falls. Blossom had been told that’s where her parents met and fell in love. That was also the place she met a human woman that was Blossom’s grandmother. They hadn’t stayed long, but Blossom liked her grandma, and was excited to visit her again next year. Her mother told her she also had a human uncle she could meet next time as well.

So caught up in thoughts of her family, Blossom almost didn’t spot a piece of red coral that started to move. Her hair smacked her face as she quickly turned her head. There! It wasn’t a piece of coral! It was a tail fin, hiding behind a patch of rocks!

Completely ignoring her parents’ warnings about danger (as many three year olds do), Blossom lunged forward. But she hadn’t expected a face to pop up from behind the rocks.

The two sea creatures knocked foreheads and Blossom pulled back with a wail, rubbing at her face.

“What did you do that for!?”

Through the glaze of pain the little merchild looked to see who had been masquerading as a piece of coral-it was another merchild!

But he didn’t look like Blossom, whose face and thin arms proved she had human blood. Which was nothing to be ashamed of, according to her dad. He had given her a yellow and black, whale like tail, yellow antenna like appendages atop her head, and big blue eyes.

But this mer was a striking shade of red, his face graw and his hands ending in claws. He glowered at the girl with glowing crimson eyes. If a full-grown mer creature came across him that would’ve called him cute, not even being threatened if he bared his fangs.

Blossom was not a full-grown mer creature. With a yip of fright she turned and started to swim away. But she didn’t get far before she realized she didn’t know her way back to the pod, and instead tried to hide in a shallow cave made by the coral reefs. She pretended her tail was completely sticking out.

The red mer child, a year or so older than Blossom, rubbed his cranium as he stared at her poor attempt at hiding.

He dropped his hand and swam over to the yellow, thrashing tail. “Why are you hiding from me?” he demanded, offended. “I’m not the one who smacked you in the head!”

After a moment of struggle Blossom turned her body around so it was her head and shoulders that poked out of the cave. “You did too smack me! See!” she pointed at the red spot on her head.

The male scowled, “That wasn’t my fault! You were trying to attack me!” A beat. “Weren’t you?”

“I…I…” Blossom was now confused and embarrassed. She hadn’t lunged toward this stranger out of malice, she just did it for fun. It had been a spur of the moment kind of thing. But a three year old didn’t know how to articulate that. Instead Blossom made a blubbering noise, and tears would be pooling from her eyes if they weren’t underwater. She tried to duck into the cave, covering her face with her hands. “I want my mom.”

The red mer pulled back in surprise. “Hey…it’s okay.” He dropped down so his face was right next to hers. Strands of her hair was brushing his face and if it wasn’t for his shyness he would’ve touched it. None of his pod had hair. “Don’t be scared. Your mom will find you.”

Shimmering blue eyes looked up into his own red set. “Really?”

“Yeah. And I’ll stay with you until then.” He puffed out his chest, this is the first time he made a mer younger than him. He would look out for her like his pod did for him. “I’ll keep you safe.”

She smiled and slowly slid out of the cave. “I’m Blossom,” she greeted bashfully.

“I’m Joltburst,” he introduced, his chest still puffed up.

“I like it.”

“I like your name too.”

Blossom suddenly reached up to touch the spot where she hit him. He flinched at the tender spot and she pulled away quickly. “I’m sorry.”

“S’okay. I’m tough!”

As if to prove himself Joltburst swam around Blossom, making her giggle. With a thrash of her tail she chased after him. The two mer children swimming around the coral reef, their laughs chasing them around as they went.

In an attempt to gain some distance Blossom swam up above Joltburst and accidentally caught a strong undercurrent. Her giggling turned into an oomph of surprise as she was carried away. Joltburst immediately swam upward and grabbed Blossom, yanking her out of current and back to the reef.

“You saved me!” Blossom declared joyfully, and kissed his cheek in gratitude.

“Course I did!” Joltburst said with a lift of his chin. “Your tiny, I gotta look after you!”

Before Blossom could respond there was the sound of a body shifting through the nearby seaweed. She jumped in place as a raspy voice called out: “Joltburst?”

The red mer brigthened, “Starscream! I’m over here!”

Blossom swam closer to her new friend as a mer adult she didn’t recognize swam out of the weeds to loom over the two children. He didn’t look like any of the mer creatures in her pod, his body lean and bony.

This Starscream glowered with disapproval at Joltburst, who didn’t look bothered in the least. “What are you doing here? I told you to-” he trailed off when his eyes caught Blossom.

“H-Hi,” she said quietly, hiding behind Joltburst still. She was too young to see that Starscream was looking at her with recogniztion.

He was scary, but if Joltburst liked him he probably wasn’t all that-

The mer let out a furious hiss and made as if to grab Blossom. She let out a squeak of fright and swam off without looking back. This time she didn’t try to hide at her cave, instead she went right back out to the blue of the sea calling for her father.

“Blossom!” Joltburst called after her, moving to follow.

But Starscream grabbed the child and swam frantically in the other direction.

“Why did you do that!?” Jolt demanded angrily, beating at the arm that held him. “I was making friends!”

“You will not see her again,” Starscream replied, in a voice that Joltburst hadn’t heard before. “And you will not tell the pod about her. Do you understand me?”

“W-Why?” he murmured, now scared.

“Do you understand me?”

“Yes,” Joltburst said quietly.

“Promise me.”

“I promise, Starscream.”

.

Blossom’s eyes had glazed over again, but this time in fear instead of pain. She was getting tired but she refused to stop swimming. She was so sure that if she stopped that mer would catch her and eat her. She needed to get back to the pod, she needed-

“Blossom!”

She flailed to a stop, relief making her sob. “Daddy!” She turned and swam into Bumblebee’s waiting arms.

“What are you doing out here?” his voice was stern but his hands were soothing as he stroked her hair and back. “Why aren’t you with Charlie?”

“I-I wanted to go-go swimming!” she sobbed into her father’s chest. “I-I made a new friend! But-but then a mean-mean mer tried to eat me!”

Bumblebee’s body went rigid. He carefully pulled Blossom away so he could look her in the eye. “Blossom, what did this mer look like? What was its name?”

“I-I…” she didn’t know how to explain what that mer looked like. “His-His name is Star-”

She didn’t finish, her father bundling her up in his arms and swimming back to the pod. Everything else that day was a blur. She remembered the safety and warmth of her mother, Charlie, hugging her, coupled with the sting of her disapproving words. She recalled Bumblebee and the rest of the pod going back to the coral reef, but not finding anything. She tried telling Charlie about Joltburst, but her mother only shook her head and made her promise to not go near any mers with red eyes.

Chapter Text

THREE YEARS LATER

If there was one thing Charlie missed about being on land were beds! She’d have killed for a comfy mattress at the moment. That moment that had her lying on her back on a rock.

Much time had passed since she became Bumblebee’s mate and joined the Autobots’ pod. And despite how scary her aquatic life had started, she felt at home here-far more so than she ever had in Brighton Falls. Some of that had to do with her mermaid blood that had laid dormant for eighteen years. But she was sure most of it was because of Bumblebee. Despite the time that had passed she still smiled like a love struck teenager when she thought of him. Not only had he given her unconditional love and a life she had never dreamed of-he also gave her two beautiful daughters: Blossom and Volt.

Charlie rubbed her round belly that was keeping her grounded, no one could say they weren’t doing their part in keeping mer creatures from being extinct.

Blossom and Volt were not far from her line of sight, romping around with their father. Volt was only three but much more a wild thing than her older sister ever was. At six years old Blossom was actually a fairly responsible child, never causing a fuss or going against her parents’ wishes.

Charlie frowned, recalling that terrifying day when Blossom had swam off and ran into what could have only been Starscream. Charlie and Bumblebee’s reaction must have spooked her enough to not stray far from their side.

The pod hadn’t found a trace of Starscream, but they had moved on again just to be safe. They were a nomadic pod, they had to be, just the thought of the Cons finding her and her new family made her shudder.

But there was that one memory that resurfaced whenever Starscream specifically came to mind. When she had given birth to Blossom the Decepticon had brought food for her. She had been so out of it during the time she was half sure she had dreamed it if not for the full belly from said food.

A shadow fell over and Charlie looked up to see Optimus Prime, the Autobot leader, swimming by. He caught her eye and smiled a smile that reminded Charlie of her late father.

“Hi, Optimus,” she greeted sleepily.

“Hello, Charlie,” he returned the greeting, his voice as warm as if he had known her all her life. “How are you today?”

“I feel like a whale,” she joked with a chuckle. “No offense.”

His own chuckle was a vibration against her bones. “None taken. It’ll soon be time for our latest pod member to join us.” He looked around at their open surroundings. “We’ll need to find a birthing area for you.”

Charlie couldn’t agree more. Blossom’s birth had been traumatizing, and they had decided to stay near Brighton Falls so Charlie could have her mother near when she gave birth to Volt. While that had been less stressful, Bumblebee hadn’t been able to come onto land to witness Volt’s birth. She wanted this time to be different.

Through her pregnancy haze she noticed Optimus looking around a little more intently. She glanced over at Bee and the others but they were all relaxing. So there wasn’t any danger nearby.

“What is it?” she asked Prime, struggling up onto a sitting position.

As if he spotted her moving Bumblebee was suddenly by her side, nuzzling into her. Their daughters clung onto his back, Volt having a harder time keeping her grip than her older sister.

“Are you hungry?” Bumblebee asked, kissing Charlie’s hair. Clearly eager to dote on his pregnant mate.

Once in a while Charlie still got taken aback by Bumblebee’s voice. She was already pregnant with Blossom when Ratchet had found special types of herbs that, with time, had gradually brought his voice back. Now, despite the scar on his neck, Bumblebee could talk as easily as the rest of the pod.

“I’m alright,” she murmured, returning the kiss before turning to Prime. He was looking like he had realized something, the thick muscles of his back taunt. “Optimus?”

Bumblebee looked up at his father, his brow furrowing. “Prime, what’s wrong?”

“I recognize this place,” Prime breathed, slowly turning around to stare at Bumblebee. “We’re not far from Cybertron.”

Bumblebee went rigid beside her, and Prime called for the rest of the pod to come here.

Charlie only knew Cybertron from what the pod had told her. It had been a large city, full of all kinds of mer creatures living in harmony. Until Megatron had killed the monarch and led a bloodthirsty rebellion that sent the survivors fleeing. As far as they knew it was still abandoned.

Charlie noted the wistful, almost hungry look in Bumblebee’s eyes as Prime explained to the others what he had realized. The yellow mer creature had been an egg when Optimus had carried him away to safety, and while he had never said it aloud-she knew he wanted to see the place of his people.

“Are we going?” Bulkhead asked.

“Going where?” Blossom asked, slipping off Bumblebee’s back to curl onto her mother’s lap.

Optimus gazed tenderly at his granddaughter, “Our old home. I would like to see what’s left of it. Though it may be best if you and Volt stay here.”

“I wanna go!” Volt declared loudly, smacking her tail against Bumblebee’s back.

“I think Prime is right,” Charlie said in the no nonsense mom voice Sally had taught her. “Me and the girls will stay put.” She honestly didn’t know when she’d be able to comfortably swim again. Maybe after a solid nap.

“But Mama-” Volt started to argue, but she immediately shut her mouth when Bumblebee gave her his own stern dad look. Charlie wasn’t sure where he got that look from, Prime was always the sweetest.

Bumblebee plucked his daughter off his back and placed her next to Charlie. “Your mom is right. We should stay put.”

“I didn’t mean you, Bee,” Charlie informed him. “You should go see Cybertron, you never got to.”

He flicked his antenna, looking surprised, “I can’t leave you and the girls.”

“We’ll be fine,” Charlie reassured him.

“We won’t be gone long,” Prime pointed out, clearly excited to show his son his home.

“And I’ll stay with them,” Arcee swam up. “I have no interest in seeing Cybertron again.”

Charlie recalled Prime telling her that the monarch Megatron killed had been Arcee’s mother, and that all her siblings had been killed in the Decepticon rebellion. She couldn’t blame the female mer for not wanting to go back to so much heart ache.

“I’ll stay behind too,” Ratchet informed everyone. “I need to make sure are supplies are adequate and chart out our next move.”

“Then I’ll go with Prime and Bee,” Bulkhead decided. “I miss my old swimming grounds.” He looked to Blossom and Volt. “I’ll bring you girls back a snack.”

“Yes, please,” the two pups said in unison.

Bumblebee still looked hesitant, and Charlie reached out to brush her palm against his cheek. He leaned into her touch, his eyes shimmering.

“Go on,” Charlie said. “I’ll be right here when you get back, ready to hear about everything.”

“Okay,” he leaned forward and kissed her mouth. “I’ll be back soon. And I’ll bring you a treat too.”

.

An hour later Charlie had fallen asleep, curling into a makeshift nest as if she couldn’t get warm enough. She had asked Arcee to stay close to help keep her warm and the female obliged. But Arcee had ended up falling asleep next to her, the earlier hunting had taken more energy than she had realized. All the while Ratchet did as he said he would, examining their supplies and checking their courses of travel.

With the three adults not paying attention, Volt knew this was the perfect time to get into mischief.

The only problem being her older sister. Blossom was following the little mer with a paranoid look around.

“We can’t go far,” she told her sister. “We’ll get in trouble.”

“No we won’t!” Volt insisted. “We won’t get caught!”

Blossom frowned, but kept following. Volt would scream and thrash if Blossom tried to take her back. Her mom was so tired lately she didn’t want her to have to wake up so she could calm her daughter down. And a part of her also yearned to go exploring. As long as they stayed away from red-eyes surely they’d be okay.

The two sisters had kept low to the sea floor, using rocks and kelp and even schools of fish to keep out of sight. It wasn’t until they were sure they were far enough away did they leave the sandy floor behind. Volt was spinning through the water, putting her head in every small cave they found, she even found a sea turtle that she gave a hug. It reminded her of her uncle Bulkhead.

But Blossom tried to keep her attention on their surroundings like her dad had taught her. She wanted to make sure if something tried to attack them they could hide somewhere where it couldn’t get them. She remembered flashing teeth and a guttural hiss with a shudder.

“OH WOW!”

Blossom started at Volt’s yell. The two had gone over a rise and their jaws dropped at what they had found. A sunken ship.

The few times they had been to the surface they had seen a boat or two. Both Bumblebee and Charlie warned them to keep their distance, the humans on the boat were strangers, and the motors on the boats could be dangerous if you got too close.

But this boat didn’t have humans nor motors. It was made of wood, full of holes, and white masts drifting with the current.

“Pirate ship!” Volt declared loudly, swimming forward without hesitation.

Blossom followed more slowly. Would there be treasures in there? Could they bring Bumblebee their own treasure? Maybe he’d be so happy he wouldn’t be mad they slipped away. Maybe this ship even had some beds that mom talked about. Could Charlie have Blossom’s new brother or sister here? It was a good hiding-

The little mer jolted to a stop when she saw something black and white in the corner of her vision. Instinct passed down from her father’s blood had her rushing forward and grabbing her little sister. Blossom carried the squirming Volt into nearest ship hole before massive teeth snapped behind them. There was so much force it felt like the water vibrated.

The ship hole led into a small room and the two sisters curled together into the back of the room. Blossom practically lying over her wailing sister as the orca tried to reach them.

She had never been scared of these things before, it wouldn’t dare attack her if Bumblebee and the rest of the pod were nearby. But now it was just her and Volt and they weren’t any bigger than sea lions!

I have to save us! I have to protect my little sister! Through her fear Blossom tried to think of a plan. Would the whale get bored of them before it tore a big enough hole through the ship? Could they find a way into the deeper part of the ship and find a better hiding place? Could there be weapons on board? Was she big enough to use one? Volt definitely wasn’t.

Through her thinking she suddenly heard a vicious snarl that didn’t come from the orca. Said whale was suddenly ripped away from the ship and Blossom gasped as she saw clouds of blood drift up through the water. Did Bumblebee hear them crying and come after them?

“Dad-”

Her voice was immediately cut off as an unfamiliar and large gray face appeared in the hole of the ship. Red eyes found the two sisters, and a mouth of sharp, bloody fangs opened, and a deep, rumbling voice spoke: “Are you two alright?”

Chapter Text

The stranger’s gray claws reached through the hole, toward the two mer pups. “Come here, it’s okay.”

Red eyes…red eyes…red eyes… Blossom was still as a statue, remembering what her mother had warned her about.

Volt, having not yet been told to beware red eyes, slipped out from under her sister. She swam right past the out stretched hand and hugged the stranger’s neck, wailing. Blossom quickly followed after her sister but didn’t touch the stranger. She couldn’t blame her sister for nuzzling into the giant mer’s neck, she was little and this adult had just saved them from an orca-in her mind he was a good guy. But Blossom was more wary, remembering the mer that had hissed and tried to grab her years ago.

This stranger was much bigger than the one she had met before, his body that of a shark.

“There, there,” he murmured quietly, rubbing the small mer’s back. Apparently not bothered that Volt was crying into his neck. Blossom noticed a nasty looking scar on his throat. “It’s okay, you’re safe now.”

Blossom looked around and spotted the orca, well, what was left of it. Two more mers, one a blue stingray and the other a purple fish with giant fins, were tearing into its flesh. Blossom couldn’t help a shudder when she saw how sharp their teeth were.

“What are your names?” the gray stranger asked, the question directed at the older sister.

“I…I um…” she didn’t want to tell this mer her name, but she didn’t want to be rude either. “We can’t give our names to strangers.”

“Well, my name is Megatron,” he leaned closer to Blossom, Volt still sticking to his neck. “There. We aren’t strangers anymore.” His voice was friendly and he spoke as if he was joking. If he had blue eyes Blossom would’ve liked him.

“I’m Volt!” the little mer suddenly stated, now calm enough to stop her sniffling. “That’s my big sister, Blossom!”

“What lovely names,” he complimented, looking between the two. “Now tell me; what are little pups like you two doing out here by yourself?”

“It’s not safe out here.”

Blossom jumped as she heard a voice behind her. Turning around she saw the other two mers had approached, the blue one being the one to speak. His eyes, just as red, were uncomfortably blank compared to Megatron. “You could run into all kinds of danger.”

The purple mer hung back, as if he didn’t want to be part of the conversation.

Blossom found herself swimming a bit closer to Megatron, to put distance between her and the blue one. But the gray mer accepted that as an invitation to pick her up with his massive hand.

“We’re just exploring!” Volt stated, staring boldly at the blue Con.

“Where are your parents?” Megatron asked quietly. He used his thumb to rub Blossom’s head of hair. “They must be worried.”

The little mer’s stomach churned at the thought of how worried and angry her mother would be if she woke up and they weren’t there. “We’ll go home.”

“We’ll escort you,” Megatron said breezily. “Orcas usually swim in packs, I don’t want you two to run into another one.”

“Will you?” Volt asked, clearly grateful for the offer. “Thank you, mister Megatron!” She released his neck and swam over to sit in his hand with Blossom. “Maybe they can join the pod!”

The two didn’t see Megatron and the blue mer exchange a look.

“Lead the way,” Megatron invited.

Blossom kept her arms to her side. Her parents would be so furious to know they ran away, to know she didn’t listen to their warnings…

“That way!” Volt pointed to where they had come. Blossom glared at her sister but didn’t want to say anything. She didn’t want these strangers to know how scared she was.

Megatron swam forward, his two friends silently following. And Blossom felt herself sag with defeat, whatever happened was going to happen whether she liked it or not.

.

Charlie came too with a stretch. She felt a bit better after a good night. She sat up with a grunt, smacking her lips against the salt water-after so many years the water now felt like air to her.

Arcee wasn’t beside her anymore. Charlie looked around and spotted her up on a hill, talking with Ratchet.

Where are the girls? She looked around, trying to spot a yellow or red tail. Nothing, nor could she hear them laughing or arguing.

Charlie pulled herself up and swam opposite of Arcee and Ratchet. Knowing Volt she would’ve swam off to the edge of their nesting site, the little thing was so full of adventure. Opitmus said she reminded him of Bumblebee.

But as Charlie searched, with not a sign of her children, she was starting to get worried. Had they disobeyed and swam off? Did they miss their father and went after him and the others? That wasn’t safe. There was all manners of danger out there.

“Blossom!” her hair smacked her face as she looked around. She checked under a nearby rock, hoping they were playing hide and seek. “Volt?”

Panic was making her heart flutter irratically and she tried to calm her nerves. Getting all worked up wouldn’t help her kids. She would grab Arcee and Ratchet and they’d search together, they couldn’t have gotten far.

The world got darker as a sudden shadow fell over the rock cave. “Mama!”

Volt’s voice made her nearly wilt with relief. She pulled herself away from the rock and looked up, “Where were-”

Ice. Ice completely froze every drop of blood in her body. She was surprised her tail still moved to keep her afloat.

There were her daughters, safe and waving at her, Blossom looking more guilty than her baby sister. But the two were sitting in the clawed hand of someone she hoped she’d never see again.

Megatron’s red eyes glimmered with triumph and excitement that made her belly churn. “Hello, Charlie.”

“You know Mama?” Volt looked up at the mer with a smile, not noticing her mother’s terrified expression.

“I do, actually. I met her ages ago.” His fangs flashed as he smiled at the mermaid. “You haven’t changed a bit.” His eyes flickered to Charlie’s pregnant belly. “Well, maybe a little bit.”

Arcee? Ratchet? Where are you? There was no way they hadn’t spotted Megatron’s massive form. She needed their help, just distract him long enough to get her daughters away from him.

“I found these two-” Megatron nodded to Blossom and Volt. “Out exploring.”

“A whale nearly ate us, Mama!” Volt said loudly.

“It was really scary,” Blossom added. She was looking worriedly at her mother. In a couple of moments she may realize how much danger she was in. If she did, she might panic and try to run away. Megatron would try to…

I have to keep them safe. So even though it made her want to vomit, she pulled up her kindest smile and aimed it at the sea monster. “Then I’m very grateful for Megatron. He’s the one who saved you, I take it.”

“I look after my own,” he purred, looking to revel at Charlie’s forced smile. “And I thought it was best if I escorted these two home.” He looked at the two pups, his expression adoring. “I should’ve guessed they were yours, they’re both so beautiful.”

Volt lifted her chin, basking in the compliment. Blossom murmured a soft thank you, looking between him and her mother. She was trying to figure out what was going on.

“Come here, girls,” Charlie opened her arms for her daughters. Could she stuff them under this rock and lead Megatron away? Which was more valuable to him, her or her daughters?

Her heart stopped beating for a solid moment when Megatron curled his claws around her babies, preventing them from swimming to her. They both frowned with confusion at Megatron but he kept his eyes on Charlie, his expression terrifyingly unreadable.

Charlie stared back, wondering if there was any sense of morality in those crimson eyes she could plead with. “Please…” her voice was barely a whisper as she choked back a sob.

.

Arcee turned her head when she heard Charlie call out for her pups. The mermaid was basically a red blur, swimming around on the other side of their nesting ground.

Arcee furrowed her brow and looked around, there was no sight of Blossom and Volt.

“Have you seen the pups?” Arcee turned to Ratchet. She had woken up a few minutes ago and came to help him attend. She had assumed the girls were nearby playing.

Ratchet looked up, busy from counting his herbs, “What?” he looked around. “I thought they went to take a nap with Charlie.”

“Oh, no,” Arcee mumbled, feeling a sense of dread. “Did they go after Bumblebee?” She turned her back to Ratchet and started to swim toward Charlie, “We need to-”

There was a wet crack and Arcee whipped around to see Ratchet fall to the ground, blood drifting out of his head. Looming above him, brandishing a rock between a set of claws-was a Decepticon.

“Sound-” she started to snarl in recognition before a solid weight knocked her onto the ground.

“Please don’t struggle, Arcee,” a voice whispered in her ear as she started to do just that.

The use of her name, and the gentle but desperate tone, caught her off guard. She looked up to see a purple mer, his large fins showing he was a flying fish.

Her eyes widened, he was bigger but it was undeniably- “Skywarp.” She hadn’t seen him since he was a pup.

“I don’t want to hurt you,” Skywarp insisted, his eyes bright with panic as if he was the one who had been attacked. “Please, don’t try to fight, Arcee. Just stay still!”

Soundwave left Ratchet’s unconscious form and swam over, eyeing Arcee critically. “Megatron will want to take her back too.”

Arcee stiffened. Megatron? Too? With her belly pressed against the sand she turned her head to try and see Charlie again. Skywarp blocked most of her view but she managed to see a large shark-like tail. A lump formed in Arcee’s throat.

They had found them.

.

“Where is the rest of your pod?” Megatron glanced lazily around, ignoring Charlie’s plea.

“They’ll be back soon,” she promised, willing Bumblebee, Prime, and Bulkhead to show up. She had to keep Megatron talking until then.

But immediately that plan went out the window. “Then we don’t have a lot of time,” Megatron growled. He turned to smile at Blossom and Volt. “Why don’t you all visit my pod?”

“Why?” Blossom asked, Volt looked excited at the thought of meeting more mers.

“Pods should stick together,” Megatron said. “Besides, until the rest of yours get back you all aren’t safe out here.” He looked at Charlie as he said those words before turning back to the girls. “Plus, I have a pup there. He gets lonely, I’m sure he’d love to play with two little mers like you.”

“Can we go, Mama?” Volt looked beseechingly at Charlie.

I should of let them go with Bumblebee. “I-”

“Arcee!” Blossom’s call suddenly made Charlie whirl around.

Two Cons she didn’t recognize, but one looked similar to Thundercracker, were swimming up from behind. The purple one had Arcee’s arm in her grip. There was no sign of Ratchet.

Arcee tried to give Charlie a reassuring look, but it didn’t make her feel any better.

“Ah, good,” Megatron purred. “Arcee wants to come with us. She has an old ‘friend’ in my pod, I’m sure he’ll be excited to see her.”

Arcee narrowed her eyes at the megalodon mer. Only the fact he still held the pups kept her mouth shut.

Charlie gasped as she felt claws wrap around her vulnerable belly and pick her up. She couldn’t struggle, not just in fear of hurting her unborn child, she couldn’t risk Megatron’s ire. She made eye contact with him and he knew he had one, she was his prisoner now.

“What about Dad,” Blossom asked. “He won’t know where we are. He’ll be worried!”

“Oh, don’t you worry, little one,” Megatron kept his eyes on Charlie, his gaze hungry. “We’ll come back for him.”

Chapter Text

It was hard to focus when Charlie was trying to keep herself from bursting into hysterics.

She was still being held by Megatron, and while it wasn’t a painful grip, it was strong enough to be sure she didn’t escape. She tried to find memorable landmarks to figure out what they were, to figure out how to get back if they escaped.

But her attention was kept on her children, held in Megatron’s other hand. Blossom was quiet, curled into herself and looking over at her mother. Charlie forced a smile any time their eyes met, not wanting to frighten her baby. She wasn’t sure if it was working.

But Volt was talking animatedly to Megatron who seemed to listen with one ear. The little mer was talking about anything and everything as she usually did, gazing up at Megatron with adoration as if he was Optimus or Bulkhead. It made Charlie feel sick, but at least her daughter wasn’t panicking. She wanted them all to keep on Megatron’s good side for now.

Charlie looked over her shoulder to see Arcee. She had an arm held by the purple one, who looked awkward and uncomfortable. The other blue one had vanished and Charlie could only imagine what it was up to.

It had been years since she’d seen Thundercracker but she had to assume this purple one was his sibling, they looked so alike. And the thought of Thundercracker gave her the smallest slither of hope. He had tried to warn her about Megatron before…was it possible she could get him to help her now? If he was still with Megatron’s pod…

“Here we are,” the large, gray mer spoke up, swimming to a halt.

Below them was a large clearing, a dip in the sandy floor it was hidden by forests of coral and seaweed and other aquatic forage. There were clusters of rocks too, and Charlie noticed several caves among the larger rocks. It would’ve been a good place to live-it if wasn’t being occupied by a Decepticon pod.

“Ooo,” Volt said appreciatively. She looked beseechingly up at Megatron, “Can we explore?”

“Of course,” Megatron released the two pups.

“Come on, Blossom!” Volt called for her sister as she swam down to the nearest cave. Blossom looked over at her mother, unsure.

Megatron noticed, “Blossom can go play too, can’t she Charlie? It’s important that mer children get plenty of exercise.”

Charlie didn’t look at him, “It’s okay, sweetie. Go have fun.”

When the two little mers had swam away Megatron and the purple Con carried Charlie and Arcee to a cave near the center of the clearing.

“You two can rest here,” Megatron gently pushed Charlie into the cave. “Don’t worry about the children. I’ll keep an eye on them both.” He gave Arcee a studious once over as she went to join Charlie. “We’ll all talk when the rest of the pod come back. Until then it’s best you two stay in here. Come along, Skywarp.”

Once the two had swam off Charlie rushed into Arcee’s arm, trying not to sob too loudly in case her children heard her.

“Arcee! What are we going to do?!”

“Shh, shh,” Arcee rubbed her back, trying to calm her. “It’ll be okay. Bumblebee and the others will come for us.”
”They-they don’t even know where we are,” Charlie sobbed.

“They’ll find us. They left Ratchet alive, when he comes to he’ll get Prime and the others and they’ll come looking for us. I bet they’re already on the way.”

“What if it takes too long?” Fear was making Charlie’s limbs heavy and Arcee was basically holding her like she was a child. “Megatron he…I think he’ll…” She looked up at Arcee’s dark blue eyes. “He wants me, Arcee. He-he wants to use me to-to have more mers.”

A flash of surprise came across Arcee’s features before her expression become stoic again. “You’re already pregnant. There would be no point for him to touch you till after. You have time.”

“This-this is Bumblebee’s baby though,” Charlie protectively rubbed her belly. “Would he-”

“Don’t scare yourself,” Arcee snapped. She looked out of the cave and Charlie followed her gaze. She could see her daughters, swimming about while Megatron and Skywarp rested nearby.

“Your children aren’t in any immediate danger,” Arcee reassured her. “Knowing Megatron he probably wants them to be more loyal to him than Bumblebee.

“They’d never,” Charlie spat, feeling bile on her tongue.

“That’s true but best not tell him that. Let’s just all play nice for now. We won’t tell the girls anything. Let them think we’re having a field trip.” She stroked Charlie’s hair as if she was her mother. “I’ll protect you all until Bumblebee gets here.”

Charlie looked at her friend, and a sudden new realization hit her. A realization she had been too preoccupied to notice earlier. “Who’s going to protect you?”

There could be only one reason they brought Arcee along and not Ratchet…Arcee was female too.

A hard look came across the mer’s features, along with an expression Charlie couldn’t place-like Arcee knew something she didn’t. “Don’t worry about me,” was all Arcee said. “I just need you to keep yourself and your pups as calm as possible. Can you do that for me?”

Charlie nodded, but she didn’t feel calm. Arcee wasn’t pregnant. There was no reason for any of the Cons not to-

“MAMA!”

Volt was swimming toward them, nearly torpedoing into Charlie as her mother caught her. Blossom followed more slowly. And like a menacing shadow Megatron was not far behind.

“Mama, I’m hungry,” Volt whined, snuggling against her mother’s chest.

Charlie frowned, she didn’t feel like she could ever eat again. But before she could reply Megatron leaned toward the cave, his shadow looming over the four females. “Don’t worry, Volt. My hunting patrol should be back any moment now. They’ll have plenty of food to share.”

As he had leaned forward Arcee had put her arm in front of Charlie as it to shield her. Neither women missed the flash of malice in Megatron’s red eyes. But he simply pulled away and swam off.

“I like him,” Volt said, chipper. “He’s nice.”

Charlie kissed her daughter on the head.

Arcee poked her head out of the cave and Charlie did as well, though they didn’t dare try to swim out. Skywarp was not far, perched on a rock and watching them like a hawk.

A flash of blue in her line of sight made Charlie look up, hopeful it was Thundercracker. But no it was that other mer, the quiet one with the body of a stingray.

“Soundwave,” Arcee growled under her breath.

Soundwave had seaweed wrapped around parts of his torso and tail and she could just see the thin lines of red that showed he was covering wounds. Charlie furrowed her brow. How had he gotten injured so quickly? Had he run into the Autobots pod?

But he was calm as he talked quietly to Megatron, showing no sign that their enemies were on his tail. Her shoulders drooped in disappointment.

Blossom leaned against her mother, catching her attention. “Are we in trouble?” the little girl asked, so quiet Charlie almost couldn’t hear her.

Wanting to protect her six year old from the terror coursing through her own body she stroked her daughter’s cheek. “No, sweetie. We’re okay. You and Volt worry about playing.”

Before Blossom could respond a high-pitched, excited squeal rang out. It caught the entire clearing’s attention.

Charlie blinked in surprise as, out of the forest of seaweed, a small red mer swam out. He was only a bit bigger than Blossom and couldn’t be much older than her. In his arms and mouth was a fish as large as himself. He struggled across the clearing with the it, his eyes bright with pride.

Blossom let out a gasp but Charlie’s attention was back on the forest of seaweed; out of it came the familiar forms of Starscream and Thundercracker, each carrying their own catch. Arcee moved herself so she leaned protectively over Charlie, a low growl in her throat.

The three didn’t notice the newcomers, instead stopping by a spot in the clearing where they held their prey down with small rocks so they wouldn’t drift away. Once that was done the mer pup swam excitingly up to Megatron.

“Megatron! Megatron!” he gasped happily. “I got my first catch! I got it all by myself!”

Thundercracker looked up at his leader, “Joltburst’s a natural.”

“Excellent,” Megatron purred, patting little Joltburst on the head. “Your parents would be proud. You’re just like them.”

“He’s definitely as self-important as his parents,” Starscream joked, earning a huff from Joltburst. “And his catch was a little sloppy. He-”

Starscream had turned around and noticed the prisoners. His eyes looked like they’d fall out of his skull and a look of pure horror came across his features. Thundercracker followed his gaze and his jaw dropped when he saw them.

“Ah, how rude of me,” Megatron purred. “We have guests.”

Surprisingly Blossom swam away from her mother out toward the Cons, her eyes familiar. “Joltburst? Do-do you remember me?”

Almost immeidately the little mer’s red eyes lit up. “Blossom!” He swam over to nuzzle against her. It would’ve been adorable if not for the circumstances. “I missed you!”

Curious Volt swam over to the two while Megatron look mildly surprised. “You met Blossom before, Joltburst?”

“Yes, we-” Joltburst caught Starscream glare and turned his eyes down. “I, uh…”

“Only one time,” Blossom answered.

“Really?” Megatron looked over to Starscream, his face unreadable. “First time I’ve heard of this.”

Starscream horror had turned to anger as he turned on Megatron. “What is this?”

“This is Blossom and Volt,” Megatron waved his hand toward the two mers. “Charlie’s adorable little daughters. I rescued them from an orca, and then found those two.” He nodded to Charlie and Arcee. “The rest of their pod wasn’t around so I thought it safer if they come stay with us for a while.”

Starscream looked to be vibrating with anger. Thundercracker was still looking at Charlie with a wretched expression that ironically gave her some hope.

“I want to talk to you,” Starscream growled at last, eyes like fire.

Megatron narrowed his own eyes. “I’d like that. Join us, Soundwave.” He looked to Charlie and Arcee. “You’re all free to help yourselves to a meal. Thundercracker and Skywarp will keep an eye on you.” Megatron then turned and swam toward the largest cave, Starscream and Soundwave following after.

Joltburst was now leading Blossom and Volt to the prey pile. “Come try the first I caught! It’s delicious.”

Charlie slid out of the cave and Arcee warily followed. Just as she reached the pile Megatron and his two followers were out of sight and she immediately latched onto Thundercracker’s arm.

The mer’s large fins flared out, startled by her sudden grab.

“You have to help me,” she begged through clenched teeth, not wanting to be too loud lest her children hear her. “You have to help me get my children out of here!”

Thundercracker frowned, looked pained at her desperation.

“Please,” she begged. “You’re not like the others. You were kind to me, you warned me about Megatron, please you have to help me now.”

But to her dismay Thundercracker bared his teeth and yanked his arm away. “You have a vast misunderstanding of our relationship. I don’t have to stick my neck out for you.”

“You were willing to marry me as a stranger but you can’t help a mother and her children?” Charlie snapped. She didn’t find her words a convincing argument, she was just starting to panic.

But Thundercracker looked embarrassed and flustered and Arcee looked surprised. But she shook the surprise away and bared her teeth at the Con. “Why am I not surprised you won’t help?” She looked over to Skywarp who was still silently watching them. “Either of you? You’ve both turned out just like Starscream.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” Skywarp shot back. But he turned his head away, unable to meet her eyes.

Arcee said more and Thundercracker snapped back a reply, but Charlie no longer had the energy to listen. The hope she had that Thundercracker could help had given her energy, and without that hope her pregnant body now felt heavy and sluggish. Her stomach growled and she forced herself over to the children who were chatting together with their mouths full. Charlie remembered Blossom mentioning she had met another pup when she was younger. He was an adorable little pup and had the same bright eyes as her daughters. It hurt her heart that time with the Cons would one day snuff that light out.

One thing at a time Charlie. If she didn’t focus all her attention on eating she would burst out sobbing again. So she grabbed the nearest fish and quietly started to eat.

.

As soon as the three Cons were in the cave Starscream let out an angry snarl: “You promised me!”

He was all flared up, glaring at Megatron. The Con leader almost couldn’t believe the audacity of his insubordinate baring his teeth at him. But he let him keep speaking:

“You gave me your word! If I followed you, was loyal to you, you’d leave Arcee alone!”

“Careful now, Starscream,” Megatron growled. “I almost think you’re upset with me.” He smirked, “Besides, what loyalty? A loyal follower would’ve told me Joltburst had found little Blossom.”

Starscream finally had the good sense to lower his gaze. “I did not know she was Charlie’s pup.”

Soundwave, off in the corner, snorted in disbelief.

“If you’re going to be a liar, Starscream,” Megatron growled. “Be a good one. Because of this little betrayal we missed out on a great opportunity. We could’ve had those two join us a long time ago. Little Volt could’ve been my pup. I never thought I’d sire a half breed, but beggars can’t be choosers.”

Starscream didn’t reply, and Megatron reached out to grab his face, forcing the Con to look at him. “You lied to me, Starscream. So I think it’s only best I go went back on my word and brought Arcee here. Besides, you should thank me. She can be all yours now…As long as none of the other Cons get lonely.

Chapter Text

Starscream laid on his back, watching the stars glitter above him. The surface was the only place he could have true privacy, and night was the only time he could go up to it.

He breathed heavily through his nostrils as he watching the black sky sparkle. Anger still made his blood hot.

For so many years he had been miserable, a misery that even his wards’ couldn’t heal. He had followed Megatron as they wandered aimlessly, as he hunted all day, as he watched boats be destroyed, as he had killed with his own claws…

But he had one solace, one thing that kept his body moving. Megatron had let Arcee live, unlike her family she was alive and moving and spending her days with her loved ones. She hated him, but he’d rather her be alive and despised him then her being dead.

But all that was ruined. Megatron had captured her. Not only that he had captured the little mermaid Charlie and her pups. He still remembered coming across her when she gave birth to her first born, his instincts had taken over and he brought her food. And when he ran into the pup again, he had scared her off, terrified of Megatron finding her.

He had become a bleeding heart and what had that gotten him?

His beloved was captured and there was an impossible choice. He could tell Megatron she couldn’t have pups, and watch him kill her in front of him. Or he could say nothing and the Cons would…

He couldn’t finish the thought. He flipped over and left the stars behind as he swam back down into the depths. 

It wasn’t only the Autobot females in danger, Megatron now knew Starscream had kept secrets. One wrong move and he’d be devoured. 

He reached the camp and he relaxed a bit. All was quiet, and there was no scent of blood. He reached the ocean floor and listened to the tell tale sign of snoring. Still feeling restless Starscream moved over to the prey pile where only bones were left. Mindlessly he started to bury them, but only a few moments passed when he felt eyes watching him.

He turned around and jumped slightly when he saw a pair of blue eyes staring at him from the captive’s cave.

Arcee slid out and even with the cold look on her face he felt his breath catch slightly.after all these years she was still so beautiful.

He was surprised when she swam over to his side. Was no one watching the prisoners? He looked around, looking for any scarlet eyes glowing in the darkness. 

She was close enough to where he could feel her body heat and he fought back a shudder. It had been years since they were so close and his hands ached with the need to touch her.

She met his gaze, stoic and hard, showing none of the warmth she had when she wanted to give him a pearl.

“You didn’t tell them,” Arcee breathed, clearly not wanting anyone else to hear them. 

“What?” he didn’t know what she was talking about. 

“You didn’t tell them I was barren,” she was staring at him with suspicion, as if he had had some sort of trick. “Why?”

He couldn’t blame her for being surprised. She didn’t know how he still felt for her. She thought he hated her as much as she hated him.

“They’d kill you if I told them,” he was blunt.

Arcee furrowed her brow, “One less enemy for you to deal with.” Her eyes strayed to the bite mark she had left on his shoulder, years ago. 

He couldn’t stop his scoff, looking away from her. The nights he thought of her, they were wrapped around each other, not relieving the worst day of their lives.

“Do you want me to kill you?” he asked, not looking at her.

“Like you could if you tried,” she snarked. She trailed off into silence, and he felt her gaze boring into him. “Charlie told me you fed her, when she gave birth to Blossom.”

“So?”

“So what did you gain from that? Neither you or the cons came back for her.”

“She needed to eat.” 

Arcee snarled, “Don’t act like you’re a good mer. Why did you-“

“Am I interrupting something?”

Starscream pulled away from her, staring up at the figure roosting atop a large rock. Shockwave starred down at the two with his singular eye.

So there was someone standing guard. He was relieved that he and Arcee had been whispering to each other, he would not have heard all they had said. 

“No, Shockwave,” he answered brusquely.

“Are you sure?” His voice was mocking. “If you two need privacy I can turn around. The pod needs new pups after all.”

Without a word Arcee retreated, disappearing into the cave where Charlie and her children slept. 

Mortification washed over Starscream as heavy as the ocean. And not for the first time he wanted to tear open the purple mer’s throat. 

“Good night, Shockwave,” he said through clenched teeth.

“Good night, lady killer.” 

Chapter Text

For a while all Bumblebee could do was stare.

The place called Cybertron-even in it’s destroyed, desolate, state-was still a sight to behold. He could only imagine what it had looked in it’s prime.

Optimus and Bulkhead were on either side of him, staring as well. No doubt lost in the memories of their place. While Bee imagined what it would’ve been like to raise his pups here. To make a home with Charlie here…

That made him hesitate. This was so far away from Brighton Falls, if he had been born here, grew up here, he never would’ve met Charlie.

It left an uncomfortable pit in his stomach, and to ignore it he swam forward, intent to explore. Optimus and Bulkhead followed, but almost immediately they started to stray. Clearly they had their own places to be.

Bee swam slowly, taking in all he could, eager to tell his girls about it when he got back. He could practically smell the history of this place.

Of course had to remember the horrible parts. The way Megatron and like-minded mers turned on them all. Killing the queen and all her children, Arcee being the only one of her family to survive. This was also the last place Prime had seen Bee’s mother. They had been separated because of the chaos, Prime had wanted to go after her-but when he saw that Megatrons’ followers were destroying the eggs of any mer not loyal to him. They would’ve destroyed Bee’s, but Prime had managed to grab it and flee, unable to save any other eggs. He had led survivors away, clutching his unborn hatchling to his chest.

It was several days later when he thought it safe enough to go back to Cybertron. Optimus had searched and searched but couldn’t find any trace of Elita. So he had left, he had told Bumblebee it was no longer a home to them.

Bee agreed but he didn’t want to just think about the terrible things. Optimus told him good things too. How he had known his mother since they were pups and she had terrified him. It took ages before he could muster up the courage to ask to be friends, never mind asking her to be his mate.

Bulkhead talked about all the wrestling matches he had won, bragging about how he was the strongest mers from Cybertron.

Ratchet recalled fondly the medical area he had had for himself, all the medicine he had had access to.

Arcee talked about hunting, helping watching over Bumblebee’s egg. She mentioned she used to spend a lot of time with this wonderful mer she used to know, but he hadn’t made it through the Decepticon attack. She had never shared his name.

Perhaps they could find a new Cybertron. He didn’t mind a nomadic life style, but he didn’t know if it was the best for his family. Even before any pregnancy Charlie sometimes struggled keeping up, resorting to holding onto Bee as they traveled the endless oceans. And when she told the girls about her life back in Brighton, the pups liked the idea of having their own ‘rooms’ and ‘yards’. Bumblebee was willing to give them the whole world, so surely he could find a place to settle. To give his daughters and unborn pup their own rooms, a place they could swim and have fun. A place close to feeding grounds so he could teach them to hunt. Perhaps there was a place near Brighton Falls so they could be close to Charlie’s family. That would be wonderful…

But they couldn’t do any of that with Megatron alive.

The thought made Bumblebee growl low in his throat. They were the reason the pod was constantly on the move, and they wouldn’t really be safe until those Cons were dead. His daughters couldn’t have their own rooms until they were all gone.

But that was much easier said than done-

He halted. He had been alone for a while now, Prime and Bulkhead in other places of Cybertron. Bumblebee was swimming around a tower made of pink coral. Holes had been cut through it for windows, reveling shadows inside.

He had seen a flash of blue, so quick he almost didn’t register it.

It had been a pair of eyes.

Before Bumblebee could decide what to do-a blur shot out of the tower, knocking straight into him.

Bee went rolling through the waves. He couldn’t even get a good look at his attack, they were sticking to his back like a sea urchin. He felt claws on his shoulders and teeth at his neck. He was reminded of his deadly battle with Blitzwing.

He tried to buck the attack off, letting out a loud snarl of anger. He tired to reach around and grab at his attacked, but to no avail.

He was about to slam his back into the coral tower when he heard Prime’s voice: “BUMBLEBEE!”
He and Bulkhead were rushing toward the younger met, eyes wide.

Instantly the attacker released Bee and he whirled around, teeth flashing and claws flexing.

It was a femme who had attacked him. She looked Prime’s age, and was pink and tan. Her blue eyes weren’t looking at Bee. She was staring at Prime.

Prime had stopped before them and was staring right back-they both looked like they had seen a ghost and were completely silent.

It was Bulkhead who spoke up, “Elita?”

Chapter Text

The next morning Charlie was invited to sit with Megatron while the pups played. She knew better than to think it was an invitation she could decline.

So she laid on her side across a slab of rock, holding a protective arm around her stomach while she watched her children play with Joltburst. Said pup seemed thrilled to have mers his age to play with, Charlie noted he stuck like glue to Blossom and it made her heart sink with pity.

Arcee was slowly swimming around them, keeping an eye on them and letting them climb over her. Despite her stoic personality Arcee had a soft spot for pups, even to Joltburst although he belonged to the Cons.

Speaking of Cons, Megatron was splayed out too close to her, also watching the children play. Charlie kept sneaking glances at him, waiting to see any hunger or hostility in his eyes. Anything to warn her if her pups come into danger.

What felt like the 17^th time she glanced over she accidentally caught Megatron’s eye. He turned his head toward her, red eyes unreadable.

“I’m surprised you haven’t asked,” his growling voice broke the quiet.

“Ask what?”

Megatron nodded toward Joltburst who was chasing Blossom and Volt around Arcee. “Who Joltburst’s parents are.”

“None of my business,” she said flatly. She was a little too terrified to be wondering about the pup’s family tree.

But Megatron made it her business, “He’s the only pup of Shatter and Dropkick.”

Charlie had an unpleasant memory of the two Cons attacking her. They had killed an innocent man before Bumblebee was able to defeat Dropkick. But Shatter had vanished.

She couldn’t help glancing around, even though she was sure she would have seen the female if she was still around.

“Shatter died,” Megatron informed her, his voice showing no grief or even anger. Just fact. “She laid Dropkick’s egg than died of a broken heart. All thanks to that mate of yours.”

Charlie flinched, caught off guard by the sudden mention of Bumblebee.

Megatron leaned forward, too close, to whisper in her ear. “These are his pups, aren’t they? I know I didn’t ask but they look just as much like him as they do you. Did you tell your daughters that he killed Joltburst’s father? That he’s the reason their new friend is an orphan.”

Charlie closed her eyes. She wanted to turn and snap at him, he wasn’t going to make her be upset with Bee or even feel guilt. It was sad that Joltburst’s parents were gone-but they had been monsters and the oceans were safer without them. But Charlie didn’t know if she could stop him from telling the girls that Bumblebee had killed Dropkick, and try to paint their father as the villain.

He didn’t move away when he was done talking, he seemed to be waiting for a response. “What do you think, Charlie?”

“I think…” she managed, knowing he wouldn’t leave her alone if she remained quiet. “You should set a better example for the pups. You’re an adult you should have better things to do than gossip.”

The second the words came out she regretted them, but Megatron only chuckled and moved away.

It was a few moments later when Volt swam over to the two adults, cradling three seashells in her stubby arms. The little mer stopped in front of Charlie and held one out to her, “This is for you, Mama! I found it all by myself!”

Despite the horrible situation Charlie’s heart melted and she took the shell from her daughter with a smile. “Thank you, baby.”

But the sweet moment was ruined when Volt swam up to Megatron and offered him his own shell. “And this is for you!”

The giant mer’s pupils widened a bit as he held out a hand so Volt could place the shell there. “Thank you, Volt. That’s very thoughtful.”

The small mer held up the final shell proudly, it was bigger than the ones she had given to Charlie and Megatron. “And this one is for Daddy!” She looked excitedly at Charlie, “When’s he getting here?”

Charlie’s tongue touched her lips as if they were dry. “I…I-”

Thankfully Volt has zero patience and was always up to changing the subject. She turned to Megatron, “Are you Joltburt’s daddy?”

Megatron let out a soft chuckle, “No, he’s not mine.” His eyes narrowed almost malignantly and Charlie braced herself for him to say something terrible about Bumblebee.

But Volt spoke again before he could. “Then where are your babies?”

“I don’t have any children,” Megatron answered.

Charlie stared at the mer, trying to figure out if he was being honest. He sounded honest but with the way he acted, with the plans he had, she had assumed he had a whole army of children. She looked over the rest of the Cons, trying to see if any of them looked similar to Megatron.

“Why not?” Volt asked, a question that would’ve been offensive had an adult said it. “Didn’t you fall in love like Mama and Daddy did?”

Charlie turned back to see Megatron’s eyes flash, taken aback by the question. Volt had asked similar questions to their pod; by she imagined they had better reactions to the question how Megatron would react.

But the Con’s leader’s eyes softened. “I did. I met the most beautiful mer in the world.”

“No mers prettier than Mama,” Volt said loyally.

“Don’t be rude, Volt,” Charlie lightly scolded, despite being flattered.

“Her name was Nightbird,” Megatron went on, ignoring the intteruption. “I met her when we all lived in Cybertron. Your grandfather knew her. She was very clever and an excellent hunter. I could’ve spent the rest of my days just laying beside her, we didn’t have to say anything-we just enjoyed each other’s company.” His eyes had glazed over with a far away look, as if he was years away from them all, back in Cybertron.

Charlie watched him, she had assumed Megatron was the type to have many conquests. Not a singular devoted partner.

“What happened to her?” Volt asked.

A look of agony crossed Megatron’s features, so sudden Charlie’s heart twisted with pity before she could think better of it.

“She’s gone,” Megatron said, vague but firm. Discussion over.

Volt tipped her head, her body following along. “Where did she-”

“Volt,” Charlie snapped, pulling Sally’s mom voice out. “Go play with your sister. Now.”

The mer pouted rebelouslly at her mother but obeyed, swimming back to Blossom and Jolt. So caught up in each other the two pups hadn’t seemed to notice Volt had left.

Charlie looked back at Megatron. He was staring off into the distance. His red eyes were still stormy with pain. And Charlie knew she didn’t owe him anything, less than anything, actually. But sadly that empathetic side of her that Sally and her father nurtured won out, just for a moment: “I’m sorry about Nightbird.” She was quick to add, “But that doesn’t excuse all the terrible things you’ve done.”

“I know,” he said, not looking back at her. His voice was stiff and emotionless.

Charlie suddenly felt a faint stirring of hope. She hadn’t considered Megatron had emotions like the rest of them, that he knew what love and loss felt like. Was it possible she could reason with him?

“You understand how it feels…” she began slowly, keeping her voice low. “To lose a mate… Bumblebee and I would feel the same if-”

Megatron suddenly curled his tail around her, blocking her from the sight of the others. He reached down and grabbed her head between two claws. She had to bit her tongue to keep from crying out, the sharp edges of the mer’s fingers nearly breaking her skin.

His fangs were bared, his teeth so shiny she could see her reflection. His red eyes blazed with such an anger she thought the water around them would start to boil. “Do not-” Megatron’s voice was low with menace and it made Charlie start to shake. “Compare Nightbird and I, to you and Bumblebee. You don’t know how lucky you have it right now, Charlie. I’m being kind to you. You think I couldn’t make this worse? You think I couldn’t send my Cons to finish off your precious mate? To bring his flayed hide to his children? You think I can’t wave my hand and let my Cons have their way with Arcee? You think once that pup is born I can’t do the same to you?” His head leaned closer, so close his fangs pressed against her shivering skin. “But it doesn’t have to be like that. We could be partners, you could help me bring mers back to their former glory. I could pamper you and your children, I’ll even go so far as to leave your Bumblebee alone. But you have to respect me, Charlie, and you have to keep Nightbird’s name out of your mouth.”

Charlie was sure she was about to have a heart attack, her body was shaking like she had gotten electrocuted. She was so sure, so sure that in the next moment he’d bite her head off-extinct species be damned.

“Do you understand me?” he growled.

When Charlie didn’t answer he shook her slightly, making her let out a soft wail. “I said, do you understand me?”
”Yes,” she sobbed, eyes closed.

He released her, and Charlie crumpled to her side, body still shaking.

She flinched when he called for Thundercracker. “Keep an eye on her,” he ordered the younger mer. “I’m going to go hunt.”

What was he going to hunt?

She opened her eyes to see Megatron pull away and swim off. Thundercracker appeared next to her, making a point to lie in front of her so her children couldn’t see her like this.

“Are you okay?” he whispered, his gentle voice a balm to her frayed nerves.

She shook her head, and the Con gently laid his large wing fin over her, hiding her from the world. Charlie took that time to cover her face and silently sob.

Chapter Text

The pink female lunged at Optimus with a loud trill, so sudden and so quick that for a minute Bumblebee thought she was going for his throat.

But no, she wrapped her arms around Optimus, the Autobot leader returned the embrace with an incredibly tight grip-like he thought someone would snatch her away. They had even wrapped their tales around each other, letting the ocean current keep them afloat.

Bumblebee stared openly, hardly believing what he was seeing. As a child he had waited for this day, as an adult he resigned himself it was never going to happen.

There she was…Elita…Optimus’ mate…Bumblebee’s mother.

Of course his father had filled Bee’s ears with tales of Elita. How they met and fell in love, how excited she had been to meet Bee and raise him. How brave she had been in her final showdown against the Cons. When Bee had asked if he thought she was live, Prime had never answered, his blue eyes faraway and wistful.

Now his eyes were scrunched close and his entire body shook with overwhelming emotion as he hugged Elita to his chest.

“It’s you,” Elita finally spoke, her voice wobbly and cracking. But it was a voice Bee had tried to imagine for years, and he was happy when she kept talking. “It’s really you. All this time, I-I thought Megatron had killed you.”

“I thought he killed you !” Prime, with obvious reluctance, pulled away so he could cradle her face in his massive hands. “If I had known…Elita, if there was even an inkling that you had made it out-”

“You would’ve come for me,” Elita nodded, running her fingers across his face as if to etch it to her memory. “I’ve stayed in Cybertron, but I would’ve searched the whole ocean for you, Optimus.”

They kissed then, melting into each other, and this time Bee looked away, wanting to give his parents a smidge of privacy. He caught Bulkhead’s eye who smirked.

When they pulled away, Elita gazed into Prime’s eyes for a moment before looking over to Bulkhead. “You made it, too.”

“Not just me,” Bulkhead grinned cheekily. “Prime got me, Ratchet, and Arcee outta there.”

And then Elita turned to Bee and he flinched, finding himself straightening his spine as if Elita would critique his posture.

She took his flinch as a reaction to their fight, “I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were an Autobot.” She tipped her head to the side, “You’re very young, actually. Too young for me to know.”

Bee’s eyes widened, she didn’t know who he was.

Prime gazed with both pride and love over at the yellow mer. “This is Bumblebee. Our son.”

Elita’s head snapped around, staring at Prime with her jaw hanging, and then looked back at Bee as if seeing him for the first time. “But-but the nursery-”

“I got him out,” Prime told her. “Just in time. This is B-127.”

She swam slowly over to Bee, as if she wasn’t sure he wasn’t a mirage. Such a contrast to how she tackled into Prime. And how different her eyes when they fought, the icy cold look had vanished to be replaced with warm pools of affection and fear.

She stopped before him and looked him over, taking him in. “You kind of look like me.”

She wasn’t wrong, while slim and pink, they had the same fins and tail and claws, even the same antennae.

“It’s-I’ts nice to meet you.” He bit his tongue, embarrassed but having no idea what one said to their long lost parent.

But the words seemed to have broke the dam, Elita let out a broken sob and wrapped her arms around Bee, pulling him into a hug. And just like that he felt like a pup again, that last bit of him missing was found, and he wrapped his arms around her. A fierce sense of protectiveness washed over him, he’d look after her the way he looked after his mate and pups.

Wait! She didn’t know about Charlie and the girls!

Before Bumblebee could tell her, a new voice spoke up-this one male: “Elita? What’s going?”

He looked up at the top of the coral tower, to see an unfamiliar gray mer perched there. Half of his face had been horribly mangled but his remaining blue eye was bright with interest.

Prime and Bulkhead looked shocked to see him. “ Wheeljack? ”

The gray mer jumped when he saw the two, “I don’t believe it.” He whirled around and vanished, a moment later his voice could he heard yelling: “OPTIMUS PRIME IS ALIVE! BULKHEAD IS ALIVE! THEY’RE HERE!”
Bee’s eyes widened as waves of color pulled out of the tower, and Elita tightened her hug.

Mers, both male, and many female, swarmed the Autobots. They all let out chirps and cheers of surprise and joy. Prime and Bulkhead looked positively ecstatic, embracing and nuzzling against many mers. Friends they had thought was long gone.

Elita grabbed Bee’s hand and pulled him back to his father and Bulkhead. The group of strangers pulled back, looking at Elita with the respect one gave their leader. She held her chin high and spoke to them all, “This is Bumblebee, mine and Prime’s son!”

He was both happy and flustered by the warm greeting he received from the group. And for a moment he imagined growing up around so many mers. He noticed a few females that looked his age and younger, and with an uncomfortable jolt he realized that that life wouldn’t have led him to Charlie.

Charlie !

He turned to Elita and Prime, “We need to get the others!”

“Arcee and Ratchet,” Elita looked ecstatic. “Yes, you must bring them.”

”Not just them,” Bee started to practically buzz with excitement. “I want you to meet Charlie!”

Elita tipped her head again, “That’s an interesting mer name.”

“She’s a mermaid,” Bee explained. “She’s my mate!”

“You have a mate?” Elita’s eyes widened.

“She’s wonderful,” Prime told her warmly. “She even saved our son’s life.”

“She’s the best,” Bee gushed, “You’ll love her.”

“She’s my son’s mate, I love her already,” Elita replied.

Bee kept on, “You also need to meet Blossom and Volt-my pups-they’ll be so happy to meet you!”

Elita’s jaw dropped. “I have grandchildren !?” She looked to Prime, who nodded. “I HAVE GRANDCHILDREN! We need to go-we need to go right now!”

She was already moving past the group-despite not knowing where she was going-the group laughing at her excitement.

Bee and Prime went to follow her, and as they broke away from the group they saw a familiar red and white shape swimming toward them from the distance.

“Ratchet?” Prime breathed, and at the same moment Bee caught the smell of blood.

The three-with Bulkhead following-rushed over to the medic. Bee felt sick when he saw the nasty gash on the back of the mer’s head, still oozing blood.

The swaying medic lifted his head up when Prime called his name again. His blue eyes were full of misery and shame. “I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry!”

“What happened?” Prime and Bulkhead grabbed Ratchet and the mer let his body go limp.

“Where are the girls?” Bee demanded, looking past Ratchet to the empty ocean beyond.

Ratchet was shivering, “Megatron found us.”

“ What ?!” Bee and Prime spoke in unison. Elita stared at the medic in quiet horror.

“He found us-I got one good look at him before someone knocked me out from behind. When I woke up, they were all gone, Arcee, Charlie, the pups…”

Bee held back the urge to vomit. “He stole them…” he didn’t recognize the petrified voice that came out of his mouth. He couldn’t bear imagining the love of his life in Megatron’s clutches. And his babies…

“I tried to follow,” Ratchet continued, looking to be losing consciousness. “They ruined the scent trail…”

“That won’t stop me!” Bee swam past them, heading back to the camp. How  could he leave them alone?! He knew Megatron was out there! He should’ve made them come with him. If anything happened to them he’d-

“Bumblebee! Wait!”

He didn’t stop moving, but he looked over his shoulder to see Prime and Elita following, catching up easily.

“We will help you look,” Prime told him. His controlled voice was a balm to Bee’s frayed nerves.

“What about Bulkhead and Ratchet?” Bee’s voice was still strained. He would not be able to hide how terrified he was.

“Ratchet will be tended to by the other mers,” Elita spoke up. “And I wanted Bulkhead to look over them while we’re gone.”

Bee caught the look of fear in his mother’s eyes. Like Prime she had witnessed the horrors Megatron was capable of.

“I’m going to help you find them,” she continued, “They are my family too.”

He was touched, and deeply grateful for her offer. And he felt his father’s strong hand on his shoulder.

“We will find them, Bumblebee. And we will bring them home safe.”

Chapter Text

Arcee was emotionally exhausted. Physically, too.

Her muscles had been tensed up since they arrived to Megatron’s camp and her entire body felt sore. She had bags under her eyes from lack of sleep, always keeping an eye open when the Cons got too close.

Charlie, more than once, offered to keep watch so Arcee could rest but the older mer had refused. Charlie’s belly was swollen, her appetite large, and her eyes drooping with tiredness. She would have her pup soon and she needed all the rest she could get. It was not easy for her to get any good sleep, not with Megatron a few tail-lengths away.

He wasn’t in the clearing right now though, and Arcee had insisted on Charlie taking a nap while he was out hunting. Said girl was curled against Arcee’s side, snoring softly. Arcee had wrapped her tail around Charlie with a maternal protection, keeping her eyes on Blossom and Volt as they played.

It was a small silver lining that the girls had not yet realized the dire situation they were in. That was mainly thanks to Charlie, who masked her despair very well when ever her children started to pick up on something. They had asked more than once when they’d go back to Bumblebee, Charlie told them he must’ve gone to find them the perfect gift before coming to get them.

It wasn’t just Charlie’s acting that kept the girls’ spirits light. Joltburst was a big help for that.

Arcee had found out through Thundercracker that the little red pup was the son of Dropkick and Shatter. They had been brutish, cruel mers who would've no doubt made this hostage situation worse. Arcee was glad they were gone-but a part of her felt pity for Joltburst, who had hatched a few days after their deaths.

It had been clear the pup had been lonely, latching onto the girls (especially Blossom) and always coming up with games for them to play. More than once he had even spent the night in the cave with Charlie, Arcee, and the girls. He would cuddle up against Charlie’s tail, shoulder to shoulder, with Blossom, and fall asleep like he was a part of their pod. It had surprised Charlie, but Arcee had caught the trickle of affection that filled up her gaze, and she had never pushed Joltburst away.

Arcee didn’t want to think what would become of him in the future. What he would become in the future.

So instead Arcee focused her thoughts on watching the three pups play. They swam around in what looked like an impromptu dance, Volt huffing that she couldn’t swim as fast as Blossom and Jolt.

But then the cause of her emotional exhaustion slithered out of his cave to watch the pups play as well.

Starscream’s face was neutral as he swam into the clearing, heading for the empty space where they kept prey. On the way his eyes glanced over to Arcee and Charlie-no doubt making sure their captors hadn’t tried to escape. But the moment he did his eyes immediately pulled away, as if they sight of Arcee made his eyes burn.

There it was. That pinprick of disappointment. That paranoia that something about her had caused his eyes to turn so quickly. That cold realization that a part of her wanted to know his opinion of her. Mixed in with the terror and fury that came with being a prisoner, she felt nostalgia and regret. Memories she had kept buried for years was now bursting into the surface, the few moments she had blinked too long; she had pictured that one night with him. That night, hidden in a cave and wrapped around each other had been one of the last times she had been truly happy.

Then he betrayed you, a stiff voice echoed in her head. He joined Megatron who killed your mother and your siblings. It didn’t matter that Prime and Bee and Charlie and the rest of her small pod was more of a family than Arcee’s biological ones had ever been. He could’ve swam away with her, he could’ve been part of Prime’s pod. He could’ve helped raised Optimus’ offspring instead of Dropkick and Shatter’s. But no, he had made his choice-and the choice was he no longer loved her, maybe he never really did.

Which is fine, she felt the taste of bile in her mouth as she glared at him. I don’t love him either!

“Starscream!” Joltburst yelled out, spotting the seahorse mer combing through the empty prey spot. “Come play with us!”

Starscream turned his head to look at the three pups. Blossom and Volt looked a bit weary, despite being the smallest Con he had the grumpiest face. But Joltburst was grinning with excitement and love that made Arcee’s heart twist.

“Play?” Starscream echoed, like he had never heard of the word.

“Yeah!” Joltburst swam over and the two girls dutifully followed. “We need a killer whale!”

Starscream looked down at his scrawny body, “And I have the physique of one?”

“I don’t know what physique is,” Joltburst said. “But we need a grown up to be one and everyone else is busy.”
Starscream once again gave a flicker of a glance to Arcee, but he didn’t make a comment that, at the moment, all she was doing was keeping Charlie warm as she slept.

Instead he let out a long suffering sigh. The sound hit Arcee with another bolt of nostalgia, it was the same sigh he would have for Thundercracker and Skywarp when they had been rambunctious pups. “If I must,” the Con said.

Immediately Joltburst jumped onto the Con’s back with an adorable roar. “Watch out, girls! It’s a killer whale! It’s gonna eat us!” Jolt gnawed gently on the largest spine of Starscream’s back. The Con rolled his eyes but bared his teeth in a mock growl at the girls.

Arcee half expected for them to get scared, but Blossom let out a dramatic gasp! “Oh, no! We can’t swim fast enough to escape! What’ll we do, Volt?”

“You mean what’ll you do!” Volt said bluntly. “I’m the killer whale’s killer sidekick!” With a snarl she jumped on her sister, pretending to bite into her shoulder and tickling her sides.

Jolt and Starscream watched the two girls giggle and shriek at each other, clearly neither had planned for such a twist. But then Jolt released the Con to hurry to the two, “Hang on, Blossom! I’ll rescue you!”

But before he could reach her Starscream grabbed the up between his claws, and with a straight face started to tickle Jolt’s sides. Giggling, the pup squirmed and tried to escape but to no avail.

“POISON BITE ATTACK!” Blossom suddenly yelled and lightly nipped her sister’s arm. Instantly Volt went stiff and started to slowly float away as if she had been paralized.

Now free, Blossom swam over and lightly nipped at Starscream’s wrist: “Poison bite attack!”

Arcee had stiffened when Blossom had startled to nibble at the Con’s hand. But Starscream didn’t react negatively, the Con instead chuckled slightly and allowed the smallest of smiles.

Charlie flinched and lifted her head, expression sleepy. “Arcee? What happened?”

“What do you mean?”

Charlie rubbed at her face, “Did you sob?” Her head lifted up, suddenly she was wide awake. “Are the girls okay?”

“Everything’s fine!” Arcee reassured her, mortification boiling the water around her. “I’m fine. You go back to sleep.”

But before Charlie could respond, Arcee’s body stiffened instinctively. She could smell blood.

She relaxed, only slightly when she saw Megatron swim into the clearing. A dead orca was hanging from his claws, the source of the blood scent.

Starscream ushered the pups back to Charlie. But Megatron turned his head to the group. “Don’t send the pups away, Starscream. They must be hungry.” His red eyes moved to Charlie and Arcee, the former shivering. “You must all be hungry.”

With the exception of the starving (according to Volt) pups who chattered while they chewed, the meal was quiet and awkward. Arcee had tried to be subtle, perching herslef in front of the orca where Megatron couldn’t look at Charlie. She ate ravenously, but her eyes were nervous and kept flickering back and forth.

Starscream did not eat, keeping his distance from the feeding group. Arcee glanced at him, but didn’t want to ask why he wasn’t eating. For a terrible moment she wondered if the orca had somehow been tainted, but that was quickly snuffed out. Not only did Megatron want two females and pups alive, he was eating the orca himself. His fangs tore through the hide easily, bloody tendrils dancing above his head.

“Arent you hungry, Starscream?” Joltburst asked, mouth full.

“Starscream can eat what the others catch,” Megatron answered the pup. “You and the girls need this meal for.”

Arcee narrowed her eyes but didn’t say anything. She needed to eat, with her too afraid to sleep, food was the only source of energy she had at the moment.

The whale was halfway finished when Thundercracker and the rest of the Cons returned, carrying handfuls of fish,and Shockwave had even caught a large octopus. She wasn’t sure it was completely dead when Shockwave started to eat it. Thundercracker and Skywarp shared their fish with Starscream, the three talking quietly among themselves.

While Megatron talked to Soundwave, his back to Arcee, she pulled out a large rib bone from the orca’s body. She had wanted to gnaw on the meat attached to it, but once she grabbed it a crazy and desperate idea rushed into her mind. Discreetly she slipped the rib bone under her belly. Charlie noticed, her brow furrowed with confusion and worry-but she didn’t say a thing.

.

A few hours later and Arcee was back in the cave, hiding in the shadows as she scrapped her nails across the bone’s edge-sharpening it.

Charlie was outside, keeping the pups away. The two had not talked about Arcee’s plan, they didn’t have to. Charlie just needed to keep the pups from spotting the bone and accidentally saying something.

Starscream was back in his cave, Thundercracker and Skywarp were keeping they eyes on Charlie and the pups as they swam around. Soundwave and Shockwave had gone off, Arcee could imagine they were keeping an eye out for Autobots. But that would work in Arcee’s favor.

Megatron was laying outside his cave, asleep.

Arcee had just finished sharpening the bone to a good point when Charlie slipped inside, alone. She met Arcee’s eyes, saw the bone, and nodded mutely before swimming back out.

“Thundercracker, Skywarp?” Arcee heard Charlie’s voice. “Can you take the pups and I over to that kelp forest? They could play there while we watch.”

Arcee smiled softly, that would basically leave only herself and Megatron in the clearing.

She waited a few moments, heard some grumblings, some excited childish squeals, then silence. Holding the bone tightly in her hand she slipped out of the cave. It was empty except for Megatron’s massive frame, laying across the sandy floor.

Holding the bone to her chest Arcee slithered across the ground, not even daring to breathe. She slowly, slowly, made her way around Megatron until his broad back loomed over her. Just as carefully, just as slowly, she lifted herself up so she could see the Con’s thick, exposed neck. Megatron didn’t even stir.

With both hands Arcee lifted the rib bone, aiming it for the neck, reading to slam it down and end it all.

Claws tore into her side and Arcee was thrown onto her back, the make shift weapon knocked out of her hand.

Megatron pinned her down, eyes blazing with malice and blood lust. Arcee felt a cold child run down her body-he hadn’t been asleep!

“Who…” the Con spoke slowly, quietly. “Do you…think…you ARE!?” He dug his claws into Arcee, so sudden and so sharp she couldn’t hold back a pained yelp.

From the corner of her eye she saw Starscream rush out into the clearing, his eyes wide with terror when he saw the two. Not far behind him, Thundercracker and Skywarp brought Charlie. The mermaid’s hands flew to her mouth when she saw her friend pinned down.

“What are you doing!?” Starscream demanded, his voice suddenly hoarse.

“This little…thing,” Megatron snarled, still glaring down at Arcee. “Tried to murder me. For all my kindness, she tried to stab me in the neck!”

Thundercracker and Skywarp looked at each other, Charlie looked horrified. Only Thundercracker’s hand on her arm kept her from swimming forward. Starscream was staring blankly ahead.

Megatron didn’t wait for Arcee or anyone else to say something. He wrapped his free hand around her neck and she immediately started to struggle. Pressure against her gills kept her from inhaling and she felt her lunges start to ache.

“But don’t worry,” he looked at the four watching mers. “I’ll deal with her myself.”

With a burst of speed he swam upward, Arcee heard Charlie screaming, begging Megatron to let her go, but it fell on deaf ears.

Far too soon Megatron burst to the surface, the sunlight blinding Arcee as he threw her onto a nearby rock formation. It was big enough for both mers, he had clearly knew it was already here. Perhaps he had been waiting for something like this to happen.

Like a dead fish he flung Arcee onto the rock, her skin scrapping against the stone. She scrabbled up, ready to go out fighting, but Megatron lunged at her, knocking her back down.

“I thought of this before, Arcee,” he growled to her, his face so close she smelled the orca blood on his breath. “I always thought of the day I finished what I started” His claws pricked her neck. “Your mother was an easy kill too.”

With a furious shriek Arcee clawed at his face, the Con pulling out of her reach. She tried to bite at his neck and he knocked her back down, grabbing her hair and pushing her face into the rock. She slapped her tail against his torso, but he didn’t even flinch.

“You could’ve had a decent time with us,” Megatron told her. “We could’ve given you pups who’d rule the oceans, you could’ve stayed by Charlie’s side. She’s going to be much harder to handle when I come back without you.”

There was a loud splash beside them, and Arcee looked over with an Autobot’s name on her lips. But it was Starscream who crawled out of the water. His entire body was rigid, his claws flashed and his teeth bared. He glared at Megatron with the exact same level of hatred that Arcee felt.

“You swore to me!” Starscream’s scream split the air, rendering the world still. “I’ve given you everything, Megatron! My loyalty! My years! Everything! And I asked for one thing in return! You swore to me you wouldn’t kill her!”

His words made Arcee’s racing heart halt. Had she heard him correctly?

Megatron still kept her pinned down, but his attention was now on Starscream. He looked disgusted, “I can’t believe what I’m seeing.” He looked at Arcee, lip curled, then back at Starscream. “You still love her.”

It was like electricity shot through the air and Arcee swallowed back a gasp. Starscream stared at Megatron with a flood of emotions she couldn’t begin to make out.

“You gave me your word,” was all he said.

Megatron threw his head back and laughed, harsh, mocking, cruel. “Can you believe this, Arcee?” He looked down at the female with dark glee. “Oh, wait. You didn’t know, did you?”

“Know what?” she hated how her voice shook.

"That the only reason you’ve lived this long is because of that chivalrous specimen.” He pointed a jagged claw to Starscream. “You were suppose to die that night in Cybertron, just like your mother and siblings. But he begged me to keep you alive, he pledged his loyalty to me, slaved for me, just so you could live. And look what you did with that gift?” He shook his head like it was all a good joke, “You spent your life hating him.”

Arcee stared at Starscream, she couldn’t believe a word Megatron said. “Is it true?”

He looked at her and she almost cried when she saw the heart ache that twisted his features. She could suddenly what years of her hatred had done to him. Her eyes fell on the bite mark she had given him.

“Yes.” he breathed, so quiet she almost didn’t hear him. He quickly turned back to Megatron, “I know she tried to kill you, but I’ll keep her under check. Just don’t hurt her.” He laid on his belly, a begging motion.

“You are so pathetic,” Megatron cringed, it no longer seemed funny to him.

“Call me what you want,” Starscream said. “But keep your word.”

The giant Con hummed, making his body vibrate against Arcee. He tapped her head in a thoughtful manner. “I feel you ask a lot, Starscream. If Arcee had tried to kill you I would let you kill her. To be honest, I had always assumed you’d drop this infatuation with her and tear her throat out.”

There was a long, heavy moment. As if Megatron was geniunely giving Starscream time to consider it.

But then he let out a long suffering sigh, “Very well. What am I, if not a mer who keeps his word.” He moved off Arcee and she lifted her head, shocked.

It couldn’t be this easy. He wasn’t just going to let her go back after nearly stabbing him.

Megatron didn’t so much at glance as the Autbot who tried to kill him. He had moved to loom over Starscream, the smaller Con having sat up. He gazed warily up at Megatron, “Th-thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Megatron replied, his voice suddenly sickly sweet. “Although we do have a new problem. Nearly getting murdered really fills the body with hate, Starscream.”

He leaned closer and Starscream shed away from him. “It’s not healthy to bottle all that anger up. I need an outlet. Wouldn’t you agree?”

Starscream stared at his leader, his spines trembling. “Y-yes.”

“Glad we agree.”

He then grabbed Starscream head and slammed it face first into the rock, leaving a smattering of blood. Arcee gasped in horror as Megatron tore into the seahorse’s shoulder with his fangs and tossing him around like a wild animal.

“STOP IT!” she shrieked, crawling over to try and intervene. Megatron threw Starscream’s body to the ground, slamming his fists down on him. When Arcee jumped on him the Con tossed her aside just as easy.

“I swore to not kill you, Arcee!” he roared at her, dragging his claws across Starscream’s stomach to make the blood pool. “But I didn’t swear not to hurt you.” He licked his now bloody fangs, “I didn’t swear not to relieve my stress with you and make Starscream watch!”

Arcee felt bile rise in her throat, she hadn’t been this terrified since the night Cybertron fail. She looked at Starscream, he was covered in blood and bruises were already forming. Only the faint rise and fall of his chest showed he was still alive, he kept his eyes closed as if that would stop the abuse.

Suddenly a blue and black head popped out of the water. Thundercracker let out a startled cry of shock when he saw the carnage and rushed up onto the rock.

"What did you do!?” Thundercracker threw himself atop of Starscream, looking up at Megatron with hate and terror.

“I needed to relieve stress,” his leader said simply. “And Starscream was so kind as to volunteer to help.” He narrowed his eyes, “Thundercracker. I think we all need some space from Starscream and his little would be mate over there. You and Skywarp can guard them up here. If any humans spot them, well, I’m feeling hungry again, personally.” He turned away from the three. “I’ll sent Skywarp to you.” He then slipped into the ocean and vanished.

Arcee hurried over to Starscream, grabbing his hand. “We need seaweed,” she ordered Thundercracker. Her mind raced with any passing medical knowledge Ratchet shared. “And something for the pain! Pufferfish poison?” She looked down at the passed out mer, beating and bloody-because of her. “He-he protected me.”

“I know,” Thundercracker swallowed, his grief clear in his eyes. He wrapped himself around Starscream, looking like a father tending to his injured pup. “I remember…” he trailed off.

“Remember what?” Arcee asked, still holding Starscream’s hand. She didn’t know what else to do.

“I remember when I was still a pup. Before-before everything…I asked him if he liked you. He said he’d have died for you.”

Arcee snarled, feeling a rush of new terror chill her bones. “He is not going to die!”

.

Charlie huddled in the cave, having finally gotten the pups to sleep. They had not been there to see Megatron swim away with Arcee. But they had heard Charlie crying, screaming for Megatron to bring her back. She had sobbed openly, so sure she was never going to see her friend again. Thundercracker’s hand on her arm kept her from swimming after them.

She had seen Starscream swim after them though. And by the time the pups and her had gotten sent into their cave, Thundercracker had gone off to find them. It left Skywarp perched atop their cave, his eyes upward as he waited for them to return.

Charlie had tried to reassure the scared pups that she had hurt herself on a sea urchin. She didn’t think they believed her, but hadn’t asked more. Instead they had laid protectively over her, Jolt pressed against her belly bump and telling her he’d take care of them until Starscream got back. Affection had been a welcomed distraction from her fear. She wondered, not for the first time, if she could take him away when it was time.

It felt like years when she heard Skywarp move above and murmur a name, “Lord Megatron.”

“Go up to Thundercracker,” Megatron growled an order. “We have prisoners we need to keep under guard.”

A few moments later and Megatron’s face appeared in front of the cave entrance, drowning Charlie in darkness.

The pups were asleep so she didn’t hesitate to ask, “Did you kill her?”

“No,” he soothed, like he wasn’t a monster. “You need not worry about Arcee. She’ll just be spending time up on the surface while Starscream is on the mend.”

She swallowed salt water, “What did you do to Starscream?”

His gaze turned pitying. “You know, Charlie. You’d have such an easier life if you had a mate willing to fight for you.”

Her brow furrowed. Where did that come from? “I already have one.” She hadn’t meant to say it out loud, but the stress from worrying about Arcee made her reckless.

Megatron narrowed his eyes, just slightly. “How can he fight for you if he’s not here?”

He didn’t wait for an answer, instead swimming away and leaving Charlie alone.

She laid her head down and closed her eyes, trying to remain calm. Arcee was alive, that was what mattered. She’d get back down here or Charlie would somehow get up to her. And then…and then what?

Bumblebee, she held back a sob. Where are you?

It felt like hours had passed, Charlie’s conscious half way gone, slipping away to better times. But when she felt a large hand on her shoulder she jolted away.

“Bumblebee?”

It was Thundercracker. He flinched and immeidately pulled his hand away.

“What are you doing here?” she nearly growled at him, wrapping her tail around the three children. “Where’s Arcee?”

“She’ll be okay,” Thundercracker breathed. “Megatron, he-he hurt Starscream. She’s helping Skywarp with his wounds.”

Charlie pushed away the sympathy she felt for Starscream, remembering that time ages ago when he brought her food after giving birth. “You came here to tell me that?”

“No,” he glanced over his shoulder, as if seeing if they were being watched. He then leaned forward, so close their noses nearly touched. “I’m sorry,” his voice was the quietest whisper. “I’ll get your pups out of here. But I’ll need your help.”

Chapter Text

Joltburst knew it wasn’t kind to have favorites. But Starscream was his.

How could he not be? While Thundercracker and Skywarp would occasionally play with him, and Megatron always told him how strong he’d grow up to be-it had been Starscream who had raised him. It had been Starscream who he had first seen when he hatched, who’d kept him warm through the nights and caught him his meals.

And while he was still a pup, he wasn’t oblivious. He knew Megatron had hurt Starscream, he had smelled the seahorse’s blood on his leader. The only thing that didn’t send Joltburst spiraling-well, one thing-is that he trusted Thundercracker to tell him if Starscream was dead.

The other thing keeping him strong was looking out for Blossom and his family.

He had almost been embarrassed how elated he had been when he reunited with the little mer he had met a few years prior. Both she and her sister were great fun after his time of loneliness, with no pups his age to play with.

He liked their mother too, Charlie was very nice to him and he was excited to see a newborn pup when it arrived. Starscream said that would not be long at all now.

Speaking of Starscream, Joltburst hadn’t missed how his caretaker’s eyes would follow the other Autobot, Arcee. He had looked like this weird mixture of happy and sad that Joltburst was too young to understand.

Joltburst had been too scared to ask Blossom to stay with his pod. She and Volt talked about their father-Bumblebee-constantly. He knew they would want to get back to him as soon as possible. Joltburst had tried not to be jealous…true, he had Starscream. But Megatron had made sure he knew he had had a real mother and father. And he had told Joltburst it was an Autobot called B-127 that had murdered them before he hatched.

Just the thought made him grind his teeth. He was now sure there were different Autobots, nice ones like Blossom and her family, and mean ones like B-127.

Megatron had promised to train him when he was older, that he’d make him strong enough to avenge his parents.

I’ll get strong on my own, Joltburst decided when he had smelled Starscream’s blood. I don’t need your help.

Maybe the other Autobots hated B-127 too, maybe-when he was old enough to find and kill the ruthless stranger-they would welcome him in the pod.

He felt a twinge of disloyalty to his own pod for a moment-but just a moment. He was loyal to Starscream, Thundercracker, and Skywarp. And he could tell they didn’t like this pod either…

.

It was the morning after Starscream had been taken away. Charlie and the pups were more subdued than usual. Thundercracker had quietly and discreetly pulled Joltburst away from everyone else, to talk in private.

“I have a mission for you,” Thundercracker whispered.

“What is it?” It was a struggle for Jolt to whisper the question instead of yelling it. Excitement made his heart pump and-for a moment-forget about his worry for Starscream.

“You’re going to lead Blossom and Volt to the old Eel Tunnel,” Thundercracker explained. “Do you remember where that is?”

Joltburst nodded. The Eel Tunnel was a tunnel made through a large patch of coral reefs. It was a very tiny tunnel, only pups like Joltburst would be able to get into it. It was a perfect hiding place, the larger mers could barely fit their arm inside it.

“Good,” Thundercracker went on. “Now, once it’s nighttime and I give you the signal, you three are going to sneak out of camp. If you get spotted you fail the mission.”

“Okay,” the pup said, tipping his head with slightly confusion. “What do we do when we get there?”

“You wait,” Thundercracker ordered, his voice more serious than Joltburst had ever heard. “You wait until I or Charlie come get you, okay? I need you three to stay put.”

His seriousness frightened the pup. “Are we in danger?”

“No, no,” Thundercracker reassured him. “Starscream told me he wanted you to practice your sneaking around. Doing this would make him happy.”

And that was the magic words. “Okay! I won’t fail the mission!”
”One more thing,” Thundercracker said before the pup could swim away. “You, Blossom, and Volt have to keep this a secret.”

.

Charlie swallowed, hiding in the shadows of the cave, waiting for the signal. Her nerves were completely shot, she felt ready to break down sobbing. But she had to keep calm, she had to make sure the plan succeeded.

Thundercracker had explained the idea to her last night, while the pups slept. Arcee had not returned, still tending to Starscream.

Charlie hated Thundercracker’s idea, she feared it would go horrifically. But it was the only plan they had, and she’d do anything to get her pups to safety.

They had already been told about the ‘mission’. Joltburst would slip away with her girls and hide in a place the Cons couldn’t get to them. They would wait there until they came up with the next plan.

While the pups slipped away, Thundercracker would have Shockwave and Soundwave go inspect a nearby hunting ground with him.

It would be up to Charlie to distract Megatron.

“We’re heading out now!” Thundercracker said loudly-the signal. “We won’t be gone long.”

Megatron’s answer was a noncommittal grunt. He was not afraid to be left alone with a pregnant mermaid and three children. Speaking of children, they would be hiding in the kelp right now, about to slip away and get to this Eel Tunnel.

And Charlie had to make sure Megatron didn’t notice them leaving.

With one more shuddering breath, she swam out of the cave.

Megatron was laying out in the rocky spot that had been proven to be his favorite. His red eyes were half-lidded, his expression far away. But she knew that-if given nothing else to focus on, he would zero in on the pups.

So she swam over to lay near him, having to lie on her side to make room for her ginormous belly.

His eye flicked over to her, “Where are the pups.”

“Sleeping.” She had made sure Megatron had seen them go into the cave earlier, but his back had been turned when they slipped back out.

“You finally came out of hiding,” he noted.

“I needed to stretch,” she replied, flexing her tail. “And I needed time to think.”

“Think about what?”

She swallowed. She had to make this believable, she had to put all her emotion into this for this plan to work.

“Thinking about whether-whether we’ll be found by the Autobots.”

“They won’t,” Megatron said bluntly. “And that’s for the best. For everyone.”

Charlie moved forward, as if she was interested in what he had said. “Better for everyone?”

“For you and the pups obviously,” Megatron turned his head, giving her his full attention. “And if the Autobots don’t try to rescue you, I don’t have to kill them.”

Charlie was proud of herself for not flinching. “You’d kill them if they did nothing but fiddled with their thumbs.” When the Con didn’t reply, she braced herself for the next part. “Things would be easier if that wasn’t the case.”

He narrowed his eyes but remained quiet, Charlie went on. “I’ll give birth soon, Megatron. And I want my pup to live in a nice environment. For the pup’s sake I’d be willing to be your friend.”

Megatron’s pupils dilated with interest. He tipped his head, his attention completely on her. “You’d give me such an honor?”

"Yes,” Charlie lied easily, imagining the children swimming away undetected. “You’ve made it clear…it’s much better to be your friend then your enemy.”

“True,” he growled and leaned closer, almost nose to nose with her. “But this doesn’t feel like the best way to start off this newfound friendship.”

“What would you have me do, then?” Charlie couldn’t stop her sardonic tone, though it didn’t seem to bother the Con. “Sing your praises?”

“Yes,” he growled again, sounding like he relished the word. And by the glow of his eyes, he was dead serious.

She measured how much time had passed, how slow her girls swam, and knew this mission wasn’t over yet. “You’re larger than life,” she breathed. She kept eye contact with him, begging him to not look around. “Strong, fast…passionate…” her voice trailed away when she realized he was leaning closer.

“Keep going,” Megatron purred, tapping his claw on her tail. “How about you tell me how handsome I am?”

“You’re very handsome,” she whispered, shudders going down her spine.

“How handsome?” he asked, his teeth almost grazing her clavicle. “More handsome than Bumblebee?”

Charlie didn’t answer, only staring into the red abyss of his eyes.

“A true friend would try and cheer me up,” he pointed out, his voice laced with a threat. “And I feel so self-conscious about my looks when it comes to Bumblebee.”

“You’re more handsome than him,” Charlie forced the words out, it tasted like gravel and venom.

Megatron chuckled against her, tapping her tail one more time. And then Charlie’s heart went up into her throat as he slid his massive hand over her belly.

“I’d be a better father than Bumblebee, wouldn’t I?” Megatron breathed against her neck. He stroked her belly. “You’d rather I be the father, wouldn’t you? Because we’re such good friends.”

If it was just Charlie, she would’ve bit his nose. But the weight on her stomach was too heavy. Trying not to hyperventilate, her voice still came out high pitched and quaking; “You’d be a better father…”

He was quiet for a moment, and Charlie started to panic further. Was it too quiet? Would he turn away to go check on the pups? Had there been enough time?

“I’m impressed, Charlie.” With his free hand Megatron firmly pushed her down to lay on her back, pinning her down. “You’re braver than I thought.”

He leered over her, “You’re so scared of me, but look at you. Trying to make the best of your situation. It’s…admirable.”

Needing to say something, Charlie only mumbled a shaky thank you.

He finally pulled his hand off her stomach which made her want to wilt with relief. “This is going to be such a wonderful friendship, Charlie.” He leaned forward and licked her, his tongue slowly going from her shoulder, to her neck, to her cheek. She nearly vomited.

“Friends first,” he murmured, with a Cheshire cat grin. “And once our new member of the pod is here-perhaps more.” He inserted a bit more pressure on the hand that still held her down. “Real friends would be open to the possibility.”

“What’s going on?”

The loud voice came from Skywarp, and Charlie nearly bawled with relief when Megatron looked away from her. For a moment forgetting about the need of a distraction.

The purple Con was swimming down to them, his expression confused and openly concerned to see Megatron holding her down.

“Why aren’t you watching those prisoners?” Megatron snapped.

His hand released her and Charlie quickly swam away, curling into herself at the edge of the cave. “You’re okay,” she murmured to herself, wrapping her arms around her belly. “We’re okay.”

“Starscream wanted to see Joltburst,” Skywarp answered Megatron’s question. “I thought I could bring him up to-”

“Traitors do not get visitors, Skywarp,” Megatron snarled. “And if Arcee escapes it’ll be your head.”

“She won’t leave,” Skywarp said with one hundred percent confidence. “Can I least tell Joltburst that Starscream said hi?”

He was already sticking his head into the cave before Charlie could say anything. There was a heavy beat of silence and then Skywarp looked at the two of them. “Where are they?”

“What do you mean where are they!?” Megatron snarled, so vicious the voice seemed to vibrate with his fury.

Charlie had to put on one more performance. Desperately she crawled into the cave, looked around, and prayed her children were far away. “MY PUPS! WHERE ARE MY PUPS!?!”

Chapter Text

“I’m bored!” Volt whined loudly in Joltburst’s ear.

He flicked the fin and glared silently at the younger pup. The three were bunched up inside the Eel Tunnel. They had not been followed and now Joltburst had every intention of sitting still and quiet until Thundercracker came for him.

But that wasn’t easy with Volt’s fidgeting and whining, and the fact that he was very bored too.

Blossom, unlike her sister, stayed still and quiet. She was looking at the entrance of the tunnel, her blue eyes clouded with worry. “I don’t like being away from Mom,” she murmured.

“She’ll be okay,” Joltburst was quick to comfort his friend. “Thundercracker said she might be the one to come get us.”

“I wish Daddy was the one to come get us,” Volt said wistfully. “I like Megatron and the others, but I miss him a lot.” Her lip started to wobble but she kept a brave face.

“I miss him too,” Blossom agreed. “And Grandpa. We’ve never been away from them for so long.”

Joltburst could understand them. He missed his father too, even though he had never met him.

“Tell me about your dad,” he asked. Maybe it’d make them feel better? And if he decided to join the Autobot pod he should get to know more about them.

“He’s big!” Volt threw her arms out, “And yellow! Like us!”

"He’s nice and funny,” Blossom added, as if that was a stupendous feat. “Mom says he’s the most handsome mer in the whole ocean.”

Joltburst tipped his head, “How’d he find your mom?” Charlie was the only mermaid he had ever seen, though he had been told about the species before.

“That’s my favorite story!” Blossom gushed. “She rescued him! He had gotten stuck in a net and-and got trapped on some rocks on a beach!”

“Mom found him and even though he scared her, she saved him anyway!” Volt broke in.

“He brought her a bunch of cool stuff he found in the water!” Blossom added.

“He bit a boy who liked mom too!” Volt laughed.

“She even gave him his name!” Blossom said importantly.

Joltburst’s ears flicked with interest. “His name?”

“Yeah,” Blossom nodded. “Grandpa said that, back in Cybertron, pups were just given a name and number. They had to grow up and earn their own name!”

“But Dad wanted to keep the name Mom gave him,” Volt helped. “I’m glad cause Bumblebee is the best name!”

Joltburst asked, “What was his name before Bumblebee?”

“Everyone called him B-127,” Blossom answered. “Well, everyone but Mom. He hurt his throat when he met so he couldn’t talk and…”

Joltburst stopped listening to what the fellow pup said. His ears were ringing and his blood had turned cold. B-127? That was their dad’s name? That couldn’t be a coincidence. There couldn’t be two Autobots with that name.

He looked at Blossom with horror. Her dad killed my parents…

Blossom noticed the look on his face, but before she could speak-”I heard voices over here.”

The three pups instantly pressed their bellies against the tunnel, Joltburst protectively putting his arms over the two smaller girls. He did not recognize the feminine voice.

“Yes, I’m sure,” the voice said again, closer now. “It was over this way. Hello?”

“Is anyone there?” a deep voice that rattled Joltburst’s bones spoke up.

Blossom’s attenae flicked, “That sounds like…”

“Do either of you smell any Cons,” yet another new voice spoke up, another male but with a voice not as deep. “Or blood?”

The voice hadn’t even finished speaking before Volt wiggled out of Joltburst’s grip and shot out of the tunnel. The red pup cried out for her to stop, but hadn’t able to grab her before she swam out of reach.

“DADDDDYYYY!” her voice shrieked loud enough for the surface to hear her.

Blossom was quick to follow her sister and Joltburst was forced to follow. He popped his head out of the tunnel to see Volt tackle into a big yellow male that looked a lot like her.

“VOLT!” he exclaimed, immediately grabbing a hold of her and nuzzling into her. “You’re okay!”

“Dad!” Blossom swam toward him, leaving Joltburst behind. She had sobbed the word as if she could no longer keep up a brave face.

“Oh, Blossom!” the yellow mer exclaimed, grabbing her and pulling her into a hug. He held the two pups tightly, his whole body quaking. “My babies…thank Primus you’re okay.”

Joltburst stayed where he was, trying hard to concentrate on what they were saying. All he could see was Bumblebee’s-no, B-127’s-sharp teeth and cruel claws. He could hear the Cons’ warnings in his head. An Autobot would kill him if he gave them the chance, B-127 would finish what he started…

“Grandpa!” Blossom said happily as her father continued to hold her tightly.

The other male, who was nearly as big as Megatron, swam over to kiss the two girls lightly on the head. His blue eyes were warm with love and relief. “Girls, I knew you’d be okay.” He looked over his shoulder at the pink female who kept her distance. “Come here, Elita. Come meet Blossom and Volt.”

The female slowly swam over, staring at the two pups as if they were the whole world.

The two pups pressed themselves under B-127’s chin, looking warily at the female they clearly didn’t know.

“Who are you?” Volt asked boldly.

“This is Elita,” their grandpa introduced her. “My mate…and your grandmother.”

Blossom and Volt gasped. “We have a grandma!?” Blossom exclaimed. The two almost immediately slipped out of their father’s grip to get a closer look at Elita.

“You’re beautiful,” Volt gasped, eyes wide.

“Not as beautiful as you two,” Elita’s voice wobbled as she held her hands up. The two pups took one each, fins flapping happily.

“Girls,” B-127 spoke up, Joltburst stared at him. “Where is your mom?”

“She’s still with the Cons,” Blossom said.

“Is Megatron with her?” he demanded, voice serious.

The two girls looked uneasy at their father’s tone.

“Is-is that bad?” Volt’s voice was small. “Megatron was nice to us.”

Their grandfather murmured something under his breath, looking off into the distance. “Why are you two all the way out here? The Cons aren’t close.”

For some reason Joltburst didn’t want the girls to talk about the Cons, with all his bravery he swam out of the tunnel, “Thundercracker told us to come here!”
The three adults looked surprised, having clearly not noticed him until now.

“Who is this?” Elita asked.

“This Joltburst,” Blossom swam over to the red pup, smiling at him. He didn’t return the smile. “He’s my best friend. He’s from the Cons’ pod.”

“Really?” the biggest mer looked critically at him, though with no hostility. “I didn’t think the Cons had any pups…”

You’d think that cause B-127 killed my mother! Joltburst thought but couldn’t summon the courage to say it out loud. Would he have siblings now if it weren’t for the Autobots?

So caught up in glaring at the mer he didn’t realize B-127 had swam up to him. Not until he was reaching his claws out to the pup, “Joltburst, can you-”

He didn’t finish, all the pup could think was those claws tearing into his skin. So in a burst of panic he bit the reaching hand, tasting the Autobot’s blood.

B-127 let out a sharp hiss and pulled his hand back. Volt let out an angry howl and Blossom looked at Joltburst as if he was the problem. “You bit my dad!”

“He deserved it!” Joltburst snarled at her before turning tail and swimming. His hear was pounding and he felt a wail rising up his throat. He had to get back to the Cons. He had to get back to where he belonged!

.

Arcee and Starscream had been dragged back into the clearing. Charlie felt sick at the side of the mauled Starscream, sympathetic pain kicking her stomach.

Megatron was snarling at the seahorse, “What did you do!?”

The Con was lying in the sand, barely able to keep his head up. “You’ll have to be more specific.”

Megatron growled furiously, and to Charlie’s surprise Arcee put herself between the two. She glared defiantly at the Con leader. “How could he do anything when he’s been bleeding out up on the surface?”

Megatron narrowed his gaze, slowly turning to the other four Cons that hovered nearby. “Who else, among my pod, would steal the pups away?”

Arcee stiffened and Starscream shot his head up, eyes wide. “Including Joltburst!?”

Megatron turned back to him, clearly weighing how geniune Starscream’s surprise was. As far as Charlie knew, Thundercracker had not involved neither Starscream nor Arcee into his plot. And she was careful to keep her eyes to the ground. She didn’t have to act out her sniffling and quiet sobs, just letting out the stress of the past few days.

“Do you see him around?” Megatron asked venomously. He extended his arms out, “Joltburst?” he called out mockingly. “Come here!”

Then-to everyone’s shock-he did.

The red pup shot around a large rock and swam straight for Starscream. He was wailing.

“Starscream!” he slammed into the seahorse’s chest, making him flinch. “Why didn’t you tell me!?”

“Calm down, Joltburst,” Starscream’s voice was hoarse. “What’s wrong?”

“B-127 is Blossom’s dad!” Joltburst wailed! “He killed my parents! Why didn’t you tell me!?” He burrowed under Starscream’s belly as if to hide from the knowledge. “We found him! He’s coming! He’ll kill me just like he killed them, I know it!”

The world went still. Charlie couldn’t stop the horrified look she shared with Thundercracker. Skywarp had balked, Arcee had looked beyond the clearing, as if to spot Bumblebee. Shockwave and Soundwave were impassive, just like Megatron, who was staring down at Starscream and Joltburst. The seahorse was trying in vain to sooth the frightened pup.

Charlie felt a mess, both joy and horror bursting inside her, twisting her gut. Her daughters had found Bee, he would follow Joltburst and find the clearing. He’d rescue them. She swallowed, remembering how they had barely harmed Megatron when she first met him.

“Joltburst,” the Con leader finally spoke, his voice neutral. “Go to your cave. It’s best you hide before B-127 gets here.”

Charlie glared at him, Bumblebee would never hurt a pup! But Joltburst, sniffling, obeyed and swam away from Starscream. The wounded Con looked stricken as he watched the pup he raised disappear into a small cave. They all knew it was so Joltburst didn’t see what happened next.

Megatron flexed his claws. “I’m about to have Autobots in my territory,” he growled down at the Con. “And I do believe that this is entirely your fault.”

He lunged, claws outstretched. Charlie gasped, Arcee threw herself on top of Starscream-but before Megatron could strike he was stopped.

He was stopped by Thundercracker.

The blue Con had grabbed at Megatron’s ribs, bitting at the thick skin of his neck. Megatron ripped himself out of Thundercracker’s grip and turned around with a snarl.

“You better take another guess, Megatron!” Thundercracker spat the name like a curse. “The only traitor here is me. I was the one who got the pups out of here! Starscream had nothing to do with it!”

Megatron’s eyes flared with the promise of violence. Shockwave and Soundwave had braced themselves, ready to come to their leader’s defense. Skywarp looked like he was about to do something he’d regret.

But Thundercracker kept talking, “I’m tired of following a pathetic leader like you! You’ve ruined everything! You destroyed Cybertron, and for what!? So a handful of us could scavenge until our extinction?! I only ever followed you because it was what Starscream wanted! But now-after all this!?” The last words held an ocean full of venom, “I’d rather follow Optimus!”

That hit a nerve, Megatron let out a screech the likes of which Charlie had never heard before. He slammed his fist into Thundercracker with such strength the mer went flying, smacking his back into a rock and crumbling to the sandy floor.

“No!” Skywarp gasped, staring at his brother in horror.

Megatron started to slowly swim toward the still body.

“Stop it!” Starscream screamed at him, trying and failing to get out from under Arcee.

“Leave him alone!” Charlie begged, “Please!”

Megatron did stop, slowly turning his head around to look at Charlie. She had never felt more like prey.

“You were in on this,” he said slowly, turning his body toward her. “You distracted me… I knew you were lying, but I didn’t think you’d be so clever.” He got closer, and Charlie’s heart pumped wildly.

“Stay away from her,” Arcee started to move, but this time it was Starscream who grabbed her arm. Charlie didn’t blame him, if Arcee had gotten any closer Megatron knew he’d have torn her to shreds.

“I’ve lost my patience with you, Charlie,” Megatron growled. He leered over her, and in his eyes she could see all the vile things he was about to do to her. She turned her stomach away in a desperate attempt at defense, she couldn’t even get her tongue to work. He reached his claws out and she braced herself for it to be over.

Then a yellow blur slammed into Megatron, at such a velocity the giant mer was thrown onto his side on the ground. Charlie’s jaw dropped and her eyes widened. It was Bumblebee. He was tearing into Megatron, clawing and biting and looking like a rabid animal. It took Megatron a few seconds to collect himself and shove at the Autobot, pinning him to the ground.

“BEE!” Charlie shrieked.

“SWIM!” he yelled back at her.

Just then a familiar red and blue blur arrived, Optimus lunged at Megatron with a roar. The Con leader meeting him halfway in a tangle of claws, fangs, and fins.

Both Shockwave and Soundwave rushed to defend their leader. Arcee went for Shockwave, tackling into himself and not hesitating to bite down even as his tentacles wrapped around her. And to Charlie’s surprise it was Skywarp who stopped Soundwave, for what little he said he clearly had his own loyalties.

Speaking of such, Charlie felt another wave of relief as Thundercracker roused. Shaking the sand off himself he looked around at the fighting, then dove in to help Bumblebee and Optimus with Megatron.

Charlie knew now was the time to get away, to find wherever safe place Bumblebee had placed the girls. But her eyes caught on Starscream, who was struggling to sit up. She couldn’t leave him there.

She swam over to him and grabbed his arm, “Come with me,” she told the seahorse, who looked startled at her arrival. “We need-”

Pain hit her, straight in the stomach, and she buckled immediately.

“Charlie?” Starscream’s voice was surprised as she curled into the sand. “Charlie, what’s wrong?”

She knew this pain, had felt it twice before, and she couldn’t believe now was the time it was happening. “My baby’s coming.”

Starscream’s eyes popped with shock. He looked back at the fighting, then back at her. “Not here.”

“Can’t really help it,” Charlie groaned, clutching her oversized belly. She flinched when Starscream grabbed her and pulled her back up.

“Up to the surface,” he told her. “Up to the rock. Can you make it?”

She didn’t think she had a choice, the thought of a newborn pup being around Megatron made her nauseous. “Can you make it?” she asked, “I don’t wanna be alone.”

Starscream looked even more surprised by her request, but when Charlie grunnted with pain, he nodded. So, with a deadly battle raging behind them the two made slow progress upward. Charlie kept expected to feel claws grab her, but the only touch she felt was Starscream, keeping her steady every time she buckled in pain. She felt deep pity at the pain and exhaustion in his eyes, she had to make sure the Autobots did right by him when this would be all over.

She hoped this would be all over.

With great relief she reached the surface and the two clawed up onto the rock, laying down and gasping form the excursion.

After a couple of moments, Charlie couldn’t help but chuckle.

“How could you possibly be laughing right now?” Starscream grumbled.

“It’s poetic,” Charlie was still gasping in air. “You were there when my first baby was born. Now you’re here for the last.” She let out a cry and curled into herself as pain rocked through her body. “Cause I’m never letting Bumblebee touch me again!”

Starscream had flinched at her cry and pulled himself closer, wrapping his long tail around her. He was not accustomed to a live birth, but that was okay. Charlie was just glad of the company. Glad of the hand that was offered as she gritted her teeth and pushed.

.

Bumblebee tore away from Megatron’s claws, not even registering the pain as his flesh tore away. He had never felt this angry, his hot blood was making the ocean boil, he wouldn’t be able to stop until there was nothing left of the Con.

“You steal my mate?!” he roared at Megatron as the Con knocked Optimus away. “You steal my pups!?”

Megatron snapped his tail and Thundercracker lost his grip. Despite being outnumbered and bleeding the Con still was formidable and didn’t look to be tiring. He gave Bumblebee a mocking look. “When I’m done with all of you that’ll be my mate and pups!”

Bumblebee shot forward, aiming to rip the Con’s head off his shoulders. Megatron grabbed him before he could and flung him to the sand, stunning him for a moment.

Bumblebee looked around in that quick moment. Arcee was still fighting Shockwave, and Skywarp looked to be on their side as well though he was struggling with Soundwave. He then noticed another red pair of eyes watching him and he turned with an instinctive snarl.

But it was only that red pup, Joltburst. He was hiding in a cave and bolted deeper inside when Bumblebee growled at him. He felt a temporary rise of guilt but had to squelch it. He still had to flay Megatron’s skin. He swam back off the ground to join the battle.

.

Despite the pain, this was her third time. It was quick.

One moment Charlie was cursing and clutching Starscream’s hand, the next she had a pup in her arms.

It was a boy, with the same brown hair and blue eyes as his sisters. His aquatic features was a mix of both her and Bee, red and black and whale-like.

He was perfect.

Charlie rested the baby against her chest, wishing Bee was with her right then. Was the battle still raging? Who was winning?

“Do you think it’s safe to go back?” she asked Starscream.

His gaze had been endearingly soft when he first saw the pup, once again reminding her how different he was from the other Cons.

It’s not a surprise he was the one who raised Thundercracker and Skywarp.

At her question he blinked and looked over to the still water.”I don’t know. I can go check…” he grunted with pain, on his last threads of strength she knew.

Charlie sat up, cradling her newborn close, ready to tell Starscream to stop. As much as she worried for Bumblebee, it felt too dangerous to send the wounded Con back down there.

But before she could speak she saw the water bubbling, and instead of excitement at the thought of Bumblebee bursting through-she feared it would be Megatron. Starscream wrapped his trail around her protectively, as if he had thought the same.

But the head that burst out…was a head Charlie did not recognize.

But Starscream did, blinking he looked at the stranger as if he had seen a ghost, “Elita?”

The pink mer’s brows lifted, looking just as surprised, “Starscream? What are you-”

Two more small faces popped out of the water and Charlie nearly wilted. “MOM!!”

Blossom and Volt swam over, clambering up the rock and over Starscream’s tail.

“We found you!” Volt gushed, “We were so scared but-AAAAAHHH!” The little pup screamed when she saw the baby in her mother’s arms.
”Shush, Volt!” Charlie gently scolded as the newborn fushed from the loud noise. “You’ll make your new brother deaf!”

“It’s a boy,” Blossom scooted closer, leaning into Charlie’s side. “I love him.”

“I love him more!” Volt said, loud but not as loud, as she leaned against Charlie’s other side.

For a moment the three Watson girls just gazed lovingly down at the newest member of their family. Then water swished as the pink stranger pulled up onto the rock. “Are you Charlie?”

Starscream pulled away so the two women could get a good look at her. Charlie looked up at her, “Y-yes. Who are you?”

“It’s our grandma!” Blossom said happily. “She found us with dad and grandpa!”

“Grandma?” Charlie echoed.

“I’m Optimus’ mate,” Elita explained. “I was in Cybertron when he and Bumblebee found me.”

“His mate…” Charlie looked at her, now startled. “You’re Bumblebee’s mother?”

The female nodded and Charlie was suddenly aware of what an absolute wreck she looked. She didn’t want to meet her mother in law looking like this!

“Oh, stop,” Elita said softly as Charlie started running her fingers through her hair in an attempt to get the knots out. Elita reached over and carefully pulled the four into a hug, her arms were trembling. “I never thought I’d see my own son, never mind seeing what a beautiful family he’s made.”

Charlie’s throat bobbed with emotion. She was about to short circuit with all the emotion running through her, she had barely gotten over giving birth!

“Where’s dad?” Volt asked, looking around. “He’ll want to see the baby!”

“He’s…” Charlie considered how much she wanted to tell her. “Busy.”

“I’m going to go help them,” Starscream spoke up.

Charlie and Elita looked at him with shock.

“You wouldn’t stand a chance!” Charlie exclaimed. “You’re too hurt!”

“I don’t care!” Starscream snapped, self-loathing fueling his eyes. “Better me than any of you!” Then he slipped into the water.

Elita watched him vanish. “Should I go after him?”

Charlie thought for a moment, looking down at the baby in her arms. An idea struck her as she looked at her son. It was dangerous, risky, but she wasn’t letting her newborn live in a world with a monster like Megatron.

“Elita,” Charlie looked up at her newfound mother in law. “I need you to do something for me.”

.

She gagged at the taste of blood as she neared the clearing. Megatron was still fighting Bumblebee and Optimus, Thundercracker had started to help Skywarp overpower Soundwave. Arcee was still biting Shockwave, Starscream was with her, trying his best to help.

Charlie kept low to the sandy floor as she returned to the cave where she had been kept prisoner. She had felt like the worst mother in the world leaving her pups on the rock. But if a con came after them, Elita could protect them better. And Charlie knew where the whale bone was.

No one had ever taken the sharpened tool away, Charlie had placed it in the cave but had had no plans to use it. But now…

Gripping it between her hands she slipped back out of the cave. She had to have a good shot, and she’d have to get close.

Shockwave let out a sudden gurgle and his body went limp. Arcee pushed him away, blood staining her mouth before she turned her attention back to Starscream. He was just barely hanging in there.

“What are you doing down here!?” the words came from several mouths, Charlie couldn’t pinpoint which. But all eyes were on her, her and her no longer massive belly.
”The baby…” Bumblebee breathed.

Megatron suddenly grabbed Optimus, stretching his arm out to distance between the Autobot and the Decepticon. He then turned on the distracted Bumblebee and dug his fangs into his shoulders.

“NO!” Charlie screeched and rushed forward. But Megatron’s massive tail slammed into her, knocking her back to the ground. The bone clattered a few inches from her outstretched hand.

“BUMBLEBEE!” Optimus cried out, clawing at the arm that held him. But despite the rivers of blood pouring Megatron didn’t loosen his grip from Bumblebee. Bumblebee, whose strugglings were getting weaker.

Then it all happened so quickly. Starscream was suddenly there and he bite down on Megatron’s face, tearing through his eye. The Con released Bumblebee to let out a shriek. He reached his hand out to grab Starscream but Arcee was quicker, wrapping her body around the massive arm and clawing and biting at it. As he tried to throw her off Bumblebee tore at his chest and throat. Megatron released Optimus to grab the yellow mer, and that allowed Optimus to tear and bite at his shoulder.

With four mers on top of his Megatron started to falter, started to be lowered to the ground. Suddenly Thundercracker and Skywarp were there, grabbing his tail and pulling into down to the sandy floor. They were all still writhing and struggling, desperate to keep Megatron down as his fighting weakened. But they were all wounded and exhausted.

Charlie reached out and grabbed the bone, her own exhaustion weighing on her like an anchor. But she swam against it, taking the sight in. Bumblebee, fighting for his family. Optimus, fighting a Con that-years ago-he had considered a friend. Arcee, fighting against her mother’s killer. Starscream, fighting against a master who had done nothing but use and abuse him. Then Thundercracker and Skywarp, fighting for their love of Starscream.

Love…wasn’t that why they were all here? It made you do things, both good and bad. And it’s what pulled Charlie’s arms up like a puppeteer. With her arms in the air the love was mixed with fury and a sense of justice, and then she let her arms fall down.

The bone slipped through the bite marks Thundercracker had caused earlier, and with a choked gurgle it broke through the Megatron’s windpipe.

He stared at Charlie, having not realized she was there until it was too late. Years of emotions danced across his remaining eye, and Charlie stared back. She thought of saying something, but her own eyes carried it’s own story of emotions. She would let it be the last story he ever read.

His body went with a few sporadic jerks,and when it finally went still, it was a good while before any of the mers felt safe enough to release him.

“It’s…over,” Skywarp murmured, staring at his dead leader.

“It’s over,” Starscream said with a breath of intense relief. He sunk to the ground, finally able to rest.

Charlie was going to do the same, she was so bone-tired, but Bumblebee was already picking her up in his arms.

“Charlie,” he breathed, looking at her as if she was a dream. “Oh, my Charlie.”

She could only let out a soft sob before burying her face in his chest. “You’re late,” she murmured.

He nuzzled frantically against her hair, as if checking her head for wounds. “I’m never letting you out of my sight again.”

Chapter Text

Soundwave had survived, slipping away from Thundercracker and Skywarp when the two had turned on Megatron. The Con had been severely wounded, only managing to slink off.

The two flying fish mers had gone off to try and catch him and finish him off, meanwhile the rest of the group had moved away from the clearing. But not before tying down Megatron’s corpse so the scavengers could have their way with it.

In a more secluded area, Arcee was talking to Elita. The two had been close back on Cybertron and had nearly fell apart when they saw each other. Optimus kept close to Elita as if she was her massive shadow.

Starscream was off in his own corner, curled around Joltburst. The pup had not want to go with them, fussing and even snapping at Starscream. But in the end the small mer had went quiet and now lay curled next to the Con.

Meanwhile, Charlie and her girls were once again prisoners.

“DAD!” Volt grunted angrily. “I wanna move!”

Bumblebee was laying down, his massive tail wrapped around his mate and daughters, basically trapping them. Charlie had taken the time to take a quick nap, but when she woke up Blossom and Volt were clearly about to start a mutiny.

“You can move when I’m old,” Bumblebee told her. “And I age slow.”

He hadn’t looked up when he spoke, letting his eyes take in their newborn that slept in his hands. The mer’s claws made the pup look even smaller. Bumblebee had even had a momentary panic that their son had been born too soon for how small he was. Charlie had to remind him he was the exact same size as his sisters when they were born.

While finding a new clearing to rest they had decided on the name Buzz, it had been on the baby name list and Charlie had particularly enjoyed the name during her rocker phase.

“Don’t worry, Volt,” Charlie, who was leaning against Bee’s shoudler. “We can slip away when he’s sleeping.”

“Bold of you to assume I’m ever sleeping again,” Bee said, nuzzling against his sleeping son.

Volt let out another growl of frustration. But Charlie noticed Blossom looking sadly over at Starscream and Joltburst. Bee had told her how Joltburst had bit him, and Charlie hadn’t been surprised. She had told Bee who the pup’s parents were and guilt had flashed in his eyes.

“I wanna go see Jolt,” Blossom told her parents, her voice pitiful.

Charlie reached her arm out to pull her daughter over, “He needs space right now, baby.”

“Well, I don’t want to see him!” Volt insisted. “He bit dad! For no reason!”

“Don’t be mean,” Bee told her. “He was just scared.”

Volt huffed and looked away, and the parents exchanged a look. One day they would have to tell the story of what happened with Dropkick and Shatter. But best to wait until they were old enough to truly understand what had happened and what their father had had to do.

It wasn’t like they didn’t already have enough to deal with.

“I don’t like any Cons!” Volt turned around again to look at her parents beseechingly. “I promise!”

Knowing where this was coming from, Bee reached over and kissed his daughter’s head. “It’s okay you liked Megatron, Volt. He tricked you, and it’s not your fault. It’s not anyone’s fault.”

“It just shows what a sweet heart you have,” Charlie added helpfully. She slid her tail fin over Volt’s hair to mess it up, making the pup giggle.

“You have to like some Cons,” Blossom added. “They’re coming to live with us.” She looked at her parents, “Aren’t they?”

“We don’t know yet,” Bumblebee admitted.

“They’re welcome to, if they want,” Charlie said. “I’ll personally vouch for them.” She wasn’t completely sure she’d be alive with her family right now without their help.

Bee’s antennae twitched, “Speaking of.”

Thundercracker and Skywarp had returned, their faces sour.

Optimus looked up at them as they approached, “Did you find Soundwave?”

Thundercracker shook his head, “No, he’s good at hiding his trail.”

“Without Megatron he’s nothing.” Starscream lifted his head, Charlie had thought he was asleep. “Let him crawl in a hole and die of his injuries.”

Arcee let out a breath, “I can hardly believe we don’t have to worry about Megatron anymore…”

“Well, you don’t,” Elita said matter of factly. “And now I think we should rest for the night, then swim back to Cybertron.” She looked over at Bee and his family, her face bright with adoration. “You will all come live there with me, right?”

“YES!” both Blossom and Volt yelled before their parents could answer.

“We’d love that,” Charlie said, thought Bee remained quiet.

Then all pairs of eyes turned to the Cons.

“What about you?” Optimus asked. “We are very grateful for your help in stopping Megatron and rescuing our family.”

Elita added, “You would be welcomed. You two were pups during the attack, no one would hold that against you.” She looked down at Starscream who was still lying on the ground. “You weren’t there during the attack either.”

Charlie looked at Starscream, unable to figure out his expression. But before he could say anything, Joltburst popped his head up, “Well, I’m not going!” He glared over at Bumblebee, who flinched under the pup’s hateful gaze. “I’m not going anywhere with him!”

Charlie quickly covered Volt’s mouth before she could say anything. But poor Blossom looked distraught, “But you’re my friend, Jolt! I wanted you to come with us!”

“We are not friends!” Joltburst snapped at her, his voice choking in a way that made Charlie’s heart crack.

Blossom sniffled, and Bee (now using only one hand to hold Buzz) pulled her to his chest were she snuggled against him and sniffled.

“Stop that,” Starscaream scolded Joltburst. “I already told you what really happened.”

The pup didn’t listen. “You can go with them! But I’m not!”

“Quiet, Joltburst,” Thundercracker spoke up. “You can stay with me and Skywarp, we’re not going.”

“You’re not?” Arcee looked surprised.

“We decided on the way back over,” Skywarp explained. “Not that we aren’t flattered by the offer, but…”

“But nomadic life fits us better than Cybertron ever did,” Thundercracker finished.

Optimus nodded, “Then I wish you safe travels, and our thanks go with you.”

“And you’re free to come back if you change your mind,” Charlie added, even if it wasn’t her place to offer such a thing.

“Starscream?” Arcee looked down at the Con who hadn’t given an answer.

He looked back at her for a moment, his eyes telling nothing. “There’s only bad memories waiting for me in Cybertron, I will stay with my wards.”

Arcee flinched and quickly looked away. Elita swam over to the Cons, “At least stay with us for the night, so you have time to rest. I can go get some food for us all too.”

“Thank you,” Starscream murmured quietly.

.

It was nightfall, and everyone seemed to be sleeping. Optimus and Elita were wrapped together, between them Blossom and Volt. It was only Elita begging Bee to let them had the yellow mer finally freed his daughters from their well-intended prison.

Charlie laid next to Bee, his arm slung over her and Buzz snuggled against his chest. Charlie had missed the sounds of Bee’s breathing as he slept.

She had been in and out of sleep, a little scared that this was all a dream, that she’d wake up and Megatron would still be alive. She had to keep remembering the look in his eye as he died…

The sound of movement snapped her to wakefulness, lifting her head she saw the Cons were quietly leaving the clearing. Charlie guessed it was still a few hours before dawn.

She saw Arcee, curled not far from Elita and Optimus, lift her head too. The female mer looked over to Charlie and caught her eye, then the two slipped out of the clearing after the mers. Bee having only snuffled softly when Charlie moved away.

The Cons had not gotten far when the two women called out to them, and they stopped.

“Sorry,” Thundercracker said immediately when he saw them. Joltburst was snoozing on his shoulder. “We aren’t really ones for goodbyes.”

“Well, that’s too bad,” Charlie said, then swam up to wrap her arms the best she could around Thundercracker’s torso. The mer stiffened at her touch, but offered an awkward pat on her back.

“You saved my pups,” Charlie pulled away to look at him. “The Autobots may have never found us if you hadn’t help me sneak them away. Thank you.”

The blue mer smiled softly at her. “I think I should be thanking you. You have the knack at making some mers act all heroic.”

“Doesn’t she,” Starscream snorted, but there was no malice or even aggravation in his voice.

“Starscream,” Arcee spoke up, she had not moved closer. “I wanted to talk to you before you left.”

The Con looked at her as if she asked him to swim through lava.

“Please,” she insisted. Charlie hardly recognized how soft and unsure her friend’s voice was.

But Starscream nodded, and Arcee looked to the others. “Alone?”

Charlie was ready to push Thundercracker and Skywarp away, but they instead grabbed her and fled the spot like they were in a race.

.

Starscream watched Arcee, waiting for her to say…he wasn’t sure. But the familiar ache in his chest was there, the ache caused by whenever he looked for her.

After being brutalized by Megatron, he had been too out of it to talk to Arcee about what had been revealed. About how following the Con had been his desperate, stupid attempt to keep her safe.

“Thank you,” he murmured, breaking the silence. “For helping to stop him…I’m free now.”

“You are,” Arcee nodded. “And-and thank you. He would’ve killed me that day if you hadn’t defended me.” Her face twisted into regret, “I’m sorry, he nearly killed you because of me.”

“Sorry?” his brow furrowed. “There’s nothing for you to be sorry about. Everything that happened to me is my own fault.”

Arcee swam forward and he jolted at the sudden close proximity. “You suffered all of that,” she looked over his healing scars. “Just to keep me safe.”

Starscream nodded, his throat hurt.

“Why?” she looked into his eyes.

“Isn’t it obvious?” Starscream asked, a little exasperated.

“I thought it was,” Arcee began. “But you said there were no good memories back in Cybertron, but that’s where we…” she trailed off.

“All our memories are tainted by how much of a coward I was,” Starscream said, his teeth bared in self-loathing. “I could’ve figured something else out, anything else, to keep you safe without making you think I didn’t care.”

Arcee blinked, “My memories of Cybertron aren’t that wonderful either. I-I miss my family, but we were never really a family. Not like I was with the pod. My best memories from then, were memories of you.”

He swallowed, “O-oh.”

“But now I’m going back, and it feels like all I’ll ever see there-is the things I no longer have.”

At that moment Starscream was sure he had become posessed. He simply did not believe that a coward like himself had such courage. Had such courage as to reach out and interlace his fingers with Arcee. “You could make new memories…we could.”

Arcee, whose eyes had been downcast, looked up sharply. Starscream started to sputter, “Not that you have to-I mean, it was only-you’d probably be better off-I’m sorry-” He tried to pull his hand back but Arcee now had an iron grip on him.

“Let me come with you!” she suddenly demanded, her voice breathless.

“But the Autobots, you’d miss them.”

“I would,” she agreed.

“And you wouldn’t have a single home, we’d be traveling all the time.”

“So?” Arcee replied. “You think you aren’t worth that and more? Starscream, you’re worth more than a pearl.” She leaned forward and kissed the bite mark she had left on his shoulder all those years ago. “And I love you.”

Starscream’s arms were around her in a desperate frenzy, their hearts beated against each other, and it was like life fell back into place. There would still be problems, they would always carry the darkness of their past, but…"I love you, Arcee,” he breathed as she returned the embrace.

But they loved each other, they wouldn’t let each other go again.

And by Primus, that was more than he had ever dared to dream of.

.

Charlie was alone when she returned to the clearing, careful not to rouse anyway. She had slipped back under Bee’s arm and was making herself comfortable, when she heard a groggy voice. “Somebody’s in trouble.”

She smirked at Bumblebee, whose eyes were still closed. “Would that be me?”

Careful not to stir Buzz, Bumblebee wrapped his arms around her, maneuvering her so he could lay his head on her belly. “Do I have to ground you like I did to Blossom and Volt?”

“No, sir,” she chuckled. “I’ll stay put, I promise.”

“Where’s Arcee?”

Charlie looked out across the water. “She decided to go with Starscream and other others.”

Bee opened his eyes and looked at her, his half-lidded gaze showing no surprise. “There was always a sadness about her. Optimus told me that she and Starscream were once close…”

“I think they’ll be close again,” Charlie said, playing with his antennae.

“Yeah, but I’ll miss her.”

“Me too. Optimus and Elita will be upset when we tell them.”

“Yes, but they’ll understand too.”

Charlie sighed, “I can’t believe you found your mother. And that we’re going to get to live in Cybertron.”

Bee suddenly lifted his head to better make eye contact. “I actually wanted to talk to you about that,” his tone was serious.

“What’s wrong?” she blinked.

“I was wondering if it would be better for us to go back to Brighton Falls.”

Charlie’s brow arched, she had not been expecting that. “Why?”

“You and the pups would be safer there,” he replied, “I could stay in that old cave.”

"Bee,” Charlie stroked his face. “Megatron is dead. We’re safe now.”

“There’s other dangers beside them.” Fear brightened his gaze. “Charlie, I was terrified when I found out you and the girls were taken. If anything had happened to any of you.” He looked at their sleeping son. “You’re my whole world.”

“And you’re ours,” Charlie said. “And our pups would hate being stuck on land, unable to see you anytime they want. They love the ocean, and so I do I. Besides, it’s not like living in land wouldn’t be dangerous also.” She pressed her forehead against his, “I was scared, but I’m right here. You saved me.”

“You saved me first,” Bee said immediately, his eyes lost in the memory of their first meeting.

Charlie smiled, “My mom always told me the world is dangerous, and it feels even more so when you have kids. That’s why she always stressed the importance of getting a partner to help you through it.” She pulled back and lifted her chin, “That’s why I decided to find the most handsome mer in the whole ocean and have his babies, then he’d spoil me for the rest of my life.”

Bee laughed, burying his face in her chest. “Okay, okay. We won’t go back to Brighton Falls. I just-I want to give you and the pups the best life I possibly can.”

“Then stay just as you are,” she murmured, wrapping her arms around his neck. “I’d go through all this danger a hundred times over to keep you.”

“Then I’ll fight all that danger a hundred, no, a thousand times over, to keep you next to me.”

“Then I’d go through danger a million times,” Charlie said.

Bee was quiet for a moment, before pulling away to give her a cheeky look. “I’d fight it a billion times.”

“I’d go through it for eternity.”

Bumblebee growled playfully, and Charlie knew he had accepted defeat. He always kissed her when he did.