~Chapter 8~

The Nemesis was unusually still. With too many lost in combat, no one had the moral energy to converse, only in hushed tones. Megatron stood tall as he watched the clouds and ground pass below them as Soundwave approached him. He turned his helm, "Statis report,"

His visor flickered to life, revealing the number of casualties and the repairs needed to the ship itself.

The gray mech hummed, "Very well," he looked toward the second in command, "Starscream, rally up your team of vechicons to maintain the damaged sections."

The seeker bowed, "As you wish, my lord,"

When the mech dispersed, the warlord gazed at his communications officer. His frame was tense and was typing frustratingly at the terminal. "Was it the Autobots?"

Soundwave immediately stopped at the said question. He looked toward his leader and nodded.

"Then perhaps we should give them a one on one discussion," he smiled, menacingly showing his pointed denta. "I will have a group of troops ready at your signal."

Hours had passed, and Soundwave had not stopped his efforts in locating either the Autobot base or his sparkling. On the verge of giving up, a notification opened on his terminal. Patching it through, the Prime's voice gained his attention. It astounded him, to say the least, that they managed to lock hold his commlink. Had Firespark shared that information with them or did they torture her? The concept made his energon boil in his spark. If they so laid a single digit on her, they would sincerely be punished.

"Soundwave, you are probably aware of the fact that we have your sparkling. If you would like to retrieve her, meet us at the coordinates attached. Let us meet in peace,"

Meet in peace? Did the prime think he'd come composed? Foolish Autobots for that thought to even cross their processors, but perhaps it was for her sake that he would do as they said. She had already seen and experienced too much for one day, and to have him come with an assembly of troopers, another battle would break out and reasonably cause her to be fearful of the world and her actions.

Without a second thought, he summoned a groundbridge and walked through, appearing in what seemed to be a secluded meadow with no signs of humanity nearby. It was bright and green, teeming with life. Colorful wildflowers swaying in the breeze, a doe grazing with her fawn by the pond, and birds greeting each other in the oak trees. It was beautifully relaxing, easing Soundwave's recent stress. Maybe he should come here often.

His tranquility was disturbed when another groundbridge appeared, revealing the prime, medic, and warrior carrying his sleeping sparkling. They approached each other with calculated steps until they had a considerable distance.

"Optimus, do we have to give her over?" Acree whispered.

The last prime nodded to her, "We must but let us now know that there is another purpose to cease this war,"

She let that roll over her processor while she made her way toward the silent mech before them. The dark visor watched all her slightest movements, unnerving her even more.

The exchange of the sparkling of a mixture of relief and grief. Soundwave was reunited with his daughter while the Autobots had their lives spared.

Orange optics opened to find that she wasn't in the blue femme's arms but her sires. She smiled wide and nuzzled against his warm frame, listening to the soothing pulse of his spark.

Satisfied with the result, Soundwave opened his groundbridge and stepped through to bring his daughter home.

The trio did the same with heavy sparks. It saddened them to know that her future could be corrupted by the darkness the Decepticon's held.

Both groups had now another reason to fight this great war. It was the new life that shone through both darknesses, for both sides strayed from their original paths. It only took an innocent being to make them see.