~Chapter 9~

Home. That was all Firespark's processor cried as Soundwave exited the groundbridge. She was safe and sound. Lazerbeak disconnected from his creator and hovered just above the sparkling, whirling in relief and joy.

The TIC's visor disappeared as Firespark's digits waved in the air, in an attempt to embrace the mini-con. Her orange optics gazed at her sire's reveal face and beamed, which was exchanged with a loving gaze. He placed a small kiss on top of her pink helm and whispered, "My sparkling,"

She squealed and nestled closer into the warmth of his frame.

The past 2 days were difficult for her to come to an understanding. Those nice bots seemed to be very angry against her sire. All they ever seemed to talk about was how much the Autobots or Decepticons would destroy their plans or planet. It caused her to question why her sire would work so much, almost nonstop.

Speaking of which, Soundwave was back at his terminal, filling out reports that Starscream had dumped on him. Lazerbeak was back on watching the sparkling job, which he took very seriously this time. Watching her every movement as she created the game of counting digits. Feeling sorry for his sister, he glided down to her level, clicking in an invitation to play.

Looking at the metal bird, Firespark conversed with him for any ideas to rid of this boredom. They sat for a while until Lazerbeak had a thought, "There's a human children game that seems like fun. Want to try it?" The sparkling nodded, so he continued, "It's called Hide-and-Seek. Where one person goes and hides, while the other finds them,"

The pink femme thought about it and nodded in agreement. Lazerbeak would count to 20 while she would hideaway. He began his timer and Firespark took off to find a spot away from prying optics.

In the berth sheets? No, too obvious. How about behind a crate? No, she would be found in an instant. How about inside it? Now that was a good idea!

Quickly, she lifted the lid and climbed inside the metal box, and fixed the cover in its original placing. The timer chimed, and Lazerbeak took off soaring around the room. On instinct, she quieted her vents and calmed her beating spark. Somehow, this all seemed too familiar. Trapped inside a dark enclosed space, hoping not to be found, and wishing to be safe.

Tears slid down her faceplates as she heard Lazerbeak opening and moving aside objects. A gasp arose as the roof above began to lift, revealing her cover. The figure popped his helm inside and yelled, "I found you!"

A cry escaped her vocal cords, as she desperately tried to flee from the mini-con. This was all too much for the femme's processor. In fear of losing sire again, she rushed over to the busy mech and clung to his pede, whimpering as a confused Lazerbeak flew over.

"Inquiry: What happened?" Soundwave questioned both of his children.

Perched on the terminal, Lazerbeak explained and played video feedback on the recent events.

Firespark clasped onto the mech's pede for dear life as Soundwave gazed at her, understanding the problem. She was scarred by that troubling experience and would take a few cycles for her to overcome those fears.

Stroking her back struts in a soothing motion calmed her down, as Soundwave listened to Lazerbeak's explanations and apologies. He focused on the femme's stress levels and spark rate, as her adrenaline wore off her small frame, lulling her into an exhausted state.

He began setting coordinates for the peaceful meadow, in high hopes of soothing everyone's fears.

The green scenery was a calming tranquil for the three cons. Gently breezes seeped through their seems, cooling their cores. Lazerbeak glided around in a large circle, securing the premise, startling a few of the creatures. The doe and fawn were laying in the tall grasses, cleaning each other's coats. The pond was clear with little ripples caused by the small fish darting around. The sky was clear with small puffy clouds that hung around.

"What do you think?" Soundwave asked his daughter, who looked around.

"Isn't this where those other bots were?" she wondered as her orange optics gazed at the birch and oak trees. She felt him tense up at, "Yes, but don't think on it too much, they won't disturb us,"

"Sire, why do we hate each other so much?"

"I'll tell you in time sweetspark,"