Author's note. Written by me and the-writing-mew.

Enjoy and please review.

"How was your day, dear?" Nova asked cautiously when his mate entered their berthroom. He'd just checked on their youngest son and left him sleeping, he wished he could remain in their room but it wasn't possible with Sliverclaw. Nova just couldn't risk Arrow's crying annoying his mate, so he contented himself with regular visits. But he was still a little nervous about the mood his domineering mate might be in.

"Better than I thought," Sliverclaw replied going over to his wardrobe and removing his cape to hang it up. "That accused gladiator attempted to force himself on Ariel, thankfully, he didn't break her seal and only left a small mark."

"That's horrible, is she okay?" Nova gasped, what had his adoptive daughter suffered?

"She will be fine," was the dismissive reply. "That brute caused damage to her body but she is currently being fixed up. He gave her High Grade so for now, she will not be having any."

"That sounds good dear, she's still young," Nova offered, glad Sliverclaw was making sure she was well treated.

"I'm not having her disgrace us," Sliverclaw declared darkly as he came over to where Nova had been carefully polishing his armour.

Taking a cloth, he gestured to the berth and Nova obeyed, knowing what his mate wanted. Sliverclaw lay propped up on the berth while Nova started to gently polish and buff his armour, the cold Mech always liked to look his best.

"When we announce her, we are going to say you had her," Sliverclaw suddenly said, causing Nova to stare.

"I...I don't understand," he couldn't help but say, receiving a contemptuous look in return.

"She is close to Dion in age, we will say she was his twin but we lost her when she was young. You were so overcome with grief that we couldn't bear to reveal what happened but now we have thankfully recovered her. Of course, we require time to make her into a proper lady but you are pleased with her progress...aren't you?" he asked pointedly.

"Oh yes, she is doing wonderfully," Nova hastened to say, his mind reeling. They were going to say Ariel was his? Sliverclaw was actually going to recognise her as legitimate? That really shocked him, Sliverclaw hated bastards, he'd even sent Ariel away as a sparkling. "I just need some time with her and she will soon be just like any other young lady."

"Good, keep me informed," he commanded as his chest was buffed. "Thankfully, despite that damn slagger intentions, she is intact and her spark clean. We will be able to arrange a suitable match for her, provided she does not mess up."

"I'm sure she won't," Nova murmured. "How...how soon will you try to arrange a bonding?"

He had been betrothed to Sliverclaw when he was very young but he hoped his mate wasn't going to give their daughter away so soon.

"I don't know, I haven't decided," Sliverclaw mused. "For now, I would rather she remains here with us."

Nova nodded, that was something.

"When will we tell the children?" he dared to ask. "About Ariel being...Dion's twin?"

"In good time," he said, suddenly raising a hand. Nova almost flinched but Sliverclaw just touched his cheek, growing lust in his optics.

Nova leant into the touch, still buffing. Sliverclaw took hold of him and rolled so that he was now on top. The cloth fell from his hand and he stared up into his mate's optics. Sometimes, Sliverclaw could be gentle...other times...cruel.

"You think my daughter is beautiful?" his mate asked, hands braced either side of Nova's shoulders.

"Yes, I think everyone will remark on it," Nova said honestly. "She must have really taken after you love, to look like that."

Sliverclaw considered that before nodding, it was true. How could any gladiator, even a handsome one like Punch, produce such a delicate creature like his daughter? His spark gave a twinge and he decided he would probably visit her later, for now, he had a mate to ravish.

"Open," he commanded and Nova obeyed, inwardly praying that his mate was in a good mood.

"Ah," he gasped as Sliverclaw's heated, swollen member slid into him, the familiar girth filling him up. He had never known any other spike but Sliverclaws and it was unlikely that would ever change. His mate would kill him if he cheated on him but he wouldn't do that. Nova was loyal, if nothing else.

"Ohhh," he moaned, his valve was still a little delicate from giving birth but thankfully, it meant he was producing a lot of lubricant to ease the way.

"Mine," growled Sliverclaw, watching as his mate's face became flushed. "All mine."

"Yours," agreed Nova breathlessly, gasping out loud as Sliverclaw gave a hard thrust into him. "A-all yours...uh...ah..."

Sliverclaw growled again and bent to bite at his mate's neck, although for him, it was reasonably gentle. He remembered his daughter's valve, virtually untouched with a clean seal. It reminded him of Nova on their bonding night and how much he'd enjoyed claiming the virgin Mech, making him scream as his spike punched through the seal and marked Nova as his forever. He wanted to relieve that pleasure so he set to work dominating the Mech below him, feeling how the valve enveloped and squeezed him so nicely.

"Oh...uh.. Silver... Ah!" Nova tried as tears escaped his optics at the amazing feeling in his valve.

After birthing little Arrow he'd been kind of sore, but with this hard, yet gentle rhythm everything felt more intense.

"My Nova..." The other only growled possessively as he continued ravishing the other, taking his pleasure from him.

Nova cried and Silverclaw moaned, feeling how the rippling valve around him ignited like fire.

"D-deeper love... Oh... Deeper... Yes!" Cried loudly his mate causing the other to smirk.

This was much better than hurting and hear him cry in pain; there was nothing better than seeing his flushing mate losing it completely and beg him like a whore to frag him deeper...

...so he obliged, decided to make the other unable to walk in the morning, and when they came it was explosive, Silverclaw literally exploded into his mate, filling his insides out with so much transfluid that he thought he was using even his own life force.

Nova moaned loudly and collapsed exhausted and delighted at the divine feeling of his mate's essence in him, but still cuddled him close.

When Silverclaw, however, tried to pull out and away Nova tried to stop him by tightening his mate in his embrace.

"Hmm.. Love... Why don't you stay for the night?"

"No... Let go of me... Must go," He tried tiredly and Nova looked up at him worriedly.

"Is something wrong? Haven't I pleased you?"

"You did, now, I need to go," Tried again the other unable to let go the bed... It seems that he would be unable to walk... Just as his mate. Both his arms and legs were wobbly.

They both stared awkwardly for a moment, then Nova suddenly said: "I feel that you need something, love... Can I get it for you?"

His old mate grunted idly thinking that maybe he shouldn't frag his mate that hard anymore... Perhaps others, but not Nova... Primus... His head felt like spinning and his spike tingled pleasantly. As if singing...

"Silver?" Tried an also tired Nova, however he seemed to be in a much better state than the other. He touched his cheek softly seeing him ready to offline.

After all he tired himself out.

"Ariel...my daughter...need her..." He mumbled.

Nova twisted his mouth to one side in a worried way before looking at himself and his mate.

They had made quite a mess.

...

Ariel sat on her balcony looking up at the stars; she missed that when in Kaon.

Megatron noticed she needed to see the stars, but even outside in Kaon it was impossible with all the smog covering the skies, so he got her glowing stickers to stick on the roof as if they were the galaxies and formation she loved so much.

She sighed. Now that was lost too... Along with the musical box. She would miss that golden box.

Her thoughts suddenly went to her beloved Orion... And then his friend Dion... Her half-brother; she didn't had a chance to speak with him yet.

Would he understand her?

Would he let her call Orion when their sire was not around?

A ping sounded in her head and she knew it was her papa calling.

"Yes papa?" She answered. "Now? Uhm.. Sure, no.. I wasn't sleeping... It's okay... I'll be right there."

The connection was cut and she wondered what her papa may want with her at this hour; so she went there, to his bedroom...

...and once there she found...

Silverclaw, sleeping, soundly, like a rock.

"Oh, Ariel, please come in," Nova said instructing her with his hand to come to bed with them. And for a moment he thought he was glad that a drone helped him to clean them fast before she arrived.

"Uhh…Papa?" She tried hesitantly walking towards the bed.

"Come, your sire seems to need your spark near, besides, I'd love to have my daughter close too," Said the mech in a gentle tone, meant to calm her.

She obeyed because she knew what Nova said is true, after all Silverclaw confessed it to her when recharging. So, carefully as she could got in...

...and mere seconds after, Silverclaw trapped her in an embrace, sighing in relief.

"Oww.. Isn't that adorable?" Cooed Nova watching his mate's face of utter calmness...

...however Ariel wasn't sharing the same expression... And frowned harder when Nova dared to take pictures.

"Adorable!" He squeaked before hugging the two, Ariel trapped between an old couple that prepared -or was already- to recharge.

This was the weirdest thing that ever happened to her... It was actually bizarre.

Well, at least they don't snore... Unlike her once master... Primus...did Megatron snore!

With a pang, she wondered where he was. Surely he couldn't be dead as her Sire believed. She had decided that until she could speak with lady Strika, she wouldn't accept that he was dead. After all, Sliverclaw had fully believed that she was dead until he'd detected her in Kaon so it was possible he'd been fooled. She hoped so, even if she hated some of the things Megatron had done to her, she didn't hate him enough to wish him dead.

She knew that part of the reason he had acted the way he had was because of how Mechs like Sliverclaw treated him. It was just part of the dreadful culture he had been a part of and he had shown himself willing to change for her sake. Yes, having a proper lover had helped but still, he had made the effort to befriend her.

And he was going to be a Sire...

"Oh Megatron," she murmured very softly.

"Hmm?" Nova mumbled sleepily, he felt so relaxed right now as he cuddled his new daughter and his mate.

"Nothing," she said quickly. "It's okay papa."

"Mm," he hummed, settling down again. He looked so happy that it made her smile. It was nice to have an adoptive carrier, he was so much better than Sliverclaw who had already given her a list of things she wasn't allowed to do.

She sighed to herself, it would probably be easier just to give her a list of things she was could do, no doubt it would be a small one. Oh well, she'd just have to find a way to deal with this new life she found herself in. Slowly, she was lulled into recharge, kept warm by the presence of two warm bodies.

...

"She loves being on you," Strika said fondly, watching her daughter as she slept on Megatron's chest.

After being introduced to him, Arcee never seemed to settle properly until she'd had a nap on her Sire. He just watched her in awe, enjoying the way his spark hummed with her closeness. He was still bedridden and was only stopped from going stir-crazy by his daughter and Strika's presence. Still, he wanted to be up and about before too long, inactivity didn't suit him.

Except what could he do?

"It's hard to believe," he now said to Strika. "I never thought I'd ever have a little femme like her."

"I didn't either," she chuckled. "She has a lot of gladiator code in her."

He nodded but his expression was turning grim. Looking up at her, he said.

"What do I do now, Strika? My whole career...gone just like that. I never...hmph..."

"I know love," she said soothingly. "If I could stop that happening to gladiators, I would."

Her expression was also grim and he knew she was thinking of her own carrier. His fight had been fixed too, not as extreme as his had been but still. All it took was for a gladiator to anger the wrong bot and they met their end in a fixed match. In a way, it could be worse for the better fighters because they weren't easy to bring down. Meaning their end was often much more gruesome.

"Nothing can stop them," he said dully.

"Redscar said you were incredible, even under those odds," Strika tried to say.

"For all the good it did me," he growled. "Now what am I supposed to do? Sliverclaw expects me dead and if he discovers otherwise..."

"He isn't going to," Strika said firmly. "It was different with Ariel, his spark sought her out but it can't with you."

Coming closer, she touched his cheek and said. "Love, I'm sorry things had to end this way. But your life is not over, you can have a new beginning."

He looked up at her, a little sceptical.

"How, what can I do?" he asked.

"We'll work that out," she stated firmly, no room for argument in her tone. "In the meantime love, you need a new identity...and look."

Megatron stared at her in disbelief, not quite comprehending what she'd said. Smirking, she kissed his cheek and said.

"Don't worry, you'll still be as handsome as ever and a strong fighter but even Sliverclaw will not know you by the time we're finished."

All he could do was stare in amazement.

...

"Oh dear."

"Hmm?" Ariel said in confusion, she'd just been waking up when she heard that statement. "Papa?"

"Oh Ariel, you're awake," Nova said, looking down at her and smiling. "Did you sleep well?"

"Yes papa," she said with a nod, noticing that Sliverclaw was still clutching her close. Hmm, a lot like Megatron in that respect. "And you?"

"Very well," he said with a happy sigh. "But I'm having a little difficulty getting up."

"Is something wrong?" she asked in concern but he shook his head.

"No…I'm just...a little unsteady dear," he told her. "I was wondering if you could bring Arrow to me once your Sire is away, he'll be needing a feed soon."

"Of course, I'd be happy to bring him," she said as the arms holding her shifted and tensed slightly.

"Did you sleep well, love?" Nova asked gently as Sliverclaw stirred and woke up.

"Very well," Sliverclaw replied, stretching as Ariel lay still. She was still very wary with him even if he enjoyed cuddling her at night. Primus, that was a weird thing to say about her Sire.

"Good morning Sire," she said formally, hoping that was the correct thing to do.

"Good morning," he greeted back, releasing her and making to get out of bed. Except he practically collapsed back on it after wobbling on his feet.

"Sire?" Ariel said, surprised. He was deceptively fit for a Mech his age, he certainly managed to chase her down in Lord Galleon's gardens.

He made a grumbling noise, Primus, he'd gone too hard at it last night. Unbelievable.

"Would you like a servant to bring some Energon, love?" Nova offered tactfully. "You haven't had a lie in a in while."

Sliverclaw almost snapped but he really was feeling ridiculously unsteady. He have no desire to stagger around like some sort of a drunk so he was forced to nod.

"Yes, well, perhaps it would not hurt to remain a little longer," he said, reclining as though he had planned this all along.

Ariel was staring at him, why could neither of them walk...oh no. She tried not to groan, why did this have to happen to her? At least they had the decency not to do IT right in front of her.

"What was that?" her Sire said sharply, he never missed this sort of thing.

"It's nothing Sire," she said quickly. "Um...would you like me to get you something?"

He pursed his lips but then nodded.

"Yes, call a servant to bring breakfast for Nova and I."

"Yes Sire," she said before looking at Nova. "Papa?"

He caught her meaning and hesitated, Arrow would need fuel but should he bring him in?

"What?" Sliverclaw wanted to know. "Nova, why are you looking like that?"

"It's nothing dear," Nova said. "It's just that Arrow will need his fuel, I know you're not keen on watching him feed..."

"Ariel can feed him sparkling grade Energon," Sliverclaw declared. "You can feed him later."

"Yes dear," his mate said, a little sadly. Seeing his new son was the highlight of his day and now he'd have to wait quite a while.

"I'll look after him papa, don't worry," Ariel told him. "I'll just call for your breakfast first."

"Thank you, sweet spark," her carrier said warmly, what a good femme she was.

Ariel nodded and quickly left.

"She's a good daughter, isn't she?" Nova said to Sliverclaw.

The other just grunted and crossed his arms.

"Thank you, for last night, it was wonderful," He added.

Silverclaw only grunted again and looked away.

However he answered: "It is your fault I am like this."

His mate only smiled at him and nodded accepting the guilt. "Please forgive me love, I was enjoying myself too much. I loved every second of it, you're so kind and generous."

"Don't get used to it!" Silverclaw grunted at him.

"Of course not, my love... Of course not."

A servant entered placing their breakfast near them and hurried outside as fast as he could, after all when he entered his lord was forcing his mate to suck his spike, and the poor submissive mech obeyed, flushed as he was by another being seeing him get this humiliated by his own mate.

"If you want to get fed, then do this right, Nova! Come on!" Barked Silverclaw and half moaned enjoying the suckles the other gave to his throbbing hard spike.

...

"Ariel?"

Said femme turned to face her brother Dion.

"Thanks Primus you're safe." He reached to hug her and she hugged him too. "Orion is worried sick about you."

"Orion? What? You... You know I was...?" She asked suspecting something her boyfriend hadn't told her yet.

"Yes... He told me who hurt you and who was your sire... I did know for a while now... But please don't blame him, I begged him to not say anything."

Ariel grimaced, but then smiled before hugging her brother again. "It makes me so happy to be your sister and finally have a family... Even if our sire is... Is like that."

Dion nodded then looked down at the bottle she had in hand.

"And that?"

"It's for Arrow... Sire and Papa are bedridden... And sire wants papa to stay with him…If you know what that means," Ariel answered.

"I know... I heard them last night... Carrier seems to have had a good time for a change."

Ariel pulled a disgusted face at that and Dion chuckled and patted her shoulder.

"They made me sleep with them... Sire wants me near when recharging because of his spark accommodating mine or something." She shivered at the thought. "That is how he found me, his spark was seeking mine."

Dion only smiled at her sweetly. "I know... Sire can be... Possessive sometimes...well he is actually." He added in the end watching her face and plain look.

They reached Arrow's quarters, and by now the baby was already awake and active, waiting for his carrier on his back in his beautiful crib.

Ariel gasped when looking at him. "He's beautiful... And adorable." She cooed as the baby's huge blue optics focused on her and he smiled.

"Hi there," she cooed softly. "I'm your big sister Ariel, Arrow."

Dion also smiled as his little brother made a gurgling noise and held up his arms. Ariel instantly leaned into his crib and picked him up, cradling him against her shoulder.

"You're so cute," she sighed happily. "Just like Ambus."

He just made sparkling noises but to her delight, he cuddled into her. She rocked him, stroking his back.

"I'm only your half-sister," she explained to the new sparkling. "Your papa is just my step carrier but he's lovely. He's accepted me even though our Sire slept with another Mech."

Her face clouded with pain at the thought of Punch, used and then destroyed by Sliverclaw. Dion grimaced in sympathy, sometimes he was surprised he didn't have more half siblings out there. It seemed like Punch was just very unlucky.

"Never mind," she sighed. "We'll all look after you Arrow, I won't let Sire hurt you."

Dion wasn't so sure about this but he didn't say anything. Ariel would learn soon enough no one could stand against his Sire and win.

"Mm," Arrow mumbled before his face screwed up and he started squirming a little.

"You hungry?" she asked, lifting the bottle up. "Here, have some Energon."

She offered him the bottle but he didn't go near it. When she gently offered the nub to his lips, he shoved it away, making noises of complaints. Looking helplessly at her brother, she asked.

"Is he usually fussy?"

"I'm not sure, he might be too young to want anything other than carrier's fuel," Dion said with concern. "I remember Ambus always seemed to want carrier's fuel, I don't remember about Stripes."

"Hmm," she said in worry as Arrow started to fuss more and more. "Papa can't walk and Sire's still there..."

"Maybe something else is wrong?" tried Dion as the noise Arrow was making started to increase.

"I hope so...," she groaned, now trying to rock him so he'd calm down.

But then he started crying.

...

"Was that...pleasing?" Nova panted, a little nervous as he wiped his mouth.

"Adequate," was the cold reply causing Nova to shrink back slightly.

"Is there...anything else I can do love?" he offered, wondering if he'd done enough to eat. He was desperate to produce good fuel for his precious Arrow so he needed to eat regularly. It was such a shame he couldn't go to Arrow today, he loved feeding his little one.

"Not now," Sliverclaw finally said, taking a smoking cup and sipping from it. "Later."

"Of course love," Nova said softly, not daring to move.

"What are you doing there?" his mate demanded. "Get up."

"Yes love," Nova said, hurrying to obey and lie beside him.

"Eat," the older mech commanded and Nova gratefully obeyed.

He grabbed a bowl and began to eat but then stopped as a sound reached his audios. Nova froze as the sound grew and he recognised what it was.

"What is that racket?" Sliverclaw demanded as he too heard the sound.

"I...," Nova began but he didn't know what to say.

The door opened and in walked Ariel, carrying a bawling Arrow.

"I'm sorry," she exclaimed. "But he won't take his bottle and I can't calm him down. He needs his fuel."

"Bring him here," Nova said instantly but Sliverclaw's face was clouding in annoyance.

"Will he not be quiet?" he demanded as Ariel walked over, making sure she wasn't on his side of the berth.

"Yes, once he's fed," she stated, feeling very desperate. "Please Sire, just give papa a few moments, he'll calm down."

She handed Arrow to Nova who started saying soothing things while bringing out his fuel line. But the cries were very shrill and she saw the anger growing in Sliverclaw's face. So in a desperate move, she suddenly scrambled over Nova and hugged her Sire who started at her action.

"What...what are you doing?" he exclaimed, distracted by her.

"I thought you liked me hugging?" she said innocently. "Oh Sire, would I be able to go to Iacon?"

"Iacon?" he said in confusion before snapping. "You can hug me, when I say so."

"Okay," she said, letting go of him but remaining between him and Nova. "So...do I have your permission?"

"Why exactly do you want to go?" he demanded suspiciously, grabbing her chin, apparently not hearing Arrow quieten down as he was fed.

"Well, I was hoping to retrieve my personal possessions," she explained with a small shrug. "You know, since I'm living here now."

"I will decide when and if you can leave my estate," he said angrily, grabbing her and shaking her.

"I would never leave your estate without your permission or company, sire, it's too dangerous and I don't want to be taken again, that is why I asked?" She tried again innocently making to hug him again.

"Can I go, please? I promise I won't be long, pleeeease sire? I promise I would never ask anything else, pleeeease?"

The old mech grunted in annoyance while looking down at her and her big 'puppy optics'.

Arrow, now in silence, was happily feeding.

And at the door was Dion looking at the scene with a hanging jaw but with a hand covering it.

He just couldn't believe Ariel managed to calm their sire with such childish move; even if he still looked quite angry and ready to beat her.

"Please sire, please," She begged.

He grunted again before devising Dion at the door...

...the young mech flinched when those cold optics were directed at him as if he was about to be slapped.

"Fine! But under strict supervision, I'll go with you," Said the old mech causing the femme to squeal in joy and hug him around the neck.

"Thank you sire, thank youuu, you're the best, I love you!" She added hugging him tightly around the neck; her spark jumping in joy causing a strange reaction in him that fully paralyzed him... And the feeling confused him enough that he didn't know how to react.

Arrow then burped and Ariel looked behind her.

"I'll take Arrow back to his crib, sire, thank you!" She added eagerly before kissing him on the cheek, then Nova, took Arrow and hurried away from the room.

Dion running after her heels.

Silence followed in the room. Not even Nova dared to move a finger just in case his mate tries something.

However, in a daze, Silverclaw moved towards the edge of the berth and slumped clumsily with the aid of his cane towards the washracks in silence, on unsteady legs.

Nova could only stare and wonder what just happened.

...

Little Arcee touched gently the edges of the golden musical box as this one played its' melody on her sire's chest.

Megatron stared at her and wondered if Ariel felt the same curiosity his daughter have when she was her age about the beautiful box.

"There you are little princess!" Exclaimed eagerly Galleon causing Megatron to groan. "Not you," He added looking down at the laying gladiator.

"Come on, princess, come with grandpapa..." He tried to take Arcee but she whined and pointed towards the music box. "Ah, your... Ohh.. I don't remember ever getting this for you."

"It's mine," Megatron grunted. "Well... Ariel's... It was her carrier's."

"Oh…I see..." Said the old mech taking it up and examined it. "It seems it has missing pieces."

Megatron just remained in silence.

"May I? I will show it to my jeweller, he may help to recover its' late splendour."

Megatron only grunted and made a positive gesture with his hand.

"What's wrong?" Galleon asked, stroking Arcee's head and she chirped happily.

"Nothing," Megatron said mulishly.

"Oh really?" the older Mech said disbelievingly. "Then why do you look so miserable?"

The gladiator pursed his lips, wondering if he should remain silent. But seeing as Galleon looked like he had no intention of moving, he gave up and grumbled.

"What am I supposed to do with my life now? I can't go back to being a gladiator, but...what else can I do? Even if I tried to find work in another city, if Sliverclaw found out, my life would be over."

His fists clenched in fury as he continued.

"And even if he doesn't, all it would take if for someone to recognise me and everyone would know they used me as a damn whore!"

"Language," Galleon chided lightly as his granddaughter looked curiously at her Sire, she'd never heard him speak in such a tone before.

Said Sire merely glowered at the old Mech who didn't look at all fazed.

"You know that Strika and I will support you," he said after a moment's pause. "I don't want you to miss out on your daughter's development."

"I know," Megatron said quietly. "And I am grateful for all you and Strika have done, especially concerning Arcee. But I can't just...sit around here for the rest of my life, I need a purpose."

"I understand," Galleon nodded. "Do not worry, Strika and I have been discussing the situation and we will work something out for you. Until then, you must focus on regaining your strength and enjoy your daughter."

He sighed happily as he said. "Believe me Megatron, this is the best time, when they are little like this. I hope I can have more grandchildren soon."

Megatron gave him a wary look, as much as he loved his little daughter, he didn't feel ready for more right now. However, Galleon was now saying.

"My sons should find themselves potential mates, I have no idea why they haven't before."

"I can guess," Megatron muttered to himself.

"Yes, I must discuss it with them," Galleon declared before picking up Arcee. "Come on princess, you can help me talk to the jeweller."

He gave Megatron a smile before walking off, leaving the grey Mech to his thoughts. What was his former slave up to? Sliverclaw had determined he would own Ariel but what sort of condition was she in? Was she locked away in a dark room or did he treat her like the others. Ariel had missed seeing the stars in Kaon and he knew she hadn't enjoyed being cooped up all the time. Even if, by his standards, Sliverclaw was treating her decently, she would still be a prisoner.

"Little Ariel," he murmured to himself. He wished she was here, he wouldn't feel so impotent if she was by his side. Megatron was positive she would love his little daughter, she'd be by his side constantly wanting to cuddle the cute little femme. And he'd have one less thing to worry about.

"Stay strong," he whispered, hearing the medic approach for more work on him.

...

"I can't believe you did that," Dion exclaimed, catching up to his little sister. "You...hugged Sire!"

"I had to," she said firmly, cuddling Arrow close, he looked very sleepy now. "He looked like he might explode, I needed to distract him. I thought if I put all his attention on me, Arrow would be safe. I think I can take a beating much better than he can."

He grimaced, that was sadly true. As they approached Arrow's nursery, he now said.

"You still threw yourself in there, you barely paused. I...I'm not sure I could have done it as effectively."

"It's okay," she said gently, stopping and turning to smile at him. "Don't feel bad Dion. I didn't grow up here, I wasn't abused since I was little. It's different for me."

"Must be," he mused as they reached the safest part of the estate and slipped in. "You know what's crazy? I was sure he'd hit you but...he didn't. It was like he didn't know how to react."

"Well, if none of you have ever hugged him like that, I think that would explain it," she said with a small smile as she gently laid their baby brother down to sleep. "Speaking of which..."

She rushed over to the wash station and turning on the taps, began to scrub away at her mouth. He was confused by this action until she spat out some liquid and said. "Ugh, I can't believe I kissed him."

He gaped at her before laughing out loud.

"Primus, you did, didn't you," he chuckled. "Wow, that really was ballsy."

"Thanks," she said wryly. "I hope I don't have to do that too often."

"Be careful," he warned. "Sire can get strange ideas sometimes, he may want you to do that again."

Ariel shivered at the idea and involuntarily shook her head.

"Eww..," She added.

Dion only put a supportive hand on her shoulder.

Smiling up at him she remembered something; "And Orion? How is he? I've hadn't spoken to him since..."

"He's okay; I've told him sire brought you here, he almost collapsed after that, and then promised that you will call once Sire's not around; you can use the console in my office," Her brother informed.

She beamed at that before suddenly hugging him tight. "Thank you! You're the best brother anyone can ask."

Dion felt what his sire felt... Paralysed, however, unlike the old mech, he smiled and hugged her back.

After that days passed, Silverclaw came and went and as Dion promised, Ariel could talk to Orion...

...who was not happy that h```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` er over possessive sire forced her to sleep with him every night.

"He won't try anything, love, he's my sire," Ariel tried but he still looked hesitant.

No one can blame him, her sire can sometimes be unpredictable and so far she was the only one brave enough to show him how good it felt to be hugged, cuddled and kissed.

"Just be careful Ariel... I can't be calm knowing that...mech is forcing you to be with him," Tried her boyfriend.

After all in the last days Silverclaw made her hug him and even kiss him when he 'asked' her to...no matter the situation; it could be so his attention would be taken from beating Ambus or Stripes or being enraged from Arrow's crying before Nova feeds him.

Without them knowing he started enjoying those things and all he needed to do was look particularly angry.

Well, at least no member was being hit, but the tension could still be felt.

"Ariel...?" Silverclaw came to her one day as she was helping Ambus with his toys... And the poor little sparkling shivered and cowered behind her after hearing his sire.

"Yes sire?" She answered.

"Today I'll take you to Iacon, be prepared in an hour," He declared and she froze. He looked down at her with his arrogant but expectant look...

He wants a hug and a kiss...

She wanted to sigh out loud, Dion was right about Sliverclaw getting strange ideas. Plastering a happy expression on her face, she slowly got to her feet and wrapped her arms around him in an affectionate hug. He made a small sound of pleasure as her cheek rested against his chest and unseen by him, she grimaced. Ambus was still trying to look as small as possible but he was rather amazed by what he was seeing.

His Sire did have spontaneous moments where he'd grab his creations and hold them close, something none of them liked. But he seemed to really enjoy Ariel hugging him. Ambus did enjoy her hugs, she always felt warm and safe so he guessed he could understand why their sire might like them. It was just so creepy.

"Is that nice, Sire?" she asked sweetly, trying to keep her tone loving.

"Hmm," he hummed before making a small noise.

She knew what he wanted so she broke apart from him slightly and reached up to kiss his cheek. Funny, the first time she'd met him, she'd ended up slapping said cheek, hard enough to leave a mark. Just as well he seemed to have forgiven her for that, she didn't fancy being beaten by him again.

"Thank you Sire, it'll be lovely going out with you," she said gratefully.

"Make sure you look presentable," he commanded her. "Dion has informed me that your possessions were put in storage, whichever hovel you were living in has been rented out to a new occupant."

Ariel tried very hard not to scowl, her apartment might have been tiny but it was most certainly not a hovel, it had been clean and relatively modern. Even though she and Orion had planned to find a shared habitation, she had still been proud of the home she'd made for herself. It was a little sad to think someone else lived there but of course, with her disappearance, no one was left to pay the rent and thus, it would have been given to another. At least Orion had been able to take charge of all her things and put them somewhere safe.

"That's...that's good," she managed to say.

"I like you living with us Ariel," Ambus suddenly said, hugging her leg. "You won't go away, will you?"

"Of course not," she exclaimed, reaching to pat him. "I love living with my family, I couldn't leave you."

He beamed up at her and Sliverclaw seemed satisfied by her answer.

"Ambus, go to your carrier," he commanded. "Ariel, you run along now, if you are well behaved on this trip, I may reward you."

"Yes Sire," she started to say but he had taken her chin and angled her face so he could press a kiss to her cheek.

His touch made her shiver, she wasn't sure how to react to this. Luckily, he didn't seem to expect anything, simply turning her around and pushing in the direction of the door. She obeyed, glancing back to see Ambus hurrying away as well, it would have been nice to keep playing with him. When Sliverclaw wasn't around, he was such a sweet spark, always wanting to include her in things. Maybe Sliverclaw would allow her to buy some little presents for her brothers, she wasn't sure what else they would do in Iacon.

One thing she knew, her Sire fully expected her to spend almost the whole hour getting herself ready, Nova had been helping her with the servants when it came to such preparation, letting her know what level of polish and buff she needed to obtain for Sliverclaw's satisfaction. It was actually rather exhausting always being that well turned out but she'd be in big trouble if she wasn't presentable.

An hour later, she had accomplished her task and was waiting in the entrance hall for her Sire. With the help of a couple of servants, she'd bathed, been buffed and waxed, manicured her hands and had certain parts touched up with paint. Touching the jewel which still hung from her delicate collar, she remembered Nova's instructions. While out in the Iacon, she must ensure she didn't become too grimy so no touching everything in sight like some common worker. She suspected the latter words were Sliverclaw's, he appeared to have a low opinion of just about every class and profession.

Also, she must remain close by his side, no wandering off or talking to strangers. This rule made her feel like a sparkling, yes she had been kidnapped but that had been a freak thing, up until that point, she'd been perfectly fine as an adult. She'd never really experienced problems travelling to the different city states as part of her job, just the usual things like delays or accidents that everyone had to deal with. Then again, she supposed most creators would be a bit wary of letting their children go off somewhere without close supervision after going through what'd she'd suffered.

Hearing the now familiar tap of his cane, she turned to see Sliverclaw striding towards her, exactly on schedule.

"I'm ready Sire," she said respectively as he eyed her critically.

"Hmm, better," he muttered, he'd happily criticised the way she took care of her armour when she'd first arrived. Luckily for her, Nova always worked to minimise any faults Sliverclaw might have cause to find.

"Come along," he ordered, gesturing with his cane.

"Is Dion coming as well?" she questioned causally.

"No, he has work," Sliverclaw stated curtly. "It will be just you and I."

"Oh," she said, both surprised and disappointed. Even if they couldn't be openly affectionate around their Sire, it would have still been nice to have had his company. A day out with her Sire...that wasn't high on her list of things she really wanted.

Once on the shuttle, they took their seats and Sliverclaw immediately said.

"Remember, if we meet anyone, you are...?"

"Your second eldest creation and Dion's twin," she recited for him. "You thought you'd lost me when I was a newborn sparkling but some unscrupulous low life had taken me. By some miracle, your spark led you to me and you rescued me from slavery...thankfully before my virtue could be spoiled. Now I am learning to be a worthy daughter of your spark."

"Good," he said, pleased she knew what to say. "You must include it in casual conversation, it needs to sound natural."

"Yes Sire," she'd already figured that out but agreed anyway. It was generally best to do so.

The rest of the journey was completed in silence, she noticed her Sire did not seem to enjoy idle chit chat. They arrived at the West Iacon shuttle port and soon were heading for a storage facility. Sliverclaw kept very close to her and kept indicating where he wanted her to walk which was beginning to become rather stifling. However, it was wonderful to be back in the familiar city state, seeing ordinary people going about their daily lives, hearing the mechanical sounds and smelling the healthy city. It was so unlike Kaon, and she suddenly felt invigorated, despite her Sire's presence.

"Ariel," he admonished, she was starting to bounce up and down with excitement. "Cease that."

"I'm sorry," she said in half exasperation. "It's just good to be back here, I've been away for months. This is where I grew up."

"Be that as it may, there is no need for such displays," he grumbled, giving her a pointed nudge with his cane. "Walk properly."

"I am," she exclaimed.

But before she could go further she accidentally crashed against someone else's bigger frame...

Or chest.

"Oh.. Umm.. Sorry?" She said as the mech gave her a hungry look.

She could barely react to show a disgusted/scared expression when he took her in arms to hug her and tried to run with her.

"N-noo! Let go of me! Help!" She screamed.

Honestly she hadn't expected anyone to try to snatch her from her sire and even less with him being so close!

Frag! This mechs reminded her the other gladiators who were always looking at her lustfully... Hungrily.

She could well imagine this beast's intentions with her.

Wiggling on his grasp to look over his shoulder, she saw her sire chasing after the much bigger mech. And she was sure she can see an enraged aura around him.

Seconds after she saw that, the old mech jumped and hit his cane hard against one side of the mech's head. Ariel immediately releasing herself from his grip and watched in horror how brutally Silverclaw beat her kidnapper to near death.

"Lord Silverclaw?" Tried one of his guards that finally reached them as his master panted for air as he released all his anger in the unconscious body near him.

"Kill him! Kill the fragger! Make an example out of him that no one takes what is mine!" He roared to his arriving guards.

Fraggers, could none of them run faster against that thief? He himself had to save his daughter! Again!

Ariel shivered and cried, flashbacks of the night when she was taken from her berth assaulting her terrifying her.

The old mech then turned his angered stance towards her and she couldn't help herself but jump him and hug him for safeness and wail louder... Even if she knows he won't approve it.

She would have been surprised to see he did approved if she wasn't so scared.

"Come on," He said taking her and ordering the other guards to take her things into their ship.

For a moment she believed they were returning their Estate, but she was wrong. He took them to a fancy restaurant and sat next her shivering and crying form while 'trying' to soothe her.

When noticing her behaviour and who was with her, a waiter immediately took Silverclaw's orders and brought them to drink.

"Drink this, it'll calm you," He ordered and she obeyed. "Always stay with me, you will be safer as you saw earlier, Ariel."

The femme tried to speak her positive answer, but couldn't, so nodded instead.

"Silverclaw?" Another voice suddenly said and the old mech greeted his friend. "What happened? Who is the nice lady that accompanies you?" He said noticing her distress.

"My daughter, Ariel, it's a long story, I've just found her... And someone just tried to take her... Right in front of me! Can you believe it?!"

The other mech was speechless. Without doubt there was too many things to process.

"I don't believe it," he managed to exclaim. "In broad daylight to?"

"In a busy, public street," Sliverclaw confirmed.

"How did you stop them?" the other asked in amazement, taking a seat across from them. Sliverclaw did not seem upset by this, which indicated that this really was his friend.

"I was forced to chase after the the slagger," Sliveclaw stated, rolling his optics in contempt as he added. "My guards were too slow to react, they only caught up after I had already knocked him to the ground and rescued my daughter."

"Amazing," the other, slightly younger Mech said in awe. "I'd hope I'd be able to react that fast if my children were in equal danger."

"No one takes my own," her Sire declared, turning to Ariel and saying. "Drink Ariel, you're still shaking."

She automatically obeyed, just for something to do. Her mind was in shock, she just could not believe what had just happened. Why had that Mech attacked her like that? This wasn't Kaon where the vast majority of Femmes never dared to set foot, this was Iacon, the golden city of Cybertron where femmes and mechs alike roamed freely. Was there just something about her that attracted this sort of unwanted attention?

"Are you alright?" the other Mech asked sympathetically. "It must have been very frightening for a young femme like you."

"Y-yes," she stammered, wishing her voice didn't shake so much. "He...he just came out of nowhere...I couldn't stop him..."

"Of course not, he was much bigger than you," Sliverclaw stated, taking a sip of his own drink. "You are too small and delicate to be unaccompanied."

"I," Ariel tried to say, to protest this statement but the friend was already nodding.

"You need to have your Sire or your brothers with you," he agreed. "There are regrettably a lot of unsavoury characters out there."

"Indeed Blue Bolt," her Sire said, a little smugly.

"At least she had a tracer," Blue Bolt said, nodding at her collar. "But still, a lot of damage can be done in a short amount of time."

The two Mechs continued to chat as Ariel slowly recovered herself, consuming a second glass Sliverclaw ordered for her. She felt rather wretched, not just because of what had happened but also because it would mean her Sire was never going to let her go anywhere alone. How was she supposed to reunite with Orion and start rebuilding their life together?

She glanced up as Blue Bolt now exclaimed. "I hope I'm not keeping you."

"Not at all," Sliverclaw said smoothly, an arm going around Ariel and pulling her close. "My daughter needed a chance to recover. Why don't you join us for something? Tell me about business."

"If it's no trouble," Blue Bolt said with a smile. "Little one, are you feeling better?"

"Yes sir," she said, taking a deep intake and managing a small smile. "Much better."

He smiled warmly at her and as Sliverclaw gestured for a waiter, said. "She is a wonderful example of your code, Sliverclaw, when were you planning to introduce her?"

"Hopefully soon," her Sire replied as a waiter approached. "You could say we only found her recently, my mate has been overseeing her education, she must be prepared."

He paused to make his order, deciding without input from Ariel what she was having. Blue Bolt seemed to know exactly what he wanted so soon the order was completed and with a bow, the waiter left. Ariel took another sip, it would have been nice to look over the menu but there was nothing she could do now. Sliverclaw still had his arm around her, he didn't seem to want to let her go.

Without them noticing another young mech was looking at them with his jaw hanging.

"Is something the matter, love?" Tried the femme that was with him.

"That femme... The little pink one in lord Silverclaw's arms... It's Ariel... His bastard daughter... He abandoned her and now he wants her? What hypocrite from him," Said the mech with a frown.

"You know her?" Tried again his feminine company.

"Yes... She was brought to the house as my sister's boyfriend's slave... However Silverclaw chased her like a turbofox and almost killed her... And now...look at him! He acts like he'd always wanted her!"

The beautiful femme frowned in worry and looked back again to the poor scared little creature.

"He tried to kill her! As he did her carrier... A gladiator," He continued and the femme gasped before turning again to examine the cute femme.

No one would believe she was birthed by a brute gladiator... Most gladiator's sparklings were like lady Strika... However she birthed a special femmling too.

Strika's brother shook his head. He'd better inform this to his sire and sister...

...not that he had a secret girlfriend or his crazy sire might ask him to see his performance on berth like he did Strika.

Luckily his femme was very much ok with this...she didn't wanted her sire in-law in their bedroom as they make love... She needs some privacy for that.

"Poor her... She was free her entire life and now is her sire's slave," Suddenly the femme said.

She knew Silverclaw, her sire is a 'great' friend of him as she's a noble too... And she knows how he treats his sons and mate.

But somehow he seemed rather possessive of this femme and she wondered why.

"More like his pet," Grumbled her boyfriend and Strika's elder brother.

"Yes," she murmured in agreement. "I wonder what happed, she looks like she got a fright."

"With her sire, who knows," he grumbled. The noble mech hated violence and had never had the slightest inclination to visit places like kaon for the gladiator matches. Nor had he ever wished to learn how to fight to fight or use firearms for hunts. He could understand why Strika did, not only because of her carrier and build but she did have natural talent. "Do you recognise the bot with them?"

"That's Blue Bolt, I never met him but my creators have," Marina replied softly. "He's a wealthy off world trader, I haven't heard anything bad about him."

"Mm, my sire would probably know him," he mused, causing her to chuckle.

"Your sire knows a lot, doesn't he?" She teased, lightly touching his arm.

"Too much," he groaned, earning a kiss from the femme he hoped to bond with one day.

"He's not so bad," she told him. "I do like him, he's kind and open, I just...have issues with a couple of his quirks."

"You and me both," he said ruefully, squeezing her hand back. They both watched as Sliverclaw table was served a large lunch. Decker knew it was best not to approach Sliverclaw, the old noble looked to be in a good mood and he had no desire to ruin that. Instead, he resolved to tell his sire and sister all that he had observed... Once his date with Marina was over.

Meanwhile, Ariel was staring at the food in front of her, she'd never bed served such rich fuel before. It smelled wonderful and despite her horrible experience, she felt hungry. Before she could start however, Sliverclaw picked up a tall flute glass with a clear, gently bubbling liquid and said.

"You take this first, Ariel."

"Oh," she said, surprised by his action. "What is it, sire?"

"A mild cleansor and stimulant," he explained, offering it to her lips. "Drink it."

She obeyed, she was a little curious about it. Upon drinking, she found it to be very refreshing though with a slightly bitter taste. Blue Bolt, she noticed, was also drinking from a tall flute glass. He smiled at her and said. "How do you like it, Ariel?"

"It's very good," she told him.

"Give it a moment and you'll start to feel hungrier," he assured her.

"I'll need it so I can try all this lovely looking food," she laughed, gesturing to the spread in front of them.

It was indeed delicious, although her sire kept telling her what to eat and how to do so. He also would hand feed her himself at times, which was a rather weird experience. Okay, she'd never been in a fancy restaurant before, but Sliverclaw was going rather overboard. He was treating her almost like a pet or sparkling, something she did not appreciate. Sadly, this wasn't the proper moment to protest.

So she simply submitted to his whims.

"Did you say you have five children?" Blue Bolt asked conversationally, very content with the feed he'd just had.

"Yes, my mate Nova just had another son," Sliverclaw confirmed, idly eating some tiny jelly balls that he wouldn't let Ariel try. She guessed that they might be filled with High Grade.

"He's beautiful," Arirl sighed happily, she was looking forward to seeing him again.

"I'm sure, your site has very attractive children," Blue Bolt complimented, causing Sliverclaw to preen.

"So I've been told," he said rather modestly. "Speaking of which, my daughter requires a visit to the dressers, she is in desperately need of a proper wardrobe."

"Ah, a favourite activity of femmes," the other mech said teasingly. "You'll enjoy that."

"I'm sure I will," Ariel murmured, wondering just what that meant.

A few hours later, she now knew what that did mean. Despite her careful preparation earlier, Sliverclaw still dragged her along to a mini spa where they were bathed, buffed and waxed to a shine. Ariel received more compliments on her appearance, making her blush and her sire smirk proudly. After escaping the almost overpowering smells of the perfumes, she had to listen to the advice on which shade of paint would highlight her best features.

And of course, Sliverclaw had his own opinions to offer.

"Not too dark," he stated loudly as artisan bots flitted around Ariel while she was forced to remain still on a small stand, surrounded by painting equipment.

"Blue streaks?" One attendant offered, painting a small strip on Ariel so they could compare it to the rest of her plating.

"Hmm," he hummed critically, examining it closely. "Make it two shades darker."

His order was obeyed and the sample was removed and replaced by the slightly darker colour. Ariel could just see it in the mirrors, decorating her helm. Everyone had natural colours that could be changed temporarily to others. But how long these colours lasted or how good they looked depended on the quality of the paint.

For a party their employers had thrown, Ariel had dragged Orion to a paint shop and for a laugh, gotten them weird colour jobs. She chose blue while Orion had tried black and green, complete opposite to their usual look. It had been a lot of fun and their friends and colleagues had loved it. That had been a very enjoyable night.

She smiled slightly, it hadn't been bad quality paint they'd used but the nanites had only been temporary. This had resulted in their natural colours coming through in patches. They'd been forced to use some paint stripper to speed up the process. Orion had declared he'd never wear such an ugly combination again, it just didn't suit him. Except Ariel had been hoping to get him to try another crazy combination, it was too cute seeing him be transformed.

Before she'd been snatched off the streets.

"Yes, I like that," Sliverclaw now started. "Her features are more pronounced, yes, that's one for the future."

Notes were added to a customer file that had just been created for Ariel. More paint was applied, now Sliverclaw had made a decision. There was no evidence that she'd ever belonged to a Kaon gladiator who'd kept his slave locked away in his room most of the time. She was a little embarrassed to see that all this work did make her look quite pretty. What would Orion say if he could see her now? What would Megatron for that matter?

There was a flurry of activity around her as the final touches were applied to her armour. Somehow, she didn't think this would disappear in patches.

"Come Ariel," Sliverclaw commanded and she carefully stepped off the platform.

"Where are we going sire?" She questioned softly as he led her out of the shop that was located with a very expensive shopping complex. All the bots here, and some looked to be from other worlds, had immaculate armour and various parts that were purely aesthetic.

"The jewellers," he danied to reply. "You may have a few pieces."

"Oh...I," she started to say, she had no idea how much he'd really spent on her but it was definitely a lot.

"You're getting them," he cut across her. "You are in a considerably higher station in life than you were before, Ariel."

"I know but..," she again tried but he silenced her by touching just below her chin with his cane.

"You are my daughter," he said in his cold voice that made her shiver. "And so far, you have performed better than I had predicted. Which is why we are here."

He gestured to the crystal hallway.

"Obedience earns reward," he declared in his serious tone. He might be repeating himself but it was one of his most important rules.

"Thank you, sire." Was all she managed to say before entering the place, and immediately the owner received them.

"Oh, lord Silverclaw, what a pleasure to have you back!" The elegant mech bowed. "I just received what you like," Then looked down at Ariel's collar and hanging stone. "More like what the beautiful lady is wearing."

Ariel then looked down at her own piece too before looking at her sire in worry.

"Show us," He said and she gasped.

"But... Sire... Wouldn't be better if I choose something... Smaller?" She tried causing both mechs to stare at her.

"My daughter is too modest for her own welfare."

"I see," Smiled the owner. "I have just the piece she may like."

"Not so simple," Silverclaw said. "I don't want her looking poor and like she'd brought it with her own savings."

"But of course not, my lord, but I have for all tastes," Said the owner before guiding them into a beautiful room to sit, then presented them a plain box, and when it opened...

... Ariel gasped.

Everything was just so shinny!

She, for once felt like a kid in a sweet energon store!

"The best crystals for the little lady," Praised her the owner, but she was just so petrified by such beauty she couldn't even move to touch them!

"Here, Ariel," Said her sire taking a bracelet with shiny green stones and placed it on her wrist. Then he frowned. "It's too big for her arm."

"We can to make it small for her, my lord. Even turn what is left into another piece," He informed Ariel's sire.

And he seemed to think about it.

"Come on, Ariel, pick up something," Her sire urged her and she looked up at him and nodded.

Looking around she moved her mouth from side to side, she liked all of them but none of them really called her attention.

"You have more?" She then dared to ask the seller who nodded and bowed to her before bringing another flat box in which were crystals only, then another, and another, and others... For Ariel it was getting worse and harder to pick anything as everything was so beautiful.

Oddly enough her sire didn't seemed to be annoyed but having fun by picking pieces by himself and putting them on her until she was so full of them that she shinned like a... **a Christmas tree?**

Until she devised a beautiful golden bracelet with only one gem in the centre... A blue with little red highlights. It reminded her to her beloved Orion.

She picked it up and put it on her arm. It fit her perfectly!

"Sire?" She asked for it to the old mech who frowned at it. It didn't seemed elaborate enough for him unlike the other pieces she had on her.

"You want that?" He asked her once again disapproving her modesty.

"Good choice, my lady, that one is a very rare crystal from one old crystal farm in the 8th galaxy's colony. Caress it, let's see if it approves you," Said the owner and she frowned at him in confusion. "Like this..." He showed her by touching softly the big gem...

...and to her surprise it... Whatever was within... Moved?!

Even Silverclaw lifted an optic ridge at that.

She tried it, and to her shock, it shone... And sung!

The seller smiled and said: "It approves you."

"What is that... Crystal?" Her sire asked the seller. "Why have you never shown me something like it?"

"I've just received it, and is a really rare gem, nor grows easily, but is easily ignored by most bots as IT picks its' owner. It's what legend says and it just picked your daughter," Was his answer.

Silverclaw only looked at him with his cold gaze, so, the seller decided to shown him another piece like it.

"Look at this, my lord, is the same stone."

A big, black gem who lacked any shine. "I hope one day it finds the perfect bot for it." He added caressing it... And just like the other one on Ariel, this one moved inside.

But she didn't seemed interested in it.

"Fine," Said Silverclaw getting up and motioned her to do so... And stopped her when she started removing what he put her on.

Her big, wide optics looked at him questioningly but innocently as he examined her.

"I'll take all of this too," He finally said and Ariel could only look at him with a hanging jaw.

Surely he couldn't be serious, her golden bracelet alone must be incredibly expensive but all of it together?

"Very good, my lord," the seller practically purred, delighted at such an excellent sale. "Would you like individual boxes for the pieces?"

"Yes, we will take those," Sliverclaw agreed, with a few new pieces of his own but they were nothing compared to what Ariel had on her. She felt rather exposed, there was no way anyone could fail to notice how decked she was. And she'd endured enough stares in Kaon.

She barely noticed her Sire paying for his purchases until he was right beside her again. Looking up, she met his optics as he said. "We're going home now, Ariel."

Feeling relieved, she inclined her head and said. "Yes Sire."

Bots did indeed stare, even fellow wealthy bots. Sliverclaw seemed to relish it, striding along with confidence, not bothering to directly look at anyone, too good for that. Ariel clung to the arm he made her hold, more and more embarrassed by the moment. And her shyness only served to intrigue people even more.

Who was this young femme with the cold lord Sliverclaw?

"Thank you for the day out Sire," she suddenly said, trying to feel less awkward. "Um, despite what happened earlier..."

"It was dealt with," he stated, pulling her in the direction of the shuttle. "But you cannot go out alone, I won't have anyone carrying you off again."

She didn't know what to say, how could she argue when a mech had tried to snatch her from Sliverclaw side. And it wasn't even the first time. But she was not going to enjoy this lack of independence.

"You may rest when we arrive," he said once they'd taken their seats inside the shuttle which had promptly set a course for the estate. "After I have a picture of you."

Grateful he hadn't dragged her to a studio for a professional shoot, she nodded. She just wanted to relax and go through her things, make sure everything was there. Some she would need to hide from her sire, such as holos of her beloved Orion and anything else he wouldn't approve of. The rest she should be able to display.

Trying not to yawn, she reflected that a rest sounded very appealing right now.

"We're here," Sliverclaw said pointedly some time later, Ariel had almost fallen into a doze by his side.

She blinked, she was more tired than she realised. Her jewellery clinked as she stood up, almost stumbling but regaining her balance.

"The servants will take your things to your room," Sliverclaw told her, leading her inside.

"Where is my mate?" He barked at a small mech that had rushed up to them.

"He is waiting for you, my lord," the other said instantly.

"Good," Sliverclaw declared, marching along with Ariel.

"Dear, how good to see...oh!" Nova gasped as they entered the hall.

"Yes?" Sliverclaw asked as Ambus burst out. "Wow, you look like a beacon of Prima, Ariel!"

"Thanks," she said wryly, she knew that was exactly what she resembled.

Dion was also gawking, he could not believe what his sire had done, even Stripes was a little surprised.

Recovering, Nova managed to say. "She's beautiful love, you must have had a wonderful day."

"We did," acknowledged his mate. "Despite some low life scum attempting to kidnap her."

This caused more gasps of shock and Ariel found herself enveloped in a hug by Nova.

"My poor darling, you must have been so scared," he exclaimed.

She hugged him back, remembering the terror she'd experienced.

"It...it was horrible," she whispered.

"I dealt with it," Sliverclaw told them, sounding annoyed for some reason.

"Sire," Dion said, clearing his intakes. "You've received an invitation from Lord Galleon, he is celebrating the birth of his first grandchild."

At the mention of his wealthy friend, Silverclaw scowled. He couldn't yet forget that the old fragger lied to him about his daughter's fate... Him and all his family!

Ariel only stared at Dion with wide optics.

So, Megatron's child was finally born.

"Something's wrong, dear? If you don't want to go, I can tell them off for you," Offered Nova still hugging Ariel.

By now Silverclaw was growling, and said growl started rising in volume scaring both Ambus and Dion.

Stripes hoped his sire beats him to dead if he does gets angry.

"No... I'll go; it's been a while since the last time I've seen my old... Friend," Said the lord the last word with so much venom that caused everyone in the room -except Stripes- to shiver.

"And Ariel, you shall come with me," He added and she could only stare before nodding in Nova's embrace.

A frown from his mate made the gentle mech to release her, only for her to be claimed back by her sire by taking her by the waist.

Dion frowned in worry at her. She was, after all of this, more his pet than his daughter.

"Sire, can Dion come too?" She tried only for him to frown dangerously at her. "He's my twin after all and... If we go together, it would be easier to tell others."

He seemed to consider it for a moment.

"No," He said then shaking his head.

Ariel seemed disappointed, but then her sire added: "You better stay too, I've changed my mind."

And with that he walked away.

He thought it better, it wouldn't be a good idea to take her so close to Galleon, after all, he still couldn't remember what happened last time after he visited the aquarium's building place.

It annoyed him greatly, he dearly wanted to know all that had occurred. He hated not being in control and he was sure Galleon knew exactly what had happened. He suddenly wondered if Ariel knew, the incident obviously had something to do with her. But then again, considering the beating he had given her, she had probably still been unconscious so she could easily be in the dark about those events.

No matter, he would go alone to Galleon's party and see what he could pick up here. And when he desired to introduce Ariel to society, he would but on his terms alone.

"Nova," he barked into a comm. "Make sure Ariel's picture is taken, she is to return to our chambers tonight."

"Yes love," Nova replied obediently.

Sliverclaw cut the connection, not interested in anything else his mate might have to say. Better to focus on the good day he had enjoyed, rather than the unpleasant reminder that he could not do anything to Galleon, despite what the other had done to him. Soon enough, he would display his daughter to the world and let the other noble know that there was nothing he could do about it. Then he'd be satisfied.

Author's note. How does the party go at Galleon's and what will Megatron get up to? Find out next time, until then.