Look at the Stars, Zero!

That night, Zero, Ciel, Prowl, and Optimus managed to get back into the vicinity of the grand rock.

Optimus noticed Zero looked ashamed and knew he could not be too hard on him. Perhaps just a lecture on what it meant to be king and bravery.

He turned to Prowl. "Please take Ciel back home." He sighed. "I need to talk to my son."

Prowl nodded while Ciel looked at Zero sadly and worried. Prowl glanced at Zero. "Good luck…" he whispered as the two headed off.

Zero stood a distance away from his father at the moment, until Optimus spoke up. "Zero!" he said sternly, facing away as his son turned to him. "Come here."

Zero silently made his way over to his father, wondering if he forever shamed himself.

"Sit down, please." Optimus said as Zero did so next to him.

Optimus was silent for a moment, then he began. 'I'm disappointed in you."

"I know…" Zero said sadly.

"You disobeyed my orders, and you almost got killed today." Optimus scolded…then his tone softened into worry. "In addition, you put your friend into danger."

"I'm sorry." Zero said, holding back tears. "I just wanted to be brave like you."

Optimus put his hand on his son's shoulder. "I'm brave only when I need to be." He said gently. "Being brave does not mean you go looking for trouble."

"But I thought you weren't scared of anything." Zero replied.

Optimus glanced at his son. "I was today."

"You were?" Zero looked up in confusion.

"Yes," said Optimus, bending down. "Because I thought I would lose you."

Zero suddenly felt better. "I guess…even mighty kings get scared." He said.

"Indeed they do." Optimus said with a smile.

"But you know," Zero said with a smirk. "I bet those Exiles were even more scared."

Optimus chuckled at that. "Because nobody messes with your old man!" he laughed as he hugged Zero who also laughed and hugged back.

The, as the tow let go, Zero looked up at him. "Dad, we're best pals, but….what happens when you're gone?" he asked.

Optimus smiled gently and turned to the starry sky. "Let me tell you something my father also told me. The stars are the home of kings of the past, always watching us."

"Really?" Zero asked in awe."

"Yes…so whenever you feel alone, remember the stars. The kings will guide you…as will I."

The two looked up into the night sky.