Sparklings

(See also: Cybertronian Reproduction)

Sparklings are Cybertronian children. They are born from Fruits of Yggdrasill, also known as sacs (see: Cybertronian Mechabiology). Gestation can last as short as three months ( earth time) or as long as four years (earth time). They are sometimes called kits, foals, kittens, pups or cubs. After the Great War, sparklings were born from the chest of the parent, which would open up to allow for it. Think like the chest-burster scene from Alien but less painful, more gory (if the energon spillage counts, as the Fruits are basically massive sacs full of the stuff), not parasitic and completely voluntary, and a part of the species' biology.

Fruits of Yggdrasill
Fruits of Yggdrasill used to be attached to the Cybertronian Great Ash before the Great War. There they hung in clusters from massive vines that were connected to the roots of the Tree. During the War the Great Ash was killed and shed its Fruit, which the people then collected and stored in their chests. The Fruits quickly became part of their bodily systems and allowed them to continue their species safely.

The Fruits are large and filled with amniotic energon, which is dense and gel-like. The skin, or membrane, is covered in veinlike nerves like the flesh of an orange and is covered in a thin layer of felt-like fuzz similar to a peach's skin. They are warm to the touch, about 70F - 80F, while the inside is as hot as 100F - 120F. This temperature is self-regulated. The parent, if they are carrying a Fruit, also feels this pleasant, soft warmth.

During gestation, amniotic energon gathers on the sharper edges of the sparkling's body and sticks, creating a thick, gelatinous layer over the edges so that they don't damage the Fruit while inside of it, similar to a foal's hoof capsules, which protect the foal and the mother during pregnancy and birth. This sticky amniotic energon, after birth, dries out within a week and begins to flake off or can be washed off by the caretaker(s). Attempting to remove the gel after birth will damage the child's paint and could risk scarring.

0 months - 1 month
Sparklings at 0 to 1 month are heavy sleepers. They are prone to naps, and even sleeping all through the night. However, contrary to this, in their waking hours, they are loud, energetic and chaotic. Sparklings can run almost immediately after birth, similar to a horse. They are full of boundless energy and are full of curiosity, which must be stimulated. This can be done by providing them a safe environment to run about and climb about, various toys (especially puzzles), interactions with the caretaker(s) and other family members and friends, and chances to go outside and explore the yard. During this age they are also nursing, and are fed a liquefied diet (such as fruit juices, liquid energon, supplements) till they can be weaned at about five months.

1 month - 2 months
At the age of one month, a sparkling is to be weaned into their alternative modes within a week (lest it cause cog retardation or the slowing of the transformation cog). They will begin learning how to transform and how to live in their alternative modes. By this age they are also learning how to make vocalisations. Some parents choose to teach them to talk when they vocalise for the first time, others choose to wait a little later. Their curious behaviour remains quite the same, however, they begin developing a sense of caution and are less reckless. Sparklings 2 months and younger cannot recognise themselves in mirrors as they have not developed cognitive recognition yet. They react similarly to how this gorilla does, fleeing from the mirror and even attempting to attack it as they don't recognise their reflections yet.

3 months - 1 year
At this point, a sparkling may learn how to speak. Vocalisations can be observed at as young as a few weeks and as old as a year. By the age of a year they have developed cognitive abilities and can recognise themselves in mirrors.

1 year - 12 years
At this point a sparkling experiences their childhood, similarly to that of a human child. From the ages of 0 to 12 they are called sparklings. During this time, they will experience crucial development, especially in early childhood. They will begin to learn, and begin attending school. They will learn interpersonal skills, motor skills, pick up interests and hobbies, and begin to establish friend groups.

12 years
After this point, sparklings are referred to as pre-teens. They begin to experience the transition from childhood to adulthood. Their ageing process also begins to slow significantly. They begin to transition into the teenager phase.

13 - 19
During these times, teenagers are, well, teenagers. Learning who they are in the world, and beginning to become more and more independent from their caretakers. Some even begin to think about careers, or what they'd like in their adulthood - such as children of their own, and the path they wish for their life to take. At this point, they reach almost full maturity.

20 - 27
During this time, a sparkling is no longer a teenager. They are considered an adult. Their physical ageing process ceases completely come age 27, and they are regarded as being fully sexually matured, neurologically matured, and geared up and ready for whatever the world has to throw at them. They will be energetic and spry for the next two million years, and once they hit two-million years of age, the ageing process will resume and they will become physically older and older rapidly before reaching elder age, and eventually passing on.

In History
Sparklings, historically, have been the sole way the Cybertronian populace has continued after the Dawn Ages.

In Culture
Children are offered major and important roles in events such as the Great Festival. They are dancers, performers, and even serve roles in rituals. Some even volunteer assistance - and get paid for it.

In Religion
Sparklings are commonly depicted alongside Rodimus Prime, the patron protector of children, orphans, parents, orphanages and childbirth.