Chapter one: Good Morning

It was early morning on Cybertron. The cycle had only just started and bots of all shapes and sizes were pulling themselves out of their berths to start their jobs and professions. Vendors set up shops in the crowded streets of Iacon, Government officials prepared for mid-cycle meetings, and others wondered off to their modestly paid jobs.

Not everything was as shining as Iacon, however. In the less pleasant parts of Cybertron, Gladiators took up swords and shields for their morning trainings, slaves pulled at the chains that chafed at their armor, and labor bots prayed to a deity they hardly believed in that they'd survive to see the next cycle.

Cybertron was the home to a caste system, and a harsh one at that. The highest case was the Government officials, with the current Prime at the head. Then the Noble caste, the Medical and Science caste, and the Arts caste. All were apart of the highest tier in cybertronian caste system, and lived easy lives.

The middle caste had it quite easy as well, their jobs and discoveries meant to benefit the higher casts. The Enforcers, Cybertron's law enforcement, are the first on the list. Followed by the Cultural Investigation caste, Programming caste, the Data cast, and the building and Civil engineering caste.

The lowest caste had it the worse. They lived in the slums, the gutters where higher castes shoved their garbage when they no longer wanted it. The gladiators, the slaves, miners and industrial workers; whatever they made went to higher castes, with scraps left over for them. Many of the lower castes flocked to places like Kaon, or the lower levels of Iacon.

For one femme however, class didn't matter, all of them towered over her as she tried her hardest to slip through the crowds which filled Iacon, at present it was the safest way, her mentor had offered an escort, but she knew that would of drawn too much attention. Her two hooved pedes clacked unlike the heavy stomps of those around her, the cacophony of sounds causing her pointed audios and small aft long tail to remain pinned against the surrounding armour. A cluster of data pads clutched tight to her modestly endowed chassis as she was blatantly aware of the protoform showed by her lack of armour on her long double jointed pedes and shoulderplates. It was likely just her anxiety but it still had her cursing her luck that the only delivery mech trusted for this destination called in sick not a joor before this certain request was made. The current situation however which she found herself at the unfortunate centre of, was not helping her nerves in any way shape or form... that escort might of been a really bad thing to turn down…

Her destination was only a little way away now, but that still didn't soothe her, her free servo unlisted just long enough for her to pull out her universal security clearance card, being Alpha Trion's permanent assistant had some serious benefits. The moment she could, she broke through the crowd and took the steps in two's vents no longer laboured, until she realised she was out in the open, then she was taking the stairs in threes and she practically bolted inside, and shoved the card up into the security guards faceplates before he could so much utter a syllable.

"Luna of the Iacon Hall of Records head data clerk, I'm hear to make a delivery to Hymnal head Priest." She declared, voice stern as she had been trained to project herself, the mech near instantly stepped aside allowing her to pass. His optics remaining on the lightly built strange and alien like femme as she power walked further into the temple, he could sworn he'd seen microscopic fur covering the femme on both her silver armour and blue, even the calm blue which ran from the underside of her helm under her frontal armour, and forking along the armour revealing the protoform of her tank area. He'd heard if the head data clerk, but to see she was actually such a small thing had him and the other guards stumped... as well as confirmed the rumours buzzing around recently that she wasn't entirely a Cybertronian femme.

"Just take the elevator down, they are in the innermost Temple" he said, staring after her. He pointed to an elevator that went down into the very depths of Cybertron. The Temple was the furthest down, one of the very first ever built and near the core of Cybertron: Primus' spark.

Luna stepped into the elevator and pushed the "down" button. The elevator gave a small jerk before descending into the depths of Cybertron. It was about a half a jour before the elevator slowed to a stop and doors 'ping'ed open.

The doors opened to reveal a large, dimly lighted cavern. The ceiling was high above her helm, large enough for a gestalt to stand upright comfortably. Crystals lined the walls, casting a dim glow, just enough for one to see around.

All sorts of things sat on the ground of the cavern: offerings to Primus in the forms of jewels, furnishings, food, and other finery. Luna was able to walk down a small path through the center of the cavern to the back where a large building was built into the walls of Cybertron.

The temple was of the finest craftsmanship, rumored to have been built by the original 13 themselves. Statues sat on either side of the large entrance, polished stairs leading to a jewel encrusted door that glowed brightly. The crystals around the temple seemed to pulse as if they were filled with life, in time with a low thrumming sound that vibrated through Luna's frame.

Luna stumbled around the dimly lit cavern, enamored with the shiny constructions. She quite like big, shiny things. Her hoofs clinked on the metal floor as she came to the door and gave it a light few taps with her knuckles. The door swung slowly open at the third knock and Luna was able to see inside.

The Temple was just as spacious as the cavern before it, with bright white and gold pillars holding the ceiling up. The crystals in the temple were bigger and brighter, making it far easier to see around. A few rows of pews sat off to the side, all finely crafted to near perfection. The altar at the far end of the Temple was by far the grandest piece of art anyone could ever see. A large statue made of only the most precious of metals, of Primus himself. Detailed down the inch, and standing tall enough to almost touch the ceiling, it was a sight to behold. 13 statues, all much shorter, stood at the Primus statue's feet. Each came up to about the statue's waist, and were made of different crystals. Each represented one of the original 13 Primes.

Everything was polished to a mirror-like shine, making the light reflect off it and light up the whole Temple beautifully with a rainbow of colors.

All in all, the Temple was breathtaking.

But Luna was not alone in the temple.

Kneeling at the altar was a bot. Their armor shimmered, colored a mix white, gold, deep royal blue and a bright sky blue that glowed brightly. Metal wings and glowing orbs floated around them, held up my magnets in their frame. Yellow and sky blue metal pointed up from their helm, halo-like in their appearance.

Hymnal gave off a celestial feel to others. Their divine connection giving them an aura of calm and peace. A pair of light blue optics seemed to hold a secret that only Hymnal knew.

Luna spoke up "Hymnal? I err, brought those data pads you requested, how have you been down here? In the depths of Cybertron... oh Primus why did it have to be today that the delivery guy got sick?!" she said to herself, her hooves shuffling on the ground.

Hyman stayed kneeling down in front of it in prayer, a soft chant coming from them. It was several moments before they stood and turned to Luna with a pleasant smile on their face.

"Good evening, Luna" they said softly, walking over

Luna shuffled slightly, clawed digits twitching as they grasped the stack, green optics hidden behind her blue visor darting around the unfamiliar place as her animalistic audios stood at high alert. She was half way to bolting, but held moderately firm, looking up to Hymnal she gave them an awkward smile.

"So...sorry, it's just... I know this is a place of worship and all, but I've never... been here before and... oh Primus, I need to sit down... This anxiety is ridiculous, so sorry for taking so much of your time Hymnal." Luna said in a rush.

"Feel free to sit" Hymnal said smoothly, gesturing to the pews off to the side. "It is only you and I down here, Luna. And i assure you, you are wasting none of my time."

Luna sighed, easing herself into a comfortable position, tucking her back bending legs up against her so her clawed pedes could dangle off the edge, so as not to threaten the finely crafted furnishing.

"I still can't get my helm around why you asked for those specific data pads, Alpha Trion just chuckled when I enquired it to him." Luna said, her head shaking side to side a bit.

Hymnal raised one optical brow in amusement, "Most bots don't understand my love for golden age lullabies, Alpha Trion has this crazy thought that I sing them to Primus' spark in my free time" Hymnal sat down, their wings floating closed.

Luna chuckled. "I must admit, my own preference is that of a highly tuned string quartet, two cellos a violin and a bass, all in harmony in an upbeat tone as it helps the nights and days look that much more stunning as ones stares out at them..." She sighed then, lowering her helm into her flat servo as she stared out without direction. "But, one cannot be distracted by such wonderful sounds when an overcharged mech is trying to break in through a window a quarter their size!"

Hymnal let out a light laugh, their voice never rising above a certain volume. "Your job sounds most interesting, Luna" they hummed, their optics twinkling in amusement. "I am partial to the harp myself"

Luna nudged Hymnal's side in good nature. "We have one at the Hall you know~ Perhaps one cycle you can bless us with your presence at have a try. I myself, am enamored with the Piano, despite my love of string." Luna then added. "And said job will eventually lead to my end, as calm as it is, no place is immune to chaos"

Hymnal hummed, a smile on their face.

"Perhaps" they said softly "It has been quite some time since I've been to the surface. Most of my time is spent here, meditating and repairing the temple." They then looked Luna right in the optics a serious look coming to their face. "Something stirs in the future, and I cannot tell what. I'm afraid that what you say may come to fruition"

Luna however, was not thrown by this revelation.

"Alpha Trion has said the same, and I too can feel it, most cannot, but it feels like something nonphysical, for lack of a better term, is choking me. My instincts are borderline taking over, Hymnal... if you get word of me disappearing, it will be my flight response taking hold, and I will not be found until deemed safe again." She declared, audios tucked against her helm and digits curled in a show of obvious distress. "I am... deeply worried for the future of this world, and like you I cannot think of what."

"You are welcome here if something is to happen on the Surface world. No One but me and the current Primes are privy to the temple's insides, but Primus doesn't mind your presence." Hymnal hummed "A novelty."

Luna gave them a surprised look, audios vertical again as her visor hid not a sliver of the shock which rested in her optics, but then, she seemed to deflate.

"Such an offer... but I am afraid my sense of reasoning is vastly limited when I go into a state of wild flight, Alpha Trion will most likely send me off world the moment something kicks off, what with my spark and all..." She muttered. Servo clenching at her silver chassis, before reaching further up and playing with the large red gem which hung from the thick blue cable on her neck, she'd been found with it, and despite it having more than enough length around her neck to pass her helm, any attempt had revealed that it was held to her by some powerful force, even remaining around the base of her neck in her beast form. "I swear ti was cursed by the very unmaker himself..." She stared at her servos then, twitching the claw tips before letting off an sigh through her vents. "Alpha Trion just gave me the rest of the cycle off... and I have no idea what to do..." She glanced at Hymnal, who was looking at her with a peaceful yet concerned expression. "Oh Primus, I just went on a rambling tirade... sorry, I'll let you get back to your work... nice chatting with you Hymnal, if you ever need any more data pads, feel free to ask." She was already halfway to the doors before she finished speaking a faint blush decorating her faceplates

Hymnal hummed, standing and walking towards Luna. "I have a garden, if you'd like to see it" Hymnal offered to Luna's retreating form. "I have nothing to do this cycle besides read"

Luna halted, audio us twisted back to he before she spun on one pede and rubbed the back of her neck cables, avoiding the semi transparent glass pane which wrapped around and hung under the back of her helm.

"If it's ok with you? I might be tempted to trim your plants though... kinda peckish" The blush which formed quickly grew. "You know, being an Ion deer and all..."

Hymnal gave a soft smile, their wings fluttering lightly.

"It's been a few cycles since i had time to go, i might trim a few as well" Hymnal said, walking forwards. "This way" Hymnal guided Luna to the back of the temple and through a hidden door. They walked down a well lit hallway to a large cavern, filled with every form of Cybertronian plant life, and a few small animals that Hymnal had requested.

The small data clerk barely held back an animalistic trill, rarely having time or safe conditions to leave the hall, her processer almost instantly shifted and the transformation into her beast form was nigh instantaneous, before she near galloped to a nearby tin bush and buried her helm into it. After a few moments though she came back to her senses and jersey her helm back up, audios high in alarm and the front of her muzzle lightly peppered with small splashes of Energon.

"Oh Primus, Hymnal I'm so sorry, I don't know what came over me there!" She exclaimed, reverting back to her bipedal form and tucking back slightly. "Shows how much of a 'civilised' femme I am..."

Hymnal gave a light laugh "feel free to let go in here, Luna" they said, "there is quite a few energon berry bushes you might want to try. There are some on a few electro-trees as well. I'm guilty of coming in here whenever i'm feeling snackish" the Priest gave a slightly sheepish look.

Luna gave her a surprised look before looking back at the bush.

"If you insist... but I fear I just offlined my own appetite, it's been happening quite a lot recently... especially due to some persistent bots I have the misfortune of 'knowing'."

Hymnal waved her to sit down next to some flowers before taking a seat themselves.

"Tell me about it" Hymnal requested, their wings lying in the grass. A look of calm interest on Hymnals faceplates stayed as she looked at Luna. "Sounds like a story"

Luna shook her helm to dispel whatever thoughts were plaguing her and sat, crossing her legs at the lower joint.

"It started a few deca cycles ago, a group of four bots, three mechs one femme, came in with a large collection of creatures all contained in liquid jars, none of them online, they requested for them to be stored until a scientific firm could collect them for 'research purposes', however I had recognised them, at least eight of them at least, all of them were from a recently discovered planet, which is in the process of being declared a protected habitat, as those species are completely unique to that planet. I spoke up about this, and they claimed they had not been aware, they did not say this to me... They said it to Alpha Trion... who was with me and them at the time, the leader of the groups mate, the femme, however then spoke up, asking Alpha Trion if they could... could... could take me to their private hunting reserve... She wanted to make a sport of me before turning me into a pelt!" She exclaimed, gesturing to herself wildly.

Luna continued then. "I was shocked, thankfully Alpha Trion outright refused, stating it was outright illegal to hunt a fellow Cybertronian... bit then one of the other two mechs pipped up saying I was nothing more than the halls pet! And for a high enough price he'd hand me over! Alpha Trion quickly called the guards on them and they were escorted out... their 'specimens' handed over to the Enforcers for transport to a nearby lab so that they could be made good use of... Unfortunately, since then, the group and good majority of those in the same hunting organisation have been making multiple requests, a few every cycle, to denounce my citizenship because I am part beast, despite having equal sentience... and now I'm afraid of being alone too long... hence my even more flight behaviour than normal... Primus I feel like I'm being hunted! And seeing as they technically have not broken any laws, the Enforcers won't take them away!" She sighed, lowering her helm into her servos. "Why was a I created a hybrid?! The only hybrid in recorded history for that matter! I feel like Unicron made me just to watch me suffer!" She looked up to them then. "Hymnal, I don't know what to do... I don't want to be hunted like an animal and turned into a part of some bots collection!"

Hymnal looked very concerned, "Primus made us all in his image, and never intend for Cybertronians to hunt anything. We are all equal in his optics, sadly some forget this" Hymnal gave a sad sound before looking Luna in her optics. "I will come to the surface, bots will listen to what i have to say. And i will make your Citizenship set in stone." they gave a determined look. "For another bot to do such a thing as hunt another living bot is incybertronian. Perhaps they should consider who is the real beast" Hymnal frowned.

"I will return to the surface with you." Hymnal said once more in a tone of finality, before their face softened "You can show me that harp that you promised"

Luna couldn't stop the coolant which was quickly making its way down both sides of her faceplates before she extended her arms out, a silent request for comfort, her built up distress now out in the open form them to see.

"T...Thank you... Primus has truly blessed you spark..." she said

Hymnal hugged Luna in a firm embrace, her wings coming around as well. "That's why i'm a Priest" Hymnal joked lightly, hugging luna a bit tighter.

Luna chuckled brokenly at first before it turned to one full of mirth. "True true, so, want to do a Piano Harp Duet or something? I kill at Erasni Syphonia scores."

"I'd be delighted" Hymnal said, smiling. "What time do you need to return to the surface?" they asked, still hugging Luna with their arms and wings.

Luna checked her chronometer. "Two joors and then Alpha Trion sends a search party out looking for me... I think my appetite just came back." She mumbled, green optics locked on the same bush as before. "I haven't been able to keep a meal down in cycles since this whole debacle started up... and now it's repaying me with an a vengeance." She groaned, one arm slipping out of the hug to instead wrap around her now far more vocal middle.

"Then please treat yourself to the fruits of the garden." Hymnal offered, waving a servo around at the trees and plants. "Most don't know that this garden is one room away from the spark of Primus, it makes the fruit full of energy that is different that those on the surface."

Luna hummed, pulling away and carefully striding back over, before kneeling before the plant.

"Thank you Primus for this blessing you bestow to all non Cybertronian beings who walk your great creation." After that her frame had returned to her beast form and half divided, half shoved her helm into the bush, effectively stuffing her faceplates with every berry her optics caught sight of. At one point mulling something like 'so good' as she continued to wolf down the delectable treats.

Hymnal let out a light laugh, picking a fruit from a bush she had been sitting next to, blessing it, then taking a bite. They hummed happily where they sat.

It took a while, and three more bushes before Luna flopped down on the ground with her pedes tucked under her, neck and helm resting against her side and narrow helm partially covered in Energon, which she took note of. "Normally I'm a lot more refined when it comes to food." She muttered drearilly, before her optics slid closed and she began letting off an odd soft grunt every few astroseconds. Evidently it hadn't been just food her stress had been preventing her from enjoying.

Hymnal gave a soft smile and stood quietly, they set their internal clock to 1 and a half jours so they could wake Luna at a good time. They left the room and came back with a small blanket they had made in their free time some time ago, and laid it over Luna. Hymnal sat, taking cross position and resting their arms lightly on their legs. Hymnal let the soft pulse of Primus' spark lull them into meditation.

(AN: This is an Oc/Oc story, Written by me (Silver) and my co-author Moonlightdeer (aka Moon) Hymnal goes by They/them pronouns, but their frame is femme. Luna goes by She/her and also has a femme frame.

Luna: moonlightdeer739. deviantart art/Luna-Cybertronian-version-of-my-avatar-602251348 (remove spaces)

Hymnal: fav. me/da5lx9e (remove spaces)

Moon: Heyo! Just to point out Silver and myself are Co - authors of this fic, and we're both really looking forward to making the most out of the potential this story has! Hope you all enjoy it! Cause we already love it!

Silver: Please review! Till all are one!