One and only disclaimer: I do NOT own Transformers Prime, nor any of the characters relating to the franchise. I only own original characters and plots I've created.

o-o-o-o-o

[This chapter has had a makeover since its original post.]

So here it is, the first chapter of 1 New Message.

An important Author's note before reading: I have to mention this as while 1 New Message is set in the Prime-verse, is technically a cross over with my Timeless series and so, therefore, contains future spoilers that have not yet been written in the main series.

But it also contains plenty of original Arcs/plot points and so some that happen here will not be in the main series.

This story is set after Return of the Fallen, which would have also been slightly different from the movie to fit the Prime-verse and diverges from there.

Reviews appreciated.

o-o-o-o-o

I've learned a lot in my twenty-seven years of life, but I'd also lost a lot in that time; my parents, Adan—Aria.

I'd briefly lost Optimus too, and while at Aria's murder I broke, sobbed, and distanced myself; Optimus's left a hole inside my spark because he'd come to mean a lot to me—all the Autobots (and admittedly, the Decepticons too, as dysfunctional as it was) because of who I'd become.

My name is Zelda Larsson, daughter of Lucas and Rina Larsson, twin sister to Aria, big sister to Bumblebee, daughter of Primus and—

I am the All-Spark.

o-o-o-o-o

Rising Darkness, Part 1

(Episode: 1 & 2)

It was weird—moving back to Nevada after nearly eight years, I mean.

Though perhaps after everything the desert was a welcomed environment change. After it was decided that N.E.S.T would be shut down and formed into a smaller division only made of the Autobots, I knew we'd be moving again. I ended up having a full conversation on the matter with Optimus, Ratchet even getting involved—he was just grumpy about having to move the equipment though.

I'd miss Will and Epps from N.E.S.T the most. What was left of the D.A.A would be finished up and filed away for a possible return in several years if needed, I was sure the rest of my teammates would go on to continue to serve the government, at least from what I had gathered from our conversations.

The upside to N.E.S.T closing was we'd get a new liaison, so it was bye-bye Galloway. Fowler wasn't nearly as bad as the weasel, as we'd all taken to calling him behind his back, but Fowler wasn't nice either. My guess was he'd warm up eventually.

I scratched the back of my helm as I stumbled towards the Hub, it was way too early—I'd finally managed to get into a cycle of recharging for more than six hours after years of insomnia.

Final touches were being made to the new base that had previously a Cold War missile silo, and so that meant people were in here working to bring it up to date so that we could use it. We'd officially moved in three days ago, and there was still work going on because they'd been delayed after finding themselves on a shortage of some necessary supplies.

I groaned as I turned the corner into the main Hub, a few people were finishing up some wiring at the computers and other final cosmetic touches.

My optics were drawn to the sight of Optimus and Ratchet's holoforms on the second story. I climbed up.

"G'morning." I greeted. The duo turned to greet me.

"Good morning, Zelda." Optimus rumbled, smiling.

"Morning." Ratchet grumbled, quickly turning back to watch as the men worked, he obviously saw something he didn't like and shouted: "Hey! Be careful with that!"

I snorted, smirking lightly as I took up the spot to Optimus' left, leaning on the yellow railing. "How much longer do you reckon they'll take?"

"They are finishing up today." Optimus answered, his own gaze returning to the human workers.

I noticed the lack of Cliffjumper, Arcee, Bulkhead and Bumblebee. "The others on patrol?"

"Indeed."

Neat.

o-o-o-o-o

Something I'd learned early in life was that I didn't do well doing nothing—I had to be doing something otherwise I'd start bothering other people around me.

Since first moving into the Nevada base a complete two weeks ago, I'd spend the majority of it within the confines of my berthroom painting the walls. I painted most what I'd been seeing in my recent dreams of early Cybertron—when the first thirteen still lived and the All-Spark still resided within the Cube. Chaya might not be with me anymore to personally teach, but that didn't mean I still didn't have things to learn—which I did.

I set my brush down and stepped back to stare at the finished piece of Cybertron. I vented softly at the deep ache within my spark—the sad hum that resonated from the All-Spark in me at the loss of Cybertron.

I placed a servo to my chassis, pressing against my sternum in a weak attempt to ease that longing hum. I might not have ever been to Cybertron personally, but it was my—the All-Sparks—home, it didn't matter that I had been born and raised on Earth. Not anymore, and when the time came for me to return to Cybertron to restore it to life, then I would leave without hesitation.

I fidgeted on my spot and vented again, softly tch'ing under my breath. I left my stuff where it was, a complete mess and only half unpacked, in favour of grabbing my jacket, wallet and bike helmet.

All this thinking had left me in a bit of a funk, I needed some fresh air to clear my helm.

I closed my door behind me and made my way back to the Hub to get my bike and go for a ride, maybe even go into Jasper for a drink.

I greeted the others as I wandered into the Hub, I didn't need to ask if they were going on patrol—I could tell.

I quickly tugged my helmet on and started my bike up, I kicked the stand and didn't waste a moment, driving out. The base doors opened as I got close and once outside, picked my speed up. The air whizzing past me felt just as amazing as every other time.

It was twenty minutes off driving before I reached the town limits, I slowed drastically as I approached. I spent several minutes just driving about, familiarizing myself with Jasper and scoped out a few interesting looking bars.

Deciding upon one, I parked and tugged my helmet off as I opened the door to enter. I ordered a gin and tonic before retreating to a table at the far back, where I could watch the other customers and they'd not pay any attention to me—it had long since been wired in me to keep my back protected.

I vented and took a sip of my drink as I let myself relax into the cushioned seat. That buzzing of my phone had me blinking and I pulled it from my pocket to see my screen.

1 New Message from S.W

I grinned and unlocked my phone, opening my messages.

'You are in Jasper, does that mean you've finished?'

The grin turned into a soft smile. 'Yes, I did. I settled on a painting an early version of Cybertron.'

'Beautiful?'

'Very' I sent a picture alongside my message.

':)'

I snorted at the emoji; who knew the so-called silent and emotionless mech would scoop so low as to use them. I snickered at the thought. I began to type out my next reply when a sudden dread washed over me, my chest contracted—it felt like a rope pulled too tight then cut. My digits hit several buttons as I tensed, biting my glossa to stop any noise of agony from escaping and my breath caught in my throat.

'Sunbird?'

I just stared at my screen.

Cliffjumper.

"Ma'am?" I jerked as the young bartender stood in front of me, a look of worry on his face. "You alright?"

I sat up straight and gave a tense smile. "Yeah, sorry. Just got some news is all."

It was news indeed… just not the kind I want.

'Zelda?'

The use of my name was rare for Soundwave. 'Just lost Cliff.'

I crossed my arms and laid my head down, I let out a shaky breath at the phantom pains of the bond being severed. It would continue on like that for a while.

It's a few minutes before Soundwave replied, the buzzing of my phone snapped me back to the present. Slowly, I sat up and unlock my phone again. It only said one word, a name but I knew the meaning behind it.

'Starscream'

I twitched, then downed the rest of my drink. Standing, I reached for my helmet and return to my bike. I was returning to base.

The ride seemed unusually long compared to when I left an or so hour earlier. The roar of my bike a welcome sound to distract me from the silence that would have encased me otherwise. The door opened as I approached—I arrived just as they returned.

I set my bike in the corner and dump my helmet on the seat. I met Optimus' gaze, no words were needed. He knew I felt Cliffjumper offline—although I often kept my connection with them subdued, it didn't mean my pain didn't seep through occasionally.

It was silent as we all travelled to the roof, where I gathered rocks to make a grave for a body that we could not bury. Once I'd done so, I stood, brushing the sand from my knees and stepped back beside Ratchet. I gripped onto his pede, body trembling softly.

I gazed up to Optimus as he began his speech. "We must not allow our anger over the loss of Cliffjumper to impair our judgement. As of today, only we six Autobots remain on this Earth. We owe it to ourselves to the memory of Cybertron, to any Autobots in any Galaxies seeking safe harbour, to humankind and we owe it to the memory of our fallen comrade to survive."

I was annoyed. Annoyed that a close friend, someone I'd known for eight years was just offlined—but I was also… happy, the All-spark in me hummed with happiness at welcoming a soul into the Well. Knowing he was at peace was easing for me—that he no longer had to fight or harm another. Cliffjumper, like every being before him, was no longer constricted to a body, he was free to rest.

I watched as Arcee stepped forward, gently setting Cliffjumper's broken horn atop the stone grave that I had made for him.

"Arcee—" Optimus's tone was soft.

Arcee didn't let him continue. "Cliff's gone, standing around here sulking won't bring him back. So, unless anyone minds, I think I'll get back to protecting humankind."

I couldn't stop the flinch at the venom in her tone, but I knew she didn't mean it. She was upset and angry at the loss of a close friend.

We watched as Arcee transformed and drove away, leaping from the silo's roof to the ground.

Ratchet stepped forward once she had disappeared. "Optimus, helping humans will only result in more tragedy."

"Your opinion is noted."

o-o-o-o-o

It had been almost two hours since Cliff's funeral, and everyone had relocated back downstairs at their own pace.

Bee and Bulkhead had headed back out much like Arcee had done, I don't blame them, everyone grieves differently.

Not too long after returning inside myself—I was the last to leave—I took up residence upon Optimus's right shoulder, doodling a final portrait of Cliffjumper as Optimus worked quietly at the monitor.

Just listening to the deep and soothing hum of his spark was as soothing as always. His and Ratchet's (and Soundwave's) had also been my favourite sparks to listen too. There was a particular pitch to the three that I found the most soothing to listen and feel.

But my attention was drawn from my work as I heard the Silo's door open and three familiar vehicles drove in

Arcee was first to transform, and before she could even finish, she started speaking. "We were attacked by two Vehicons. Chased me all throughout town until we got the outskirts, Bee arrived in time to distract them enough, then fled when Bulkhead got there. The 'Cons would have been scrap metal if I hadn't been distracted by the human."

Her words caught our attention however, Optimus and I looked glanced to one another. "Human?"

"Two boys." Bee beeped.

"Two boys." Optimus echoed.

"I guess a second one caught us in action, I don't know?" Arcee scoffed. "I was a little busy at the time."

"If the Decepticons are targeting us. Anyone perceived as our ally will be at grave risk." Optimus responded. I winced, just knowing he was going to say that. I wasn't keen on the idea—I'd make sure to voice it in a moment when we were alone.

"Tomorrow, after their school hours have finished, I would like for you and Bumblebee to retrieve the two boys and bring them here." Optimus turned towards Bee and Arcee.

Arcee vented in obvious annoyance but didn't argue. The three wandered off, leaving Optimus and me alone again.

"As much as I want to agree with bringing the two boys here, don't you think it'll just draw the Decepticons attention towards them more than just being sighted with us by accident?" I inquired.

Optimus turns his head towards me with a hum, he paused, pursing his lips for a moment. "Perhaps, but it is not a risk that I am willing to take with the lives of two innocents."

I nodded, before murmuring: "I don't think Ratchet's going to like it either, you know. But if they are targeted because of us, either as just a chance sighting or if they continuously interactive with us, I'll feel guilty either way."

"I thought that might be your train of thought." Optimus acknowledged.

We both vented at the predicament.

My phone buzzing in my pocket caught my attention, I tugged it out to see I'd received a new message from Soundwave. I unlocked my phone and opened the special messenger app.

'I did not say it beforehand, but I am sorry for your loss. Cliffjumper was a good mech.'

'Thank you. And he's at peace, knowing this I can't truly grieve.' I admitted. It was true, it was a downside of being the vessel of the All-spark. Once you learn of what happens after death, you no longer fear or grieve when those you know pass on, you become almost numb to it.

'A pity.' was his swift reply and I smiled.

'Yeah. Yeah, it is. Goodnight.' I reply, both knowing our conversation was over.

'Goodnight, Sunbird.' was his final response.

I spent another hour finishing up Cliffjumper's portrait before finally giving in to my tiredness, and having Optimus lower me from his shoulder so that I could retreat to my room for the night.

Morning came almost too quickly for my liking, and my insides churned uncomfortably with a bad feeling; I gravitate to Ratchet's shoulder, the closeness to a spark helping to ease it. After spending two hours on his shoulder, I finally climbing from my spot to stretch my legs and join Optimus on patrol.

There was little conversation between us, but we liked it like that. I ran a hand through my fringe as I looked out the passenger window of his alt-mode.

"I've been getting a bad feeling since I woke up this morning." I blurted. I shuffled in my seat, pursing my lips as I look at Optimus' dashboard.

"Bad feeling, you say?" Optimus questioned. "In what way?"

"Like someone's gonna do something they shouldn't." I bit my lip, playing with the glove on my right hand.

"Zelda." I turn my gaze to his dashboard gain.

"Is there anything else you can tell?" Optimus inquired.

"I have the most positive feeling it's gonna be Megatron." I stated drily, eyes half-lidded.

Optimus vented. "You believe he has returned as well?"

I silently nodded.

"I think by now we can call it my seventh sense when it comes this slag." I added, continuing with the dry tone.

We're silent for a while after that and eventually, we return to base as the school day was coming to an end and the children would be arriving shortly after that. I let out a deep vent as I mentally prepared myself.

I climbed onto the second level and returned to helping Ratchet as we waited for the new arrivals. Ratchet grumbled as the door to the base opened and Bee and 'Cee can be heard getting closer. Both Ratchet and I turned as they entered, I immediately noticed the young boy in Bee's backseats and the other boy on 'Cee but also noted the plus one. A young Asian girl with pink in her hair.

I had a bad feeling about her, I vented.

"I thought there were two." Ratchet inquired, stepping away (not before offering me a servo, which I climbed onto and up to his shoulder) from the monitor to get closer.

Hands on her hips, Arcee commented in a dry tone: "Haven't you heard? Humans multiply."

I snorted in amusement.

"I'm Raf." the youngest greeted.

The older boy stepped forward and introduced himself awkwardly as Jack. Then the young Asian girl is next to speak, moving closer to Bulkhead. "I am Miko. Who are you?"

"Bulkhead." said bot responded after a tiny awkward pause. I lowly chuckled.

"Are you a car? I bet you're a truck, a monster truck! Do you like heavy metal? How much do you weigh? Ever used a wrecking ball for a punching bag?" Miko rapidly questioned but all Bulkhead did was unsurely stare down at the youngster.

"So, if you guys are robots, who made you?" Raf questioned curiously.

Ratchet scoffed, muttering in annoyance: "Oh, puh-lease."

I pat the side of his helm in sympathy. My attention is drawn from Ratchet to Optimus as he entered the room. I briefly pondered on whether he did that for a dramatic entrance, I snickered to myself.

"We are autonomous robotic organisms from the planet Cybertron, also known as Autobots." Optimus introduced, answering Raf's question.

I would never get tired of hearing that line. Never.

The older boy stepped forward. "Why are you here?"

"To protect your planet from the Decepticons." Optimus answered vaguely.

Perhaps a bit more Optimus? I smiled softly.

"The jokers who tried to bump us off last night." Arcee explained further.

"Okay… Why are they here?" he adjusted his question.

Optimus knelt before them to lessen the height difference. "A fair question, Jack. In part, they are here because our planet is uninhabitable; ravaged by centuries of civil war."

"Why were you fighting a war?" Raf questioned next.

"Foremost, over control of our world supply of energon. The fuel and life-blood of all Autobots and Decepticons alike. The combat was fierce and endured for centuries. In the beginning, I fought alongside one who I considered a brother. But in war, ideals can be corrupted, and it was thus that Megatron lost his way." Optimus explains.

Rudely, Miko yawned. "Is there gonna be a quiz?"

I muttered about her rudeness under my breath, Ratchet grumbled in agreement.

I don't think I'm going to like her very much—I have the strangest feeling she'd do something and I'm gonna rip into her about it.

"So, what does Megatron—or any of this—have to do with us?" Jack asked, frowning.

"Megatron has not been seen or heard from in some time. But if his return is imminent as I fear, it could be a catastrophe." Optimus answered grimly. "And since you now know of our existence, I fear that as of last night the Decepticons know of yours."

"Got it, we spot any strange vehicles, call 911—can we go now?" Jack asked.

I raised a brow at him, was he not even the tiniest bit curious?

"Are you insane? I'm living a dream here in Botswana and I will not allow you or anyone else to shatter it!" Miko huffed. I twitched.

"It is best that you three remain under our watch. At least until we can determine our enemies' intentions." Optimus answered Jack's question, ignoring Miko.

"Optimus." Ratchet spoke up in disbelief, moving forward. "With all due respect, the human children are in as much danger here as anywhere!"

"Children?!" all three looked offended.

"They have no protective shell! If they get underfoot, they will go squish!" Ratchet, ignoring them, stomped his foot in as a demonstration. I snorted, covering my mouth to hide my smile.

"How come you're complaining about us but not the human on your shoulder! She's just as squishable!" Miko huffed.

I raised a brow at her comment, I think you'll find I'm not, kid.

"Zelda is a different situation entirely." Ratchet huffs back.

"Situation?" I echoed, I held a servo over my spark, a look of hurt on my face. "Ouch Ratchet. I thought we had something special."

Ratchet just groaned—I could feel his slight amusement over the bond—and looked back to Optimus. "I can handle Zelda on her bad days, but an extra three? Children at that? Optimus please."

"Then, for the time being, Ratchet, we must watch where we step." Optimus responded, a well-hidden look of amusement flickered into his optics; Ratchet vented.

The familiar beeping of the proximity alarm blared, and the lights flashing green to announce the arrival of Fowler.

"What's that?" Jack asked, panicked.

Ratchet—and me because I was on his shoulder—returned to the monitor.

Bee answered. "It's a proximity sensor. It tells us when someone's arrived from up top."

"Proximity sensor, someone's up top." Raf translated. My brows shoot upwards, wow, a human understanding Bee was near impossible.

Pulling up the feed from above, the familiar helicopter landed on the pad. "It's Agent Fowler." Ratchet reported in a dry tone.

"I-I thought we were the only humans who know about you guys?" Jack stuttered.

I vented; Ratchet, sharing my thoughts, also vented. We shared a look.

"Special Agent Fowler is our designated liaison to the outside world, as he tends to visit only when there are issues, it may be best if you do not meet him at this time." Optimus explained. The kids quickly hide at Optimus not so subtle order.

The elevator quickly descended, the door opened, and Fowler stepped out, not waiting a second before starting speak. "Seven wrecks, thirty-four fender benders, a three-hour traffic jam, and on particular note numerous reports of a speeding motorcycle of unknown make and a black-and-yellow custom muscle car! So, anything you care to get up your tin chassis, Prime?"

"We have the situation under control, Agent Fowler." Optimus simply answered.

"They're back, aren't they?"

I vented again. I was doing a lot of venting today. Primus help me.

"If you are referring to the Decepticons, I have doubts that they ever left. Your planet is much too valuable." Optimus remarked.

"Then it's time to wake up the Pentagon again." Fowler resorted.

"Hear me, Agent Fowler. We are your best, possibly your only defence against the Decepticon threat." Optimus countered.

"Says you." Fowler scoffed.

"Hey, fleshy! Did anyone get splattered on that freeway?" Bulkhead grabbed and ripped the claw from Ratchet's workstation, he crushed it. I vented again. "Team Prime knows when to use force and how much to use."

"Bulkhead!" Ratchet snapped. "I needed that!"

"Enough! Military involvement will only result in catastrophe. Perhaps you can condone widespread human casualties, Agent Fowler. I, however, cannot." Optimus finishes the argument.

Wow, talk about badass, Optimus. Not to mention implying that Fowler doesn't care about people possibly getting hurt. That sort of tactic does normally work though, I've used it before.

"Then do us both a favour and handle this, Prime! Under the radar—" Fowler returned to the elevator, facing us again. "—Or I will."

The door closed, taking him back to the roof.

"Pretty big bearings for a human." Bulkhead commented.

"Fowler is concerned for the world he lives on Bulkhead." I responded, the bot glanced at me.

Suddenly I found myself feeling nauseous, vision dancing as I felt like somethings been ripped from me. I groaned, placing a hand over my mouth. Through the buzzing of my audios, I faintly hear Ratchet call my name.

I just shuddered, feeling my core temperature rise. I'm moved from my perch on Ratchet's shoulder and I feel him scan me.

"Optimus her temperature has risen, she's having some sort of reaction." Ratchet reported, sounding slightly baffled. "But my scan isn't picking up what's causing it."

"I think I'm gonna purge." I managed to get out, not really wanting to throw up on poor Ratchet. I'm placed onto the platform by the bin. I rest my chin on the edge for only a moment before I actually purged, gagging as my tank clenched.

"What's wrong with her?" Raf, was it Raf that asked?

"She was fine a moment ago." Miko added as I purged again.

"We are unsure." Optimus voiced. His tone and bond expressing his worry.

I manage to groan out: "All-Spark… Well... something feels wrong."

I flinched as the monitors start beeping; I groaned, the sound not helping with the pulsing of my processor against my skull.

"Blasted Earth check!" Ratchet grumbled. "Cliffjumper's signal popped back online."

There was a tense moment full of disbelief.

"Who's Cliffjumper?" Miko.

I listened as they debate the possibility that his signal could just pop up.

"If there's any chance Cliff's alive Ratchet—" Arcee started.

I felt Optimus' optics—and his silent soft questioning—and I managed to look up at him. It wasn't possible, no one could come back without my assistance and the matrix's. I made sure to make to express it both physically and over our bond that I doubted it.

I closed my optics, once again leaning on the edge of the bin, dazed.

I heard the Ground-Bridge start up and the familiar transformations. I pushed myself to my pedes and feel back into a chair at the human size monitors. Ratchet scanned me again.

"You're stuck here…on Earth." Jack filled in in realisation.

"With the likes of you, yes." Ratchet grumbled. I don't have enough energy to make a comeback, just snorting as Ratchet tried to get rid of the kids by offering to send them to Tokyo.

Ratchet rolled his optics and turned to me, offering a servo. With shaky arms, I pushed myself to my pedes again and climbed onto his servo. "Let's get you somewhere to lay, Zelda."

I groaned in response; my tank had settled, and I no longer had anything to bring up after purging everything. I find myself being laid on the large berth in the Medbay, Ratchet placing a pillow under my helm and blanket over my body.

As soon as I'm covered, I'm out like a light.

o-o-o-o-o

Waking up the next morning, I felt groggy but a hundred times better. Sitting up, I rubbed my optics. I crawled to the edge of the berth—I was still in the Medbay. I'm hardly surprised, Ratchet wouldn't likely let me out of his sight until I was in full working order.

"Morning." I greeted, spotting Ratchet.

He vented in relief. "Good morning, my scans show that whatever caused your episode last time has complete vanished. How do you feel?"

I wiggle my digits as I look down at my servos. "Other than slightly tired and hungry? I'm good."

"I'm glad." Ratchet murmured and offered me a servo, which I climbed onto. My toast and glass of energon was on the coffee table in my little second floor in the Hub. I start eating as soon as I fell onto the settee, moaning as I took a bite of the bread.

I take my time as to not accidentally upset my tank, watching as Ratchet examined something.

"What are you doing? What happened… last night?" I questioned, I'd almost forgotten about Cliffjumpers's signal.

Ratchet vented again, this time in a confused manner. "It is hard to say, Arcee explained that it looked like he'd been experimented on—he was covered in whatever this thing was. It made Arcee dizzy."

"You have no idea?" I frowned—after I finished downing the remains of my energon—once again climbed onto Ratchet's servo then his shoulder.

"None, all I know is the base elements of this goo are like nothing I've ever encountered but must be extremely concentrated to have affected Arcee so rapidly. Unfortunately, complete results are slow coming without the use of proper diagnostic tools!" Ratchet explained, before grumbling in annoyance. "Thank you very much, Bulkhead!"

I pat his helm in sympathy.

"It's a good thing that no one else is here to disturb you, right?" I smirked lightly.

"Indeed." he grumbled. "Houseguests can be such a bother!"

I jump from his shoulder and on to his work station so that he should look into his microscope without accidentally causing me to slide off. As soon as my feet hit the table, a rattling made both Ratchet and I pause.

"What?"

There was nothing there, I frowned, continuing to watch the area as Ratchet went back to work. There's another sound, almost like something was skittering across the floor. Something silver catches my eye.

"Uhh, Ratchet." obviously, my tone was enough to make him turn around. My optics widened as a metal creature with a single purple optics started running towards us. I couldn't stop the short shout that escaped my vocal processor.

o-o-o-o-o

You'll have noticed that Zelda refers to everything mostly by Cybertronian terms (body wise anyway), this is because when she became the All-spark, she gained the knowledge and since its's Cybertronian, it changed her way of referring to things.

Zelda from Timeless will do this eventually too, lol.