Chapter 2:
During the trip back to Kaon, Shadowcrest left about halfway through the trip, stating that she was to meet with on of her contacts and see if they will join with them. She had ask them orbital cycles ago and until now that they have their answer, she will go to see what they have decided on. Shadow also claims that if they were to join in the cause, it will be a game changer, this is another with great power to tip them of winning the favor.
Shadow stepped off the transport, and walked up to a group of mechs, one was holding a sign with her name on it. The purple mech noticed her and bowed deeply as well as the other two who were standing guard. Others mechs and femmes were watching to see what it's all about but she did not care, let them see that she is an important femme.
"Ah Shadowcrest, thank you coming on such short notice."
"Thank you for having me Royal Advisor Cyclonus, it was no trouble I was on my way to Kaon when I received his message to come." Though many others would have bowed back to the Royal Advisor, Shadow was allowed not to bow, not once has she ever bowed and never will. Not even to those who are leaders or kings, anyone who has higher power than her. As to why it is too long to tell though he knows why and thus allows her not too.
"Ah yes! How did the meeting go in Iacon? Did it pass through?" All four of them started to make their way to another transport, though this one is private one used by the Royal family, and other officials. Shadow sat down right now to Cyclonus with a heavy sigh, "It was not in our favor, they voted not to help or change anything, I'm sure the news has spread through Cybertron by now."
She looked out the window as the transport shuttle started to leave the port and head towards the most remote city-states in Cybertron, the Kingdom of Vos, it is the only place with a king and or Matriarch ruling. They are separated from everyone else, if you do not have an invitation then you are not allowed within the city, and will be punished if caught. Vos is the only place for seekers, grounders are not allowed unless invited, which is hardly never and Shadowcrest is one of those allowed within and personally meet the king.
"This is not good, the southern part is already dwindling, we have offered many of our resources on our king's command but we cannot offer to everyone. But why? Why would Sentinel do this?" Cyclonus was getting mad, he and the king too believe what the Council is doing is wrong and that they are corrupted by greed.
"You know how they are, they hide behind their credit and put the blame on others, they are microrats and have no back-strut to stand against Sentinel. But soon he will have no power at all."
Cyclonus hummed a bit, there was a comfortable silence between them, Shadow continued to stare outside, it has been a few stellar cycles since she has been here, what has been happening as well as preparing for her trip to Iacon has now allowed her to come and visit. She can't wait to see the others again and it was nice to see Cyclonus again. He is a dear friend and always will be, at first he didn't want the king to have her at Vos but now he welcomes her as if she was a seeker. Well technically she is, considering she is Praxian, so she has some leverage.
The trip was a short one, her and Cyclonus step of the transport and she couldn't help but not smile. Oh how she missed this, there were at the tallest tower in Vos, the Palace, it was marvelous, especially the view. "I will never get tired of this view Cy," another pleasure, she gets to give him nicknames.
Cyclonus rolled his optics and waved his servos so that the two guards can leave them as they made their way inside. The hallways are still the same as before, with elegant archways and high ceilings. Painting of the previous rulers and other famous paintings, lined the walls, though two painting stood out.
Both were seekers, the first one had a mech, he was wearing the Vosian Crown, giving that he was the king at some point, his wings stood proud like a ruler should, his color scheme was that of great importance, he was all red with gold and silver accents, his helm was all black with gold optics, even in the painting his optics showed with great knowledge and power.
The other had a slightly younger mech his wings were slightly droopy but everything about him had elegance, his color scheme was also showed his status. All white with black and turquoise accents along his body and wings. His helm was white with blue optics, in his you can see he was a very kind mech.
Shadow couldn't help not give a sad sigh, former King Solarwind and his little brother Prince Skyburst, both passed some time ago, both were killed in an attack of the royal palace, leaving the last remaining sibling to look after the kingdom. Though she didn't know them personally only meeting them on few occasion, she was there when attack happened, it was something that will haunt her. It was heavy toll on everyone within Vos, especially the remaining prince, the now current king.
"So how is he doing? Has it gotten stressful again?"
Cyclonus gave the painting a quick glance and Shadow saw a sad gleam in his optics but it was quickly gone, "sometimes it can be, but he is pulling through, being made king at a young age was something, and he was not trained for it but he is pulling through."
Finally the arrived at a set of doors, which would lead into the king's office, upon entering the room is quite the opposite of what many others would think, no this room was quite large with every inch of it being covered in datapads and empty energon cubes. It was dark, due to the curtains covering the large windows in the back of it, in the middle was a very elegant desk though it was hidden underneath so many datapads.
"Yes, he is pulling through very nicely." Shadow couldn't help the sarcasm that came out, this was a big mess, usually this place has less clutter but something must have come up. Most the datapads laying around aren't even about the kingdom at all, most of them were probably designs of some experiment that he is usually working on.
"Oh shut your mouth."
Shadow moved a few datapads which were right on top of the chair, sitting down to rest up a bit before she has to deal with the king. He can be a handful considering this is the state of the office, she is worried that he will also be a mess. Cyclonus, being the Royal Adviser and all, started grabbing datapads left and right, putting them in separate piles. Then from there organising them in back into their respected shelves or back on the desk so that they can be reviewed and signed. While the other pile, which were his own doings, were placed by the door so that they can be taken back to the king's quarters, where they should be in the first place.
Shadow couldn't comprehend how Cyclonus could do all of this in just a short amount of time, she would have given up when she just walked in. Well the mech does have many stellar-cycles of experience which she can't compete at, "he has been having problems with a few things but I rather let him tell you."
"You must be concerned about this."
"I am."
An optic ridge lifted up a bit, Cyclonus is a mech that never backs down from anything really but this is something, before she can say anything, she sensed something on the other side of the door, and sure enough it was quickly opened by a white, red and blue seeker. Oh how time has past since she last saw him, she couldn't help but miss him.
"There you are you ungrateful youngling! What is the meaning of all this mess!"
The king was so absorbed into the datapad he was reading, he wasn't expecting Cyclonus to speak out of nowhere, that he let out an unkingly squeak.
"Cy! what are you doing in here!?"
It was all fun watching them argue but she was starting to get bored, their argument was quite heated meaning that the king did not know she was there and decided to play a small prank on him like she used to when they were younglings. Slowly walking behind him, she quickly pinched the underside of his wings. Now this caused a high pitch scream that had the frequency to break glass! Shadow ducked, as she laughed, in order not to be hit by the gigantic broad wings as he spun around to face her.
"Who dares-Shadow!"
"Hello Starscream," the two of them hugged, she didn't want to let go, they hardly get to meet anymore due to all the trouble that has been going on and having these moments are the best. Nothing can compare to seeing an old friend again.
Though the moment has past and they parted when it started to get a bit awkward, "well you got here pretty quick, usually takes you an orn to get here."
"I was headed back to Kaon, we had just left Iacon when you sent the message to meet."
Starscream walked over to his desk and sat on the same chair, handing the datapad he was holding when he walked into Cyclonus. Cyclonus took his position to the left of his side, waiting silently as they started their meeting.
"I will ask about that in a second but I want to give my decision about the issue, I've spoken to my generals and my trine. And we have agreed to help you," this was great! With Vos on their side, they can easily win the vote, even Iacon has been wanting Vos on their side but Solarwind turned them down and so has Starscream.
"However, we need to meet with this Megatron though, we need to know the full plan and of course see how he is as a leader."
Shadowcrest nodded, she expected this from him, wanting to meet Megatron. She had spoken about him in the past, about how he had taken care of her brother when she was not around and how he can be a strong leader to lead their people to a brighter future. He needs to see how Megatron is with his own optics. Just the thing is finding the time to meet and where! Starscream has only gone to Iacon and Praxus the, grounders much like Megatron would not be allowed in the city.
"That I can do, to be honest I haven't told him, that my contact comes from Vos let alone the king of Vos. So this will be a surprise but how will we do this? I'm not sure you would want to go to Kaon and he can't come to Vos for obvious reason."
Starscream seemed to be taken back by that, meaning that he didn't think this through, he turned to Cyclonus, though Cyclonus just raised an optic ridge, giving him a clear message that it is up for Starscream to decide. Shadow waited patiently, she knows by now that he will be analysing every option until he finds one that is suitable for him.
"You said he was a gladiator, a very good one at that correct?"
It was true, ever since she knew Megatron, he was a gladiator for a very long time and throughout the stellar-cycle he rarely lost a battle. "Yes, he is, please don't tell me you want to go to one of his match."
Of course, Starscream would want to go see a match, ever since she told him about them he had asked her if he can go watch but she always denied him from going since he is a King. As well as having a seeker in Kaon usually meant...other inappropriate things really.
"Come on Shadow, like I said I wish to see how good of a leader is and from what you have told me, he usually gets followers at the match and so this is a perfect opportunity."
It could work, they could Nitro's office for the meeting, it won't be hard to get him to agree to lend his office. Just throw a random amount of credits and he will do whatever you say, though it would have to be in secret, she didn't want anything to happen to Starscream, she would have to be his guard and he would have to bring at least his trine if anything happen.
"Fine but there will be rules, first change your color scheme and name, bring your trine but only them and we will do this in secret alright?"
Starscream seem to think about it and so he agree to the terms, Cyclonus seemed at least to be pleased but she can see in his optics that he was not ok with him leaving the city. However there was nothing that can be done, once Starscream had an idea in mind, it would be hard to change his mind.
"This will take place in a deca-cycle, it will take time to prepared and for me find way to bring you in."
After discussing a for a bit, there was a sudden change in air pressure, quickly grabbing datapads that laid on the desk, a familiar bright purple light appeared right on top of the desk, showing a seeker nearly the same build as Starscream though slightly taller.
"Screamer! Why didn't you tell us Shadow was here?" The mech hopped off the desk and bend to one right in front of, grabbing her servos before giving a small peck on the back of it.
"This is a private meeting Skywarp! You can't just pop in unannounced." This is usually occurs with Skywarp, he normally doesn't like being left out of things, which usually causes problems with Starscream since he can't disclose everything to him. Though Thundercracker is usually there to make sure that Skywarp doesn't cause a scene.
"It's nice to see you again Skywarp, though Screamer is right this is a private meeting." She remembered the day that Skywarp became part of the Starscream's trine, it was right after when Star was made king of Vos and as his first order as king he made Skywarp his final trinemate along with Thundercracker. She was there and she couldn't agree more, he was an annoying mech but a loyal one as well.
The doors opened showing Thundercracker looking ready to offline Skywarp, he gave a small nod of acknowledgement to Shadowcrest out of respect before focusing all his intentions back to Skywarp. This is usually fun to watch but this is pressing matters that cannot be delayed any longer, the Kings safety is a must.
"Oh come on, TC i just heard that we were gonna go to Kaon, this is exciting!"
"I really hate you so much."
"I know you mean love Screamer! I always wanted to go see a gladiatorial match, especially if Shadow is going to fight!"
Starscream looked like his was ready to tackle 'warp but Thundercracker is holding him back which is quite funny since TC is the tallest, besides Cyclonus, while Starscream is the smallest. It took awhile for them to settle down and actually sit down and plan what is going to happen, with a satisfying plan, all that was left to do was update Megatron and the others. She couldn't wait to see Megatron's expression, also with everyone else.
"I forgot to ask Shadow, how did it go with the Prime." Skywarp looked at her curiously, a quick glance at the others showed that they were also curious about it. So from there she explained what happened and received reactions that she knew were coming. Thundercracker being the most quiet one had a neutral face but in his optics, they were clearly showing disapproval. While Star and 'warp screamed about how stupid the whole event was, Star looked down right murderous, "I'm glad that you turned down to meet with Prime, this is unforgivable!"
Shadow turned to Star, who had looked away from her but still looked murderous, though this wasn't a surprise there has be talk that city-states are already picking sides about this and Vos is a neutral territory, with its own resources so it doesn't have to rely on anyone else. Meaning they are a powerful ally, which of course Prime would want to try get them on his side but he is too late. This will be another matter, it will up to Starscream to decide if he will announce it when the times comes.
But for now, that will be at the back of the mind, there are more pressing matters. She was proud of Starscream, he has come a long way in the beginning, he wasn't trained to rule, he was the third son right behind Solar and Sky but with them deceased, he was trained to become the next king. Though in the beginning he struggled, he was more of a scientist than a ruler now he is able to balance both.
After some discussing, finishing up loose ends, it was time for her to leave. As much as she wanted to stay to spend time with the seekers, there was so much left to do back at Kaon. Skywarp was leaking from his optics when she said that she had to depart, saying goodbye to Cyclonus, Thundercracker and Skywarp, both her and Star walked towards the transport she came on.
They walked in silent, just enjoying each other presence, they hardly have time to do this, just hanging out like they used too, sneaking off somewhere in the castle or pranking the staff. Back then it was just fun and laughs, of course sooner or later life will catch up with you.
"How have you been feeling, any problems?"
She knew he wasn't asking about their current event, "it comes and goes to be honest, there are times where it's hard to overcome, I have to leave really."
Star turned to look at her, even though she was wearing a visor, he knew her to well that she was hurting. No one knew the deep secret that lies between them, he has seen what she means, how it comes and goes, the episodes do get bad but some more so than others. In the beginning when it was at it worse, she was here being treated, slowly it ebbed away but there are moments.
"You can come here if they do become serious, we still have-"
"No that won't be necessary, but thank you, for being there for me."
With a last hug, Shadow stepped on the transport nodding to the king of Vos as the doors closed, Starscream watched as it was led out of the city. He couldn't wait to see what the gladiators have to offer.
Lightrunner was just finishing his rounds in the Clinic when he received a message from Soundwave, the message was short and to the point. Very much like him really, he wasn't much of a talker. It stated that Megatron will be returning later on that night cycle, and with news of their mission. Light had a feeling in his spark that it didn't end well, Shadow hasn't contacted him in anyway which usually means she's busy or in a bad mood. Well whatever it was, he was glad that they are back, he won't lie he did miss them all. He motioned for Umbra, Shadow's Blue Corona*, that was lounging on the datapad pile he was reading earlier, to follow him out.
Waving goodbye to Hook and his brothers, he left the clinic behind, walking towards his home. Kaon's biggest gladitoral area; "Point Break". There he would meet up with Megatron and the others and catch up on what he missed.
Entering the private area where the Gladiator's quarters are, he passed by a few mechs and femmes that were about to head out to hit the bars or that were turning in for the orn. As he did, he got a few invitations but declined them all, he was a mech on a mission. A lavender color femme draped her arm around his shoulders, giving him a flirty smile giving him a promise of something more.
"Come on Light, you've been working hard, you could use a break."
Leave it to Crosswire to want everyone to have a good time, "Thanks Cross but I do have a day off tomorrow so I think I'm good." Crosswire rolled her optics, giving a small smile she walked off to find another mech or femme to have a fun time with, more than likely she'll find Flamewar to hang with.
Though he should have told her, Shadow was coming back those three are close but Shadow will find them in due time. Continuing, he entered into the shared quarters of Shadow and Soundwave, the mech was sitting over a terminal he constructed all on his own, reading new data that passes back every klik. He may be a medic, he is quite used to reading many datapads, though this is a bit extreme even for him. He can't read so much without his optics hurting, he wonders how Soundwave handles it. Umbra went over to rub against his legs again without looking 'wave bent down to caress his ears, much like he does with Ravage.
"Any new updates, Soundwave?"
Not even looking up, the mech shook his head indicating that no new message arrived, he walked over to his siblings side of the room, on the berth were two little lumps underneath the thermal blanket. He could already guess it was new additions to their little family, Rumble and Frenzy. Shadowcrest was Pitbent and raising the two orphans and since they are cassettes, Soundwave also volunteered to help raise them. Both were malnourished, but with the help of both of them they are now perfect health.
Now that was missing was everyone else, sure they could have met them at the terminal but it was too much of a long walk to get over there and with a big group it would bring the attention of some enforcers. The good thing was that they didn't have to wait long, the door to the quarters to open, Nano was the first to enter, groaning as he went over to Light to drape over him. Light smiled, usually he would hate it when he did this but he isn't gonna complain. Megatron walked in also, letting the door to slide close behind him. Both Soundwave and Light noticed this, Shadow was suppose to be here, where is she?
"Light! I'm so tired!"
Light didn't really care what Nano was going on about, Megatron walked over to Soundwave to give him a datapad so that he can input the information into the terminal. "Query: Location of Shadowcrest."
Megartron rubbed his optics, giving a clear indication that he was quite tired, "she left to go meet with one of her contacts, apparently they will might join in on our cause. She had to leave immediately in order to meet them at a certain timeframe."
This is nothing new really, she would disappear sometimes, always saying that she is meeting with some of her contacts. Which is weird since she's had them for a really long time way before they were asked to speak with the Council and gain allies. It doesn't matter, she come when she is done with whatever she is doing.
"She didn't mention who or where?"
Nano got up from Light to raid Soundwave's energon cubes, in order to refuel, "nope, come on Light, you now how she is, always leaving without a trace for orns at time. A good thing is though we got to meet one of her contact and you will never guess who it is!"
This was new, meeting one of her contact was a big deal considering she went through lengths to keep their identity a secret. "Query: who is contact."
"None other than Senator Shockwave himself! We got to meet him over a Iacon, he was the one that pushed our appointment up ahead and his-"
"Nano we do not want to hear about his work, but yes we did get to meet with Shockwave, and he too is an ally of ours now."
Senator Shockwave has a lot of power, which is a good thing, though the question remains; how does Shadow know these mechs? Of course he was happy that Nano was able to meet his so called hero.
"So I'm guess it didn't go well?"
Both Nano and Megatron didn't answer nor did they need to, Soundwave was impassive but did lower his head slightly to acknowledge the new information. Light had a sinking feeling deep down, there was nothing they could really do right now but again for another long while. He was glad that Shockwave went out of their way to help them which might have made a small difference though they lost the battle!
Megatron stood up heading towards the door, "we will discuss more about this once I'm in a good mood." Nano nodded, Light got up so that both of them can go to their shared quarters, which was right across from Soundwave's.
Once all three mechs had left his quarters, Soundwave turned off the terminal, stretching his comfy chair, which Nano built for him. He lifted up the blanket to make sure Frenzy and Rumble are still asleep since they are younglings they needed to sleep a bit more.
There was a beep coming from his personal datapad, taking a quick glance he notice that it was Shadowcrest requesting a video call. Quickly he accepted the request and there was Shadow giving a small smile.
He could hear the faint sounds of the city in the background, "how are you?"
He retracted his mask as well as his visor, "it's been something really, was quite shocked that you didn't walk in after Megatron. How did it go with your contact?"
Shadow let out a sigh, "went well, tiring really, I just left so it will take two orn to get back to Kaon." He can take her word.
"Where are you right now?"
She gave a quick glance around her, before shrugging, "Somewhere in Crystal City," Umbra nudged up against his arm in order to get a good look at his owner. Silently he wondered where Ravage have wandered off too, he wasn't worried though, he knows that his cyber-cat is close by.
"Hello, Umbra, hope you've been keeping Light company?" In response, Umbra gave a loud purr of agreement before stalking off to his desired spot in the room. "Though I do have a favor to ask of you, see since my meeting went well, he wants to meet with Megatron in order to judge for himself and…"
Soundwave immediately knew what was going to happen, "they want to see him fight in the arena?" In the arena, many citizens have seen the power that Megatron has, and it is there that he can give speeches to everyone who is willing to listen. Basically this is what brought Soundwave to Kaon in the first place, hearing this speeches he knew that he wanted to be a part of it and so he left his home of Cyber City.
"I've been telling him about Megatron for a long time and, see what I have said to him is true. With this I need to make sure everything must go as planned, he is my old friend Soundwave so I want to be sure he will be safe here." Shadow did look concern about this, which is a first, she only concerns herself over Lightrunner. Hardly for anyone else, Soundwave felt something about this, but agreed nonetheless.
Shadow nodded her thanks to him and told him the plans that were already made, all that was missing was security and to obtained Nitro's office. This isn't hard at all, Soundwave already has access to all the security within PointBreak and outside perimeters which means that he will know what is happening inside and outside the arena. If anything happens he will know, this can put Shadow's and the contact processors at ease.
"Thank you, Soundwave, I should let you go and rest, I'll be back in two orns, say hello to the others for me." The screen then turned black, ending the call, with a sigh Soundwave stood up to get ready for the recharge. The sound of the vent opening was heard, meaning that Ravage was back from his little outing, doing his routine and with Ravage back it's time for recharge.
True to her word, Shadowcrest did return in two orns, and their normal routine was back in order, all of them have decided to take a break from politics and junk, going back to what they do best. Fighting. Nitro was not really pleased that two of his credit making Gladiators were not making them a profit and so he decided that Megatron and Shadowcrest need to make it up to them. Which means another event, a Showdown to bring in the crowds. Which both agreed right away, needing to let off some excess energy, Shadow continued her training and going off with Flamewar and Crosswire to go look for new mechs or femmes who seem "worthy" to be recruit while Megatron trained the others.
Nano was also hard a work, repairing weapons and shields as well as working on new designs for Shockwave to overlook, getting his opinion on them. Light was working between the Clinic and the PointBreak's Medbay, repairing those that went against Megatron and thought they could win. Soundwave was with Nitro, working on a roster of who will be fighting in a deca-cycle to bring in the crowds.
This event will be big and everyone has their servos full to ensure it will be worth it. While working with Nitro, Soundwave decided to slide in that he would need his office for a meeting, with a few tweaks here and there, the office was his to use on that orn, all he needed to do was work on the security and upgrade it.
Megatron was overlooking the training of the other Gladiators, everyone seems to be proving, all of them are trying to prove their worth and make it up to main part of the event. These usually last for three orns so that everyone can get a chance to partake in it. This is what he was mostly looking for to, bigger crowds, a thought crossed his mind that he would need to work on speech really. Feeling a presence behind him that made him stiff, hardly anyone can sneak up on him but for some reason she is able to do it.
Shadow walked up from behind to stand next to him, there was something off with her ever since he first met her. Don't get him wrong, he likes her, would even go as fair as to call her his own youngling. Which he never thought would happen. He care deeply for Light, Nano and her but he doesn't know her at all now that he thinks about it.
"How is the training going? Not pushing them too hard are you?" Shadow gave a side glance at him while smirking. Megatron hmmm at her, this type of training is nothing really, he can push them harder if he wanted.
"Please, this is nothing and you very well know it." The two of them were having a little bonding moment, only this is the time that they can. The clash of metal filled their silence, Megatron remembered the day, much like she now, she was watching them train, staring at them with deep interest. Telling Megatron that she wanting to fight as well. He was really shocked that she would say such a thing considering she was a youngling still having some time before going into her adult frame, however he finally agreed to let her and sure enough Shadow showed great promise. Immediately beating all the other younglings that were in training, Nitro saw this and decided for her to go against the adults.
She beat half of them, it was like she had pent up energy that was just waiting to unleashed, he wondered how Shadow was able to beat them, where did she learn how to fight, and an expert at weapons? Nitro didn't question this, making her one of his Gladiator right on the spot. Shadow didn't say anything but looking content, which was weird to say the least.
"What are you two doing?" And the moment is over, Nano flung his entire weight on Megatron while Light wrapped his arms around Shadow's shoulders, resting his chin on her head. Soundwave stood next to her with his datapad typing away, Rumble and Frenzy were more than likely tucked inside him. "Nothing that concern you!"
Nano laughed, as did the others, "Aw look at the family!" And of course Impactor had to ruin everything. Though he had to admit, they are part of his family, he was hesitant on taking on Light and Shadow, with Nano he was forced to raise him but now he wouldn't change it for the world. He won't admit it out loud, no one needs to know that.
Grumbling, he looked at Soundwave, "make sure he isn't in the event," Impactor started to whine Drixco, his silent friend, started to laugh at him while trying to calm him down. The others were also laughing but quickly going back when Shadow gave a look, no one wants to mess with her.
"Query: Everything ready?"
"Anyways, the Medbay is stocked up for any injuries so nothing to worry about."
"Weapons are all repaired, and locked up so no tampering."
"Found a few mechs and femmes that want to join, will begin tryouts later."
"Then everything is counted for, feels good to be back."
Light scoffed at him, "things haven't been the same without you guys either, Impactor tried but he isn't you."
Impactor is an old friend, he means well however he can frag up big time, they did want to recreate the incident when Megatron was stuck in the Medbay. He couldn't help but shudder at the memory.
"Megatron how about it little sparing, could blow off a bit of steam."
Megatron smirked, only one that can keep up with him his her, and he is always willing to fight her.
"You're on."
End of Chapter 2