Title: Forever – Locked Away
Author: pl2363
Series: Transformers AU/G1
Rating: M (interfacing, sticky)
Notes: Optimus Prime x Prowl. The past and present collide in an unexpected way. Will Prowl and Optimus' love for one another endure despite the huge obstacle that the Matrix poses for them?
Primus story is based in part from Marvel comics but altered to fit with Regardless Universe. The concept of the Matrix making bonding impossible already used in my previous fic 'A Little Love to Ease the Pain'.
Title taken from "Wandering Star" by Portishead:
"Those who have seen the needles eye, now tread,
Like a husk, from which all that was, now has fled.
And the masks, that the monsters wear,
To feed, upon their prey.
Wandering stars, for whom it is reserved,
The blackness of darkness forever…"
Also... Transformers belong to Hasbro. I am just playing with them.
"What in the world is that one?" Jazz asked as he leaned in close to the monitor screen, bumping shoulders with Prowl.
"I'm not entirely sure, but it is very intriguing." Prowl slid his chair over to allow Jazz more space to gawk at the images sent back from Cybertron. A scavenging team had stumbled across what must have been the High Council's former building in Iacon, bringing back a slew of artifacts from the long lost past. The image currently displayed on his desk's computer console showed a spherical shaped object with glyphs carved all over it.
"I can't read the letterin'," Jazz said as he leaned back in his seat and frowned.
"None of us can read it. It's in ancient Cybertronian. Ultra Magnus noted in his report they are scouring what older records they do have in search of something to help translate it."
"Huh. Too bad none of us can read it. Fer all we know, it has the secrets to the universe on it!" Jazz laughed at his own overly dramatic statement.
Prowl smiled in return, genuinely enjoying Jazz's buoyant mood.
"So!" Jazz turned to look at Prowl, his optical visor diming. "Heard yer movin' into Prime's quarters, finally."
"Oh, really?" Prowl asked in a nonchalant manner.
Shoving Prowl's shoulder playfully, Jazz made a scoffing sound. "I did, an' it took ya long enough."
Prowl frowned at his friend. "I don't like blindly leaping into things, like some mechs I know."
Jazz burst out laughing. "Ah, Prowl! Ya know me; I go where my spark leads me. I'm just glad yer doing the same, even if it's takin' forever."
"My circumstances are quite different than yours. I don't even see them as comparable." Prowl had shared with Jazz about the Matrix and the issues surrounding it shortly after Optimus told him about it. Jazz was the only mech in his life he could talk to about things that bothered him, and being the good friend Jazz was, he always listened and tried to find the silver lining for Prowl.
Jazz's bright smile faded away. "I know, Prowler. But yer still happy with 'im, right? Bonded or not, that's the important thing. Bein' happy."
Prowl gazed at Jazz for a long moment, then nodded. "Yes."
Jazz threw his arm around Prowl's shoulders and squeezed. "Then I know that things will work out. Just give it a lil' more time."
It was amazing to Prowl just how much faith Jazz placed in fate. He seemed to think that in some magical way things would always rectify themselves. In Prowl's experience fate was not so kind, randomly giving to some while taking away from others. His only defense against the unknown was to hang onto what mattered to him as tightly as possible.
Prowl dimmed his optics. "I appreciate your optimism, even if I have a hard time seeing the world like you do."
Jazz grinned. "Just tryin' to lighten that heavy load ya carry 'round."
"Well…thank you."
"I'm always here fer ya, Prowl."
Prowl realized he not only had Optimus to love and love him, but also the devoted support Jazz offered. He was surrounded by so much light and love, so why couldn't he shake off that sense of impending doom looming in his processor? Megatron was dead. Cybertron was being rebuilt. He had Optimus to love and Jazz to look out for him. Where was this unsettled feeling coming from then? If he looked at it from a logical standpoint, it had to be rooted in his past experiences of having happiness torn out of his grasp. I just need to try harder to move forward, thought Prowl. Stop letting my past interfere with my future.
…
Stepping into the conference room just off the command deck, Optimus found both Prowl and Jazz already there with video feed from the main monitor displaying his oldest friend, Ultra Magnus. The door to the room slid shut behind him as he took his place beside Prowl and turned his gaze to the monitor.
"Hello, old friend," Optimus said as he bowed his head.
"Greetings, Optimus. My apologies for the interruption to your schedule, but this is an urgent matter." Ultra Magnus' friendly smile quickly dissipated.
Optimus straightened his posture. "Tell me what's concerning you."
Ultra Magnus glanced downward for a moment, then back up as his optical shades briefly flashed. "There have been teams sent out to Iacon to scavenge for useful scraps and parts as well as collecting any items of historical relevance."
"I am aware. I just finished reading your latest report," Optimus replied.
Ultra Magnus nodded. "Since my last report, the team that Kup commanded stumbled across a tunnel that they discovered runs deep beneath the former main governmental center in Iacon." Ultra Magnus' face seemed to tighten with stress. "They found a chamber with a large spherical structure at the center, which has yet to be identified. What is far odder about this area, though, is that it is lit. It's being powered by a source we cannot locate."
Optimus furrowed his brow, his interest piqued. "Really? They scanned for the power signals within the walls, correct?"
"Yes. There are none." Ultra Magnus' lips pursed for a moment. "Optimus, Starscream wants to cut into the sphere. He seems to think if we take it apart that we'll find the source of its power, possibly ending our energy issues. But…" Ultra Magnus trailed off, looking extremely worried.
"But?" Optimus prompted.
"There are symbols on the walls, Optimus. Ancient ones. Ones no one can read. I don't think we should be destroying something so historically significant to try and locate a power supply," Ultra Magnus said as he faintly shook his head. "Certainly not without knowing what it is first."
Optimus knew thanks to his agreements with Starscream that he was helpless when it came issues on Cybertron. He didn't like what he was hearing, but he also knew he forfeited his rights when he chose to protect Earth. "There isn't much I can do from here. Starscream is the commander for Cybertron, Magnus."
"The council has met, and we agreed to have each side appoint someone of our choosing to negotiate the fate of this unknown ancient relic. As Autobots, we have selected you." Ultra Magnus's voice lowered as he spoke.
"And the Decepticons chose?" Prowl asked.
"Thundercracker."
"That's a weird choice," Jazz said as he glanced at Prowl and then Optimus. "What's he know about anything ancient or the importance of a relic? What do any of the fliers know 'bout it? They cut themselves off from the rest of us in the old days."
Jazz had a point, but Optimus suspected Starscream had his group choose Thundercracker due to do loyalties and the connection their trine seemed to still share.
"I assume that means I have a trip to Cybertron in the near future," Optimus replied to Ultra Magnus.
"Seems so," Ultra Magnus replied with a small smile.
"Do you think it will add undue political pressure or send the wrong message to Starscream if I bring my SIC along?" Optimus asked.
Ultra Magnus faintly tilted his head. "Even if it does, that is your call to make, not his. As commander of Earth, if you wish to travel with your SIC, that's your choice."
Optimus nodded. "Then I will prepare for the trip and notify Starscream of my time of arrival. I will aim to get there as quickly as possible."
"Thank you, Optimus. Magnus out."
The video screen went dark.
"So, ah, you takin' Prowler means that I'm in charge? I kinda had a trip planned with the fam to see the Grand Canyon. We're supposed to leave the day after tomorrow." Jazz frowned as he fixed his focus on Optimus.
"Sir, while I appreciate being asked to travel with you, I do think the more prudent choice would be to leave me here to command the Earth base in your absence. Allow Jazz to have the time he already requested off to be with his family," Prowl said, clearly agreeing with the undertone of 'you can't be serious' latent in Jazz's question.
Optimus smiled behind his battlemask at the two them. For as long as he had known them, they had protected and looked out for one another. The closeness they shared had been a large part of why Optimus hid his growing attraction to Prowl. He wasn't sure if they might be involved or not, but after hearing about Jazz's bonding to Mirage he saw that what tied them together was more akin to a brother-like relationship. "Earth is quiet. Jazz, you will be in command, but you will share that responsibility with Ironhide. I am sure he can handle things while you are away with your family. Prowl, I know you've wanted to go back for sometime. I think this is the perfect opportunity."
"I see," Prowl replied, as his optics brightened slightly as his doorwings perked up on his back.
"Ooooh! I get it!" Jazz slapped Prowl's shoulder hard. "The big guy wants ya to 'imself."
Prowl shifted his gaze to Jazz, his doorwings flattening and lowering to show his displeasure with the direction Jazz pushed the conversation.
"This will be a working trip, Jazz," Prowl replied in an icy tone.
"Oh yeah, sure." Jazz's visor glinted as he grinned. He was completely immune to Prowl's attempt to rein him in.
Prowl heaved a huff of air from his intakes before turning to look back at Optimus. "Thank you for thinking of me."
"Of course." Optimus gazed at Prowl, resisting the urge to reach out and pull him close. They were on duty and that sort of behavior was certainly not appropriate. Though he doubted Jazz would think twice about such a public display of affection, he also wanted to be sure to respect Prowl's boundaries.
"I suggest a meeting with command staff as soon as possible for a briefing on procedures in our absence," Prowl said in his no-nonsense tone.
"Agreed," Optimus replied.
…
Prowl rolled his head back against the berth and quietly moaned as Optimus mouthed one of his neck cables. The day had been long and stress-filled, making this moment all the sweeter.
They had quickly packed a few personal items, then traveled over the spacebridge to Cybertron one Earth day after the video conference with Ultra Magnus. Starscream greeted them and gave them a whirlwind tour of the government building before meeting with them to talk about the relic, explaining how he could lift the rationing of energon if they had a supplemental source of power. Immediately afterward, they met with Ultra Magnus to also discuss the relic in question. He pointed out the historical importance and the need to preserve what little was left of their history. Prowl found both sides to have merit and didn't envy Optimus' position. Once the meetings had ended, they went to lounge area for some energon and ended up staying to socialize with Autobots they hadn't seen in quite sometime. While Prowl was happy to see everyone, he had also definitely reached his fill of interacting and forcing himself to into the role of an extrovert by the time he and Optimus had arrived at their temporary quarters. They had wasted no time, moving from a passionate kiss just inside the doorway to the berth. Prowl guessed Optimus needed some stress relief as well.
Optimus' fingers trailed over Prowl's chest, pausing to rim one of his headlights, which sent a shot of pleasure zinging over his sensory net. After a few times of awkwardly interfacing at the start of their relationship, Optimus had finally asked Prowl to be more forward and say what he liked and didn't like, offering to do the same. The results had been amazing, leading to some of the most wonderful overloads Prowl had ever experienced. He might not ever know what it felt like to spark merge, but he did find great comfort and love in Optimus' arms, feeling safe enough at these moments to let go and express himself in ways he never did for anyone else.
Dimming his optics, Prowl reached up to lightly massage one of Optimus' finials, earning him a low-rumbled moan in reply.
Optimus pulled back and stared at Prowl with darkened optics as a broad smile pulled at his lips. He then shifted, laying most of his larger frame beside Prowl and leaning over to lick at headlight opposite of the one he had already been teasing with his fingers.
"Optimus…" Prowl said in a hushed voice followed by a small moan of approval as he arched his back.
A large hand slid down over Prowl's torso as Optimus continued his glossa's dance around the rim of Prowl's headlight. The hand came to rest over his abdomen, not venturing any further down. Optimus could be somewhat of a tease, often unintentionally. Prowl knew he was simply caught up with his attention to his chest, but he really wanted that hand to move lower. He reached down and gently guided Optimus' hand over his interface panel. Breaking his focus, Optimus lifted his head to first look down to where his hand come to a rest, then back up to match gazes with Prowl.
Optimus chuckled a little as he started to massage the panel cover. "Sorry. I got distracted."
Prowl's lips parted to allow a soft gasp to escape in response to the intimate touch. "I realize that, which is why I directed you elsewhere."
"I didn't get to your doorwings yet." Optimus glanced at the one closest to him.
"Well, I was hoping that you could do that while we interfaced."
"Ah… sitting in my lap again, hm?" Optimus coyly smiled as he traced little circles over the still closed panel.
"I like that position, yes." Being so open and honest about he wanted still felt strange. He pushed his feelings of discomfort aside, knowing that is was important Optimus knew just how much trust he placed in him. After all, no one, not even Jazz, had ever earned this level of trust from Prowl before.
Their affectionate interplay ratcheted up in less than a breem. Optimus eventually settled into a seated position with his back the wall for support, and Prowl moved closer, straddling Optimus' hips. Optimus then ran both hands up Prowl's back toward the doorwing hinges on each side and started to fondle them. Leaning forward, Prowl initiated a soft-mouthed kiss, locking their lips together and trying to transmit all the passion he felt burning through his entire body into their kiss. Optimus moaned and parted his lips, and Prowl seized his opportunity, delving his glossa into the opposing mouth.
With each passing moment, Prowl shed more and more of his inhibitions, allowing each moan that teased his vocalizer to escape, letting his body arch into Optimus' touches, and giving into the love and fierce passion he truly felt for Optimus and permitting it shine through. Soon his spark was surging in his chest, aching for that connection it wanted. He softly whined, knowing that he couldn't grant its desire to merge. Instead he chose to distract his processor from the spark-ache by finally triggering open his interface cover and then tapping on Optimus'. Prowl broke their long kiss to breathe his request. "Open up."
Optimus' panel triggered open, and he smiled before he leaned forward to capture Prowl's lips with his own again, reinitiating their deep kiss. Prowl grabbed hold of both exposed jacks and squeezed them together, massaging them against one another. The sensory nodes that lined his jack went wild, sending a wonderful, heated pleasure shooting through his body. He moaned in response, only to have it swallowed by their kiss.
One of Optimus' hand drifted away from the doorwing it had been massaging and found its way to Prowl's port where his fingers carefully rimmed the edge.
Their kiss broke again as Prowl pulled back to stare into Optimus' optics. He was so handsome under normal circumstances, but like this he looked incredible. His optics darkened to deep shade of blue, and the look of lust and love playing across his face was something Prowl knew only he got to see. His concentration on the sight before him was interrupted, though, as a sharp sensation of pleasure spiked through him thanks to the finger that had pressed into his open port. He groaned and leaned forward against Optimus as that finger started to slowly pump in and out of his port, rendering Prowl nothing more than a quivering mass against Optimus' broad chest. He let go entirely, allowing himself to moan at will in response to just how good Optimus made him feel. Interfacing had never been this wonderful with anyone else, and Prowl knew half of his pleasure was from the simplicity of sharing himself with the mech he loved with all his spark.
The need for connecting to Optimus grew with each passing moment. His spark started to hurt in his chest again, aching for what it couldn't have. Prowl whined softly. He needed to distract himself from the quiet pulsing pain in his chest. "Now, Optimus. Please…"
"Anything you want, Prowl." Optimus' voice sounded so affectionate but his words still stung, even if the implications were intentional. Anything but a spark bond, Prowl couldn't help but think.
Optimus' strong hands took hold of Prowl's hips to lift him up, quickly derailing his thoughts from the depressing direction they were heading. He straightened his posture, moving into a kneeling position instead of a sitting one, while still straddling Optimus' lap. He stared down at the small space between their bodies, watching as Optimus carefully maneuvered the head of his jack to entrance of Prowl's port.
"Ready?" Optimus asked.
Prowl nodded as he sunk down, his port wrapping tightly around Optimus' jack and connecting them into one. This was as close as fate would allow them to be. Despite the pain in his spark, he focused on the pleasure he felt taking over every system and micrometer of his dermal plating instead. He curled up against the broad chest in front of him and pressed his face into the crook of Optimus' neck. Prowl sat still for a moment, letting his body adjust to the size and shape of Optimus' jack. Then slowly, he started to rock in Optimus' lap, causing a wonderful friction at their interfacing point.
Optimus shifted his hips in time with Prowl's, and the pace quickly picked up. Heat started to roll off both their frames in response the energy build up affecting internal systems. Prowl moaned lowly as he felt waves of deep pleasure radiate through his body with each thrust of their hips. His port started to constrict and pulse around the jack it surrounded in response to imminent overload he felt flashing over the edges of his processor. "Wings…" Prowl managed to say between moans, knowing that was all he needed to tip over the edge.
Large, warm hands slid up his back and out over the backsides of each doorwing, fingers splaying over the surfaces of each one. Prowl sharply gasped as he rolled his hips hard against Optimus. That was all it took to send him careening into an intense overload. His body contorted against Optimus as his hands tightly grabbed red paneling, threatening to leave finger-shaped dents while he rode out the wave of pure bliss pushing through him. Overloading with Optimus seemed to get more intense and last longer each time. He made a satisfied sounding groan as a euphoric feeling filled his processor, blotting out the pain in spark. Primus, it felt so wonderful.
As he slowly started to float down from his high, he realized Optimus was still rocking his hips. Not wanting to leave his lover behind, he tried to respond but found himself too spent to give it much more than a half-sparked try. It didn't take long before he felt Optimus' arms wrap around him, practically crushing him in a bear hug as he reached his own overload. Optimus grunted then made a low- sounding whine as his body heaved against Prowl's in the throws of his overload. Prowl twisted his head to dimly watch Optimus' face, enjoying the view of Optimus coming completely undone. He looked…beautiful that way.
As the overload ebbed away for each of them, their bodies seem to meld into one another, and sooner than he would have liked, Prowl felt exhaustion move in, replacing the euphoria of overloading. Prowl silently stared up at Optimus, who had a satisfied-looking smile plastered across his lips. Optimus' dimmed optics then shifted to lock gazes with Prowl.
"Hm. Now that's a good ending to a long day," Optimus said as he limply reached up to trail his fingers down Prowl's arm.
"Agreed." Prowl couldn't stop himself from smiling at Optimus. "Better each time, I'd say."
Optimus wrapped both arms around Prowl's waist, lifting him to disconnect and then tipping over to lie on his side, pulling Prowl with him so they were lying facing each other. Optimus then leaned forward and stole a quick kiss.
"I like lying up against you better," Prowl said, hearing the exhaustion lacing his voice.
"Anything for you."
Optimus rolled to his back, and Prowl crawled to his favorite spot along the side of Optimus' larger frame, using his shoulder as a headrest. He stared at the center of Optimus' chest, then reached out to press his hand over the area that the Matrix and spark were. Optimus rested his hand over Prowl's, and a thick silence filled the room. They had said it all before. Nothing could change how things were, not without finding a way to free Optimus from his burden. Prowl suddenly felt utterly helpless, knowing there was nothing he could do when it came to something as powerful and important as the Matrix. He winced as his spark contracted painfully in its chamber, responding to his thoughts.
"I'll always love you, Prowl. Even if you stop loving me."
Prowl's gaze shot upward to Optimus' face. Coolant was pooling in Optimus' optics as he stared down at their hands over his chest.
"Optimus… I couldn't stop loving you, even if I tried." Prowl flexed his fingers against Optimus' chest.
Optimus looked at Prowl and smiled as a tear of coolant escaped, running down his cheek. "Primus, I am one lucky mech," he replied as he laced their fingers together.
For Prowl, the spark ache that came with this relationship was well worth it. No one had ever meant this much to him before. However, seeing how much hurt it was causing Optimus was just as awful as the pain his spark would cause him. He knew that talking about it was like poking at sparking wires, only igniting further anguish for each of them. Prowl then decided to change the subject in order to ease the pain welling up for both of them. "We should rest. Tomorrow will be an even longer day with our trip to Iacon on the agenda."
"Hm, you're right," Optimus replied, while offering a small, forced-looking smile.
Prowl relaxed as best he could, trying to bat away his darker thoughts. Concentrating on the warmth of Optimus' body, he focused on the knowledge of how deep their love for one another truly ran. Someday I will figure out how to free you, Optimus… There has to be a way, Prowl thought. There just has to be.
…
Primus had tracked his brother through the universe, following the thread of connected energy their sparks shared, since they were twins from a split spark. A trail of utter devastation lay in his brother's wake. It pained Primus to find his brother had been so consumed by his dark tendencies. He had to do something.
In the distance he spied his brother's form and moved in closer. "Unicron!"
His brother turned to look at him, his optics flashing a deep red color. "Primus. Just in time to see this planet die." In his brother's grip was a small, organic planet. Grinning wickedly, Unicron began to squeeze it.
"Stop! Unicron, please!" Primus felt his spark surge with a desire to protect the planet and the life he could sense living on it. Not wanting anymore harm to come to innocent life forms, he decided to use the power of light residing in him. Pressing his hands together, he spoke. "I summon the power of light." In his mind's eye, he envisioned the planet returning to its original orbit, then he imagined transporting both him and his brother far away. A flash of light exploded outward from deep within his body, and not even a moment later they were in a starless area of universe.
"How dare you!" Unicron yelled, his voice bellowing across space.
"You have destroyed quite enough, brother. The darkness inside you was never meant for what you have twisted it into," Primus replied.
"I am the chaos-bringer. That is what I do, dear brother. That is why I exist. Just because you don't like it doesn't give you the right to interfere in my affairs. Besides, without the darkness, no one would ever appreciate the light." Unicron spread his arms wide. "Darkness, grant me my wish." A long scathe took form in his brother's hands. One end jutted out with a curved blade, and the other end glinted at a sharp point. "Hm, should I behead you or impale you? What do you prefer?" An ugly-looking grin curled his lips.
Sadness filled Primus at the sight. The darkness had driven his brother mad. He was no longer the once random and destructive force that roamed the universe, but a callous, unyielding destroyer that had been consumed by his darkness whole. "I cannot stand by and let you behave this way."
"Ha!" Unicron started to laugh. "Let me? Have you forgotten we are equals?" Without warning, Unicron flew at Primus, the pointed end of his weapon impaling his body. Pain flared over the surface of his frame, and his insides burned around the entry point of the weapon. His brother leaned in close, locking gazes with Primus. "I want to see that light bleed out of you slowly."
Primus refused to fight back. He stared into Unicron's optics, knowing that his love was the only thing powerful enough to stop him. Unicron pulled the weapon back out of Primus' body, only to plunge in again and twist it. The pain radiating through his body was nothing compared to the pain pulsing deep within his spark as he came to realize that his brother had turned on him completely. They had once worked in tandem, carefully maintaining a balance of light and dark, of order and chaos, but that time had clearly passed. "It ends now, Unicron. I will not allow you to continue your destructive path through the universe." Primus reached up to cup Unicron's face with one hand, but Unicron batted it away.
"You are weak. Soft. You won't even use the light to create a weapon to fight back with! How pathetic." Unicron narrowed his optics while slowly twisting his weapon, widening the wound through Primus' torso.
"I am not either of those things. Love doesn't make me weak or pathetic. It gives me the strength to change the course you will take in future. I will blind you with that light and love in hopes of getting you to see the error of your ways." Primus shifted to grab hold of Uncron's shoulders.
"You realize how ridiculous you sound?" Unicron shook his head.
"I summon the light to protect the universe." Primus concentrated on moving them to another dimension of the universe, calling all the power within himself to move them both at once and protect the universe he had come to love. "Transform us to your will, light." A brilliant light poured out of the center of his body where the weapon was lodged. It expanded and engulfed himself and Unicron, then with an explosive flash they shifted planes.
On the new plane of the universal dimension, Primus was left disoriented. He fought to focus on where they had arrived, only to see his brother was no longer in the form an astral being but an orb. It was then he realized he too was an orb.
"Primus! What have you done? How dare you!" Unicron yelled. "I will get my revenge, that I swear! You will never get away with doing this to me!"
By locking Unicron in a metallic celestial body, he could no longer wreak havoc. At the same time, Primus was now trapped as well. A price well worth paying if that meant balance would return to the universe and he and his brother would live on.
xxx
Optimus' optics flared on. He felt Prowl pressed against his side and glanced down to see he was deeply recharging. The images and feelings from the memory file lingered as confusion took hold. That wasn't my memory. How is it possible to have memory file feedback when that wasn't my memory? Optimus didn't understand. It had all been so vivid and clear, as if he was Primus experiencing the battle, the pain, and the love for a brother lost. Primus…was he real? More than a story told to sparklings? Or was Optimus' processor suffering a catastrophic failure or some sort? He wasn't sure which is it was. Twinges of fear prickled in the back of his processor, but he tried to ignore the feeling. He was safe, alert and here with Prowl.
What could have caused that memory file to play for him? It made no sense, then he felt his spark quiver oddly in his chest. He dimmed his optics and pressed his hand to his chest just over where the Matrix and his spark were. The Matrix… was that the cause? If it was, it had never done that before. So why now? Maybe being back on Cybertron after all this time was affecting it. Optimus grimaced at the idea that the Matrix would be acting strangely now.
Looking back at Prowl, Optimus relaxed a little. It had to be some fluke event caused by the Matrix, nothing more. He softly sighed air from his intakes as he let his optics flicker off. He focused on the comforting feeling that came with holding Prowl close and let his worrisome thoughts float away, eventually allowing him to slip back into recharge. He figured when he woke up things would be fine again.
…
The transport shuttle ride was much longer than Prowl would have liked. He was crammed into the cargo area seating with Optimus, Ultra Magnus, Thundercracker, Soundwave, Starscream, and Starscream's sparkling, Starfire, who was seated on his lap.
"Make it something!" Starfire said, sounding just as insistent as his father.
"Make into what?" Starscream asked as he took hold of a small toy that had parts that could snap into place to create different shapes.
"Hm. I dunno," Starfire replied as he stared intently at the toy in his father's grip.
Starscream bent around the pieces until it vaguely resembled a plane. "How about this?"
Starfire grabbed it out of Starscream's hands and closely inspected it. "What is it?"
"A plane," Starscream replied.
"Thunder-ah… hey! You make it something," Starfire held the toy out to the Thundercracker, sitting across from them.
"You can call me TC, if that's easier, Starsfire." Thundercracker graciously took the toy and began to manipulate it.
The sparkling was a nice distraction from Prowl's discomfort at being crammed into the small area with much larger mechs, although he did question Starscream's choice to bring Starfire along. Skyfire had been busy helping deal with a generator that failed shortly before they left, and Skywarp was back on Earth with Lightningbolt visiting with Miles. In a way, it was simply bad timing that led to their small extra passenger, but still, Prowl doubted he would have done the same thing if he were Starscream.
Prowl glanced at Optimus, expecting to see him also watching the sparkling, but instead Optimus was staring blankly at the floor. In fact, he had been acting oddly since they woke from their recharge earlier in the cycle. He seemed…distracted.
Opening their private comm. line, Prowl decided to finally ask if there was something upsetting him. :: Optimus, are you all right?::
Optimus glanced at Prowl, offering a small forced-looking smile. ::Everything is fine.::
Prowl could see he was anything but 'fine', though. ::You seem out of sorts.::
::Thanks for worrying about me, but I am just fine.:: Optimus glanced away, once again staring at the floor.
"Now that's a plane!" Starfire said excitedly.
Prowl looked back over to see the sparkling fingering the toy and smiling brightly.
"Mine wasn't good enough, hm?" Starscream asked with a small frown.
Starfire tipped his head back to gaze upward at his father and grinned. "Thunder-ah-TC's is better. But I love you, so it's okay."
Thundercracker stifled a laugh at the sparkling's logic, while Starscream seemed to almost beam at the statement.
"Well, then. I suppose that is okay, since I love you, too." Starscream squeezed Starfire against his chest.
"Aaa! You're gonna squish me flat!" Starfire giggled as he made half-sparked attempts to get away from the grip he was in.
Prowl smiled. Parents were parents it seemed. Starscream's self absorbed personality didn't seem to detract one bit from that bond he clearly had to his sparkling. Prowl's mind then wandered toward 'what if'. What would his and Optimus' sparkling be like if they ever had one? Would he be as curious as Miles? Or shy like Silverflame? Maybe he would be like Optimus with ceaseless optimism and love for all living beings. His spark then ached in his chest at his thoughts, since he knew it would never happen so long as the Matrix blocked the way. He looked to Optimus, hoping for a reassuring smile. Instead, Optimus seemed to be light years away, his optics unfocused as he stared downward, apparently absorbed in his own thoughts.
The shuttle suddenly shook slightly as it came to a stop.
"Are we there?" Starfire asked as he sat forward in Starscream's lap.
"Yes. Finally." Starscream scooped his sparkling up into his arms and got to his feet. The shuttle door opened, and he was the first to get off. The rest of them shuffled out one by one to the landing area. Starscream told the shuttle operator to wait at the vehicle, then led the way toward the relic they had all come to see.
It was strange to see Iacon in such ruins. Prowl looked out over the landscape of half-toppled buildings and destroyed scenery. ::Sad, isn't it?:: he commented over their private comm. line.
::Hm?::
Prowl's attention snapped back to Optimus. He was holding one hand to his chest as they walked toward to the tunnel entrance.
::The landscape. It's sad to see.:: Prowl said, trying to clarify.
::Oh. Yeah.:: Optimus' short reply instantly worried Prowl. His distracted and distant behavior seemed to be escalating. Prowl decided he should to keep his attention pinned on Optimus. Something felt very off.
They made their way down the tunnel while the sparkling giggled and shouted to hear his voice echo. Prowl kept his gaze on Optimus. What Prowl had assumed was a state of deep thought was starting to look more and more like a general daze, as if Optimus were only half aware of his surroundings.
They eventually came to the end of the hall and passed through a skinny corridor that led out into a large, round chamber. At the center of the room was a huge spherical object on a platform. Ancient Cybertronian glyphs covered the curved walls. The room was brightly lit, but as Prowl glanced around he didn't see where the light was coming from. No fixtures, recessed or otherwise, were anywhere to be seen.
"As you can see, there is a power source of some sort in this area. We just need to find it. My guess is that it's inside the sphere." Starscream gestured to the object at the center of the room with one arm, while holding Starfire close with the other.
"Destroying something mysterious and from our ancient past in order to possibly find some extra energy is a not prudent choice of action. This is some sort of sacred object, one that I have yet to find any record of." Ultra Magnus crossed his arms over his large chest. "We should be trying to find its place in our history, not cut it open."
Prowl frowned, then looked back over at Optimus, who was no longer staring off into nothingness. Optimus' gaze was fixed squarely on the sphere. ::Optimus? You are acting peculiar. Do we need to go back outside, or possibly call—::
"You are both wrong," Optimus suddenly said.
Had he not heard his comm. link? Prowl reached out and grabbed hold of Optimus' elbow. "Sir, are you okay?"
"Like you know anything more about this thing than the rest of us, Prime," Starscream replied as he frowned.
Finally, Optimus glanced back at Prowl. "I know what it is." His battlemask retracted, revealing his smiling face. "Primus is real."
Instantly, worry and concern for Optimus flooded Prowl. "It's a story, Optimus."
"What the frag are you talking about?" Starscream asked.
"Is he okay?" Thundercracker asked.
"Optimus," Prowl said as he laid his hands on his love's forearm. "You are acting very strangely. Do we need to leave?"
"No, he's real. I wasn't sure, but now I am." Optimus' smile widened, as his optics dimmed and went out of focus despite the fact he was looking directly at Prowl.
Prowl's worry morphed into panic. "I think we need to get you out of here."
Optimus cupped Prowl's face, seemingly unaware of the others all staring at them. "I love you, Prowl."
"Sir, this is not really the place or time for—"
"I have to go, but I'll be back. Wait for me, okay?" Optimus leaned forward and placed a kiss to Prowl's forehead.
"What are you talking about?" Prowl asked as he felt his panic spike.
Optimus pulled away from Prowl and walked toward the sphere. Prowl glanced at the others, who all looked extremely confused.
"What's going on?" Ultra Magnus asked.
"I don't know," Prowl replied, not bothering to hide how upset he was by Optimus' behavior as he took quick steps, following his leader and lover. "Sir, please. You need to pull yourself together."
Optimus didn't answer as he stepped up onto the platform and reached out to touch the giant sphere. A flash of light erupted from the sphere and danced over Optimus' frame for a brief moment, then faded.
"Optimus!" Prowl shouted.
"What the frag was that?" Starscream asked.
Optimus' frame went limp and collapsed, falling backward with loud clang. The world narrowed for Prowl in that moment. All he could focus on or see was the mech he loved, unconscious on the floor. Prowl fell to his knees beside Optimus and held his face with both hands. "Optimus!" He stared at his love's face with horror as his fears of something dire happening seemed to all come to life. Primus forbid he have even this small corner of happiness to himself.
"Is he broken?" Starsfire asked.
"What happened?" Thundercracker asked.
"He touched it, that's all. I've touched it, and nothing happened to me," Starscream replied.
"I have too," Ultra Magnus replied.
"Soundwave, don't touch it now! It might zap yo—" Starscream started to scold.
"No response," Soundwave droned.
Prowl only half listened to them as felt his world collapsing around him. "Optimus…" Don't leave me alone. Don't go. What did you mean by 'wait for you'? What is happening? Optimus… Prowl's spark hurt so much it felt like it was burning in his chest. The deeply ingrained fear of losing someone he cared about quickly fueled his desire to not let fate rip another one away from him. "We need to get him medical attention, now!" Prowl said, using his most commanding tone of voice. No way was he going to stand by and let this happen. He had watched too many others in his life die on him. He refused to let Optimus slip away too.
"Agreed." Starscream quickly ordered everyone into action. "Thundercracker grab his legs, Ultra Magnus his shoulders. Soundwave, comm. the shuttle and let the pilot know to prep for immediate take off."
Prowl watched helplessly as the larger mechs lifted Optimus up. He fought to remain composed in appearance, while inside all he wanted to do was either scream or break down crying. Nothing in his life was ever easy, but this was too much. Not able to truly face down his deep-seated fear of loss, he mentally and emotionally escaped into a mode of denial, telling himself it would all be okay over and over.
"Is he gonna die?" Starfire asked sounding scared.
"He'll be fine," Prowl quickly replied, not wanting anyone to contradict what he was trying so hard to believe himself. He will be okay… He has to be okay… I need him to be okay…
A/N- Big thanks to the few of you who have hung in there and read through all the Regardless Universe... Last chapter will be posted next week.
