Chapter 159 - Embracing Darkness

Phoenix P.O.V

/So far, so good/, I thought to myself as I approached a massive defunct oil rig in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico. The behemoth structure was perched precariously above the ocean as it wrinkled far below and for a moment, I thought twice about coming to land on it lest it topple into the waves below.

Starscream had already landed gracefully on the platform and had turned about watching me descend. His red optics shone with distrust and malice. Yet again the thought I was in over my helm rushed to the fore. Folding my massive wings behind me, I initiated the transformation process changing from the flaming, bird-like warrior ''The Phoenix,'' into the femme that now stood before Starscream.

My mass shifting worked to my detriment now and Starscream stood several feet taller than I did, a fact that was not lost on the vengeful Seeker as he rounded on me. The blow came from nowhere as he struck me, and I fell to the ground. ''YOU DARE PRESSUME TO BE BETTER THAN I – STARSCREAM?'' I felt the droplets of fluid rain down as he spat angrily.

I remained on the ground for a moment, a servo clutching at my cheek which leaked energon from the blow. ''Lord Galvatron may think you are worthy of being a Decepticon but I do not share his opinion.'' He circled around me, before he reached down, grabbing hold of my right arm, and hauled me to my pedes. ''I do not believe you have what it takes to be a Decepticon. Those Autobots have had far too much time to brain wash you.'' He snorted in disgust as he looked over my form, noting my paintwork. ''For pit's sake you even look like that self-righteous, spineless Prime.'' He raised his servo preparing to eviscerate my midsection with his talon like claws.

But the blow never landed.

I lashed out violently with my left servo, landing a solid left cross on his face as he leaned in to mock me. He released my arm and staggered backwards. Stepping forward, I followed through with a swift roundhouse kick to his helm which sent him to his aft. I darted forward and unsheathed my sword, placing it yet again against his throat. ''Presume to be better than YOU?'' I laughed evilly as I pressed down on his throat, the small cut that I had inflicted earlier deepening. I unsheathed my sai as well and brought it up to rest above his spark casing. ''I AM BETTER THAN YOU IN EVERY WAY YOU PATEHTIC, SNIVELING SACK OF SLAG! You DARE strike me again and it will be the last thing you ever do!'' I growled down at him and the tip of my sai began to pierce his chest. Starscream cried out in shock and pain and began to try and scurry backwards.

Behind me, the sound of metallic servos clapping together in approval and a truly menacing laugh drew my attention for a moment. Starscream lowered his helm and cowered even further, trying to make himself look even smaller. /Galvatron!/. I retracted my sword and my sai and spun about to face him.

Walking slowly and purposefully from the shadows of the rig, the figure of Galvatron appeared. A smirk plastered on his dermas and a glint of amusement in his optics as he took in the scene before him. ''What about now Starscream? Is she Decepticon enough for you now?'' His optics narrowed dangerously, and his voice took on a cold, hard edge. ''I shall deal with you later for the lack of – manners – you show our guest.'' Starscream quivered for a moment and I briefly wondered what on earth his punishment would involve to make the Seeker so afraid.

Galvatron stepped towards me. He was massive. He was imposing and he was interested in asking me to join his side which meant he appreciated my abilities and wanted them for his own – which meant I had an ace to play. Galvatron turned his malicious optics from his Seeker to me and although I wanted to take a step back, I did not. ''Forgive the rude welcome Phoenix.'' He paused a moment, coming to stand just before me. ''While my Seeker Commander, Starscream, oversteps his boundaries,'' he cast a thunderous glance back towards the cowering form, ''I can not help but beg the question, can we trust you? Optimus Prime can be – convincing to those sparks who are easily led.'' He folded his arms across his chest and stared at me expectantly.

I returned his gaze coolly, fire burning in my optics and flames ignited along my frame as I raised myself to my full height. ''You are not in a position to question my loyalties Galvatron. YOU were the one who approached me.'' A gleam appeared in his optics as he took in the way I responded to him. ''The Phoenix does not need the pathetic Autobots and I do not need YOU. I am here because you promised me even more power. You recognised my abilities over that sniveling, sanctimonious Prime.'' /God how my spark hurt/. A smile spread across Galvatron's dermas at those words. ''If you have changed your mind, or cannot deliver what you promised, then I will leave you too. I will not be controlled by anyone. I do what I please, when I please. Make no mistake about that.''

Galvatron, shook his helm and lowered his arms from across his chest, raising them out in welcome. ''My dear Phoenix, I could not have put it better. However,'' His optics turned icy, and his face lost all expression. ''If you betray us – betray ME, you will wish you were never created.'' He stepped towards me threateningly. ''I will make you beg for death, a death that will not come until I see fit to grant it.''

Inside a small part of me quailed, a sickening wave of fear washed over me and yet a flash of anger tore through me at this arsehole's arrogance. /Do NOT let him sense any fear in you!/. The flames along my frame rose higher and I narrowed my optics dangerously. I transformed back into the Phoenix and stepped forward to confront him. I was now looming above him. ''Are you threatening me Gaviscon? Do you presume to think you can harm me? Do you presume to think that you can control me like Prime did?'' I spat the words out of my dermas so I would not have to endure their bitterness.

Galvatron did not back down, nor did he lash out. That same calculating smile returned to his dermas and his voice dripped like poisonous honey. ''Forgive me Phoenix. There will be no further questioning of your motives – for now.''

The flames began to die down and I nodded my helm. I once again transformed from the Phoenix into my usual bi-pedal form. ''A wise choice. Now, where am I to be lodged? I hope your - facilities - are not as primitive as those pathetic Autobots?''

''Soundwave,'' Galvatron ordered the shadows without needing to look back to see if he was heard. A menacing looking 'Con stepped forward. ''Please show our –''

My optical ridge quirked in silent challenge.

''Newest recruit, where she may make herself comfortable.''

A voice that sent chills down my spine erupted from its menacing maw. ''As you wish, Lord Galvatron.''

As I fell in behind Soundwave, Starscream sneered up at me as I walked past. I glowered at him and in one swift move, sent my right pede crashing into his helm. ''And stay down you slagger!''

The sound of Galvatron's evil laugh followed me down the hall. Something told me I had only just begun to embrace the darkness.