VI.
Hydrangea
Cade Yeager had been out adventuring ever since he arrived in the Autobot base stationed at Africa. Visiting local towns with Bumblebee around the area and buying some souvenirs so he can give them to his daughter Tessa.
Tessa, his pride and joy, also his only daughter. So, he did what he can to spoil her and as well as keeping her safe. When she went home to him, she'd be visiting the Autobot base, which was where he mostly stayed and Bumblebee or Sideswipe would pick her up. And then, she'd visit her boyfriend or he'd visit her. Which was fine for Cade.
Tessa said that everything was going well between the two of them. He prayed that Lucky Charms wasn't distracting her too much.
Otherwise, that would be a problem.
That day, the sun was setting as Cade wondered the forest, taking pictures of colourful plants. But he knew not to touch them in fear of being poisoned. And was careful not to get his backpack caught into any branches.
"It's getting dark, kiddo.—We'll have to retreat soon!—Lest you forget where you came from." Bumblebee said, through the radio, using different audio snippets from it.
Bee can use his voice box since Ratchet had been trying to repair it, but he would only use them if it was for emergency. According to the young bot, it would still hurt whenever he used it. Ever since Megatron had ripped it out, Bumblebee was stuck miming and had so far reduced to using a series of clicks and whirrs.
So, the radio was a blessing for the yellow and black Autobot.
He wondered what Megatron looked like since back then. Even Optimus had spoken how Galvatron had eerily resembled the Decepticon leader. So, Cade can only imagine what this Megatron dude looked like. If only he knew.
Cade sat on Bumblebee' servo as they traversed the forest together. The young scout helping him take pictures in different angles. He'd beep and whir every now and then, complaining that they have to go back now or else he'd leave him there.
Obviously, Cade knows Bee wouldn't do that...
Yeah, he wouldn't.
Right?
Bumblebee whirrs as he points at the sky. "Smoke signal incoming!—Message from our troops is on the line—I bet they need some help!"
When Cade turns to look at where Bumblebee was pointing he saw smoke coming from somewhere and towards upwards in a steady line, but where? "Hey, Bumblebee, what do you say we check it out" He asked and the scout nods eagerly.
As they neared, Cade heard a strange sound as well as the cackling of a campfire.
There were people nearby.
This is not good.
"Hey, Bee, we should head back." He said, looking at the scout. "It might be just people who're camping. I doubt they'd be happy to see you."
Bumblebee glares at him. "You telling me I'm ugly, fool?—Hey, that hurts—and they ask you how you are, and you just have to say that you're fine, when you're not really fine, but you just can't get into it because they would never understand—" The scout dramatically cries and Cade rolled his eyes at his antics.
He sometimes reminded Cade of his daughter when she was younger.
"I'm not saying you're ugly. You're adorable, Bee. Okay? Trust me." Cade says as Bumblebee peeks through his metallic robot finger at him. "You know how humans are, right? They don't really like aliens like you guys–"
"—I'm just messing with you—We still have to check it out!—Follow me, my comrades—" Bumblebee laughs at him before they proceeded to venture forward as the scout ignores his protests. When they came out of the woods, Cade saw mini robots.
Mini robots?
They look like transformers, but baby version. If that made sense. Immediately, he fumbled with he camera in his hands and snapped a few photos of them. That action had the four of them looking at him and the Autobot scout.
He noticed that their eyes were yellow.
And with that he hid the camera into his backpack.
"—Oh shit, here we go again—" Came from Bumblebee's audio.
Cade turned to where he was staring to see a giant metal robot. Its armour was silver and had spikes on its shoulders and... well it was mostly where the robot's joints were placed to be specific. It had it's arms bent towards its face as if it was scooping up water beside the river.
Do robots even get thirsty? He'll have to ask Optimus.
Their attention was snapped back to the baby robots when they cried out as they ran to the bigger one. "Oh shit!" Cade said as Bumblebee attempted to calm them down or stop them.
Both, actually.
Instantly, the unknown robot's head snaps to them, before it dashes towards them. Bumblebee placed Cade down as he hid behind the scout, activating his energon blasters. He watched as the silver bot stops for a moment, only then he notices a human. It was a woman to be specific, what with that super long hair.
A human?
Cade noticed her rushing to the baby robots. It struck him as strange that she would do so in a motherly-manner which reminded him of how his wife had once treated Tessa when their daughter was in distress. Then, the gigantic silver bot covers them from their sights as it transforms its right arm into a big cannon and pointed it at them. The robot was bigger than Bumblebee and Cade didn't know how he can help the scout if he ever needed it.
He was probably as big as Optimus, if not bigger.
This is not good.
This robot that stood in front of them elicited a series of chill and fear from Cade. Everything from the silver robot was intimidating, terrifying, and dangerous. Was the human who accompanied it not scared or terrified by this alien whom was with her Not? Not only that, he noticed how the bot's eyes were red as it glared at them; a terrifying raging hellfire.
A Decepticon.
"Leave with your human and never bother us! Otherwise I will not hesitate to have your helm for stepping in my territory and disturbing my family,scout." The Decepticon snarled in a threatening manner.
Cade saw the woman as she peeked behind the Decepticon's foot. She looked so young. The girl reminded him of his daughter, albeit a little older. He wondered why she was out here and with a Decepticon nonetheless. When her eyes saw the yellow and black Autobot scout they widened with surprise.
And then the Decepticon's words processed in his mind.
Did it just say... family?
Cade pieced it all together. There were four baby robots. A young woman was with this Decepticon as she comforted the four baby robots. And not only that, the Decepticon in question called them his family.
He is a father and Cade knows that he would walk through hell and high water if it meant keeping his family safe. A real father would go through all means if it meant protecting his family. This Decepticon was definitely doing just that, telling them to leave and whatnot. Cade looks back at the young woman.
Her eyes were focused on Bumblebee, still surprised but there was awe in her face. She seemed to be taking every detail what the yellow and black Autobot scout looked like. A smile of excitement spreads across her face before it falters and is replaced with what seemed to be... terror? She looks at Cade.
She frowns at him. The young woman glances at the Decepticon briefly before turning her head back to him. Her eyes were dark—almost black—and she looked at him with a pleading look. She silently formed words with her mouth that he didn't expect.
"Just leave. Please."
With that, Bumblebee snatched him and ran away in the grasp of the Autobot. Cade expected for the Decepticon to fire. To be its shooting target. However, it didn't do anything, and when he looked back red optics glared at them as the small figure of the woman caught the robot's attention before the trees covered them.
It just let them get away.
Trees blurred past them as Cade held onto the yellow and black scout's gigantic hand as it held him. He had to cover his face every now and then because some branches would smack his face. When they emerged from the forest and into the clearing they had originally started from, the sun was almost gone. Bumblebee wasted no time in transforming into a Camaro and drove off in full speed, in no time he found himself in the highway.
Cade looked out the window before remembering his camera. He took off his back and opened it as he fished to get the device he was looking for. His fingers pressed the button to turn it on.
He went to the saved photos area and the picture he was looking for was instantly displayed on the camera's screen. Four baby robots, one with a red paint job, the other one seemed to have one but it didn't have any color and the other two lacking any armour. And they scurried off to the robot... or rather the woman.
When Cade looked up, he realized how fast Bumblebee was going. The outside world was turning into a blur and he almost had a heart attack with each car they passed, looking as if he was missing them on the nick of time. "Bee, slow down a little. I don't think they're after us!" He yelled as the seat belt over him tightened and it only seemed to make him go faster.
And for once more, Cade was afraid for his life.
Maybe, he wouldn't die from an alien invasion. Right now, he'd think he would actually die from a car crash just waiting to happen. Cade silently prayed to God and hoped that the scout would slow down a little.
Agitated noises erupted from the radio as Bee suddenly swivelled off the highway, earning honks and beeps from cars that had to immediately stop behind them. Cade held on to the driver's seat for dear life as Bumblebee raised through the dessert. It wasn't long before he can see the silhouette of the base and it was nearing.
Fast.
The men stationed by the entrance of the military base had immediately opened the entrance as he sped into the building.
Then a few more disjointed lines from the radio came through the speakers. "—gotta tell 'em, boss!—this is of utmost importance!—" With the last blurb, Cade's door popped open and his seatbelt released. When he hesitated, Bumblebee even bounced the driver's seat to urge him on."—out of the car, son—"
The moment he got out, Bee transformed back to his bi-pedal mode and took Cade with him as the bot ran through the halls. Avoiding the yells of Ratchet and the complains of Arcee. wasn't long before they stumble upon Sideswipe talking to Optimus. Both bots turned to them.
"Looks like you've seen a ghost, Bee," Sideswipe grins, making fun of the scout. "You okay?"
Optimus gazes at them with concern. Metal brows furrowed as he waited for their answers.
"—Enemy spotted!—It caught me off guard—I thought my ass was gonna get jumped!—He held a gun to my face—I saw God for at least a few seconds—" Bee said as he panicked, imitating what had happened earlier.
Cade can only nod in agreement.
"So, you're telling us that you almost have caught by Cemetery Wind? Didn't they already said that it was illegal to hunt us down?" Sideswipe asked, raising a metal brow.
Bumblebee shook his head in disagreement as he made beeping noises.
"I assume that it was those poor man-made abominations taken after our image?" Optimus looks at Bee who shook his head again. "If not so, it might be one of the Decepticons."
Instantly, Bumblebee nods his head in agreement. With what seemed to be a deep breath, the scout spoke. "Megatron."
Wide eyed, Cade looks at Bumblebee in surprise.
That scary-looking robot they've encountered... was Megatron?
It seemed Sideswipe was surprised as well.
"Megatron?" The red bot's eyes widened in surprise and confusion. "Wait, wait! Are you sure it was Megatron tho? Because if it was, you and I wouldn't be having this talk. If anything, you'd either be dead or at the medic! And, not only that, didn't he like...died after the incident in Chicago?" Sideswipe looked at Optimus in confusion and back at Bee.
"—I almost shitted when I saw the creature—Blimey! It was huge—" Bumblebee shuddered in fear, glowing blue optics closed tight at the memory. "—He was real! I've seen it... with me own eye!—"
Sideswipe's had the human man thinking.
Cade supposed that the red bot was somewhat right. If the transformer that they encountered earlier was Megatron, should he had killed them? He was evil, according to what he was told and what he had done. So, why didn't the Decepticon shoot them?
Why did it just... let them go?
"Optimus, is it possible for Decepticons to be docile towards humans?" He asked, looking at Optimus. "Like keep them or something?"
"I doubt a Decepticon would be docile towards humans, especially Megatron," Sideswipe answered as the Autobot scout nodded with agreement. "No offence to you, Cade, but most cybertronians don't really like humans. You guys are too... fragile. Cleaning you up would be a hassle and some—some, not all—sees you guys as inferior species to them."
Cade grimaced. "Yeah, we're inferior to the point that one of my kind was able to kill a bunch of you guys." He turns to Prime. "Listen, Megatron has a human with him. She's a girl and he's a little protective of her."
"Did she perhaps appear to be of help to him?"
"I don't think so, Optimus. I saw the girl and she looked normal. Just an ordinary girl."
Optimus said, "I doubt Megatron would let anyone get close to him, much less a human. Forgive me, old friend, I am... doubting your claims."
Bee beeped and whirred, before showing a hologram on the floor, prompting the Prime and the Combat Instructor to step back and make room. He looked at the two Autobots and saw that they were confused. When he glanced down, he was surprised for there on the floor was a familiar face. Cade was surprised that Bee was able to capture it.
It was the young woman he saw earlier.
It was a life-sized picture of her, eyes filled with wonder and awe. Seeing as Bumblebee is a cybertronian, an advanced robotic species, the quality of the picture was quite terrifying. It was like 4D, it felt like she was really there. She stood there on the ground, hair so long that it went just past her knees as she peeked at what seemed to be a pillar.
It wasn't a pillar, it was the foot of a galactic alien tyrant.
The hologram glitches for a moment, before it moves. And she repeated what she did earlier. Her look morphing into a look of horror and then looking in front of her where Cade was supposed to be. She glanced upwards and back in front of her with a pleading look, almost desperate. She says something but there were no sounds, as most of the display was.
The recorded hologram kept repeating.
"She looked at me," Cade said, pointing when the part where she talked came up. "And mouthed "Just Leave. Please.". Then, Bumblebee and I got the hell out of there." Bee nodded behind him with a series of beeps and clicks.
Sideswipe was the first to speak. "It could be a possibility that she's being held against her will." The red bot kneels as he examined the repeated hologram. "But if she's being held by Megatron against her will, what could he possibly want from the human femme?"
"She could be of great help to him." Optimus finally spoke as he held his chin, eyes glowing a darker shade of blue as he looked at the hologram with furrowed brows. "Seeing as Megatron only interacted with humans whom were useful to him. Bumblebee, were you able to save the location of where you've found them?"
"—a step ahead of you, chief!—" Bee said through the radio as he nodded enthusiastically.
"Oh right! I almost forgot to ask," Cade said, remembering the other thing he saw earlier. "Is it possible for a human and transformer to have a baby?"
"By baby... you mean a sparkling?" Sideswipe asked.
"Yes."
"That's ridiculous. There are no records of cybertronians mating with other species and conceiving an offspring."
"Why do you ask, old friend?" Optimus asked after the red bot spoke. Cade reached over to his backpack, fishing for his camera. After his fingers brush on the familiar device, he brings it out. Going to the saved photos and showing it to the two other bots.
"Bee and I saw this when we stumbled upon their territory." Cade said.
"What the frag?! A sparkling?! Here? On Earth?!" Sideswipe blurted out in surprise as he struggled to comprehend words while Optimus studied the image before him. "H-how?! Sparklings don't exactly exist anymore, not ever since Cybertron had died!"
Bumblebee changes the hologram, showing the four sparklings. They seemed to be playing, the same way they did when him and the Autobot scout stumbled upon them. "They seemed to be really close to the young woman and she seemed to treat them like a mother would when their kids are scared." He said, describing the even that played out earlier. "I would know. My wife would cuddle Tessa when she was a baby when she got scared and this woman was doing the same thing."
"—The Dingo is super involved with his kids' upbringing. Sharing parental duties with mom.—A happy family!—" The hologram disappeared, before Bee tilted his head in confusion.
"Yeah, he's protective of them and the girl." Cade added.
Bee chirped in agreement before displaying the hologram of the terrifying Decepticon leader, pointing a gun at Bee. It's glare sending a chill down Cade's back as the small figure of a human seemed to peek out from behind his foot. The forms of the sparklings were barely seen behind him. Both Sideswipe and Optimus were surprised at the sight before them.
"—Leave with your human and never bother us! Otherwise I will not hesitate to have your helm for stepping in my territory and disturbing my family,scout.—" The recorded audio played out, echoing.
Everyone was silent for a second, observing the image and what they heard.
Optimus was the first to speak.
"What is your goal, Megatron?" The Prime uttered. "Whatever it is he plans to do to the human, she will be discarded after he is done with her. Bumblebee, did she show any signs of crying out for help?"
The scout shook his head. "What do you mean she'll be discarded after he's done with her?" Cade asked, a sinking feeling told him he knew, but he had to be sure.
"Prime meant that the bucket-headed fragger would eventually kill her after he's done with the lil' lady," Sideswipe said as he crossed his arms. "Just say the words Optimus and we'll go in there with guns blazing to save the damsel in dist—"
"No." Optimus said firmly, glaring at the Combat Instructor. "No, we can't do that. The chances of the human femme being harmed would be high. Let us plan our attack in order for there to be no... casualties."
The Prime sighs.
"—a connection formed between me and her—A link—he calls me softly. Somewhere inside, hiding. Somehow I know he's always with me—" Bee points at his chest, tapping the middle. "—Pretty lil' lady calls to me—The gentle hands reached out to my heart—"
Sideswipe laughs. "Bee, don't tell me you fancy humans." Bumblebee made a series of beeps and whirrs, setting Cade down.
He watched as the scout made aggressive gestures. "—Bring it on, motherfucker—You talk to mah' mama like that, you sick fuck—" The yellow and black scout glares at the laughing red bot.
The red bot puts his arms around Bumblebee and rubs the top of the scout's head with his knuckles. "I'm just messing with you, buddy," Sideswipe laughs. "So, you telling us that you can sense the human femme or are you telling us that she's calling out your spark?"
"—Yes—" The scout nodded. "—Something like tha—."
"We will discuss this with everyone," Optimus said, glancing at Bumblebee. "Given your information, there must be more than meets the eye to this. Bumblebee, gather everyone. Sideswipe, you do that as well. The both of you may go."
A series of agreement and salute were made. Sideswipe was the first to leave. Then, Optimus gives Cade a nod before he too leaves, probably to go to the meeting room. Bumblebee sighs, well the equivalent to it, before he walks off too.
As they were dismissed, Cade couldn't get the image of the warlord pointing its weapon at them.
It was terrifying.
—ooo—
Her fingers rested on the sleeping helm of one of the twins, Blackfire, as she looked at the crackling fire. The sparklings slept around her and Persephone finds herself envying their peaceful slumber. She sighs, tired. Embers could be seen here and there, but they disappear as fast as they appeared.
Her eyes flicks to the warlord.
Megatron circled the camp, cannon still activated as he did so. His footsteps can be heard, but it was soft enough to not startle the sparklings. It didn't take a genius to know that he was on high alert. After all, if there was one thing Persephone was sure is that when Bumblebee is there, it meant Optimus would be nearby.
It would have been fine for Persephone if it wouldn't be threat to Megatron's safety.
She was aware of her feelings for the warlord. A little crush she harboured for the past decade of her existence, as well as the crush she have for the Prime. A little crush. Something that would disappear in due time.
But being in the presence of the warlord, one of the objects of her affection, her feelings blossomed over the course of time they both spend together. It was one-sided because it was stupid to believe that Megaton would see her in such a way. And she would be lying to herself if she said that she didn't grew to care for him. Not just as a character anymore, but a real person.
A part of her wanted to run. Run away from all of this. Run away from him, from her feelings. It scared her; it was overwhelming.
But how could she leave? There was no opening. Even if she did, he could run after her and catch her. Besides, after promising him that she wouldn't leave him. Could Persephone break such a promise?
Things could get messy. She didn't want to get in the crossfire, but she was here. One way or another, she will. Especially rubbing elbows with the warlord.
Persephone sighed, pushing the thought at the back of her head.
It wasn't important, not now at least.
She gets up, making sure her actions doesn't disturb the sparklings. When she looks back at the warlord, Megatron was standing where Bumblebee had been earlier. The night was cold and when the wind blew, a shiver went down her back and goose bumps bloomed all over her body. "Megatron," Persephone called out, the tyrant looks at her.
Startled.
Megatron is a warlord. A terrifying force of nature one mustn't anger, lest you desire to face your maker. He was powerful, deadly, and Persephone was sure he would definitely fight a god if it meant he can have Cybertron in his grasps. A Decepticon.
When he looked at her, he was on edge. A grimace on his face, his fists balled. Persephone can faintly hear the cannon on his arm hum softly. And when she made eye contact, she saw one emotion in his optics.
Fear.
To see him like this broke her heart.
And then he clears his throat.
A cold breeze passes over them. Her arms circled around her, trying in vain to stop her body from being cold. The moon was gone and the stars twinkled in her place. Persephone smiled at him.
"Come sleep with us," She softly said, as if her words would startle the metal giant.
"Tempting." The warlord grins, before shaking his head. "But I'm afraid I cannot join you and the sparklings to recharge. I need to stand guard in case another Autobot scum stumbles upon us once more and, knowing them, they will."
Persephone stayed silent, leaning on his pedes. "You don't have to," She frowns. "Besides, I doubt Bumblebee is able to lock on to our coordinates."
"I see you know of the scout," Megatron mused, albeit not amused at all. "Then I presume that you also know who Optimus Prime is."
He snatched her, optics glowing with fury. His teeth bared as he snarled. Megatron glared at her, grip tightening around her mid section. There was a look of betrayal and Persephone didn't know why.
"I mean, yeah," Shoulders shrugging as she raised a brow at him. "Didn't I just told you that I was from another alternate dimension when we met?" Her words seemed like water to the warlord as it washed the angry look on his face as he remembered. And like flowers do in spring, embarrassment blossomed on his face as he looked away.
He coughed, his grasp loosening. Just enough for her to afford comfort. "Right." He said. "Forgive me, I have... forgotten."
Persephone crossed her arms, raising a brow. "Did you think I was a spy? Again?" She asked and he only looked away in shame. "That's like the second time."
"You're aware of the numbers?"
"I keep count."
They both laughed, before shushing one another when one of the sparklings stirred in their sleep.
"You're too loud," Megatron teased.
"And you're too entertaining," She grinned. His optics crinkled as he smiled at her. "You do know I would never betray you, right?"
Her hands reached out to him and leaned his face into her hand. The metal was cool and Persephone noticed how small her hands were when they were placed on his faceplates. There was something about Megatron that charmed her. What was it?
Was it the war crimes?
The fact that he was a little bit crazy?
Was it how much of a bloodthirsty mech he is?
Persephone didn't know, but underneath the soft gaze of his blazing optics, her heart hums in her chest. It must be the setting of where they were. Underneath the sky where billions of stars twinkled, how the campfire barely provided any light to them with the distance they were in, and she didn't know why but it was... romantic. Without thinking she placed her head onto his, closing her eyes.
In that moment, she felt alive and couldn't complain.
The thoughts of running away seemed to pale when she was with him. Maybe, this wasn't the life for her. However, she begged to differ when she was in the presence of the warlord.
"Please, rest with me," She spoke. "And once we've woken up, we can travel and find another place where we can hide."
"You may rest, but I must keep guard," He says. "If any harm befalls upon you and the sparklings while I recharge then I cannot forgive myself."
There was something in his voice when he spoke. It was so soft as if the peace they have acquired would shatter if he spoke too loudly. She chuckled. "You're awfully affectionate. Don't tell me you've gone soft," Persephone hummed in amusement.
"Our survival is beneficial for the sparklings," Megatron reasoned. "So, in order to keep you—them safe, I must be on guard."
"And you wouldn't be able to do that if you don't get the proper rest you need, Megatron." She argued, yawning as she did so. "You said it yourself, we're all they have left, so shouldn't we be helping each other?"
"You should rest, femme. It is late."
"Yeah, and you should rest too."
"No."
"Yes."
"No."
"Yes."
"Not yet, femme."
"You should. As in, now."
"Quit being annoying."
"The only time I'll behave is if you actually listen to me."
Her eyelids were growing a little heavy, but Persephone can manage. He shifts his hold on to her as he sighed. The warlord carries her back to the brood of sparklings. She was expecting him to just drop her near them.
But he doesn't.
Instead, he lays down beneath the shade that covered the heavens above them. He set her on the middle of his chassis, just near the Decepticon insignia on his chest. She looks at him, confused. He sighs.
"Sleep, femme." He commanded. "Your organic body needs it."
"And so does your metallic body," Persephone yawned, blinking rapidly afterwards. "You need to rest too, Megatron."
"And I will recharge with you, if it meant to shutting you up," He chuckled. His finger pets her head and she finds herself leaning into his touch, a serene smile forms on her face.
"Promise you won't get up and leave the moment I sleep?" She slurred, sleepiness dominating her mind as she struggled to fight against it.
Megatron smiled softly. "I promise. Now, rest, my femme."
A silly smile spreads across her face. Happiness warmed her chest as she felt fuzzy. The last thing she saw was a genuine smile from the warlord that Persephone hoped she and the sparklings would be the only ones to see, before letting her eyes fall shut. Her consciousness giving in to the tempting embrace of slumber.
The ground beneath her felt soft, the little patch of grass tickling her cheek as she sighed. Her hands softly grazing the grass beneath her fingers as the sparklings laughter can be heard somewhere. Her eyes fluttered open, squinting as her sight adjusted to the morning light. Persephone closed her eyes again as she stretched before relaxing her muscles as they fell into weird angles and positions.
Sitting up from what can only be seen if a body had been dropped on a sixth floor building, a yawn crawls its way out of her throat. Rubbing the sleepiness off of her eyes, she noticed the campfire had been drenched. The sparklings were playing, with one of them glancing at the forest every now and then. Persephone stood up, walking into the warm light of the sun.
She looks up to see the sun almost at the middle. So, it was somewhere noon when she slept. Her gaze goes back underneath the shade. Head cocked to the side as she thinks that something was missing.
Megatron wasn't there.
Like a ton of bricks hitting her, she snaps her head around looking for the warlord. Drowsiness immediately leaves her system as she frantically looked around for Megatron. She checked everywhere within their area. Unfortunately, he wasn't there.
The sparklings didn't seem to notice that she was awake.
Persephone searched the area, looking for the familiar silhouette of her favourite tyrant. And yet, she couldn't find the warlord she seeks. Her feet leads her to the river. The current moved in a gentle manner.
Where was he?
Maybe Megatron went off to raid a village or town again, like he did before. So, Persephone waited. She steps in the river but didn't venture off in fear of drowning. Her eyes searched for pebbles as she gathered the tiny rocks.
Skipping them on the river to pass the time.
As she tried to, Persephone hums the song Sophia underneath her breath. Her hands takes the first pebble it grazes and throws it on the river.
What was it that Megatron taught her?
"Level the rock with said surface."
Her eyes squints, the humming of her voice dying down as she focused on the angle and when the stone hits the water, it sinks. No surprise there. She sighs and continues humming.
She does it again, pick up a pebble and throw it.
And like before, it sinks again.
The sparklings were still playing amongst themselves, paying her no mind. It was alright. As much as she had grown to love the cybertronian babies, having some space for herself was refreshing. She sighs, her thoughts wondering to the warlord.
To Megatron.
Her cheeks flushed at the thought of him. The image of him with such blazing crimson optics as he emerged from the waterfall had been something that plagued her mind. She felt her face reddened. It was an image that had her biting her lip every now and then.
God, he was so hot.
Why did she liked him?
Fuck, who in there right mind wouldn't like him?
He was Megatron, the answer was as simple as that.
The warlord made her feel things. The happy kind, borderline delusional. It wasn't like the past relationships she had with human men. This feeling she felt was overwhelming.
And she loved it.
When he was around her, she felt a certain kind of high. It was one she didn't want to come down from. Drugs? Euphoria? Toss them out of the window because this, this warm fuzzy feeling in her chest had flooded her with dopamine, was something she definitely can't get out of her system.
She didn't want it to stop.
She didn't want him to stop.
Megatron didn't want her to leave, right? The thought of spending the rest of her life with him scared her... and it excites her. If it meant being with him, even if he doesn't reciprocate her feelings, it was okay.
Persephone felt content calling him her home.
But right now, he wasn't around. A part of her felt sad that he had left her to wake up alone. However, she had no right to feel so seeing as the warlord can do as he pleased. Besides, he didn't really leave her.
If he did, then the sparklings would've gone with him.
Home.
The thought had her stopping in her actions. How was everyone back at home, anyways? Was Lilith alright? If she did get isekaid, did they at least find her body? Did anyone ever looked for her?
A part of her wondered if everyone she knew had at least heard the news that she died. Or if her neighbours or sister filed a missing report afterwards. Surely Lilith was able to safely get away.
God Persephone hoped that she was okay.
Her neighbours were nice people. They were an old couple and the relationship she had with them was familial. The old couple were like grandparents to her. They looked after her and she looked after them.
Lilith wasn't a fan of exploring outdoors. She preferred to sit in the couch and relax next to Persephone. The only time she should to run to the neighbours was when there was an emergency. Persephone trained Lilith to do that and her neighbours knew what it meant if they did see the cat.
If only Lilith was with her, then she'd have something that brings her closer to the once normal life she had. But it was alright that her cat wasn't with her. With the circumstances she was in, Persephone doubts she'd be able to properly take care of her cat. The temperature was too hot for Lilith because of her fur and not only that, she was a picky eater.
So, a part of her was fine that her cat wasn't with her.
Persephone sighed, if she needed something to remind her of home, Megatron was there to do so. The metal dude was literally part of her childhood. Him and the Prime, to be specific.
But still, she felt lonely.
And she was alone.
Alone
Her head turns to the forest, prompting a thought that emerged in her head. The thought that Persephone had been trying to remove.
It's a perfect opportunity to escape.
Escape.
If she wanted to, there was a chance Persephone can live out her life normally again. Sure, this wasn't her world nor her dimension, but she can try and live a normal life. If only she could escape and was free to leave. This was her chance.
And possibly, the only chance she'll get.
Her hand drops the pebbles, feet leaving the water. She walks towards the forest, stopping just before the bushes. Persephone can run. Megatron wouldn't be able to stop her and she doubts the sparklings would notice she was gone since they were busy playing among themselves.
She glanced to the area she called home ever since she woke up.
Her gaze tore between the forest and the make-shift base. Persephone took a deep breath as she made her choice. This was it. Who knows when she'll have a chance like this again.
There was no turning back at this point. No one could stop her. She wasn't a prisoner, but in that moment she felt something as she weighed the decisions within her hands.
Persephone felt free.
—ooo—
Persephone had been on his mind.
Again.
As she usually was.
Megatron had returned from surveying a new area that him and his family can move into. The waterfall, where he had originally planned to kill Persephone, had a cave which was hidden by the big body of water that fell. It was a bit bigger than he had imagined, a perfect place for him and the human femme, along with the sparklings. It wasn't too far, seeing as the Autobots would go somewhere far to search for them if they find their current territory empty.
When he returned, the sparklings were playing. However, a certain human femme was nowhere to be found. "Persephone?" Megatron called out, when there was no answer, he turned to the sparklings.
"Where is your carrier?" He asked them and a series of beeps and chirps were made. Megatron didn't understand them at all. He sighed. Of course, he wouldn't understand them.
Not yet, at least.
"Persephone!" He called out again. "Where are you, femme?"
He goes over to the turned over crates. Megatron found her there back then when she had decided to sleep underneath said crates, so he was surprised that she wasn't there. His brows furrowed in worry. The femme was nowhere in sight.
Where was she?
"Persephone!" Megatron yelled, the feeling of dread setting in. Where was she? Was she taken while he was gone? Or did she decided to leave herself?
No, she promised, didn't she?
"But I miss home. I miss my family. I miss my friends. I miss living a simple life and I know I sound as if I'm complaining, but... I just want to go home, even if it's for a second." Her words echoed in his processor.
He felt his spark sink. There were things that Megatron can give her and he certainly would make her the sole ruler of Cybertron if she so asked. However, deep down, the warlord knew that wasn't really what she wanted. She desired something else.
A simple and normal human life
Megatron could give it to her. He could threaten a human who is of elite status and has enough currency to take care of Persephone. That way, she can have her own normal life, whatever way she wants to live it. But if she were to have a normal human life, it would mean he would have to go.
He wanted to be around her.
She vowed to never leave. Was it a survival tactic for her to get on his good side? If so, then the femme may not be as stupid as he thinks. Now thinking about, that might be the reason she had stayed.
The human femme left the moment she saw her chance.
Megatron growled in anger. He gave out an enraged scream, prompting birds from nearby trees to fly away. Judging from how far the range his voice echoed, based on how many birds flew from the distances, Persephone would have heard it. If she was still nearby.
His spark can sense her. She was near within the area. Megatron chuckled darkly to himself. Did she think she can run without him knowing where she possibly could be?
Persephone will pay for deceiving him.
He stood up, cannon blazing to life as he pointed upwards and fired. A warning shot. If she heard it, was she scared? She should be, because Megatron had already decided on torturing her when he found her for deceiving him.
With a crazed smile on his face and a maniacal glint in his optics, he walked towards the forest. He will not be so kind to her as he was before. How dare she? How dare she deceive him—
"What happened?!" A familiar voice shrieked in a panic state was heard coming from behind him.
When Megatron turned, he was surprised to see her. Persephone. She was soaked, the long fur connected on her helm sticks to her form, and a small towel covered her front. Besides from that, she was bare.
Worry and a hint of panic can be seen from her as she rushed to the sparklings and comforted them. Her helm turns to him, confused. And Megatron was also confused, as well. He thought she left.
Yet, she was there.
She ushered for him to come to her and he did. As Megatron crouches down, he caught a glimpse of rear and a part of him wanted to smack himself. He hoped to Primus she didn't notice. "Where were you?" He found himself asking her.
Was she crying? Her eyes were red. Did it scare her? Realising that she was nearby, he felt bad that he had frightened her.
"I took a bath. I was going to reek if I didn't, " She answered as the sparklings huddled closer to her. " What happened? I heard you calling my name, but I had to wash out the soap in my eyes because it fucking hurts if I didn't. Then, I saw you fire upwards."
Oh, so she wasn't running away. Persephone was just bathing, as most mammals did to keep themselves clean. He felt embarrassed. "I thought I saw that pesky scout again," Megatron said, a smooth lie. "So, I fired a warning shot to let him know that I will not hesitate to offline him. It turns out it was just one of this planet's flora."
Persephone's brows curved upwards in worry as she sighed. "Is the cost clear at least?"
"It is. Do not fret," He answered.
She nods as she quiets down the worry beeps and whirrs the sparklings made. Megatron noticed that by the time the sparklings had calmed down, the fur on her helm had gone slightly dry but still damp. He watched as she folded the towel, placing it on a nearby wooden crate, and then walking towards the shade.
He noticed how her bare body seemed to... entice him. Her breasts would bounce so slightly that it was almost unnoticeable, her hips strutting as his optics lands on her rear. For a fleshling, she had an appealing figure.
Her waist were small, her hips were wide. Her breasts weren't too big and yet they weren't too small either, she had more fat on her rear and Megatron can't help but wonder how squishy it probably would be. However, humans wouldn't like that unless they see the other as a proper mate. He wasn't her mate and he doubts he would be.
She probably would rather be with her own kind.
As most humans did.
And yet, why look at him with such emotions? Wait, didn't humans grow attach to things around them? Megatron tears his gaze from her as she reached for the other wooden crate—the one that he brought her. How inappropriate of him to look at her.
Perhaps, if only she was cybertronian maybe he'd actually have a chance with her.
Such a shame for a mesmerising femme to be wasted on organic flesh. Megatron wondered what here optics would be if she was his own kind, would they be yellow like her own optics would illuminate once the sun rays are caught in them? Perhaps they would be a beautiful red like his.
The Earth star would start to set soon and he finds himself worried about the fleshing. She did say she wanted to fight for him, no? As... desirable her body is, she is weak. She would simply die the moment she engages in battle.
"Megatron," He hears her speak. "Your paranoia is getting to you."
"I'm aware," He snorts. "Especially if it concerns the safety of the sparklings and... you." Megatron looks at the sparklings, refusing to look at the human femme. Guilt slowly eats away his insides, despite trying to block it out. He shouldn't be doubting her.
But what if she were to actually betray him?
He questions her loyalty to him. But can you blame him? In his years of fighting and waging war for the rights of those being trampled on, mechs and femmes alike would betray him. Seldom, but it still happens. Megatron dealt with them properly.
However, he would be lying if he said it didn't leave a sour taste in his dermas.
Perhaps Persephone would be different, but only time will tell. He has yet to get to know her, after all. Megatron sighed, glancing down to see the femme looking at him. He loved it when she did that.
His processor would just go blank.
There was something about the way she looked at him that even if he towered over her in every way, Megatron knew he was under her gaze. He hated that, but Persephone didn't know... and she didn't have to. So, he relished in that feeling. It was borderline witchcraft at this point.
She was dressed in an oversized shirt that hid a beautiful jewel underneath. If she had lower clothing it wasn't visible since the short she wore went past her thighs. As much as her bare form appealed to him, Megatron would rather have her clothed. After all, humans were frail and weak, she could die if she wasn't covered.
Persephone was just a human, after all.
His digit lands on her head and she makes a startled noise. "You're staring, femme." Megatron teased as he pets her. "If there is something you wish to tell me, then I suggest you spit it out."
Her cheeks reddened as she looks away. How quaint. "No, I... don't really have anything in mind." Persephone answered. He noticed the waver in her voice as she avoided his gaze. "I'm sorry, I'm just being emotional."
He heard her sob as she sits on the ground, covering her face with her tiny organic servos. Megatron gently takes her, holding Persephone in his grasps. He tried his best to comfort her—petting her helm with his thumb from the servo she sat while the digit on his other servo rubbed gentle circles on her back.
"Why do you cry, femme?"
She just bursts into tears more.
Megatron let's her be, comforting her as he did so. She wasn't in hysteria like the one when he had attempted to bathe her, thankfully she wasn't like that. When he saw how she reacted, it disturbed him. He saw her like that once and he didn't want to see her like that again.
It made him feel strange.
There was that odd melancholy feeling and a sense of guilt he can't deny.
Once her sobs faded and she had calmed down, Megatron slowly pulls her closer to him. The sparklings had all gathered nearby, confused as to why their carrier was upset. He couldn't answer them. How can he when he didn't know the answer himself.
Persephone sighed, wiping her cheek.
"I feel bad," She said. "I feel like I'm just taking you for granted."
"You didn't do anything," Megatron reassured.
"Exactly!"
"What?"
He heard her sigh, a frown on her face. "I feel useless, Megatron." Persephone said. "You're over there, protecting me and the sparklings—us. And what do I do? Nothing! We both agreed that I would aid you in any way I can and yet I haven't done anything at all."
There was a pregnant pause. His fingers closes in on her as the warlord process her words. Amusing. However, she was a little incorrect.
He laughs. "We didn't agree on anything that day. If anything, it was me who appointed you as my medic. It didn't matter to me what your answer would be, either way, you would have been my medic because of your ability to heal me," Megatron pointed out, not really understanding why she was upset.
Most humans didn't want to do anything, didn't she wanted that as well?
"Yeah, but that's it? I can't fight hand-to-hand combat because I've always been reliant on guns. I was able to heal your grievous wounds, yes, but who knows if I'm able to do that again." Persephone snarled. "In the end, the responsibilities falls on your shoulders and I feel useless because I'm doing nothing when I should be doing something. It's unfair."
He sets her down.
If she wanted to be useful more than just lounging around, First she should learn how to fend for herself. "If that is how you feel, then I shall offer you some training, at least." The warlord said as he cracked his neck twice, rolling his shoulders.
"Training? For what?"
"For combat, obviously."
"I... um why are you bringing that one up now?"
Megatron looks at her and gives her a toothy grin. "You're a medic and as my medic, you must at least learn how to fend for yourself," The warlord answers. "That and also this way you'd be doing something useful."
"I am lowkey slow at the moment, how can this be useful?" Persephone asked, tilting her helm.
"Useful for it will be my entertainment, fleshling." Megatron replied, closing his optics. "It will be enjoyable watching you attempt to recreate my techniques in a small, weaker fashion for your fragile human form."
"Oh really?" Persephone poked. "And just why would you bring this up now? Why not do it before?"
"I was waiting until I could see your willpower for my patience, and of your persistence and strength." The warlord hums. "I refuse to train a born weakling."
"Wait... but aren't all humans weaklings in your eyes?" He heard her ask.
A pleased growl rumbled within his chasis. She's smart, more than he'd give her credit for. His optics opened and it instantly landed on her. A grin stretches his intake.
"You read me well on that part, Persephone." He purred dangerously. "However, there is one reason why I find our case different then any other."
Persephone just stared up at him with a raised brow, awaiting his answer.
" How adorable," he thought to himself.
Megatron was quiet for a moment, and then leaned in closer with a near whispering hiss. "Because, even if you were to disagree with my words, you are powerful. That little processor of yours," His digit softly pokes her forehelm. "Is filled with wisdom and knowledge. You know what I have done and yet... you do not fear me. You claim to idolise me and my actions and even knowing that most of it was wrong, you still continue to stay by my side and bear your loyalty to me. Therefore, deep down inside your core must have a rot that is starting to grow."
He cradles the femme in his grasps, smiling darkly at her. "And I shall tend to that rotting to spread. That way, one day, you will see that your organic spark... is as black as mine."
Perhaps, in a way, they were both the same. She doesn't know it yet, but perhaps Megatron can try to coax that little hint of darkness to unravel within her. The Prime would be horrified that his supposed sparkmate was corrupted, maybe he would even not want her anymore. However, the warlord would love nothing but that.
It would simply mean that Persephone would stay longer beside him.
He watched as she furrowed her brows, processing his words.
There was a pregnant pause.
"Just because I idolised you doesn't mean I condone what you did back then," Persephone said, shaking her head. "It's mostly because I lov–I don't have a choice or say in the matter."
"Oh? What was that?" Megatron asked, amused at her sudden change of words. "It's because you love? Love what? Do tell me, femme."
His spark races in his chasis, awaiting her words.
"Because I love being alive and breathing and not being squished to death? You know, as most living beings are." She huffed, face turning red as she crossed her arms and turned her head to the side, away from him. "Besides, you're wrong about the whole darkness within me bullcrap."
"Oh, but it is true. It has been seen and proven?"
"By who?"
"By fate."
Persephone laughed, catching him off guard. "You? Believe in fate?" She snorts. "Oh god, you were the least bot I expected to believe in superstitious like fate"
Megatron slightly cocked his helm to the side, raising a brow. "Do you not?"
She shook her head. "No, not really," Persephone answered. "I was raised from a Catholic family, to be devout and pure. But at this point, I'm an agnostic... borderline atheist, but with the series of events that I've experienced I am somewhat not sure. Honestly, I don't know, all I know is that I exist. Also, care to tell me how 'fate' played a part in this?"
"Fate presented you to me with a choice, femme. At the moment, I was dying and yet death did not come for me," Megatron grinned, showing his sharp dentals. "If fate did not exist, then tell me as to why you were coincidentally caught within some rock? How is it that, that night I didn't die when I knew that I should have, yet I was able to gather whatever strength I have and get to you? I had two choices, to let you live or let you die with me that night."
"Obviously, it's a coincidence." The human femme in his servo answered with a shrug of her shoulders., with a smile.
Megatron smiled at her. "Feel better?"
"Yes, actually. Thank you," She snickered. "Who knows, maybe you were just unlucky that you stumbled upon me. Perhaps, I should have been someone else's problem." She jokes, rolling her optics.
He laughs.
"Now," Megatron says as he stood up. "Let us train your measly organic body. Perhaps, I may be able to make a warrior out of you."
And Persephone makes this face. One that looked silly, optics wide and her dermas stretched in a line. "Are you sure? I don't really want to disappoint you with my fragile human body."
"You have spirit, femme. A strong will-power. An eager sense to make yourself useful to me. And despite dying, you're... alive," The warlord said. "You have a warrior's spirit, what a shame for it to be wasted on an organic."
He saw her roll her optics.
Megatron instructed the sparklings to stay within the area, that him and their carrier would return shortly. They nod and Blackfire was the first to initiate a game of tag. How adorable. And with that, him and the femme walked to a safe distance.
On the way, he saw her tie her hair in knots. Fingers swiftly tying her hair in strands and were half-way through it. At around that time, the sun's light seemed to turn like gold as it washes over his frame and hers. In that moment, she seemed to glow.
She was... breathtakingly optic-catching.
Once they've reached a safe distance, one where he can see the sparklings from afar and not being able to hurt them in case Megatron had to use his weapon. He bends down and lowers his servo on the ground. She jumps off of his servo and looks at him. "Now what?" Persephone asked.
"Now," Megatron says, moving her a little far away and holding out his stretched open servo to face her like a wall. "Show me how much strength you have in that little body of yours." He nods to his servo. "Attack me."
"Are you serious?"
"Dead."
Persephone's optics observed his servo, tilting her head as she did so. "Okay."
She took a step back, raising her fist. With a look of focus and determination, she charged and punched his open servo. Humans were fragile and Megatron witnessed how fragile they can be as Persephone held the hand she used to deal damage. When she got up, she glared at his palm, bearing her dentas.
Were those leaks in her optics?
She took a few steps back once more, wiping her optics. Persephone charged with a loud cry, ramming her right shoulder on his palm. The force knocked the wind out of her, and she slid straight off the metal and on her back with a low groan.
Megatron chuckled darkly once again, amused by her failed attempt to actually inflict harm on him. "If you haven't noticed, femme," He tapped his digit upon his palm. "Thick cybertronian battle armour. I highly doubt you will actually damage me with that organic body of yours. I wish to see only your form."
She glares at him, this time.
He rolled his optics. "Don't tell me punching and... whatever that was is all you can do. That will absolutely be embarrassing for the both of us."
"Hey, I can do more than just punching and charging at you like that!" Persephone says, quickly pushing back to her small pedes. "I am not finished! Not yet."
He laughs at her.
"And don't be so easy with me, give me some challenge here!" She waved her hands toward herself tauntingly at the massive mech. "You call yourself a warlord and yet all you give me is... whatever this is."
Persephone looks at him daringly. "Don't tell me that's all you can show me. That will absolutely be embarrassing for the both of us," She grins, mimicking his words.
The Decepticon merely grinned fiendishly.
"Oh, you will suffer greatly for saying that, Persephone." He rumbled villainously. He held up his palm again. However this time, his sharp digits were stretched towards her. The building amusement was apparent in his tone.
"Again."
Her words earlier echoes in his processor as he watched her. He pushed it away several time, but it came back the moment he taught he was done. It was annoying. Megatron didn't like her words, it left a sour taste in his intake.
Like bile.
"Perhaps, I should have been someone else's problem."
They were just words, but deep down something told him she was right.
End of Chapter VI