Carter had just left the Command Center beelining toward his office. The halls were mainly empty save for several officers and the occasional medical corpsman. In the span of just a few days, the agent swore he came across more corpsmen than he's ever encountered since his transfer to NEST several years ago. In passing, some offered him a curt nod. Others simply passed him without a second glance. On both accounts words were barely spoken, if at all, before they quickly rushed back to West Quad towards the Autobot medical bay.
Sound crackled from his headset as the agent turned left, listening in on the reports flooding in through the tacnet. A few hundred feet away, Carter caught sight of his office door. His steps quickened. Sliding his keycard through the reader like his life depended on it, Carter pushed the door open, slamming it shut. He leaned against the frame, releasing a sigh the agent didn't realize he was holding. A tsk of annoyance rounded inside his hazmat suit when his breath fogged up his glasses, rendering him momentarily blind to the room's contents. It didn't help either that the face shield of his mask was just the same too. God damn it, how does anyone function in this thing, let alone see?
Carefully, Carter brought a hand up to unclasp the head protection at the neck joint, disengaging the two pieces apart. Cool air hit his skin for the first time in days, and it felt so good. Shivers ran down his spine, causing a ripple of goosebumps all over his body. He breathed in a lungful of air, exhaling in satisfaction at the fact he was no longer topside. Even in the winter time of the Americas, Diego Garcia was hot, humid, and utterly disgusting when the heat was at its worst. He would never take filtered air for granted ever again.
Prying himself from the door, datapads and a cup of coffee were graciously deposited onto the L-shaped desk. Rubbing the tired out of his eyes, a wave of exhaustion rocked his form as the chaos of the last few days started to kick in. Picking up the very much missed caffeinated beverage, he held it like a lifeline. It was probably a very bad idea to be having coffee at a time he should have been asleep. Without a second thought, he downed it all in one go. Then he proceeded to stare at the empty cup in his hands, lips curled downward into a deep frown. He'd probably have to get another one soon if he was to remain functioning into dawn.
He flinched at the sharp ache in his chest, eyeing the spot on his shoulder. The thought of having to visit Ratchet again brought on a grimace, but he knew otherwise than to refuse his given orders. It was probably better to get it checked out just in case. His mind fleeted to seven months ago when he had acquired the now-healed wound. He could still remember parts of what happened that day—the shooting, the blood, passing out. They told him he was shot by a minicon. The last thing he recalled was waking up to Optimus and Ratchet relaying to news of what Megatron had done to the island and that he had taken Sam with him too.
The thought of the young man caused his throat to thicken. The latest lead had high hopes, at least for the agent when he caught wind of it, and he silently prayed Sam would finally be found and brought back home.
A twisted smirk plastered itself on his middle-aged face. What a pitiful situation to be in—trying to solve one issue only to open up another. Granted, Carter knew what he was signing up for when he agreed to be Prime's personal assistant. If he had to compile a top five list of extraordinary encounters, this would definitely be on it.
The meeting earlier with Optimus had been a quick one, but it was no less condescending than usual, like most of them were as of late. He was thankful it wasn't another meeting with the UN leaders. He had always respected Prime's abilities in negotiations and leadership, but what he had done in that room mere days ago made him unbelievably proud to be supreme leader's PA.
As he waited for his computer to start up, he went through the datapad. He stopped at the file containing the two individuals—Lt. Rachael Keeney and Cody Lima from engineering. The other was a curated report made by Ratchet and Wheeljack, to which he skimmed through, grimacing at the details of their findings.
If he was being honest with himself, the agent wasn't very keen on their discovery at Mount Weather. Whenever there were human bodies or radiation involved, it was never a good sign. He swiped forward, landing on the report on their new patient. Carter had seen his fair share during his days on active duty, but this? What monster would do this to a child no less? It was insane just to even think someone as young as Madi—his lips quirked, finally learning her name—had gone through.
In that report, there was something he had initially glossed over, thinking that it was his exhaustion trying to screw with him. Or better yet a typo, made by one of the Autobots. How comical would that be, catching the mistakes of a sentient supercomputer? He mused.
The agent barely noticed his computer ready to be logged into as he read through the reports more thoroughly this time. He stopped at the page when he found it, scanning it twice to make sure he wasn't making it up in his head.
By the time the second read went by, Carter sat back in his chair, face was twisted in deep thought.
When the ground bridge technology was introduced, he studied it for weeks on end. Admittedly, the tech was fascinating, even more so it's purpose. Travelling instantly from one end of the Earth to the other in a matter of minutes-it was a science fiction dream come true. It had crossed his mind once or twice if it could do more than just travel planet-side. The confirmed theory was that it could, but as a space bridge. Unfortunately that was too energon consuming for the Autobots to maintain, or use, if at all.
Finally realizing that his computer was up, he quickly logged in and began opening up his browsers and task management lists, cursing at himself at all the things that needed to be rearranged and properly handled due to the untimely delay. He was glad to be back inside the base able to jump start them again. Operating topside had its advantages and sore inconveniences.
He put his attention back to the datapad, hopping back to one of Ratchet's comments and another report from Wheeljack. Carter was so lost in his work, he barely noticed the door opening. When he finally realized that there was another person in the room, he nearly leaped out of his skin.
"God Almighty! Prime, I didn't see you there."
The wrinkles around the holoform's eyes deepened as he fixed Carter a tired smile. "My apologies for startling you, Dave. I merely wanted to have a moment of quiet to gather my processing was all", he explained. "I also figured you could use this."
Carter thanked the other, taking the hot steaming coffee cup from Prime's grasp. "God, you are a lifesaver," he said with a groan of gratitude. It was like he had sensed his impending distress call.
Prime merely smirked, but didn't say anything else. They stood there in companionable silence while Carter set aside his datapad and began typing onto his keyboard.
Although the holoforms were mere projections of a humanized form, the tired lines marred across the other male's facial expression would have convinced Carter otherwise.
"Is there anything I can do to help?" he asked, concern edged in his voice.
Optimus merely shook his head. "Only one. You've done more than I can ask of you. I truly appreciate your ability to keep yourself composed as we transition through this…upheaval of sorts."
Carter huffed. "You're not wrong about that." He glanced between his computer and Prime's holo. Tapping one of the pads, he pulled up the file of the two deceased individuals.
"What are we going to do about them?"
It took Prime a minute of silence before his baritone echoed one word across the room.
"Nothing."
The PA blinked. Suddenly words began stumbling out of his mouth. "Are you sure that is a wise choice?"
Optimus hummed his response. "Unless you want every creator mech to wage war over infanticide, the decision has already been made."
Carter nodded, proceeding to change the subject.
"Any news from Ratchet?"
"Not yet. His last report indicated the start of the inquisition, but he has been silent since then. Cliffjumper has informed us that the process thus far is running smoothly, albeit a minor setback when the connection was formed."
Carter listened intently as Prime continued, intrigued. "My estimate is that we should have a verdict within the next forty-eight hours."
Carter arched a brow. "Could it be longer?" He knew of newspark connections, but nothing in detail like this.
"It is uncertain if that is the case, but I believe that should give us enough cushion time in case it is required," he explained patiently. "Creator bonds are fragile and what Ratchet is currently performing right now is extremely sensitive. Given she is still human, we must take all the precautions necessary to ensure her survival."
"Shall I make the arrangements then?"
"You may proceed."
Carter leaned back in his chair, levelling the Autobot leader with a serious expression. "I don't mean to offend you or your decision, Prime, but what happens if we have to terminate her?"
Optimus stared back at him, but did not speak for a long minute. When he did, it was quiet as a whisper, yet the words held more weight than the gravitational pull of the Earth to the Sun. "I have failed too many innocent people in the time of my own life span. I will not allow that to happen to another."
Carter nodded. There was nothing further to say. They discussed the remainder of the operation for another thirty minutes before Prime made his exit via holoform disbursement, disappearing into thin air.
Turning another corner, the white walls curved outward, revealing more emptiness—crisp, endless, unfamiliar. Despite her previous reservations, Madi couldn't be more relieved to be here again. Glancing sideways, up and down, only light surrounded them. Looking towards the floor below, her heart dropped when polished flooring was all she could see. There was no shadow.
A mental tug pulled the brunette out of her thoughts. She twisted around just in time to catch Ratchet watching her closely, face completely calm, revealing nothing of his emotions.
"There is no sense in worrying about it right now. It probably means nothing," Ratchet advised nonchalantly.
However, couldn't shake off the edge of concern and something else she couldn't quite put her finger on.
Gulping, Madi nodded. "Right, nothing."
The heel of her boots clacked softly, breaking the otherwise tense silence. It was the only sound she could hear besides the drum of her racing heart.
Desperate to find a distraction, she focused on the presence around her. Breathing deep through the nose, she allowed herself a moment to enjoy the warmth that was Ratchet. It was such a stark contrast to the place they were in moments before. She made a silent prayer, wanting nothing more than to bask in it for all eternity, if that was even possible.
That train of thought caused the girl to pause suddenly, realizing for the first time since she awoke inside her head—how long have they been here?
/Four hours and thirty-five minutes, to be precise./
Madi jumped, not expecting his voice inside her head. Forcing her stammering heart to slow, she sputtered.
"How much longer do you think it'll be?"
"I don't know," he admitted. "I've done extensive research into the physiological aspect of human dreaming since my time here on Earth. On average they normally last anywhere between a few seconds to an hour at most."
Madi paled at the information. They had been here for much longer than that. Did that mean she was in stasis? Surprise swelled from Ratchet's side of the connection, causing a single name to appear at the surface of her mind. It then spiraled into a recollection of whispered conversations in the dark.
Ratchet watched as a compilation of images replayed themselves, jumping from one scene to the next. The medic stiffened at the sight of a familiar white, red and black Pretender, whose armor was torn apart in various places, exposing damaged wirings and circuitry in places even the most battle-hardened mechs wouldn't dare leave unrepaired for long.
"Did you two converse often?" he asked, saving the recording.
Madi shrugged, attempting to hide the uneasiness eating at her insides.
"Landmine did most of the talking. He spoke about his mining trips into space, and mentioned Cybertron a few times. You guys included. It kept the time passing."
Lips pressed together, Madi bit back tears as an overwhelming sadness threatened to overflow her. When she spoke again, her voice cracked.
"He said if we ever escaped, he'd find a way back home and take me to go see the Crystal City. He said he had been there once and that it was one of the best places to see the stars."
The mention of the once majestic structure hit Ratchet hard, like many times before. At a time the city had been the planet's crown jewel, a place of glory hailing minds of the brilliant. Now gone with everything else, destroyed in the ravages of war.
"It was," he muttered.
The silence returned, although it was short lived. Two more turns later, now more composed, Madi asked the medic, curious.
"Do your people dream?"
"Not necessarily," he explained. "Cybertronians recharge. Our processor remains in a rested state, allowing our systems to reorganize and sort memory files accordingly."
"I see." The thought of having a super filer inside one's head sounded very convenient.
Ratchet huffed. "It is, when one is able to do so."
Madi couldn't help but notice the dark circles and exhaustion marring his face and wondered when was the last time he had rested.
"I guess this is not 'recharging', is it?"
Ratchet scratching the edge of his beard in deep thought.
"A form of it, perhaps. I'm not entirely sure. Although I've experienced human dreaming before, I've never encountered anything as unusual as this."
Unsure whether she was supposed to be flattered or insulted, Madi tucked that comment to the side. If Ratchet heard it, he didn't voice it.
"Even so, that will not deter us from our purpose here."
His tone filled her with a sense of encouragement. It was curt and confident, yielding an edge of positivity-something she hadn't felt for the longest time. Focusing on the presence around her again, her mind brightened in surprise when she hit a block. It was unlike the one from before; not solid, yet not entirely transparent either. Warmth permeated through like high beams through thick fog. Something lingered there, watching and waiting. Unable to help herself, she floated closer to the edge, gliding against it by the barest touch.
Madi instantly pulled herself away from it, suddenly afraid. There was no way it would be coming from Ratchet too, could it? At least, she didn't want to believe so. Deep down, she didn't even want to acknowledge it. Once or twice it had arisen from the depths, threatening to drown her in a sea of black. The voices, the faces, the smells—it was like living with ghosts. It had been easier in the midst of war; completely thrown aside and left forgotten. But now with too much time to spare, Madi would have no choice but to confront it. She could feel another assault lingering at the edge of the horizon. It was only a matter of when . And this time, Madi wasn't sure she'd have the strength to fight back.
Trepidation threatened to overflow her, rising at breakneck speeds.
God damn it all!
The storm surged inside, until she felt like she couldn't breathe. She didn't need this right now. Lost in her struggles, she barely noticed Ratchet closing the distance between them. It was all too much…
A numb ache flooded her entire being. What did it matter, anyway? Love was weakness, that's what the Commanders in her head preached since the moment she took the Flame..
Tools don't have feelings. That's what made them useless.
A sharp spike of anger, deep and roiling, sliced through her like a bolt of electricity. Her vision focused, suddenly filled with the medic.
"Stop this nonsense, this instant! If you think you are just so, then you are sorely mistaken." He pinned her with a deep scowl, disappointment dripping in his voice.
It caused something inside Madi to stir threateningly. She countered.
"Then what am I to you? Y'know what, never mind. Forget I asked."
He was here to analyze her life story like a dead frog on a petri dish. She intended to get him right back to doing just that.
Madi attempted to go around him, ready to get a move on, but Ratchet moved in tandem, blocking the path.
"I'm not finished."
Hands clenched tightly, she tried to control her own spike of anger. Why was he being so difficult about this? It didn't matter.
"What do you want from me, Ratchet?"
They're gone because of you...whispered a voice from the depths. A lump lodged itself into her throat.
Ratchet's features softened a fraction at the same time. "That is untrue. None of this is your fault, Madi."
She bit her lip, glaring daggers. "What do you know?"
Ratchet lowered his chin, providing her a very clear view of the fine lines and featherlight traces of scars. "Enough to know that you're not the killer you claim yourself to be."
Madi redirected her attention to the ground, unsure of how to feel right now.
"Do you know why I couldn't stop Octavia from marching into that gorge?"
She flinched violently at the phantom feel of pins and needles around her neck.
"I can only imagine Clarke did that to keep you safe," he surmised.
"By running away like a coward?" she bit back acidly. When he didn't answer, she instantly followed with another, feeling his hesitation. "You don't know what happened, do you?"
Ratchet narrowed his eyes. "Unfortunately, no. But since you're in such a generous mood, why don't you enlighten us?"
Madi hesitated herself, then drew up the memory, very much ready to prove her point. She stopped all of a sudden, ears red with embarrassment.
"Ratchet, how do I share a memory with you?"
The medic fixed her with an understanding look. "Here, let me help."
Swallowing her pride, she uttered a curt thanks as the medic went about his handiwork.
There was a pinprick at the edge of her mind, and in an instant, she knew what she had to do. Madi couldn't help but awe in fascination at the simple action. Concentrating, she packaged the file and sent it on its way across to the other side.
When Ratchet received the ping, he opened it and found himself standing inside of a very large cave. Sunlight peeked through the opening, highlighting the surface a light orange. A sputtering engine caught his attention. There, on his right was a younger version of Madi sitting in the driver's seat of a back vehicle, attempting to ignite the engine.
"It won't work."
He whipped his head to see a blonde woman on the opposite side of a vehicle-the same one outside the shack. In her hand was a black device.
"I took out the conductor. Now let's go," she ordered icily.
"Fine", the girl spat back. "Then I'll walk."
Jumping out of the driver's side, Ratchet watched the girl stride towards the cave's entrance. Arms suddenly grabbed her from behind.
"Out of my way. Let go of me!" she cried out.
"Madi! Ascende Superius!"
The girl wrangled herself from the woman's grasp, face screwed into one of determination-a stark contrast to the blonde's shocked one.
"You took out the conductor, I changed the pass phrase," younger Madi said. "I'm not a child anymore, Clarke. I'm the Commander and my people are dying."
Clarke approached her, pulling the child into a tight embrace. Ratchet felt a twinge of guilt grip at his spark. He was instantly reminded of Judy Witwicky and how she would embrace her son with the same vigor before each departure back through the ground bridge.
Madi returned the embrace. Ratchet wondered how a moment like this would, defined by humans as a moment of emotional bonding, caused the brunette so much ache and sorrow. His answer came less than a second later.
There was a loud click. The child broke from the embrace, hands flying to tug at the silver device clasped around her neck.
"I will not let you die in this war," Clarke declared.
The young girl shoved past her, making it to the cave's entrance. Just as her foot reached the edge, Ratchet's spark dropped in horror at the child's screams filling the cave. Pain exploded all over his body as electricity surging through the shock collar, lasting scant seconds. Yet it felt like an eternity. When the current finally dissipated, the child collapsed onto the ground, convulsing and gasping for air. Ratchet instantly shot forward, his instincts screaming at him to ease the pain. Reaching out, his hands phased right through her. Then she was gone. Ratchet blinked, and found himself staring at a slightly older version of that same child. Not on the ground. Not spasming in aftershock.
Madi instantly became aware of Ratchet's seething rage as his face twisted into a snarl. She took a step back, unprepared for his intensity. The medic looked about ready to commit murder.
"I've had worse," she admitted rather weakly.
"That still does not justify how she handled that," he grated. Surely there had to have been another alternative, he thought, disgusted.
Madi bit her lip. The anger that was there moments before had simmered into a dull pang, leaving her drained and feeling ashamed. Ratchet, immediately noting the other's reaction, did the same.
Quickly, he sifted through his files.
Her eyes brightened at the feeling of a ping. Madi reached out to receive the file, opening it up with ease. She was met with a scene of her and Clarke spearing fish by the riverside, and berry picking for the season's harvest, smiling and laughing together. She felt the bile rise at the back of her throat.
Ratchet placed a hand on her shoulder. "Although I can understand now that she didn't want you to see you bear that kind of burden."
Madi swallowed, watching as it flickered to Clarke telling her stories while they star gazed around a campfire.
"I know."
They stayed like that in amiable silence as the files closed themselves out. Sighing, Ratchet turned, gesturing with a wave of his hand.
"Come. Your head isn't going to explore itself."
Madi closed her eyes, releasing a tense sigh of her own. Quickly, she trailed after the medic.
They continued further down. Her feet slowed when a strange sound echoed in the distance. She looked between the medic and their surroundings, attempting to identify the source. Her eyes landed on something tiny and blue etched into the wall several feet in front of them. The atmosphere all of a sudden felt heavier. Madi sniffed the air, eyes widening in recognition.
Water.
As they got closer, the sound of rushing water became louder and more clear. Turning past the upcoming bend, Madi's feet grounded themselves in place, instantly forgetting how to walk. Ratchet halted beside her, taking in the scene before them.
The polished white floors faded into a stone and dirt pathway that sloped upwards towards a hilltop. On each side of the walkway were a canopy of trees, similar to their first encounter, each carrying the heavy scent of blooming flowers and wood. Loud crashes of water against rock resounded in the distance.
Madi couldn't see what was waiting for them at the top. At the awe and curiosity that brightened inside her mind, she assumed Ratchet hadn't encountered this yet either.
"At least this proves we were not being misled."
The hairs of Madi's arm stood in attention at his condescending tone.
Receiving another ping, Madi opened it with ease, revealing an image from right before they were separated in the shack.
"Becca?"
The medic grunted a response.
"One of you is more than enough." Then he added, "I never imagined the human mind to be as exorbitantly complicated as this."
Madi bit the insides of her cheeks, quiet. She certainly didn't disagree with his notion.
"Are we still inside, um...?" Madi drew a blank, suddenly at a loss for the proper name.
"The Ark?" he supplied. Madi nodded.
"Yes. Cliffjumper is currently tending to you as we speak."
Her heart skipped at the mention of Cliffjumper's name. They had only met for a short period of time before she went under, but he was nothing short of being kind to her. Yet something bothered her now that she thought about their interaction.
"Is he one of your people?"
The look on Ratchet's face was inscrutable. Madi instantly bit her lip, afraid she might have offended the medic again somehow.
"You have done nothing, child." He paused, considering his choice of words. "If you're implying that he is a Cybertronian, just as I am, then yes. He is indeed one of us."
Madi knit her brows together. Then why wasn't she able to feel his presence before, like she did Ratchet's and Prime's?
"Well?" He repeated.
Madi took her first step onto the dirt track, then another. She turned to face the medic.
"Shouldn't you go first? Age before beauty, like the humans say?"
Ratchet simply rolled his eyes.
"Very enriching. Call me ancient again and I will ensure you and my bountiful collection of wrenches become more than well acquainted."
Madi smirked. "Ooh, wrenches, that sounds like fun. Maybe I can help you fine-tune a few things."
It took everything inside her not to laugh at his deadpan expression. Ratchet was clearly unimpressed.
"What?" She blinked innocently, feigning puppy eyes. "I'm serious. I've already promised to be your best student, why not volunteer to be your assistant too? We'll make a cool combo. The alien robot and his skillful protege."
She immediately added, "Besides, I'll learn faster that way too. So it's a win-win."
Ratchet sighed, shaking his head, and instantly made a reminder to keep her away from a certain yellow and red cavalier.
It was halfway up their climb when Ratchet spoke again, his tone more serious this time.
"You took the Flame even though you were afraid. That was very brave of you."
Madi didn't say anything to that. She definitely wasn't feeling that way at the very moment.
"Would you have taken it if she hadn't been in danger?"
Madi opened her mouth to respond, only to close it back up. Would she?
Louwoda Kliron had been her home and a safe haven for herself and adopted mother Clarke. She recalled clearly the day when all the peace they had for six years was shattered at the arrival of that transport ship. An army of prisoners returning home to a dead planet. And when her people emerged from the bunker the prisoners claimed Louwoda Kliron as theirs, and with it, all the food, water, medicine and precious resources. Octavia didn't want to share the valley, claiming it belonged to Wonkru and only to Wonkru. They plunged into a full-out war against an enemy twice as strong over her home—the last survival place on Earth. The only other person Wonkru would follow besides Octavia was a true natblida, a child born of the blood.
If only...
Madi bit her lip. Carefully mulling over her words, she spoke again, her voice an octave softer.
"Even if I had to go through that a thousand more times, I would. Because it would have been the right thing to do. Especially if it ensured my people's survival. I'm sure you understand."
Ratchet harrumphed. "That's more of Prime's line of duty, not mine. I save lives, not lead them."
She merely nodded. With that, they trekked further up.
When they finally reached the top of the hillside, two things happened simultaneously.
A beautiful scenic view of a large river surrounded with lush forestry, charcoal rocks lining both sides of its width, and a stunning clear blue sky greeted them in full. A wave of nostalgia hit Madi hard as this had been the place she first encountered Clarke when fishing for food. It was just as Madi remembered it being—serene and peaceful.
Except, on the other side of the river she spied a familiar-looking figure standing there, watching. Following her line of sight, Ratchet instantly went into a defensive stance, pushing Madi behind him. In a blink of an eye, he produced a fairly large weapon, the same size as an automatic machine gun, pointing it directly at the projection. She didn't even see how he did that.
Madi's stomach decided to do backflips when the projection started towards them, each step causing a ripple across the water's surface. Ratchet cocked his weapon, his grip tightening as he tried to comprehend exactly what he was seeing. Walking on water certainly wasn't one of them.
"Congratulations on making it past the Pit."
The figure approached them with the grace of a feline, unperturbed by the weapon pointed at her. Her lips spread into a wide smile. She nodded to the medic.
"It's good to see you again, doctor."
Ratchet emitted a low growl. Unfortunately, he didn't share the same sentiment.
Stopping a few meters away from the two of them, the figure clasped her hands together, standing on top of the river's surface. Both stared at her in utter disbelief, instantly thinking the same thing. How was that possible?
"I apologize for earlier. We're not used to having...guests over very often, if not at all."
Madi peered from behind the medic. The projection smiled at her.
"Hello, little Commander."
Madi stepped fully to the side, revealing herself beside Ratchet. She steeled herself, addressing the stranger. "Becca."
Her response was a single nod. "Are you ready?"
The beating in her chest raced a beat faster. "Ready for what?" Madi asked, cursing at the waver in her voice.
"Your ascension, of course."
Ratchet side-glanced Madi, his expression equally as puzzled.
/What is she referring to?/
/I don't know./
"Come. I'll show you." Becca turned around, heading back towards the opposite direction. Hesitantly, Ratchet didn't move from his spot, and neither did he let Madi.
"We should follow," Madi whispered.
"And what happens if we are forced apart again?" Ratchet wasn't keen on losing her for a third time.
"I'll be okay. We found each other, we'll find another way again. Third time's the charm," she said, offering him a half-smile, hoping it would be enough.
The medic leveled her with a considerate look. Finally, he gave a curt nod. Madi moved past him, taking point. Ratchet did not relent his hold on the gun, following closely behind. The pair came to a halt at the shoreline. A voice beckoned them from across the river.
"Walk. You'll do just fine."
Madi hesitated, carefully placing a foot onto the water's surface. She watched in wild fascination as it didn't sink before taking another step, garnering the same result. The water rippled beneath, distorting the reflection staring back at her. It was like they were walking on glass. She let out a shaky breath, rapidly blinking. Madi had to admit, this was the coolest thing she had encountered thus far.
In the proximity, a small burst of amusement reverberated across the edge of her mind.
True to her words, they made it across barring no issues. They followed closely behind, mindful to keep a careful distance from their guide. The sky above them was a light blue, painted with wisps of white. Although there was plenty of light, there was no sign of the sun. A glance towards the ground revealed no trailing shadows either.
The trail edged itself with thick greens of trees and grassland. In the distance, Ratchet caught sight of a silver structure. It was triangular in shape, the flat side facing towards them, and its peak pointed towards the sky above. It looked massive, at least from the perspective of his holoform. As they came closer, the size of the structure confirmed his hunch. Despite its simplistic design, it contrasted drastically to the deep green forestry around them-tall and mighty and ominous. He angled his head upward. If he had to estimate, it was perhaps forty feet tall-nearly twice Prime's height. What was this doing here in the middle of nowhere?
The sound of creaking metal and something opening caught his attention. Bringing his line of sight towards the ground level, he spotted Becca standing next to an open door, hands clasped in front of her.
"The guest of honor should go first."
Ratchet narrowed his eyes at the upward curve of Becca's red lips which revealed nothing of her intention. He tightened his grip on both his weapon and Madi.
"Give me one reason why I shouldn't just shoot you right now," he spat.
She unclasped her hands, reaching behind her. "It's simple, really." Ratchet took a sharp intake at the sight of a dagger. Beside him, he heard Madi gasp. He took a closer look at the sharp weapon, instantly recognizing it.
It was the same dagger Madi's mother had given her. The same dagger they had used to unlock the floating door when Keena had passed to unlock the next memory.
Becca pointed the knife towards her face, pressing it against her cheek. She dragged the blade across her cheekbone, breaking the skin. Simultaneously he felt a sharp spike of pain beside him. Whipping around, he twisted to his side. Madi's face contorted painfully, her body rigid in place. Her lips were pressed together, suppressing a whimper. There on her cheek was a black line oozing thick beads of blood. Ratchet immediately dropped his weapon, and shot forward, carefully cradling Madi's face, and sent a set of calming pulses across their bond. He glared daggers at the projection, who held the weapon like a fine glass of wine, letting the black essence at the tip slowly dribble down the blade.
"Does that answer your question, doctor?" She cocked a raised eyebrow. "We wouldn't want anything happening to her, now would we?"
He bristled at her words. A gentle tug brought Ratchet back to the child, who fixed him with a pained look, and something else. Although she didn't utter a word, he understood the message and at that moment wanted nothing more than to get the slag out of there. Gently, he produced the tissues from before. He quickly dressed the wound. It was deep. He gritted his teeth, suppressing the bubbling range stewing inside his spark.
Madi nodded, signaling she was fine. "We need to go," she whispered to him.
Ratchet had his back towards the thing that stood an unhealthy several meter distance from them and resisted the urge to turn back and whisk the child away in that instant.
At the squeeze on his wrist, Ratchet fixed her a silent query, his blue eyes boring into her blue-green ones. When he saw nothing but honest determination in them, he released a resigned sigh.
Facing forward, he instantly noticed the line on her cheek was patched up in a similar fashion to Madi's. The dagger in her hand was gone too. He bent down to pick up his fallen weapon, only to do a double-take. Staring back at him was grass and dirt. The gun was gone.
"You won't be needing that. Inside is a safe space for us all. Now, shall we?"
It took the medic another long moment before he was able to convince himself to move forward. Madi clung to his arm, gently guiding him towards the entrance. Just as they reached within a foot proximity of Becca's position, he was able to discern her features a bit more. What he didn't realize before was her eyes-they were a warm brown. Then he saw it-the tiniest streaks of blue and silver were hidden within the iris. They were moving. He blinked twice, wondering if his failure to properly recharge had finally caught up to him.
Without uttering a word, Becca departed into the threshold. Seconds later, Ratchet and Madi followed behind, entering the massive silver structure, heart and spark heavy.