Chapter 4-Igniting a Flame
Three months had gone by and beginnings of the Fall began to show as the tree's around in the Wood colored brown, yellow and red. But strangely enough, the Bluebells didn't wither and die, the remained in bloom, unchanging, even as the cold air began to seep it's way down south.
On one of these chillier days, Megatron had come like he always did.
His visits were sporadic at best, as sneaking off a flying vessel full of crew and the threat of possible attack by Autobots made things harder. But, whenever he was gone for longer periods then he liked he would stay longer with her.
Back to this visit, Megatron and Eleanor were taking a walk through the Autumn forest marveling at the crisp colors of the falling leaves. Both were dressed warmly but Eleanor still wore a dress, just with thicker stockings and a brown jacket that went to her knees.
"Those Bluebells," He said as they past the clearing where they first met. "Why aren't they dying off?"
She looked at the still blooming flowers. "They've always been like that, since the day I arrived five years ago, not once do they die no matter rain or snow. It's strange but, I enjoy their constant presence."
"Why's that?" He asked.
"I don't know, but they make me feel...safe? I don't know the right word for it, but it is similar to that." She looked at the flowers with content but curiosity.
He linked his arm around hers, a slight blush at the action crossed her face.
"Lets go, it seems that is a mystery for another time, perhaps?" She nodded and again they walked further into the Autumn painted wood.
They walked for another hour, having an idle chat about how the Autobot's seemed desperately looking for Energon and how it was hindered his visits when a noise caught their attention.
The snapping of twigs and crunching of leaves lead them to another smaller clearing, this one containing the same Bluebells as before. In the middle of this clearing was five Cybertronians, instantly recognizable by Megatron.
It was Optimus Prime, along with Arcee, Bumblebee, Bulkhead and Cliffjumper.
The femme, Arcee, was holding out a scanner looking perplexed at the device.
"I can't seem to locate that weak signal, Optimus." The Autobot leader looked disappointed.
"Look for clues in the area, maybe we will find something of worth." He said, his team splitting off in different directions, some heading deeper into the Wood.
Eleanor whispered to Megatron, "What do we do?"
He whispered back, "Slowly back away, then run on my signal."
They began to slowly back away from the clearing and the Autobots, Megatron himself doesn't know what dragged them out here but he'd be damned if he'd like them take her away from him...wait, wha-
SNAP!
A twig unseen by the pair snapped under Eleanor's foot, they both froze as they heard from Cliffjumper.
"Did you guys hear that?" They both looked at each, then bolted.
Now with them running through the Autumn wood it was easily heard as their footsteps crashed down on more twigs and leaves. As they weaved and dodged the trees they could now feel and hear the distinct footfalls of the Autobots chasing after them.
Megatron need a plan and fast, because he knew humans couldn't out pace a Cybertronian for long.
They came to another clearing, this one different from the others in location but still held the Bluebells. He stopped both of them and grabbed Eleanor.
"Go, run back to the house. I'll see you soon." She looked shocked.
"What!? No, I can't leave you-" He cut her off.
"Please, Eleanor just do it!" He pleaded with her, he never pleaded for anything in his life.
With a sigh she said, "Fine, but come back soon, alright?"
He nodded, "Always."
She smiled before running into the forest, away from him. Quickly he transformed back into his Cybertronian self and put the crown away just in time for the Autobots to sprint out of the forest before coming to a complete stop, in surprise and shock.
Optimus Prime, Leader of the Autobots had come out to this colorful Fall wood to find the source of a strange signal that was coming from this area. What he didn't expect was being watched and further more to come across his greatest foe in this forest, standing in a clearing, waiting for them.
"Megatron." The Prime growled as he took a battle stance, ready for anything.
"Optimus Prime, well this isn't a surprise." He said with a smirk.
Bulkhead jumped in, "Lemme guess, you're hear for the strange signal too?"
"Ah, that." He sounded almost disappointed? "Well, I am afraid there is nothing to that signal. Just an anomaly of the area."
Now they were confused.
"Then why are you here?" Arcee growled, he rolled his optics.
"To confirm my suspicions, besides I want you're focus on the war. I want a good fight after all." He smirked.
But before more could be said, he transformed and blasted off the ground and soaring into the air. Leaving a confused Team Prime behind in the Bluebells.
[What was that all about?] Bee asked staring at the spot where the Warlord used to be.
Optimus frowned, he knew Megatron was lying about the anomaly, but not for the same reasons. His lie was different somehow, like he was pressured to have them leave, to not follow this path. A warning not to, almost.
As they returned to Base, Optimus's thoughts kept going.
There was something different about him, there was a fire in his optics. A determination and emotions that had long since been forgotten suddenly reigniting with a great wave.
He resigned himself to be more watchful now, not only of Megatron but that strange Wood that held a secret to his new found strength and determination.
Somewhere, far in the reaches of space sits the planet Cybertron. A dead world, not a single light shines on the metallic planet. We see the dead surface, rusted and decaying from the war that ravaged it so long ago. We travel to the Well of Allspark, the namesake now missing from it's home.
Down the empty well we reach the core of the planet, Primus himself.
Long dormant due to the poisonous war that it's creations created themselves.
But, as we get in closer to that core, a small light appears. One with a familiar aura to it surroundings.
Then we cut to black.