Ergh, I never thought I would step into the realm of slash. I don't even know how I got caught up in it. One moment I was all like "Eww" and gradually progressed to "Aww". Don't get me wrong though, I'm still not into human slash although I retain no offense against anyone. But since Transformers don't really have genders, reproduce through the AllSpark or something similar and that the producers failed to create a large roster of female characters, it's kinda natural to get into this particular genre in Transformers fandom (*shot XD). Plus I have to get Megatron/Starscream out of my systems right now, which is the result of this fic.
Anyways, this takes place before the 2007 Transformers Animated show during the Great War between the Autobots and the Decepticons which ended in the defeat of the latter. Note that this takes several million stellar cycles before the main plot, so I will be playing around with the characters a bit. Megatron is going to be rather OOC because he is a lot younger than he is in the show (maybe around Optimus Prime's age with the same inexperienced vibe?). Starscream… well… is mostly the same, just without the mad urge to offline his leader every chance he has.
And please note that this fic will be of the more lighthearted nature (although it will become more serious later on) than most other stories of the slash pairing. For some reason I don't really like Megatron/Starscream abuse and generally the darker side of this pair. So if you dislike Decepticon fluff, firmly believe that Decepticons are incapable of love and other forms of sentimental feelings and strongly dislike OOCness, then I suggest you turn to the many other fics available to your reading.
Please forgive any plot mistakes and all that jazz. After all, I am fairly new to the Transformers fandom.
Units of Time:
Nanoklik = 1 second
Cycle = 1 minute
Megacycle = About 2 hours
Solar cycle = 1 day
Orbital cycle = 1 month
Stellar cycle = 1 year
Ah well, enough rambling. Hope you readers enjoy this!
For Megatron, a normal day as the leader of the Decepticons consisted of paperwork, managing an army, initiating new recruits and trying not to notice how the majority of the mechs he spoke with lately were dropping hints like scatter bombs. As if maintaining an ongoing war wasn't difficult enough, Megatron also had to deal with a constant stream of suitors vying for his attention. He didn't know when it started, but it was almost overnight that he became so popular. Ah well, nothing much he could do about it really. As long as the Decepticons did their work and remained in top-battle condition, the warlord could put up with it.
Megatron was currently making his way towards the throne room in the Trypticon base, Kaon, where the newest Decepticon recruit was waiting. It still amazed him that even the Great War had broken out thousands of stellar cycles ago there were still many who were willing to join. At this rate they could out-fire the Autobots in no time. In fact, it shouldn't take the Decepticons long to triumph, for they were natural-born fighters as opposed to the civilians and workers that composed the Autobot faction.
Megatron suddenly checked his chronometer and discovered rather dubiously that he was late. When Shockwave had reported in earlier, he had mentioned that the warlord was expected in five cycles.
"Slag it." Megatron cursed silently as he increased his pace, which was not easy in the crowded main hallway. For some reason at least half of the Decepticons on the base had decided at the same time to come out. The current temporary ceasefire probably contributed, for it had been a full orbital cycle since the Autobots made a move. As a result most of the Decepticons were idle. There were many greetings and calls while Megatron belted past the crowd as fast as he could, as well as numerous hopeful gazes.
"My liege, I brought you your favorite type of—"
"Later, Lugnut, when I'm available the next solar cycle." Megatron cut him off as he passed the purple and green bomber plane, who was holding an energon cube.
"You are, Lord Megatron? Then let's—"
"I would love to, but don't you all have work at this moment?"
"Um… Megatron…? No, slag it… Lord Megatron, I… uh…" That was from an unusually shy Blackout.
"Nice try. Why don't you practice your speech first?" Megatron resisted the urge to transform into his Cybertronian fusion fighter mode and barrel his way through. Not that he could actually transform anyway. The warlord had forgotten his twin swords back in his quarters, which also served as propellers in his alt-mode.
Most of the time Megatron hadn't minded the attention he received. But in situations like this his patience was tried greatly. Oh well, as long as he was keeping the Decepticons in line it was fine with him. Not that Megatron would actually respond to those courting attempts, but he did enjoy some of the gifts he received sometimes. A pity he had to pass Lugnut up on his offer of energon, for that mech had a certain talent of procuring some of the sweetest fuel he had ever tasted.
Megatron strode the last few steps to the doors of the throne room, flung the double doors open and rushed inside… only to collide head-on with another mech. He was only aware of an audio-splitting screech as he reeled from the impact and took a few steps back. However, the other had been floored by the collision and was now glaring at the warlord furiously.
"Watch where you're going, you fragging scrapheap!" The mech shrilled in a sharp voice.
Megatron finally recovered enough to stare at the unusually fiery mech on the ground. He was quite small in stature compared the other Decepticons and lightly-built. His frame was lithe and graceful, complimented by a thin curvy waist and a pair of equally slender legs. This (rather appealing, Megatron must immediately admit) visage was completed by elegantly-long faceplates and slanted optics, which were currently smoldering with irritation, along with a bright fuchsia and gray paint job. He must be the new recruit Shockwave had reported.
"What are you staring at?! Aren't you supposed to apologize? You could have knocked me flying, or dented one of my wings!"
For the first time, Megatron saw a pair of sleek streamlined wings arching proudly from the smaller mech's back. For a nanoklik he was shocked. This mech was one of the famed Seekers of Vos, known for their unrivaled grace in the skies and highly appealing frames? But Vos was closed-off neutral city state who insisted to have no part in the war. Why would one of their fliers join the Decepticons? Was that even legal in their society?
"I am waiting." The Seeker said crossly.
Scratch that. The other had quite an attitude. If he was going to work along with Megatron, then he was going to make things a little… interesting.
"I apologize for running into you. Now if you would be so kind to tell me your designation so that I can remember who I should be careful around next time." Megatron extended a hand of help, which the other accepted non-too-thankfully and got to his pedes,
"Apology accepted," The Seeker scoffed disdainfully, "As for my designation, I am Starscream of Vos. No nicknames; I want everyone to refer to me properly and you are no exception. By the way, do you know where Megatron is? I've been waiting here for a megacycle already! If this is how he treats all his new recruits, then I will be surprised that all of them hadn't gone off to the Autobots instead because he kept them waiting for so long!"
Megatron stifled an amused chuckle. He decided he liked this Seeker and his brash and cocky behavior. Starscream… hmm? The name fit him rather well, considering how he had let loose that screech earlier and his tendency to rant.
Megatron had started to evaluate the mech before him. Starscream could definitely survive the sometimes-difficult life of the Decepticons, considering his defiant personality so prominently shown in his heated reaction when Megatron ran into him. But he wasn't the most observant mech. Starscream should have recognized Megatron by his voice even though the warlord had maintained a low profile by keeping his appearance hidden so far from public broadcasts.
"Hmm, that's odd," Megatron decided to humor the other, "He's usually never late. Perhaps I should notify him to come on over right away?"
Starscream started to say something in return, but Megatron strode past him to sit on his throne on the far end. At this the Seeker's optics widened as he stared dumbfounded at the warlord.
"Well, here I am," Megatron leaned back and crossed his legs leisurely, "I am Megatron. So you want to join the Decepticons?"
Starscream's mouth fell open, and for a cycle he literally struggled to speak as he raised a finger to point at him almost accusingly. In the end, the Seeker settled for sputtering indignantly.
"You are the infamous Megatron?!"
"What? Disappointed?" He gave a wide smirk and discovered at the same time that it had been orbital cycles since he last did so. This Starscream... he was going be quite interesting to associate with.
"You are the mech who gave those inspiring speeches to rise up and take action against Cybertron's corrupt government? Called us to join the Decepticons in a war waged against the Autobots and how you would reform our planet so that all mechs are equal?"
"You have my speeches memorized well," Megatron was pleased, "I suppose you have finally decided to answer the call to reform Cybertron. Is there any department you specialize in?"
Starscream scowled darkly and glared. He seemed to be in a struggle in whether to lash out violently or to just let it go. Hmm… this mech was an expressive one.
"I once majored in scientific engineering at the Cybertronian Science Academy." The Seeker ground out.
Megatron could sense that there was something Starscream was withholding, but he decided to let it go. This new recruit was a scientist? Such intellectuals were rare among the Decepticons, who were mostly warriors. An army couldn't run without a team of scientists either, for they were the ones who developed new weapons technology, cloaking devices and the such. Currently Megatron had a small team of working scientists, but their field expertise was far inferior compared to the Autobots. If Starscream had truly majored in his studies, he might as well serve to lead the division himself.
"You are a scientist then? Good. We need your expertise quite desperately. As soon as we get over your branding ceremony, I will put you to work right away."
Starscream was about to retort again, but he fell silent at the last moment. He seemed surprised that he was so easily taken in.
"Branding ceremony?" The Seeker suddenly asked in an incredulous tone.
Megatron had to chuckle in amusement again. Starscream also had the tendency to focus on the important things.
"What, you didn't think I would place the brand as stickers like the Autobots do, right? I inscribe the insignia with branding irons heated to the melting point of the armor alloy on the chestplates after you take the Decepticon oath of loyalty. This has been a tradition since the faction was founded millions of stellar cycles ago."
Starscream was speechless by now as a wide range of expressions flickered across his faceplates. One of them was definitely fear, Megatron noted. He couldn't resist the urge to smirk; the Seeker was going to be quite fun to mess with.
"I'm not frightening you, am I? The branding ceremony is but a proof of your dedication to our cause: the willingness to bear pain and difficulty to see it succeed. While I am glad to see you, Starscream, a scientist joining our ranks, my wish is for you to be absolutely sure about what you are getting yourself into. I'm afraid I cannot provide chances to turn back, especially in the middle of war." Megatron explained. He still had to focus on the more important matters.
At this Starscream had become tense. The warlord could tell by the way his frame stiffened and his wings trembled lightly. For some strange reason Megatron's attention was drawn to the two thin sheets of metal that so beautifully made Seekers unique from all other fliers. Each were colored gray with a band of fuchsia along its length and gleamed with the sheen of carefully applied polish. Starscream obviously took extra care of his wings, which confirmed the common belief that a Seeker's wings were his most prized possession.
The brand will go there, Megatron decided in a nanoklik. One on each wing; He couldn't exactly put it on the cockpit Starscream had in place instead of chestplates. A small part of Megatron hoped that it wouldn't hurt more.
"—how I made my decision. Are you even listening to me?!" Starscream's sharp voice downright screeched next to his audio.
"Ouch," Megatron winced, "Forgive me, I was considering a few things over. What were you saying before then?"
"If you are questioning my decision to join the Decepticons, then let me tell you this. I have seen enough of the corrupt Autobot government and the preposterous way they manage domestic affairs. I was denied of my degree in Cybertronian Science Academy and expelled because of no plausible reason even though I received top marks in class!"
So that was why Starscream was reluctant to reveal his career as a scientist. He was a disgraced student who never graduated. Megatron wanted to pry deeper into the matter, but to do that would probably send the Seeker into another long rant.
"I see," Megatron nodded, "In that case, you are welcomed among the Decepticons by all means. The Academy may not appreciate your talents, but I am glad to have you among our ranks. I hope you will find your desired place among us."
Starscream visibly softened as he lowered his helm slightly. He seemed to be in another struggle again, seeking the right words to reply. But in the end he settled for two simple ones.
"Thank you."
"Anytime. I pride myself in accepting all kinds of mechs instead of selecting the talented like the Autobots do. If you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to ask me."
"I don't think I do. Now if you would excuse—"
"And your branding ceremony will be held in a megacycle." Megatron reminded somewhat impishly. He just wanted to see Starscream's exaggerated reactions, and wasn't disappointed when the Seeker sputtered explosively.
Megatron smirked again. With such a character like Starscream among the Decepticons, things were bound to turn interesting.
The ceremony was the most eventful event Megatron had seen since the war began.
Usually he would approach the new recruits and have them recite the oath after him in the throne room with a large group of Decepticon officers as witnesses. Then the brand was pressed to each of their chestplates and after a fair amount of howling from pain, they would leave to start their new duties. There had been a few interesting incidents concerning the ceremony, but otherwise all occasions were the norm.
Starscream was no exception in the matter of oath-taking. His expression was serious and calm as he recited the words that would bind him to the faction for eternity. However when Megatron took the brand to the Seeker's wings, all Pit broke loose.
Starscream had shrieked, clawed and kicked at the warlord with all his might, which wasn't much considering how much smaller he was compared to Megatron. He yowled something along the lines of "Get your fragging filthy hands off my wings! I never gave you permission to brand me there!" and downright made a racket of the entire thing. This made the assembled Decepticons rather excited too, who started to jeer and mock at the Seeker.
It's not exactly a good start.
Finally in the middle of the pandemonium Megatron managed to pin the smaller mech down on the ground and brand his wings with two quick presses of the iron. Starscream had first frozen in shock, and then writhed violently with his expression twisted in acute pain. But he impressively remained silent.
When everything had quieted enough so Megatron could actually grasp the situation, he discovered he was the center of staring from the Decepticons. For he was in quite a suggestive position with the Seeker pinned down by one knee and one palm against his cockpit. Megatron hurriedly got up to at least preserve some dignity, when he noticed Starscream had gone into a state of unconsciousness.
"Alright, it's over. That was quite the initiation, wasn't it? Now go back to your duties; I will be expecting the report of a full army inspection this solar cycle." Megatron waved away the animatedly chatting Decepticons. Most of them let out groans at the notion of work as they left the throne room. Shockwave, however, stayed behind. His posture of a tapping pede and crossed arms clearly showed that he something he wished to discuss with Megatron.
"He put up quite a fight," Shockwave commented, "I'd never seen such a display of aggression before during the ceremony."
"Indeed. Starscream would make a fine warrior if needed. He will now serve as one of our research scientists." Megatron agreed. He had knelt down again beside the unconscious Seeker to admire his handiwork. The deep purple Decepticon brands were now set neatly into the smooth metal of his wings, the lines of the insignia clear and defined.
"He won't be an easy mech to deal with." Shockwave suddenly pointed out.
"I am aware of this fact."
"From what I've seen, Starscream has a rebellious and stubborn nature. He does not yield under higher authorities well, and he will prove to be a challenge to your leadership." Shockwave stated grimly.
Megatron turned around in surprise. He hadn't thought about all this when he had assessed Starscream earlier. Shockwave was also a keen analyzer of character, although he often saw the negatives. But will Starscream truly prove to be a difficult challenge? Megatron doubted so. There wasn't much a mere scientist could do to the leader of the entire faction.
"You think too much, Shockwave." Megatron said casually as he scooped up Starscream's surprisingly light frame, "He's new to the faction. Starscream won't dare to try anything reckless. Besides, I believe that a perspective second-in-command like you will spot anything odd a mile off and deal with it effectively."
After that, Megatron set off briskly with the Seeker still held in his arms. However, Shockwave was still skeptical as he sighed.
"Somehow I know that Seeker is trouble. Why are you blind to this fact, Lord Megatron?"
Starscream woke up in the med bay with diagnostic errors filling his vision. Temporarily disoriented, he didn't notice the lingering pain in his wings until he dismissed the windows.
He let out a discomforted hiss as the new brands burned. On his wings! Why did he have to put them on his prized wings?! Megatron never told him he was going to do that, but just went ahead and branded him anyway.
Starscream scowled. His new leader turned out to be… far from what he expected. Megatron was amiable enough, but something about his casual attitude ticked Starscream off. He was a completely different mech from the Megatron he had heard on the underground broadcasts. The Decepticon leader had been inspiring and powerful in his words. Starscream was immediately impressed at how this mech conducted himself and thought him to be stately and noble in person. He wasn't bad-looking either, the Seeker had to admit when he first saw him. Megatron was much taller than he with sturdy gray and dark-red armor that flared at pointy tips. His helm was elegantly angled with more spikes framing his bold faceplates. However, the Decepticon leader's most striking feature was his crimson optics, which spoke of intelligence and a quick mind, but most of all a devious nature, as if he would do the most unexpected things at the most unexpected moment.
He wasn't like a leader at all! If Starscream had known who it was he collided with he would have acted much more reserved. It was far from the promising first impression he had hoped to leave upon his new superior. It was also far from his expectations of a leader he was going to serve under.
Starscream let out a huff of exasperation. He had joined the Decepticons partially out of spite towards the Autobots and partially out of the desperation that he had nowhere else to go to. He had been totally caught off guard on graduation day when he was told that he didn't qualify for a degree because of his exiled status. Starscream hadn't even stopped to realize that his once-bright future was ruined until he fled away in disbelief. When he finally calmed down and considered his options, he concluded that joining the Decepticons was his only option.
Starscream couldn't return to Vos for the rest of his life. His citizenship was already revoked since the day his sire declared him exiled for the simple reason of refusing to follow the tradition of warriors. As one of the most talented fighters of his household, he could have eventually worked his way into the Vosian Air Command, the first and foremost air force on Cybertron itself. Starscream was even one of the few Seekers who had found two others that would form his trine when they were older.
How reluctant he had been to leave his familiar home city, his close ones and the life he had managed to forge despite severe opposition! Starscream did wonder at times if he hadn't been so determined to pursue his scientific interests, he might have ended up better than he was now. The calm and level-minded Thundercracker and spirited and daring Skywarp could have been flying at his side right now instead of rendered trineless. He would have eventually left Vos not in hurried exile without the time to say his farewells, but full of eager anticipation to see what lay beyond. He might have even graduated from the Academy properly instead of being expelled in shame. But all of these things had happened already; there was nowhere Starscream could go.
In truth, he no longer had a place to be on Cybertron.
Starscream had expected to be accepted among the Decepticons after a fair amount of coercing, use his science expertise in the war effort and hopefully maintain a low profile. He hadn't known Megatron would be so open, and that all it took was a small interview and a (extremely painful, Starscream openly admitted) branding ceremony to get him admitted into the Decepticons.
Later the Seeker was declared good to go by the medic, who was a rather large green mech with an orange visor. He had introduced himself as Hook, and proceeded to pointedly point out that it was unusual for Megatron to carry in any patients himself, which was exactly what he did with Starscream.
The Seeker spluttered again in disbelief. Who gave that infuriating mech permission to touch his frame, and after he branded his precious wings?!
If the Decepticon leader himself was like… this, than wouldn't the others be worse?
He plodded through the dark hallways of the base to his assigned quarters, drawing the attention of almost every Decepticon he passed. There were a few who gave catcalls, but Starscream simply sent them scattering with a few blasts from his twin null rays set on his arms. He did want to attract more attention from the majority of the rogues that made up the Decepticons. They were coarse-mannered and rough, ruffians who have no right to associate with the high caste Starscream, let alone gaze upon his frame.
Soon the Seeker keyed in the codes to his quarters, and the door slid open to reveal a nearly-bare room with a narrow berth against the wall on the right side and a simple shelf on the opposite. Currently it was dotted with what little meager possession Starscream had brought with him upon leaving. Seeing this sight, he was suddenly seized by the impact of his decision to join the Decepticons.
Back in Vos Starscream was never alone, for he was always surrounded by his many siblings and relatives. The household was never quiet, and often the Seeker's wish was to have a solar cycle of silence and peace. Even after he was stripped of his status as a citizen, Starscream found good company at the Academy and gladly intimidated those who mocked him because of his Seeker heritage. He had even found a close friend—
Starscream gritted his dentas and resisted the urge to slam a fist into the unyielding wall, which would no doubt do more damage upon his hand. That said friend was offline, gone. It had been several million stellar cycles since Skyfire perished on that ill-fated research journey. Starscream should move on after spending so much time mourning for his lost friend and blaming himself. The Seeker had just joined the Decepticons, and he was more than ready to leave his misgivings and regrets behind.
But the fact that it would be a lonely existence did not escape Starscream. He knew no one among the Decepticons and could not intimidate them when threatened since the majority of them boasted larger weaponry and frame sizes than he.
Well, there was the rather amiable Megatron…
The Seeker scowled. That hardly-serious excuse of a leader better pull himself together during battle and prove his own speeches true.
But hopefully Starscream could at least find a purpose here. He had a few ideas, for he probably would never return to Vos in his lifetime.
Starscream allowed his helm to drop into both hands, grimacing as the brands on his wings stung at the slight movement. It was as if they served to remind him again and again that he was now bound to the Decepticons likely for eternity.
It was a new turning point for Starscream, and so far it was off to an acceptable start despite his misgivings.
Please review!