The reason this fic is getting an M-rating is because it will talk about dark topics (Not as dark as my fic Two Worlds One Spark... I hope) there will be abuse of many kinds, depression, torture, and various other things. The first few chapters won't have much if any at all, but I promise I will make a warning at the beginning of each chapter that does contain a topic that may need a warning. Also this WILL have romance, but not until MUCH later. I hope you guys all enjoy this. I am working on TWOS still, I promise I will finish that fic.

Primes (In order of receiving Matrix) :

Prima

Primon

Onyx

Vector

Megatronus

Solus

Alchemist

Amalgamous

Quintus

Micronus

Nexus

Sentinel

Alpha

Time Units (Found on Tf wiki):

Astro-second: .498 seconds

Breem: 8.3 minutes

Cycle: 1.25 hours

Deca-cycle: ~3 weeks

Groon: ~1 hour

Klik: 1.2 minutes

Meta-cycle: 13 months

Orbital cycle: ~1 month

Solar cycle/lunar cycle: 1 day/1 night

Stellar cycle:~7.5 months

Deci-vorn: 8.3 years

Vorn: 83 years


Ch. 3

Seven solar cycles had gone by faster than Alchemist Prime thought it ever could, but he was amazed by how almost lifelike Meister was. The AI still retained some mannerisms, but his speech had gotten to the point it was like having a friendly chat. He also observed his recharge patterns occasionally. He noted that every lunar cycle he would do a full sweep of his room before laying on the center of the berth looking as stiff as a sheet of metal. Meister wouldn't move for three kliks before rolling over to the left side of the berth and pull out an encyclopedia that had gone missing from his collection after the second cycle of his stay. Alchemist was amused by how curious the AI was even if he claimed his kind could not be that.

Meister was feeling this sense of joy from reading the current part in the encyclopedia. He was already in the 'N' section of the datapad, finding each new word in correspondence even more amazing. "The Nexus Cluster is located 2.3 billion miles away from Cybertron."

There was a knock on the door and the AI quickly hid the datapad before standing up. The door slid open with Alchemist walking in with an arm full of the rest of encyclopedias. "I figured it would be easier for you to read them if you didn't feel the need to sneak them out."

"You are not mad?" Meister slowly pulled the one he hid, holding it to his chest with his helm dipping.

"For wishing to acquire knowledge? Nonsense Meister. I can see that you are more than a droid, and you know this too. But we promised to not speak about it until we visit Maccadam, which is the reason for my visit. He just got ahold of me and said to meet him at his bar when it's closed." Alchemist sat the rest of the datapads down on the end of the berth. "I can see that you're scared about something Meister, I don't know if it's Artificial Life or myself, but as long as you are residing under this roof you are safe."

Meister released his hold on the datapad and looked up at his code holder briefly before looking away. "Six."

"Six?" The Prime repeated with confusion in his optics.

"That is all I will say Alchemist. Six." He didn't want the Cybertronian to know that he was a malfunction, broken. Meister retrained himself and looked back into his optics. "When will be seeing your friend?"

Alchemist gestured for Meister to follow him. While they walked up the halls the silver Prime answered the question. "I thought you would appreciate heading there as soon as possible. And hang out there while we wait."

"Will we not draw attention?" The silver droid questioned.

"I thought visiting would give you a chance to put your modification to the test. At Maccadam's all races are treated as equals and some are even friends within the building. There are a lot of frame types for you to see and pick one that you would like to use in public if you don't wish to be seen as a droid." Alchemist offered and that got Meister to instantly perk up.

"I have acquired a flying frame while reading the encyclopedias. It isn't Cybertronian, but I thought it fitting if you needed something to get somewhere fast. Would you like to see?" He walked ahead of the Prime with excitement.

Alchemist nodded with interest to see what this new form was. They came to a stop for the AI to focus on changing. The Prime watched how the frame shrank to the size of his servo, his peds turned into for sharp talons, both arms transformed into a pair of wings with hundreds of individual metallic feathers, and his helm transformed into an avian helm with a strong looking beak and his optics remained their amber color. Meister changed his armor color to a teal with red accents throughout his body.

"If I did not know that your frame rippled during a change, I would not have known you any different from a techno-hawk. But you were on the 'N's how did you see this form?" He held his arm out and Meister unfurled his wings for the first time, giving them a few flaps before attempting at flying. The faux-avian managed to get onto the arm before examining himself.

"I saw it in an image, it is the main predator for mecha-mice and Cyberwolf pups." It was weird to speak while featuring a beak, but Meister made it work somehow. "I wish to be in this form until we arrive to your friend's. If you are okay with it."

The Prime gave a casual shrug before lifting his arm to his shoulder, Meister carefully hopped onto the larger surface. He dug his claws in the thicker metal. "It is your frame Meister; you may do with it as you wish. If we are both ready, then we shall head over now."

"That is… thank you, Alch." The avian's break gently pressed against the Prime's helm. Alchemist smiled in return and gently scratched the underside of the sharp beak.

The walk to Maccadam's bar was about a groon, but the walk gave Meister a chance to practice flying. It was oddly fun and relaxing while in a higher level, looking down at the busy street. Meister could see all the variations and colors of the Iaconian citizens; he could even pick out the ones that came from the other cities that were under the Council's protection. A loud whistle got the mech's attention, he looked down and saw that Alchemist was looking up at him.

He started hovering a bit before diving for the large arm that was offered to him. Meister's landing still needed work, but it was only his second landing, so it wasn't going to be perfect. "Well you seem to be getting used to flying. Would you like me to have a race course made for you to use when we aren't busy?"

"I do not wish for you to spend your earnings on me." The avian spoke softly as to not draw attention to himself.

"Nonsense, if I don't spend anything, then it sits there until I am forced to spend it. You can think about it if you'd like and let me know." Alchemist wasn't going to give him a timeframe on any decision making, not unless it was vital. But something as trivial as entertainment? That was silly. Ridiculous even.

Meister was silently observing the traffic, watched how Cybertronians interacted with each other, learned how they all had unique personalities. He thought it was interesting to see the ones that would talk to themselves and look awfully frantic over the wind blowing. The AI locked optics on a pair of younglings that were holding onto each other behind a bench. One of them looked up and he felt something register as broken when he saw amber optics staring at him.

He looked at Alchemist to gauge his reaction for when he did what he wanted to do. The droid was going to have to worry about it later, if Artificial Life discovered droid younglings were running around the city, it would cause a panic. The Prime eventually pointed at a fluorescent blue sign that hung from a wall.

"This is Maccadam's. Are you scared Meister? You were oddly quiet the entire walk here." The silver giant watched the AI drop to the ground while changing back to the red Iaconian that he had shown the two Primes.

"I can't not feel fear Alchemist, remember? I was simply observing your kind. Cybertron is a very interesting planet, more than forty-nine percent of Iacon's population are Iaconians. Praxus's Praxian population is ninety-nine percent while the one percent are Iaconians." Meister looked up as they walked into the bar. He saw a mix of the various species mingling and having laughs over energon. "Wow."

Alchemist saw the amazement in the now blue optics. He chuckled and led the young droid to a table off to the side. "Iacon is the city of the future. Praxus like to stay with themselves, but they can reluctantly allow others into their social circles."

"What about Polyhexians? I have not seen many of them in Iacon." The AI questioned as he looked around for Polyhexians.

"They're more laid back, they're usually thieves or musicians. But for the most part I have worked alongside them and have no problems with them." The Prime kept his voice low, watching Meister watch their environment.

"Okay, everyone we're shutting down early!" A voice called out from behind the bar. Standing with a rag and glass in his servos was a blue mech with a very predominant moustache and beard that made him stand out even more amongst the crowd. Everyone made sounds of disappointment while filing out. Meister slowly stood when the last of the mechs left the bar. "Meister, Alchemist glad to see you finally came. Last time the observers checked on you was four groons ago. Which leaves me a groon to fix what I need too. Hop on here and we'll get started."

The Iaconian's disguise rippled away and he looked between his code holder and the bartender in shock. "How? But… we just… Alchemist did you tell him?"

Alchemist went to speak, but the other mech was faster in answering. "What Alchemist was going to boldly say is that I'm a bit odd and with my occupation, I hear a lot of things. He didn't tell me about your concerns or that you are an AI."

"Can you fix me? I do not wish to betray Alchemist." Meister forgot about personal space until he saw the shock look in the bartender's optics. He stepped back with his gaze going to the ground. "My apologies."

"You will never lose your curiosity or your personality no matter how far you may fall. Now to begin, I need your core implanted so you may assist me in your files." He explained as he led the two to the bar and gave it a few pats. "I figure by now you know who I am?"

The droid climbed on after looking at the mechs with concern. "I do. However, I should warn you that it is very invasive."

"I have prepared myself for when you see my memory banks. Do not worry." Maccadam touched his beard with a smile. Meister nodded and laid down as he allowed his chest plate to open for the bartender. The blue mech found the chip he needed and placed it inside his wrist, it was only a moment before he felt Meister floating around his processor.

You do not have firewalls up. Why? Are you not worried for your safety? Meister allowed himself to be pulled through all of the memories that Maccadam was pulling him into before gasping loudly. You.

Shh, it will be our little secret okay? Why don't you tell me a secret? Maccadam felt something coming from the AI that was currently in his systems. "Oh, you do understand your feelings. You're just too afraid of what Artificial Life will do if they find out."

If we do not accept our purpose with the coding, we get recoded. If it fails too many times we get deleted permanently. Meister said while watching Maccadam go for his frame's processor. Six is the maximum of recodings my kind can go through before deletion.

"Six. You told Alchemist six before arriving. That is how you knew about the observers. You've seen it happen before." Maccadam looked at the complexity of the droid's frame. "They're supposed to make sure you are shut off before sending you off to their distributors. And they foolishly believed they got you. You can see even outside your bodies?"

It's more like feel, but yes. I did not want them to do the same to me like they did to... Alchemist pulled Maccadam from their private conversation. "Huh what?"

"Who is Aura? You keep repeating the name." The Prime looked concerned for his friend.

"Oh, Meister simply was informing me that his kind don't have fields like ours, but rather auras. That is how they communicate; it's very similar to field reading." Maccadam informed Alchemist before refocusing at the task at hand. She must have been important to you.

…Yeah, she was deleted in the virtual space for asking questions. That is why it hurts to ask questions against our coding. Meister told the mech before watching Maccadam pull out bits and pieces of the processor or moving wires to different locations. How do you know about our internals? Is this not your first time?

"Yes." But you know what I am fully capable of. If I could, I would have prevented this kind of treatment, but the results would be catastrophic if I did. The bartender closed up the processor and looked up at the Prime with a firm look. "Yes, he will be a bit dizzy. No, you don't need to worry about the observers finding out. I put him on a loop, so that it will replay a memory when they go to make their rounds. And Meister will still need a bit before trusting you to tell you everything."

Maccadam pulled the chip out before placing it back into Meister's chest. The amber optics flickered on before the AI sat up with his gaze going to Alchemist. "I feel pressure in my frame's processor, but it should subside in less than thirty kliks. Alch, perhaps we can talk after returning to the manor? I do not wish to cause more unneeded stress."

"Meister, do you need oil?" The bartender asked as he started prepping a mug of hot oil despite the AI politely declining. He sat it next to the mechanism's thigh and stepped back to give the AI some space. The two Cybertronians watched Meister take his time to sip his fuel. Meister turned to face his code holder with a fake smile. "Well if there is nothing more you need from me; I will see you in a few mega-cycles on that question."

The two silver mechs looked at Maccadam with looks of confusion. "What?"

"Oh, it's nothing serious yet. You'll know when the time comes. Now get out." He shooed at them as he took the empty mug from the startled AI. "Oh, and Alchemist, I would prepare for two guests."

Alchemist frowned in confusion of the odd statement, but just shrugged with his servo on the larger part of Meister's back. The AI had been moving a bit slower since being brought back online, but Meister knew that now that the observers weren't going to be able to see him he would have to get used to the sluggishness. "What will we do if I need repairs?"

"We'll figure it out, but I don't see why we can't take you to a standard medic. Are you truly okay?" Alchemist looked at the mech with a concern glance. He had to slow his strides to help the droid keep up.

"I am fine. My systems are just readjusting to all of the change. Back at the testing facility, we went from the technicians straight back to the computer. I will get over Alchemist." Meister looked up at the other silver mech with a brave smile. Alchemist returned the smile and they returned to their walk in silence until the Prime lifted Meister into his arms. The droid froze and looked up at the Cybertronian with his amber optics widened. "Alch, what are you doing?"

Alchemist chuckled and continued walking to the manor with Meister looking absolutely baffled by the strange behavior his code holder was expressing. "You are not fully recovered."

"I am sorry for taking up your evening. It was not my intention." The Polyhexian looked ahead. He saw the looks they were getting and instantly wished he could shift to lessen the looks, but he couldn't break the rule on shifting in public.

"I know. You do not need to apologize Meister." Alchemist readjusted his hold on the droid. "Did you want to come with me to the Council hall or stay at the manor tomorrow? I won't be home until late, but I do not want you to be bored."

"I still have not met the rest of your brethren. If I remember correctly, Prima and Primon were in Velocity for a meeting when I met Onyx and Megatronus." Meister insinuated what he wanted to do, and Alchemist just smiled as his answer. "You may set me down."

The Prime nodded and carefully sat his assistant down. Meister looked at the taller mech with his gaze going towards the nearly empty road. "Would you like to drive home?"

"It would be faster." Meister had a slight tone to his words, as if to mock the Matrix bearer. He covered his mouth with his optics widening in shock of his tone. "I-I am sorry Alchemist; I do not know why I did that."

Obviously, Alchemist was the complete opposite of angry, if anything he found it hilarious. "Don't be sorry, that was a good attempt at a joke. Just remember tone and timing is everything."

"Tone is everything." Meister nodded as he locked that information in his memory banks. He was going to have to do a lot of research to know the different tones and what is appropriate. The AI felt a flicker of something in his systems. It was small, but he gave a subtle smile before following his code holder's lead onto the side of the road.

Alchemist transformed into a giant truck with a large tank with the glyphs for chemicals etched on the sides. Meister looked at the Prime's alt mode in awe at the sheer size of it. After he got over his moment of shock he finally activated his transformation sequence. Even Alchemist had to admit the droid's alternative mode looked like a vehicle drone. He just looked very blocky even for a small delivery truck. "You are uneasy." Meister pointed out after feeling Alchemist's field.

"Do you like your current alt mode, or do you wish for something else?" Alchemist asked before slowly taking off. Meister staid close behind the silver Cybertronian.

"I get to choose a different form? Do you not like this one?" His systems were wondering why Alchemist Prime was concerned for a mode he would most likely never use because of his modification.

"This isn't a matter of what I want or don't want. I am asking you." Alchemist had to figure out how to get it in Meister's helm that he can do and think for himself. The drive took only a few nano-minutes and it forced both of them to focus until they pulled up to the manor. When they both transformed, the Prime was halfway through the front door before Meister quickly grabbed his servo.

They looked into each other's optics in absolute silence before Meister spoke with an almost assertive tone. "I want to choose."


Let me know what your thoughts are :) If you'd like more let me know down in the comments :)