A/N: Hello my good readers! Its been awhile since I last update! So, yes I know its not February but over the holidays I realized in my heart of hearts I wanted to release it on this day. Why you may ask? Why did I do a DOUBLE UPDATE ON BOTH OF STEEL AND MAGIC AND BORN ON THE BATTLEFIELD? Well simple, today, on January 23 of last year my Dad passed away. Now its been a year, a very hard year, but a year nonetheless and what better way I could think of to do for him was this. He always encouraged my artistic and writing passions and was always interested in what my mind could come up with! So, today I release these two chapters, one for each story, in honor of him.
Love you Dad, RIP
Anyways...enough with the sappiness, you came here for the story...I hope.
So please enjoy this new chapter, in a new year in a new decade and...
Enjoy the show.
Chapter 13-Ones Alignment
Bulletta's POV
Slowly, my systems came back online. I had a hard time for some reason, remembering how I fell into recharge, last night felt like a blurry and fuzzy dream. When I tried to remember, rising fear, anxiety and 'heartache' arose. I stopped, feeling like a heavy weight on my spark was lifted by not thinking of it.
Disregarding my strange mind for a moment, I took in the rest of my surroundings as I onlined my optics. The first thing I noticed was the warmth that surrounded me, and the sound of a steady pulse nearby. As my optics focused I could see I was under a blanket, but the heat didn't really come from it, but what I was semi-cradled in instead.
Looking up I froze perplexed.
"B-Bumble...bee?" I asked, my vocals felt raw for some reason and my voice was a pained whisper.
The subject in question, Bumblebee, was startled slightly by the sudden noise. His sky blue optics onlining as well, unfocused until they locked onto mine.
"Bulletta!" He said surprised and...concerned? "H-How are you feeling, are you uncomfortable?"
I frowned, "No, where are we? What...happened?" Why are you holding me?, was left unsaid.
"You don't remember?" He asked, more concern and worry laced in his words.
"I don't…" I began to say but stopped, suddenly alerts came from my Atheneum, spots of information popped up saying; Alert-Memory Data Files Corrupted, beginning recovery ...Recovery Incomplete ...Scanning Data...Retrieval of all Uncorrupted Data Commencing ...Retrieval Complete ...Review Recovered Memory Data-Confirm or Deny?
I stared at the two options, apparently my Atheneum backed up my memories and some were corrupted? I nervously looked at both, my curiosity was crashing down hard but something else told me to deny it, to forget it.
"Bulletta? Are you alright?" Bee asked, I focused back on him to see him worrying sky blue eyes.
I stuttered, "Hold on, I need to review the recovered memory data from last night."
He nodded in understanding, but I felt him holding tighter onto me, like I was going to jump away from him. Fact was, his presence was lessening the anxiety at the moment.
Looking back to my two optics, I stared at them both before selecting...
CONFIRM
Bumblebee's POV
I stared down at the femme who held a glazed look to her usually bright yellow optics. I could feel how nervous she was, her frame was ridge in place and her tail was coiled around her leg. There was a slight nod, before she took a deep intake of air, shuddering as what I believe are her memory files returning to her aware mind.
Her optics widened, her frame she became limp in my grasp, her optics still open as she took deeper and deeper breaths, shallow and harsh. Like watching it was painful, and I'm pretty sure it was.
I held her closer, leaning her helm near my spark so that the pulsing could soothe her. She twitched, and when I brought her closer she clung to me, creating dents and scratches, I winced and hissed silently but let it happen.
Tears welled up in optics again, and slowly fell down her face.
"Bulletta….I don't know if you can hear me, but please, know that I am here. I don't know what you are going through, but I won't leave your side, I promise." I said, hoping to break through.
Slowly her helm turned up to see mine, her optics wide with what I could now identify as terror and despair.
She whispered, "You promise…?"
I nodded my helm, "Of course I do, I…" I trailed off, not knowing what to say.
"Thank you…" She smiled sadly, "Because I never want to be alone again."
There was a pang to her words, like an old wound was recently reopened and it pained her greatly. I knew I did something right by her with that promise, I just hope I can keep it.
Ratchet's POV
I returned from the Energon storage room to the Med-Bay only to stop before reaching the door. Voices filtered out of the room, distinctly Bulletta's and Bumblebee's. But they were too quiet for me to hear anything, then, the voices stopped and there was silence.
As I tried to step back in the room, something grasped my shoulder and yanked me back. I found myself disoriented for a moment before seeing Cenotaph slightly turned to the door of the Med-Bay as if listening for a moment before turning back to me.
"Let them have a moment, besides, I need to speak with you." She said, servo still holding my shoulder as if I was going to run from her.
I looked at the door then her, "What is it?" Keeping my neutral expression as best as I could, it felt like her servo was burning my metal underneath it...but not in a painful sense either.
"Ratchet, how interested are you in Landers?" She asked.
"Oh," I said, honestly surprised by the question, "Very much so I guess, I'd been researching Bulletta's unique cyberology for a while now. And after reading some of the reports of battles with Decepticons, your innate abilities to cast what you call, 'magic'."
"Innate is not a term I would use, some yes do have it innately, others don't and must learn or forge pacts with powerful beings in order to achieve their magical abilities."
She began lightly directed me away from the Med-Bay with her servo on my shoulder towards the main hall.
"Your kind, there are similarities to us yet you are vastly different. There is so much I don't understand, but I want too! Is...there any possible chance I could study you as well?"
A glint of mischief grew in her optics and I suddenly realized my mistake.
"You want to study me? Ratchet, I didn't know you had such a dirty mind…" She said with a seductive grin.
I shivered, "Urgh...when you make it sound like that…"
"Oh come now, I'm interested, genuinely." She giggled with a playful smile, "Besides, I don't mind having a young apprentice again."
I stopped myself, looking at the femme in front of me in shock and bewilderment.
"Young apprentice!?" I yelled, "I'm older than you!"
She raised a brow, "Really? How old are you?"
"I've been around since the Golden Age." I said with a bit of pride.
She stared off for a moment, muttering to herself and waving her fingers in the air like if she was trying to solve a math problem.
"Accounting for the fact we tell our age differently, I'd say I'm slightly younger than you. Of course, that could be reversed." A devious smile crossed her lips and suddenly my curiosity outweighed my caution.
"Can magic do that?" I asked.
"Of course," She flaunted her servos around, "How do you think I look so good for my age. In my lab, I have a pool that with the right 'setting' can reverse age, stop aging or just increase it if need be."
My optics widened at the implications, "Wait...you mean to tell me you found a way to live forever!?"
"Indeed, it's the better option than Lichhood or becoming a sort of undead. To me at least, I keep my good looks and my sanity." She bated her optics at me and leaned in with a smirk, "And you could have it too, my dear thrall, if you became my apprentice?"
I thought for a moment, this could be my only chance to learn more about magic and the Landers. To learn how to control this strange power and to maybe aid my Autobots in my work and maybe ...even win the war for them. But, then there were the drawbacks.
I would have to devote time to learn all of this, and be subservient to Cenotaph as she teaches me. And while my pride would never allow this in the first place...something about being under her guidance, being her apprentice, was enticing.
To have her power ...to do what she does...it's intoxicating how much I want that power, that control over my fate and life.
"Fine, if that is what it takes." I said, holding out my servo to her.
Her light violet optics surged with energy and power as she took my servo.
"Good, welcome aboard Ratchet, you'll make a fine Necromancer someday."
I smiled at the thought, "I can't wait to get started."
No One's POV
Everyone was up, and had noticed a change in the air. Cenotaph and Ratchet seemed more cool and distant, discussing things quietly away from the others while Bumblebee and Bulletta were quiet and away from the others as well.
No one was more concerned than Cliffjumper and Optimus.
After sometime, when Bulkhead and Arcee left to pick up the kids, including Sierra and the twins head out on an expedition to the north after a strange signal was pinpointed, did the two mechs corner the Scout and the Gunslinger alone.
"Bumblebee, Bulletta, we were wondering if something happened, you seem...distant." Optimus said, looking worried at his soldiers.
Each looked at each other, before Bulletta sighed and said in a tired voice.
"I ...had a mental breakdown last night."
Now both mechs stared with concern and worry even more so than before.
Cliffjumper asked, "Are you okay? Do you want to talk about it?"
She frowned, "No, I don't want too."
Optimus narrowed his optics, it was really the first time she denied sharing information with them. But this was different, it was personal. Optimus placed a servo on her shoulder.
"Come with me, I want to speak with you alone."
She looked up at him with hidden terror behind her optics, she didn't know what he wanted but with reassuring glances from Bee and Cliff did she relent and nod her helm, following her leader down the halls.
They walked in silence for sometime, before coming upon the quarter section of the base. He input a code and the door opened, revealing a simple room with a berth, a desk, datapads and other small trinkets and this and that. The room was more decorated than she thought of the Prime, but then again, she never thought this would be happening.
He motioned for her to sit on the berth, silently she did so, her tail twitching in nervousness. His optics never leaving her face, even when he sat down across from her in a chair. For a moment, it was quiet, she didn't know how to start a conversation, but he started it for her.
"Bulletta, what caused this breakdown?"
It was a simple question with too many answers, she swam through them trying to make heads or tails of her wild and unchecked emotions, but she tried nevertheless.
"I...had a-a nightmare." She simply said, almost numb to her words as she stared at the floor.
He cocked his helm to the side, "A nightmare? What was it about?"
"Uh," She stuttered, "I-It was more like a-um, a m-memory, from a l-long time ago."
"I see. And something happened in this memory, enough to warrant a breakdown, tell me at your own pace about it." He encouraged on.
She nodded but still stared at the ground, "W-Well...it was a memory from my younger years, when I was living on the streets ...and something bad happened and I ...was alone...in the dark...all alone ...again."
Her emotions were beginning to numb like the rest of her frame, her servos twitched and shivered as she gripped her tail. The same feelings, the loneliness, the fear, the pain came flooding back in. Soon she started to lose herself to them, letting them consume her again.
That was, until something tight closed around her shoulders.
"Bulletta! Focus on my voice." The Prime urged as the gunslinger fell into another breaking point. Her optics unfocused and clouding with tears, her trembling frame and her venting becoming unstable.
That voice, one that had the same richness as his, broke through the barrier again.
"Bulletta, you are not alone, I am here. Don't think about those dark thoughts, let the good ones ground you." His words sounded similar to his and broke the dream like state she was in.
She snapped to attention, her optics blinking into focus.
"You…" She said, more tears welling up, "Sound just like him…"
Optimus finally understood what she dreamt about, someone in her life was taken from her and she was forced to be alone. Someone who cared for her, a parental figure of sorts maybe, and she was fighting the spark crushing feelings of losing him and the loneliness that came with it.
"I understand the strain you are under, and or maybe I don't. But what I do know, is that I know loss. I know the pain of the spark, I know ...loneliness. But, you don't have to be alone in this, you should never be. Because we are here to help, to listen and to soothe those feelings. Yes, they'll always be there, but with others surrounding you, that burden will lessen."
She strained her optics as tears began to fall, "How do you know?" She asked skeptically.
"I have lost my home, my brother and the one I loved. When I became Prime, everything changed. All my friends, my brother, became distant. I was seen as a figure-head, someone to respect and to listen too. But, that distance, created by such thoughts was very lonely. I felt like I had no one to turn to, and I too bottled up my feelings until I made a fatal error on the battlefield and snapped.'
Optimus sighed in shame, hanging his helm as he went on.
'I snapped, because of those bottled emotions. What happened on that day, I'll never forget, but what happened afterward I have forgotten. The numbness, the despair, the spark crushing emotions of the past years finally bubbled to the surface and it was too much. I remember waking up in a hospital, and the first person I saw was Ratchet.'
He smiled at the memory, unaware of the intent yellow optics staring at his bowed helm and slumped shoulders.
'He told me what had happened, and he asked 'Are you okay?'; and I finally accepted the fact that I wasn't. I poured my spark out to him, my oldest friend, about all that I had kept inside, all the emotions, thoughts of all those years. He was there, listened and never once said that having those emotions was wrong. He lifted the weight off my shoulders and set me back on the path, the right one ...and now you can too."
He fell into silence, now staring back with the intense optics. Bulletta just stared back, amazed that the stoic Prime was so different and less scary than she imagined.
She sighed, "It's easier for you than it is me." She couldn't tell him, Alchemist would have a fit if she did, and she already told Cliffjumper everything. She didn't need another helm to keep track in this growing cabal of stars.
"You don't have to tell me."
Her optics widened in surprise, "But you said-"
He cut her off, "I told someone that I trusted the most with those feelings and thoughts, I may not be that person, but maybe someone else can be."
Optimus let those words hang in the air, letting the gunslinger soak it all in.
He was right, she did have someone she trusted with her thoughts, two someones. But only one knew the whole story, and only he would understand now given the passage of time and his acceptance towards the new reality opened to him.
Maybe it was time to have a one-on-one chat with Cliffjumper…
Cenotaph's POV
As we made the final preparations for heading to my secret lab to beginning my new apprentice's training when the twins had called back with a discovery. We put our plans on hold and bridged them, both mechs dragging in a large metal ball of shorts.
Placing it in a hanger, we let it sit and melt before Ratchet got to work defrosting the twins.
"This really isn't necessary doc, I feel fine." Sunstreaker complained again.
Ratchet chidded them, "Ep, ep, ep, this is standard procedure defrosting, it this weren't done you may have permanent damage due to the cold weather!"
"Besides," I remarked with a smile, "We don't need twin-sciles, now do we?"
Sideswipe crackled with laughter at the pun while Sunstreaker groaned and scowled at me.
"Ha, I knew keeping you around was gonna be good!" Sideswipe said, giving me a goofy grin.
"Well, even if you tried to get rid of me you'd have a hard time. I'm not so easily persuaded when I have my processor set."
"Right…" Sunstreaker groaned out sarcastically.
I raised an eyebrow, "You have something to say, Sunstreaker?"
His optics widened, then narrowed before looking away in steamy silence.
I ignored him for now, I had noticed this odd and withdrawn behavior since I came here, wondered what caused it?
"Alright, you're all done." Ratchet said, detaching the tubes from them and setting the twins free.
Sideswipe stretched and beamed at the doc, "Thanks! Now, I can finally take a load off!"
Sunstreaker simply didn't say anything and walked off in a huff. I stared at the back of his helm as he walked away, I think someone needs to let off some steam, and the way he's doing it now isn't working ...a later me problem though.
Turning back to Ratchet, he was busy himself with trying to analyze whatever was in that pod.
While working, he said, "This may take some time, Cenotaph, I don't think we can start today, as much as it pains me to admit it."
"You just wanted to see my lab, didn't you?" I smirked, leaning against the console staring at his concentrated blue optics.
"Yes, while that would be great, I was also looking forward to our lessons." He said with a mild hesitation.
"Good to know I have a student who is passionate about learning the dark arts as I am. But, I need to get things done back at my place so I'm afraid I'm going to have to leave you. After all, at one point I promised to show Bulletta around my lab as well."
That last part was what caught his attention, and yes, it was a lie, somewhat.
"Wait, Bulletta knows about your lab?" He gave an incredulous look.
"Femme's and subsequently fellow Landers, talk my thrall. She was also able to quickly pick up on the fact that I'm a Necromancer, since she's from the Countless Lands. So yes, I'm taking Bulletta to the lab and no, she doesn't yet know of our new apprenticeship."
I stood straight back up, and started fishing for my groundbridge controller.
"Yet?" He asked.
"Well yes, she'll find out eventually after all she is a follower of Ioun and those bastards see through everything and one." I growled out before sighing, "Eventually, Me, You and Bulletta will all be in the loop, pending on if anyone else is to join this secret circle from Bulletta's side. I'm actually considering bringing in Rafael into the fold as well."
His optics widened in surprise, "A human?! And no less a child?! Why?"
"He has his uses…." I left the statement hanging in the air as I saw Bulletta and Optimus Prime re-enter the room, as soon as they did, Arcee and Bulkhead returned from picking the kids up and Bumblebee and Cliffjumper appeared out of nowhere.
The kids piled out/off of the bots laughing and cheering, seemed like they had a good time.
Sierra looked to Bulletta with a questioning look once she spotted her, "Hey, why didn't you pick me up?"
Bulletta's optics widened and she smacked her helm, "I'm sorry Sierra….I completely forgot."
She waved it off, "No biggie, just wondering what's going on!" But, I could tell it bothered her, she waved it off the unnaturally, definitely something brewing there.
Ratchet sighed in annoyance, "What are the human children doing here? Shouldn't they be in school?"
Miko scoffed, "It's Saturday, we have the weekend off to spend with you." She smiled wickedly as Sideswipe and Sunstreaker came back into the main room.
Ratchet mumbled, "Primus kill me…."
I whispered, "I'd raise you back from the dead if that happened…."
He shuddered slightly and huffed, turning his back to me and began working back at the console.
"So, any luck in the arctic?" Arcee asked the twins.
"Indeed," Ratchet called out, pulling a camera on the melting pod, "We uncovered this, there may be possibly more in the arctic and since I can't open this one yet, we should search for any more pods."
Optimus nodded his helm, "Then we'll send a search party."
I interjected, "Well, it isn't going to me or Bulletta, we have plans."
Optimus looked intrigued at me, "And what does that entail?"
I weighed my options for a split second before coming to choice, "If you must know, I want to test some spells and I need a big space for them. Bulletta is coming with because she doesn't trust my magic not hurting someone, even though we'll be in the middle of nowhere."
Lying to a Prime, a leader, is nothing new. After all, politics were basically lies and counter-lies constructed to either makes us feel secure or throw us for a loop. It was a big risk, since this was Optimus Prime who seemed as though he could tell what was going through a bots helm, but it was a calculated risk.
He gave me a stern look, before looking to Bulletta who was looking between us, I gave her a quick glare before he asked.
"Is this true, Bulletta?"
She quickly nodded her helm, not saying a word, good.
He turned back, "Very well, then Arcee, come with me. And Cenotaph, take Cliffjumper with you."
He doesn't trust me, interesting.
"Very well." I answered and stared at the two and motioned for them to follow me to the lift to the top of the mesa.
As we made our way I could tell something was wrong with Bulletta, she seemed exhausted and worn down. It was something to keep a close tab on for now. Entering the elevator we rose to the top, until coming up on a bright sunny day ...I hate sunny days.
"Alright, what are we doing here?" Cliffjumper asked, looking skeptically at me.
"Yeah, I thought we were going out into the middle of nowhere?" Bulletta also asked.
I scoffed, "First off, we can't drive anywhere as I am incapable of transformation. And second off….." I trailed off, now realizing I had a problem, Cliffjumper.
"Wait," Bulletta asked, "You can't transform?"
"Does it look like I have wheels or wings?" I sarcastically asked.
Cliffjumper shook his helm, "Alright, Cenotaph, is this related to your mission from the Primes?"
…
…
...huh, well that's shocking…
"You told him?" I asked slowly, pointing at the mech in disbelief.
Bulletta shifted her peds, "...maybe…" Her nervousness quickly took over as her tail swished quickly.
I laughed, both looked confused, "Ah, I knew you wouldn't be able to keep your mouth shut forever, you Iounians are all the same! Well, I guess that means that I don't have to knock you out for where we're going."
Now both were confused.
"And where's that?" Bulletta asked, almost afraid it seemed.
A groundbridge opened right in front of me, I turned to them with a devious smile.
"Let me show instead of tell."
No One's POV
The lab was quiet, the sounds of the jungle above filtered in from above as the day-creatures were out during the sunny day of the jungle above. Suddenly, a groundbridge opened up and stepping through were the Cybertronian and the two Landers.
Bulletta and Cliffjumper marveled at the room, the sinkhole ceiling let in fresh air of the jungle and the sounds of animals conversing above in the sunlight. Equipment and tools were everywhere and strangely, a large mirror on one wall. More tunnels led deeper into the lab.
"Woah, this amazing ...how did you get it?" Bulletta asked Cenotaph who walked around the central raised stone table.
"Quintus Prime was more than willing to accommodate me." She said with a sly smirk.
"So ...what's this about?" Cliffjumper asked.
Bulletta and Cenotaph explained it, everything including the fact that now there were two Landers with the Decepticons and that the Primes have a brand for them, that still needed to be implemented.
"...And that's why we are truly here, for me and Bulletta to get those marks and any of those associated as well." Cenotaph ended her explanation.
"But what if someone catches on? I mean, if I change my badge in anyway I am immediately called out, right?" He asked.
It was true, if any others other than Landers were seen with the wings, they'd be labeled conspirators ...which they were. Cenotaph knew they needed a work around, someway to hide it in plain sight.
"I don't think we can brand him, it would be too risky." Bulletta said with a defeated look.
Cenotaph hummed, "Maybe...I could make a device to hide your true form, like a Seeming spell, which is possible if I were a student in the School of Enchantment. But alas, I am not, which means we may need a more technological approach, any ideas Bulletta?"
"Well, I could craft basically a holoform but instead of looking human it would go over your entire body and only change one thing. But, if someone were to touch you, then you may be exposed. Maybe hardlight? Like a solid holoform?"
Bulletta's mind was racing with possible ways of how to accomplish such a task, and to be asked of her expertise in inventions by Cenotaph actually lightened the view she had of the magic user, if only slightly.
"Maybe we need a simpler approach?" Cliffjumper asked, both femmes looked to the red mech. "I mean, what if it was invisible, Miko recently showed me something called invisible ink ...I'm beginning to wonder if she may have used it…."
All of them decided to ignore the possibility of an invisible ink prank that was pulled off potential by Miko with no one knowing, and focus back on topic.
"I see what you are saying, and yes, this could be a solution." Bulletta said thoughtfully, "I bet you I can develop my own invisible ink but instead of ink, it'd be paint. Then, we can paint it on and if barring any UV-lights, no one would know they were there."
Cenotaph smiled as she said, "So, like an invisible tattoo?"
"Exactly, but this paint will be permanent, which means, it can't be covered up by new paint, it will always shine through. Is that something you are alright with Cliffjumper?" Bulletta asked, looking at Cliffjumper who held a gleeful smile.
"This sounds awesome, and no one will think to shine UV-light on us because...well WHY?" He laughed before going on, "But if we add anymore people than they'll have to be cool with it too."
"That's the thing, we are adding more into this cabal, more than you." Cenotaph said, focusing on the table a small red glyph appeared in her servo and a projection appeared on the table showing a smaller version of Cliffjumper. "But, I wish to discuss that with everyone currently in the Falling Stars to be here or well, at least together somewhere."
She twisted her servo once more and the image of Cliff disappeared and was replaced with images of Cenotaph and Bulletta.
"We need to gather all of us in the same place at a safe location without either side noticing. So, we'll need to make contact somehow as spells only get so far. I have a proposal for the first meeting, and it involves magic, are you alright with that, 'Letta?" Cenotaph asked sweetly.
Bulletta frowned, "Fine, and don't call me 'Letta, you don't have that privilege yet."
"Very well," Cenotaph said, rolling her optics, "Anyways, I was thinking of using the spell Dream. If I know who they are and what they look like I can pull any creature into a dream that I have created, this will be our meeting space."
"So, what's the hold up? You already told us before that you spied on the new member so shouldn't that be enough?" Cliffjumper asked.
"Yes, but I don't know her name nor have I ever seen the other…."
"But I have seen Moonfall, and she's not in a position to talk. Not after taking an explosion to the face like that." Bulletta said, frowning as she remembered that day.
"Wait, you don't think she's dead?" Cliff asked.
Bulletta shook her helm, "No, the Primes picked us for a reason, so then we let her die so soon? It makes no sense."
"She's right ...you know." A new voice said, her withered and whispery voice echoing through the chamber.
All helms snapped up to the voice and a delightful smile spread across Cenotaph's face, while Bulletta looked on in horror and shock and Cliffjumper, speechlessness.
Floating a few feet off the ground, in the center of the hole that let the sunlight in and jungle above to be visible, was Moonfall. She was ghostly, her armor was destroyed, her body marred with burn marks and holes, especially one where her spark should be, where only a large purple crystal impaled her now. Her optics were pure black with purple dots in them and around her helm was blood red thin wires almost like human hair that was floating as if in water.
Her mouth never opened, but her voice spoke through, a horrible sound it was.
"It's a pleasure to meet you...face to face." Her voice bothered both Bulletta and Cliffjumper who cringed, but Cenotaph was unaffected.
The necromancer smiled, "Ah, and what brings a lovely ghost such as yourself here dear?"
Moonfall's head snapped unnaturally towards her, it unfazed the pale femme.
"I have come bearing knowledge," She floated down until she was mere centimeters from the table. "Listen well, I will NOT repeat myself. I indeed live, but have been temporarily shunted from my body, thus how I am here. Someone guards my prison, and he is worthy of working with us. He is Starscream, and he is the perfect candidate for entry into the Falling Stars. As well, the new femme, is named Nerium. She is a Gnome Druid, gifted with storm and mountain magic and has a companion named Wendigo, a golden eagle minicon. When this first meeting is conducted, I will be there, but you must bring in not only Starscream, but Cliffjumper, and the ones Cenotaph plans to bring in, Ratchet and Rafael."
"Wait, you wanna bring in Ratchet and Rafael?" Bulletta looked at Cenotaph in suspicion and surprise.
"SILENCE!" Moonfall screeched, her form becoming slightly distorted and deformed before returning to normal.
Then Moonfall went on, "Not only shall Starscream, Ratchet and Rafael be brought into this cabal, but one other, another Decepticon to keep balance. I have received word of who the finally Satellite Member shall be from the Primes themselves; he shall be Breakdown, but, will not join until a certain event has passed and you will know what it is when it happens. In order for this meeting to occur I have given Cenotaph coordinates and instructions on her personal computer to arrange a meeting with Starscream in person to set it all up."
She was silent for a moment, she looked back up as if something caught her attention. Moonfall looked back down and said once more.
"I must take my leave now, Starscream is in need of me. But know this; we aren't the only ones conspiring in this war, others wish our downfall and both Autobots and Decepticons plan and plot against each other. This is a delicate dance, but if we succeed, then we shall bring order and peace to this universe once and for all...thank you all for your sacrifice to this cause, till the stars are one."
And then she was gone in a flash of light, streaking up into the sky.
A silence filled the lab beneath the jungle before Cenotaph broke it.
"Well, this just got interesting."
In the Middle of the Unknown Jungle Several Hours Later…
Cenotaph's POV
I stood silently at the edge of the clearing in this thick jungle, the humidity was really something but I ignored it to the best of my abilities to smile at the recent events. Everything that has happened today, couldn't have been any better.
Especially seeing Moonfall in her ghostly form, specters were some of my favorite of undead, especially since they were so varied.
But, she reveled something important. Several things actually.
First, was the fact that she was shunted from her body in a prison. Which meant she was transferred using a powerful necromancy spell called Magic Jar. All that needed to happen was for the 'jar' to be broken near her body and she would return, not necessarily wake up, but have a better chance too depending on how broken she is.
Second, was the fact that she was still in communication with the Primes and that they already know who will join our little cabal later on. This Breakdown fellow, I'm curious about him, I wonder what he is like.
But, that is something for later as now, I blip appears on my radar.
I sent out a pulse, as instructed by Moonfall and wait.
Finally, I hear the jet coming towards the clearing and landing in the middle with a graceful touch down, is Starscream. The first thing I noticed with a very transparent specter of Moonfall next to him, always next to him. However, her form was different now, it was refined, her armor was smooth and upgraded, her red wire hair more tame and short and overall, she looked normal.
He scanned the forest around until he stopped, staring at me. I made my optics brighter and let the glow pierce the darkness. He gasped and stumbled back, Moonfall never leaving his side.
"W-Whose there?!" He shouted, I could tell he was afraid but Moonfall made no such thing, staring blankly at me, she was different from before, like she was….
I laughed at the realization, and it unsettled the Seeker but not the dead femme. Of course, I understood the difference between her form and that other one. That other one, was her true form, and this was her fake form, her presentation to Starscream even if he couldn't see her. She was trying to make herself appealing to him, like she was afraid of him finding out the truth.
Finally, I stepped out of the jungle and into the light of the night. He studied me well, like any good soldier but clearly he was even more afraid now than before.
I put on a pleasant smile to ease tensions, "Ah, Starscream, so you've finally come."
His optics slowly stopped, as he stared at my brand new insignia. I had it put on after Moonfall left my lab, it stung a little still but I wore it with pride, Bulletta also got her wings as well. But his optics widened in terror and a hint of hate.
"Y-You ...are an Autobot!" He hissed pulling his weapons.
I remained unintimidated, the poor mech was so much smaller than me. I could crush him in a bear hug.
"Oh? But I thought you wanted my aid? Or is that spirit clinging to your spark something you just had since you were made?" I said, looking at Moonfall who shifted slightly under my gaze.
He froze for a moment, comprehending the words.
"H-How….?" His weapons lowered
Smiling I said, "I am what you seek, Starscream, Moonfall. I am the Unholy Mistress, I am Cenotaph."
"You are ...so you can help then?!" His weapons gone, a hopeful expression graced his face for a moment.
Nodding I went on, "Of course, but first you must help me. I need you to give a message to the Lander Gnome."
"Wait, you mean Nerium? How do you know her?" He asked, confused. Moonfall shifted beside him, almost uncomfortable.
"Don't ask questions that you don't want answers too." I said slamming the staff in my servos down and blowing him back slightly with the wind, "Now, for the message; tell Nerium to open up her mind and the stars shall align."
He looked confused, "What kind of message is that?"
"Tell her this and she will understand, and since you are so involved as well...do the same." I said, already having enough of this conversation and turning to walk back to my lab.
"Involved in what?" He asked, I stopped for a moment.
"You will soon know, you will see the true reason for us being here. You will see the stars align and when you do, you shall align with them too. In the process, you will betray your own faction and join a great cause, with others; the Apprentice, the Wrecker, the Hacker and the Saved One will be traitors like you, and together we shall build the greatest constellation this world has ever seen."
I didn't know where those titles came from, but I didn't care anymore and tried again to walk away
"When should we be ready?" He called out.
Stopping again I looked at him slightly, "Always be ready, never be not ready."
And faster than I wanted, I walked back into the jungle, ready to call it a day.
But as I was walking back, my Comm. came on.
It was Bulletta.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Cenotaph, you need to get here, the bots are in bad shape."