I'm still amazed we're in the thirties. Like it still hasn't fully hit me just how far this story's came along yet and you guys are probably going to skip me monologuing and read the chapter, so that's fine.
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Chapter Thirty-Four: Of Nightmares and Night Talks
(Charlie's POV)
I was slipping.
My legs were trembling as they moved backwards, and it was like the wind had wrapped around my ankles, yanking them down into the enormous pit of darkness. I thrashed, kicked, and screamed as I struggled, but it was fruitless against the wind. It sent sharp whispers past my ears, and I moaned in pain, arms wrapped around my stomach. To my horror, I could see the horns again, the blood bleeding through my light gray shirt and the stinging pain hit me all at once.
It was all the distraction the wind needed to pull me over. I felt my stomach drop as the ledge I was standing on faded, and my mouth opened to scream but no sound moved past my lips. It was as if all the oxygen had been sucked out of me, and my fingers grasped the air helplessly, as if that would stop my descent.
I was falling.
Down...
Down...
Into ineffable darkness.
It could have been minutes, but it felt like it had been an eternity until I landed on a heavy, warm surface. I groaned softly, rolling on to my back. The pain from the mark on my stomach still burned, but it was at a tolerable degree, as I slowly pushed myself up. I was still surrounded by utter darkness, and as the winds whipped past me again, I felt the familiar chill of another entity being present.
It's him.
Purple eyes shined in the darkness, gleaming so brightly that I had to wince and bring my hand up to filter the light. Those four eyes were as menacing as ever, but instead of the chaotic laughter, the sinister chills, or the sharp whispers, there was silence. The pain had disappeared, and leaving nothing but dried blood on my shirt. Tentatively, I stared up at those malevolent eyes that has haunted me for so long.
"What are you?" My voice was suddenly audible. But it was hoarse, and scratchy as I tried to keep my bottom lip from quivering. My heart was pounding loudly in my chest, and the air around me felt heavier, and harder to breathe in. "What do you want from me?"
"Everything." The thunderous voice replied, his optics narrowing slightly.
I balked, "W-What?"
The amethyst eyes chuckled darkly, "Haven't you seen the signs? I am awakening."
"W-What does that have to do with m-me?" I rambled, growing more uneasier by the second.
"You hold the key, puny little human." The voice answered.
I took a step back, shaking my head, "This isn't real, this is just another nightmare."
"Is that what you've been telling yourself?" It snarked.
I snarled in frustration, grabbing the sides of my head, "This isn't real!"
"Listen closely little earthling, because I am only saying it once." His voice thundered, shaking the empty blackness and I fell to my knees. The pain in my stomach spiked again, and I groaned, my hands snaking around my waist to the wound, which was slick with blood. "When the flora falls and rises again, I will be strong enough to break out of this imprisonment in which I was forced into. You are the key to my freedom, little human. And until that time arises, my dark energy will haunt you. Plague your dreams and drive you irrational, to the point in which you are not sure what is real and what is not. You have been warned."
"Wait-"
The eyes disappeared, and the darkness overwhelmed me.
My eyes snapped open, but that time I didn't scream. I just jolted upright, taking deep breaths to calm my erratic heartbeat. I wiped the sweat streaming down my forehead, and tangling my hair, before rubbing the bridge of my nose. Vaguely, I could feel a headache forming between my eyes.
"It's not real," I murmured to myself, rocking back and forth, "It's not real. It was just a nightmare."
"Charlie?"
I jumped at the sound of another voice, before realizing it was only Quickshift, who was at the edge of the bed. He had dragged a pillow over there and made himself comfortable, but looked up me with dimmed silver optics. I didn't know when he came back, but I was relieved to have someone in the room with me. His warm presence was calming.
"What's-"
"Another nightmare," I interjected, trying to sound nonchalant as I slid out of the bed, "Nothing new. I'm sorry for waking you up."
I walked over to the bathroom, ignoring his protest as I switched on the light. A girl with scratches and scrapes that littered her face stared back at me. She had dark circles under her soft brown eyes. Sweat lined the edges of her hairline, dampening it a darker shade of blonde. I sighed, running my fingers through my hair again, before turning on the faucet and splashing cold water onto my face.
I had to get those violet eyes out of my mind. I turned off the faucet, and dried my face with a towel on the side. I placed my hands on the counter, palms pressed flat against the marble as I stared at myself in the mirror. I was letting this get out of control; I couldn't even sleep anymore without fearing what I'd dream about. Most of it was just terrifying, dark places where those eyes would haunt and mock me until I screamed. But this...this was different. The eyes told me that I was the key to something...something big.
What am I saying?
I shook my head again, trying to clear the thoughts out of my mind.
Briefly, I thought about contacting Sunstreaker or Sideswipe. Sunstreaker would understand more, because he's witnessed my nightmares, but Sideswipe had a more comforting personality. I glanced at the digital clock on the counter.
3:26.
I couldn't call them, they were probably recharging.
"Charlie." Quickshift said, managing to startle me again.
I sighed in frustration, "I told you to go back to recharge."
The red mini-bot crossed his arms, "First of all; no ya didn't. You said 'I'm sorry for wakin' you up'. And second of all, ya wake up gaspin' and then come runnin' in here. That worries me, and as your guardian, I'm duty-bound to check up on ya."
I rolled my eyes, switching off the light as I moved back into the room, "Thanks, but no thanks."
Quickshift frowned, but followed me out, wheeling on his small tires. I went over to the dresser, which thankfully still had some of my clothing inside, and threw a large sweater over myself.
"Wait, where ya goin'?" He protested.
"A walk." I answered simply, grabbing the keys off the counter.
"Oh no ya don't!" He grumbled, wheeling around fast, before turning and suddenly he was in front of me. I nearly tripped over my own foot. His optics, fully brightened and shining brilliantly in the dark, looked up at me with a stern glance, "I let ya have a pass at the warehouse, but this slag ends now. You need to tell me what's goin' on with these nightmares."
"They're just nightmares. Everyone has nightmares!" I snapped. Deep down, I knew he only had my best interest at heart- or really, spark- but the frustration and anxiousness was building up inside me. I felt like I would crack at any moment.
"Yeah, but not like the ones your havin'. I hear ya talkin' in your sleep Charlie, and ya keep muttering something about 'purple eyes'." Quickshift said.
I gasped, feeling my heart clench painfully at the mention of those eyes. I squeezed my eyes shut. Get a grip on yourself; it's just a nightmare. Just a nightmare. When the painful pounding in my heart slowed, I opened my eyes again, and looked down at the red mini-bot still standing there, waiting expectantly for an answer I didn't have. I bent down, balancing on the balls of my heels so that I was at eye-level with him.
"Quickshift," I said softly, loosening the tension in my voice, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to yell at you, but I promise you that I'm fine. I...just need to take a walk, and clear my head you know?"
His silver optics softened, "But...isn't it a little late?"
I gave him a small smile, and patted his shoulder in a comforting way, "I think I can handle it, but if I do run into trouble, you're the first one I call."
His metal features brightened in eagerness, "That's right! And if anyone wanna mess with ya, they get ta answer to these babies!" He whipped out a mini sniper, pretending to aim at someone in the distance, "They don't call me Quickshift for nuthin'."
I chuckled softly, nodding my head as I stood up, "Okay mister hotshot, now go back to recharge."
"Shouldn't I be the one tellin' ya that?" He muttered, putting his sniper into his subspace.
I put my hands on my hips, giving him a pointed look.
"Yeesh. So bossy, just like that golden one." He murmured, walking back over to the crumpled sheets on the bed.
"I'll take that as a compliment." I teased, before zipping up the sweater I was wearing. I waited a little more, listening for his slowed breaths as he entered recharge, and smiling to myself before quietly slipping out the door. The hallway was dim, and I couldn't help a cold shiver that ran through my spine at the thought of what happened last time I was in such a dark hallway. I really hope that he never comes back.
Pulling my hood up, I walked quickly through the halls, and towards the main hangar. There were still people milling about, probably working the nightshifts and for security, which made me feel better. If any of them noticed me, they didn't comment as I walked through the hangar to the courtyard outside. The crates were still there, from where the twins and I were sitting on earlier, and I smiled at them. It would be a nice place to think and clear my mind.
I grunted, my feet balancing on the small ledge obtruding from the bottom of the crate, as my arms struggled to reach the top. Internally, I cursed myself for being short, and sighed as I gave up and leaned back onto the cool, metal side. I guess I'm not going all the way up. With another resigned sigh, my back slid down until I was touching the ledge, and I looked up at the sky. The moon was a waxing one, but it still looked stunning surrounded by all these glittering stars. Despite the cold around me, a warm surge of heat rolled down me. I didn't realize how much I actually missed looking at the stars, I used to do it with Sideswipe all the time.
"What are you doing?" A familiar deep voice said, startling me.
My head snapped up as my shoulders stiffened, and I almost fell off the ledge. I caught myself at the last minute, but looked up to see the golden twin lunging forward, ready to catch me in an instant. His dark blue optics were wide with worry, and once he realized I wasn't going to stupidly fall to my doom, he eased back into his regular stance. He crossed his arms, and glared down at me.
I chuckled softly, giving him a nervous smile, "Sorry?"
"That was senseless."
"You scared me," I protested, shifting back against the crate, "I couldn't help it."
The golden twin sighed, "What are you doing out here, Charlie?"
I crossed my arms, and smiled, "What? So you're the only one that can go around being broody and moody?"
"You should be resting." He said, matter-of-factly.
I rolled my eyes, "So should you, Sunshine."
His engine growled lowly in warning, and I found myself giggling softly. When I looked back up at him, he was still scowling. My smile faded a little bit, and I sobered up. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing." He muttered, turning around to walk away.
"Sunstreaker," I said softly. To my surprise, he actually stopped walking. Slowly, he turned, looking back at me. "I know something's bothering you, Sides and I are really worried."
"There's nothing to be worried about." He said cryptically.
I frowned, "Why are you pushing us away then?"
"I don't have to explain myself to you!" He growled, and I gasped.
I looked down at the ground, the frown deepening. Did he hate me again? Was he going to pretend everything that happened didn't really happen? Was this...going to be over? My heart felt like it plummeted to my stomach at the thought. We were doing so good! Why doesn't he like me anymore?
"Okay." I muttered softly, cursing myself when I felt my voice break at the end. I could feel the edges of my vision blurring with tears, and I quickly wiped the back of my hand over them before they escaped.
"Charlie," His voice was softer, the aggression evaporating, "I..."
"It's fine," I said, standing up, "You're right, you don't have to explain yourself to me. I...just hope you can talk it out with Sides. He's really worried, is all." I said, turning to climb down the crate.
"Charlie." He said again, his tone tinged with exasperation.
"No need to pretend to care anymore," I muttered somberly.
"Will you just listen?" He blurted out, and I turned to look at him again. He seemed slightly taken aback himself, before his optics narrowed in determination. He reached forward, easily picking me off the crate. I was instantly warmed in his hands, but pushed the thought away as I stared up at him. "I do care."
My heart felt like it fluttered in my chest, and I bit my lip, trying to hide my smile. "Do you?"
"Yes," he sighed with exasperation again, before a slow, small smile curled around the edges of his lips, "Unfortunately, you've grown on me."
I couldn't hide the smile this time, hope flared up in my chest. But then it dimmed a little when I remembered his behavior from earlier, "So what was that earlier then? Why were you avoiding Sideswipe and I?"
"I..." He looked away, and a silence filled between us.
"Sunstreaker?" I asked hesitantly.
"It was nothing." He said, suddenly bending down to the ground. I looked at him for a moment, reluctant to leave his warm palm, before sliding off. "You should go back inside." He said.
I cocked my head, "You're not coming?"
"No, I have something else to do." He said lowly, before standing up to his towering height again.
Don't forget that I'm here for you...both of us are. I said mentally.
I know. He answered.
And we've got to be there for Sides as well. I reminded him.
I will always be there for him. Sunstreaker replied, his tone was so strong that I wondered if he might have said it out loud. It was filled with such determination and passion. I smiled at him, nodding slowly, before walking back towards the hangar.
"Sideswipe, I'm going to kill you!"
A whimsical laugh echoed from the dashboard, "You said you wanted a drive."
"No, you said let's go for a drive. I agreed to a mellow drive, not a death race!" I exclaimed, gripping the wheel tightly as the Corvette's engine revved. I honestly should have known Sideswipe would drag me into one of his races with Jazz again. I glanced out the window to see the smaller, slim Pontiac rev up his engine as well, only boosting the adrenaline in the air.
"It's not like you're actually doing anything. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride." Sideswipe commented, as if that would make me feel any better.
"If I survive long enough." I muttered under my breath, but I was pretty sure he caught it, because he snickered lowly. "I'm serious Sides, I really am going to kill you."
"You love me."
"I'd love you a whole lot more if you'd unlock the door." I persuaded, trying to pull open the handle but it didn't budge. After a few embarrassing minutes, I let out a loud sigh of defeat and sank back into the driver's seat, "You're not gonna let me out, are you?"
"Nope, but it was cute of you to try."
Heat burned my cheeks, "Sideswipe!"
"Enough chit chat, ya ready to eat mah dust Sides?" Jazz's smooth, deep voice suddenly came through the dashboard.
Sideswipe scoffed arrogantly, "Depends...are you ready to lose again?" His engine revved deeply, as if to challenge Jazz.
Oh boy.
"Let's go then." Was Jazz's reply before he cut the comm, and I took a deep breath.
"Are you ready, Charlie?" Sideswipe asked.
"No." I grumbled, but my answer was ignored as both vehicles suddenly took off with a sharp screech of the tires. I let out a surprised squeak, but it was drowned out over the sounds of Sideswipe's engine and maniacal laughter. The two slim cars raced, farther and farther away from the high gates of the base, and deeper into the golden desert. Sand had kicked up as the Corvette made a sharp turn, and I would have flung myself into the windshield if it wasn't for the seatbelt that snaked around me at the last second.
"Safety first." I heard his teasing voice.
But before I could come up with a snarky comeback, I felt my stomach drop, and I didn't think it was possible, but Sideswipe had picked up more speed. Both Jazz and him were heading for an enormous sand dune, and my eyes widened in fear.
"Um, Sides..." I muttered, my hands shakily gripping the steering wheel.
"Just trust me." Was his reply, which was in a serious and more focused tone.
"We're not gonna make it." I shook my head, frantically trying to turn the wheel, "Sides, stop, we're going to-"
The Corvette raced up the side of the dune as if it were a skateboard ramp, and for a moment, we were airborne. By now, I was deciding on if it would just be easier to pass out and save my lungs the trouble of screaming. Nausea swirled in my head, but all I could hear was Sideswipe's excited whoops and shouts, before gravity pulled us back down to the ground, and we landed with a hard thud.
My head jerked forward, but the seatbelt had pulled my chest tight to the seat, and once we were fully on the ground, Sideswipe switched gears and began racing again, turning into a wide curve.
"Wow! Wasn't that exciting?!" He exclaimed happily.
"I...hate...you." I mumbled, trying to clear the dizziness out of my head. Out in the distance, I could see Jazz starting to gain up on us. His sleek, silver automobile glistening in the sun like a diamond, and I took a moment to admire the Pontiac before turning back to the front. Okay, now time to get in the game. I could see the large yellow line spray-painted in the sand up above which marked the finish line, and now that the thought of immanent death was out of my mind, I could feel the adrenaline course through me, and my heart pounded harder in my chest.
"Faster, Sides!" I found myself shouting, getting caught up in the excitement.
"That's what she said." He teased, and I rolled my eyes before whacking the dashboard.
"Do you want to win this thing or not?!"
"Okay, I'm accelerating, calm down! Yeesh, so violent...you spent too much time around Sunny."
"He's gaining on us!"
"Not for long."
With a hearty, furious roar, Sideswipe speed up so much to the point that his front tires barely touched the ground, and it actually felt like flight. We had breezed past the finish line, and I let out an excited shout of praise as Sideswipe drifted over the sand, kicking up more into the air before skidding to a stop. It was only then, that I could actually catch my breath.
"Well," I said, breathing heavily, "We did it."
"Frag yeah we did! And you doubted me- ha!"
"I didn't doubt you," I protested, "I just didn't think it was the sanest idea to run a race through this desert."
"Oh stop being a schlemiel."
"I'll think about it if you stop being a daredevil." I retorted, climbing out of the car and the silver twin transformed behind me. Jazz had transformed as well, and Sideswipe had taken his sweet time rubbing it in, before he turned his attention back to me.
"Thank you," he suddenly said, his pale blue eyes hardening into something serious.
I raised an eyebrow, "For what? It was just a race."
"No, for Sunstreaker," He clarified, which had taken me aback. "Whatever you said to him, it actually helped."
"How did you know?" I blurted out.
The silver twin chuckled, "How could I not know? The bond was open when I onlined, and he wasn't trying to hide most of his thoughts anymore. He was...happier, and he was also thinking about you."
Heart flushed in my cheeks, and my eyes widened, "Really? H-He what?"
He flashed me a wicked grin, "You heard right."
Sunstreaker was thinking about me? Slowly, a smile curled onto my lips. I guess that if he was opening up again, meant that whatever he was upset about was fading, and I couldn't help the relief that poured into me at the thought.
He's okay. We're all okay.
Eeep! We're getting closer and closer to another turning point in the series! I am so excited guys! Thanks so much for reading, and I can't wait to read all of your wonderful reviews!
