XXII. Found
There were no Autobot activities for a long while.
At least, that's what Persephone noticed.
She would find herself asking Starscream from time to time if he spotted them, but it seemed they had retreated. Of course, this only puts Megatron on high alert. Because what could possibly they be doing?
He kept her close than usual, not that Persephone complained. Although he did not love her, there was a sense of comfort in his touch. In the way he holds her so dearly.
So what if he had shown her his spark? So what if they shared laughter in the midst of a blizzard? He was giving her mixed signals. One moment they're more than friends, the next she's a mere pet.
Persephone gave up and just let herself go in the current of things.
There was no use in trying to seek reason with the warlord. He was mad, after all.
The snow had all but disappeared, it was somewhere in the middle of February, and the sparklings have grown. They were able to identify who they see, but they still haven't learned how to communicate besides through whirrs and clicks.
Persephone stood in front of one, with her hair blown by a soft breeze. She smiled at it and it simply cocked its head to the side.
"I see you two are getting along," Megatron hums as he towers over them, his gigantic form blocking out the sun. "Perhaps it'd be best if you and the rest of the sparklings het along."
"They're adorable but I'm shit with kids," Persephone said. "I was the youngest out of three so mom spoiled me more than my siblings." She laughed, shaking her head. "I think you would've fund me quite annoying if we met in my younger days."
"Oh? How so?" The warlord chuckled. "I'm sure it can't be that bad."
"I was... chaotic. I cause trouble a lot, simply because I had gone through some of the most horrifying things a child could go through."
Megatron hums, nodding his head. "I suppose such behavior would definitely benefit the Decepticon cause," His fingers finds themselves upon her chin, turning her attention from the sparklings to him. "As long as you are useful to the cause, then you will always be welcome in my army." Persephone can't help but blush beneath his intense gaze.
They seemed to pierce her soul with those hellfire gaze of his, she can't help but look away for a brief moment before leaning in to plant a kiss on his lips. Or rather the equivalent to them, at least.
"Thank you, for taking me in." Persephone wraps her arms around his waist, the sharp ends of his armor digging into her skin, threatening to make her bleed. "I wouldn't know what to do without you."
"Of course, you won't," Megatron chuckled at her silly words, resting his helm upon hers, "Look at you! You're practically in need of a master." The warlord chuckled at her, "You would be lost without me. As I've said before, you need no one else but me."
She chuckled and joked. "I'm the Allspark vessel now, so basically I'm the one who you should listen to."
He snorts at her words. "Oh, pulling rank now, are we?" Megatron mused, forcing her to look up by the chin. "I thought you were smarter than that."
"What do you mean?"
"You're the Allspark vessel. Therefore, someone must rule over you—control you."
She stares into his eyes, frozen in place as her breath hitched when his servo cups her face. Their faces inches away from each other, making her heart pound in her chest. Persephone could hear her blood rush in her ears as her cheeks warmed at how close he is to her face.
Her eyes flickered to his lips, so close yet so far, before they settled back at his gaze.
"And that is one of my purpose— our purpose. Don't you see? You were born to be controlled. To be under my care. You and I are meant to cross paths, to rule the world together," Megatron's lips brushed against hers, "and yet you wouldn't give up any control, still."
"I have given up every control for you," Persephone murmured, closing her eyes. "I have given up on everything for you."
"Not here," he taps her head softly. "You still think."
"So, you want me to think of nothing?"
"Nothing but me. Do as I say."
Persephone opens her eyes, pulling away as she pants heavily. She looks away for a moment. "You want me to be an object?"
"Not precisely," The warlord answered. "I merely want you to myself."
She laughs at him. "Your words have a different connotation in my human culture. Basically, you're asking me to be your significant other." Persephone explained. "I suggest you rephrase it."
The warlord marches towards her, grabs her by the waist before kissing her. The taste of metal makes itself known on her lips as his glossa slid against hers. And Persephone had no choice but to reciprocate eagerly.
She felt his teeth graze her tongue, it stung before the taste of blood meddled with their sweet exchange. Persephone pulls away, feeling the wound on her tongue.
"I am asking you to be mine," Megatron says, gazing at her longingly.
Persephone wanted to. God, she wanted to. But it sounded too good to be true. Not only that, but something inside her screamed at her to pull away and stop what she was doing. It was a foreign feeling to feel after a kiss.
Her insides back flipped at their close proximity. Something inside her screamed that what she was doing was wrong. She wanted to stop, but...
When could be the next time she makes out with the warlord.
This was a once in a lifetime! Surely, Persephone wouldn't waste it on some flimsy feeling telling her to stop what she was doing.
You only live once. She thought to herself as she pulls away from him.
"I will be yours," Persephone grins at him. "So long as you are mine. I'm not a fan of sharing my men."
The grin on Megatron's face was wide as he kissed her once more.
What was she doing with her life?
Entangled with the warlord while she dreamt of fleeing away. However, Persephone thought that she'd be miserable if she were to cause a scene, so what better way than just enjoy her time.
Get as many good memories she can with him before leaving him and the Decepticons for good. Sort of like a redemption arc in her adventure when the Autobots come save her.
After all, when in Rome, do as the Romans do.
There was no opening.
Persephone hadn't been seen in a while. Cemetery Wind reported no sightings of the girl lately, and not only that but Leon was getting anxious.
This was his first mission, and really, all the training seemed to leave his head when it occurred to him he was out in the field. God he hoped he wasn't going to burden anyone.
"Are you okay?" Arcee asked, her holoform sitting beside him on the bench. "You seem nervous."
He smiles at her anxiously. "It's my first time."
"You know what they say about the first time. It hurts."
Leon snorts, shaking his head at her joke. He was stationed by the mall, right where people pass by and it was the perfect opportunity to find a small dark haired sibling.
"What if we don't find her?" Leon asked. "What if they noticed the Autobot activity and moved by the time we've arrived here?"
Arcee's smile falters. A look of concern blooms on her face. "That's a possibility, sure, but for now let's think that they're here. That we got them surrounded. Cemetery Wind is here to help us."
"I'm not sure how long it'll help us, before they finally turn against us." He grimly replied. "I thought Optimus Prime wanted to be hands on in this case? Where is he?"
Before they left, the Prime made it clear that he was going with them. It was under the guise of wanting to help his soldiers, to be able to protect his men. However, Ironhide told him the real reason.
It was due to the mark. Making the Prime act out of his own usual self, like some obsessed individual. "It's a miracle he's still sane" were Ratchet's words when Leon asked him. Eventually Primes would go batshit crazy if they don't get to their destined sparkmate once it makes itself known.
"He's being held back by Bumblebee and Ironhide," Arcee replied. "He's... not his usual self lately. Not only that, he'll immediately stand out if the Decepticons see him. Only a dumbass wouldn't recognize him. Excluding you humans, of course."
"You do have a point," Leon answered.
"–and if you see me do it, no the fuck you did not." A familiar voice he hasn't heard of passed by. Leon turned to face the back of a woman with intricate braids and a black dress, walking in the middle of a tall man wearing a trench coat and black hair while the other looked like he just walked out of a cosplay con.
Leon didn't take his eyes off them, observing them as they walked away. Scanning their faces as the man in the trench coat turned to look at the woman with a scowl, rolling his eyes at something she said.
Leon immediately turned to Arcee. "It's her."
"What?"
"My sister. I think I saw her."
"Oh, slag." Arcee immediately commed the information as Leon tailed them from afar, not losing sight of them by one bit.
He could see members of N.E.S.T who were in disguise walk towards his direction, not going near but close enough to see where he was looking—or rather who he was looking at. The woman turns her head to the right, but not enough to show her face. She then drags the two men by their clothes and into a Starbucks and waited in line.
Leon walks into the store, standing in line just behind them. She was close. So close and yet two men separated them. Decepticons, probably.
"–ream, I promise that after we get my chocolate chip cream, we'll immediately go buy the tampons and leave. I promise."
"Well, you better. I am... suspicious of the place today."
The unmistakable screechy voice of Starscream replies with a sneer as he glanced at the woman. Leon caught sight of red, blazing eyes filled with annoyance before the human Decepticon turned its attention to the front.
The woman turned to her left, searching for something. But that was all Leon needed to identify her. He knew that little button nose of hers, the little scar that was barely visible underneath her lip, and the little mole on the right side of her face.
It was Persephone.
Leon wanted to hug her, to tell her everything would be alright.
:Leon reporting. I found her. It's really her:
:Leon, is she alone?:
:No, sir. She's accompanied by two Decepticons. Permission to engage?:
:Negative. The last thing we need is to scare them off. Continue to trail them. Prime out:
His lips grimaced at the order given to him. But then again, what else was he gonna do? There's two seasoned soldiers guarding his sister and here he was with some N.E.S.T soldiers and his inexperienced ass. He'd only blow his cover.
They sat at the couch—tho it looked more like she dragged them—after their orders were made. Leon ordered himself a black brewed coffee and sat with his back turned to them so Persephone wouldn't recognize him.
"–not sure about that. What do you think Soundwave?" Her voice asked, filled with innocent curiosity.
"It doesn't matter what he thinks!" Starscream's voice hissed at her. "We can't just up and leave. Not yet. Especially when we don't even know where we'll head to next. Not to mention, we're low on soldiers. If there are any surviving Decepticons then they're being picked up one by one."
"Then the Autobots would be next once they've picked out every Decepticon." was her reply to his words. "What I'm trying to say is that it doesn't matter. Megatron wants soldiers and I need to find them for him."
"Why not just make one for him?"
"I don't know how."
"You're the Allspark for frag's sake."
Their conversation was cut when Persephone was called, as the two followed her they immediately walked out of the store. Leon got his and immediately went outside. He lost sight of them, that is before he finds the man in a trench coat.
He powerwalks close to them before they entered the department store. Persephone heads to the clothes area, checking the racks of dresses; her face scrunching up in disgust when she found something she didn't like. Leon chuckled softly.
A soft tap on his shoulder made him jump. Leon turned around swiftly only to find a woman in pink with the brightest neon blue eyes he had ever seen.
"So, what's the situation?" Arcee asked. "Where is she?"
"Tailing them. Orders from Prime. Target is on one o' clock. She has two Decepticon escort." Leon answered as he turned his gaze back to the target.
"So that's what she looked like," Arcee says in awe before snorting. "Doesn't seem like she's being held captive. Look at her drag them around shopping."
"Maybe Megatron is earning her trust by making her feel like not a prisoner."
Leon and Arcee continues to tail them, trying to look for an opening but couldn't find any. The Decepticons seemed to be very close to her and wouldn't leave her alone. Not one second.
Until Persephone insisted she go the Victoria's Secret store. Leon could see Starscream grimace as his face turned red before the seeker seemed to grumble and turn his sights away from the store. The hooded man with them did the same.
Arcee and Leon immediately seized the opportunity to talk to her, without alerting the two Decepticons outside the store.
When they found her, a saleslady was helping Persephone choose what lingerie she was going to take.
"–outside your boyfriends?"
"No, they're my friends helping me hook up with their other friend, Mason. He's their leader. I like 'em strong, ya know what I mean?"
The saleslady snickered. "Omg, if that's the case then the red La Fleur will sure help you seduce him."
"Um, excuse me, I need to talk to my sister," Leon says, putting a hand on his sister's shoulder. "It's kind of really important."
The saleslady smiles at him and excused herself as Persephone turned around to face him. Her eyes— why are they purple?—wide as she looked at him, mouth agape.
"Leon?" She asked, taking a step forward as she gazed upon him, searching his face as if to try and recognize him. "Is that really you?"
"I got your action figure replacement back at home sis," He grins at her with a shrug. He opened his arms, spreading them. "Are you just gonna gawk there or give me a hug?"
Persephone immediately throws herself to him, wrapping her arms around him as she smiled. "It's really you!" She cried out as he hugged her back. "Oh my god, you're here!" Persephone pulls back and asked, "Did you also die?"
"Die?"
"Yeah, I died. Didn't you know? I got hit by a truck."
Leon stared at her for a moment. "I don't know exactly, but you're not dead."
"What?" Persephone asked.
"You're not dead. You were in a coma back in our world. I don't know what happened to me, but I woke up here after a night of drinking," Leon explained. "Sephie, we got your message. We're here to save you."
There was a look of conflict on her face, a look of confusion even. "I... Not yet. I don't think I can leave him, Leon." She answered, pleading for him to understand her actions.
Leon asked, "Who? Who can't you leave?"
And her answer made Leon realize she had Stockholm Syndrome.
"Megatron."
Leon stared at her, letting her words sink in. He rolled his eyes at her. "You've got to be joking, right?"
" Kuya, you don't understand," Persephone reasoned out. "He needs me. And I need him."
"No, you don't," Arcee suddenly spoke, catching the attention of the Villamora siblings. "Hi, I'm Arcee–"
"Oh, hi Arcee!" Persephone chirped. "Wish we could've met under different circumstances. You're like one of my favorite characters." She chuckled.
"Oh... um thanks?" Arcee replied unsure before she spoke, "Anyways, you don't need him, Persephone. He only needs you because you're the Allspark vessel. Do you know what you're capable of? You can create armies, destroy whatever it is in your path. Megatron is using you. He only wants you for your power. Nothing else."
Persephone was silent. "I... I still wanted to spend more time with him. He was so nice and sweet and–"
"Sephie, listen to yourself!" Leon exclaimed. "I know you love him, the same way you have a hyperfixiation on Optimus Prime, but this is real life. You have to understand that we are in the middle of the war. I chose my side... It's time for you to choose yours."
"I do side with the Autobots," Persephone answered.
Leon replied, "Then come with us–"
"But... I still need Megatron. If it weren't for him, I would've been dead." Persephone cuts him off. "I love him. And I intend to repay him for saving my life. Please, Leon. You have to understand what I'm doing and what I'm about to do."
"And exactly what do you plan to do?" Leon taunted. "There's two of us and one of you."
Persephone placed the lingerie back on the rack and turned to them.
"Well–"
She bolted.
"And that was how we avoided the Autobots," Persephone grins up at Megatron.
The warlord snarled at the two soldiers that accompanied his pet. "And whose idea was it to immediately return to base?"
"It was my idea, Lord Megatron," Starscream grins, pointing at himself. "I made sure the femme was safe when we travelled back here." The Second-in-Command says with confidence.
Megatron growls, placing Persephone at the hands of Shockwave before grabbing the seeker by the neck and smashing him on the ground.
The Decepticon leader punched him, kicked him by the abdomen area. "Have you lost your processor?! What made you think it was a good idea to immediately head back to base without taking a detour?!" He roared.
"But, my Lord–"
"YOU LEAD THEM TO OUR BASE YOU DIMWIT!" Megatron screamed, as he went to pick up Persephone back into his palm. "Shockwave take whatever research you find necessary, leave the rest that isn't important. Barricade help carry the other things Shockwave needs. Soundwave, you are in charge of the sparklings. And you," He growled at Starscream, "You'll be tasked to see if the Autobots are nearby and if you fail this task, I shall eliminate you. DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?!"
The seeker nods his head pathetically before he was released from the ground. Starscream immediately went to fly and scout for any upcoming threats or so Megatron hoped so as the seeker flew away.
He turned to Persephone, confused at her nervous look. "Why do you look like that?" He asked her.
"Look like what?"
"Like you're guilty of something. Speak up."
"I feel bad for him," Persephone pouts as she looked away. "It was my idea that we head back to base immediately. Because out in the open, we're sitting ducks. But with you, we're safe, especially when I caught sight of Optimus Prime."
Megatron froze.
"Where did you see him?" The warlord queried, cautiously. He needed to know where she had seen him or if the Prime had seen her at all.
"I saw him on the rear view mirror in Soundwave's interior," Persephone responded. "It was actually scary to be chased down by a blue truck with red flames, you know?"
So the Prime was here in North Dakota, active in the battlefield. Impressive. It must mean he was so keen to get Persephone from him.
Then he remembered the stories from the mines. How rabid Primes can get when it concerned their sparkmate or their supposed sparkmate. How they'll bend everything for their sake.
No, Megatron thought, No time to fear him now.
His gaze meets Persephone's. His Persephone. She was his. He found her first, therefore she was his. It was only fair that he nurtured her, so he should have her.
Prime did not deserve her.
He does.
"Are there any progress to your powers, little one?" He asked gently, borderline cooed at her. Pulling her close to his faceplates, a soft smile on his dermas.
She shook her head, which Megatron found to be adorable. "No, I haven't. They're still just sparks but I can't create a cybertronian for you... yet."
:Soundwave?:
:Soundwave reporting, Lord Megatron. How may I be of assistance?:
:See to it that you keep her safe and away from Prime. I will try to hold him back as you four make your escape. See to it that Optimus doesn't make any physical contact with her, so the bond wouldn't solidify. Understood?:
:Affirmative, Lord Megatron:
"Yet," Megatron chuckled, planting a soft kiss on top of her helm. "I will stay behind to stop the Prime from ever getting to you. Above all, Soundwave will keep you safe."
"No, that's not fair!" Persephone cried out, immediately clinging to one of his digits. "I'm not leaving you to fend for yourself. I'm sure I'll be useful somehow!"
"You will only be in danger if you stay, little one," Megatron explained. "You are small and soft, you could get crushed if we aren't careful. You said it yourself, you saw Optimus Prime. That in itself is a threat to us Decepticons when we are small in numbers against him and the humans. You are the future of the Decepticon Army. You are by far the most important asset in our team, therefore, you must be protected at all cost."
:Starscream reporting:
:Speak, imbecile:
:Prime is approaching the area. The other Autobots are circling the parameter as well. The humans have us surrounded:
Persephone opened her mouth to ask something else when an ear-splitting, enraged roar echoed throughout the Arena. Everyone flinched. "Holy shit–is that Optimus?" Persephone gasped, shocked to the bone. He'd never heard the Autobot leader make a sound like that before, no matter how fierce the battle. Hell, he'd never heard any Autobot roar like that.
It seems he truly outdid himself this time.
Megatron approached the Prime, a grin on his faceplates as he did so. Persephone clutched on to him for dear life. "And what do I owe the pleasure of having the Prime at my doorstep?" He hissed venomously.
"You have something of mine," The Prime all but said as he approached the Decepticon leader like a lion that was waiting to pounce its prey. "Hand the human over and I shall spare your life," His servo transforms into a sword, "Resist and you shall perish."
"Oh, so you are saying you own this human?" Megatron snickered, presenting a very confused Persephone to the Prime. "My, my. I didn't think you're the type of person to o objectify a living organism. Not to mention a human." The Decepticons leader then says, "Tell me what she is to you and perhaps I shall give her to you."
"What?" Persephone asked him. "You can't be serious–"
"Ah-ah-ah! Don't speak, little one," Megatron coos at her. "It is a matter concerning Prime and I." The warlord glares at Optimus as he spoke.
The Prime was silent for a second. "She is my responsibility to return to the family that she was taken from. Megatron, you were an honourable mech. I pray to Primus that you use that processor of yours to good use."
"I am not holding her hostage if that is what you are thinking. Here let me prove it to you," Megatron sneers at Prime as he gently puts Persephone on the ground. "There she is. Free to make her choice."
Optimus Prime kneels down to communicate with the human femme, making Megatron scoff at the sudden gentleness from the Prime—a stark contrast to his attitude not too long ago. "I am Optimus Prime, Leader of the Autobots, and I have come to take you home, Ms. Villamora."
Megatron watched the backside of Persephone, a certain feeling of dread washes over him.
What if she leaves? What if she takes up his offer? What if she doesn't realize he was bluffing? Obviously he'd stop her, but did that mean he was being a hypocrite? No, she would never leave. She promised she would stay. She promised she would stay. She promised–
"Did my brother sent you?" Persephone asked breathlessly, flinching away from Prime's fingers when they approached.
"Indeed I was," The Prime rumbled pleasantly. "He is very worried of you. You are free to come. I shall protect you should Megatron tries to stop you from leaving."
This made Megatron snarl at Optimus.
"Thank you, really," Persephone said. "For your concern and effort in finding me. But I am not missing, I am not in need of saving. I am home. The Decepticons are my home," she turns to Megatron, "He's my home." She then turns back to the Prime, "I'm not in any trouble, I'm free to choose."
"But–"
"Freedom is the right of every living being. You said it yourself, didn't you?"
The Prime was silent as he stood. There was an unreadable look on his face before it turned sour when they landed on Megatron. "What have you done to her?"
"I was simply being hospitable to her," Megatron sneers at him as he lowers his form to offer his servo to Persephone, who obediently runs back to climb upon his limb. "Now that you see I have no prisoner, you may leave, Prime." He said the last word with so much venom, turning his back on him.
No way in the pits would he ever give Persephone up. Megatron adored her. He loved her. And her rightful place was at his side, despite what the fates had planned out for her.
"I'm afraid I cannot leave without the human femme." Optimus's voice came out as a warning, as the sound if metal gliding against metal fills the air.
Megatron calmly hands Persephone to Soundwave who carefully took her from his palm.
"I was hoping you'd say that," The warlord answered, before transforming his fist into a gun and fired at the Prime.
Everything went by so fast.
One moment it was just Prime, the next they were surrounded by the pesky Autobots and their little humans. Megatron roared as he charged at them, firing shots after shots to maximize the damage he inflicted.
Somewhere in the battlefield, Megatron caught sight of Soundwave engaging in battle with the yellow scout before a pink femme kicks the warlord by the face.
"I've always wanted to do that," Arcee grins before firing her energon blasters at him.
He shields himself with his armor. "How annoying," Megatron snorts before tackling the smaller femme and throwing her away from him, hitting the Autobot he recognized as Sideswipe.
Megatron turns his head, just in time to dodge a punch that would have certainly disoriented him. He turned to glare at the bot who did it, only to find a mech coated in all black.
And blazing crimson optics.
"Give me back my sister," He snarled before charging at the warlord. Megatron heard the Prime call out to the bot.
Leon.
The warlord dodged the attack, before hitting him on the back of his head with his elbow. "I've heard many great things about you, Leon," Megatron mused. "You've been a good brother to your sister. Know that she'll be in good hands."
"Fuck no." The black Autobot snaps at him. "I know you, Megatronous. You're just using her. Manipulating her as you go about your day, you sick fuck."
Megatron effortlessly blocked another attack. "You're strong. Why not join the Decepticons?" the warlord offered. Perhaps reuniting the siblings will do him good.
"No can do," Leon says, his expression turning soft, "I'd love to, but my sister would have joined the Autobots. So, I'm doing it for her."
"How noble," Megatron says sarcastically, rolling his optics before drop-kicking the smaller mech away.
A loud, blood curdling scream was heard, catching Megatron's attention. He turned to see Persephone, surrounded by dozens of laying human bodies. He immediately went to her, giving caution to the wind.
His pathway was blocked by Optimus.
"You will not take a step towards her," the prime bears his sword with a warning. "I forbid it."
"She is mine!" the Decepticon leader snarled before tackling Optimus as they engaged in battle.
Metals clashed against metal and tine seemed to draw longer than Megatron liked. Oh, he did enjoy the fight. He knew he had the upper (not really) hand despite the fact that the Prime wasn't holding back. But Persephone needed him and Optimus was in his way.
When he found an entrance to shove the Prime to the ground, he took it. Kicking him one last time before he finally was able to reunite with Persephone.
The sight broke his spark. Persephone sobbing and wailing like a helpless sparkling, shaking her helm which made the curls at the back of her head sway cutely. Oh, how adorable and helpless she looked.
When her helpless gaze lands to him, she reaches out to the warlord. "Megatron!" Persephone wailed as she sobbed and puked.
Megatron immediately rushed to her, cooing and soothing her. She was in obvious distress, but they needed to escape. Swiftly.
"What happened?" He asked her softly.
:I have obtained the Allspark. Decepticons retreat!:
"It was an accident, I swear!" She reasoned out. "They were hurting me and–and there were so many of them! They were men. They were men, Megatron. I didn't mean to kill them, but they were touching me. I don't want anyone just putting their hands on me like that.," There was a look on her face that disturbed the warlord. It was like she wasn't in the present at all, like she was stuck in a moment of time that haunts her.
Perhaps... she had gone through worse more than she lets on. The poor femme was sickly pale, like she had seen a ghost.
Megatron did not have the time to console her. They were in the middle of battle for Primus's sake, so he takes her and pulls her close to him and said, "Decepticons do not grieve their kills, so why should you?"
That made her look up to him, a glimpse of recognition in her eyes. She then hugs his digit ash she cried and sobbed. He held her.
By Primus, he held her as they retreat.
Hi! Sorry I was gone or a long ass while. School got busy and all.
-Stwawbewwy