ATE: *Looks at time on laptop and eyes widen* It's that time already? YES! I get to finally say it! Merry Christmas everyone! And to celebrate I'll be posting this chapter as my Christmas present to everyone! I got this done this past week while I was on vacation and I'm glad with what I have. I have to thank Autobot-Bre, Crystalmaiden62, SeekerLuna, Sailor Shinzo, Diamond White, Bumblebeecamaro38, and Taboo22 for their reviews from the last chapter and anyone else reading this story to this point. Also, I'd recomment checking out Crystalmaden62's stories Swan's Love (which was something we happened to come up with together after one of her reviews on this story) and Along in Unova (which is a Pokemon/Doctor Who crossover story, and it's because of her that I ended up watching Doctor Who now). I hope you all enjoy this Christmas present from me.
Declaimer: I don't own Transformers, Transformers Armada, or Star Wars. I only own my OCs Valerie and Astera.
Chapter 18: Depart
A few days had passed since Hot Shot took charge of the Autobots and due to them along with myself and my friends, the Autobots' spaceship was finally complete. We were all glad that it was finished, but with it came the truth of the situation. The Autobots would be leaving along with the Mini-Cons. Jetfire would be leaving as well. And it made me sad. I know this day would eventually come, but I didn't think it would come this soon. I wasn't ready to say goodbye; I wanted them to stay. But then I realize how selfish that must've been.
At the moment I stood with Alexis, Rad, and Carlos near the wall as we watched Hot Shot and Scavenger (who stood behind the yellow mech) stood in front of all the Mini-Cons that the Autobots had collected.
"Uhhh, attention all Mini-Cons. I, uh, would like to introduce myself. I am, uh - my name is Hot Shot, your new commander. And, uh, I have some good news for you men. Because of all your hard work, the spacecraft has been completed and soon we will lift-off for Cybertron. Now, uh…"
I could tell that Hot Shot was nervous and seemed a little awkward.
"Boy, old Hot Shot sure is nervous when giving out orders." Alexis stated.
"Ah, he'll be fine once he gets the hang of it." Carlos said from where he stood leaning against the wall.
"C'mon, guys." Rad said. "Remember, he's still a rookie."
"This isn't working!" Hot Shot suddenly said, causing us to look up and see him scratching his head. "Okay, lemme try it another way."
At this Scavenger chuckled quietly in amusement.
"I think I'm gonna leave it up to you to decide your own stations. And, uh, if any of you decide to join us and help us defeat the Decepticons once and for all, then that's up to you. Oh, and, if you decide to stay back here on Earth, that's okay too."
So Hot Shot was giving the Mini-Cons the choice to either stay on Earth or go to Cybertron with them. The Mini-Cons seemed to get excited about this since they started bleeping among each other and the noise level went up to reflect that.
"It looks like things are getting a little out of control." Scavenger stated, causing Hot Shot to glance at him before turning back to the Mini-Cons.
"C'mon, you guys! Settle down! Settle down!" The Mini-Cons suddenly stopped bleeping and stand at attention. "Okay, y-you don't have to make up your minds right away. I'll let you think about it for a while. Right now the only important thing is that we're all on the same page. Dismissed."
With that the Mini-Cons started leaving the room bleeping.
"Man, was that mixed up or what?" Rad asked.
"It's like you said, Rad, Hot Shot's still a rookie." Alexis said.
"The Mini-Cons don't know if they're coming orgoing." Carlos stated. "And, hey, what about us? Can't we go too?"
"So, are you saying that you want to become a Mini-Con?"
"Huh?" At this Carlos looked at Alexis surprised. "Don't be ridiculous, Alexis. I was just saying, how come we have to stay here? Look, I wanna go too."
"Please, give me a break, Carlos."
"Carlos might be on to something, Alexis." I said. "It wouldn't hurt to ask, right?"
"True, but let's just wait and see."
I looked around and that was when I noticed Rad wasn't here.
'Where did he go?' I thought.
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The next day I had learned from my parents that we were going over to Rad's house to have dinner with his family. At first I was surprised, but then I thought that it would be the perfect opportunity to talk with him.
"Fueling completed." Hoist said, looking over at Blurr after inserting a fuel nuzzle in the side of the spaceship.
Upon hearing this Blurr looked over to Hoist.
"Roger that." Blurr replied before turning his gaze back to the controls he stood in front of. "Charging main batteries. Amperage at 3800 QWVs and rising steadily. Auxiliary batteries at 8600 QWVs and fully charged."
I moved my gaze over to where Jetfire stood (along with all the Mini-Cons helping out as well) and I could see Sideswipe pushing a cart around.
"Solid fuel cells go into the cargo bay." Jetfire said when Sideswipe walked in front of him. Sideswipe stopped to look at him.
"Yes, sir!" He said before resuming his work.
That was when I saw Billy run into the room with a backpack on his back while he carried a bag in his arms. He looked over his shoulder and I had the distinct feeling I knew who he was going to address.
"C'mon, move it, Fred! Hurry up!" Billy called over his shoulder.
Fred has a huge back that looks heavy.
"I'm coming, Billy, but the snacks I packed are heavy." Fred complained. I could see that he had a huge bag that had so much stuff in it that he had no choice but to drag it along the ground until he stood next to his friend.
"Well, did you at least pack a few clothes in there?"
"Yep!" Fred was smiling like an idiot. "I've got my swim trunks and my jammies and clean underwear too!"
I stand corrected. He was an idiot. Why would he even need swim trunks when he'd be going into space?
"You doofus! We're going to Cybertron and all you packed is junk food and underwear!" Thank you, Billy, for reflecting my thoughts in the form only you have mastered.
"Unfortunately, we won't be able to take you kids along with us." Red Alert suddenly said, causing Billy and Fred to look up at him in surprise.
"Aw, you're kiddin'." Fred said.
"Please, Red Alert?" Billy pleaded. "We're here to help you battle. You really think you can do it without us?"
"You need us."
"This isn't like one of your video games, boys." The blue mech explained. "This is serious and the Decepticons pose a real threat."
"Aw, gimme a break!" Billy look as if Red Alert's explanation was bogus.
"Yeah, besides, took me hours to find a clean pair of underwear!" I sighed. I have no comment.
"Come on!"
"And just how do you suppose you can help us, hmm?" Red Alert asked.
"I make a wicked grilled cheese?" Fred said, although it sounded more like a question. He forgot that the Autobots can't eat food, let along grilled cheese.
"We could, like, polish your armor or sweep your base." Billy stated. "We could do all that kinda junk for ya."
"No dice, boys." Red Alert said, making it his final answer.
"Aw, that bites." Fred groaned.
"He's right." Sideswipe suddenly said and Billy and Fred turned to see him walk up to them. "To be perfectly honest, guys, I think you'd just get in the way aboard this ship. Sorry, but that's the way it is. You understand."
Billy and Fred nodded their heads and I could see the disappointed looks on their faces.
"Better get back to work, Sideswipe." Red Alert said
"Man, I can sure relate to Billy and Fred." Carlos commented.
"But I can also understand Red Alert's point." Alexis added.
"Y'know, it would be so cool to go with them and check out Cybertron." Rad said.
"Yeah, like that would ever happen in a million years." Carlos said.
"And if you think about it, there's no way our parents would ever let us go with them." Alexis said.
"Yeah, I guess you're right." Rad said after a short pause.
But this only made me feel sad. If Billy and Fred weren't allowed to go with the Autobots, then what were my chances of being able to go? My friends didn't seem to notice me leave the room as I made my way outside. Maybe looking at the sky would help. When I made it outside I didn't sit down like I usually did and just stood there. I could feel the gentle breeze blowing as it managed to pick up a few strands of my hair. It felt nice, but I couldn't make myself forget what happened a few minutes ago. I know it may have been a little over a few months or more since I first met the Autobots and got involved in their war, but it felt like it was a few weeks or more like a few days. It went by so fast and I felt that it wasn't enough time. If only…I met them sooner, maybe I wouldn't feel this way.
'But then it would make saying goodbye even harder.' I thought sadly.
And that was when I felt it. I didn't have to hear the footsteps or feel the ground shake slightly to know who was behind me. I sighed sadly, bowing my head slightly and causing my ash blonde hair to hang in my face.
"I wish you didn't have to leave." I said quietly.
I heard him sigh as well.
"You know I can't do that." He told me. "As much as I want to stay here, I have my duties to fulfill."
"Then…" I lifted my head up before turning around to face him. "Then take me with you."
I watched as his gold optics express sympathy as he gazed down at me. My heart clenched slightly and I felt my throat tighten a bit as tears started to form in my eyes.
"You know I can't do that either. And it's not because you would get in the way. I would feel more at ease knowing that you stayed here where it's safe."
"But what about Sideways?" I asked, placing a hand over my heart. "What if he comes for me?"
"You don't know that. How do you know he'll come for you?"
"How do you know he won't come for me? Don't think for a moment that I haven't worried about him doing so. I can't help but think he'll be coming for me soon, when I least expect it." I started shaking slightly and hung my head so that I could hide the tears that started falling. "I'm scared… I'm scared that Sideways will come and you won't be there to stop him from taking me away. I've always felt safer when you're around, but I won't if I just stay here on Earth while you and the others leave for Cybertron. You got to take me with you, Jetfire! You just got to!"
I couldn't stop myself from crying as it all just came out. I hate the fact I was being so emotional right now and it didn't help that I was scared of the possibility that Sideways would end up coming for me. I couldn't imagine my life without the Autobots or Jetfire. It wasn't fair that I found my sparkmate, only to have him leave me. It was too much. I couldn't handle all the sadness I felt-
"I know this is hard for you, Skydancer. This is hard for me as well and I'm not ready to say goodbye either. Remember what I told you about all leaders having to make tough decisions? Well this happens to be one of them for me right now. Maybe even the hardest one I've had to make. You know I would do anything to keep you safe and this is the only way I could think of doing that. I love you too much to lose you now, so that's why I made this for you."
Before I knew it I found myself staring wide eyed at the gold necklace dangling in front of my face as Jetfire held it out to me between his index finger and thumb. The pendent reminded me of a cartouche, but instead of being thick (width-wise) it was thin, looking similar to a cross without the horizontal bar running through it, almost like an obelisk of sort. And on the pendent was the name 'VALERIE' engraved vertically down the length of it. I lifted my shaking hands up to take it from him and I was surprised at the weight of the deceivingly small pendent as soon as it was in my hands.
"Y-you made this for me?" I asked, my voice quiet.
"Yeah. I worked on it in my spare time while you weren't around."
"I like it, but I don't deserve something like this."
"Of course you do. It's something special that I made for someone that's as equally special to me. Let it be something that'll remind you of me."
I couldn't stop myself from crying then and there as fresh warm tears fell. I closed my hands around the necklace and held it up to my heart just as I bowed my head to let my hair hang in my face. I soon felt warm arms wrap around me and I knew Jetfire was using his holoform to hold me. I wrapped my arms around his waist before burying my face into his chest, just before he started humming the Cybertronian Lullaby to me. No matter how many times I heard the song I've always found myself loving it just as much as the person humming it to me.
By the time Jetfire finished humming he pulled back slightly before gently grabbing the hand I held the necklace in before taking it from me. I was confused as to what he was doing until he placed the necklace over my head so that it rested in front of my chest. I glanced down at it, seeing the gold pendent shine in the sunlight before looking up into Jetfire's face. I could see the love in his gold eyes just as I felt it through the connection.
"To think that it all started here between us." He said. "Our first conversation after I found you practicing your ballet in the rec room that morning. You remember, right?"
I nodded.
"I was very shy and nervous back then. But then you came and helped me. "I said.
"I did. And I must say you've come a long way since that day." He then held me close. "Even when I'm away I'll always come back to be by your side. You're gonna be that little light that's gonna keep me going in the dark."
Little light… That's what I was going to be. I stood on my toes before placing my lips on his to kiss him. Jetfire responded and leaned forward a bit so that I wasn't standing on my toes anymore. I slipped my tongue into his mouth and I felt his slight surprise through the connection before he curled his around mine. After awhile we pulled apart and I found myself gazing into his eyes.
"I'm going to miss you when you're gone." I breathed out.
"I know." Jetfire agreed before placing his forehead against mine. "I'll miss you too, Skydancer."
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When I got home later that day I was confused as to why Mom and Dad were getting ready, but then I remembered what was happening tonight.
'Oh, right.' I thought. 'Dinner at Rad's house.'
"…that necklace?"
I shook my head as I realized Mom was looking at me expectantly, causing me to feel confused.
"Sorry, could you repeat that?" I asked.
"I was asking you about where you got that necklace." Mom told me.
"A friend gave it to me." I answered, feeling my face heat up slightly.
"Let me guess: Jason gave it to you."
I lowered my gaze to the floor, smiling a small smile as my face got warmer. I wrapped my left hand around the gold pendant, something I started doing ever since Jetfire placed the necklace around my neck. I had a feeling that this was going to become a habit now.
"Yeah, Jason gave it to me. He actually made it for me." My voice was quiet as I recalled what happened a few hours ago between Jetfire and I. That moment that I knew was most likely our last one.
"That's so sweet of him. He's a good boy." Mom replied.
After getting ready my parents and I got in the car and headed for Rad's house. Instead of looking at the sky like I usually did I gazed down at the pendant that had my name engraved on it. I noticed that the color reminded me of Jetfire's gold optics, precious and full of value. The chain of the necklace itself was so long that I could just place it over my head instead of clasping and unclasping it, and even then the pendant rested a bit below my heart. I made a promise to myself, that I would always wear it. I have a feeling Jetfire would've wanted that. I wrapped my left hand around the pendant. I was going to really miss him when he was gone.
By the time we arrived at Rad's house his mom was almost done making dinner so Rad and I took that opportunity to talk in his room. I wasn't the least bit surprised by its condition.
"Sorry 'bout the mess." Rad said sheepishly.
"It's fine, but you really should clean it once in awhile." I told him.
"I can't believe the Autobots are really leaving." His voice was quiet so that our parents couldn't hear us.
"I know. It isn't fair that they don't want us to come. We've been a part of their war for so long and now they're leaving us behind as if there's no longer any use for us."
My hand wrapped around the pendant as if on reflex. Rad must've noticed my actions along with the fact I was wearing the necklace Jetfire gave me.
"Did he…give you that?" He asked.
I felt my heart skip a beat.
"Who?" I asked, playing dumb.
"Jetfire. Did he give you that necklace?"
I was quiet as I averted my gaze. There was no way Rad could possibly know about my relationship with Jetfire. The only ones who knew were Optimus (but he was dead), Alexis, Starscream, and Scavenger. Unless Alexis told him, but she would never to that to me. She promised!
"What's going on between you and Jetfire?" He tried again.
"Rad, there's nothing going on between me and Jetfire. We're just friends." I told him, trying to sound as convincing as possible.
"You sure? There have been a few instances between you and Jetfire that suggest otherwise. There was that one time when Jetfire left the base when he got your letter saying you were grounded. Then that time he got jealous when he heard about your secret admirer. And then today when he left the room when he realized you left. That doesn't sound like you're both just friends."
No. This couldn't be happening. Had Rad really picked up on that? Both Jetfire and I had tried so hard not to make it seem so obvious that we were in a relationship. What was I supposed to do? What was I supposed to say?
"Supposed that something is going on between you two, what is it exactly?"
"It's…" I sighed quietly, looking away from Rad and gazing out the window. "It's complicated. Let's just leave it at that for now, please? I really don't want to talk about it."
"So there is something. You'll tell me someday, right?"
"Maybe." I turned back to face Rad. "So what do we do?"
"I was thinking of telling my parents about the transformers. Even if the Autobots don't want us to come, I'm gonna try and convince them to take us. We both know that they need us to help them, more than ever."
"Rad, you realize that would mean we'd be leaving Earth and going to Cybertron, a planet that could more than likely be in a galaxy far, far away."
At this Rad laughed.
"Nice Star Wars reference. Even if my parents don't believe me I'll still go. I'll even pack tonight if I have to. You're coming as well since you're just as much a part of this as Carlos, Alexis, Billy, and Fred."
After having dinner with Rad and his family my parents and I went home. I knew that Rad was right. My parents had to know about the transformers, especially since they had unknowingly been in the presence of one via holoform.
"Mom? Dad? I have something I really need to tell you." I said when we were inside the house.
"What is it, Valerie?" Dad asked.
"You might not believe me, but please bare with me."
I took a deep breath in order to calm myself down.
'Jetfire. If there ever was a time I needed you to reassure me, now would be it.' I thought.
I was surprised when I felt his reassurance and the warmth that came with it.
{You're taking a big risk in telling them.} He told me. {I shouldn't be letting you do this, you know? Even if Optimus is gone, orders are orders.}
'I know. But they have a right to know. Especially when their safety is involved.'
Jetfire knew what I was talking about and he sent me another wave of reassurance before he went away. It was now or never.
"Remember when the comet exploded? That was because it was destroyed by a weapon. There are these group of giant alien robots called transformers and they come from a planet called Cybertron. But the transformers are in their own civil war that's been going on for millions of years and are divided into two factions. There are the Autobots, who are the good guys that want to protect all life, and there are the Decepticons, who are the bad guys and their leader, Megatron, wants to take over the universe by using the Mini-Cons. My friends and I teamed up with the Autobots and that's what I've been doing, helping them. The Decepticons were the ones that destroyed the comet. And right now I have to go with the Autobots to Cybertron so I can help them."
I felt my heart sink as soon as I saw the looks on Mom and Dad's face. They didn't believe me, but then again I should've expected this.
"That would make a nice science fiction novel, you know?" Mom said.
"Mom! I'm not making this up at all! You have to believe me!" I said. "I wouldn't lie about something like this!"
"And why is it that you believe this to be true?" Dad asked.
I sighed. I knew that my only proof was the picture I took of Jetfire when Hot Shot and Sideswipe pulled that prank on him. I pulled out my cell phone and brought up the picture, and what was even better was that I managed to get Carlos, Billy, Fred, and Rad in it to show scale size and showed it to my parents,
"See this picture? This hasn't been edited in any way at all. The one with the pink paint dumped on him is Jetfire, the Vice Commander of the Autobots. The yellow one is Hot Shot and the last one is Sideswipe. The reason why Jetfire has pink paint on him is because the other two pulled a prank on him."
My parents had wide eyes as they looked at the picture on my phone.
"They're real?"
"Yes! You actually met Jetfire. You remember Jason Flynn, right?"
"Jason Flynn? That was this Jetfire?" Mom asked. "But he was just a human boy your age!"
"The reason why he was human was because he was using his holoform, which is this kind of hologram that's solid like a real human. He changed his holoform's appearance so that he would look like my age. He's really 270,000 years old, which by human standards would be 27 years and that's what his holoform's appearance really looks like."
"Wait, so you're dating a giant alien robot that's 268,986 years older than you?!" Dad asked.
Oh shit! Forgot that Dad approved of Jetfire dating me when he still thought he was a 14 year old boy. Stupid, Valerie! I just had to dig myself a bigger hole!
"N-not exactly…" I said quietly.
"What do you mean 'not exactly'?" Mom asked.
Great! Now the metaphorical hole was growing in size. As if what I'm going to say next would make it any better.
"I-I'm his sparkmate. Meaning I'm practically engaged to him and have been before even he was born. The transformers have this deity called Primus, who could be literally compared to God from the Bible since he created them. And he's the one who predetermines who a transformer or person is sparkmates with, similar to an arranged marriage. Everything I told you about him as Jason Flynn is true, though. Even the part with him being jealous about the secret admirer I had."
"Even if what you say about you being engaged to a giant robot is true and that he's only 27 years old by human standards, he'd still be physically 13 years older than you in this holoform you mentioned. It wouldn't work."
"Mom, he's not going to age a human year until 10,000 years from now. And we made a deal to wait until I was older and finished with all my schooling, college included if it comes down to it." I was somewhat relieved that they believed me now. "I'm the only one left that he's fighting for now. He lost his father when he was 5 by human standards, and he lost his mother when he was 20, 2 years after he went away to join the Autobots, and that was something he witnessed when the Decepticons attack him in his own home while he was on leave."
"So he was telling the truth about what happened. But his mother…" Dad trailed off.
"You see? You have to let me go to Cybertron with the Autobots. Not just to help them, but for your sake as well. I want you to see that I can be more than just the shy and unconfident girl I've been most of my life. Please!"
I saw the concern and thoughtful looks Mom and Dad had as they looked at each other before turning back to me.
"If this is important to you as you make it sound, then you can go." Dad said. "But only if you tell Jetfire that we want him to protect you. He's the only one we've met so he's the only one we trust."
"Thank you. This means so much to me."
I was so happy that my parents were allowing me to go to Cybertron and I spent my time packing my backpack with what I would need (my essentials like clothes, toiletries, my camera, cell phone, iPod, and chargers) before going to bed.
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It was strange that I found myself standing inside a spaceship, or better yet the Autobots' spaceship since I could see Blurr and Sideswipe sitting in what I assumed was the bridge. I fell to the floor when the ship started shaking and I could hear the loud alarm going off while red lights blinked on and off. What was going on?! I was too scared and confused to hear what was being said. I could see the Mini-Cons running and the ship was on fire! The ship shook violently again and I started screaming when I saw the wall I was close to being ripped apart and I was sucked through the huge hole and thrown into space. I squeezed my eyes shut tightly and held my breath in a futile attempt of staying alive. I heard an explosion that I knew was the Autobots' ship being destroyed and I opened my eyes to see that there was nothing left of it, no Autobots or Mini-Cons there at all. I suddenly remembered I was in space and gasped on reflex, only to find that I could…breathe? Hoe was I able to breath when I was in space? There shouldn't be any oxygen at all!
'Although I'm not going to question it.' I thought.
It was then that I noticed something looming through space that looked to be some ball with a ring going around it vertically. As it got closer to where I was it got bigger and my eyes widened as I realized it wasn't a ball, but a giant moon of sorts-no! It wasn't a moon at all! It was mechanical object and I suddenly felt fear flood through me from it's presence. I know something about it was bad and I felt as if I was staring at the end of all life and the universe itself.
Suddenly metallic object started to change and I was frozen in place by fear as I saw that it was a giant transformer that was orange with red optics, and I could see that it had huge wings. It suddenly turned to me as he (I assumed it was a he) slowly reached his large hand out to me to grab me.
"Soon…your time will come…" His deep voice boomed.
I screamed and shut my eyes as his hand closed around me, but then my eyes shot open and I realized I was alone in the dark void. No giant transformer, just me. I clutch the gold pendant tightly with my left hand as I started shaking in fear from what I saw. Who was that giant transformer I saw? I suddenly heard the familiar evil chuckle that I knew too well as it came from behind me.
{So it would appear you caught a glimpse of the Chaos Bringer.} Sideways said, sounding amused.
I was too scared to turn around or move. The giant transformer was the Chaos Bringer? That sounded more like a title than a name, but just the sound of it put me on edge.
{You are right to fear him, sweet Valerie. After all, Unicron will be all that remains when the universe is gone.} Before I knew it Sideways was standing in front of me and I felt my blood run cold when he placed his hand on the side of my face. I wanted so much as to pull away, but I couldn't. {But you will share a part in his glory, for you play a special role in all of this.}
My eyes widened as I realized what he was talking about! I was going to play a part in the end of the universe!
"N-no!" I said quietly, my voice shaking. "I-I won't! I-I refuse to be a part of this!"
Suddenly I found Sideways' hand wrapped around my neck tightly as he held me off the ground. I couldn't breathe! I couldn't breathe! I didn't have to look at his pink optics to know that he was angry. A jolt of pain ran through my body and I let of a strangled cry as a result.
{You can't refuse.} He said darkly, his voice low in order to intimidate me (which it did). {I told you that from the very beginning and still you try to escape your fate. Maybe I need to remind you what's at stake if you continue to defy me. Where to start…} Sideways trailed off as if thinking something over. {There's your parents, that femme Alexis, or better yet your sparkmate Jetfire. All of them are good choices since you're close to them. I think I'll start with your parents. You shouldn't really miss them since they've always left you alone due to their jobs.}
"NO!" I cried out. "Don't kill them! I'll do anything! Just don't kill them or anyone else!"
I knew this was what he wanted to hear since he chuckled.
{I knew you would see things my way, sweet Valerie. You're a smart femme to know that the lives of everyone you care about rest in your servos. You'd do well to remember that.}
Sideways' grip on my neck loosen and I was dropped on the ground gasping for air. But it was short lived when he knelt down in front of me before lifting the pendant of my necklace up as if to observe it.
{So he made you this little trinket?} It was more of a statement than a question. {That foolish Autobot doesn't even realize that he's only making things easier for me.}
"Don't take it."
I was honestly worried that he would break the chain just to take the necklace from me. It was too precious to be destroyed.
{Why would I do that?} He asked rhetorically. {I'll let you keep it, but only because it will fuel the fire so to speak. Just remember that you still have your end of the deal to uphold.}
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I woke up with a start, but then I realized it was morning. That's right! I was leaving today! I quickly got out of bed, got dressed and got ready by packing the remaining items in my backpack before heading downstairs. I said a quick goodbye to my parents before leaving my home and decided to head over to Alexis' house. I found it funny that I saw her leaving her home as well and she was struggling a bit with her huge brown bag that I knew had the things she packed.
"Alexis!" I called and got her attention.
"Valerie!" She replied before making her way over to me. "You're going, too?"
"Yes. Are you okay carrying that? I could help."
"It's okay. I think I got it. Thanks for offering though."
So with that I went with Alexis as we walked down the street in the direction the Autobots' base was. Eventually Alexis had to stop due to the weight of her bad, which she placed on the ground and knelt down beside it.
"It weighs a ton." Alexis said. Just then Rad and Carlos appeared and the former took the chance to grab Alexis' bag, causing her to look up at him. "Huh?"
"Let me get that for you, Alexis." Rad offered.
"Thanks, Rad."
"You going somewhere, Alexis?" Carlos joked, causing her to turn to him.
"Morning, Carlos. Well, it's nice to see we're finally on the same wavelength around here."
"And you know what that means." I said, smiling as Alexis stood up.
"Yes, we're going!" She said cheerfully, looking over at Rad. "We're actually going!" At this Rad and Carlos laughed. "C'mon, guys. Let's get this show on the road." And then she started walking off.
"Yessir." Rad and Carlos said at the same time.
"I think you mean 'yes ma'am'." I stated before laughing.
(1 hour later)
I stood with Alexis, Rad, and Carlos in the shadows of the doorway that led into the room that had all the Autobots and Mini-Cons along with the spaceship. The Mini-Cons were all lined up in front of Hot Shot while Sideswipe and Scavenger stood on each side of him.
"Good morning, men. It's time to get your answer to my question yesterday in regards to those who want to stay on Earth and those who want to join the battle on Cybertron." Hot Shot said, to which the Mini-Cons looked at each other while bleeping. "Those who volunteer to come with us, please take one step forward."
It was then that I noticed High Wire looking at us before all the Mini-Cons stepped forward one by one. One last Mini-Con bleeped in confusion as he looked around before deciding to step forward.
"That's a hundred percent." Scavenger said.
"Thanks, guys." Hot Shot said quietly, sounding grateful. "Okay, let's get every last one aboard the ship. And once we're loaded, we are outta here."
"Hang on!" Rad yelled.
"Huh?!"
It was at that time that we came into the room with our stuff.
"Hey, Hot Shot, we're coming with ya." Rad said with a determined look.
"No way. This mission is far too dangerous. And it's in your best interests to stay put here on Earth."
"We understand that, Hot Shot, but we've decided that we have to fight alongside the ones who saved our planet from destruction. And now you need us even more to help look after the Mini-Cons. We're gonna see this battle through to the end, and do whatever it takes to win."
"Well, I hear what you're saying…"
"Well then?"
Rad looked hopeful, but we all did as well. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed Jetfire looking at me with a stern yet disappointed look.
{Valerie, I thought I told you that I didn't want you to come.} He scolded.
'I know, but I have to! You know Rad has a point as well!' I told him.
"Yeah, all right!" Carlos cheered.
"However, you still must stay here." Hot Shot said.
"You're kidding!" Rad exclaimed.
"I'm real sorry." And he sounded like he was, too.
It was quiet and High Wire, Sureshock, and Grindor started bleeping before combining into Perceptor. Suddenly they started making this shrilly high pitch sound that was similar to an alarm of sort before the other Mini-Cons did the same and started running off towards the spaceship.
"Hot Shot! What's going on?" Sideswipe asked. The Mini-Cons started running into the ship. "Bro, what's happening with the Mini-Cons?"
It was then that Red Alert appeared in the doorway of the ship as the Mini-Cons ran past him.
"Would someone please explain the situation?" Red Alert asked. "We need a translator here, because the Mini-Cons are taking over the bridge."
There was a group of six Mini-Cons that were sitting on one of the wings.
"Argh! We'll never be able to lift-off with them clowning around all over the place." Jetfire said exasperated before trying to approach the group of six Mini-Cons, only for him to step back when the bleeped angrily with their optics suddenly glowing red as the shuttle mech held his hands up in surrender. "Okay, okay, I didn't mean to call you clowns."
By this time all the Mini-Cons stood in front of the ship as they created a barricade. Their message was unclear and it confused us to no end.
"All I said was we weren't gonna take the kids along and the Mini-Cons went nuts!" Hot Shot stated.
"Well, we're not going anywhere either, so what's our next plan of attack gonna be, Hot Shot?" Red Alert asked.
"Well, my official answer is, I don't know."
"Humans come with us." This surprised us all when Perceptor started…talking! And he now stood in front of the rest of the Mini-Cons. "Humans... Come."
From beside me I could hear Alexis gasp in surprise.
"They can talk!" Carlos exclaimed.
"But the Mini-Cons were never programmed to talk, were they?" Hot Shot asked.
"H-hey, Hot Shot…" Sideswipe said, turning to Hot Shot who did the same. "Maybe I should take…the kids to a safer place. Just in case the Mini-Cons rebel."
"Thanks, bro." Hot Shot muttered dully, as if Sideswipe didn't trust his ability as a leader.
"He's right." Jetfire said, causing Hot Shot to look over at the shuttle mech, who stood next to Hoist with his arms crossed. "If we can't protect kids, how are we supposed to be able to protect the universe?"
"Yeah, I agree." Hoist commented.
"It's your call, Hot Shot. But you've gotta put an end to this mutiny." Blurr said.
"What do we do now...Captain?" Scavenger asked. I could see that he had an amused expression on his face as he tilted his head to the side.
Hot Shot sighed."I don't know." Hot Shot said before the Mini-Cons started making that noise again and he looked up. "Huh?"
"Ergghh!" Sideswipe grunted as he placed his hands over where his ears or audio receptors were in order to block out the couldn't help but feel confused by this.
"Alright, already!" Hot Shot yelled. "I've changed my mind, the kids can come along. Now would you stop that irritating whistle?"
As if those had been the magic words the Mini-Cons stopped making that noise before bleeping and looking victorious. I couldn't believe it! This whole time the Mini-Cons wanted us to come along!
"All right, we're going!" We exclaimed excitedly.
Perceptor separated into High Wire, Sureshock, and Grindor and they ran over to Rad, Alexis, and Carlos respectfully before my friends hugged them. I could tell that they were happy as they laughed.
"Yes, we're going! We're actually going!" Alexis said before laughing.
I looked over to where Hot Shot and Scavenger were and could see the baffled look on the yellow mech's face.
"I don't believe this." Hot Shot said.
"I don't know if it's the right choice." Scavenger stated, his arms crossed.
Hot Shot turned to him before glancing back at us.
"You just might be right, Scavenger. But I think it's exactly what Optimus would've done."
{Looks like you're coming after all, Skydancer.}
I turned to where Jetfire was just as I felt his happiness through the connection. I smiled at him as I wrapped my hand around my pendant.
'I am.' I said.
{I get the feeling you had something to do with this.} He teased.
I giggled quietly.
'Are you trying to blame me for the Mini-Cons revolting?'
{Maaaybe.}
(30 minutes later)
My friends and I were boarding the spaceship with the Mini-Cons as we carried our belongings with us. Now that I thought about it where were we going to stay while on the ship?
{No need to worry, Skydancer! You'll be sticking with me room-wise.} Jetfire told me.
'And where is it?' I asked.
{As soon as you're inside go right down the hallway before coming to an intersection. Go left at the intersection and continue going down the hallway until you come to the second door on the right. That'll be my personal quarters.}
'Thanks, Jetfire.'
"No fair! How come you guys get to go?" I stopped where I was and turned around in time to see Billy and Fred running into the room with their stuff. "Come on! You gotta hold up! Please, please, please!"
"It's Billy! And Fred!" Carlos said.
Off to the side I could see Hot Shot and Red Alert overlooking everything from the platform they were on. Hot Shot was leaning over the railing while Red Alert stood behind him with his arms crossed.
"Well, Hot Shot?" I heard Red Alert ask, obviously referring to Billy and Fred rushing to catch up with us.
"Yeah, like I have a choice." Hot Shot stated.
I giggled quietly before turning back around and heading inside the ship, following the directions Jetfire gave me in order to find his quarters. I eventually found it and entered to find that it looked similar to his quarters on the base. I wasn't sure where I should place my stuff so I just left it against the wall near the door. That was when the ship started moving and in my surprise I grabbed the closest stable object and squeezed my eyes shut as I held on for live. I suddenly felt comfort and reassurance in my mind and I knew it was Jetfire.
{It's okay, Skydancer.} He told me soothingly. {The Axalon is just being launched out of the base.}
'The Axalon?' I asked, relaxing a bit from Jetfire's presence.
{It's the name of our spaceship. We'll be leaving Earth soon.}
My eyes widened in surprise as I realized what this meant.
'You mean I'll finally get to see what's beyond the skies and among the stars?' I thought of the lyrics of the Cybertronian Lullaby.
I could feel his amusement and happiness through the connection.
{Yeah, and you'll get to see Cybertron in quiet wait. Although I doubt it'll be quiet when we get there.} I felt the ship shake a bit and my grip tightened. {Don't be scared, Valerie. Just keep talking to me and you'll be fine.}
I took a few deep breaths to calm myself down and I registered what Jetfire was telling me. He was trying to help me by keeping me distracted.
'Will I be able to see your home where you used to live with Astera?' I asked.
At that I felt the nostalgia Jetfire had when I mentioned his mother, but then I felt a soft warmth.
{Maybe.} He answered. {If not I'll try to show you someday.} I suddenly felt a little lighter and I could hear Jetfire laugh. {Well, I can officially tell you that we're in space. But before you go check it out, you might want to get your new spacesuit on.}
It was then that I noticed the white spacesuit hanging on the wall, which happened to have a bit of red on the shoulders and what looked to be a button on the left side of the collar. I carefully got the suit on and I noticed how comfortable is was to wear. Experimentally I pressed the button on the left side of the collar and I was surprised when a helmet came over my head and oxygen started circulating through the suit. Going through my bag I pulled out a mirror and saw that the helmet I wore was white with a purple outline on it. I pressed the button again and the helmet came off and retreated into the suit. This was a neat suit.
With that out of the way I left Jetfire's quarters and made my way to the hallway that had a window and that was where I found Alexis, Rad, and Carlos with High Wire, Sureshock, and Grindor. I was completely mesmerized by the view of the Earth from space as the Axalon flew away from the planet. It was so beautiful. I can't believe I was here. I felt like I was dreaming. I was in space and I was going to Cybertron.
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It's weird not knowing what time it was while in space, but I went back to Jetfire's quarters and entered just as he came out of the huge door I assumed was the refresher and felt my face heat up slightly. He merely chuckled at this before coming over and picking me up in his hand.
"I'm starting to wonder if your reaction to me coming out of the refresher is gonna be a common occurrence." Jetfire joked, causing my face to get warmer. "Aw c'mon, Skydancer! I'm only messing with ya! No harm meant by it!"
"Sorry." I said.
"Now, Valerie. I told you that you don't need to constantly apologize, especially when you haven't done anything to warrant an apology."
"Sor-I mean okay."
"That's better."
Jetfire started moving over to the nightstand near his berth and I could see the familiar bed sitting on its surface while my backpack was placed right next to it. He placed me on top of the table and knelt down before his holoform materialized in front of me. I immediately went up to him and wrapped my arms around his waist in relief, taking him by surprise. Jetfire recovered and wrapped his arms around me.
"I told my parents about who you really are and about us." I told him.
Jetfire pulled away slightly with a surprised look on his face.
"You told them?" He asked. "How did they take it?"
"They took it better than I thought after I proved that you guys were real."
"And how did you do that?"
"With the picture I took on my phone."
I took out my phone and Jetfire's eyes widened when I showed him the picture of when he still had the pink paint on him.
"I can't believe you took this!" Jetfire exclaimed. "You didn't get my good side."
I giggled at this.
"Not only are you over-confident, but you're vain?" I teased. "I didn't think you'd worry about something like that."
"Look who's joking now." He grinned.
I merely shook my head laughing.
"That aside. Dad told me to tell you that he and Mon wanted you to protect me and that they trust you."
"I wouldn't have it any other way, Skydancer. If they're trusting me to keep you safe then that what I'm gonna do." I yelped in surprise when Jetfire suddenly scooped me up in his arms and carried me over to the bed. "Starting with getting you to bed."
"First I need to get ready for bed, Jetfire." I stated. "And I think you also need to get your real form on your berth so that you're not in that same position all night."
Jetfire realized that I was right and lowered me onto the table before turning around so his back was facing me. I got out of my spacesuit and stripped out of my clothes before getting my Pjs on. When I was done I stood on my toes in order to tap his shoulder and I was taken by surprise at how fast he turned around to face me. I soon found myself being carried bridal style before being lowered onto the soft mattress. Jetfire was about to in when I stopped him.
"You're forgetting something." I told him.
Jetfire sighed before his holoform disappeared and I could see his gold optics activate from where I was. He got up from his kneeling position before going over to his berth and laying down on top of it. His holoform soon appeared again, this time without his jacket and shoes before he joined me in bed and gathered me into his arms as he laid beside me. I felt so warm and comfortable that I felt my body relax.
"I don't think I have to worry about being cold." I said quietly. I breathed in and noticed the way Jetfire smelled. "You smell clean."
"Of course I do! I just came out of the refresher, remember?" He chuckled. "And that was also a very random thing to say."
I smiled.
"Leave it to me to be random." I sighed. "I love you."
"I love you, too." Jetfire leaned his head closer to my face and kissed me before resting his forehead against mine. "Not get some sleep, Skydancer. I'll even hum the Cybertronian Lullaby to you if you want."
I nodded in reply before I closed my eyes. I fell asleep listening to him humming to me.
ATE: And there you have it. As for the necklace that Valerie got from Jetfire, it's an actual necklace I have and I actually took multiple pictures of it and put them together on deviantart so that you could all see what the necklace looks like. Here's a link (without spaces, of course):
http : / aerith -the- evenstar . deviantart . com/ art/ Gold -Pendant- 275 634 525
Thank you for reading and please remember to review. ;D