This is a big chapter for everyone, made only of Sol and Fera.
Awesome huh? ^u^
So here we come to the climax of OTSH.
Over the next few weeks, I will be posting the last few chapter of this piece for everyone.
It's a bitter-sweet thing for me to experience, finding that this is my first long FF...
I do not know when OTSH Part 2 will be debuting, but there's a strong possibility it will be on the first year anniversary of OTSH Part 1.
Let me thank all of you who have continuously followed me throughout this piece and have constantly given your feedback and love.
I truly, absolutely, could not have done this all without you :)
Every review and critic and viewer is a major part of OTSH's success, and I can't believe that it's even gotten this far :D
Let's try to get OTSH to 200 reviews and go out with a bang, alright guys?
Enjoy!
Of The Spark And Heart
Part 1
Chapter 47
The wrath of a woman was measured by that which is far stronger than Hell itself. Fire burned deep within them, churning, burning, until their energy spent and their wills of inner value continued on. Scorn truly was no different from determination in a woman's eyes, and yet, some per say may take things too far. A woman, in all her glory, provides and conquers that which should be impossible. A mother, on the other hand, would tear any of those limb from limb who dare threaten her most treasured.
This way, mothers divided the strength of the enemy into the branches of weakness, slowly picking off their bones until there was nothing left but an empty husk. If not physically able, mothers were far ready to cause men the mental insanity that came with the games they played with the mind. Doubt and fear were among the strongest of these, which allowed them to bring even the most admirable enemy to their knees.
And it was for this reason, that Fera Lennox refused to upset her mother at the moment.
The woman was a fireball. A bossy, caring, stubborn ball of freaking flame. And now said fireball was sitting with her legs crossed, in an upholstered chair that couldn't possibly be comfortable, with her hands set neatly on her knee. Her features remain neutral, but her daughter knew for a fact that her patience couldn't hold for much longer. Peeking from behind the curtain of the dressing room was a pair of icy-blue eyes full of uncertainty. They were a shock against the creamy eggshell color of the rest of the shop and the satin fabric she held back. Sunlight filtered through a large window behind the thin curtains at the front of the room, causing the various gowns and dresses on the floor to shimmer.
Two handsome figures, clad in fashionable wear, stood on either side of Fera's mother, their arms crossed and their expressions near dead with a lack of entertainment. Both had on black jackets, and wore a pair of jeans and boots. Their faces were near identical if not for the color of their shirts and the shade of their eyes. One wore a crimson shirt beneath his coat, the other gold. The one with the gold shirt had a deeper hue to his gaze, as well as a more mature air about him. The red one simply seemed bored and ready to cause mischief. Yup, that was Sideswipe and Sunstreaker alright.
Sideswipe suddenly groaned and threw his head back, his eyes rolling into the back of his head. "Come on Fera, we've been here all kalon! Let's get this over and done with!" he called at the curtain. Sunstreaker sent his twin a withering look, clearly not liking his rude and obnoxious behavior. Fera winced and curled back into the cover of the dressing room, taking another hundredth look at herself in the mirror. Why me? she whined to herself. Why do I have to go to some major political party?
"Do I have to do this?" she questioned, her shoulders hunched uncomfortably. The dress she wore was beautiful of course, but it just wasn't what she was used to her. She never wore a dress; a skirt maybe on occasion, but nothing so...girly as this. She'd even skipped prom so she wouldn't have to wear one of these things. That, and she had no one to go with, date or friend.
She heard shuffling from outside and Fera spun around, preparing to lock the door if it was one of the twins. "Just come out of there Fera, I'm sure you look fine." it was her mother, closer now.
"Beside, we don't want to stay here forever female!" Sideswipe input. A dull slap sounded and Sideswipe cried out. It was difficult to suppress the grin that crossed Fera's face, and the initial dread under her skin dwindled a little. Hours after the first dress' showing, Sarah was still denying every cloth her daughter brought out on the catwalk. It was beginning to cause Fera apprehension about showing them anymore at all. Maybe if Hound came in from outside, her mother wouldn't be so indecisive. The woman's Guardian always seemed to soften her up.
Gathering her wits, Fera swallowed and bunched up a fistful of the dress in her hands. She gently lifted it and started for the door, peeling aside the Velcro lock and letting the curtain fall back. Her bare feet shuffled silently against the carpet as she went for a small stage surrounded by a barrage of mirrors. A soft intake of breath from her mother sent an excited jolt in her sprits. Easily, she stepped up the single ledge and strode to the wide end of the walkway.
Massive reflections that stretched from floor to ceiling curved around her to show almost every angle of her from any point of view. Bright lights showered over her, encasing her in a shadowless presence. Before she even looked at herself, her mother's profile came into view on her left, a smile flashing her white teeth. Hazel eyes danced in joy as she watched Fera settle. Sideswipe and Sunstreaker joined by her side, staring up at Fera with a far less expression of boredom. Flustered at so much attention, the teen turned to see for herself what had the others so amazed.
A simpler gown, the whole of the dress was a lighter shade of violet, the color dipping into a darker tint the further you went towards the bottom. Most of the heavier drapes of the dress gathered by her right hip, a jeweled embellishment holding them still. Traveling further up the oddly entrancing dress, Fera noted the sleeveless, sweetheart neckline and the smaller decorative beads along the edge and bosom that appeared as tiny diamonds. A simple move such as twisting to get a look at the back of her dress let her realize that the right side was split to her lower thigh.
To shift in even the smallest ways sent a fiery quiver down her gown. The beads were in a low enough quantity that they didn't completely overwhelm or annoy her. And the split in the piece let her maneuver without much difficulty. Her hair remained up in a ponytail, holding it away from her face except for a few loose strands framing her cheeks. By the way her mother looked at the dress and the lack of annoyance by Fera at wearing it, she felt this was the one.
Sideswipe suddenly jumped on the catwalk, throwing out an arm to wrap around her neck. Fera stumbled as he hugged her to him, the both of them now facing the mirror together. A broad smile captured his attractive face, the glow of his eyes escaping out in his happiness. "Wow, you look like one pretty little human Fera. All the others are gonna be jealous of you tonight when you show up at the party looking like a Kalisian dancer." he squeezed her neck in a side-hug and Fera coughed, grabbing the arm with each hand. Though she could barely breathe, she still smiled at Sideswipe for his gesture.
"Thanks, I think." she managed, trying to free herself. Sideswipe laughed and placed his other hand on his hip as if holding her in place was the easiest thing in the world. Which, it probably was. Out of the corner of her vision, Fera saw a flash of gold, and then the pressure around her neck was gone. Just like that.
Looking up now, it didn't take long for her to find Sideswipe's hair in his brother's hand, the red twin's body bent backwards. Sunstreaker appeared extremely annoyed, while Sideswipe wriggled and fought to get away. "Behave for once, you fexa. You're making Fera uncomfortable." the dominant twin scolded, releasing his grip. Sideswipe jumped up, reaching to rub his sore scalp. The two brothers situated themselves while Fera's mother stepped beside her daughter, confirming that this was indeed the dress for tonight. She even went as far as to hop across the store and call Hound from outside so that he too may see Fera in the gown.
The taller, rougher-looking holoform stepped inside, the cowboy hat on his head tipped forward ever so slightly. Sarah and Hound made their way back over to their group, where Fera waited with the slightly less riled up twins. Sideswipe wasn't strangling her anymore, but he would not stop going on and on about how Sunstreaker maybe able to touch up the dress and add some 'flare' to it. Sunstreaker remained quiet, observing the area around him than paying attention to his brother. Fera rolled her eyes at Sideswipe after he'd tried convincing her to wear a headdress.
"Sideswipe, I'm not Lady Gaga, ok? I'm going in this, and that's it. I'm already not happy about it, so let's just make this as simple as possible." she patted the air to make her decision clear and Sideswipe huffed, crossing his arms. "You take out all the fun in everything. If we're going to be bored at this thing, we might as well have someone to show ball bearings and make it the least bit interesting."
"Com down now 'Sides, I'm sure you'll havah great tahm at the party." Hound chuckled and turned his sights on Fera. A low, long whistle came from his lips as he observed her outfit of choice, his hands coming to rest on his sides. "You clean up nice Missy. Ah almost don't recognize ya." he lifted a hand towards her to help her down the step and Fera nodded, thankful for the aid. "Thanks you Hound, I appreciate the comment. Although, all I want to do now is get this thing off me and go hang out with Sol for a while." she sighed, rolling her neck and shoulders to relieve the stressed muscles. "I'm not used to this torture."
"Well Solas Kaon and the others aren't suppose to show at the base for another few hours Fera, so you'll just have to meet him at the party." Sarah commented, walking up to stand next to Fera, "We're going to meet them all at General Hendricks' manor tonight. It's already five, and the party starts at seven o'clock, so we barely have time to get you ready as it is."
"Barely any time?" Fera's eyes went wide and her heart dropped at the thought that this abuse wasn't going to end anytime soon. "Aren't you exaggerating a bit?"
"Well you're not the only one who has to get ready, now are you?" Sarah firmly nudged her daughter at the dressing room again, "Now take the dress off and let's buy it already."
"Please, for the love of Primus, do." Sunstreaker muttered loudly enough for everyone to hear. Fera silently agreed with the mech that this hadn't been that fun of an experience, but did he have to be so blunt? At least now it was peaceful. Fera would do this every day if it meant her life would no longer be about war and death and destiny.
When Fera had nearly been shoved into the dressing room, she heard a hearty laugh from who she guessed was Hound. "Ah don't think it was tha' bad Sunny. N'fact, it was kinda fun!" the accented voice of the 'Bot was too much for Fera to possibly stay in a glum mind. Hound had been known for his ways of raising the attitudes of those around him, and even though Fera had spent hours in a store, looking for girly fashions, she couldn't help but grin. With Solas being closer than before as well, her spirits were becoming far less dark than they'd been the past half week.
"When you spend joors in an Earth retail establishment, then you may tell me that this was fun." Sunstreaker shot back, seemingly unaffected by Hound's good nature.
"Ah used ta take you shoppin' all the tahm back on Cybertron. Not ta mention ol' Jazzy when he wanted ta meet them fembots. We'd spen' joors an' joors in tha markets." Hound's response peeked Fera's attention, and she listened intently in the conversation as she slowly slipped off her dress and pulled on the rest of her clothing. The boot for her ankle sat in the corner of the room, and she wondered for a moment if she should wear it anymore. Her ankle felt fine. Better than fine actually.
But, because she didn't want her mother complaining to her about it, and Ratchet returning to them only to yell at his patient, she slipped on the blasted thing over her jean leg and strapped the Velcro firm.
"If only Jazz were here now, he'd probably tell us about how you talked the whole time." Sideswipe jabbed, the playfulness dull in his words, "You probably fried his circuits at the end of the orn." there was a sadder note to the mech's sentence, and Fera paused in her collecting her things, her eyes focused on the curtain. The noise had died down outside, and now there was nothing but a tense sadness that only those whom had lost could understand. Fera swallowed, knowing that feeling all too well.
She'd made a promise that she would give Jazz and Ironhide back to the Autobots, and she planned on keeping that promise. She was determined to harness the power of the Stone, and use it to its best abilities. Seizures be damned, she was going to stop this suffering once and for all. The only thing standing in her way was her fear, her doubt, and of course, her body. Oh, and the dress currently in her hands. Stupid freaking party.
Fera pushed aside the curtain and awkwardly walked from the dressing area to join her friends and mother back by the catwalk. She entered in a dense cloud on arriving, her skin crawling with the uncomfortable sorrow lodged deep within each Cybertronian's too-perfect eyes. Her mother appeared confused by all the depression raging around her, but Fera was not. She knew. She understood.
"I'm going to make them pay. Every single one of them until not a sign of them are left." Sunstreaker growled in Cybertronian. Sideswipe glanced at his brother with stone-hard eyes, his expression agreeing. Hound was not as excited as the two others, but he still stood in a quiet respect for those who he'd lost. His eyes met Fera's before he tipped his hat and tread out the store and into the shield of night. The impression he'd made was larger than anything Fera could create. After all, who was she but a human with a lost father? They'd lost their planet, their families, and their friends. It was wrong for her to think she could possibly compare.
Only one thing said by Sunstreaker summed it up: "We've lost too many to forgive them now. I know that they're not our brothers and sisters any longer. I see only enemies."
They couldn't move fast enough. He was sure they were traversing slowly on purpose.
Ever since the accident involving the collapsed cave had been solved, Solas, Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and Arcee released safe and sound merely hours after, the group had been booking it back to base. Titanios and Mirage had managed to infiltrate the mountain of rubble and carve a path for Optimus' group to escape through. Solas Kaon was among the first to transform, his wheels barely able to reform correctly before he was launching forward on them ahead of his peers. Something wasn't right about what had happened around Arcee's kidnaping, and Solas knew it would round back to Fera somehow, some way. Like Pit if he'd ignore these signs any longer.
Thankfully, they were past the halfway mark of their journey, causing Solas' spark to race and his body to vibrate with the feel of his bond flaring to life. Trickles would seep into him every so often, maybe in the form of a brush or an emotional nudge, all from the single being he wished so much to see. If he could collect her, bring her as close as possible, would she be safe? Could he protect her when he had failed so many times before? A soft growl passed through him as a shock of pain emanated from his injured shoulderbolt. In his rushing, Solas hadn't allowed Ratchet to get a good look at his wound. And because of that, he was paying for it every mile they drove. Energy for all of them was quickly depleting, as was time. General Hendricks' congressional party was scheduled for later this Earth day, so they were forced to make no stop as they sped as seven blurs on the highways. Police cruisers trailed them on several occasions, but with a quick hacking to their radio systems, the 'Bots were able to assure them that they were no threat to the civilians around them.
Less than an hour from base, Solas was overheating and had nearly ran his tires smooth. Yet that was a small price to pay in order to get where he wanted as fast as possible. Connection between himself and his charge was already coming back in steady pulses, causing his spark to throb like a raw wound. Or maybe that was his shoulderbolt.
Either way, he was making sure she stayed in his sight for a good long while.
~Take it easy Solas, your systems are overworking themselves, you could send yourself into shutdown.~ Ratchet's voice carried concernedly across the comlink, but it was drowned in the sound of the Guardian's heaving vents. A snort ripped from his engine, more a show of strain than skepticism. ~If I can make it back to base before the 'Cons do and get Fera to safety, I'll happily recharge for a straight groon. I will willingly let you activate the program even, only if it means she won't get hurt.~
~Perhaps shutting down before you reach that goal would not be such a wise strategy.~ Optimus advised calmly, the pipes on his sides puffing out yet another cloud of dust. A film of the light brown dirt covered each whom had been buried under the cave, and the stuff now continued to clog their vents. ~I suggest you heed what Ratchet tells you, or you may very well be towed back to base instead of arriving under your own power.~ the Prime made his point, despite the frustration it brought Solas to admit. With a sigh, Solas backed off a few notches in his driving until he was aft to bumper with Optimus. No matter if he was losing strength or not, Solas refused to be anything but the first Autobot in that lobby.
And as the view of Theodore Roosevelt Island came into view, just beyond the horizon of the hill, Solas could feel his energy thrumming. His bond was broader than ever, signifying that he was near to her. He could feel her swelling around his astral presence, using her own essence to braid within him in warm welcome. Their thoughts and emotions blended together in a happy relief, though it was more Fera than Sol who felt this way. A heavy release on her side told of the massive burden she'd been carrying concerning Sol's health, and he nearly laughed in pure joy at knowing she was safe. Not yet before him, but safe. She returned the thought with one of her own, sending a spike of anticipation through his spark.
Ratchet's sirens blared in the background as Solas dared defy order and tore ahead toward the distant establishment, a trail of misting snow left in his path. Stopping at the entrance gate was an annoying obstacle he was forced to suffer through. The guards scanned and inspected him, using every moment they could muster to search the authenticity that this mech was who he claimed to be. Finally, the wait had gone on long enough, and Solas suddenly roared every sound making device he held inside his frame, startling the officer in his cabin into tumbling off his front seat and sprawling on the icy pavement.
"Can we hurry this up? You all are starting to frag me off." his tone was low and impatient, the noise of his snarling system dying down in time for him to be heard. The officers looked from one to the other, clearly shocked, but nonetheless convinced. A taller male motioned at his peer in the booth to raise the bar. Not an astrosecond passed before Solas was once again a dot in the distance, racing forward until his wheels touched frost-encrusted grass. Stinging chill coursed through the shocks in his peds and ran along his wiring, mimicking the coursing thrill stirring in his very energon at the time.
Bursts of air curled around him as his engine burned and his plates heated. Waves of white vapor escaped the hissing seams as his transformation cog snapped into place and his armor began to reshift. Peds touched snow, sinking deeply until hard-packed earth could be sensed. Ice cracked under the weight of the giant as he bound ahead, aiming for the dim grey structure against the backdrop of gloom. Clouds may have coated the sky, white fluff maybe covering the ground in a freezing blanket, and the wind may be biting at his faceplates and caused warnings to flash across his vision that gears were beginning to lock and energon beginning to freeze, but he didn't care. One thought, and one thought only surged through him, drawing a vigor from him that should have been taken by his strenuous travel: Come back to me.
He was here, back, near enough again that he could see her face to face, and tell her that he didn't plan on leaving for a good long time. Forget Decepticon interference and forget basic protocol, Fera was his family, and the one good thing he'd done in his entire life cycle. With her, he'd been given a second chance. One, to protect, and not to destroy. She'd given him that chance. Her.
The main lobby doors were already wide open, the metallic, interlocked panels drawn up and held in a yawn to accept the incoming Autobot arrivals. Solas was under the enormous opening in a nanoclick, placing a servo on the frame as he slowly passed through beneath the looming ceiling. The same concrete floors and walls greeted his sights first, acting as a backdrop against the many scaffolds and walkways lining the perimeter. As Solas came in further, his optics scanning for one individual only, he noted the various peoples strolling along with their business without a care in the worlds. They were too busy to notice his return; he barely believe they cared.
Those remaining on the base before Optimus' team had left were hidden in their own places among the base, excluding a few who apparently sought to greet their incoming comrades. Among them were Firestar, Inferno, Prowl, Red Alert, Ultra Magnus, Cameo, and Rodimus. Rethalia was also there, her presence almost hidden by the larger stature of Magnus. A single thud from Solas' ped caught the attention of the fembot Prime, and she craned her neck around Ultra Magnus and Cameo, who was standing beside the city commander, his arm wrapped around her midsection.
"Solas Kaon." his designation slipped easily from her glossa when she spoke their natural language, and she smiled, swiftly moving around Magnus and the Fabial leader to reach the mech. Her optics were bright and eased, maybe a sign of her happiness that at least one of Optimus' team had not perished on the mission. The mech must have kept tabs with his mate. Solas nodded at Rethalia and flicked his optics around the floor to search again. "I'm relieved you are not hurt Solas, considering what I had come to hear from Optimus about the cave's collapse. Where are the others?" of course the fembot wished to see her sparkmate. Solas glanced up and met gazes with the Prime before jerking his helm behind him. "Left them in the dust." he looked from one curious gaze to the next, "Where is Fera?"
"With her female creator." Cameo answered, treading alongside Magnus as they approached their co-leader and peer, "They have been out for quite a bit of the kalon now. I do not predict they plan to return before the congressional gathering."
Disappointment dashed Solas' excitement and his body sagged slightly. All that running to get ahead, only to find his attempts bashed. But, turning his helm back now, a long cycle of air escaping his vents, Solas noticed the darkened skies and the foggy outline of the lunar object the humans called the 'Moon'. Nighttime was upon them, meaning the time couldn't be too far away from the party.
Unmistakable sounds of fellow Autobots in their alts peaked across the glittering white meadow, signaling their imminent entrance. Rethalia could be seen to lighten at the sight of her mate's form in the near distance. Soft murmurs of joy passed between the 'Bots as they ultimately saw Mirage, Titanios, and Ratchet trailing beside their leader. Bumblebee remained at his Prime's right side, towing behind him a very battered and weary Arcee.
Through all of this, Solas hadn't much interest in his comrades, nor the ones around him. His real attentions were now on his chronometer, which displayed that it was nearly eighteen-hundred and thirty hours military time. Only half a joor before they were to depart for the party. Solas whipped away from the crowd and headed for the wash racks in his personal quarters. He knew the moment he walked in that Fera had left only recently, for her mark was made when she left her sleeping arrangements in a bundled mess on his berthside table.
Shifting pass this, Solas paused before he completely missed the metallic furniture. An irritated air rushed over him, not a draft from the conditioning system, but one of a tug. A careful touch of the digits was all it took for Solas to gently correct Fera's bed and blankets before he forced himself to move on. Sol turned the silver knobs at the head of the shower. Steaming bouts of cleaning agent poured from the containment chamber and into the tub, the pool growing to a considerable amount in less than a click.
A knock at his door stopped Solas dead when he'd lifted a ped to step in, and he groaned, half-daring to ignore the visitor. But alas, his stubborn protocol programs kicked in and he turned away from his awaiting cleanse to answer the company. The barrier slid aside, revealing a very serious Ratchet standing before him. Faintly surprised, the mech stepped aside to allow the medic entry. Ratchet walked in without a word, and stopped mid-floor, his spinal support turned to Sol. Confused, the warrior closed his room off and faced the Autobot CMO with a burrowed set of optic ridges.
"I wasn't expecting you." he spoke up, taking a step forward. Ratchet shook his helm, pivoting himself until he stood with his side to the black and crimson owner of the room. "And I didn't expect you to." there was an edge to his voice that Solas didn't figure he was comfortable with, and an immediate shield threw itself up in his processor. Something was...off about the medic. Perhaps it was the lack of energon? Maybe he was here to properly patch Sol's shoulderbolt wound?
The yellow-green mech abruptly released a gush of air from his vents and roughly dragged a servo over his faceplates. A calm expression that had most definitely been plastered on his features by force was now gone, replaced by an exhausted and near anxious mech underneath. Suspicion sparked inside Solas, and he narrowed his optics in silent questioning.
"Then maybe you wouldn't mind explaining yourself." he questioned pointedly. Ratchet winced, seemingly guilty about something. Now this was not like him. Not at all. Whenever a 'Bot was brave enough to blatantly accuse the medibot of something, he was usually incredibly vocal about it. At this point in time, he simply stood with his servos limp at his sides, concentration marring his suddenly older appearance. There was a hint in his body language that he wanted to speak up, but he held back for unknown reasons. Understanding passed right over Solas' helm, and he carefully observed his peer, wondering just was so important that Ratchet would be so hesitant on relaying information to him.
The mech finally made a move, lifting his cranial unit to lock optics with Sol, his own stony and grim. Even further foreboding dug deep within Solas and he shifted uncomfortably against it as it writhed around his core. Fera was thankfully distracted at the moment, so she was getting no hint of his nervous behavior. Primus forbid that the human worry about yet another thing in the worlds.
"There is no way I can postpone these facts any longer Solas, for I realized it would be cruel to do so. I feel you deserve to know the truths of our situation, but you may want to take a seat before I explain."
"Ratchet, you're making me anxious. Spit out what you want to say and let us be on our way."
Solas' optics remained secured with Ratchet's, and he wasn't prepared to avert them any time soon. Things were turning out to be far too similar to Sol's times spent in the gladiator pits, where he was always unsure of who his next enemy would be. Whether that be friend or foe, he always was left without any recharge over. Many times, when he was forced those few times to fight the fembot gladiators, he would spend joors sitting on the edge of his berth, cradling his helm in his servos, dreading if this next opponent was Astrea. As of now, the only Astrea he cared for losing at his own power was his human charge. The one whom granted him a second chance.
Ratchet sensed Solas' growing impatience and must have known his time was waning. Though despite this, he still hesitated. Digits dug into Solas' armor as he squeezed his servos in agitation. A mix of fear and cold worry ran along the lines of his energon, freezing him in place. He could neither speak nor move, too caught up in the anticipation to dare try anything. Ratchet did break the spell however, opening his lip plates to state his business. "It's about Fera."
An invisible line in Sol's processor snapped at those words, the barrier holding the flood of memories in his life cycle breaking to front and center. Icy claws gripped his spark in its unrelenting grasp, shredding him from the inside out as he fought to stay calm and collected. Solas vented and pressed his lip plates together before prying them apart. In as an unemotional voice as he could muster, Solas finally spoke. "What of her?" his tone was softer than he'd planned it to be, the strength in it nearly faded. It was then that he tore away his optics and paid attention only by the audios.
"Solas, you understand I am here for the emotional and physical health of the Autobot and human populace, correct?" he jumped around the edges of their point again, diverting the track. Solas growled and threw his arms down, beginning to pace. "Of course I do, but could you get on with it?" he raised his mandible point and swung around to steal the medic's optics.
"Sol," that wasn't a good sign. Ratchet never shortened his name like that. "There's no instance you may speak a word of this to-"
"Blast it to Pit mech, get to the point!"
"Fera maybe dying."
Instant silence.
Bodies ceased moving. Vents quick cycling. Energon stopped in its tracks. A very shocked, and suddenly weak mech quit his pacing. As if physically hit, he fell into the support of his berth, his kneebolts far too unsteady to possibly be trusted in holding him up. Shakes began to rattle his armoring while a blank film crossed his vision. Wide, disbelieving optics stared into the distance as he fought for his footing.
A lack of will to register the information dumped a blank curtain on Solas' processor, and he grew absolutely sick when it breached his logic sensory. Unseen strikes to his tanks was pelting the innards of the Guardian and rendering him completely weak against it. Electricity bit at his wiring, urging him to stand, but failing miserably as he held himself off the ground only by the strength left in his shaking arms. He was sure his spark had dropped into his peds and his helm had flown off his shoulderbolts. Its lightness slammed against his internal ability to comprehend, thus leading him into this immediate denial.
No, he shook his helm, using every ounce of energy in his arms to heave himself atop the berth. This can not be. She can't die. It's impossible. After all we've been through, it could all ending like this? Impossible.
Pain laced along the contours of his spark, and he seized for a moment. The phantom echos of his past crept into the front of his processor, daring him to believe that they were to happen again. Astrea, gone. His creators, gone. His sister, gone. Everything he'd known and grown used to was gone. Why take away the one last thing? Why tip his already unsteady balance? What game was this to play?
"If this is some form of sick joke Ratchet, I swear I will tear you limb from limb." he swore darkly as he leant forward, resting his elbowjoints on his kneebolts, his servos held between. His helm tipped up so he would see the mech, his feature full of numb consternation. Horror spiked down his spinal relay when the medic's lip plates went into a firm line, his optics brutally honest. Ratchet would never joke of this. This was real.
A moan escaped the mech's vocal processor, and he brought his servos up to hide his faceplates. Agony as the idea of possibly losing his one last duty seared his internals, as if she were already gone. To assure himself she was indeed still living, he reached for her, only to have her respond back, content and very much alive. Even then, he was not convinced. How could a human, so perfectly healthy as she, be threatened with the presence of death?
"What is ailing her?" he managed as he let his servos slide from his faceplates. Ratchet sighed again, stepping across the room to turn and rest against the wall. He appeared exhausted and in desperate need of recharge. Perhaps the journey to rescue Arcee had taken more out of him than originally figured.
"You must swear to me first that you shall not speak a word of this to Fera unless I directly give you permission. Compute?"
Was it better to keep her in the dark? Or maybe it was simply immoral to leave her ignorant in her apparent illness? Was Solas breaking their trust through this? Could she forgive him when the time came to inform her of everything? The humans did say that ignorance was bliss. But bliss at the threat of death?
"Agreed." Solas murmured, his spark squeezing in guilt as he said that one safe word.
"Then may I ask that you recall the multiple exams between yourself and Fera that I have performed over these past Earth months?"
Solas nodded, "Yes, I do."
"And that I was interested in Fera's occasional seizures appearing recently?"
A moment's pause. "Correct."
"Please forgive me that I am not completely sure as of yet if my prediction is solid." Ratchet crossed his arms and bowed his cranial unit with a shallow cycle of his vents. Solas snorted at his comrade, disgust like a venom in his optics. "Your claim of her impending end is inappropriate then if you say to not yet fully understand what it is that is effecting her." an almost indistinguishable grimace graced the features of the elder of the pair, betraying his knowing that this fact was indeed true.
Then why were they here?
"I understand. However, Cloudsong and I were able to obtain a complete scan of her body for one of the first times, allowing us to come a plausible explanation for her symptoms."
"You are driving my patience Ratchet, I'd rather you tell me now instead of me gaining things from rumor and secondhand sources."
They both measured one another up, the warrior struggling to contain himself, while the medic appeared conflicted and assessing. Finally, Ratchet seemed to make up his processor, and he pushed from the wall, walking towards Sol with his servo removing a single compad from the subspace pocket on his bracer. "Perhaps it would be wiser to show you than simply explain things." he suggested, turning the device on before handing it to his companion. Solas slowly took the compad and quickly scanned his optics down the information there. It was a visual representation of a full frame scan of his body from his earlier orns of being an Autobot. Confused, Solas opened his lip plates to question Ratchet before the CMO interrupted him.
"This is a previous scan I had taken of your frame upon your introduction into the Autobot ranks back on Cybertron, correct?" he reached over to press a digit to the screen, "Notice that you are perfectly healthy here, with all systems and mechanical processes in order. However," he swiped his servo, revealing a more recent scan taken of the Guardian. Solas burrowed his optics ridges, not initially catching the difference between the previous and recent differences in his condition.
Ratchet once more pointed toward the data, singling out the area of interest. His spark. "Previously, this mark on your spark was not there when I had scanned you on usual occasions. It appeared to Cloudsong and I as if your spark was literally missing a piece of itself." messages and light blue strings of data foreign to Solas scrolled along the front of the compad, mixing in with personal notes Ratchet had made about his spark and it's 'abnormal deformity'.
"What could that mean?" he inquired, not sure if he liked where this conversation was leading. "Is my spark collapsing in on itself, or maybe dissipating altogether?" despite the absurdity that came with the question, Solas had a right to ask it. There were cases, rare ones, where a Cybertronian's spark would slowly disintegrate and wither away into nothing. It was called by many 'degenerative spark syndrome'. It was feared by millions during the Dark Ages of Cybertron, but, like thousands of other conditions, it was cured shortly after its occurrence. It is still a mystery what triggers the disease, but the usual cure for such a situation would be a higher grade of energon to the systems, along with constant monitoring and electrical therapy to boost the natural regenerative property.
"No, Solas." Ratchet answered bluntly, pulling his arm back, "When a spark degenerates, it leaves a trail of its older self behind as a sort of useless limb. This pocket of dead spark does not effect the holder, nor does it need removal, but it does leave the host weaker than before. It was what I had been looking for as of late." he gestured toward Sol, hinting that he'd been secretly scanning the mech for signs of degenerative spark syndrome. Apparently, that wasn't the case. "If not that, then what is wrong with the both of us?" this conversation was straying from its original purpose.
Ratchet turned his digit in a circle, motioning Solas to swipe the compad again. He did, and he was met with the view of Fera's full body scan. It was a recent one, maybe a few Earth weeks old. One of the first things he noticed was the dark bulk of the cast on her ankle and the jagged crack running down the width of the bone. Mentally wincing at the sight, Solas focused on better things, and forced himself to look elsewhere. "Notice her heart." Ratchet instructed, causing Solas' optics to drift upward. Never before had he seen the human heart, and he was intrigued to see the lump of grey mass located beneath the cage of her ribs. Even the chamber of their life was fragile. Probably more so.
"That anomaly located in the core? We believe that is where the missing fragment of your spark is located." snapping to attention now, careful optics zeroed in on the unfamiliar human organ. Though he was not yet educated in the forms of a healthy and unhealthy cardiac muscle such as this, Sol knew that there wasn't meant to be a perfect black slit in the center of it. A quick return to Solas' own scan revealed a chunk of himself missing that mirrored almost exactly the same shape and size of the sliver.
Distant and forgotten files resurfaced among his processor of the times he realized that Fera wouldn't be here forever. She was human, and they lived in a mere shutter of the optic compared to Cybertronian life. No matter the will she held in staying alive and beside her comrades, Fera would only live a millionth of a fraction of Solas' own expected existence. It hadn't ever truly hit him until that moment that she was to leave him inevitably some kalon, some way. But so soon? Some immoral power was abusing its abilities around the two beings, and it must be getting a kick out of seeing the both of them squirm. When would they be able to take control of their own destinies and carve their own path without this cruelty? Fate was truly a fool's game to play.
A servo came up and rubbed his digits across his lip plates, hiding his lower faceplates as he stared diligently at the compad. Plans and possibilities passed across his CPU, taking every tiny, minute idea and blowing it up into enormous proportions. Even the most ridiculous idea seemed genius to him as he struggled to find a way out for his charge.
"That would explain our bond." he commented hardly, void of any emotion at that moment. Ratchet nodded, though the mech couldn't see him do so. "And her seizures." the brightly painted mech's seriousness was crushing to hear, "The energy output from your spark fragment is disrupting her neurological messages to her brain and is therefore triggering these fits. Because of this, I fear there maybe a time where the energy will become too much for her body to handle, thus killing her."
"Why is it still alive? It's detached from me, so it should have died. Her body cannot sustain a spark."
"Fera began having these episodes after your revival in Saint Louis. I believe the Stone of Primus may have relocated a piece of your spark into her heart and overcharged it with it's energies. It may have even erased your signature input and replaced it with her own."
"My question still stands of how she is sustaining it."
"The Stone is powerful enough to put enormous amounts of energy into the fragment, sustaining it for quite a while, even in our standards. I believe it is trying to reform her body and mutate it to fit its needs and properly establish itself."
"This is because...?"
"Because the essence of the spark is live and moldable, it can adapt and make the necessary changes required for our frame to sustain life. If we lose a limb for example, it will generate the dominance onto the remaining limb, providing it with further strength and power. A similar event happens to humans when they turn blind, deaf, or lose their own appendages."
Solas slowly shook his helm from side to side, not completely sure he was hearing everything correctly. First, Fera had a piece of himself inside her heart, explaining their bond and her seizures. That was one thing to cross off his list of the unknown. Second, this said sliver was trying to change her body to fit it's 'needs' in order to further provide for what it figures to be a Cybertronian body. Third, there was no telling if what it was doing would kill or help Fera. Was the risk even worth it to try?
"You have to remove it." he decided firmly, rasing his cranial unit to meet optics with the medic, "I don't care if it severs our bond. As long as Fera doesn't perish, I will perform the surgery myself."
"That won't be necessary Solas." Ratchet gave a small grin of dry amusement. His servo came out for the compad and he slid it back into subspace, taking it from view. "However, I will continue to monitor Fera over the next length in time to make sure no changes appear. That does mean that I will have to sedate her every so often you realize?" his warning was clear, and Solas inwardly groaned. If it was one thing that the female hated, it was 'being drugged' as she called it. Now that it meant the upkeep of her health, Solas wouldn't complain. At least not when she demanded he agree that it wasn't right.
A mutual agreement passed between Solas and Ratchet that Fera would be well taken care of. Without even needing to be said, Solas vowed he would watch over Fera and report anything he felt out of place with the human while Ratchet promised he would do all he could to help. Being in each other's company for vorns at a time had its perks when two mechs could simply look at each other and understand. Despite this, it still did not mean Sol was given any sense of ease now that he knew Fera was in further danger than before. An internal battle was raging alongside the physical one, and Solas was unsure of how far he could actual protect her. Decepticons and now her own body. Where did it end?
Ratchet decided to make his leave not long after, ordering that Solas meet with him and the others in less than a half joor to get to General Hendricks' manor for the gathering. Solas agreed, promising that after his long overdue wash that he was to meet with the CMO and the others in the lobby. With that said, both went their separate ways.
Not a click after, Solas found himself standing at the wall of the tub of cleaning agent. His thoughts froze him to the spot, not allowing him to budge as he wondered one thing after the other. Positive and negative situations surfaced, consuming him in a quiet battle of his own.
What if the fragment didn't grow, and Fera lived a long, happy, natural life? What if it shifted and pierced the lining, killing her instantly and without warning? What if she had a final seizure and never woke up from it? What if Fera gained more benefit than harm from this?
What if their time was running out?
Cool, evening breezes softly flowed over the sleek silhouettes stationed along an ash-grey brick path. A large loop, the luxurious driveway stretched far from any sign of street or road, curling along the perimeter of a large marble fountain gurgling not far away from the parked vehicles. Young human males received the ignition keys for each as the wealthier humans stepped up the stairway and toward the looming oak doors of the manor. The home itself was large in all aspects, towering spiraled columns holding the overhanging roof while the upper levels gleamed a pale depth in the moonlight.
Filtering, gold light poured from the windows of each level, flowing down upon those below along with the classical music wafting from within its walls. Shrubbery and smaller plants lined the front of it, as well as the path.
In the near distance of the filing sports vehicles, headlights caught the perfect trail of incoming automobiles. A flurry of different colors, models, and makes rumbled powerfully past those who were currently driving to park. In the lead, a fiery Peterbilt truck dominated most the path, causing cars to create a wide berth around it though there was plenty of room to cross. A seemingly endless line followed behind, fully of an array of cars that would make a dealer drool. The sere number in value of all of them made even the wealthier company double-take.
The last of the humans in their vehicles shifted out of the way to make room for the Peterbilt and his entourage, even as his followers wound the complete length of the loop and onward. Vibrations unworldly in nature emanated from the fifteen or so vehicles in their stall. A plume of hissing smoke shot from the larger truck, startling the young human standing in wait on the staircase to park yet another wave. There was one similarity between them all however, located on various locations on their bodies: the Autobot insignia.
Followed the line, a black Mustang Boss, simply bleeding danger and mystery, let his engine purr in tune with his amusement at. Such a jumpy one.
Solas perked when he noticed Optimus' holoform stepping from inside his alt mode, Rethalia's door swinging open not a nanoclick later. Dressed in a slimmer gown and loose fuchsia accessories, Rethalia's holoform had its long hair drawn up into a bun, a few strands framing her face. Optimus' holoform was clad in a tidy tuxedo, his tie a flaming red and blue. His goatee and slick black hair shined as he took Rethalia's arm.
He was quick to take their lead with his own holoform, dressed similarly with Optimus, except that his own tie was a scarlet red, his tux a deeper black. Next appeared Ratchet, followed by an excited Sideswipe and indifferent Sunstreaker, Hound- cowboy hat and all-, then Mirage and Prowl, Smokescreen with Rainwing on his arm, and Bluestring. Cloudsong stepped timidly alongside Titanios, the differences in both body and width odd to witness. Inferno collected a giggling Firestar by his side, his striking copper hair mixing with her own as he murmured something in her ear.
Ultra Magnus made an appearance with Cameo -here to represent the whole of the Fabials-, even Rodimus and Lero showed themselves, though Ratchet had specifically ordered they rest their still healing wounds. The end of the line came with the two mechs striding towards their group. Bumblebee, Arcee, Red Alert, and the Fabials had chosen to stay behind at base to both protect it and nurse their injuries. Solas admitted it was a wise decision, but something about leaving them alone to face any threat put him at unease. The thought of seeing his charge again quickly put that to rest however, and he realized just how small a chance there was of Decepticons actually attacking the Autobot stronghold.
Turning back to his group, Solas noted the dress of his comrades and how it matched that of their alt mode paint in some way. The mechs had their ties, and the fembots had their accessories. A single Autobot emblem pin clung to each person right above their sparks. Simple and easy.
Sol rubbed his fake flesh hands together and stepped after Optimus, stopping when the youngling human reached out toward Optimus. The mech in disguise flashed a grin and waved his free hand before him. "No need." at his word, his alt roared to life, creeping forward around the bend of the driveway. Solas mimicked his leader's example, as did the rest of the Autobots. The confused and conflicted human watched each vehicle leave, his head snapping back towards Optimus as the mech and his fembot strode gracefully up the steps.
Hound was quick to catch up with Solas, his holoform only a few inches shorter than his own, but his arm easily able to wrap around Sol's neck and bring him down to his level. "How 'bout this Sol? Tha humans sure do know howda live in style, huh?" Sol grinned down at the holoform, unable to hide the thankfulness he felt in the mech's presence. Even in the worst of moods, Hound had an air about him that picked up any dark room.
"They certainly have a way with spending their currency Hound." Solas agreed, scanning his optics around to observe the space around him. The main room itself was large, with a spacious floor decorated in slabs of white marble, the curls of ivory like smoke in every square. Dark, wooden stretches climbed the wide stairs by the far back, a rail running along it to the second level above. This open floor cornered the perimeter of the room, holding several adjacent entranceways. Two tall, glass-paned doors sat at the rear of the main area, thinner curtains swaying in the chilled wind as they too were left spread apart.
Furniture was nonexistent at the moment, excluding a large fireplace built into the walls by the far right. A group of humans sat together with strange objects held in their hands, their fingers playing against varying strings while another wooden stick in their grasps strummed along them at the same time. Solas recognized the violins among the musicians from Fera, but he had no knowing of the rest. Hound distracted him with an impressed grunt, his own head tipped back to gaze up at the mural on the ceiling. "Nice place he's got 'ere. I can see Sunny jus' lovin' this place." the golden twin was well-known for his love of art, and Solas found that what Hound said was true. Sunstreaker must be enjoying this.
Hound led Solas over to a spot where they could stand comfortably by the stairwell, chatting every so often and simply examining the detail of the inner manor. Solas had noticed that carpet made up the flooring upstairs, contrasting greatly with the stone of the ballroom. A general contentment had settled in Sol as he watched the humans conversing and dancing, merely socializing with one another for the time. He tuned in on a few to entertain himself most from boredom, finding that the topic of human conversation mostly revolved about their surroundings, each other, or recent occurrences. Nothing interesting. He'd stopped at one point when he'd heard mention of himself among a few of the females by the far corner.
One simply giggled when she stole a glance at him standing by the steps, while her peers poked and teased her on her interest. Once or twice, Solas understood the words 'gorgeous' and 'mysterious', but he paid them no mind. Let the women have their fun. He was here for one thing only.
A nudge came from Hound without warning, and when Solas looked at the scout, Hound gestured toward the main doors. Solas followed the direction of Hound's gaze, and he found his bond flaring to life. A jolt ran up his spark and through the falseness of his disguise, almost shorting it out. He knew his reserves couldn't withstand any more energy than he was already using up by simply using this holoform, so he tried calming himself. However, when his charge crested the hill of the steps, her slender form nearly gliding along the landing as she approached the manor, he couldn't hold in his stare.
Hiding his amazement was difficult to do when Hound chuckled and slapped a firm hand to Solas' spine. Stumbling, Sol dropped forward and glared at the mech who had hit him. Hound only broadened his smile, the hat he wore doing nothing to shade the bleached teeth. "Not so primitive now, are they?" another flush of power ran through Sol, shocking him from sending his peer another searing set of narrowed optics. A tug pulled at his spark and his vocal capacitor locked at the feel. Pressure built inside his holoform and Sol snapped his jaw shut. Hound nodded his victory and waved the younger comrade off.
Incredibly teal-blue eyes shot up to find icy ones immediately. His body froze before his mouth stretched into a wide grin. For some reason beyond him, he didn't think he could stop himself. He started forward as Fera began at him as well, her mother left behind to speak with another gentleman. Optimus and Rethalia could be seen out of the corner of his gaze, talking to Hendricks himself, but Solas did not halt to call them. One figure was in his sights, and he was apparently in her own as well.
The two powers met in the middle of the floor, far away from the bulk of the crowd, but hidden within the edge of the mass. Her steady eyes trapped his own in their watery depth, the azure ring around the outer rim coming alive when they found his teal orbs of fire. Barely any forms of powdery substances or oily gloss covered her lips or face, leaving her natural beauty out in the open. Sol preferred her this way.
Her brown and gold hair that usually tumbled in waves done her spine was now partially pulled back to sit out of her face. The ivory of her skin faded in well with the violet shade of her dress, as well as the small adornments decorating the helm of her chest. What was once her cast was now a discreet brace around her ankle, a trim shoe on her foot that had a thin back to her heel. Even these several inches given to her by the inclines on her feet still did not bring her past his upper chest. A certain gleam had caught her eyes, causing Solas' spark to stutter. The shine from the Stone against her collarbone fit nicely along with everything, and made her appear far more surreal.
"Primus Fera, you...I mean, I...you..." his words seemed to fail him, and Solas mentally slapped himself for the slip. The faintest of pinks rose in Fera's face and she ducked her gaze to fuss with her dress. The break released Sol from his frozen state, and he fought to regain himself.
"Shut up, ok? I know it's ridiculous, but my mom and Carly wouldn't let me leave base without it on." she suddenly stumbled back a step and Solas shot forward, grabbing her elbow and helping her retain her balance. "I have a good mind to shove these heels right up their-"
"No, no Fera, you look...beautiful actually." the word left his glossa so easily. His venting quickened when she looked up at him again, her expression surprised. "I had never thought I'd see this side of you." he admitted. A sign of Fera's old self returned when she huffed and lifted a foot to adjust the strap on her heel, her eyes cynical. "Yeah, well, don't get used to it."
Humans bustled and shifted around them, causing them to unconsciously shift closer. Whether it was their bond, or the crowd squeezing them, one couldn't be sure. But their silence was egging on Solas' spark, making him annoyed and anxious at the same time to feel so trapped among these gathered humanoids. Fera didn't seem very comfortable either, and she sent him an exasperated look as evidence of this. It seemed as though things had gotten far louder around them- the music, the random chatter, where they had been so calm before.
Seeking a way out, Solas tapped Fera's arm to get her attention. "Would you like some hydrogen oxide?" he wondered.
Fera's eyebrows tipped in, and she shook her head. "No Sol, I don't want any...water..." she peered around them, "Can we just walk outside? It's getting stuffy in here." Solas nearly groaned in relief, but he held back, instead moving to the side and holding his arm out to gesture at the back doors. "Lead the way."
Tingling warmth crawled up the length o her back, making her shiver against the chilled air of the night. The taller man beside her raised an arm to lay around her shoulders, his face concerned. "Are you cold?" his voice was low, his breath brushing the arch of her ear. Fera shook her head quickly, wrapping her arms around herself to keep in the heat. There was a moment she was truly regretting wearing a sleeveless gown in the early winter, but at the time it was bought, she and her mother hadn't been thinking. Anything to get her out of that place was enough for her.
Now she was here, beside a very alive, and very well Solas Kaon. The relief that had struck her when she entered through the doors was nearly crippling, and the sight of him standing there, smiling as he waited for her to join him mid-floor... It was all overwhelming in the least, and Fera doubted whether her mind was falling into madness. Of course she would have known if Solas had died, for he was bonded to her after all. But not a single assurance arose in her until she could touch and talk with him again. An uncomfortable twist wrenched her stomach when she thought about the loss she had almost gone through in losing her Guardian. Again.
Not a moment's time had her body allowed itself to believe that everything was alright and that Solas would live. The anticipation had killed her these past days. Parts of herself still couldn't understand that he was walking right next to her, their bond drowning out any and every being around them. And still she could not get herself to understand.
To knock some sense into herself, she boldly reached down, interlacing her fingers with his fake ones. Solas may be an enormous creature, but Fera had wanted to do this for some time now, and since his holoform was standing right here, why not? As if a barrier had been broken, her tenseness and nerves drained and faded into nothing. Solas squeezed her fingers and circled the core of their bond, comforting her further. He must have felt her anxiety over him. How could he have not?
Solas lead Fera to a small gazebo towards the end of the walkway. Drifting music from inside carried out in a foggy, almost dream-like way. The lullaby of notes shifted and reformed softly from one to the next, putting the both of them at ease as their footsteps echoed further and further down the path. A hedge maze began a few feet from the structure, distracting any from noticing the gazebo until they'd basically passed it. However, Solas and Fera found it immediately upon their approach. Roses and various flowers climbed the thin columns and reached over the dome of the roof. Milky light from above created a blurred effect on the structure, making that much more hallucinating.
"Fera, I am sorry." Solas suddenly said as the two climbed the steps and aimed to sit on the small bench in the corner. Fera glanced up, confused, and slightly put off. Solas wasn't watching her any longer, but had his face ahead, his hand gripping the lip of the seat. Without his grasp in her own, Fera's hand felt so much colder. "What could you be sorry for?" she asked. Suspicion crept into the back of her mind, and continued to stay there despite her attempts to push it away. Could she ever enjoy a moment without being hesitant? Sol huffed and gave a smirk, his eyes now finding her own. "What am I not sorry for? Through keeping secrets and nearly being killed, on multiple occasions I might add, you stayed. You stayed here, with us. With me."
"Because I knew I could trust you." Fera's eyebrows came down and she leaned towards him as he once again averted his piercing blue orbs, "If you were keeping secrets, it was for my own good. I wasn't happy about it at first, I admit that. But in the end, neither you or the Autobots would do anything to hurt me on purpose."
"Those you know now are the noblest and most pure of the Autobot faction I have come to meet yet, nut there are still some who deny their Autobot cause and turn to the Decepticons in cowardice." he reclined back on his arms, his head tipping back to stare up at the ceiling, "At one point, it seemed we were losing this war. Horribly, I might add. However, now it seems as though we are at a stalemate. We're simply waiting for something to happen. Watching."
Discomfort built inside Fera and she turned her own head down in uncertainty. Waiting and watching was never her forte, seeing as she was impatient. And wasn't the Decepticon cause clear by now? They wanted her. More specifically, they wanted the Stone of Primus.
Of all the events of her life, she wouldn't trade the last six months for anything. In the face of death and happiness and new experiences, she truthfully had never felt that she belonged anywhere so deeply before. Her life before the Autobots was but a dream now, her existence forever forged in theirs. Most normal human beings would shudder at the thought that they would be trapped in a world they'd never known before, but Fera embraced it. She encouraged it even. Being normal had never been in her wills for her life. Not then. Not now.
"Is there a way the war could finally be coming to an end?" she murmured, hope evident in her tone. Solas sighed, raising a hand to rub the back of his neck as his eyes closed tiredly. "It is not likely that the Decepticons will accept defeat until their last mech stands." his holoform showed the exhaustion he must be feeling in his true body, and Fera felt a pang of annoyance for the 'Bot. What good was it for him to abuse his body like this? Right when Fera was sleeping tonight, Solas was doing so as well. This war was waning on too many of the mechs and fembots. How did they deal with it for this long?
"I don't understand what you are fighting for anymore. The AllSpark is gone, Megatron is dead, and so is your home planet. Why keep doing this? What is the point?"
"We all have asked ourselves the same questions for eons now. At first, our intentions had been purer. We only wanted to establish Cyberton's values and freedoms in our own ways. Now however..." he trailed off, his arm hanging from his neck and his eyes straying to the floor, "I fear it is simply for the lust of each other's energon."
"Murder. All of it." Fera whispered more to herself than her company. She felt him agreeing through their silence, and she stretched her astral threads to his, wanting to know and comprehend the motives of a war that had lasted for millions of years now. Sol blocked her from accessing his deeper memories though, and Fera recoiled in disturbance. Remember, he does it because he wants to protect you, she told herself. Still, I want to know. I'm sick of pretending I'm apart of this, when I don't even know the reason of my being here.
"We were supposed to be the superior race to your own." Solas input after about a minute of them quietly enjoying one another's presence, "We were meant to lead a more prosperous existence than the primitive values of Earth. We were supposed to be gods."
Bitterness dripped from Fera's tongue as she rolled her eyes and peered at Solas from the corner of her eye. "As I've heard."
"Yet I know we are not, nor have we ever been, higher than your race. We fight like savages, with quarrels that are meager and pointless."
"Which brings us back to why you do it." Fera didn't like the way Sol's features had gotten hard at her comment, and she wished she could have taken it back. The 'Bots already dealt with enough self issues, so why pile on more? However, she couldn't help herself, and she once again let her curiosity take over her mind. There was no reason for her to put a wall between what had already been broken between Fera and her Guardian, and she fought to keep the openness. This was further than they'd gotten in a long time, and by the way Solas was accepting her words so easily meant that he was willing to share more than usual.
It was then that Fera knew her opportunity. There was a certain point she was allowed to reach, and she'd be stupid to break that line now.
"We do it for power. For greatness. The same as you." Solas' eyes on her own stalled Fera's breathing, and she paused, her lips unwilling to form the question she wished to ask. What happened to exploiting her opportunities?
"Then I guess we're not so different after all, are we?" a grin decorated her face, while a similar expression melted away the coldness in Solas' own. "I suppose not." he agreed, reaching over himself this time to lay his hand over her own. Immediate heat passed from the contact, and Fera could feel her cheeks and ears becoming fevered. A calm demeanor held Sol's fake face, and Fera suddenly felt jealous that he could hide so much from her. It was scary as well. The things he could have kept -or could still be withholding- from her was intimidating.
And in these fears and conflicted moments, Fera had still chosen to stay. Why? She often asked herself this. And the same answer came up every time: She felt it was her duty. For some odd, unknown reason, she knew she had to stay. It was not a matter of choice.
Frigid, drafty air coursed along Fera's exposed skin, raising goosebumps along her flesh and causing her arms and legs to become bumpy. An uncontrollable shaking rattled her slimmer frame, and her breath hissed behind her chattering teeth. This time, her freezing didn't go unnoticed, and Solas sighed at her. Beside a gentle nudge to their bond, there was no warning given to her as Fera was lifted up and into Sol's arms. He showed not a hint of effort as he expertly twisted her around, leaving her to sit across his lap, cradled in his arms.
Buzzing shock zipped along her mind as she was left speechless and staring. After the initial surprise, and the feeling of the haze moving from her mind, Fera finally regained the ability to breath. She should have struggled to free herself, for she was more than capable of taking care of herself. Her body didn't allow herself to make a move however, and caused her to cooperate for once. A hard chest lay beneath her, a steady pair of arms supporting her back and legs. Comfortably, her head rested under Sol's chin, her arms tucked close. Her eyes remained wide for the longest time, her limbs rigid. The cold sapped from her upon the few first seconds of coming close to Sol, but she still remained unmoving.
The bond was now rampaging her body, causing her mind to go fuzzy and her understanding to falter. A beating heart fought against the cage of her ribs while a faint rosy hint flushed through her cheeks. Sol made no move to let her down after she'd been warmed, nor say a thing unless she was willing to speak first. And at the moment, her tongue was no more cooperative than as if it had been dried by the sun.
Under the palm of her hand, sitting on Solas' chest, she felt the pounding of what represented his real spark, and how it came exactly in tune with her own. That same internal tune from before picked up in her ears, never external, but so crisp and clear that it hurt. Such a beautiful song...
"On Cybertron, when I had only recently become Autobot, I had a mentor whom taught me all that I know now." Solas murmured, his voice smooth and soothing, "His designation was Drift. He had formerly been a Decepticon, such as I, but had changed sides to Autobot. Though he was a violent, and often reckless warrior, he was one of the most loyal and skilled among the ranks."
"Did he come here to Earth with the rest of you?" Fera questioned, lifting her chin to gaze up at Solas. The etched features of his face, shadowed in the cover of the gazebo, peered down at her. They were still distinct to her, as if the darkness didn't surround them. It reminded her of his personality: Dark and shielded, but hiding enormous potential underneath.
"Being a Wrecker had made Drift stubborn. As I said, he was reckless, so he decided to stay on Cybertron to defend the Ark's launch from Tyger Pax in hopes to move the AllSpark from Megatron's grasp. When Drift and I became separated, I boarded the ship known as the Xanthium. This would be the ship that brought I and the second round of Autobots to Earth."
"He hasn't come?"
"I have yet to see Drift again. He still holds a place in my spark however, and I owe him my life over hundreds of times." Solas gazed at Fera, maybe to see her reaction. The girl herself was lost for words, her voice betraying her as she held a silent expression of sadness and concern. Grief was light in the fold of Sol's bond, but Fera surrounded herself with him, using her influence to bring him out of the moment. The light in his eyes brightened marginally, and his lips parted to continue. "You remind me of him at some points. Your fire. Your passion. However, you are still Fera, a unique, abnormal being who constantly frustrates and intrigues me at the same time."
Fera snorted and let herself relax into Sol's hold, her face coming within a few inches of his own. "You're one to talk." she smiled and sat up straighter to wrap her arms around Sol's neck. The mech did not argue, but simply set both hands on Fera's back, keeping her up. "You're nearly impossible to be around sometimes, but I can't seem to get enough of your stories."
A fake, white smile lit the space between them, and Sol's eyes flicked from side to side, studying her face. "Optimus is a far better storyteller than I Fera, I suggest you rely on him to entertain you."
"I'd much rather bug you about it. He's got too much patience to get mad at me."
"I am never angry with you Fera, simply... annoyed. Your actions are not always what I hope you would make."
"Tell me that when you're not out in the field, about to die, for the millionth time."
"Touché."
Both beings laughed quietly, caught in the lax moment as they reminisced on their short skirmishes and fights. So many appeared so senseless now, but Fera could confidently say that she wouldn't give them up for the world. Someone had been there to take her bull and to stand her bipolar emotions throughout six months. Six months. Why? Why would a being, so far beyond in advancement, chose her to befriend and tolerate?
Fera's laughing died before Solas' and she watched him as he too calmed. It was nice to see him smiling and genuinely laughing. It meant he was happy. She loved when he was happy. And apparently he liked it too, if the way his bond was acting so energetically was any proof. In this moment, they became enveloped in each other's side of the connection. Senses suddenly faded, flowing away on the chill winds caressing the two bodies on the bench; surroundings became nothing but a distant memory. Total anarchy ripped along her mind, telling her to move and take action now. Her heart literally was screaming at her to react in this still- to finish what had been started. What was started?
But she didn't care. All she knew now was Solas was here, gathered around her, and closer than ever before. Breathing became shallow, thoughts blurred into indistinguishable lumps, spirits spun and cried in painful longing. Why was she hesitating? Why was she waiting, stalling, withholding the wanted?
Unable to suppress herself any more, Fera let her limbs control themselves. A slight incline of her chin; the shaking of her breath; a tinge of heat in her flesh; the burning, coursing urge of her heart as it wailed; her body leaning forward. All of it was under another power. She could not think. She could not control any more. Only instinct drove her now, and she was helpless to stop it. The feel of Solas' essence so close to her own drove her to be so brash and brave, and threw her comprehension and reason out the window.
Too many times he'd nearly been lost, and too many times Fera had feared she may lose yet another someone she was close to. All for a war that was not her own. But now it was. Now, she was apart of this war. Not only that, but she played a major role in it all. It was enough to drive someone insane. But she was far from insanity now. This was pure, unadulterated, survival. Only this survival game came with comrades and those who could relate. She'd stepped from her own world to join this one. And she was loving every minute of it.
A deep, low rumble vibrated Sol's chest and rang throughout Fera's body. Solas wasn't objecting to her actions, but instead, doing the same. His own face was coming closer, his eyes closing. Their breathing mingled and flourished, turning to surround them in each other's scents. Her arms came tighter around his neck while his hand braided through her hair. They felt every move- every shift. The most minor of advances brought on another wave of incredible urgency. They came quicker and quicker, spanning into a constant surge of deafening song that exploded the moment their lips met.
Sweet, sweet taste touched Fera's tongue when they unconsciously moved as one. As a single entity, they connected through the kiss. A tingle shot through Fera's heart as she increased her pressure and tested Sol's willingness. He responded in turn, digging his fingers deeper into the tangle of her hair. Fera had initially predicted Sol's kiss would be metallic in flavor and awkward in technique, but instead, it was tender, rich, and full of power. The sere immensity of him made her go weak in his arms. Senses fogged over, becoming shoved to the back of her deepest thoughts.
Energy collided in their moment, bringing her nerves alive in a fiery roar. It was hard to catch her breath, for her lips wished to stay on his for the longest times. Her head became light and locked in an indescribable battle between what was herself and what was Solas. They collided through their bond, the masses melting into one another until she could not tell where herself began and he ended. Pure exhilaration lined the contours of her skin, the scorching feel of her skin with his only adding to their embrace.
Chest to chest now, both beings reluctantly pulled back to allow their other to catch their air. Fera was panting heavily along with Sol, her ribs heaving as her arms remained hugging him closer. He hadn't removed his hand from her hair, nor retreated when Fera pressed her forehead to his. Something passed between them that neither could describe, and a barrier had been completely torn to shreds in less than a minute. The song was impossibly louder, beating in rhythm with their racing hearts. Angry licks of fire fluttered over Fera's skin, the source of the magnificent blaze the Stone that now vibrated against her collarbone. They leant their foreheads together, unwilling to get too far apart. Eyelids filled with lead lifted, allowing both pairs of equally as vivid eyes to look upon one another. A mutual feeling soared from their swelling connection, the message clear enough to be felt without saying a word.
Crackling thunder rolled in the distance, rocking the gazebo around them with its sound. Though, loud as it may be, it still did not match their song. No lightning struck the skies, leaving the continuous noise to dwindle longer than what was natural. Confusion passed among the forms on the bench, causing them to snap their attention to the entrance of the structure they sat it. From here, they couldn't see the sky, and Fera felt her stomach knot when the rumbling grew louder...and closer. Guardian and charge looked to each other uncertainly.
"Solas-?"
She could not finish as the roof of the gazebo ruptured into a blinding light and fell from its columns, collapsing on the two and trapping them in utter darkness.
And so they finally kiss-
I couldn't resist :D
Maybe things will move along faster in OTSH Part 2 after this.
But first, we've got to get through Part 1...
I'm gonna miss you guys while I'm gone :)
Chapter 49, the FanArt contest for OTSH will close and entries will no longer be accepted.
Chapter 50 is where the OTSH Part 2 preview will be posted along with the voting poll.
Let's hope for the best and may I see you all next week!
*Chapter Inspiration: All Around Me= Flyleaf*