Courting
Note: Dreadnought is based mainly on Galvatron.
Note2: the name of the weapon mentioned in the second part, the bat'leth, is used from Star Trek, so that the readers can visualize the blade. It is something a Kaonite would use, I guess.
Optronix checked his appearance the last time in the mirror, Avara quietly and dutifully rubbing every single, mostly imagined spots from the mirror finish of his plating. He was nervous, even more so than the times Megatron visited him lately – after a few such meetings the warlord became less of a terror for him and their conversations slowly smoothed out. Megatron wasn't the most talkative of mechs Optronix knew, but he did have a fierce pride in the city-state he ruled and could be coaxed to talk about it with little problem.
But this time… this time it was going to be different. Soundwave, Megatron's brother was going to come with him and Optronix didn't know the mech at all. Dimly he remembered a large, silent, blue mech from the bonding party and Megatron did say that he was his ambassador and main diplomatic advisor, but it all said nothing about the mech himself. He only remembered that neither of Megatron's brothers approved of his bonding with the warlord and all indicated that it was his person that they had issues with.
Not very promising signs and Optronix wanted to make a better impression now, reinforced with some knowledge and tempered with his experiences. The problem was that he still wasn't, couldn't be sure of Megatron and his newfound favorable attitude. He was still alone in a sense that he couldn't count on him for support that a bondmate should give. Their meeting went long ways towards learning each other through the bond but long-time habits were hard to overcome.
Pronouncing himself ready outwardly, Optronix quieted his doubts, tucked away the fears and tried to look as strong and capable as a bondmate to the Kaon Warlord should be. He cast one last glance into the mirror, wiped the last, lingering doubt from his optics and felt ready to meet his visitors. He barely stepped into the sitting room when he saw Megatron entering and behind him the dark blue mech that had to be Soundwave. Optronix drew himself up straight and proud, displaying all the presence he could muster with his comparatively smaller size.
"Optronix." – Megatron greeted him with a single, terse word, as usual and by this time the young mech knew that he wasn't angry with him or frustrated in general as he'd thought for long – just himself.
"Lord Megatron." – he nodded back, giving him the appropriate answer with his title which in the presence of another was required, while carefully keeping a neutral, self-confident façade.
Soundwave stepped around his brother and greeted Optronix in a far more friendly fashion, holding out one servo with palm up and the particular flick of the wrist joint in the Iaconian way of greeting and coming far closer than Kaonites usually did. Even his frame language wasn't threatening, despite of still being larger than the younger mech.
"Lord Optronix, I am honoured to meet you."
"Ohh… he's my brother, Soundwave."
Megatron caught up a little too late, introducing him and Optronix saw the small scowl in his faceplates at that. But he made no sign to show that he noticed it, instead answered to the greeting with the appropriate gesture and words, hiding his surprise and a tiny tinge of homesickness at the familiar moves.
"Lord Soundwave, I am the one honored by your visit and kind words."
"Soundwave is my ambassador and knows far more about Iacon that I ever cared to learn." – Megatron motioned them towards the table, having learned that taking energon together was a good way to diffuse potentially tense moments. They sat around the table and Avara quietly offered the platter around with several kinds of energon in small, ornate cubes and some treats as well. After taking their selection, the servant mech silently withdrew until called, to let the Lords talk freely.
"What my brother meant is that I lived in Iacon for the past few groons and learned its customs somewhat." – Soundwave inserted smoothly – "I also have several messages and some objects that your family and friends sent to you."
Neither of them missed the sudden, unbelieving but hopeful flash in the blue optics and the perking up of the small antennae. Happiness flooded his system commingled with a rush of nostalgia, creating a bittersweet mix of emotions that washed over his expressive face. It was just a klik and Optronix was visibly fighting to hide his reaction and replace it with a carefully deferential one, looking at Megatron.
"If my Lord allows…?" – the question was expected, even though he knew that Soundwave wouldn't even have mentioned the matter had he not cleared it with Megatron first. The flash of approval in those red optics told him that he acted appropriately. Megatron nodded, satisfied and even a bit proud of his… bondmate; an emotion surprising him greatly. He sat back, letting his brother handle the conversation, while he was observing the young Iaconian in this new situation.
"Of course. You may accept any gifts from your former family."
"Thank you, my Lord."
Optronix still knew that he'd have to wait for the packets until the end of the dinner, but it was a hurdle that he took successfully. Every such test was a step toward being accepted by the picky Kaonites who, according to the datapads and the hints Megatron dropped, hardly ever deigned to consider foreigners as capable to live up to their way of life. But at least he now had a chance… however slim and uncertain it still looked.
"Iacon is certainly quite different from Kaon. I am not surprised that misunderstandings… even mistakes were made at first." – Soundwave continued smoothly – "Besides my brother was raised to rule Kaon and his education sadly lacked the parts that for example I was trained in. Our creator raised us all for a specific role, which in hindsight might have been a mistake."
Megatron glowered darkly at his brother but it seemingly didn't disturb the blue mech at all. Nodding his helm to the side slightly, he nearly smiled before reworking his emotionless façade. Optronix watched the exchange curiously, sure that he was missing something there, but he didn't know what.
"I understand it now, Lord Soundwave." – he answered at last – "Now that I know our differences, I am fully intending to remove them from the path of our common future."
"It is my intention as well…"
"We can't change being Kaonites or dissolve customs that existed for megavorns, but we do understand now the differences and can help you to adjust… until you can feel at home here."
Optronix privately doubted that last statement would ever come true, or at least didn't attach much hope to it, but he was willing to try to achieve it. Shifting slightly on his seat, he nevertheless answered smoothly, not betraying his private thoughts.
"I understand that by coming here and becoming part of the Kaon ruling clan, it is me who has to change." – that was what he'd wanted from the very start, after all – "Which I will endeavor to do so to the best of my abilities."
"The limitation on your lifestyle will be lifted slowly, as we can ensure your safety. No harm will come to you again, that I can promise. Even my brother understood the wrongs of his ways by now."
"I…" – Optronix suddenly felt his intakes dry and swallowed convulsively – "I'd like some kind of a proof for that first…"
"I gave you my word, Optronix." – Megatron just refrained from growling.
"I understand your uncertainty, but we Kaonites would never lie in such matter – "Soundwave was far more diplomatic than his brother – "Megatron promised that to you and I pledge so too. We will not allow you to come to harm from others and neither from… ourselves."
The atmosphere in the room tensed ever so slightly, the three mechs servos tightening on their cubes. There was nothing more to be said in the matter, but was it enough, the Kaonites wondered. Energon was consumed in terse silence, swift glances jumped from mechs to neutral targets and back, treats were offered like peace-gifts and accepted likewise. The charged silence was broken by Megatron, who got bored by nothing happening and stood suddenly, offering an arm to the surprised Optronix.
"Perhaps you are curious as to the changes next room? They do involve you after all."
"Of course!"
The anteroom now had a new door opening to the newly created space by his quarters. Optronix let Megatron lead them there, his arm strong and steady under his one. Optronix firmed up his cables and didn't let his arm tremble, not even slightly at the closeness, at the touching. They walked the few steps till the door in silence, the young mech feeling the measuring stare of Soundwave too on his back plates. It was possibly the longest lasting five steps he ever took.
Once the door opened, he forgot the tenseness though, as the view beyond it was completely unexpected. It wasn't living quarters after all, so his secret fear that Megatron moved in closer were gone. The large open space was furbished for physical exercises, wrestling or sparring; with uncountable weapons decorating the walls or positioned on stands. Optronix didn't even recognize half of them from his earlier training. The weapons weren't just decorative either; they were visibly well-used, telltale scratches on black handles and discolorations on the embossed designs of the sheaths gave that away. But they were all superb quality, well maintained and in perfect condition.
"Your weapons…" – he whispered, glancing at Megatron for confirmation. At the nod he marveled inwardly. His bondmate used more weapons – and used them a lot by the look of it – than he even knew the name of. The oft-read and heard phrase that Kaonites were warriors and lived for war and fighting suddenly gained a new depth. And Megatron was their ruler, by definition the best of them.
"We don't use our weapons like Iaconians, to pompously decorate walls and let them go blunt in disuse. We use them in war."
"They are… amazing." – he didn't even have to exaggerate. The weapons were all the finest quality metals known on Cybertron, their finish practical but flamboyant at the same time with all the black reliefs and the red gems that flashed from their shaded niches like so many watchful optics. The designs incorporated the Kaonite motifs, Megatron's own personal sigil, the sharp, pointed face of Unicron and interestingly many wings of different designs, from turbohawks till Seeker ones.
Optronix slid a careful digit along one particularly beautiful, long, slightly curved hilt of a sword, marveling at the unique texture of it…
"That's organic." – Megatron told behind him and Optronix completely forgot to flinch in fright at the surprising fact. Organic materials were rarer than living crystals and more expensive too. – "It's called wood, a kind of a growing, crystal-like structure. It makes superb hilts and handles but one must get used to its texture – it is quite different from metals."
"It is amazing…"
Optronix nearly burned with the yearning to pick up the beautiful sword and try swinging it, no matter that it was designed for a bigger grip and a larger mech than he – but it was Megatron's, his processor whispered, he mustn't do it, Kaonites had a special relationship with their weapons, as the saying went they if it were possible they'd bond with them instead of their mates… no, he really shouldn't want so strongly to try it… he might have a chance in time, if only he could be patient.
Especially as it was impossible that this place was here a few orns ago, Optronix glanced around for confirmation. It was brand new and only the weapons had the signs of wear on them, not the furniture, the mats, the walls… the place was built here anew, connected to his quarters and it meant that it was for him as well. He could use it… might use it alone too.
"Yes, you may train here and we might spar, once I saw your level of expertise with the weapons available." – Megatron still stood close to him but for once Optronix didn't mind it. He was having a joyful meltdown, or near so. Inwardly of course. Sparring with Megatron? Pit, even if he was 'killed' at every bout, it would be worth it. It didn't awaken that fear in him that other kinds of closeness still did occasionally.
"I must admit that I don't even recognize some of these instruments." – He said once he regained his voice – "But I am eager to learn them all… perfect them all I mean."
"Good." – the predatory smile on Megatron's lipplates wasn't frightening for once, because it wasn't aimed at him. The warlord was in a situation that was natural to him, with an eager and appropriately awed mech hanging on his words… – "I will teach you all."
They spent the next few joors in there, going over each weapon that Optronix pointed out as unknown to him, Megatron showing him their strengths, weaknesses and basic use, while enjoying the surprisingly adequate, pertinent questions that showed the younger mech's general weapons' knowledge and eagerness to learn. It all went far better than any of them would have thought and they were nearly sorry to have to part.
"In a few orns we'll be sparring, Optronix." – Megatron promised before leaving, glad that he found a common ground for them that didn't involve the smaller mechs shy away from him continuously. Soundwave lingered a few kliks more to pass over the gifts and even after, he turned back to Optronix from the doorway.
"You know, in Kaon it is considered courting when a mech gifts weapons or spars with the one they desire even if he is weaker."
"I have read about it, yes. It is a strange… but I guess it is fitting."
"He is trying." – Soundwave's voice was suddenly somber – "He behaved atrociously and is still lacking a lot in the empathy department, but he definitely wants to make this bond work now."
"I can see that… but I don't understand the reason for the sudden change. You won't tell it either… I guess."
"Trust me Optronix, it is better if you discover it at a later time, in a hopefully stronger relationship between the two of you. It wouldn't do any good to reveal it now."
"I see. You still don't consider me strong enough to know it then."
"No. I don't. You are very young yet. But you will learn." – and with that the blue mech was outside the door, leaving the bemused Optronix behind. Kaonites certainly didn't beat around the bush – they either told you what they wanted or thought bluntly or not at all. Hints and roundabout ways were not for them.
All in all, a successful orn, he thought, despite of the questions still nagging him unanswered. Eagerly, he tore the packet open and half laughed, half cried seeing its contents… Jazz, it must have been Jazz, who sent all his things that he had to leave behind when he was brought here. Datapads, crystal shards and small stones, each with an attached memory, his favourite painting by Sunstreaker that Sentinel has always wanted to appropriate from him but never managed it, the small statue that Jazz carved for him from a particularly beautiful, unique red-blue crystal… Optronix happily surrounded himself with the mementos, feeling his mood perfect for once, probably the first time since he got here. The orn was an unmitigated success.
-o-o-o-
He hoped that the next meeting would be similarly pleasant, or at least bearable with another of Megatron's brother coming to pay him a visit. A few orns have gone before it happened, with Megatron coming and showing his weapons, teaching him… but putting off sparring reluctantly. Dreadnought… unfortunately even the mech's name made him uneasy as it was; Optronix remembered the huge, grey and dark purple mech glowering at him angrily during the bonding ceremony. This time he would need all his wits not to show any 'weakling' reaction, no matter how provoked.
Optronix sighed as he checked the time yet again. Nearly there… he moved out, into the living room and heard their steps approaching, the outer door open and… he felt like a glitchmouse suddenly, completely dwarfed by the two huge mechs. Megatron, he was somewhat used to by this time and the mech, he realized did make an effort to appear nonthreatening, stayed farther from him, moved slower and never touched him without first signalling it in some way.
In short, he did everything that his brother deliberately eschewed. Optronix steeled his resolve and refused to step back when Dreadnought purposely moved into the room fast and towered over him from far too close for comfort. The mech was even bigger than Megatron, his shocked processor whispered him dazedly and bristling even without any weapons in sight. The low growl that seemed to originate somewhere at the bottom of his pedes nearly shook the Iaconian's lighter plating from up close.
"L-lord Dreadnought…" – he hoped that his voice was steady enough and the slight stammer overlooked.
"Easy, Dread…" – Megatron's voice was tinged with some growl on his own, but his was directed to his brother along with the flash of the red optics.
It made the purple mech back off a little bit and Optronix ex-vented a tiny sigh of relief and escaped to the relative safety of the table kept between them. He carefully kept his expression strong and unyielding, no matter the nearly jelly-like inner trembling in his tanks.
"Lord Optronix." – the huge mech grated out with an almost sneer and a mocking, small bow – "What an honour to our House to see such a thing like yourself here…"
The derisive insult wasn't even hidden and Optronix froze for a nanoklik. This mech will never be on his side, he felt instinctly and the thought gave him a new strength, a strange, defiant resolve. Diplomacy or even compliance will never win him over like with Soundwave. But he wasn't going to allow to be scorned so in front of his bondmate. He felt the bond open slightly and strong support, encouragement flow across it. His optics widened momentarily before Optronix pulled himself up fully, flared his plating aggressively and answered in a strong, steady, but ice-cold voice.
"My Lord, the honour is mine to be received with such kindness that you just displayed."
Dreadnought stared back at him with heavy brow-plates lifted for nearly a breem before reacting with his fists tightening at his side. Optronix peripherally noticed the slight smirk on Megatron's lipplates and felt the approval flow through the bond. It calmed him and the inner trembling eased off somewhat. The mech could still squash him with a blow… but neither would he do it, nor would Megatron allow it. He's survived round one.
"Admit it Dread… that was rude even for you." – Megatron appeared superficially amused but he flashed yet another warning glance to his brother.
"My… apologies." – he grated it out with fangs clenched together and red optics flaring naked fire at Optronix. Great, the Iaconian thought, now he gained an outright enemy.
"Let's sit and calm down a bit." – Optronix suggested in that still cold, calculated voice. Slag if he was going to show anything but basic courtesy to such a rude mech. – "So we could speak civilly at least."
That earned him a raised upper lipplate, showing off deadly fangs again but he sat at the table, opposite to Optronix, who wasn't going to complain about the arrangement. Megatron deliberately pushed a chair closer to his side and the young mech was immensely glad, not to mention thankful for the support visibly and within the bond. It was unexpected but nearly a lifeline right then.
"I heard that my Lord is the strongest general in the Kaonite army." – Optronix tried to sound praising as he remembered on of the topics he'd wanted to speak about – "I found it curious how you and our brothers divided the rule of Kaon among yourselves. It is an envy of many city-states, I'm told."
"It is indeed. Our Creator ruled alone and found that he could not master all fields that was required, so he'd decided to divide it among us, brothers. It worked out perfectly, as we are the best in our respective fields and together we are unbeatable." - Megatron explained it. – "A perfect city-state needs not only a ruler, a military leader but diplomacy and science as well."
"I can see it… Kaon's might is nearly unmatched on Cybertron." – Optronix deduced from Dreadnought's proud aggression and posturing stance that he was the so-called muscle of the outfit. Not very bright, probably that's why he didn't become the warlord even though he was the eldest. Soundwave was diplomacy that much he already knew, so the fourth brother must be the scientist.
A ruling Quaterne then, Optronix mused for a klik. Unheard of, but apparently working seamlessly. If the Seekers of Vos made it work with three, then why not four? It has always been just the question of loyalty amongst the leaders that made most kingdoms ruled by only one king; what the Seekers solved with their Trine bonds, the Kaonites did with the brother-bonds.
"It is. And with Iacon standing behind us, we can and will conquer all else."
A simple statement, said so confidently and ordinarily that it nearly belied its content. But Megatron had results backing up his confidence and the mechs who could make it all work. Even the prospect of it made Optronix feel inadequate. No surprise that the warlord's brothers considered him unfit for being the possible carrier of his heirs… who might one day rule Cybertron.
"I-I'm sure… if anymech could it is you, my Lords."
"Will we be able to do it with having some excess baggage that we will have to defend and pamper is questionable" – Dreadnought chose this klik to interject another round of insults. Apparently the praise did nothing to assuage his contempt.
"I can defend myself, Lord Dreadnought… and I don't require any pampering."
"Words, words, words… Iaconians seem to believe that words are always enough to save you. Anyone points a bat'leth at you and you quake in your armor."
Megatron laughed short and dangerously – "I, too doubt that, brother."
"So he swayed you too with his oily words!"
"Careful, Dread…"
"Just look at him! He couldn't even lift one! A weakling with smooth words and enticing wiles!"
"I'm willing to put my words to the test." – Optronix was done with letting the mech insult him. His words caused a ringing silence in the room, Dreadnought gaping with surprise, while Megatron scowling unhappily, the bond conveying worry for him. But he spoke up first before his brother could recover.
"I can't allow you to spar with my brother." – he paused, weighing his next words carefully – "But he may watch as we do."
"It is acceptable." – inwardly Optronix felt elation, especially considering what Soundwave said last time. He would lose the match for sure, but even so, he could show off his skills.
"Right now?" – Dreadnought appeared gloating once he recovered from his surprise, like he was sure that Optronix would fail spectacularly in the sparring ring.
"Why not?" – Optronix smiled slightly, done with fear for now, his own daring and Megatron's continued support making him sure that what he was doing was right and proper… and that they were putting Dreadnought's derisive hatred to a rest soon.
They all stood and moved into the training room, where Megatron turned to his brother again, this time his smirk clearly visible.
"I haven't intended to do it yet, but… you know brother that bat'leths come in many sizes, right?"
He lifted a longish parcel from one of the side tables, ripped the covering off and presented the weapon to Optronix wordlessly. The bat'leth was crafted to his size and grip, its midnight black metal gleaming in the lights, the handles subtly decorated with red and blue, signifying it as Optronix's. The young mech stared at the beautiful weapon before realizing that it was for him… and gave a swift thanks to Primus that it was one of those he'd actually trained with before.
"Thank you my Lord… Megatron." – he whispered before he lifted the long, curved weapon from his bonded's larger servos.
It felt perfect, from the weight of it till the hilt's silky feel of wood, the organic material nearly caressing his metallic palm as it nestled into his grip. Optronix swung the blade experimentally, keeping a strong grip on the handles. Beginners with the bat'leth often underestimated the momentum of the comparatively heavy blade swung and let it fly disgracefully from their servos. The susurrating sound of the blade's points strengthened as he sped it up, whirling it around him in a defensive pattern, before slowing down and bringing the deadly weapon to a proper neutral position.
He looked up and was greeted by an immensely satisfied look from Megatron and a slightly wide-opticked look of disbelief from Dreadnought. Optronix preened slightly in their admiration, letting a true smile broke his countenance.
"It is a marvelous piece. Thank you, my Lord."
"You'll do fine with it." – Megatron answered proudly and appraisingly before lifting his own, larger, black and red coloured bat'leth form a stand – "We will do a real match to convince my brother there that you are indeed worthy. Prepare yourself, Optronix for I'll give you no advantages."
They moved to one of the sparring rings, facing each other from its two sides, bowing slightly in honoring the opponent. Megatron looked supremely dangerous with the weapon in his servos, red optics calculating as he was looked over and assessed for potential weak points. Optronix did the same with him, just as he was taught… only he couldn't find any weak, indeed just any slightly weaker point on his opponent.
Slag, but he moved fast for such a big mech… Optronix could hardly avoid the blade that nearly severed his ankle with a swift pirouette that moved him to Megatron's side and gave him an opportunity to try a counterattack. His bat'leth was deflected by the longer blade and Optronix twisted his to catch the inner point. He managed to snag it, but the position gave him no advantage as the weapon stood firm in Megatron's servo; against his greater strength Optronix couldn't move it by a single millimeter.
At least he couldn't swing it the other way, Optronix thought as he pushed them apart to have space. A few light exchanges had the weapons slid on each other's edges, points seeking out vulnerable gaps, attacks and defensive moves flowing into an undulating rhythm as they measured up the other's style. Optronix was using the darting, weaving style Jazz taught him to use against larger opponents, moving his bat'leth continuously, switching attack patterns often to stay unpredictable.
Megatron was obviously not going all out, but his greater experience - not to mention his strength and reach – started to come out soon and Optronix was hard put to retain his grip of his weapon as the attacks steadily grew in complexity and ferocity. His own movements became ragged as more and more often Megatron disrupted his planned moves and he had to compensate and stay defensive. Even that became haphazard soon as Megatron advanced to yet another level, clearly showing just how much he was holding back so far.
When the advancing bat'leth hit his right wrist joint with the blunt edge and the temporarily numb digits made him lose his grip, Optronix knew that it would be over in kliks. But he didn't give up, tried to twist out of reach, bringing up his weapon to deflect one-servoed. But it was too little and he felt the inexorable force of the entwined points tearing the other hilt too from his servo, leaving him defenseless.
The bat'leth clanged on the ground as it fell and Optronix's chest plates were hit with fortunately just the blunt edge of Megatron's weapon, the strong hit making him loose his balance and fall backwards. He hit the mat heavily, unable to roll away as Megatron was on him fast and pinned him down. The exhilaration of the fight was dissipating fast and panic starting to take its place, their position all too suggestive for his memories to stay in the background.
But before he could fully fall into panic, he felt the pinning weight disappear over him and a strong servo grasping his own, pulling him up. Optronix's vision cleared up and he vented fast, both to cool his heated frame and to calm his upset processor down. Megatron held him close for nearly a breem, but not so tightly as to be restrictive, rather offering his hold as support for his taxed, slightly trembling legs.
Optronix regained his equilibrium soon and found that surprisingly he didn't mind the closeness and the hold when it was offered and not forced. He glanced up to Megatron's slightly flushed face, his unfathomable optics… and he wasn't afraid any more. The pride and approval that came through the bond also made him confident again, ready to trust him by this time.
"You did well, Optronix." – he said in a low voice – "No matter what Dreadnought will say about you… there aren't many who can beat me in one-on-one combat. Well, aside from him."
"I know… I didn't expect to win. Just tried to." – Optronix gave him a surprisingly conniving smirk and was rewarded with an honest laugh from the larger mech.
"I concede that he knows how to swing a bat'leth…" – they heard Dreadnought's grumbling voice from the sidelines – "…doesn't mean he is capable, just that he is not a complete failure."
Megatron smirked at his grumbling brother but didn't answer. He was too busy to feel the beautiful Iaconian in his arms without the usual spikes of fear in his field. It gave him hope that they might still make this bond real. And he enjoyed it too.