Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Optimus is not going to turn back. Even as the snow keeps falling. Even as the wind threatens to knock him over. Not even as the sun goes down. It may also be because he can’t see the village lights any longer. He should have listened to their warnings about the weather, but how was he supposed to know? The sky was clear and the wind was gentle this morning.

Optimus shudders, pulling his cloak tighter around him as he trudges through the snow. He might not have listened, but he did read up on surviving in the wild. He read about camping, monsters and, thankfully, blizzards before he decided to come here. He knows he needs to find shelter and a heart source. He looks around trying to find something to walk towards, but he can’t see anything except thick snow. At this point, finding a tree would be a relief. Optimus struggles to take another frigid breath before the wind snatches it away. He didn’t know he could be this cold. Iacon has winters, yes, but it never creeped into his very bones like this. Maybe that’s because he could always find shelter somewhere. Maybe a cozy corner in Iacon’s Hall of Records. Or in his dorm room with Sentinel and Elita–no. Optimus squeezes his eyes shut against the memories as he walks. Don’t think about that right now.

He immediately trips over something and falls face first into the snow. Optimus scrambles back to look at what tripped him. His fall dislodged something dark buried under the snow. Optimus cautiously reaches out to wipe away white powder. A dark coat? Someone’s been buried in the snow! Optimus starts to frantically clear the never ending snowflakes. The chances of this person still being alive are slim to none, but he has to make sure. For all the progress he makes getting the snow off, the blizzard is happy to blow more on top of the person. So, Optimus focuses on clearing the person’s head. He wipes away snow and reveals a shoulder. This person is huge. Optimus’s suspicion of their identity is confirmed when he finds their neck and the demon tattoo there.

Optimus hesitates. His whole life he’s been taught to despise demons. Once he entered the academy, he was taught how to capture, or kill them. Should he just leave? Another powerful gust of wind hits Optimus so hard he has to brace a hand on the demon to stay upright. If this is a demon, the chances are high this person is still alive. Optimus can’t…he can’t just let someone die out here alone, in the cold, even if it is a demon. If they’re still alive. Optimus scoots forward on his knees to reach the demon's face. A sharp nose, strong cheekbones, pointed ears, but not as long as an elf’s, a slight upward slant of the eyes, broad lips. Gleaming silver horns. Optimus doesn’t need to check this person’s teeth or open his eyelids. This demon absolutely has sharp fangs and blood red eyes. His face is recognizable throughout the continent.

Lord Megatron of the Demons. Champion of the Kaon fighting pit. Revolutionary of demonkind. Everyone has heard of him.

This is where Optimus should run. He should get up and run away from the most dangerous person in the world before he gets killed by said dangerous person…but he still doesn’t know if the demon lord is alive. Optimus needs to at least check, then he’ll…he’ll…he’s going to check and decide from there. Optimus leans over and feels for a pulse. After feeling along freezing skin for a few moments, he finds it. Lord Megatron’s heartbeat is faint, but steady. He’s alive. Optimus leans back and stares at his city's greatest enemy. A good Iaconian would leave and report finding the demon lord on this mountain. A good Iaconian knight would pull out their weapon and plunge it in the demon’s defenseless chest. Return to Iacon with proof and bask in a life of fame and luxury for the rest of their life...

Optimus isn’t a good Iaconian knight. He thought he could have been, but that was before Archa 7, before Elita-Optimus shakes the memories away, rocking with another gust of wind. He should leave the lord of the demons here. His soldiers must be looking for him and the great demon lord dying to a mere blizzard? Ridiculous.

And yet…

Optimus shakes the demon’s shoulder, trying to wake him. Megatron is silent and still. That’s not good. Optimus looks at that obscenely attractive face and tries to think. Megatron is alive, but not responding. The only reason he’s probably survived covered in snow this long is because his magic has been supporting him. Optimus doesn't know how long he's been here, but with how cold Megatron’s skin feels, it’s been a while.

Why is the demon lord even out here? Without any of his soldiers? What would have caused him to collapse? The cold? Unlikely, if not impossible. Megatron is the strongest demon in the world. Optimus frowns and starts brushing snow off of the demon to look closer for any wounds. He doesn’t find any. Was Megatron…poisoned? Optimus nibbles on his lip and winces at the sting of pain as his cold skin breaks under the pressure. Stop it, Optimus, focus. If it’s not poison it might be magic. Optimus can’t help the demon lord if that’s the case. Any spell that incapacitates Megatron is way out of Optimus’s ability to handle. He’ll treat this as a poison and if that doesn’t work, Optimus will walk away. What kind of poison could bring down a demon as invincible as Megatron? It has to be magic based. Something that drains magic? Or blocks it? The demon lord could probably have shaken off a mere poison, but it must have drained him enough he couldn’t get out of this storm. Maybe. Optimus doesn’t know, but the best cure for poisons are the antidotes. He looks around him at the impenetrable white surrounding them. Yeah, easy. He hesitates before shifting to his feet and reaching out to feel for the demon’s pockets. They are incredibly empty. Optimus sighs. The only other option is…

Optimus settles on his knees beside Megatron’s head again with a shudder. The cold isn’t leaving him now, his own warmth is being chilled out of him. If he doesn’t find shelter soon, they’ll both be frozen corpses out here.

“I should leave you here,” Optimus confesses to Megatron. “Everyone in the academy would be cheering for me to end your life right now.” Megatron doesn’t answer. “I could be in a nice cave making a fire, but instead I’m here freezing with your almost corpse.” Still no answer. Optimus groans and slides off his camping bag and axe to set them beside him.

“Just to make sure we’re both on the same page,” Optimus starts as he leans over Megatron’s chest to clear away snow. “If you’ve been poisoned with something magic based, you need something to jumpstart your soul and get your magic back into action.” The demon lord remains unresponsive. “The only way I can do that right here, right now is…” Optimus trials off and squeezes his fingers into a fist. Is he really doing this? It’s insane!

He should leave Lord Megatron of the demons to rot in this snowstorm. He should.

Optimus clenches his fists tighter. Is he doing the right thing? He sighs, relaxing his fists as he does.

He’s not going to leave Lord Megatron of the demons to rot in this storm. He is painted as the villain in the academy, but in the archives the history books tell something different. Megatron was a poet, a leader, and fought for his freedom and for the freedom of his fellow slaves. Optimus can’t say he agrees with all of the deaths that have happened, but he can’t just leave someone to die alone in this freezing cold. It’s not right, and no one deserves to die like that. Not even the demon lord.

“Ok,” Optimus says out loud, more for himself than Megatron at this point. “I’m going to have to pull your soul out. This will be over much faster if you don’t fight me on that.” Megatron doesn’t answer.

Optimus debates how to do this and mentally throws his hand in the air in frustration. There’s no polite way to do this. Megatron’s too big for Optimus to kneel beside and coax his soul from his chest. Optimus needs as little distance between them as possible for this to work. He swings his leg over the demon’s waist and braces his hands on a stupidly large chest. Why are demons so big? Optimus pulls himself up so he’s closer to the center of Megatron’s chest. It’s fine. No one is going to see him straddling Lord Megatron. Not even the lord himself. No one will ever know.

Please, Primus, don’t let anyone ever know about this. Especially Megatron. He’d probably kill me.

Optimus takes another deep breath that is greedily snatched by cold wind. Ok. Remember what it said in that book about soul magic. All Optimus needs to do in this situation is a brief touch of his soul to Megatron’s. A mere tap. A bond is unlikely to happen and if it does it’ll be weak. With enough time and distance it will break on its own. Hopefully. Optimus shivers and not just from the cold. Bonding to the demon lord? He wouldn’t live long after.

He takes another breath and places his hands over the center of Megaton’s chest, letting his magic flow to coax the demon’s soul out. It resists, of course, but it’s under too much strain keeping Megatron alive and fighting the poison. Ironic that an academy drop out is able to overpower Lord Megatron. Optimus might have chuckled if he didn’t feel so despicable for this. He’s forcing someone’s soul out by force. It’s to save Megatron, but that doesn’t change the fact this isn’t consensual. This is a new low. Optimus didn’t think he could sink much lower, but he’s proving himself wrong. His attention is stolen as Megatron’s bright red soul is reluctantly pulled out of his chest and exposed to the frigid air. It flickers in Optimus’s hand. He needs to hurry. It’s dangerously weak. Optimus takes one of his hands away from the cradle he made for Megatron’s soul to place his palm over his own chest. He eases his soul out, it’s blue light steady.

He’s really doing this.

Optimus carefully brings their souls together. Just a quick brush of their souls is all he needs to do. Carefully, Optimus brings his hands side by side, his palms cradling the two souls. Optimus’s blue light is strong and steady. Megatron’s red taking longer to recover from each flicker. Optimus tilts his hands just enough to get their souls closer. He takes a moment to make sure his hold is steady before tilting some more and closing the distance. Just a light touch of their souls–

-the ground moves. Optimus gasps as he’s knocked off of Megatron. His hands clasp together. He’s plunged into the ocean of Megatron’s soul. All his feelings. All his memories. All his power. The very culmination of Megatron. Immediately, Optimus is being drowned under it all. He feels an awareness start to grow around him. Fury builds into a tsunami that swallows Optimus. It throws him around, hits him over and over. Optimus is tempted to let it drown him. To end his pain.

Hey, Optimus!

Elita. He can’t die here. Not yet. He still has a mission. Drawing from a well of patience Optimus didn’t even know he had, he braces himself and waits for the storm of Megatron’s anger to quit. The demon is too tired to keep this up for long. Hopefully.

It doesn’t take long for the anger to pull away, it stays close, but it’s not trying to drown him any longer. Optimus has a moment to relax before he feels Megatron pushing into his memories, his feelings, all that he is. Optimus gasps as the power rolls over him again. Not as violent this time, but still overwhelming. Megatron starts looking through his recent memories and Optimus shudders, trying to do something to protect himself. Megatron stops when he comes to Optimus holding their souls side by side. Megatron goes farther back to Optimus brushing the snow from his face. Optimus saving him even after knowing who he is. The demon starts going farther back. Optimus scrambles to stop him. To shut those memories off from the demon, but he doesn’t know how–

Megatron finds Elita. Optimus’s own storm of emotions throws them both out. Their souls tear apart and Optimus is thrust back into his body. He chokes on a sob. Tries to catch his breath. Breathe. Hands. Feet. Cold. It takes at least a full minute for the disorientation and pain to fade to a manageable level. Megatron is definitely awake now. It’s only a matter of time until Megatron finds him. Optimus doesn't need to help the demon with his hunt. He needs to find his axe and his bag and get out of here. He digs himself out of the snow, expecting to be hit in the face by the blizzard. Sunlight hits his eyes instead. The wind is still there, but calmer and the snow dances lightly in the breeze. A painter would love the pretty winter wonderland. Optimus reaches out blindly and his hand connects with something solid. He flinches back and reaches for an axe that isn’t there. He lifts his arm to protect his head. A breath later he lowers his arm and chuckles humorlessly at the tree trunk he smacked with his hand. This isn’t going to go well if he’s panicking about trees.

Determination flashes through him. Optimus freezes. That wasn’t him. Right after the determination is that weaponized fury. Megatron. Optimus is feeling Megatron’s emotions. They are soul bonded. Optimus forced Megatron to bond with him. A sob escapes. Optimus really is a monster. First Rod, then Elita, then Sentinel, now Megatron–

“LORD MEGATRON! MOST MERCIFUL MASTER!”

Optimus whips around and sees a shadow zoom past his pine tree. They must be more demons. They’ve come to save their lord. Ok. Good. They’ll take care of Megatron. Optimus looks around with little hope of seeing his axe or bag of supplies. He doesn't know how far he was thrown or if his stuff is buried under tons of snow. He doesn’t see anything except white around him. He rubs his arm over his eyes and uses the tree as support to pull himself to his feet. He needs to get out of here. Megatron will absolutely kill him and Optimus can’t die yet.

He starts the long walk back down the mountain to the village. If he’s lucky the bond will break and the demon lord will forget he even existed.

…

His luck isn’t that good.

Megatron reclines in his throne. One elbow on an armrest, his fist propping up his head. His other hand twists an axe too small for him back and forth, making the light glint off it. His hunt begins at sunrise.

Optimus is not going to get away.

Chapter Text

Optimus rides his horse to the gate surrounding Iacon. The guard asks for identification and, thank Primus, Optimus had his knight emblem in his pocket and not in his pack. The guard looks it over and nods, stepping aside to let Optimus through. The line to enter Iacon shuffles as he leaves it to enter the city. Optimus steers his horse, Apple, towards Fortress Maximus to meet with Ultra Magnus. Optimus sighs and rubs at his tired eyes. His spring plans have been ruined. He was on that mountain for a reason, but no way in Unicron is he going back anytime soon. Megatron absolutely has someone watching the mountain. Optimus will have to go back next spring or summer. Hopefully, the demon lord’s connection to him is gone by then. 

Now he has to report to Ultra Magnus and accept his new post months early. All of his supplies and money were lost with his bag. He literally has the clothes on his back and his knight emblem. He had to gather berries for food on his way back, there wasn’t time to wait for traps or make weapons to hunt. The demon lord was chasing him. He basically stopped whenever Apple needed to. He packed as much hay and apples as he could for her. Thankfully, the stable hand in the tiny mountain village was kind enough to let him take a saddle bag with him for Apple’s food. He didn't sleep because he fully expected for a demon to find him during his journey. 

Speaking of the demon lord…there’s been nothing. Optimus doubts he had enough of a head start to actually outrun demons that can fly, but he must have because he didn't see any. He didn’t even run into a monster on his way back! It seems too good to be true. At least in Iacon, Optimus doesn’t have to worry about demons. The magic barrier around the city is specifically cast to keep them out.

“Watch it!” an old lady snaps at him.

“Sorry!” Optimus steers Apple away from the stall of vegetables Apple was ready to steal carrots from. He scrubs a hand down his face. He can’t wait to lay on a bed and sleep. He guides Apple through the streets, looking at vendors calling to anyone who passes their stalls. The homeless at the edge of alleys waiting for an opportunity and an orphan or two will race between stalls and alleys. Normally, Optimus would have given some coins to the thin, dirt covered kids. They recognize him and creep closer. He has to shake his head at them and pull his empty pockets out. They frown in disappointment and scatter quickly. Optimus will just have to bring more when he gets the chance. Elita always told him he was too kind. Optimus flinches away from the thought of her. Focus, Optimus. Get to Fortress Maximus.

When he gets to the fortress, all white stone and tall towers, he’s let through the large iron doors into the courtyard. The guards recognize him and open the gates. Optimus leads Apple through the empty courtyard towards the fortress's stable. He guides her into the stall the stable hand motions him to. He removes the harness, saddle, and saddle bag. She stomps her feet a few times.

“Glad to have those off?” Optimus asks her as he hangs them up. She neighs happily. Optimus chuckles and grabs a brush from the shelf in the stable. “Here, you deserve a good brushing and some sugar cubes for working so hard to get back here,” Optimus smiles as he slowly runs the brush down her neck. He takes his time, Apple deserves it and he doesn’t think he has anywhere to be yet. Ultra Magnus is probably buried in meetings. Optimus talks to Apple as he works. She huffs at him, probably because he started rambling about the steeds of ancient Primes instead of continuing to complement her. Her red coat is smooth when he finishes.

“Alright girl, this is where we have to say goodbye,” Optimus gently shuts the bottom of the stall door. Apple huffs right in his face. “I know, I wish I could buy you,” Optimus whispers, resting his forehead on hers. “You’re the best horse I’ve ever ridden,” Optimus says gently. Apple pulls away with a loud neigh and smacks the top of his head with a kiss. Optimus bursts out laughing. He’s going to miss her.

“Ahem.”

Optimus doesn't jump, he’s a trained knight, but he might have startled-just a little. Standing a few steps away is Minor Jazz. He was in the class behind Optimus in the academy. He has black clothing on, no knight armor in sight. He told Sentinel once his skills were wasted in a bulky knight uniform. The magic visor over his eyes has always been there. Optimus doesn't know if Jazz is blind and needs the visor as an aid or if Jazz picked it because he liked it. Both are possible when it comes to the ninja.

“Jazz!” Optimus grins.

“Hey, OP,” Jazz grins back. “Sorry to interrupt such a heartfelt goodbye, but I’m here to guide you.”

“Guide? Does Ultra Magnus know I’m back?”

“He knew as soon as you entered Iacon.”

So, Optimus was needed somewhere. Whoops.

“And…Sentinel?”

Jazz’s smile dims and he nods. Everyone in the fortress, even Ultra Magnus, knows about Optimus’s and Sentinel’s falling out. Gossip spreads quickly inside these walls.

“SP is training new recruits,” Jazz says casually. Optimus appreciates the assurance that Sentinel is busy, so the chances of running into him are low, for now. They’ll be even lower if Optimus can leave right away.

“Alright, we better go,” Optimus turns back to Apple and strokes her nose one last time. “Bye, Apple. I hope we meet again.” Apple places a kiss on his palm and neighs as Optimus follows Jazz out of the stable.

“I didn’t think you were a horse person,” Jazz teases as they walk.

“I’m not, Apple is more a people horse than anything,” Optimus chuckles.

“A people horse, huh? Do you plan to take her with you when you leave?”

“No, I can’t afford to buy her, the fortress horses are purebreeds and intensely trained. I just hope I get to ride her again someday.”

“Hm, sounds like a tragic love story,” Jazz says solemnly.

“Very tragic,” Optimus agrees gravely. “I fear her heart will be stolen by another.” Jazz laughs, a real laugh, not one of his fake ones. Optimus feels a little lighter for causing it. A pulse of curiosity pulses from his chest and Optimus almost trips.

Megatron. The demon lord has been unnervingly quiet through their bond. Optimus doesn't know how to block his emotions like the demon lord seems to be doing. He’s never bonded before and hasn’t had the time to raid the Hall of Records for information yet. He has a feeling his emotions are pouring through the bond to Megatron. Has…has Megatron soul bonded to someone before?

“OP? You good?”

“I–yes, sorry. I’ve had a rough trip back.”

“I getcha, don’t worry. I don’t think Ultra Magnus will keep you for long. You can get some food and crash for the night.”

“Thanks, Jazz. Has anything happened while I was gone?” Optimus asks as he mentally pokes at the bond. No response from the demon lord. Maybe his poke didn't work?

“Actually, the new recruits are hilarious. Two of them set off a sparkle bomb in the locker room,” Jazz grins as he holds open the door for Optimus to walk inside the fortress itself.

“Who–why?” Optimus asks as he walks side by side with Jazz through the stone hallways. Their steps echo around them, the halls are surprisingly empty.

“I think it had something to do with SP making them fight the training monsters their first week here,” Jazz muses as they turn into the hall with Ultra Magnus’s office.

“He made them fight a monster in their first month?” Optimus scrubs a hand over his eyes. “Someone could have died.”

“Don’t worry, Ultra Magnus stepped in and SP is being monitored when he teaches the recruits now,” Jazz quickly assures him. The spy stops outside the wooden door and knocks politely. A moment later, Ultra Magnus grants them entry.

“I better stay out here,” Jazz steps to the side with a comforting smile. “You got this, OP.”

“Thanks, Jazz,” Optimus grins back weakly. He takes a breath and straightens his shoulders, standing tall like he’s been trained to. Optimus opens the door to the office and closes it gently behind him. He comes to a stop in front of Magnus’s desk before bowing into a salute, right hand fisted over his soul, left hand fisted behind his back. “Ultra Magnus, sir, I have returned to Iacon.”

“Optimus,” Ultra Magnus's tired voice greets. “At ease.”

“Yes, sir,” Optimus straightens from his salute and folds his hands behind his back.

“I’m glad you made it back safely. In fact, your timing is perfect,” Ultra Magnus moves some scrolls on his desk and picks one out to hand to Optimus.

“Is this my new assignment, sir?” Optimus asks as he steps closer to the desk to take the scroll. He carefully unrolls it as Ultra Magnus speaks.

“Yes, considering your…special circumstances and what happened last spring, it’s been decided this will be your assignment for the foreseeable future.”

Captain of a teleportation repair crew. It’s not the worst assignment, but it’s not great either. This post is to get him out of the fortress and to take his mistake with him. At least he’ll have a source of income. Ultra Magnus didn’t have to offer that much.

“I understand, sir.”

“Your crew has already been selected and will be ready to go anytime. When can you start, Optimus?” Ultra Magnus asks, his eyes flick distractedly to the other scrolls on his desk.

“Tomorrow, sir.”

“Good,” Ultra Magnus leans over reaching for a scroll. Optimus can see his chance disappearing.

“Sir,” Optimus is quick to say. Ultra Magnus’s pale blue eyes lock onto him. The warmth Optimus remembers from before Archa 7 is absent. “Demons were spotted on White Tip Mountain a week ago.”

“Demons? Are you positive?”

“The villagers were certain when I passed through,” Optimus lies. He doesn’t feel as guilty about lying as he should. This is Ultra Magnus, why isn’t Optimus telling him everything that happened?

You saved Iacon’s greatest enemy. Traitor.

“There hasn’t been demon activity in that area before. Megatron must be planning something,” Ultra Magnus sighs and starts shifting papers on his desk to make room. “I will look into it, hopefully we can put an end to whatever scheme the demons are up to. Dismissed.”

“Yes, sir,” Optimus salutes again and leaves the office. Jazz perks up from his lean against the wall as Optimus quietly closes the door.

“Back already? Good! Let’s get something to eat and I can get you to your room, or you can meet your crew before you take off tomorrow?” Jazz asks. Of course, the spy already knows Optimus is leaving tomorrow.

“Some food would be great,” Optimus starts walking with Jazz. “Are the members of my crew already here?”

“The only one who isn’t in the fortress is the medic, he’ll be here tonight,” Jazz taps his fingers to a beat only he can hear as they turn down another hallway towards the kitchens.

“Can you tell me more about them?” Optimus asks as he falls a step behind Jazz as custom dictates. Jazz out ranks Optimus and should be in the lead.

“I have their files and some interesting stories if you wanna hear them,” Jazz grins, the visor over his eyes catching the light. He slows his pace until he and Optimus are side by side. Optimus slows down again, but Jazz just follows right after him. Optimus tries a third time to stay behind the spy, but Jazz just decreases his speed again. This is ridiculous. They won’t be moving if Optimus slows down again.

“Jazz,” Optimus sighs.

“OP,” Jazz say with an amused grin. “Somethin’ wrong?”

A beat of silence.

“No,” Optimus says with more amusement than this situation calls for. Jazz, despite being a high ranking knight, is somewhat of a rule breaker. Optimus always liked that about him. Optimus starts walking at a more comfortable pace. “How have you been Jazz?”

“Eh,” Jazz shrugs. “Same old, same old around here. I’m more curious about what you’ve been doing the last few months, OP.”

Burning red eyes. Optimus feels a pulse in his chest that has him pausing mid step.

“OP?” Jazz stops too. His teasing smile starts to shift as he looks at whatever expression Optimus is making. Oh no. If anyone could figure out what Optimus did, it would be Jazz. The spy is a spy for a reason. Optimus should just confess and deal with whatever punishment he’ll face. It would save Megatron the work of finding Optimus and killing him. But-but there was a reason Optimus was on that mountain. There’s a reason he’s still here. He wants to fix things, somehow, but he needs to find those ingredients and White Tip Mountain is the only place where–

“Optimus,” Jazz’s voice cuts through Optimus’s spiral and the silence that follows is deafening. Uh oh. “What’s wrong?” Jazz asks softly, his hand cupping Optimus’s elbow, his attention fully focused on Optimus. His face is full of concern. It’s very similar to how Jazz gets people to give him information. Just because Optimus recognizes the technique doesn’t mean he’s immune to it. Jazz must be really worried. Optimus opens his mouth, closes it. He can’t tell Jazz what happened, at least not everything, but he’s not going to be able to shake Jazz off the trail if he doesn’t give him something.

“I–I made a mistake,” Optimus admits quietly. His confession echoes in the empty hall around them.

“A mistake?” Jazz encourages.

“Yes,” Optimus exhales sharply. “Something unforgivable. I just wanted to fix…a previous mistake, but now I have another one.” Optimus gives Jazz a tired smile. “I’ll handle it once I finish my current mission. Don’t look so worried, Jazz.”

“Easy for you to say,” Jazz grips his elbow a little tighter. “I could take care of the problem, just tell me–”

“Jazz.” Optimus removes the hand on his elbow and clasps it in both of his. “Thank you, but you can’t fix this.” Optimus squeezes Jazz’s hand before letting go. He starts walking towards the mess hall again. It takes a few quick footsteps before Jazz returns to Optimus's side as they walk. Optimus glances at him out of the corner of his eyes. Jazz has his lips pressed into a line as he thinks and plans. It seems Jazz is the opposite of discouraged from looking into it. Still, not even Jazz can find out what happened on that mountain. Megatron and Optimus were the only two up there and Optimus isn’t going to say anything. Would Megatron? It doesn't seem like something the demon lord would share.

“Jazz!” Optimus freezes at the voice echoing through the hall. “Jazz, where the Unicron are you?” Optimus feels panic seize his chest and he turns to Jazz. He’s not ready. Optimus isn’t ready to face–

“Coming, SP!” Jazz calls ahead of them. Optimus mouths 'thank you' to him and the spy dips his head, mouthing 'of course' back. The spy is quick to turn left at the intersection farther up the hallway.

“Took you long enough,” Sentinel complains.

“Hey, not all of us get to watch cadets stumble around every day,” Jazz teases. Optimus is frozen, staring at the corner Jazz disappeared behind. He should leave, but his feet won't move.

“You could join,” Sentinel says in that tone he uses when he raises a sarcastic eyebrow at someone. “There's usually more than one instructor, anyway.”

“Aw, are you sayin you want to spend more time with me?” Jazz chuckles.

“Hardly!” Sentinel snaps. Footsteps stomp as they get farther away from where Optimus stands. He can hear them talking, but not what they’re saying until their voices fade completely. Sentinel sounds energetic. He spoke casually with Jazz, like they might be friends.

That’s good. Really. Sentinel shouldn’t be stuck grieving about the past. He should be moving on and living. It’s what Elita would have wanted for him. Optimus wants that for him to. He doesn’t want to see Sentinel hurting like he is, but…why…why does it hurt so much? Why does Optimus feel this anger? He doesn't want to hurt Sentinel. It’s part of the reason he decided to leave the fortress in the first place! So, why does Sentinel being happy make Optimus feel so-so–

No. Optimus closes his eyes and takes a breath. No. He’s not going to start spiraling here. Optimus turns and starts walking back down the hallway, turning a corner to avoid Ultra Magnus’s office. His eyes aren’t burning and his hands aren’t shaking. He doesn’t feel the urge to run and hide in his room either. He doesn’t have a room here to run to anyway. He keeps moving, he needs to be somewhere the past isn’t strangling him. The bubbling anger and grief threaten to boil over. Optimus’s frustration only fuels them when he can’t fight the urge to hide, but doesn’t have anywhere to go. Why can’t anything in his life go right? Is Optimus just...bad?

He’s so caught up in his own head he doesn’t even realize he left the fortress. A shout has him snapping his head up.

Stampeding horses are charging directly at a little girl. She stares at the charging horses with wide brown eyes, her red pigtails shaking as she trembles. Optimus is moving before he makes the conscious decision to. He won’t have the time to completely avoid the horses, but he can save her. Optimus dashes across the road and scoops her off the ground. He loses his balance, stupid shaking limbs, and tosses her off the road as he falls. The horses turn just enough to avoid trampling his legs, but the cart is too wide to avoid. He tries anyway. Optimus pulls his right leg out of the way fast enough to save it, but not his left one. He summons his battle mask over his mouth to muffle the scream as the wagon wheels run over his ankle. Optimus breathes through the pain. He won’t look at his wound until his breathing is under control. He can’t feel his left foot anymore, hopefully, it’s not because it’s severed from his leg.

“Mister!” The red headed girl stumbles to a stop beside him. “Are you ok?” she asks, tears streaming down her face. She turns to look at his feet, but Optimus gently places one hand on her head and turns her face back to him.

“Don’t look,” Optimus tells her gently. “It’s really gross.” He isn’t sure if it is, but he’d be more surprised if it wasn’t. Optimus feels a little light headed now. That’s really not a good sign. Blood loss? Shock?

“You’re hurt,” the girl sniffles. Her tears flow a little faster, but her mouth sets in a determined line as she slips away from Optimus’s hand. “I’ll get help.”

“Wait–” She’s gone. Optimus has to place a hand on the ground when the world sways just a little too much. That girl needs to be with her family, not running through the streets to find Optimus help. He needs to make sure she’s ok. Optimus takes a breath, bracing for pain, as he debates how to move. Despite him being close to the center of the road, traffic hasn’t stopped, wagons and carriages slow just enough to move around him. They get a little closer with every minute that Optimus sits there. He really needs to get off the road. He takes another breath and gets ready to roll over so he can crawl off the street.

“DON’T YOU FUCKING DARE!”

Optimus’s elbows give up and he lands on his back. He can’t stop the cry of pain as his leg is jostled.

“What did I just say!?” the voice snarls at him. Oh, he was talking to Op–

“Yes, I was talking to the idiot that got his foot ripped off!”

Oh, that makes sense. Wait, his foot was ripped off?

“Shut up and swallow this,” the gruff voice commands. Optimus’s blinks are lasting longer than they should as he looks at the open bottle being pressed to his mouth. Uh, what’s he supposed to do again?

“For fuck’s sake,” the voice growls. Rough fingers grip his chin and tilt his head. Bitter liquid pours into his mouth. He swallows to avoid choking and the fogginess in his mind drags him into darkness.

Jazz debates for a moment what to say as he follows Sentinel down the hallway. Everyone knows Optimus entered Iacon today. They all want to see him and Sentinel have another public argument. The savages. There’s a reason Jazz volunteered to get OP before anyone else could. Sentinel slows to a stop, his head lowered, shoulders tense. Jazz knows what he wants, but he’s not going to help the idiot any.

“Is he here?” Sentinel asks quietly. Very few people have ever heard him speak so softly. No doubt Optimus and Elita were the only ones before Jazz. Sentinel has strong walls to protect himself from pain. 

“Yep,” Jazz pops the p. Sentinel’s shoulders shift up towards his ears.

“Was he…How was he?” Sentinel’s voice would be impossible to hear if they weren't in a silent hallway. It would be so easy to treat Sentinel a fraction as cruelly as he treats Optimus, but that’s not what Optimus would do. Or want.

“Tired. He’s lost a lot of weight,” Jazz answers just as softly.

“Idiot,” Sentinel hisses.

“I was walking with him right before you started yelling through the halls,” Jazz adds.

“What?” Sentinel snarls, turning on a heel to face him. “He’s that close!?”

“I doubt he is anymore,” Jazz shrugs. “We could probably catch him if we turn around.”

“We have more important things to do. Let’s go,” Sentinel snaps and stalks off. Jazz’s smile slips into a frown as he watches the knight go. Jazz doesn’t need to read him too closely to know Sentinel misses Optimus a lot more than he lets on. The idiot just can’t seem to admit it.

Jazz starts to pick up his pace as he follows. He still wants to know what exactly happened at Archa 7, even his sources couldn’t get him anything more than Elita One died. Not how, not Archa 7’s location, or why the three of them were out there in the first place. It bugs Jazz to no end that it’s a mystery even he can’t figure out. Now, Optimus comes back looking worse for wear with another mystery. Something that drags his shoulders down and haunts his tired blue eyes. Jazz’s fingers start to tap a rhythm on his thigh. He isn’t going to let another mystery hurt his people.

Chapter Text

Infernal barrier.

Megatron glares down at the protected city. The barrier is invisible to the naked eye, but the thrum of magic is thick in the air. The sun is low in the sky, people start to head to their homes.

His knight is in there. Stressed. Emotions wild as they resonate through the bond. Megatron’s claws rip off bark as he digs them into the tree he’s leaning against. Megatron has seen the past year of Optimus’s life. Optimus would have gone to Fortress Maximus today. His new mission is waiting for him.  His search for ingredients to make a–

“My lord?” Shockwave’s voice crackles from the communication orb. Megatron uses his magic to levitate it at eye level. Inside the orb, Shockwave’s glowing red eye appears.

“What did you find, Shockwave?”

“Regarding Knight Optimus, quite a bit. He joined the academy young and became well known when he started breaking Ultra Magnus’s previously unbeatable records.”

“Which records?”

“All of them.”

“What?”

“In academics, Optimus was top of his class for every subject, scoring higher than Mangus himself when he took them. In physical tests, he excelled as well, except for the practice fight against you,” Shockwave pauses at Megatron's scoff.

“They’re still using that old simulation spell as a test? Ridiculous.”

“They’ve been using it because it’s an impossible test to pass, but it shows what a cadet will do when they get desperate. Most cadets score low for their reactions.”

“Let me guess, Optimus kept his cool and scored high?” Megatron asks. His little knight wouldn’t panic even when fighting Megatron himself. In fact, he would save the 'horrific' demon lord, just because it’s the right thing to do. Foolish little knight.

“Actually, Optimus is the only cadet to land a hit on your simulation. This seems to be when Ultra Magnus started paying attention to him. When I joined, Optimus was obviously the commander’s favorite.”

“Hm. And the other two I mentioned?” Megatron asks as he glances at a wagon approaching Iacon. He’s invisible and hidden among the forest far enough from the city edge that he should remain undetected, but it’s safer to stay alert.

“Ah, yes,” Shockwave moves a few scrolls and glances down quickly before looking back up. “Elita One had the second highest scores in the academy. Sentinel had the third. There’s no documentation to prove this, but knights that trained with them say Elita, Sentinel, and Optimus became close towards the end of their first year of training together.”

“Hm,” Megatron can still feel the sharp pain of grief when he got close to the memory of Elita in Optimus’s memories. “Then, Elita One died on a mission.”

“Not…exactly,” Shockwave frowns as he moves a few more scrolls. Megatron waits with a raised brow. “The only official report on the incident says Optimus, Elita One, and Sentinel left during the first day of study week last spring. There was no contact from any of them until the third day of the week. Optimus and Sentinel were the only ones to return. They were severely injured and hospitalized. The blame for the incident was placed on Optimus and he was suspended from duty until now.”

“That’s the official report, what did you find unofficially?” 

“Rumors around the fortress say when Optimus and Sentinel teleported back, Sentinel blamed Optimus for Elita’s death. The close knit threesome fell apart. The rumors also say Ultra Magnus took pity on his favorite cadet and merely sent him away for a year.”

“That’s it?” Megatron asks after waiting a moment for Shockwave to continue.

“Unfortunately,” Shockwave glances to the side and starts to talk faster. “There’s no record of what happened while those three were gone or why they left. Neither Optimus or Sentinel have said a word about it that I can find within the fortress. All I could find was that one of the healers mentioned Sentinel saying something about Archa 7 when he was healing. I didn’t find anything in the fortress’s records about an Archa 7.”

“It sounds like a ship,” Megatron frowns.

“I’m still looking through Iacon’s ship records now, but so far I haven’t found any with that name. This is an interesting mystery you’ve stumbled upon, my lord.”

“I take it you have not had contact with Optimus?” Megatron adjusts his lean against the trunk of his tree. The wagon is closer to him now.

“I saw him in person during training with more experienced cadets and similar activities. I only interacted with him in person once,” Shockwave pauses. Megatron frowns at the unusual hesitance from the scientist. He glances in the ball to see Shockwave staring intensely at the closed scroll in front of him.

“Yes, Shockwave?” Megatron bites back a growl. He doesn’t like that look in the scientist’s eye.

“I…may have struggled to fit into the role of an Iaconian cadet when I first arrived,” Shockwave starts slowly. “I found myself trying to study others for social cues you can’t find recorded anywhere. As younglings tend to do with something they don’t understand, I became a target of their aggression.”

Shockwave was bullied? Megatron can’t even imagine it.

“They had taken things a step too far, I almost used my magic. One of the cadets was in possession of a cursed blade from the archives. It turns out his father was a researcher and in a moment of negligence the boy stole it. He wanted to try using it on me. It would have revealed me if it made contact. When the boy swung, Optimus disarmed him. Even I didn’t notice him approach. Knight Optimus took all six of the aggressors down with his bare hands. He called for fortress security to take them into custody before helping me to the healers.”

That sounds like Megatron’s knight. Far too kind for his own good and stronger than he believes he is.

“So, your opinion of him is high,” Megatron states.

Shockwave hesitates for a moment before nodding. “He is held in high esteem by most people in Fortress Maximus, even after the Archa 7 incident.”

Megatron notices how Shockwave side stepped confirming his own thoughts about Optimus, but Megatron can interrogate the scientist about that later. There are more important things to focus on right now. “His portrait?”

“Apologies, my lord. The cadets are not required to have their portraits painted any more. I cannot find any images of him.”

“What? Why wouldn’t they require the cadets to have an image of themselves on file?” Megatron looks away from the wagon that just passed him to Shockwave.

“It seems with the cadets and officers mingling more often, everyone will meet everyone else. Therefore, no one would be able to impersonate an officer because they all know each other.”

The stupidity of humans astounds him. All it would take is a disguise. Or in Shockwave’s case, starting from the beginning to make his own reputation.

“I would hire an artist, but Optimus will not be here long enough for a portrait to be made and my memory is not nearly specific enough from one face to face meeting. Apologies, my lord,” Shockwave lowers his head briefly.

Unfortunate, but not a set back to his overall goal.

“What is his new assignment?” Megatron returns to watching the wagon approach Swindle’s stall outside of Iacon’s gates. The con artist managed to get permission to set up shop outside of the barrier by supplying some noble with something valuable. Megatron doesn’t care to remember, it doesn’t concern him. What does concern him is the valuable information Swindle sells him from the city.

“He is being made the captain of a teleportation repair crew. He leaves in the morning when their medic arrives,” Shockwave cuts off when someone knocks on his door. Shockwave narrows his eye at it.

“Long Arm?” a voice asks. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”

“Forgive me, my lord,” Shockwave ways quietly as he bows his head. Megatron dismisses him with a wave and the communication orb goes dark. Megatron growls and tosses the communication orb into his inventory. He crosses his arms, leans against the tree trunk, and stretches out his legs as he watches the couple from the wagon be dazzled by Swindle’s wares. Megatron has learned much about his soul bonded. He knows where the knight is, what he’s going to be doing, and what his plans are for the immediate future. Foolish plans that they are. He’s started other hunts with less information. And yet he doesn’t know what Optimus looks like. The knight's memories are from his point of view and Megatron didn't have time go through them one by one until he found a memory with Optimus’s reflection. It’s annoying that Megatron doesn’t know what his knight looks like, but he knows enough to find him. Megatron would have him already if it wasn’t for those blasted pits damned barriers.

Megatron will have to deal with his runaway knight teleporting. No matter. With Shockwave in Fortress Maximus, Megatron will know every assignment Optimus is given. Tonight, maybe he should visit Optimus and cast a little spell to get him outside those insufferable barriers.

I will catch you, Optimus.

Optimus wakes up feeling a little floaty. A groan escapes as he tries to open his eyes. Why is it so hard to lift them? What’s going on?

“Hey! Go back to sleep, trust me there’s nothing for you to see yet,” a gruff voice commands. Something is pressed to his lips, his chin is tilted, and liquid pours into his mouth. Optimus can’t get his body to pull away like he wants. Something is wrong. He tries to open his eyes again, but the fogginess creeps over him and drags him back to sleep. He floats in an empty darkness. Wait–no. Not empty. Someone is here.

Who’s there?

The presence shifts. Optimus gasps as red eyes open in the darkness. They quickly approach, burning embers focused intently on him. Optimus tries to run. To avoid those red eyes that will swallow him. Would they have incinerated him in real life? Optimus can’t seem to move away, he feels a pull keeping him place. Is Lord Megatron able to kill someone in a dream!? This is a dream, isn't it?

There you are, little human.

Optimus shudders at the rumbling voice. The voice that started a rebellion and seduced many onto his side during the war. Optimus has no hope of resisting it.

Yes. Come here.

The pulls grows stronger, the red eyes are so close he could touch–

“Kid!”

Optimus gasps. His eyes fly open. He’s falling, but arms grab him before he faceplants on the floor. He drags in a few ragged breaths, trying to get his bearings. He blinks to clear his eyes, they burn a little, and his injured leg is numb. The floor is clean stone, like he’s in a healer’s hall–wait, the wagon!

“I-is she ok?” Optimus gasps out, trying to turn to whoever is holding him. The arms are firm and strong enough to hold him up.

“Who?” the gruff voice asks. “Never mind that. We need to get you back into bed.”

“Bed?”

“Yes. If I knew you were a sleep walker I would have tied you down. Now, c’mon kid.”

Optimus doesn’t have enough coordination to fight the arms lifting him up and moving him like a child. He blinks a few times at the ceiling, his head still feels a little floaty, before looking at the person maneuvering him. The healer is an older man with gray starting to streak his hair and a few wrinkles. He’s holding Optimus like he weighs nothing. Optimus would be embarrassed about the whole situation if there weren’t more important things to focus on.

“The little girl, is she ok?”

“Look, kid, the potion is still affecting you–”

“Please, she almost got hit by the wagon. Is she ok?”

“I don’t know,” the man purses his lips as he carefully leans over to gently push Optimus onto his back. “When I got to you, there wasn't anyone else around. My guess is she made it back to whoever she needed to.”

Optimus frowns at the not very helpful answer. He should go back and look for her. She’s too young to be walking through the city on her own. He’ll wait until the healer–

“No,” the healer flicks Optimus on the forehead. “You are not leaving this bed until I say so. If you fight me on this, I will tie you down.” Optimus gapes at the medic. Did he flick his forehead like a misbehaving child? And threaten him right after? Optimus doesn’t even know what to say. Maybe if his mind didn’t feel so disconnected he could come up with something.

“Here,” the healer holds out a cloth. Optimus just stares at it. What is he supposed to do with that? Sighing loudly, rough fingers gently tilt his face up and the damp cloth starts to carefully wipe away tears. Oh. Right. His eyes were blurry and burning when he woke. Why was he crying?

“Honestly,” the healer grumbles. “I haven’t had to coddle someone this much since the last baby I delivered. Are knights these days capable of doing anything without being ordered to?” Despite the harsh words, Optimus can clearly see the focus in the healer’s dark blue eyes. Not to mention the careful way he’s treating Optimus. “There,” the healer huffs as he pulls away.

“Thank you,” Optimus smiles at him. This might be one of the nicest things a stranger has ever done for him.

“Don’t go trying to get out of the scolding you’re in for. Running into the street and getting hit by a wagon! You’re lucky you weren't injured more! If I have to heal you again, I swear, I will have you thrown into the barracks!”

“Ok,” Optimus grins. Maybe this is the nicest thing a stranger has done for him.

“Stop smiling when I scold you!”

“Sure,” Optimus can’t fully control his expression right now. When is his head going to reconnect with the rest of him?

“Fine,” the healer pinches the bridge of his nose. “Since you are still being affected by the potion, I’ll hold off until you’re back to yourself. Speaking of,” the healer reaches over to grab a scroll and feather pen. “Can I have your name?”

“Optimus.”

“I’m Ratchet,” the healer responds gruffly as he starts writing with the pen. The feather flickers with every stroke and Optimus can’t stop staring at it. It’s a pretty white feather. What animal did it come from? Probably a–wait.

“Ratchet?” Optimus turns to look at the healer. He’s currently rolling up the scroll and tying it closed.

“What?”

“I think I’m supposed to be doing something.”

“You’re not the only one.”

“What time is it?”

“I found you late afternoon yesterday. It’s about midday, the next day.”

“Oh,” Optimus pauses as he tries to work through why he feels a pit in his stomach. Ultra Magnus told him…“I was supposed to meet my new crew this morning.”

“...crew?”

“A teleportation repair crew.”

“Are you from Fortress Maximus?”

“Yes?”

“What a small world,” Ratchet huffs. He tosses the scroll behind him, Optimus sees a flash of red magic behind the healer. “Forget that and sleep. You can’t do anything until you heal.”

“I have to let Ultra Magnus know what happened.”

“Who do you think that scroll was for?” Ratchet raises an eyebrow. “I happen to be the healer for your new crew. Besides, they can’t legally send any crews out without an appointed captain and healer. They’ll just have to wait,” Ratchet waves his hand dismissively. Optimus has never heard someone speak so casually about obeying orders from superior officers, especially Ultra Magnus. Who is Ratchet to speak so confidently about delaying orders?

“Now that you’re awake,” Ratchet continues as he digs through a worn medical bag. “I need you to disengage your mask.”

“Oh,” Optimus pulses magic into his mask to disengage it. Ratchet tilts Optimus's head back to look at his nose and orders him to open his mouth.

“No bleeding or missing teeth,” Ratchet mutters as he lets go of Optimus’s chin.

“Ah, I think my leg was the only part of me injured,” Optimus tells him. Now that it’s been brought back to his attention, he can feel the unnatural heaviness that is his injury. He’s nervous to look. Did he lose his foot? What is he going to do if he’s no longer useful? What will Ultra Magnus think–

“You had mild bruising on your arms and now that I can see it, your chin as well. Your fall, assume?” Ratchet asks as he takes out a pot and unscrews it. Inside is a yellowish gel.

“I…yes,” Optimus says, jumping onto the distraction.

“Don’t talk for a minute while I apply this. Quartz root is hard to come by,” Ratchet orders gruffly. His fingers are careful as he gently applies the gel to Optimus’s chin. Silence fills the room as the healer works. Optimus stares at the white ceiling and tries to find anything else to think about except his injury. His mind, always so helpful, latches onto what Ratchet said earlier. Optimus furrows his brows as he repeats the words in his head. He doesn't sleepwalk. This is the first time it’s ever happened to him…and it happened when he was dreaming of a certain demon. Optimus blinks in confusion at the ceiling. Can soul bonds connect dreams between bonded? Is it a demon ability? Can demons control people like that? There’s so much he doesn’t know. He planned to look into soul bonds after he graduated, specifically trine bonds. After…what happened, he’s resigned himself to the knowledge he would never need to know the details of a soul bonding. Or brush up on his history about Lord Megatron of the demons. He’s been suspiciously silent. Did the demon even know Optimus was hurt? Would the demon even care about it or just be upset he didn’t get to kill Optimus himself?

“Done,” Ratchet lets go and leans back. He screws the lid back on the tub of gel and sets it in his medical bag. He stands and walks out of Optimus’s view. A moment later the sound of running water fills the room. Optimus can feel the cool gel on his chin. His eyes flicker around until they inevitably land on his feet. Optimus blinks at the cast around his left foot. It’s there. He didn’t lose it.

“Thank Primus,” Optimus whispers and leans his head back on his pillow. He won’t end up as a beggar on the streets and worse, more of a disappointment in Ultra Magnus’s eyes. Not that he’ll ever be on the commander’s good side again.

“I did most of the work on saving that,” Ratchet grumbles as the running water turns off.

“Of course, thank you, Ratchet,” Optimus turns his head to grin at the healer. Ratchet grumbles under his breath as he turns back to his bag. Optimus looks down at his leg again, it’s still just a heavy weight. There’s no pain, hopefully that’s a good sign. He wants to be able to walk soon. He doesn’t want to be stuck in Iacon too long. His chances of running into Sentinel get higher the longer he’s in the city. Optimus lays in the bed listening to Ratchet move things around the room and the fogginess in his mind slowly clears, he comes to a realization. If his foot was seriously injured, there’s only one way he was healed this fast.

“Are we in a temple?” Optimus asks Ratchet, hoping the medic doesn’t notice his hands tighten into fists. Any priest that performed magic on him would be able to sense the soul bond. The temple is the only place where soul bonding is normally performed, the priests specialize in soul magic. They also maintain the barriers to keep demon magic out. There’s no way they wouldn’t know Optimus soul bonded with a demon. Please, let this not be in a temple.

“Yep.”

Oh no.

Chapter Text

It couldn't have been an hour after talking to Shockwave that Megatron felt Optimus’s emotions spike with fear and determination. Pain immediately followed and was muted by unconsciousness. Megatron barely restrained himself from blasting his arm cannon at those infernal barriers. The backlash would have cost more than the mere scratch the weapon would put on the barriers. It was still oh so tempting to do it anyway, but Megatron’s self control is strong, it may have helped that Optimus didn’t actively fight him while dream walking and has been calm this past week. And Shockwave gave a report on the incident the morning after it happened.

Megatron might have unmeasurable self control, but that does not make him emotionless. He aims his arm cannon at the cliff and fires. A few times. He feels better once it's a pile of pebbles on the ground.

“This better not be a habit, Optimus,” Megatron growls at the pile. “First, you save your people's greatest foe because it's the right thing to do and get caught in an avalanche.” Megatron glares at the pile. “Then, you run onto a busy road for a stranger and almost lose your ability to walk!”

Megatron shoots the rubble again. Foolish, self-sacrificing, soft-hearted human! As if this situation wasn’t bad enough!

Megatron never thought he would be in this situation. He never made plans to soul bond with anyone. He didn’t want the weakness of it. He couldn’t trust anyone with his vulnerable soul either. Especially after becoming Lord of the Demons. He has too many enemies. Megazarak must be laughing in his grave. Lord Megatron was outwitted by a dash of poison, saved by a mere human, and is now weak with a soul bond. Primus. Megatron needs to get Optimus before anyone else does. He will not fall because of this bond.

He will not.

Optimus, with a new boot on his foot, walks out of the temple with Ratchet. He pauses and looks back at the glittering stained glass in bewilderment. No one comes to stop him. Guards aren’t rushing to capture him. He just gets to walk out. He only spoke with one priest during his stay. Head priest Alpha Trion. The elderly man says he checked Optimus’s soul for damage when Ratchet first brought him in, but that can’t be true. There’s no way the head priest didn’t find the soul bond. He had to know.

Why is he letting Optimus walk out of the temple?

“Well, kid? Are we going to get to the fortress or stare at the temple all day?” Ratchet huffs.

“Let’s go,” Optimus mumbles. He leads the healer away from the temple to the fortress. He doesn’t know why the head priest is letting him go, but he isn’t going to go back and demand answers. That might get him locked up by confirming his bond. Is Alpha Trion succumbing to old age? That must be it. He must not have realized Optimus soul bonded to a demon……sure Optimus. That’s a weak excuse with no proof behind it. Alpha Trion is–

“Kid!” Ratchet’s rough hand jerks him back as a carriage barrels down the road mere footsteps from Optimus. Ratchet turns him with a sharp tug and glares up at Optimus. The few inches in their height difference means nothing compared to Ratchet’s scowl.

“I swear to Primus, if you get hit again I will not heal you. Got it?” Ratchet snarls. His grip is borderline painful.

“I’m sorry, Ratchet,” Optimus ducks his head.

“I don’t want an apology,” Ratchet growls. “I want a promise you’ll pay more attention to the road!”

“I promise to pay attention to the road,” Optimus swears obediently. He can’t say anything else when he feels the slight tremble in the healer’s grip on his shoulder. He worried Ratchet so much.

“Good,” Ratchet lets go and takes the lead. “We should get there before Magnus does,” Ratchet says gruffly. Optimus follows while fighting a smile off of his face at the obvious care Ratchet is reluctant to show, for some reason. He’s glad Ratchet will be his team healer anyway.

They make their way down a few streets to the iron gates of the fortress. Ultra Magnus himself is waiting just inside the open iron bars with a few people. Optimus doesn’t recognize two of the youngest looking in the group. His new crewmates? It takes him a moment to recognize Long Arm. He doesn’t interact with the intelligence officer very much. The mech doesn’t usually partake in missions. He seemed nice when Optimus has managed to speak with him. The last two are easy to identify. Jazz shoots him a smile Optimus can see before they even make it into the fortress. The other knight Optimus would know anywhere. The one person Optimus didn’t want to see.

“Optimus,” Sentinel says coldly. His pale blue eyes are icy. Optimus curls a fist to stop himself from shuddering. He tries to respond, to keep cold civility between them, but his throat closes on any words he tries to make. Sentinel’s eyes narrow.

“Knight Optimus,” Jazz greets. He salutes Optimus and a physical answer is easier than a verbale one at the moment. Jazz’s grin softens just a little when they both relax from their salutes and Optimus ‘s throat unlocks.

“Minor Jazz,” Optimus says politely. He turns to the first person he was supposed to salute to. “Ultra Magnus, sir.”

“Optimus,” Ultra Magnus says politely. He looks Optimus over and his gaze strays to Optimus’s booted foot. Ratchet said not to walk on it too much yet and gave him some exercises to do twice a day. Absolutely no running. Optimus keeps a stranglehold on the shame he feels when Ultra Magnus’s eyes fill with that cold disapproval. Sometimes, Optimus wishes Elita was the one who came back, she was Ultra Magnus’s favorite. Optimus should have been the one to–

“Look, I’m not going to get any younger just standing here,” Ratchet’s gruff voice cuts through the oppressive silence. “Any special orders or can we go?”

“Knight Optimus,” Ultra Magnus’s lips curl in distaste when he glances at Ratchet. “You’ve already met your healer, Ratchet.” Ultra Magnus motions with his hands to the two people Optimus doesn’t recognize. “This is Bumblebee.” A kid with bright blonde hair streaked with black and sky blue eyes perks up. His charming grin defies the uncomfortable atmosphere around him.

“HI! I’m Bumblebee!” the kid smiles wide. He pauses before gasping and hastily saluting. “Sir!” Bumblebee tacks on. Ultra Magnus frowns and Optimus is quick to salute back to save the kid from a lecture.

“I am Optimus. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Bumblebee,” Optimus greets, with a slight smile. When he straightens from his salute Bumblebee is looking at him strangely. Before Optimus can ask if he’s ok. Ultra Magnus is moving on to the other person.

“This is Bulkhead,” Ultra Magnus gestures to the taller, broader person. Despite his size, his shoulders are curled inwards and head tilted down.

“I-I’m Bulkhead,” the big guy clumsily salutes. His voice is meek and he can’t quite meet Optimus’s gaze.

“Hello, Bulkhead. I am Optimus,” Optimus salutes back. The way these two are acting and with how young they look…Optimus has a sneaking suspicion he isn’t the only one being sent away to get rid of a problem. Jazz mentioned something about a few cadets pulling pranks.

“Now,” Ultra Magnus continues. “Your team is being given one magic stone. Use it wisely. Optimus, send monthly reports to Long Arm and we will see you all in a year for assessment.” Magnus looks from Optimus to Long Arm as he talks and they both nod obediently. “Your base of operations will be in Damaxus at its teleportation station. Understood?”

“Yes, Ultra Magnus,” Optimus answers. Damaxus. That is far too close to Haydon. Optimus wants to ask to be anywhere else. He doesn't have that right.

“Good. Dismissed,” Ultra Magnus turns to take a scroll from Long Arm and starts to walk back into the fortress itself. Jazz hesitates before reaching out to give Optimus’s arm a sympathetic squeeze. Optimus smiles and squeezes the hand on his arm. It took some time, but he’s much more comfortable with Jazz’s physical affection now.

“Good luck,” Jazz says quietly.

“Thank you,” Optimus whispers back. Another squeeze and Jazz lets go.

“C’mon, SP! We don't want to keep the boss waiting,” Jazz grins as he grabs Sentinel’s shoulders and starts to physically push him after Ultra Magnus.

“Wha-Hey! Let go! Jazz!” Sentinel snarls in surprise. Jazz is quick getting them close enough to Ultra Magnus for their commander to acknowledge them. Sentinel has to follow after being addressed. Optimus almost relaxes until Sentinel looks back at him. Their eyes meet. Even as the distance between them grows, it isn’t enough to soothe the accusations, the blame, or the anger. Those pale blue eyes used to be soft and warm when they looked at him. Optimus doubts they ever will again.

“Optimus?”

The connection breaks and Optimus jolts slightly in surprise. He turns to focus on Long Arm.

“Apologies, Long Arm. Can you repeat that?”

“No need to apologize, Knight Optimus,” Long Arm smiles warmly. “I wanted to ask how you’ve been the last few months. You saw demons at White Tip Mountain?”

“Ah, yes. I should have made an official report about that,” Optimus says apologetically. “Not much happened. I heard from the villagers when I passed through that demons have been seen on the mountain. I didn’t investigate further because it was a week or two before.”

“I see,” Long Arm nods, the red ruby he always wears on his forehead glints in the light. “Don’t worry about a report, I’ll take care of it. Just focus on your current mission.”

“Thank you, Long Arm,” Optimus smiles gratefully at the knight. He never understood how anyone could bully Long Arm. He’s a gentle, trustworthy man.

“Of course,” Long Arm ducks his head, the few inches he has on Optimus making it a little awkward.

“Anything else?” Ratchet loudly asks. Optimus’s lips twitch up against his will at the impatient tone. Of course, Ratchet isn’t afraid to say what he wants. Even in front of the Magnus and his knights.

“Ah, apologies for keeping you,” Long Arm quickly pulls a scroll from his arm and hands it to Optimus. “Here are the official documents for your crew and the magic stone,” the perfectly round orb is handed to him next. “Please, keep them safe and let me know when you get there.”

“Of course, thank you, Long Arm,” Optimus salutes the younger knight that outranks him. Long Arm returns it before waving goodbye to them all. The knight disappears into the fortress, leaving Optimus alone with his new crew. He swallows down his nerves before turning back to face the three members of his new crew.

“Well, let’s get to the teleportation station,” Optimus says with a small smile. The two cadets look at him a little warily and if Optimus is correct about his crew, they have the right to act like that.

“Finally,” Ratchet grumbles. He lifts his large bag over his shoulder and starts to walk towards the teleportation station. Ratchet knows exactly where to go, was he a war healer? They walk around the fortress to a raised platform with the painted teleportation circle on it. Ratchet steps into the circle and crosses his arms. “How am I the fastest of you kids?”

“We’re not kids,” Bumblebee mutters so quietly Optimus almost misses it. Ratchet must hear something or see the kid’s mouth move, but he doesn’t seem to know what was said. He frowns at Bumblebee who glares back. Optimus hurries up to stand in the center of the circle to break their eye contact. It would be best if they get to work and any problems between them are not revealed to anyone in the fortress. Knights are terrible gossips. Bumblebee steps into the circle as far from Ratchet as possible before stepping inside himself. Ratchet raises an eyebrow at the distance, but doesn’t say anything. Bulkhead hesitates before taking the biggest space behind Optimus.

“Everyone ready?” Optimus asks just in case someone forgot something. Bumblebee scoffs and glares out of the circle. Bulkhead doesn’t say anything, but Optimus can sense him shifting nervously. Ratchet glares at the side of Optimus’s face as if daring him to delay them any longer. What a crew this is turning out to be. He can only hope they can find a way to get along if not become friends. This could be the fresh start they all need.

Optimus adjusts his grip on the magic stone and chants under his breath the spell to teleport them to Damaxus. The magic stone warms in his hands and starts to glow a rainbow of colors. The circle under them starts to glow in response and Optimus closes his eyes as the light gets painfully bright. A wave of magic rushes over his skin and fills his ears with wind. A moment later it stops and Optimus opens his eyes. The teleportation circle under them starts to lose power and dims. It’s far more crudely drawn than the one at the fortress and in the dirt rather than a stone platform. They’ll have to change that so the teleportations are more stable.

Optimus looks up at his new home for the foreseeable future. The weather is nice. A warm breeze caresses his hair, clear skies above them, and the smell of the ocean. They’re in a small dirt clearing with one building in front of them and trees blocking their view of anything else. It might not be as bad to stay here as Optimus thought. He feared Ultra Magnus would send him to a desert or an icy mountain. They must be on the coast some distance away from Damaxus itself. Good. That puts more distance between them and Haydon.

…….

Well, this is awkward. Optimus stands in the center of a teleportation circle holding the magic stone as his new crew stands awkwardly around him. Ratchet scoffs and starts walking across the dirt clearing towards the big building in front of them. He grumbles about ancient supplies as he goes. Bumblebee starts walking towards the edge of the trees, his pace just shy of running. He doesn’t seem to be headed for anything in particular. Optimus opens his mouth to call the kid back. They don’t know what kind of wildlife there is out here or where the city border is.

“Wait!” Bulkhead blurts. Optimus pauses and glances at the big guy. Bulkhead shrinks under his gaze like Optimus is going to punish him for speaking. “He won’t go far. H-He just needs a few minutes to himself.”

“Alright,” Optimus sighs. The immediate area shouldn’t be dangerous. “Do you want to help me check the warehouse?” Optimus asks, tilting his head towards the small storage building to their left.

“Yes!” Bulkhead smiles brightly. Despite his size, the childish glee in his voice is unmistakable.

“Let’s go,” Optimus grins back. He tucks the magic stone into his inventory bag as he walks to the small wooden building. Bulkhead stumbles a little trying to match his pace. Optimus doesn’t mention it and hides his smile behind his mask. He reaches for the door and frowns at no sign of a lock. Maybe it’s magically locked? Optimus pushes on the door to test for any barriers, but the door just swings open. Not good. He lifts a hand to stop Bulkhead from following as Optimus unsheathes one of the daggers on his thighs. He pushes the door open all the way, the dagger uncomfortably small in his hand. Sunlight falls through the door to light up the inside.

It’s completely empty.

There’s nothing in the supply shed except dust. No food. No magic artifacts. No. Magic. Stones.

Teleportation circles don’t work if there are no magic stones to control them! Optimus hisses out a breath as he slides the dagger back into its sheath. They need to get more magic stones or they’ll be stranded here. A boat would take months to get back to Iacon. Flying would cost more coins than they have on them.

“Kid!” Ratchet yells as he comes back out of their living quarters. “The place has been ransacked. There’s nothing in there.”

“Oh no,” Bulkhead whispers as Optimus steps back into the bright sunshine. What? How did no one report this? What happened to all the supplies? How long has it been like this? Stop. Think. The magic stone Optimus has is small. Hopefully, it has two uses and not one. Where should he teleport? He should ask Long Arm how to get more magic stones. Are they shipped to the station or do they have to harvest the stones themselves?

Optimus reaches into his bag and pulls out a communication orb. It’s a little embarrassing to call Long Arm after seeing him a few minutes ago, but Optimus needs the information. He sends a pulse of magic into the orb to activate it and focuses on Long Arm. The orb swirls with blue magic for a moment before the knight answers.

“Optimus? Did you all make it safely?” Long Arm asks.

“We have a situation here,” Optimus starts. “It seems the station was cleared of everything at some point. Not even the furniture is still here.”

“What?” Long Arm asks. “That station wasn’t supposed to be cleared.” Long Arm turns and starts to rummage through what Optimus can only assume are scrolls.

“I can’t be sure, but I think it’s been this way for a while,” Optimus adds.

“Unusual, just a moment while I find the records,” Long Arm starts to reach for the orb. “I’ll contact you–”

“Wait,” Optimus interrupts and winces at the startled look on the knight’s face. “Apologies, Long Arm. I want to ask about resupplying our magic stones. Are they shipped in with our other supplies?”

“Well, yes,” Long Arm moves his hand away from the orb to reach for a scroll just barely in view. “That station hasn’t been in operation for a while, so it’s not on a supply route at the moment. I have the documentation ready to fix that, but I assumed there would be enough supplies to last at least a week.”

“So, we would have to wait for a shipment either way,” Optimus murmurs. “We’ll have to get our own supplies for now. Any suggestions?”

“Knight Optimus, I would encourage you and your team to stay there. That magic stone only has two uses and you used one to get there. You would be stranded if you teleported anywhere else,” Long Arm says worriedly.

“I understand, Long Arm, but we don’t even have food. We have to leave. I think I know of a few places where we can find magic stones. Will you get that shipment marked urgent?”

“Yes, of course. If you must leave, there’s an old magic stone mine on the other side of your island. It would be safer to check there before risking a teleportation away.”

“Alright,” Optimus nods. “Thank you, Long Arm.”

“Please, be careful,” Long Arm urges.

“Of course,” Optimus smiles reassuringly at the knight before swiping magic over the orb and ending the call.

“We’re going out already!?” Bumblebee asks excitedly. When did the kid get back? “Are we boss?” Bumblebee looks at him with wide eyes. Optimus blinks at the nickname, but there are far more pressing matters to deal with right now.

“There's an old magic stone mine on the other side of the island. I’ll go check it out for any stones–” Optimus starts.

“Let’s go!” Bumblebee grabs Bulkhead’s arm and they start walking to the edge of the clearing.

“Wha–I said I was going. Not all of us,” Optimus protests as he hurries after them.

“We might as well all go,” Ratchet pipes up as he crosses the dirt to them. His bag still secures on his shoulders. “It’s not like there’s any reason to stay here.”

Three against one is not how Optimus hoped his crew mates would get along. Still, they agree on something and it's not like there can be much danger on Daxamus. It’s a fair distance from the mainland and demons don’t bother to travel this far across the ocean. It should be safe from everything except local wildlife. Optimus is confident he can handle any that come their way.

“Fine,” Optimus sighs. It’ll be a good bonding mission if nothing else.

“YES!” Bumblebee cheers. “Let’s go!” he takes off running and Optimus feels old watching all that energy.

“Kids,” Ratchet grumbles as he keeps pace with Optimus. Bulkhead’s steps are naturally longer than any of theirs, but he’ll slow down to stay close to them, trying to adjust his pace.

“There’s an old mine around here?” Bulkhead asks carefully.

“That’s what I was told,” Optimus nods.

“What if we don’t find any? What if we can’t even find the mine?” Bumblebee dashes over to ask before rushing ahead again.

“If that’s the case, we’ll need to go somewhere that does have magic stones and bring them back until our supplies come in,” Optimus answers.

“Let’s hope we don’t have to keep running around today,” Ratchet grumbles as he adjusts his bag.

“I can carry–” Optimus starts.

“I’m not that old!” Ratchet immediately stops him. Optimus shuts his mouth as Ratchet’s steps get a little faster. Whoops. Optimus didn’t mean to insult him.

“Look at you go, old man,” Bumblebee teases from his spot ahead of them.

“Get closer and let’s see how fast you really are,” Ratchet growls.

“Bee, don’t tease elders,” Bulkhead whispers poorly.

“I’m not that old!”

They’re getting along? Maybe? It feels like progress. Optimus relaxes a little at the bickering. Sentinel used to bicker all the time with Elita–No. Optimus takes a breath and forces the ugly ball of emotions into the back of his mind. He needs to focus on the here and now.

“C’mon, boss!” Bumblebee calls from the front of the group. “I think I see it!”

What? That’s impossible. They left the station minutes ago and haven’t even reached the city borders yet. Optimus quickens his steps to reach Bumblebee at the top of the small hill he’s standing on. At the base of the hill is a pile of rocks with a broken railroad leading a few feet away before it ends. An abandoned mine. This doesn’t make any sense. Why would Long Arm tell him to go to the other side of the island when the mine is right here? Are there two? Why didn’t the knight mention that? Long Arm must have been distracted and just forgot or missed the fact there is more than one mine here. It’s the only explanation Optimus can think of.

“Now what, boss?” Bumblebee asks with a bored look in his eyes as his gaze starts to wander.

Optimus frowns down at the remains of the mine. Should he contact Long Arm now or wait to check out the other mine? It seems silly to keep calling Long Arm. He’ll keep going. Like Ratchet said, there isn’t much in the station behind them anyway. Optimus opens his mouth to answer when he feels it. A stab of impatience.

It’s getting closer.

“Back to the station,” Optimus orders as he slides down the hill past Bulkhead and Ratchet. He runs back the way they came.

“Already? I wanted to see the city!” Bumblebee complains.

“Back to the station!” Optimus repeats. His tone and running gets the rest of them to start hurrying after him. The source of impatience is getting closer. Why is Megatron here? Demons don’t go this far from the mainland!

“Kid?” Ratchet barely gets the word out when an explosion comes from the center of the island where Daxamus is.

“What was that!?” Bumblebee cries. The demon siren starts to shriek in response. Is Megatron attacking the city?

“A demon!” Bulkhead gasps.

“Keep moving,” Optimus urges them. He runs through the dirt clearing right towards the teleportation circle. He can hear the others close behind him. Optimus flinches with every explosion in the distance. Megatron’s impatience snaps into fury. Is the demon lord all the way out here because of Optimus? How could he have known? Can he track Optimus through the bond?

“Hurry up!” Ratchet snaps and grabs Optimus’s arm to haul him into the center of the circle. The other two stumble to a stop inside the paint, panting. The next explosion is closer to them than the city. Megatron is coming for Optimus right here. Right now.

Taking a breath Optimus reaches into his bag and pulls out the magic stone. He tightens his grip when the next explosion makes the ground under them vibrate. Optimus starts to chant the teleportation spell. Another explosion, trees to their right burst into flames and a demon comes darting through the flames right at them. Optimus doesn’t stop chanting as it comes at them laughing maniacally. A furious roar comes from the burning trees and a spear flies through the flames to pin one of the laughing demon’s wings. Optimus can just barely see red eyes burning brighter than the flames around them. The magic stone’s light forces Optimus’s eyes closed. He can feel the magic rush over his skin and wind in his ears.

The only place Opitmus could have teleported them to was right back to Iacon. The four of them sigh in relief at the calm sky and quiet courtyard. Optimus has to fight down a hysterical laugh as Jazz comes rushing out of the fortress to them.

“You’re back?” Jazz’s smile is confused as he steps closer to them. His gaze is heavy with questions, even hidden behind his visor.

“We have a report for Ultra Magnus,” Optimus says tiredly. His foot is throbbing.

The next hour has Optimus and his team reporting the incident to Ultra Magnus and Long Arm. They are given rooms in a tavern outside of the fortress until everything is sorted out. Someone in the fortress compensated them with a generous bonus for the lack of supplies at the station. It’s impossible to keep Bumblebee from staying inside when he wants to run around and explore the city. Bulkhead volunteers to go with him. Ratchet leaves not long after to resupply his kit, leaving Optimus to wander back to his room.

He shuts and locks his door. He casts a light orb to illuminate his desk. He searches through his bag for blank scrolls and ink. When he has everything he needs he sits at the desk chair and holds his feather pen over the paper.

Memories of the fire and the demons flash through his mind. This isn’t going to work if Megatron keeps going where Optimus is. He needs to make a plan. Start with facts.

Megaton wants to kill him
The cure exists
Protect the team
Sentinel is still upset
Elita is 

Optimus stops and takes a steadying breath. Now that he has something written down he starts sorting out what to do with the information.

Megatron wants to kill him. Why wouldn’t he? Optimus touched his soul without permission and forced a soul bond on him. Only the most vile creatures would do that. Optimus intends to turn himself over to Megatron and face justice, but he can’t yet.

He needs to get two cubes of pure magic, three strands of unicorn hair, and one drop of moonlight. He already has four perfect crystals and two vials of stardust. Once he has all of the ingredients he just needs to find a way to combine them. He’s putting that off until he figures out how exactly moonlight can become a drop.

He has people depending on him now and by Primus he’s going to protect them. He will not lose anyone like he lost Elita or Sentinel. He can’t let them get hurt by Megatron. He can’t tell them about…any of this, but especially not about being soul bonded to Lord Megatron of the Demons. Optimus stares at his list as he thinks.

What if…what if he suggested to Ultra Magnus to switch them to a supply team? Optimus and his crew seem to be the group no one wants in Iacon to cause trouble. So, even if they aren’t repairing the teleportation circles, teleporting around the continent to deliver supplies to stations and outposts would still keep them out of Iacon. Supply runs go just about everywhere, Optimus knows they would end up going to places where these ingredients are, eventually. The faster he can get them and combine them, the faster he can turn himself in to Megatron, spare his crew, and face the end of the demon lord’s blade.

Optimus taps the tip of his feather pen against the inside of his bottle of ink. Megatron is not a monster, despite what the stories say. Optimus glimpsed his soul and he thinks, if he can figure out how, he could get Megatron to delay his execution just long enough to fix things. He might be able to communicate through the bond, but he needs to research soul bonds first. It’s time for his long needed trip to the archives. Optimus writes down another list.

Research soul bonds\ demons\ ‘drops of moonlight’
Communicate with Megatron
Ask Ultra Magnus to change his crew’s job
Get the last four ingredients and combine them
Deliver the result
Surrender to Megatron

There’s definitely going to be complications and if Ultra Magnus says no, Optimus will have to rethink a few things. Hopefully, if he can find a way to do it, Megatron is willing to actually listen to him. Optimus sighs and starts to pack up his things. All he can do is try. He glances out the window to the faint sunlight sinking behind the horizon. It’s not that late, he should start researching. Besides, red eyes haunt his dreams and Optimus isn’t ready to face them.

Please, Primus, let all of this work out.

Chapter Text

Your soul is the very culmination of yourself. Everything you were, are, and will be. Every thought and emotion. It is the strongest and most vulnerable part of you. It’s the source of a being’s magic. Every living creature has one.

Bonding your soul to another’s is to expose your truest self to each other. It is the most intimate act possible. It establishes an unbreakable connection. Establishing this bond with someone may cause changes in one or both of them. Changes vary between bonds. They might share their abilities or make each other more magically powerful. For creatures from different species, the bond might adjust their lifespans so they will remain together for the rest of their lives. If this happens between a long living people, such as an elf, and a short living being, such as a human, the elf’s life will be shortened and the human’s extended beyond what they would have normally lived.

Most bonds end when both partners of the bond die. Almost always death is simultaneous. There are only three records of what happens when one partner dies before the other. It is unclear how that is possible and, unfortunately, the survivors of these bonds have been taken by time. Theories reign from the surviving partner having a soul strong enough to sustain themselves through a broken bond. Or the bond was weak from the beginning and survivable for the stronger of the two souls. Others say Primus wanted the survivors to soul bond with someone else, so their deaths were delayed. It is unclear if this was thought about one bond in particular or all of them. The records about the survivors are lost. As such, we cannot confirm if any survivors did bond with anyone else.

Soul bonds are indisputably permanent. The only way to break one is death. Priests say that the souls must free themselves from each other in death so when they are reborn the souls can start fresh, as Primus intends by giving us more than one life. The theory of being reborn as someone else with the same soul is still debated.

Optimus sighs as he stares down at the book. None of them go into specifics and say what exactly changes about a person’s magic when they soul bond. It depends on the bond and the people in it? That doesn’t help Optimus at all! Is that ‘dream’ with Megatron a bond thing or a demon thing? Sighing, Optimus shuts the book and adds it to his read pile. He looks at his demon research pile and takes a moment to rub his tired eyes.

“Uh, sir? We closed five minutes ago. I can help you check out whatever you need or we open tomorrow two hours after sunrise,” a young archivist smiles pleasantly. Optimus can see the ‘please get out so I can go home’ look in her eyes. Guilt stabs him, is it already that late?

“Apologies for keeping you late,” Optimus says as he stands. He rolls his neck and shoulders to loosen his muscles from sitting for so long. The archivist makes a noise that has Optimus looking at her alarmed. She looks away, cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She must have been suppressing a cough or something. Optimus decides not to ask and sorts through his unread demon pile of books for the most likely to answer the questions he has.

“Here,” Optimus says as he picks up the pile of books he’s leaving. “Let me help you put these back and we both can get out of here,” Optimus offers with a small smile. It’s the least he can do for making her stay late.

“O-ok,” the archivist agrees shyly. It’s then Optimus realizes he may be acting a little pushy and making her uncomfortable. They seem to be alone and he is carrying a sword on his hip. She might be nervous to be around an armed man alone.

“Unless, you would rather I leave–”

“No! No, that’s ok, you can reach some of the higher shelves easier than I can,” the archivist assures him with a shy smile. She’s very cute. Maybe Bumblebee’s age? If that’s the case, she shouldn't have been left to close up by herself.

“Lead the way?” Optimus asks after a brief moment of silence.

“O-oh, yes! This way,” she says as she heads towards the stairs. Optimus follows and wonders how he can keep the awkward silence away when she breaks it with a question.

“What’s your name, mister knight?” she asks quietly, wringing her hands together.

“I’m Optimus, what’s yours?”

“Glyph,” she smiles a little easier at him. “I live here in Iacon, are you at the Fortress?”

“For now,” Optimus adjusts the pile of books in his hands.

“Oh! I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to make you carry all of those,” Glyph is quick to take the top four and leave the bottom four to him.

“Thank you,” Optimus smiles good-naturally at her.

“Let’s go!” Glyph hurries away, her cheeks flushed. Why does she keep blushing–wait. Wait. She isn’t interested in Optimus, is she? Optimus is not the fall in love with at first sight kind of guy. That’s more Sentinel’s thing. Optimus is above average in looks, or so he’s told, but he isn’t any kind of beauty. Sentinel and Eli–Optimus forces his breathing to remain even–Elita were the most attractive knights in the fortress. Jazz is right behind them. Optimus, personally, might put Jazz in second place and Sentinel in third, but it’s not like it matters.

“Here we are for these,” Glyph says, sliding two books from her pile and two from his into gaps on the shelves. Optimus is pulled out of his thoughts and helps her reach the top shelf for one of the books. “Thank you,” Glyph smiles brightly at him.

She’s adorable, but a little younger than he’d prefer, especially if she is Bumblebee’s age. Optimus just thinks of courting Bumblebee and internally shudders. Never going to happen. Bee is more like a younger brother. Besides, Glyph is more than likely interested in someone already.

Almost an hour later, Optimus is finally stepping out of the Hall onto the empty cobbled road with a few of the books he’s picked for researching demons. Glyph takes out the key to lock the doors behind them. A shadow moves. Optimus draws his sword and points at the figure hiding in the shadows. Another sword braces against his. Optimus feints to get them to dodge into the streetlight. The young man who steps out has a cadet crest on his chest. When Optimus follows him into the glow of a street light, the young man’s eyes widen and he immediately sheaths his sword to salute.

“Knight Optimus!” the cadet says. “Please, accept my deepest apologies for drawing my sword on you!”

“Tap!” Glyph squeaks. Optimus keeps his eyes on the knight, but slowly sheaths his sword as well. He keeps the hand free just in case.

“I’m afraid I don’t know your name,” Optimus says carefully. How does this young knight know him?

“I’m Tap Out, I am a cadet in the academy. I’m afraid we never properly met before,” Tap says.

“What are you doing here at this time of night?”

“H-he was going to walk me home!” Glyph cuts in. Optimus looks over his shoulder at her and she flushes before looking down at the key in her hand. “Tap is a long time friend of mine. He walks me home,” Glyph frowns at Tap, “even when I tell him I’ll be fine on my own.”

“I appreciate you putting up with me anyway,” Tap sends her a very charming grin. Ah, these two must be together then. Makes sense, she’s downright adorable and he’s charmingly handsome.

And Optimus is interrupting their time together.

“I apologize as well,” Optimus returns the salute with a slightly more shallow bow in his salute. “I wouldn’t want to interrupt your night. Glyph, thank you for the help. Goodnight to you both,” Optimus ways as he starts to walk down the street to the tavern his team is in.

“W-wait! Will you come back soon?” Glyph calls. Optimus pauses to turn back to her. She looks so hopeful Optimus can’t disappoint her.

“I’m sure,” Optimus smiles reassuringly at her, “we’ll meet again.”

“Thank–Yes–I mean–I’ll see you then!” Glyph stumbles before covering her flushed face in embarrassment.

“Goodnight, Knight Optimus,” Tap calls much more smoothly as he puts an arm around Glyph’s shoulders. She turns a little to hide her face against his chest. Tap rubs her back. They’re adorable. Optimus nods before continuing to the tavern. When he turns the corner out of their sight he braces himself against the wall to take some weight off of his foot. He knows Ratchet will be upset when he finds out Optimus is not in his room resting his foot. Juggling the books with one arm, Optimus gets his inventory bag around to his front to make sliding the books in a little easier while he rests his leg.

“Tap, did you know him?”

“No, I’ve only heard the rumors.”

Optimus forces his body to keep moving. He doesn’t want to know what rumors have been spread to the cadets. Optimus can’t get rid of the image of the young lovers. The easy comfort and silent understanding. He misses what he used to have. He took it for granted, really. It never crossed his mind that it might disappear one day. Most of all, he misses the two most important people in his life. They had been…well, no use thinking over something that will never be. Sentinel hates him and Elita is–Optimus hits the wall.

“Move out of the way!”

“Stop blocking the walkway!”

Optimus’s leg buckles under the sudden weight and he slides down the wall. The two drunks burst out laughing as they stumble away. One of their tails spinning around happily. Optimus relaxes as their footsteps get too far away to be heard. They didn’t stay to torment him further, good. Optimus straightens his leg out and winces at the pulse of pain. The rest of the way is not going to be fun. Optimus forces himself up to his feet, his left leg protesting all the way. Using the wall as support, Optimus makes his slow, limping way back to the tavern. He needs to get off the street, his limp is practically broadcasting what an easy target he is right now.

After walking for a few minutes, he realizes there are footsteps following him. Optimus can’t even pick up his pace to get away because that would just knock him back off his feet. He grits his teeth and keeps limping back to the tavern, waiting for the moment the footsteps speed up and catch him.

They don’t. Optimus stumbles through the tavern door without ever seeing the owner of the footsteps. He leans on the wall next to the door to catch his breath. He can’t hear anything other than the loud drunks inside and the door doesn’t move to let anyone in as Optimus stares at it. Why would someone follow him down the street and around corners for a half hour without ever doing anything?

“Kid.”

Optimus freezes for a second before straightening from his slouch against the wall. He still has to use it for support, so trying to act like his leg isn’t throbbing is probably a ridiculous attempt with Ratchet. Optimus isn’t sure what to say.

“Don’t bother,” Ratchet squeezes the bridge of his nose. “We’re both too exhausted right now. Just shut up and do what I tell you,” Ratchet drops his hand to his hip and meets Optimus’s gaze in a challenge. As if Optimus isn’t grateful to have help.

“Thank you, Ratchet,” Optimus says despite being told to shut up. The healer just grumbles under his breath as he waves his hand Optimus starts levitating. Red magic surrounds him as Ratchet starts for the stairs. Optimus’s complaints about being carried like this die on his tongue as he realizes he was never going to make it up the two flights of stairs, even with Ratchet helping him limp up. They don't pass anyone, it’s that time of night when people are either drinking in the bar or in bed to get whatever rest they can for tomorrow. Ratchet goes to Optimus’s door and opens it wide to levitate Optimus through.

“This should be locked,” Optimus ways, trying to look for damage that someone broke in as he's levitated through the doorway.

“Don’t look at me, the youngsters broke in hours ago when they couldn’t get an answer from you.”

“Why?”

“This might be a shock,” Ratchet says dryly. “But those kids might actually like you and want to get to know you. Maybe they wanted to have a meal with their new captain. Who is supposed to be resting his leg,” Ratchet puts Optimus gently on his bed, scowl growing as he talks. “Because he ran very hard on his still fragile foot.”

“I’m sorry, Ratchet.”

“Don’t be sorry, take better care of yourself,” Ratchet growls as he adjusts the pillows so it’s easier for Optimus to sit up. The healer grabs a tray from the top of Optimus’s desk and sets it on his lap. “Eat,” Ratchet orders. Exhausted, hungry, in pain, and maybe liking the care he hasn’t had in a long time, Optimus eats. On the tray is a light vegetable soup with a small bit of bread and water. Ratchet pulls the desk chair over so it’s by Optimus’s leg and pulls out his medical bag. He starts to slowly take things out and organize them on the bed. Optimus stirs his spoon in the soup for a second before starting to eat. The soup is good and still warm, the bread isn’t hard either. When did Ratchet get this? The kitchen in the tavern must have closed hours ago. He must have used magic to keep the food appealing, but why bother? Optimus could wait until morning.

“I’m going to ask you something and as your healer I would appreciate it if you told me the truth,” Ratchet says as he closes his bag calmly. Optimus swallows the soup in his mouth nervously.

“Ok.”

“What have you eaten today?”

“I had an apple this morning,” Optimus stops. That’s all he’s had today other than a few cups of water. Oh no, he’s hesitating. The silence is going on to long–

“What about the day before?” Ratchet asks calmly as he adjusts the supplies sitting on the bed by Optimus’s feet.

“The broth the priests were serving,” Optimus can answer more confidently.

“The priests only serve one meal a day. Did you have anything else?”

“Well, um…”

“What about before you were staying there? What did you have to eat and drink?”

Optimus ate berries for days while riding a horse as fast as possible to Iacon. Before that he ate…a little.

“What are you trying to say, Ratchet?” Optimus asks tiredly as he puts the spoon down. He’s only a quarter of the way through the soup and he can feel himself getting full.

“Kid,” Ratchet puts down a roll of bandages and meet his gaze directly. “You’re underweight for your size and species. Don’t think I didn’t notice how you haven’t eaten since that apple this morning.” Ratchet pauses with a glance down at the still mostly full bowl of soup and untouched bread. “Is this a problem?”

Optimus wants to deny it. The words are there, but he can’t get them out. It is a problem. He isn’t even sure when it started (Archa 7) and he has noticed the weakness in his body. When he saved that girl from the wagon, he should have been able to get them both out safely. His reflexes are better than that. When they ran to the portal today, after teleporting, he felt faint from using so much energy. He is better than that. Years of training at the academy made him strong and fast and better.

He promised himself he wouldn’t be weak again. He worked hard for years and he can’t let himself keep deteriorating, especially if he wants to fix his mistakes. Not to mention the crew he’s now responsible for.

“Will you help me Ratchet?” Optimus asks, his throat tight. A strong, warm hand lands on his shoulder and squeezes.

“Of course, kid.”

By the time Ratchet leaves with the mostly full tray of food, Optimus drops his inventory bag of books beside his bed and folds his hands on his stomach. He intended to read a little bit more about demons tonight, but he can barely keep his eyes open. Optimus sighs and fumbles for the top blanket to cover as much as it can without him having to get up and pull the blanket off. Ratchet said no more putting weight on it until tomorrow when he’ll check it again. Optimus sighs when he pulls the blanket as far as it will go without jostling his leg and settles his head on the pillow. His eyes close and he’s out.

Until the connection in his chest pulses with magic. Optimus is pulled–somewhere. When he gets himself upright again, he discovers he’s back on White Tip Mountain. This time the snow is falling gently, there's no wind blowing up a blizzard. Optimus holds his hand out and the snow lands on it, but Optimus doesn’t feel anything. No chill, no wet snowflakes, nothing.

“Finally, we can talk.”

Megatron. Optimus turns around to look for the warlord in the small clearing bordered by snow covered trees. Those blood red eyes appear first in the thickest section of trees. The rest of the demon follows after. Optimus has to tilt his head farther back the closer the demon gets and still wonders. Why are demons so big? Megatron stops with plenty of distance between them. He crosses his arms and frowns, his red gaze sweeping Optimus up and down. Unnerved, Optimus looks down at himself. Is he naked or something?

He’s blurry. His hands keep changing colors, the size and shape adjust every few seconds. The Iacon Knight’s uniform is clear and detailed, but the dimensions of Optimus’s body adjust slightly just like his hands. Wider, thinner, taller, shorter. It’s like–

“You don’t know what I look like,” Optimus says quietly into the snow between them. Megatron scowls.

“It hardly matters,” Megatron dismisses. “I know your voice and our souls call for each other.”

Souls. Right. Focus, Optimus. He needs to convince Megatron to wait until Optimus gets all of those ingredients. The demon needs to stop chasing him around–

“No.”

“N-no?”

“I already know what your goal is, even if I am unsure of the reason. You are going to ask me to wait and let you finish this mythical cure. My answer is no,” Megatron says as arrogantly as, well, a lord.

“Why–”

“You cannot go gallivanting around for something that doesn’t exist–”

“You don’t know that–”

“–especially when we haven’t finished the bonding,” Megatron talks over Optimus. “Continuing like this is dangerous for both of us. You will leave Iacon and you will properly complete this bond,” Megatron orders. It takes all the discipline Optimus has to not give a childish retort. He does not take orders from Megatron.

“No, I will not,” Optimus says coolly. “A soul bond makes us equals. We share power. You are not above me.”

“Did I hit a nerve, little knight?” Megatron steps closer, amusement in the curve of his lips. Optimus frowns. Damn demons and their mind games. “I hardly did anything. You were the one who lost his temper,” Megatron says casually with another step. Optimus covers his eyes to block his scowl, wishing he could feel the comfort of his battle mask snapping shut. Breathe. Focus. Demons are manipulators. Megatron is arguably the master manipulator. The best way to make any kind of progress is to make a deal, a trade, some kind of exchange. When Optimus drops his hand, Megatron is right there. He blocks out the snowy scenery around them. Optimus is not as alarmed as he should be. Maybe it’s because he can see Megatron’s eyes flicker over his face, but not focus on anything.

My face should be blurry too. I can use that.

Optimus folds his arms as he watches the demon lord's red eyes until they meet his, or close to where his eyes are.

“If you already know what I want and I think I know what you want. Let’s make a deal,” Optimus tells him.

“Making a deal with a demon?” Megatron straightens from his lean that brought him closer to Optimus’s eye level. “That’s not very knightly of you.” Megatron starts to walk around Optimus, circling. Big black wings twitch and a flicking tail disappear with Megaton as the demon steps out of Optimus’s view.

“You want to finish the soul bonding,” Optimus still doesn't know what that even is, “and I want to make that cure.”

“Close, but not quite,” Megatron enters Optimus’s vision again. A snowflake lands on a silver horn as Megatron turns his head to look at Optimus. “I want to finish the bonding properly and then,” Megatron leans over Optimus again, his fangs exposed in a dangerous grin. “You’re mine. You will stay in Kaon for the rest of our short lives.”

If this wasn’t Optimus’s reality, he’d think he was teleported into a romance novel with a line like that.

“What?”

“Human,” Megatron sighs in disappointment as he starts circling again. “Our souls are now tied. If you die, I will be dragged into the afterlife with you. To avoid that, you must be close enough to protect. So you will live with me in Kaon.”

There are so many things to unpack in that statement.

“You aren’t going to kill me?” Optimus asks.

“Kill you and myself? Hardly.”

“There's a chance you would survive. Strong souls–”

“–are not a guarantee of survival. The chances are far higher we will both perish if one of us dies. It’s not worth the risk.”

“If that’s true, you’re just–fine with this? Being soul bonded to a human against your will?” Optimus feels like he’s two steps behind.

“If I had my choice, this would never have happened,” Megatron scoffs. He stops in front of Optimus again. “If I hadn’t seen your memories of what happened, this conversation would be going very differently. Besides,” Megatron’s lips curl into less of a smirk and more of a smile. “I’ve been bored lately, this seems like a fun distraction for a while.”

Again, there’s a lot to unpack, but Optimus needs to stay focused and knowing how Megatron sees this situation, and Optimus, as an amusing distraction makes things a little clearer.

“If that’s all true, you should know Kaon isn’t the answer,” Optimus frowns at the stupidly large demon. “Humans don’t survive in Kaon. For many reasons.”

“You’ll have some of my magic,” Megatron dismisses with a wave. “You’ll be fine.”

Optimus will not be fine. It’s not just the poisonous atmosphere. There are plenty of monsters and plants that like mortal meat. Not to mention the demons themselves might be the most dangerous thing to a human.

“Fine,” Optimus accepts. He’s not scared of death and he’s sure Megatron could survive Optimus’s death. There’s no real loss here whether Megatron is right or not.

“Good,” Megatron nods in approval. “Meet me tomorrow and we’ll leave immediately for Kaon.”

“No.”

“No?” Megatron crosses his arms.

“I don’t take orders from you,” Optimus repeats. Megatron opens his mouth and Optimus just pushes on. “And I have to keep looking for those ingredients.”

“I already have the cubes of pure magic from this mountain,” Megatron gestures at the snowy mountain around them. “I am in the process of getting the drop of moonlight and I know someone who believes they can make the cure. All of this is pointless anyway because the cure is a myth and unicorns are extinct. Leave Iacon tomorrow.”

“Unicorns aren’t extinct.”

“There haven’t been any sightings for at least a century.”

“By who?”

“My researchers.”

“You mean demons.”

“Unicorns avoiding demons is a myth.”

“Says the demons who haven’t seen one in a century.”

“Oh, and I’m to believe you’ve seen one?”

“Not in person, but I’ve saved up enough coins to visit their sanctuary in Crystal City.”

Megatron stares at him.

“Do you not know of the unicorn sanctuary?” Optimus asks. It’s been around a long time, he isn't sure how long, but surely long enough for Megatron to know about it. How could he not know?

“Irrelevant,” Megatron huffs and focuses on something behind Optimus. “I doubt you could get a hair even if you manage to approach one.”

A sharp laugh escapes before Optimus manages to stop it. The great lord Megatron doesn’t know something! This must be a new experience for him!

“Watch it, human,” Megatron growls.

“Why? You aren’t going to kill me.”

“There are worse things than death.”

“True,” Optimus agrees. “And we’ve gotten far off topic. Let me get the unicorn hair and then I will meet with you to finish the soul bonding. Your demon can make the cure and that’s that.”

“Don’t think I missed your convenient lack of mentioning what this cure is for,” Megatron warns. His arms uncross and he’s close enough to reach out and grip Optimus’s chin in his fingers. Optimus doesn't feel the tip of sharp claws or the warmth of skin, just the pressure that tilts his head up.

“This is how things are going to go, little knight,” Megatron purrs. His eyes are a little brighter than before. “We will meet tomorrow to finish the bonding.” Optimus opens his mouth to argue, but a thumb presses against his lips. “I will take what ingredients you have to my demon to start making this mythical cure of yours. Deal?”

Annoyed and ignoring what a bad idea it is, Optimus nips at the thumb over his mouth until it disappears. Megatron looks amused at the action. Optimus meets those clever, bright red eyes and–

“I will get that unicorn hair and then meet you.”

“The bonding–”

“Nothing in the Hall of Records mentioned there was more to a bonding than the souls merging, unless the participants are using a ceremony. There is nothing to finish with our bonding,” Optimus puts as much confidence as he can into his voice. Megatron’s not quite a smirk turns amused.

“I will convince Ultra Magnus to send me close to the sanctuary before the year is over. I will meet you after and…live with you?” Optimus says more like a question. Is he just going to be a pet that Megatron can’t get rid of?

“Hm,” Megatron hums. His thumb sweeps over Optimus’s cheek and that might be a tail winding around Optimus’s ankle. 

“You will stop chasing me and guarantee the safety of my team," Optimus continues. Megatron's red eyes are flickering over his face. The demon lord doesn't say anything. "And,” Optimus says into the silence. He can feel victory is close. “I will reveal my face as much as I can in this dream. Deal?”

“Deal,” Megatron smirks. Optimus feels a snap of magic as soon as Megatron agrees. “Show me.”

Ok. Optimus isn’t actually sure how to do this, but he thinks he can just channel some magic and picture himself. He’ll start with one thing at a time just to make sure he gets it right. Maybe his eyes first? Optimus focuses on the shape and color of his eyes with a touch of magic to create it here. He opens his eyes to focus on Megatron.

“Of course, they’re blue,” Megatron murmurs as his thumbs sweep right under Optimus’s eyes. His huge hands cupping Optimus’s head. “More, human.”

Optimus ignores the command in Megatron’s tone to focus on...his hair? Sure, why not. The blue roots that fade into red, what were the colors in between? There must be purple somewhere–

“Boss! Wake up!”

Optimus is shaken out of the dream into his room at the tavern. He blinks a few times until he meets Bumblebee’s sky blue eyes. The kid grins brightly at him, blonde hair falling forward as he leans over Optimus.

“Good morning, boss!”

Chapter Text

“Now, Blitzwing,” Megatron says as he starts to circle the cowering the demon kneeling before him. The days spent in the boiling lake right outside the tower should have purged the disobedience out of him. “I’m debating how useful you are.” Megatron stops just behind the shuddering demon.

“I assumed you could follow one simple order. I believe I told you to wait and what did you do?” Megatron steps over and presses a foot down onto one of Blitzwing’s wings. “You attacked.” Megatron digs his heel into a thin bone until Blitzwing’s cries get loud enough to echo off the tower. “When I said not to.” The cries turn into whimpers pathetic enough that Megatron removes his foot. Blitzwing is smart enough not to relax.

A nudge of concern and curiosity from the bond stops Megatron from taking the whip Lugnut holds out for him. He looks at it as the nudge becomes more of a poke. Megatron’s little human has been experimenting with the bond ever since their conversation. It’s…cute, Megatron supposes. The careful pokes gain enough confidence to try and pull his feeling out from the block he’s put up between them. Not that it's worked, Optimus is fumbling with his attempts. Bold little knight.

“My lord?” Lugnut asks cautiously. Megatron turns away from the whip to look back at the kneeling Blitzwing. The tugging gets a little more insistent the longer Megatron ignores them. He strolls back to stand over Blitzwing, the general dares not look up without permission.

“Blitzwing, luckily for you I need my generals in working order. Get yourself healed, but your tongue is something you must earn back. Am I clear?” Megatron asks. Blitzwing nods hurriedly, his head still lowered in submission.

“Lugnut,” Megatron turns to the other demon. “Get Blitzwing to a healer and then to Starscream for his next assignment. Dismissed.”

“Yes, most merciful Lord Megatron!”

Megatron leaves them to return to his rooms. The servants bow in submission as he walks through the castle. Strika can handle things for a few hours. He pokes back through the bond and his human flounders to reciprocate. Megatron pauses as he considers the curious human so intimately connected with him and the deal they made. He changes course and makes his way down to the dungeon. He reaches a cell drowning in magical wards as far from the entrance as possible. He presses his palm to the lock and the wards shift to let him enter the cell.

The inside is lit only by a few candles and the cauldron of glowing red liquid in the center. The scent of decay lingers in the air, colorful stains are sprinkled on the walls and floor. The only other creature in the room is one of the corrupted. Unnaturally purple skin, multiple red eyes, and long, extra pointed limbs that can impale someone easily. A corrupted something mixed with a spider. Whoever this was before was a different species. Maybe human?

“Blackarachnia,” Megatron crosses his arms as he looks over the table of body parts and sharp tools beside her.

“Lord Megatron, I assume you’ve come to ask for something,” she says without looking up from the bubbling cauldron. Sharp mandibles click over her human looking mouth as she speaks and the sass in her voice can only belong to someone under five hundred. If he were a different demon, he might have pitied someone so young being corrupted into a monster.

“Have you heard of the ‘Cleansing Cure’?”

Bumblebee hits the ground again with a grunt. Optimus stands from his crouch to lean over and offer a hand up. Bee takes his hand with a very unhappy pout on his face.

“You’re improving, Bee,” Optimus reminds him.

“Am I!? It doesn’t feel like I’m hitting the ground any less than when we started training!” Bee stomps over to the edge of the training grounds where Bulkhead waits with water. Bee chugs it down, it’s a miracle he doesn't choke. Optimus checks the wooden practice sword for damage before putting it on the rack of weapons. Bulkhead offers him a cup of water once Optimus is close enough.

“Thank you, Bulkhead,” Optimus smiles slightly.

“You’re welcome!” Bulkhead grins. Bee slams his empty cup onto the bench.

“That’s it! I’m done practicing!”

“We can take a break for a while, Bee,” Bulkhead soothes.

“No! I’m done with training completely! I’m not improving and I’m sick of spending all day training!” Bee turns and glares at Optimus. “You can't make me train!”

Optimus takes in Bee’s defensive posture and glare. Optimus flickers his gaze to Bulkhead who’s…cowering away from them. It takes longer for Optimus to realize what’s going on than it probably should.

In Iacon, it’s required for everyone to take the knight exam when they come of age. If you pass the exam you are immediately enrolled into Iacon Academy. From there, your talents are assessed and you are encouraged to pursue something well suited for your talents. Bumblebee is fast and agile, with the right training, he could be a spy. Bulkhead is big, strong, and calm. An excellent choice for a guard. Realizing this makes it easy for Optimus to see how much pressure they were probably put under while training and with how different their skills are, to separate them into different classes. Their punishments must have been harsh to cause this much fear. The Academy doesn’t tolerate rule breakers. That’s probably how they ended up in Optimus’s crew of outcasts.

“Alright,” Optimus shrugs and walks away, sipping his water. He should probably get off his foot before Ratchet finds him anyway.

“W-wait. That’s it!?” Bee calls after him.

“Eh,” Optimus continues his casual walk. “If you don’t want to learn, I'm not going to force you. See you both tonight?”

They don’t answer his question, but he can feel their stares on his back. He leaves the training grounds to head for the front gate of the fortress. His foot, while cleared for light activity, is a little sore now. He’s going to lay in bed and read more about demons. Maybe try to communicate to Megatron through the bond. It hasn’t been very successful so far today.

Optimus steps through a shadow along the stone path and steps out of it with a companion. He finishes his water and slides the cup into his inventory bag.

“Hello, Jazz,” Optimus smiles.

“Heeey, OP,” Jazz winks as he matches Optimus’s pace. After a few steps of Jazz not relaxing, Optimus breaks the silence.

“Is something wrong?”

“Well, I heard,” Jazz shoots him an innocent grin, “from the gossip, of course.”

“Of course,” Optimus echoes. He doesn’t want to know how Jazz finds out everything he does. It can’t all be from gossip.

“I heard that Ultra Magnus is going to send you and your crew to a new teleportation station.”

“A new one?”

“Yep,” Jazz pops the ‘p’. “It’s going to be another island in the Rust Sea and your assignment there will be indefinite.”

“What?” Optimus pauses in their walk. He curls his hand into a fist. “I can understand me being there for an unknown amount of time, but the rest of my crew can't be left out there for however long.”

“I don’t disagree,” Jazz assures. “None of you should have to wonder how long you’ll be there. Let’s hope UM comes to a decision soon.”

“Sorry, it’s not your fault,” Optimus rubs a hand across his eyes. “Do you know when we might be leaving?”

“If he decides today or tomorrow, the end of this week will probably be your departure time. If he takes a few days to get around to it, probably next week.”

“Which one do you think it will be?” Optimus lowers his hand to look at his friend.

“I would,” Jazz tilts his head, “get any unfinished business taken care of.”

“I understand, thank you, Jazz,” Optimus smiles. Jazz reaches out and snags his hand to give it a comforting squeeze. Optimus squeezes back.

“There is, uh, one more thing,” Jazz shifts his weight, his finger’s interlocking with Optimus’s. “There’s only a week left until the full moon.”

Optimus tenses. It’s almost the full moon. He stopped keeping track of it after he left the fortress. What was the point if Sentinel–

“Do you need advice? I’d offer my help, but I don’t think Sentinel would appreciate my presence,” Optimus admits, his gaze fixed on the grass to his left.

“Eh, don’t worry about that,” Jazz tugs on their interlocked fingers to get them walking again. “I just wanted to warn you, he’s been…difficult to handle since you left, especially the week leading up to and after the full moon. It might be best to stay out of the Fortress, if not Iacon itself, until he calms down.”

“I see,” Optimus sighs, grief and exhaustion weighing on him. “Thank you, for helping him, even when he’s being difficult.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Jazz leans closer, a teasing smile on his lips. “Anything for you,” he winks.

“JAZZ!”

They both spin on a heel, weapons drawn. Standing behind them, ears raised, tail whipping, claws flexing, and canine teeth bared is Sentinel. Optimus frowns at the animalistic appendages. Sentinel has better control over those, even with the full moon this close. What could have upset him this much?

“Get away, filthy whore bred siren!” Sentinel snarls at Jazz. The ninja’s only reaction is a tightening jaw and flash of his visor.

“Sentinel!” Optimus snaps. Sentinel has better control than this and Jazz should never be treated that way.

“Stay out of this,” Sentinel growls at him, eyes still fixed on Jazz. The wolf ear barely flick in Optimus’s direction.

“Jazz?” Optimus asks. Sentinel is fixated on Jazz for some reason.

“I should have seen this coming,” Jazz chuckles. Sentinel’s ears pin back and he growls at the sound. “I can take care of him, you should get your crew out of here. They are not ready to deal with a werewolf of Sentinel’s caliber.”

“Are you sure?” Optimus risks a quick brush of his hand against Jazz’s arm. Sentinel howls and charges at them. Optimus and Jazz dash in separate directions.

“Go!” Jazz yells as he heads for the gardens. Optimus hesitates, Sentinel is twice as dangerous right now than normal, but Jazz is arguably one of the most dangerous knights within the fortress. Knowing that just means they can permanently injure each other.

“Boss?” Bulkhead rushes out of the training grounds towards him. “What was that?” he asks timidly, looking around.

“Did a monster get in?” Bee is plastered against Bulkhead as he looks around nervously. “N-not that I’m scared or anything! I just want to be p-prepared, y’know?”

Right. These two are nowhere near trained enough to defend themselves against Sentinel right now. Optimus tells himself Sentinel and Jazz are in a fortress of knights. If it does get out of hand, Ultra Magnus himself can step in.

“Let’s get back to the tavern. I bet Ratchet has lunch ready,” Optimus starts walking as fast and calmly as he can towards the front gate.

“Yeah?” Bee brightens. “If you’re hungry, we should definitely hurry!”

Bee takes the lead and chatters about what lunch might be. Optimus doesn’t know what Ratchet told them about his…condition, but Bee and Bulk refuse to leave him alone when he eats and if he only eats a few bites, they give him big sad puppy eyes. It’s not fair. Ratchet is a manipulative doctor, don’t believe otherwise.

Another howl pierces the air and Optimus picks up his pace. It’s fine. Jazz can handle himself. Sentinel can handle himself. There are literally knights everywhere inside the fortress, most of them can help keep the situation under control. Besides, Sentinel made it clear he doesn’t want anything to do with Optimus anymore. It's fine.

“Is this how you want to deal with your feelings, Sentinel?” Jazz asks as he flips over the unstable werewolf. Sentinel's claws slash the tree Jazz was on into pieces.

“Stay away from him!” Sentinel snaps as he lunges again.

“You have no right to say that,” Jazz’s grin gets a little sharper. “Not after what you did to him.”

“That doesn’t mean you can put your disgusting–”

Jazz kicks at the back of Sentinel’s knees. The werewolf dodges with a flip, somersaults and jumps back to his feet. They face each other, glares matching in intensity. Jazz knows he should not be antagonizing the werewolf, but he is damn fucking tired of dealing with this–

“You’re disgusting,” Sentinel snarls. “He gives you any kind of attention and you practically glue yourself to him!”

–absolute fucking ass for over a year and he’s fucking done.

“Me?” Jazz laughs, a harsh, mean sound. “You two always scared people off, not letting him make any friends for years! You and–” Jazz gets ready to jump– “Elita are the disgusting ones.”

Sentinel charges him with another painful howl and Jazz’s smile, well, it isn’t really a smile anymore.

Chapter Text

“Alright,” Optimus keeps the orb in his hand this time as he steps off of the magic circle platform. His team is cautious as they slowly step out to explore. “A quick check for any danger and then we can unpack. We should have all the supplies we need for the next six months.”

“Even if it isn’t enough, it’s only a short boat ride to Praxus for any supplies we do need,” Ratchet grumbles as he heads towards the crew’s quarters. It’s a little bigger and shinier than the last teleportation station they were at. This one was built recently and Long Arm said they were the first crew assigned here. This station is on a small island off the coast from Praxus, a major city in the east.

“I’m gunna check the perimeter!” Bee announces before dashing towards the edge of the clearing around their station. Optimus sighs and looks at Bulk, the only one still here.

“Do you want to check the teleportation supplies with me?” Optimus asks, remembering the way Bulk’s eyes lit up last time they were at a teleportation station.

“Yes, please!” Bulkhead grins. “Let’s hope there are actually supplies this time.”

“Agreed.”

Optimus heads around the teleportation circle to the supply shed a little ways behind it. The shed has a proper magical lock this time instead of just swinging open. Inside the shed are the supplies for the teleportation circle. The paint, brushes, orbs, and cleaning supplies. All of it is new.

“Look at this! So many paint cans that have never been opened!” Bulkhead leans into the shed as much as he can while staying behind Optimus. The supply closet actually looks big enough for Bulkhead to be able to move freely inside without knocking anything over.

“Would you like to take inventory for everything in here, Bulkhead?” Optimus asks as he shifts the magic orb to one hand and uses magic with his other to summon the files Long Arm gave him. He sorts through the stack until he finds the supply shed inventory. He floats it into Bulkhead’s hand with some magic.

“Really?” Bulkhead asks, his smile hopeful.

“As long as you don’t mind doing it on your own. I need to check in with the others and then we get to unpack,” Optimus stores the papers back into his inventory bag with a flick of his hand.

“Understood, sir!” Bulkhead salutes. Optimus can’t salute properly with the orb in his hands so he just nods and turns to leave. When he’s a few feet away he swears he hears a low “Yeeeeeeessssssss!” behind him. Why Bulkhead is so excited about magic teleportation, Optimus has no idea, but it’s one less thing he needs to worry about.

He heads for the command center of the station directly across from the teleportation circle. He needs to let Long Arm know that they made it here and are currently taking stock of supplies. There haven't been any demon sightings and this station doesn’t have the same feeling of abandonment as the last one.. Optimus needs to find the boat they can use to go to Praxus. Their island is only a few hours from the big city. If they have time Optimus is thinking of going there to buy some civilian clothes. The ones he used to have aren’t really suitable anymore and he sure as Unicron wasn’t going to go shopping in Iacon. Far too many memories and Ratchet wouldn’t have let him walk too long with his leg still healing.

Optimus gets the door open and turns the lamps on with a snap of his fingers. There is a big desk towards the back of the room where the captain sits and four desks in front of it that are slightly smaller. Empty shelves line one wall and the other has a blank space with a new, state of the art magic projector set up for instant communication. Optimus makes his way to the Captain’s desk and uses magic to fill the magically lockable drawers with the stack of papers he needs to keep around. He finds a pen and scrolls to write the quick message to Long Arm before sending it. With that done he puts the pen and paper away and heads back out of the building to check on the others.

“Boss! Boss! Boss!” Bee shouts as he jogs over. “You gotta see this!” Bee grabs his arm and starts to impatiently tug Optimus towards the edge of their station borders.

“Bee? What’s going on?” Optimus asks as he lets himself get dragged along. The urgency in Bee’s steps are a little more serious than his usual antics. Maybe they have a large predator on the island?

“It’s riiiiiiiiight,” Bee pauses as he stares at the ground at the edge of the tree line. “Here!” Bee crouches down and points at a footprint at the base of a tree. Optimus crouches down to look at it closer. The toes of the print are pressed deeper into the ground than the heel. Did the shoe print owner jump?

“This can’t be one of us!” Bee says impatiently after a beat. “No one except for me has walked the edge of the station–and!” Bee stands to move his shoe next to the print to compare them. “My feet are smaller than this one!”

“It could be one of the construction workers,” Optimus says as he stands. His injured foot does not like the position it was in as he crouched.

“I had that thought so I tried looking a little deeper into the trees and I found more just like this near a cave, but not anywhere else!” Bee points proudly deeper into the trees.

“We’ve been here fifteen minutes and you already went running around the island?”

“Uh…no?”

“You need to let someone know if you’re leaving, Bee,” Optimus sighs. Bee deflates in disappointment. “But, good job on finding a cave. It’s something we should know if we’re living here.” Optimus ruffles blonde hair before he turns to enter the trees and find this cave.

“I’m not a kid,” Bee grumbles and he sticks close to Optimus as they walk over leaves and grass.

“I think Ratchet would disagree,” Optimus hums as he looks around them. He doesn't see anything suspicious, but he doesn’t know what qualifies as normal on this island either.

“Ratchet calls everyone a kid,” Bee huffs as he slows to look around and turns slightly to the left. “He needs a hobby or something.”

“You should try to find something for him to do,” Optimus muses.

“He’d make me go through a full physical before he listens to anything I say!” Bee cries, horrified. “I have so many better things to do than be strapped to a healer’s table!”

“Ratchet wouldn’t force you to do something if you were really against it,” Optimus steps over a branch at perfect tripping height. He makes sure Bee doesn’t trip over it in his distraction. “I plan to go to Praxus in the next few days to grab a few things. Maybe there’s something there to keep Ratchet occupied?” Optimus hints. He’s hoping there’s something in Praxus that Bee will find entertaining for a while as they live here on the station.

“Really? Can I come? And Bulk?”

“Only if it’s a quick trip, we aren’t supposed to leave the island unattended,” Optimus pauses. “Is this it?”

“Yep,” Bee stops beside him at the edge of a small clearing. A few steps away, through some patchy grass is a cave. It’s big enough for someone Bumblebee’s size or smaller to walk into, but not for anyone else. Optimus will have to crouch to make it through the rocky entrance. He can see by the mouth of the cave half of another footprint. It could be a construction worker’s, but why would they come this close to the edge of the island and away from the dock? The cave itself isn’t that suspicious and nothing growls at them or charges out to attack them as they watch the entrance. The shadows are too dark to see into the cave itself.

“I’m going to go inside,” Optimus says quietly. “Bee, stay here just in case something runs out, ok?”

“Fine,” Bee steps behind a tree. “But I’m not happy about it. I can fight too!”

“Noted,” Optimus mutters as his focus changes to the cave. He approaches as quietly as he can. He keeps to the side of the entrance in case something does speed out of the cave. It would be more effective if there was someone to cover the other side of the cave. He’s had training simulations like this before with….others. Optimus pauses at the edge of the cave to listen for any movement inside. It’s silent and his hopes go up that there's nothing inside and those footprints were just from curious construction workers. Optimus walks carefully inside the cave. When he gets far enough in the sunlight doesn’t make a difference he stops to create a light orb. He doesn’t want to step into a sudden drop off on the floor. Or miss any tunnels.

He didn’t think about looking up.

Optimus lands hard on his stomach as something lands on top of him. The light orb he made flashes from the sudden cut off of magic before going out. The bright light makes whatever is above him hiss, giving Optimus a chance. He simultaneously yanks a dagger from his hip sheath and rolls onto his back. He can barely see a human shape above him in the dim lighting. His hand with the dagger is pinned to the ground and twisted until the dagger falls from his grip. Optimus throws a punch with his other hand. The human shape above him growls in a very not human way. Optimus’s other hand is pinned to the ground.

“I–” the figure croaks. “I need–”

Whatever is pinning him starts to move, but Optimus’s human senses can’t tell how. He snaps his fingers and an orb of light brightens the cave. Sharp fangs glint in the light and glowing red eyes glare at the light Optimus created. The grip on his hands tighten to painful levels. Optimus ignores that to grasp for calm. He needs to think and not let this thing hurt Bee or any other people on his team.

Ok. Look at the situation. Long fangs, but only the top two. Red eyes, like blood. Vampire? A vampire in a frenzy? Optimus doesn’t think so, those eyes are glowing red, but they aren’t dilated and unfocused. Whoever this vampire is just needs blood, then he will come back to his senses. Hopefully. Taking a chance, Optimus slowly tilts his head as much as he can on the ground to bare his neck, he can't help a nervous swallow at the vulnerable position.

A beat of silence.

The vampire moves and a cool breath ghosts over his neck. Optimus fights to keep still and not hide from the predator above him. Cold lips are his only warning before two points of pain sink into his neck. Right on it’s heels is a flow of warmth that goes to Optimus’s head and he’s dragged into unconsciousness.

“What happened?” Megatron asks, much more calmly than his emotions indicate through the bond.

“We got to our new teleportation station today,” Optimus replies just as calmly. He keeps hiking through the snow up White Tip Mountain. He needs the physical outlet, even if it isn’t the same in this dreamscape as reality. If Megatron keeps using this as the spot they meet in their dreams then Optimus is going to find out what’s at the top. It’s much easier now when he can’t feel the cold and his feet don’t sink into the snow.

“That’s not all that happened,” Megatron growls behind Optimus. “Tell me!”

“No.”

“Do not test me human,” Megatron rumbles. It’s a very threatening sound, too bad Optimus is steadily losing his ability to be scared of this oversized, arrogant–

“I can read your thoughts. We’ve been over this,” Megatron grabs Optimus’s arm to stop him.

“You can’t read my thoughts,” Optimus says as he turns slightly to the demon. They’re practically the same height with Optimus higher on the steep slant of the mountain. “You get impressions of what I’m thinking and use our bond to read my emotions.” Optimus had to do some more obscure searching about dream walking to find that information. He still doesn't feel like he knows enough.

“Don’t distract me and answer the question,” Megatron orders.

“No.” Optimus tries to tug his arm away, but Megatron’s grip is unrelenting. “I don’t take orders from you,” Optimus says, again, as he glares at the oversized demon. “Why do you care so much? I’m still alive and that’s all you’re worried about isn’t it?”

“It will be easier for you in Kaon if you’re able to fight,” Megatron growls out.

“Are you saying I’d be in danger?” Optimus gasps. “I thought you said I would be fine in Kaon!”

“Don’t change the subject and answer me,” Megatron growls. His red eyes glow faintly with magic.

“You’re not as scary as you think, especially now that I know you don’t mean me harm,” Optimus tugs his arm again. “Let go.”

“All I said is I have no intention of killing you,” Megatron yanks him closer. Optimus has to brace his free hand on the demon lord’s shoulder so he doesn't fall. “That in no way means you are safe,” Megatron sneers. “All I need is for you to be alive, not in one piece, not sane, and not free.”

Optimus looks at those cold red eyes and chuckles. Who knew one day he would be arguing with the demon lord about his safety? Not that it really matters.

“Stop doing that,” Megatron snaps. He grabs Optimus’s chin with his claws, if this were real Optimus would probably be bleeding. “Stop blocking your emotions from me.”

He isn’t? Optimus frowns at the demon lord. This conversation is confusing and tiring and he would much rather be in the quiet darkness of a dreamless sleep than this. He should be able to leave this dream if he can force himself awake. Optimus pulls his chin from the demon lord's grip and closes his eyes, trying to ‘find’ himself. To feel his physical body. What his senses are telling him. Hopefully, this works.

“Don’t you dare–”

Optimus wakes slowly, he’s groggy and his mouth is dry. He waits a moment before feeling ready to face reality. His eyelids flutter open. The room is dark, a sliver of moonlight streams through a gap in the curtains of a window. It’s quiet, he must be alone? He turns his head and–oh.

The vampire.

He’s tall, thin, and his eyes are covered by a dark gold visor. What little skin is visible, just the lower half of the vampire’s face, is pale and seems to glow under the moonlight. Most of the vampire is covered in black fabric that reminds Optimus of Jazz’s training uniform when he was a cadet. The uniform students of Master Yoketron wear.

“Are you…” Optimus sits up in the bed to make this conversation a little less awkward. The thin blanket that was covering him falls and a chill makes Optimus shiver. The window must be open on the other side of the curtain. “Are you a student of Master Yoketron?”

“...why do you ask?” the vampire frowns. He has a soothing quality to his voice that Optimus has never quite heard before.

“Your outfit is similar to something I’ve seen another student of Yoketron’s wear,” Optimus explains. He glances around the dark room and the moonlight only reveals himself and the vampire. Where’s Ratchet?

“I am,” the vampire says. Optimus waits for an explanation, but nothing follows.

“Why are you on this island?” Optimus asks instead.

“I was…traveling. I stayed here for a few nights, but then the construction crew came, stole my boat, and I didn’t have a blood source big enough to escape from this island,” the vampire frowns. “Does your crew have a boat?”

“Yes, but it’s one of the things we have to get into the water ourselves among other things we need to get done,” Optimus pauses. “How long have I been out?”

“The last half of yesterday and the first half of tonight.”

Optimus groans and rubs a hand over his tired eyes. He’s been out for hours and there’s so much to do for tomorrow. Like unpacking and starting their schedules and getting on that trip to Praxus.

“Here,” the vampire says quietly. Optimus lowers his hand to see a cup of water being held out to him.

“Thank you,” Optimus takes the cup and sips it. The chalky taste of medicine coats his tongue. It takes all his training not to gag and spit it out. Once he gets the sip down he lowers the offensive drink away from his mouth. At least Ratchet isn’t here to make him drink it all at once.

“I need to–” the vampire hesitates before shaking his head. He lowers himself to his knees and bows his head forward. “I took more blood than I should have and didn’t control my venom after. I apologize for the harm I’ve caused.”

“I–please don’t–I mean–” Optimus pauses, takes a breath, and continues more calmly. “I accept your apology, but I offered my blood freely.”

“That doesn't excuse how I acted,” the vampire says, his head still lowered. It feels weird to have someone bow to him and Optimus doesn't know what to say to make it stop.

“Did you hurt anyone else?” Optimus asks after a moment.

“No, I–,” the vampire’s head lifts just slightly before lowering again, offense lacing itself into his tone. “I got enough blood to sate the hunger.”

“If you haven’t hurt anyone else and I am on my way to recovering, then all is forgiven,” Optimus explains.

“I…” the vampire trails off and looks up at Optimus. Despite the magic visor blocking his eyes, Optimus is fairly sure they’re narrowed in suspicion. “That’s all?”

“Yes,” Optimus nods.

“I attacked a Knight of Iacon and all I have to do is apologize and leave?”

“...did you want more?”

“No,” the vampire straightens from his bow. His visor is locked on Optimus, his mouth curved in a slight frown. “It’s suspicious.”

“Ah, well,” Optimus swirls the cup of medicine in his hand. “I have enough paperwork to fill out already as we settle in. If no one’s been hurt and you have no intention of doing this again I would rather just let this go.”

“You were hurt,” the vampire says, carefully.

“And now I’m better,” Optimus waves his hand dismissively. “Did the others try to lock you in a cell?”

“They did, but your security is…lacking,” the vampire purses his lips.

“It’s nonexistent,” Optimus smiles ruefully. “We just arrived today. I don’t even know which bunk is mine yet.” Optimus puts the cup of medicine on the bedside table and throws the sheet off of his legs. He pushes himself onto his feet and immediately wobbles. His head is not as firmly connected to his body as it should be.

“You should sit down,” a calm voice murmurs and hands are guiding him back onto the bed. Optimus resists at first, it’ll pass and he has so much to do.

“I’m fine,” Optimus murmurs as he reaches down to remove the hands. The door to the room flies open and yellow lamp light floods the room. Illuminating him from behind, Ratchet stands with his hands on his hips, filling the doorway.

“Someone is being an idiot.”

Chapter Text

Megatron impatiently stares at the trees. Shockwave wouldn’t have misled him, but it’s past the appointed time. It seems someone lost his nerve and won’t be appearing today.

“MOST MIGHTY MEGATRON! HOW LONG MUST WE WAIT FOR THE UNWORTHY HUMAN?”

“No longer, it seems he isn't going to show,” Megatron scans the trees one last time before turning to his general. He should have brought someone quieter for this meeting, but circumstances didn’t allow it. Well, he may have been the reason Blitzwing was unable to come, but a lesson needed to be taught.

A branch cracking has Lugnut and Megatron ready for an attack. Out of the shadows a human appears, holding his hands up. He is covered completely in black and navy. A magical visor over his face reflects the sun and navy cloth covers the lower half of his face. A big black cat slinks by the human’s black boots. The human stops a step past the tree line.

“You must be Soundwave,” Megatron studies the body language the human can’t quite hide. At least, not from Megatron. The human nods in reply.

“Long Arm says you are willing to help us,” Megatron watches the cat sit, alert and watching the entire clearing. Lugnut is probably staring it down. The big oaf loves animals, but animals do not love him.

“...I will only help with the Alchemist Tower,” Soundwave says quietly.

“Only?” Megatron asks. The human nods again, but Megatron isn’t going to let this go without a proper explanation. A full minute passes without any of them talking. Megatron is amazed Lugnut manages to keep quiet.

“The tower hurts familiars,” Soundwave eventually says.

“Really?” Megatron glances at the black cat sitting at the human’s feet. “Last I knew, the humans practically pampered their familiars.”

“Very few can bond with familiars anymore,” Soundwave’s head tilts down. “Reason unknown. The tower is experimenting to make unnatural bonds happen. Familiars dying is acceptable to them,” Soundwave’s voice takes a dark edge. “Must be stopped.”

“A justifiable reason,” Megatron agrees. Shockwave didn’t mention much about the humans who can bond with familiars. Only that there weren’t many. Of course, the humans decide to experiment and kill to make the bonds happen. Their greed is unlimited. Megatron dreams of the day he can burn all of them into oblivion.

With one exception.

“Well, it seems our plan can help you reach your goal. Why don’t you tell me everything you know, Soundwave?”

Optimus sips his orange juice under the heavy gaze of Ratchet. He’s eaten over half his plate this time, surely he’ll be able to get out of the healing hall now. He looks up and Ratchet has that displeased, debating who needs to be smacked this time, look on his face.

“BOSS!”

The door slams open and Bee runs straight for Optimus.

“No running!” Ratchet snaps.

“Boss!” Bee stumbles to a stop beside Optimus’s bed. “The vampire tried to attack me!”

Before Optimus can even respond a shadow lunges through the window and rolls to a stop on Optimus’s other side. Ratchet swears as he hops out of the way.

“I did not attack him,” Prowl says as he stands. He crosses his arms as his visor locks onto Bee.

“What else do you call jumping out of the darkness at me?” Bee slams his hands on the bed, barely missing Optimus’s leg.

“You were the one hitting the tree I was meditating in,” Prowl replies coolly. Bee inhales, ready to fight.

“Wait, wait, wait,” Optimus sits up and swigs his legs around to get off the bed. This doesn’t feel like a conversation he should be reclining on a bed for.

“Get your ass back in that bed,” Ratchet orders.

“Ratchet, it’s been long enough–”

“Are you the healer here?”

“No.”

“Get in that bed and stay there until I tell you otherwise,” Ratchet growls. Optimus gets back in the bed. “Good, now you two,” Ratchet turns on Prowl and Bee. “Explain.”

“I was practicing on a tree when Prowl jumped out of it to attack me,” Bee accuses.

“I was meditating when someone started hitting the tree I was in,” Prowl explains. “I jumped out of the tree to ask what was going on. You were the one that ran as soon as I landed,” Prowl looks at Bee.

“What else was I supposed to think?” Bee throws his hands up.

“That I just wanted to talk?” Prowl says just as exasperated.

“You’re a vampire!”

Prowl freezes. Ratchet’s body tenses. Optimus inhales sharply. Bee pauses and looks at the three of them.

“What? What did I say?”

Ratchet whirls on Optimus, fists tightly curled. “Tell me what the academy teaches their students. Tell me this is an innocent misunderstanding.”

Optimus realizes this is something they’re all going to need to talk about. The sooner the better. He looks at Bee. “Go get Bulkhead, please.”

Bee looks at each of them very confused. He nods and scurries out of the room. Ratchet scoffs and turns back to organizing his medicines. Prowl’s visor makes it hard to tell where he’s looking, but Optimus is confident in assuming the vampire is watching himself and Ratchet. Moments later, Bee comes back with Bulkhead.

“Grab a seat everyone, I think this conversation is going to take a while,” Optimus gestures to the bed next to him and the one chair in the room that Ratchet claims. Prowl remains standing, the two youngest sit on the bed opposite from the vampire. Optimus is on the bed in the middle of everything, well, it feels like he is.

“Ok,” Optimus takes a breath and gets his thoughts in order. “Everyone who comes of age is required to take the knight exam for Iacon Academy. Those who pass start with general classes to find their strengths. Not all of these students become knights Even fewer earn a title.”

“This doesn’t explain what I want to know,” Ratchet grumbles.

“I’m making sure we’re all on the same page,” Optimus nods. “Now, students in the beginning of their time at the academy are taught how to fight…enemies. How to kill whatever they may come across. From what I remember, that means demons and their allies from the war.”

“They haven’t changed at all!” Ratchet snarls. He stands from his chair and starts to pace from one wall the other. “Time of peace and understanding my ass!”

“Boss?” Bee looks from Ratchet to Optimus.

“The Great War divided many kinds of people. The humans had allies among elves, giants, and fae. The demons had allies with werebeasts, vampires and ghouls. Basically, the people who had to feed on others sided with the demons, everyone else sided with humans,” Optimus explains.

Ratchet scoffs but doesn’t say anything as he continues to pace.

“Many people from the time of the Great War carry prejudices. In the academy, those same prejudices exist. That’s how they focus on teaching how to kill a vampire instead of finding a peaceful solution,” Optimus pauses. “I’m not saying it’s right, I’m trying to straighten this out before it becomes a problem.”

“They aren’t even trying to be ‘inclusive’ like they said, are they?” Ratchet snarls. “They aren’t even trying to make peace, just training children for another war!”

“Well,” Optimus hesitates. “I’m friends with a siren who’s a knight and there’s a werewolf knight.”

“What?” More than one voice asks.

“Sentinel Prime is a werewolf,” Optimus says slowly. “A knight in the class behind me is a siren.”

“Sentinel was a werewolf!?” Bee shouts. “That has to be why he’s so mean!”

Optimus clears his throat and tilts his head towards Prowl. Bee pauses and sinks back onto the bed.

“Not that all dark creatures are...mean...” Bee says, sheepishly.

“Ratchet, were you alive during the Great War?” Bulk asks hesitantly. Ratchet pauses in his pacing.

“I was a war healer,” Ratchet answers. Bee and Bulk’s jaws drop.

“That explains a lot,” Optimus nods.

“Shouldn’t you already know that?” Ratchet narrows his eyes. “You have all of our files, well, most of our files,” Ratchet glances at Prowl.

“Ah, yes,” Optimus lets his gaze wander back to his bed.

“You didn’t read our files?” Ratchet asks slowly.

“I…was going to,” Optimus says, pathetically. Ratchet pinches his nose, takes a breath, and drops his hand.

“Let me save you some time then,” Ratchet calmly continues. “I am Healer Ratchet, half elf and trying to retire from all the nonsense.” Ratchet waves his hand in the air.

“You’re half elf!?” Bee cries, looking Ratchet over. The healer raises a brow.

“Not what you’re expecting?” Ratchet asks coolly. Bee freezes and lowers his gaze, embarrassed.

“Uh, no?”

“I’m half,” Ratchet rolls his eyes. “Half humans almost always look human. Luckily for them, Iacon approves anyone who looks and acts the part.”

“You mean most of the students in Iacon are half-bloods?” Bee, for some reason, looks at Optimus. “What are you then?”

“I’m not a half blood,” Optimus can’t help a small, amused smile. “I’m just human.”

“I don’t believe you,” Bee immediately counters.

“You should be asking if he feels like telling you,” Ratchet sighs. “Manners do exist.”

“I–what?” Bee tilts his head, confused. Ratchet pinches his nose again. Optimus leaves them to it.

“Bulkhead.” Optimus turns to the hunched over, fidgeting kid on the bed. “Any questions?”

“I–I–I’m half giant!” Bulk blurts. He covers his face. “Sorry.”

A beat of silence. Bee hops off the bed to stand in front of his best friend.

“Bulkhead!” Bee jumps up and hugs Bulkhead. “You coulda told me!”

“R-really?” Bulk peeks through his fingers.

“Of course! You’re my best friend!”

“Bee!” Bulk engulfs Bee in a hug. Both of them have big grins on their faces.

“Overdramatic kids,” Ratchet mutters as he sits in his chair again. Optimus focuses on Prowl. The silent statue in the room.

“Prowl?” Optimus asks quietly. The vampire’s head moves just enough to face Optimus directly.

“How long have you all known each other?” Prowl asks.

“About two weeks,” Optimus answers.

“Two weeks,” Prowl mutters. His shoulders relax just enough to realize they were tense. “Two kids, an old grouch, and a martyr. Great.”

“I may be old, but my hearing still works fine,” Ratchet growls.

“And we aren’t kids!” Bee adds as he escapes the hug.

“Does this mean we’re delaying the trip to Praxus until tomorrow?” Prowl sighs.

“If you’re in such a hurry, you can swim to Praxus,” Ratchet meets Prowl’s visor unflinchingly. Prowl turns, a slight frown on his pale lips.

“How about we wait until tomorrow for the verdict? If Ratchet doesn’t clear me, you can go with the crew while I stay here,” Optimus offers. Ratchet grumbles something that Optimus doesn’t think he wants to hear.

“Fine,” Prowl nods and heads for the window. He jumps cleanly through and disappears into the trees.

“Bee, you should apologize to him,” Optimus says after a moment.

“What! Why?”

“You were rude to him,” Optimus explains, gently.

“I–” Bee scowls at the floor. “I will.”

“Do it today,” Ratchet orders. “Now, one of you start getting lunch ready. It’s almost time to eat.”

“Ok,” the two youngest scurry out of the room, Bee chattering excitedly about what to eat. Ratchet hauls himself out of his chair to close the door.

“A werewolf and a siren, huh?” Ratchet asks as he walks back to his chair.

“You saw them both. When Ultra Magnus was sending us to our first station, there was a man with a visor and the other one–”

“The one who glared at you?”

“I-yes.”

“Explains his temper,” Ratchet mutters. He sets the chair back in front of his desk. “Now that all of that is taken care of, we do need to go to Praxus as soon as possible.”

“We do?” Optimus asks.

“We currently have a vampire on the island without a blood supply other than us. I can get some in Praxus.”

“I don’t think Prowl intends to stay with us.”

“We’ll see,” Ratchet mutters. A loud bang from the kitchen interrupts anything they might have said.

“We’re fine!” Bee shouts. A chain of bangs followed by a boom comes from the kitchen. “It’s fine!”

Ratchet pinches his nose again and takes a deep breath. Optimus looks away to hide his smile. At least, this won’t be boring on this station.