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melishade · 1 year ago

Note

I feel sorry for whoever Ymir decides to date in the peaceful timeline because they're gonna have deal with Optimus and Megatron

Peaceful Timeline Pilot

Ymir's Cybertronian Name

You have no idea what you've unleashed! YOU FOOL!

Shout out to @justawannabearchaeologist @echoblaze5 @legitconcrusher @letslipthehounds @favesgrave I think! for listening to me bitch about this shit for months at this point and putting their own input! Let's go!

TW Death. TW Blood.

So let's start off with Oshern. Oshern is someone born in the highlands. He has red curly hair he ties into a bun because it goes past his neck and he needs to keep it tied for work. He's got green eyes, pale skin. His build is somewhere in the middle because he does a lot of grunt work when it comes to his work, like hauling supplies and what not. No facial hair, angular face. And his hands are really calloused from all the stuff he's done in the past.

He used to have a family. A mother and father and two younger brothers. While his brothers loved to fight and roughhouse, Oshern who was someone that enjoyed care and precision. He helps his mother out, who was a baker for his old village. He picks up the craft and listens to his mother's advice about being kind and taking care of others regardless of where they come from. Even when there is darkness in the world, try to not contribute to its never-ending cycle.

He and his father always had disagreements. Oshern was warned about the cruelty of the world, and how he needed to become stronger and harden his heart in order to survive in it. His mother might preach about kindness, and he himself might have been named after the god of peace and love, but not everyone was going to be kind. People do what they must to survive, and he needs to be careful. Oshern knows that his father means well. He's helped his mother out whenever he can and loved his brothers, but there was a lot of responsibility being placed on his shoulders simply because he was the oldest.

One day when he's sixteen, he's asked to get supplies from a neighboring town. He does, but when he comes back, he can only stare in horror as his home has been burned to the ground and ransacked. He abandons his horse and wagon and runs towards it, calling for anyone who might have survived. He's in despair when he sees his mother and father dead on the ground, their throats slit, but his brothers are nowhere to be found. Oshern's at a loss, he doesn't know what to do. He investigates further and is mortified at the sight of large handprints and footprints in the ground outside the village. Oshern steps on something metal and picks it up to see a star with nine edges on it. Oshern realizes that his brothers might still be alive and grabs the wagon and runs after them. It takes days, but he finds them...

on the ground. One of them already dead, the other bleeding out. Oshern goes to the one who's still alive, and his brother tries to speak, but is horrified to see that his tongue is gone. There's nothing he can do though. Oshern can only hold his brother's hand and apologize as he dies in his arms. He looked over at the other corpse and see an axe in his hand. They both had tried to fight their way out, and they failed.

...And he wasn't there for his family. Now they were gone.

Oshern returns to the village with his brothers' in tow. It smells of nothing but death in his old home, but he gathers what's left of the residents that haven't been picked off by scavengers and buries them.

Oshern is lost for about a year and a half. He has nothing but the wagon, the horse, and the supplies he was asked to carry. He scavenges the remains of his home and finds his father's knife and takes it with him. He's aimless and depressed. He falls into himself, and he grows to despise the world around him and its cruelty. He learns from chatter of others about the strength and might of the Eldian Empire and grows even more spiteful. They were the ones that took everything from him, but there was nothing anyone can do. The Empire had this devil, this demon, that was pillaging and destroying everything. Humans were using a monster to do their bidding, and they themselves had become monsters altogether. And Oshern hated it! He hated them! He hated everything! Why the hell was the world like this?! Why did everything have to be taken away from him?!

One day, Oshern is sleeping off a hangover in his wagon, when he hears something. Someone's trying to rob him. Oshern ends up going on the attack and punches the guy out. Oshern's just feeling really pissed off and he's ready to stab him. He's never killed anyone before, but he's been really itching to do so! But someone calls out to thief, calls him brother! Oshern sees the kid, same age as his youngest brother that died in his arms, staring at him in fear, like he was the monster. And he can't....he can't do it. His mother's words ring out to him, about being kind and not contributing more hate into this world of darkness. If he killed him, his younger brother would no doubt end up like Oshern...and he didn't want anyone else suffering like he's been suffering. Oshern puts the knife away and demands to know what they want. The younger brother quickly explains that they're trying to get to a town in Marley. Away from the Eldian Empire! They wanted his wagon, or at least his supplies!

And Oshern does something kind: he offers to take them to the place, which the younger brother accepts, but the older is suspicious. But Oshern offers the both of them food and it seems to ease concerns. They make it to the town in two days, and Oshern has never seen a place so big and bustling with life. The brothers thank him for his help and ask him to stay. They think it would be good for him. The people outside are vultures. They came here to build a new life, so maybe he should too. And Oshern is surprised. It was a simple act of kindness that led him here. Maybe...maybe he should find a new meaning for his life. Oshern ends up discovering a bakery in the town and offers his services. He explains that he can bake and has the resources to travel outside. Little by little, he makes a name for himself in that town. He takes his mother's lessons of being kind, but also his father's caution. The people like his bread, and his boss thinks he's doing a great job. He learns some new techniques while incorporating his mother's recipes. It felt good. But there was still that looming threat hanging over him: the threat of the Eldian Empire and their monster. Would Marley fall, and would this town full of people be next?

But they get an announcement from Marley forces, about a year since Oshern came into the town and made a name for himself. The Eldian Empire has been defeated, the monster was slain, the king was dead. They made a treaty with them, but there was finally peace. The people cheered, and Oshern broke down sobbing. They were safe. They were all going to be okay. A huge weight was finally lifted from his shoulders.

About four years later, Oshern decides to move out of the town and into a small village at the base of the mountain. A quiet life like he used to when he lived with his family. He would make bread as his services, but he could still go to the town if need be to help out at the main shop and get supplies. The people of the village seemed nervous at the idea of welcoming an outsider into the fold, but an old woman decided to advocate for him. A herbalist called Solveig. She says to give the man a chance, and he gets a place of his own in the village. A two-story place. The top was his living quarters, the bottom was his bakery. He enjoys it there. It was calm and quiet. He was glad he moved out here. Solveig is still fairly nice to him and informs him that if he needs help with repairs or supplies to ask for Matthew or Orion's help. He's seen them both. They were dressed rather oddly, and while Orion was kinder to the people, Matthew tended to get into arguments and spats with some of the others. But he does the work properly, so it works out.

A year later, Oshern is working on a new recipe his boss had taught him in the past, when he spots someone's eyes peering over the counter. A little girl with blond hair and gray eyes was looking at him with curiosity. Her hands gripped the edge and she stood on her tiptoes to get a better look. She starts interrogating him, asking what he's making, where he's from, what bread even was. Oshern's endeared. She reminds him of his siblings. Oshern finishes making the bread and decides to offer some to her. She says that she shouldn't take something without paying for it. That's what her Papa told her. Oshern insists that she take it, but then she starts eyeing him with suspicion.

"My other Papa says that people offering things for free usually have nefar-!...naf...evil purposes!"

Oshern almost starts laughing at how cute that was. He knows she's supposed to be intimidating, but oh man that reminded him too much of his brothers. Oshern is a little thrown off by the 'two dads' situation, but asks that maybe she could call one of them over for a trade. She then spots someone and calls out 'Mama', and before Oshern can even question the living situation even further, he spots her. He can feel his face grow red at the sight of the woman. Her child looked like her, the gray eyes and the blond hair. She wore a headband and was in a nice yellow dress and her hair was tied in a low ponytail. She...she looked absolutely stunning. Oshern quickly shook his head. She was probably married! She had a kid! Focus!

Her daughter asks for some bread, and Oshern explains he was willing to offer it to her for free since she never tried it. But the mother pulls out a potato from her bag and offers it to him in exchange for the bread. Oshern takes it, but he can't stop looking at her like a love struck idiot. Oshern offers the bread to the daughter, and he's happy to see that she enjoys it. The two leave, and the girl waves goodbye while saying 'Thank you, Nice Bread Man!'

Oshern can't help but lay awake that night

So they become regular customers for his shop. And Oshern notices a few things. One, the woman doesn't really speak. She writes stuff down in a notebook she carries with her. Two, the child's name is Maria, and she hangs out with either Orion and Matthew whenever they're in the village. Hell, Maria looks at Matthew without fear and crawls all over him.

Three, based on the gossip in the village, the woman (called 'Ymir'), wasn't married. Oshern breathed a sigh of relief and no longer felt guilty. Maybe there was a way to talk to her or something? Introduce himself properly? Oshern is then invited out for drinks with the villagers. The men start asking him questions, about any of the single women that might have caught his eye. The women tell them to stop acting like pigs, but Oshern start blushing and admits there is. After some goading,

"Well." Oshern rubbed the back of his head, "It's...Ymir."

The music immediately stops playing and all the adults look at him with horror. Even the calm and collected Solveig was staring at him like he lost his mind. Oshern's eyes start darting around, confused at the sudden change in atmosphere, but then the screaming started.

"Are you fucking insane?!" half the men had yelled.

"He's gonna get himself killed! Oh my god, he's going to get us killed!"

"It's just a simple crush!" a woman reassured, "Nothing more!"

"That's how it starts!" another woman yelled.

Oshern yelped as a man grabbed him by the collar. "You might have a death wish, but don't drag us down with you!"

"W-what?! Why?! Why?!" Oshern could only muster in fear.

Solveig gets them all to calm down before explaining the story of 'the odd family that lives in the mountains'. A few years ago, a man under the name of Orion comes into the village and asks the women about pregnancies and labor. He explained it was for his daughter Ymir, and that he wanted it to be a private yet safe delivery. They're more than happy to provide, but a lot of people assumed the worst. They haven't even seen Ymir. A few months after Orion arrives, Matthew makes an appearance, trading a goose for a bag of fruits. They mostly kept to themselves, and the village couldn't help but wonder what was happening up there, but no one's gone up there to check. They were too scared. Sometimes they would hear the sounds of thunder even though the sky was a clear as day. But they did see Ymir show herself in the village months later, holding a baby that looked nothing like Orion or Matthew. It didn't even have a name until Solveig suggested the name 'Maria', which ended up sticking.

Oshern doesn't see what the problem is, but he is quickly shushed by some of the men. Solveig then explains how two years after the child was born, a group of men attacked the village. Orion and Matthew defended the village and with their combined forces killed 19 men. Oshern grows tense at that, and the villagers see it. But Solveig explains that the last man alive said that the 'Eldian Empire would rise again'. They didn't know what to make of that. They've never even heard of it. But Orion did, because the kind man grew so furious, he nearly choked the man and dragged him away from the village to his comrades to do god knows what. It was the first time that any of them had seen Orion that angry. And it was the first time that they saw fear in Matthew's eyes, because he even blocked their path and told them to not follow. They don't know what happened to this day, but when Ymir came to see the village before Orion returned, she started panicking at the name of the Eldian Empire. So they all assume that it had something to do with her and why she doesn't really talk in the first place.

Oshern feels empathy for Ymir, remembering his brothers and his parents. But the villagers go right back to warning him about getting involved with Ymir. If he valued his life, leave that family alone. Oshern can't help but feel dejected at that and drops it for a good few years. He still takes them on as customers, and still engages with Maria for small talk. She was a good kid, but any feelings he had for Ymir, he completely squashed down.

And then Maria kicks the ass of kid who's been bullying her. It makes a huge scene. Oshern ends up see a circle around the fight and is stunned to see an eight-year-old Maria shoving her bully's face in the mud, telling him to eat it. Orion comes to break up the fight, and Oshern manages to catch a brief glimpse of Matthew smirking. However, Oshern's gaze falls onto Ymir and sees how mortified and embarrassed she is, and everyone starts loudly whispering about it to their faces. Oshern feels pity. For the next few weeks, Ymir is just looking away in embarrassment. The woman had completely shut down around everyone else as they kept whispering on. Orion gave them looks of warning to shut up and Matthew threatened to not do repairs, but it still wasn't enough. Even when they were gone the chatters still continued, and Ymir was practically being shunned by the village. Oshern was proud that Maria stood up for herself, but he couldn't help but feel bad for the family. When she comes to his shop one day, Oshern does his best to engage in small talk, and reassures her that this will all pass in time. Oshern decides to give her extra bread that he had made. Ymir notices, and the next day, asks why he did using her notebook. Oshern explains while cooking that she deserved a little kindness. Everyone does. She didn't deserve to have the villagers talking about her like that. She was a good person.

And Ymir is touched by those words. She...was never told that by anyone down here before. Ymir offers him an extra potato in response to his words. Oshern tries to say no, but she takes his hand and places the food there. And Oshern's feelings for Ymir come hitting him hard like a storm. They continue trading with each other, giving something extra in return, but they communicate with one another, they enjoy each other's company. And the villagers fucking notice it and are panicking! How is he still alive?! Does Orion and Matthew even know?! Oh god they were screwed! Solveig does confront him one day and reminds him of what he knows. Oshern hesitates but proclaims that he just wants to show kindness to others. He knows what it's like to be alone and he doesn't want that for anyone else. Solveig shrugs and tells him good luck, but not before informing him that the village has started a betting pool of how long he would survive.

Oshern leaves one day to get supplies and returns to try a new recipe; however, he ends up butchering it and starts burning the bread. Ymir sees this when she comes by and jumps over the counter to help him put it out before an actual fire starts and burns his home. Ymir ends up using her hands without thinking to put it out and realizes her mistake, but Oshern notices her hands after he stomps out the burnt bread. He checks her hands, but she quickly snatches them away and brushes them behind her dress. He thanks her for his help but sits on the ground, lamenting the loss of his product and the end result. Ymir sits down next to him. He picks up the burnt loaf and shows it to Ymir, but Ymir, wanting to make Oshern feel better, takes a bite out of the crust. Oshern panics and sees Ymir's face scrunch up in disgust, but she still chews and swallows, refusing to spit it out. Ymir smacks the tongue on the roof of her mouth to get rid of the taste. Oshern apologizes, but Ymir notices the inside and scoops it out before eating that. He sees the way her face lights up before she gestures for him to try. Oshern tries it, and is stunned that it actually tastes good. So tasks failed successfully? And the two begin to share the bread, hollowing it out until the burnt crust remained. Oshern, not wanting to waste it, takes it out back to his horse, and offers Ymir to come with him. She does, and Oshern introduces the woman to his horse. He explains how this horse has been by his side since he left his village a long time ago. Oshern is relieved to see the horse eating the bread and offers Ymir to try to feed it. Ymir is hesitant, but Oshern helps her. He asks for her hand, and...Ymir lets him take it. He guides the hand to the mouth and it eats. Oshern sees the way that Ymir's expression goes from surprise, to admiration for the horse. Oshern quickly lets her go before reassuring Ymir once more that the horse is friendly, petting it alongside the neck.

Oshern and Ymir end up the front of his shop, and Ymir writes to him 'thank you' for the bread and letting her see his horse. And Oshern's elated at that. He thinks now is as good a time as any. Ask her. Ask if they could spend more time outside of work and-!

"Hi, Mama!"

Both adults snapped their heads to see Orion and Matthew visibly panicking with a delighted Maria who was waving at them. Matthew quickly covered her mouth before the two run off with the child in tow.

"O-oh," Oshern stuttered before turning to Ymir, "That was-!"

Oshern paused when he saw a look of concern in those grey eyes. She turns to him and quickly bows her head before walking away. Oshern reached out to her, but...he knew that the moment was gone. Oshern felt eyes on him and turned to see the villagers snapping their heads away before pretending to do work.

One of them: Get the funeral pyre ready.

Now to shift to Ymir's perspective.

Ymir is enjoying her life of freedom. She has Maria. She has Optimus and Megatron. She found a new name for herself (IronSpark). She couldn't ask for anything else.

Well...except for one thing.

Ymir doesn't have friends in the village. She has a few acquaintances. She looks up to Solveig as a wise elder. But friends her age was out of the question, and everyone saw her as part of the odd family. She couldn't help...but be lonely. She sees the way that couples act in the village. All the sweet gifts and marital spats. The desire to get married and have someone to call her lover...it was a desire she's had ever since the Eldian Empire.

But she knows that she wasn't going to get that. She was certain she was never going to get that. Not after all the killing and destruction she's done. Who would ever love a monster like that? Like her? The ostracizing only got worse after the fight Maria had. It hurt. It hurt so much. She wasn't sure Optimus or Megatron would understand what she felt, and she wasn't going to burden her daughter. It was just...one of those things she'd have to carry with her for the rest of her life.

But she's surprised that the baker, Oshern: the outsider as the village called him (even though he's lived in the village for a few years now), is still treating her with kindness. She had memorized the voices in the gossip and chatter, but his was never among them. She asks him why, and Oshern simply says that she deserves to be treated with kindness because she a good person. And...oh...oh....no one...no one here has ever called her that before. She sees the way he smiles at her with those green eyes, and her heart skips a beat. She offers him the potato, and the two start their exchange. That night, Ymir his holding her notebook close to her chest, treasuring his words so deeply in her heart.

Now their exchange and interaction doesn't go unnoticed by the villagers. And it especially doesn't go unnoticed by Maria. She likes Oshern. She thinks he's nice and funny. Maria has noticed the way her mother would look at the other couples in the village and how unhappy she looked. She wanted her mama to be happy. She deserved that didn't she? So when she realizes that Ymir and Oshern are talking, she's ecstatic, and thinks he'll be part of the family.

One day, Optimus and Megatron are watching Maria at the cabin, and are surprised that Ymir is running late. She's never like this.

"She's probably talking to the 'Nice Bread Man'," Maria commented absentmindedly as she continued writing.

Both titans in their holoforms pause before snapping their heads at Maria.

"Who?" Megatron demanded.

"The Nice Bread Man," Maria continues without a care, "His name is...Oshern! And he has red hair and green eyes. I've never met someone with red hair before! It's pretty. They've been talking for a while now. He's the only one who's been nice to her after...after what I did."

Optimus and Megatron both share a look, and are both calculating the possible risks that have come with this unprecedented scenario. Optimus walked up to the table Maria was sitting at before kneeling down.

"Firelight. Sweetspark," Optimus began, "Where exactly is this 'Oshern'?"

Megatron and Optimus take Maria down to the village to spy and to get her to point him out. They do find Ymir, having a one-sided conversation with a red haired, green-eyed man. But before the two could hear what he was trying to say, Maria yells 'Hi', blowing their covering, causing them to grab her and run.

Megatron: Firelight, the point of that mission was stealth!

Maria: I wanted to say hi.

Ymir returns to the cabin, feeling embarrassed. It only gets worse when she sees Optimus and Megatron sitting at the table, silently gesturing to an open chair. And they grill her on who Oshern is and how long they've been talking for. But she keeps her composure, writes down her answers. They don't have enough evidence to pass judgement on him, but letting this stranger into their lives would no doubt put them in danger. However, Ymir has made it clear that she's still going to see him, for both business and personal reasons. And she doesn't want either of them trying to hurt him. She leaves the room, but Optimus and Megatron agree that they need to figure out everything and anything about this man!

For the next few months, Oshern is constantly feeling eyes in the back of his head. He notices Optimus in visible view most of the time, pretending to occupy himself. Meanwhile, Megatron is hiding somewhere in the trees spying from afar. No one in the village can find him, but they know he's there!

Except for Solveig, but she found him on accident while foraging.

But the two titans find nothing. He's polite, he's respectful, he's dedicated to his craft. He was just an overall nice person...which frustrates them both! They both think that something is wrong for different reasons! Megatron because he's naturally suspicious of everyone, and Optimus is just worried for Ymir's safety and doesn't want her getting hurt! Or worse!

Megatron does advice Optimus to not spy on him one day because he's shit at stealth! Optimus relents and Megatron sees that nothing has really changed in his routine! Or his conversations with Ymir! They talk! They trade extra items! Megatron nearly screams when Oshern offers her a flower not native to the region as a kind gesture! Ymir returns to the cabin and both grill her on the flower, but Ymir ignores them and places the flower in a vase against the window.

Megatron's tempted to destroy it but Optimus has to pull him back.

But Megatron does realize that the Baker leaves the village to get supplies from somewhere and forms an idea. He tells Optimus he'll be back before leaving the cabin in dramatic fashion. As Oshern is packing for his trip, Megatron makes himself known by calling him 'Baker' causing Oshern to jump. Megatron interrogates him and asks him where he's going. Oshern explains and the villagers are spying on this, ready to win or lose something from their bets. Megatron decides to 'offer' his help with supplies, thinking the baker will say no. And Oshern remembering what his mother said...says 'yes'. Throwing everyone off, including the former warlord!

Megatron: Did...did you just say yes?!

Oshern as he continued packing: Well, yeah! See, I have an extra shipment of grains coming in because my orders have been increasing, and I just need help hauling it in. You're strong, so I figured I could use the help if offered.

Megatron: No one offers something without wanting something in return.

Oshern: So that's where Maria gets it from.

Megatron: Excuse you?

Oshern, jumping onto his wagon and patting the side: I don't mean that as a bad thing. You're her dad and she looks up to you. So are you coming?

Megatron:...fine.

The villagers are shook as Megatron jumps in the wagon and they head off. They're arguing about what this means for bets, but one of them says that Megatron might just kill him and leave him on the side of the road.

What the hell-?!

It's very likely with him!

Oshern tries to make conversation on the way there, but Megatron is very quiet, only answering yes or no questions. They arrive a few hours later, and Megatron actually quite shocked at the sight of the bustling town. He's actually never seen this many humans in one place. They arrive at the bakery, and Oshern is excited to greet his former boss. The boss is thrown off by the sight of Megatron, but Oshern reassures that he's here to help. They work together to make trades, and Megatron observes the way Oshern interacts with the community around him. And how they really enjoyed his company. He was...respected. Megatron was offered food, but feeling self-conscious about the situation, and actually not wanting to ruin this guy's relationships with the town folk, respectfully declined. Oshern is surprised to see that Megatron isn't acting hostile towards the people. Megatron decides to look around the area out of curiosity, thinking that he could probably bring something back for Maria, but then he sees it.

A fresco in the middle of the town, depicting the scene that he saw when he first arrived here, of the Savior of Heaven coming down from the sky, slaying the Devil of the Earth. The story of how Optimus saved Ymir. Oshern finds Megatron and mistakes Megatron's staring for admiration. Oshern explains how many of the people in this Marleyan town are refugees and victims of the Eldian Empire, coming here for a better life. Oshern states when they heard the news of the Empire falling and the devil being slain, he broke down with tears of joy. Whatever this god was, he hopes that one day he would be able to thank him for freeing this world of tyranny.

Megatron:...I'm sure he knows how grateful everyone is.

Oshern then runs into the two brothers that helped guide him to the town and hugs them with joy, briefly managing to catch up on what they've been doing. The two got jobs and a roof over their heads. They were finally secure. The three continue catching up, so Megatron decides to load the remaining supplies while he does. Oshern says his 'goodbye' and is surprised to see that Megatron has everything ready. The boss does offer Megatron some food to take, and he accepts, simply for Maria and Ymir to try and they return to the village and they head off.

As they head back, Megatron can't help but ask who the two brothers were. Oshern explains that they tried to rob him, but instead of killing them, he decided to show mercy instead. Megatron says that was completely stupid of him and demands to know why he did it. Oshern says that he's just following what his mom used to tell him, about not contributing to the hatred of the world and being kind. Megatron calls him foolish and sentimental, but he can't help but think that's what saved him and brought him here.

The villagers are in stunned silence and both Megatron and Oshern return. Megatron then hands Maria the food provided by the boss, which she's delighted about.

And it's progress. Megatron eases up, but not that much. This time when he spies on Oshern, he intentionally makes himself more visible. Oshern waves whenever he's nearby, causing Megatron to storm off. He hates it! Stop being nice!

Optimus; however, does not ease up. He's in shock that Megatron is actually being nicer to Oshern. Megatron retorts by saying that he can't find anything negative about him! He's tried! There's nothing! Optimus argues to check again, and Megatron retorts by saying he's already done that! Maria asks them why they were acting like this? Mama was happy now. Well, happier. Don't they want her to be happy?

They both nearly cave at Maria's question. Damn it Firelight! Stop using Megatron's tactics against him!

Maria's annoyed at their insistence on spying on Oshern, and just straight up complains to the Baker. (Oshern lets her hang around his shop and shows her how he bakes). Oshern reasons that they just care about Ymir and her. He wasn't going to fault them for that. He missed his father, despite their disagreements. But Maria states that they don't know how happy Ymir's been since they've started talking to each other. Maria tells him about the way Ymir looks at the other couples in the village and how she always looked unhappy. Maria doesn't like to lie, but she asks Oshern not to tell anyone about her thoughts. She doesn't think that her parents would understand. Oshern pats her on the head and reassures her that he won't, and thanks her for feeling comfortable enough to share. He does ask if she feels awkward with him here, but Maria says no, because he makes her mother happy.

Oshern can't help but feel happy at that, but Solveig cuts into the picture when Maria leaves. She tells Oshern she and the other villagers are surprised that Megatron and Optimus haven't killed him yet. Oshern brushes off the comment, trying not to let discouraging words get to him. He...he tells Solveig that he really likes Ymir, and he does want to try and have a relationship with her. He doesn't care how long it takes, or how Orion and Matthew act. He knows that they mean well; they just want to protect them.

"Are you prepared to venture into the unknown?" Solveig asked him.

"I've done that since I was sixteen," Oshern informed as he cleaned out the oven.

"That's not what I meant," Solveig declared, "There's a reason that family has stayed up in the mountains for so long. Why interaction has been limited and why Orion and Matthew have been watching you for so long."

Oshern paused, glancing over at Solveig.

"The longer you entertain this, the more secrets you'll find out. Dark secrets. Words that aren't supposed to be said. Tell me: are you really willing to continue this?" Solveig demanded.

"...yes. I am,"

"Then good luck, Oshern,"

Oshern and Ymir's relationship continues to grow, while the villagers are shocked that he's still alive! HOW?! Oshern still notices the way Optimus and Megatron spy on him, but he's learned to ignore it this time. The two spend time together during work and after. Ymir actually helps Oshern with his writing, while Oshern tells Ymir about his travels and tells her some of his recipes. Ymir even offers him some other products so he can experiment. Their feelings grew, and the more it grew, the more crushing weight fell on Ymir's shoulders. If she let him in, truly let him in, would she have to tell him about her power. What about Optimus and Megatron? What would happen if...she was wrong about Oshern's kindness?

One day, Oshern decides to tell Ymir about his past and how he ultimately ended up in the village. He thinks that she's a victim of the Eldian Empire, and she is, and he thinks telling her will allow them to become closer. But...Ymir is completely and utterly terrified. It's written all over her face. Oshern thinks that she's mortified because of what he went through and tells her not to worry about it. But Ymir simply bows her head, and leaves without a word. But when she gets to the cabin, she rushes to her room before she breaks down sobbing. Of course! Of course it was too good to be true! She was finally able to have a moment of happiness, but now, it was never going to happen! The Eldian Empire attacked his home! She attacked his home! She probably killed his parents and took away his brothers! She would never be forgiven! If she told him the truth now, she would be killed and exiled for it! She....she was a monster! And monsters don't deserve happiness! ...They deserve death.

Optimus and Megatron return to the cabin the next day, but are surprised to see Maria looking at the door to Ymir's room with concern. Maria explains that Ymir was fine yesterday, but she came home crying last night. Optimus wonders why, and immediately assumes that Oshern brought some kind of harm to her. He storms out the cabin, and Megatron follows after him, recognizing that look of rage in Optimus. Oshern is baking, concerned for Ymir's wellbeing in the back of his mind. And then Optimus is grabbing Oshern by the collar and throwing him over the counter and out into the ground. Optimus grabs the still, hot spatula and spins it in his hand and point it at Oshern. He demands to know what the hell he did to Ymir. Oshern's trying his best to explain to him as he crawls backwards, but Megatron quickly grabs his collar and forces him to stand up. Oshern is not liking the look of anticipation in Megatron's eyes as Optimus continues to demand and explanation! What did he do?! Oshern tries to explain as the villagers see this shit go down! Someone quickly alerts Solveig as Optimus is ready to cause some actual harm but-!

Solveig clapped her hands as loud as possible. "ENOUGH!"

Everyone turned their attention to that commanding voice. Optimus and Megatron stop their assault on Oshern, and the Baker looked visibly relieved at the herbalist's arrival.

"Put the Baker down," Solveig ordered, "And all three of you are coming into my house to settle this."

"Sol-!" Solveig raised a hand to the villager that tried to protest this plan.

"This isn't your concern, woman," Megatron proclaimed.

"You didn't even give him a chance to explain himself and jumped right to conclusions!" Solveig explained, "The boy has been kind to the both of you despite your insistence on spying on him every other day! He makes one mistake, and suddenly he has to suffer for it?!"

Solveig points to her home. "House."

"Solveig, you don't-,"

"NOW!" Solveig yelled at Optimus.

The villagers are shook to see Optimus and Megatron comply.

The three men are now sitting at Solveig's table and gives Oshern some tea, but he cannot drink it out of fear of the two titans staring him down. She immediately turns her attention to Oshern and asks what happened, earning protests from Megatron. Solveig tells him be quiet. Megatron says fuck you. Solveig tells him to sit down, and he begrudgingly complies. But Solveig does demand Oshern explain properly or she will let them have their way with him. But Oshern is confused. He only told Ymir about his life story and how he was a victim of the Eldian Empire! That was it! But that gets a visible reaction out of all three of them. Megatron is looking concerned, Optimus is both horrified and guilty, and Solveig can't help but feel annoyed at the completely fucked up situation she was finding herself in. Solveig tells the two to leave, but tells Oshern to stay, and they comply. Solveig reminds him of her warning to him, and how he's falling deeper under the rabbit hole of secrets, but now there was a chance of being unable to turn back. Oshern insists he needs to know if Ymir is okay, but Solveig advises Oshern to let Ymir come to him. And he accepts this advice.

It takes a few days. Optimus tries to comfort Ymir, but nothing he does is enough. She's practically relapsed. Both Megatron and Maria are worried, but they don't know what to do. They were stuck. Ymir is sitting one evening, holding some bread that they managed to save in her hand. And...she can't stop thinking about him and how kind he was. She knows...she knows for a fact that he was going to hate her once he knew the truth, but...she loved him too much to hide it from him. And if she died...then so be it. She would be allowing someone some much needed justice. Ymir goes to Maria's room and peers inside to see Optimus and Maria talking to each other, the titan trying to reassure her daughter. Ymir then turns to leave with her notebook, exiting the cabin and going down to the village.

Oshern is in complete agony over this wait. His heart can't take it. He's been waiting for days, and the people have been talking. Hell, no one from the cabin has been down in the village! Oshern closes up shop, getting ready for bed, when he hears someone speak his name in a whisper. He turns and is both shocked and elated to see Ymir standing there. She...she could talk? And she said his name? Ymir speaks once more, and it's to apologize to Oshern. She's says that she's not good. That she's horrible. Oshern immediately reaches out to reassure her that she's not, but she takes a step back, not allowing herself to touch him or be touched. Ymir asks if they could go somewhere to talk, and...Oshern agrees. He grabs a lantern and his wagon, and the two ride off together into the full moon night. Oshern sees how nervous Ymir was, holding her notebook so tightly he was certain she was going to break it.

Ymir then pulls the reigns to tell the horse to stop. Not once does she touch his hand. Oshern is confused as they arrive at an open field. They both jump off and Oshern tries to ask her what's wrong, but she's still speaking to apologize. Repeatedly. It's the most he's heard her speak, ever, and she was using it to apologize. Ymir tells Oshern to stay there. To not come near her. He tries, because she still hadn't explained what was going on, but she finally touches him, only to actually push him to stay back. She gestures for him to stay there, and he complies. Oshern sees her walking farther and farther away from him before stopping. Oshern manages to see her biting her hand, and lightning comes down from the sky. Oshern has to grab his horse because it got spooked, and Oshern sees a giant forming, almost as tall as the sky. It had bones sticking out of his chest and a skull for a face, and...blond hair. Oshern grips the reigns tighter and stares on in fear, remembering the fresco in the town, depicting...the Devil of the Earth. Ymir...was...was the Devil? The weapon of the Eldian Empire?!

Oshern gasps when Ymir falls over, causing the ground to shake and the dust to rise. He sees Ymir pull herself out of her titan form, and trudges over to him before falling to her knees in submission. He doesn't see her face, and her hair has come undone from its ponytail. Now, Oshern doesn't know what to think. The child in him, the one that lost his family all those years ago, was screaming at him, telling him to kill her. She was there. She was part of the group that took your home! He still had his father's knife on him. Kill her! He's never killed anyone before, but he moves his hand towards the knife.

"Kill...me...if you must." Oshern's hand stopped when he heard Ymir speak.

"...I'm...monster....devil...demon," she continued, "murderer...I don't...deserve kindness...or...love...I deserve...death....but...sorry....Oshern...sorry..."

Oshern could see her body trembling. He could hear her trembling breath, but not once did she raise her head to face him. Oshern's hand slowly fell back to his side. The adult in him, the one that grew past the Eldian Empire, only remembered Ymir's kindness and patience. He remembered how much she loved her daughter, and how much Maria adored her. He remembered how Ymir constantly helped out wherever she can in the village. And no matter how often the village scorned or ridicule her family, not once did she use her power to harm or kill anyone. She was bowing before him, giving him permission to end her life!

Oshern looked down at his trembling hands. What...what was he supposed to do?! Should he listen to the logic of his father?! Should he listen to the kindness of his mother?! Oshern then remembered the two brothers, and how he decided to show them mercy. It saved all three of them, and it helped them build a better life. He did not contribute to the hatred in the world, and it brought him here. If he killed Ymir, he would no doubt be doing irreparable damage. He would leave Maria without a mother. He would leave Orion and Matthew without a daughter. He would be killed or hunted for the rest of his days. He would...he would destroy a family. And that was the last thing he wanted to do: he did not want to contribute to the hatred in the world.

Oshern slowly kneeled down in front of Ymir. "Ymir...can you please look at me?"

It felt so strange asking a powerful deity for permission to look at someone like him. She had the power to crush him. He couldn't help but think it to be so surreal. Oshern grew tense when she raised her head. He wasn't sure what he was going to be looking at, but...his heart stopped. Her face was covered in red markings that went down from her eyes to the bottom of her cheeks. Steam still arose from her body; he could feel the heat radiating off of her. But...her eyes never changed. Her beautiful grey eyes, filled to the brim with tears, still glistened as brightly as the first day they met all those years ago. She was still...the same person...that he fell in love with.

"You're..." Oshern couldn't find the words, "You're beautiful."

Ymir's eyes widened in shock, and her mouth hung open. Beautiful? Why would he call her that? She wasn't beautiful. She was a monster. A slave. Why would after knowing the truth, would he call her that? She shook her head and covered her eyes with her hands. No! No, that was wrong! This was wrong! There's no way that this could be real!

"No..." Ymir's voice trembled, "No...not...not!" Her breath hitched in her throat, her lips trembled, and more tears fell. "Not!"

Oshern couldn't help but feel terrible for Ymir. What had she gone through, to make her not believe those words? He was expecting something cruel and heartless, but she was just as much of a victim as anyone else. Oshern raised both hands, and rested them on Ymir's cheeks. Ymir froze at the sensation of his touch, removing her hands from her face and staring at him. Oshern felt how hot her skin was to the touch. He felt the grooves of the markings in her skin. He felt her tears staining his hands.

"You are." Oshern leaned in close, confusing Ymir greatly. What...what was he doing? Ymir gasped as Oshern placed a small, feather-light kiss on her lips. He remained there, choosing not to pull away, but also giving Ymir enough room to move if need be. He didn't want to frighten her, but she needed to know how he felt. Ymir...couldn't comprehend. She...she was being kissed. Like...the others couples she saw. Not once has she been kissed. She'd never been kissed before. Now this man, who was hurt by her actions, not only called her beautiful, but was kissing her. This beautiful, kind-hearted man, was still choosing to show her love and affection.

Before Ymir could even consider reciprocating, Oshern released her lips and let her go. Oshern smiled at her, and Ymir raised her fingers to her lips, the burning and electrifying sensation still lingering. The tears started to even more now, and before Oshern could ask what was wrong, Ymir wrapped her arms around him and hugged him so fiercely. She sobbed in his shoulder, still trying to come up with words of apologies. Oshern only hugged her back in response, cradling her head and pulling her closer. He wasn't going to let her go. He wasn't.

Oshern does say that he has questions before carrying her to the wagon. They both lie down in there, and Ymir gives him her notebook. He reads her life story. How when she was younger, her village was burned to the ground, and she was taken as a slave. She was drugged, physically abused, and had her tongue ripped out of her mouth. She was forced to become a slave. (Oshern is thinking about his brothers in that moment. They must've tried to fight back in order to free themselves.) She let a pig escape one day, and the slaves blamed her to save their own neck. She had her eye gouged out, and she was hunted for sport in the woods. She then came across a tree, fell inside the root of it into some liquid. She felt something connect with her back, and she was granted this power. So, she was forced to return, because she had nowhere else to go, even if she did try to escape and kill her captors. She was still abused and ostracized in the Empire, called a slave or a monster. She was...she was violated by the Eldian king. And then...Orion came into her life. He had called for her, showed her mercy, and promised to protect her. And...she let him save her.

Oshern can't help but realize how much of that explains so much. But what about the Savior from Heaven. Was that real then? What about Matthew? And where did Maria come from? He wanted to ask more, but he sees how exhausted Ymir is, and decides to wait another time. They return to the village early in the morning, and Oshern offers to let her stay to rest, but she declines. She needs to go back to the mountains, to her family. Oshern understands and tells her to be safe, but Ymir is still taken aback by his kindness. She speaks, saying that she didn't deserve him, but Oshern proclaims that she deserved so much better. Ymir then kisses Oshern on the lips. It was unpracticed, awkward, they had bumped their noses together, but both are blushing. They didn't mind. Ymir and Oshern say their goodbyes and Ymir returns to the mountains. Oshern can't open up shop that day. He really has to sit and think about what he's learned. He knows that Ymir didn't kill his parents or the others from his hometown, but she was a force for the Eldian Empire. She had revealed her deepest darkest secret expecting death, but broke down at the slightest show of actual kindness. He supposed his father was right. People did what they had to in order to survive.

When Ymir returns to the cabin, both Optimus and Megatron are there while Maria is eating breakfast. Optimus immediately walks to Ymir with concern, asking where's she been. They'd been searching for her! Ymir closes her eyes and speaks, and confesses that she told Oshern the truth about her power. Both titans are mortified while Maria is excited. She thinks Oshern will be part of the family, but now all of them were arguing with each other. They were scolding Ymir at how absolutely fucking reckless that was! What was the purpose?! Why did she tell him?! There was a difference between dating someone and telling them you're deepest darkest secret that had a real-world impact on their surroundings! Ymir retorts with her notebook, saying he deserved to know after what she had done. Optimus then brings up the fact that he could very well tell the other villagers and they would be forced to leave their home because they would want her dead!

"What?!" Maria exclaimed with concern shooting up from the table. All heads turned to her at the realization of their mistake. They had forgotten about Maria. They should have known she was still there. This wasn't for her to hear.

"Megatron, take Maria outside," Optimus ordered before turning back to Ymir, "I need to speak to IronSpark alone."

"C'mon." Megatron walked over to Maria and grabbed her hand.

"But-!" Maria tried to protest, but Megatron shot her a look of warning, causing her to shut her mouth. Megatron took Maria outside the cabin, leaving both titan and titan shifter alone.

"You clearly were not thinking, and let your emotions get the best of you," Optimus accused.

Ymir scribbled in her notebook. "That's not fair!"

"IronSpark, you know how people would treat you if they found out about your power!" Optimus reminded, "You know how people have treated you in the past! Now you reveal your power to someone we do not know well enough or trust because you let your feelings for him cloud your judgement!"

"He was a victim of mine!" Ymir wrote down, "I helped attack his home and take away his family! He deserved to know! More than anything!"

"That decision was foolish!" Optimus declared, "Because you did not consult us about it! The village could come up here if and when he tells them, and the life we have struggled to build since that day will be destroyed! We will have to go on the run! We may be forced to hide for the rest of your lives if word got out that you were still alive! Do you want that life for Maria?! Do you want to put her in danger?!"

"That is so hypocritical coming from you!" Ymir declared.

"Excuse you?!" Optimus raised his voice, "I have done everything in my power to keep you safe!"

"What about Megatron?!" Ymir demanded, "I was weak! I was defenseless! I was pregnant! You told me that he was your enemy! You told me that he was a possible threat! He was a threat to my life and you let him be around me while I was seven months pregnant! Why did you let him stay that long if you knew how much of a danger he was to us?! Why did you choose to make excuses for him time and time again?!"

"IronSpark, I had no one else to turn to in that moment, and you know this!" Optimus reminded, "I could not consult the villagers without risking your powers being exposed!"

"He looked at me like I was vermin for months!" Ymir told him, "Like I was a disease or a pet! And you made excuses for him! Was it out of love, right?! Because that is the only reason that I can think of that Megatron stayed this long!"

"I made a calculated decision to protect you!" Optimus declared, "When people are exposed to a secret like yours, they could reveal their true nature! Show that they are monsters!"

"Oshern is not a monster!" Ymir declared, "He's been so kind to me! If anything, I'm the monster! I'm the demon! I'm the one with blood on my hands!"

"That's still-!"

"NO!" Ymir forced herself to shout slamming her fist against the wall. Optimus froze in shock, never hearing such an angry outburst from the quiet woman. Ymir pointed at Optimus with anger and sorrow in her eyes. "...no." She shook her head, "He...saw...me."

She pointed to herself. "Looked....at....me....called...'beautiful'." Ymir slammed her hand against her chest. "Never....never...called...."

Ymir wiped the tears that were starting to form in her eyes. "I...love...him. My...choice."

Ymir ends up storming over to her room to sleep, but Optimus feels so fucking bad!

The next few days are tense for the cabin. Ymir and Optimus aren't communicating. She'll still communicate with Maria, barely with Megatron, but she and Optimus are not talking at all. All of them are worried about a mob that might come up. An ambush. Megatron is waiting outside the cabin and Maria packs a bag of only her bare essentials. She's worried she can't take everything. But...nothing happens. Megatron goes to spy on the village, and Oshern, but sees the village going about its business. He sees Oshern still selling his bread, making jokes and being friendly. There was no secret code. No late night meeting about how to attack them. Oshern...didn't say a word. He kept Ymir's secret.

Megatron relays this information to Optimus, but Optimus...Optimus can't trust this. Optimus goes down there and straight up confronts the Baker about whether or not he told anyone. Oshern intentionally plays dumb, almost getting a rise out of the Prime, but Oshern explains that the villagers are watching. Optimus looks behind him to see villagers spying on the both of them. Oshern offers for Optimus to come inside his home...and the Prime accepts.

Villagers: Okay, this is where Oshern is gonna die

Optimus sees the upstairs of his home and how neat it is. Oshern offers Optimus something to eat, but Optimus declines, saying he's on business. He needs to know if what he's saying is truthful, and demands to here Oshern's life story. Oshern agrees...as long as Optimus doesn't kill him. And Oshern explains everything, and Optimus is just stunned. This...this is what his spark meant. This is what Ymir was talking about. And he had no idea that his actions that day had this far-reaching consequence. And Optimus goes from feeling bad to feeling worse. Oshern sees Optimus' visible stress and reassures Optimus that he understands why he did what he did. He gets now that he just wanted to keep Ymir safe. That's fine. Oshern is stunned when Optimus does apologize for the way that he acted, and Oshern accepts it, no questions asked.

However Optimus does warn that if he betrays Ymir's trust, he and Megatron will do everything in their power to make his life hell on earth before killing him. Oshern nods, and confesses that he does love Ymir. He'd do anything for her. Optimus doesn't reply to that and takes his leave. He asked how Optimus even saved Ymir in the first place, curiosity getting the better of him, but Optimus doesn't reply to that either.

Again, the villagers are fucking stunned to see Oshern still alive and running business! Majority of them have lost their bets at this point! How is he still breathing?! When Optimus returns to the cabin, to Ymir, no words are said, but there's an exchange of looks, Optimus gestures to the door, and Ymir runs. Maria confused, but Megatron asks if he's certain Oshern is fine. Optimus nods yes, but Megatron can see concern and fear, but Megatron is certain that it doesn't have anything to do with Oshern's kind nature. Oshern has returned to running his business when he sees Ymir running to him. Oshern jumps over the countertop to meet her and Ymir tackles him into a hug and he spins her around. Half of the villagers are fucking dead at the sight of that shit. Meanwhile Solveig is smiling with contentment.

But now that Oshern knows the truth about Ymir, it's like a weight had been lifted from Ymir's shoulders. She was happy and still overwhelmed with the idea of someone loving her completely. The two are able to spend more time together, albeit with some interference. Optimus is still watching them with concern, which is something Solveig notices. Megatron has thrown potatoes at Oshern if he thought that something was getting out of hand. But he takes it in stride which infuriates the ex-con. Maria has to constantly tell both her Papas to stop, and they have nearly buckled multiple times! She likes Oshern! He's nice and is teaching her how to bake! Stop it!

But after all the time they've spent together, Oshern fully believes he wants to spend the rest of his life with Ymir. He wants to be with her, flaws and all. He wants to be part of her family. But...he knew how much Ymir and Maria meant to Optimus and Megatron. And he knew for a fact that he was going to need their blessing. So Oshern manages to stop the two of them one day in the village (Ymir isn't there), bows to the both of them, and asks for Ymir's hand in marriage. The whole village practically pauses when they hear Oshern speak those words. Optimus' mental state fucking shatters, and Megatron is in complete and utter confusion, because the uncultured swine doesn't know what marriage is. Optimus has to pull Megatron aside and explain in Cybertronian what the hell he's talking about, which gets a much more visible reaction out of the former warlord.

Optimus in Cybertronian: It's the equivalent of a sparkbond Megatron!

Megatron: EXCUSE THE PITS OUT OF YOU?!

Now those two are having a full-blown argument in another language, with the village watching and eating snacks eagerly like it's a soap opera. Oshern is just standing there so nervously, waiting for approval or rejection. Because the two of them are discussing the fact that if they say yes, they have to reveal who they are. There was no in between. But Oshern had kept Ymir's secret, and she's the one that's done actual damage on this world. That conversation lasts a good while, but they come to an agreement and face Oshern. They are going to invite him up the mountain to discuss this further.

Villagers: Holy shit!

Oshern accepts their proposal, and the villagers are looking at him like he's fucking insane! They have to pull him later aside and tell him to not go! No one's been up the mountain before! They say its haunted! He's going to die! Solveig brings up the fact that she was invited once but chose not to go. Oshern tells them all to stop. He loves Ymir; her guardians are just concerned. That's it. They all think this man is stupid! Oh my god!

Oshern didn't know when he was expected to come, but a few days later, a nine-year-old Maria shows up. Bouncing with excitement at the idea that someone is finally coming over to their place. Oshern ends up following her up the trail to the mountain with a small gift of good will, and the villagers watch with concern.

One of them: Get the funeral pyre ready.

And Maria is continuously talking as they hike up there, the girl not even showing signs of exhaustion. Oshern can't help but feel nervous as they reach the top and go through some trees. The villager's superstitions were getting to him. They reach the cabin, and Oshern is stunned to see how nice it was. It was a simple cabin planted in the middle of a grassy field surrounded by the forest. It was so peaceful. And then he's met with the sight of Optimus and Megatron fighting with swords in their holoforms, and they are really going at it. Maria grabs Oshern by the hand and drags him along, but his eyes are glued to the sight before him. Holy shit they were strong. The villagers were not joking about that! Maria says hi to them as they're fighting, and both immediately stop, pointing their swords at their necks.

"Uh...hi." Oshern waved nervously.

"Oh, it's you," Megatron says with disinterest.

Ymir comes out to greet him, all dressed up with her hair braided. She just hugs him outright, and Oshern has to raise his hands in surrender at the sight of the two guardians holding weapons! Ymir then pulls him into the cabin with the biggest grin on her face, stunning all the men there. She shows him around the cabin she had spent the past few days cleaning top to bottom because she personally wanted to make a good impression. She then pulls him into the living room and asks him to sit down. Maria sits down next to him and starts to talk his ear off once again. Oshern can't help but notice Optimus and Megatron looking from outside the cabin. Megatron is watching him with warning, but Optimus is looking...solemn. Oshern's train of thought was broken when Ymir serves him and Maria stew and the three of them eat together. Oshern can't help but praise her cooking, and...it's a perfect moment between all three of them. Oshern asks if Optimus and Megatron are going to eat, but Maria says they eat different food, earning a shushing gesture from Megatron. Optimus places a hand on his shoulder before approaching the three. He looks at Oshern directly and tells him that he and Megatron wish to show him something.

"Megatron?" Oshern questioned in confusion. Oshern looked over to see the former warlord waving at him before looking back at Optimus.

"We're gonna tell him?!" Maria exclaimed excitedly, while Ymir stared at Optimus in surprise.

"That is...why we invited him up here," Optimus relented.

"YEAH!" Maria screaming as she ran out the door. Megatron quickly grabbed her.

"Don't get too excited," Megatron warned, but the child giggled with delight.

Oshern notices the way that Ymir and Optimus are looking at each other, and he could tell the conversations had and the words being said before Optimus leaves the cabin. Ymir takes Oshern by the hand and gives a reassuring smile before pulling him along to follow the others. Oshern is just being pulled along, watching this family be cheery and happy with one another. Megatron, apparently that's his name, is helping Maria play along the river as they go deeper into the mountains. But Optimus hasn't said a word once. He's been so quiet. Oshern is concerned for him. They get to an open area, and Oshern is definitely feeling a strong sense of Deja vu right now. Megatron then calls Optimus by his actual name, which sets him off more. And Optimus tells Oshern that he once asked him about how he saved Ymir. But before Oshern can ask, Optimus and Megatron deactivate their holoforms and reveal their true identities. Megatron comes down from the sky in dramatic fashion while Optimus drives up. And Oshern is in genuine shock at the sight of two metal titans before him. Instinct is screaming at him to run, but Maria runs up to what he assumes is Megatron, and he picks her up with so much care despite his claws. Optimus explains the basics, their names, and that they are beings from another world. And so much shit is clicking for this baker right now while he's also having an existential crisis! Ymir hopes that he's okay, but Oshern nods, despite how nervous he looks. But Megatron enjoying making him squirm. Optimus tells him that he is more than welcome to ask any questions.

Oshern took a deep breath. "I have two. Are all of you just titans?! Is that a trend in this family?!"

Maria raised her hand from Megatron's shoulder. "I'm not!"

"Unfortunately," Megatron grumbled.

"Megatron," Optimus scolded before turning back to Oshern, "And your second inquiry?"

Oshern turned his attention directly to Ymir. "Will you marry me?"

Ymir's mouth dropped open while Optimus and Megatron stared in shock. Meanwhile Maria, gasped with excitement.

"He asked!" Maria yelled.

"We did not agree to that!" Megatron yelled.

"Well you revealed your forms to me! I am assuming I am welcome in this family!" Oshern shouted at Megatron before turning back to Ymir. "I have a million thoughts running through my head right now about everything, but one thing has remained the same. I love you. I love you so much. I love your daughter. She reminds me of my kid brothers, and I love being able to teach her what I know. Despite the fact that I have been met with constant hostility from them!"

Oshern pointed to the two titans. "I respect them. And understand completely why they wanted to keep you safe for all this time. And...I love you. From the moment you walked into my life that feeling never stopped growing. You are strong and patient and kind. And I don't know how the gods brought you into my life, but I would not change the path that I have walked if it meant I got to see you again."

Oshern took Ymir's hand and held it close to his chest. "I might not be as strong or as reliable as your guardians, but I swear to my last breath, I will do everything in my power to give you a life of happiness. One you desperately deserve. No matter what comes our way, I will not leave you. So..."

Oshern felt his hand trembling. He couldn't tell if it was because of him or the woman he loved. "Will you marry me?"

Ymir could only stare. Not a single word came out of her mouth. He...he wanted to...this kindhearted man. A man so different in every way from the king, asked for her hand in marriage. He promised to love and protect her. And she....she could only dream of a moment like this. She never thought it would actually come true. And now...she had to say something. C'mon! Say it! Say your answer!

"We did not agree to you asking her for marriage!" Megatron shouted at Oshern, "Prime, tell him!" However, Megatron could only see that the Prime looked just as dumbstruck as Ymir. "By the Allspark, I seem to be the only one who has sense here! You will not-!"

"Yes," Ymir spoke with absolute confidence, causing Megatron to stop in his tracks. She raised her free hand to her mouth, almost completely blind-sided by her own response.

"Y-ymir...you said..." Oshern could only muster, in shock at her response. Ymir could feel her hand trembling, but...she repeated her answer again.

"Yes...," she started...laughing in disbelief at her answer to Oshern's question, "Yes." Her smile grew bigger as the tears began to fall down her face. "Yes." Her hand stopped trembling before she reached out for her fiancé. "Yes!" She pulled him close and slammed her lips onto his. She carded her fingers through his curls and was able to smell and taste bread and stew from his lips. Oshern felt tears streaming down his cheeks, emotional that she had said yes to him. He held her close to him, continuing to reciprocate Ymir's physical affection to him.

Megatron groaned as he ran a servo over his face. "I hate humans, so much."

"I'm gonna have a third Papa!" Maria cheered from his shoulder.

"And you're too simplistic for my liking," Megatron told Maria.

Optimus didn't know what to say. He didn't even know how to feel. He felt this churning pit in his stomach when he shouldn't have. He was supposed to be happy for his IronSpark. Why did he feel so...scared and uncertain?

The couple released each other and looked each other in the eye. They continued laughing together, wiping each other's tears before hugging each other. They were able to ignore everything else, and just focus on them.

The next morning, the villagers are extremely worried and anticipating the worst in regard to Oshern. Some are even questioning if they should go up there, but they all pause when they see Maria running down the trail with a smile on her face. They see Oshern still alive, walking in tandem with Ymir and even holding her hand. Megatron is trailing right behind them, and trailing behind Megatron is Optimus. They all meet the villagers down at the bottom, and they all can't help but want to know what the hell happened.

"We're getting married!" Oshern announced.

The villagers look at Oshern and Ymir like he's got a third eye. They snap their heads to Megatron and Optimus for confirmation, causing the former warlord to roll his eyes.

"We had no control over what they wanted," Megatron admitted, while Optimus did his best to look away and not show his face.

Suddenly, they all hear someone laughing. They turn to see Solveig using a cane to support herself, holding her side as she continued laughing.

"I have never been so happy to be alive than right now!" Solveig cackled.

And then the screaming and questions started.

BTW Solveig betted that Oshern and Ymir got together. She won that bet!

(Look I have...so much more I want to say about this, but this is officially the longest ask that I have ever written. I will write out the marriage. I've made my decision on that. And are no doubt more notes about Oshern and Ymir's relationship that I would need to go over in another ask or a personal post.

But, btw, Rose does exist in the Peaceful Timeline, she's Maria's half sister. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed.)

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