#once again I got sidetracked from a larger piece I’m ALMOST DONE WITH

[itsafreetrialofdeath]

chosen of a half-remembered god

[lunawritingspaceoxoxxx]

Unresponsive II

Three months

Three

Three months

Y/N thrived in the art world, their first displayed piece expressed the raw feeling of losing a love that was so exciting and heart racing and trying to manage in this bland, cold world. They glanced out towards the concrete jungle, watching people hustle and bustle around; single mothers, business men, ladies of the night, etc. They sighed, walking towards the canvas, rubbing their face as they tried to create anything from this creative funk. They knew this was coming from the trip to the falling out with Jennie, suppressing it until they couldn’t anymore, breaking down from just feeling absolute shit from just everything, they cried for their lost friendship, for Damiano, for everything that they sacrificed to get her. When they first started dating Damiano, they were in college for communications and journalism and for the most part, they enjoyed it for the most part and they thought it was going to stick for the most part and then they met Damiano. He came through like a hurricane, tearing through their world and showing them more than just their little small town as he sent pictures of places that he toured at, sending love letters and expensive jewelry.And they cherished every single one, keeping them in a small box underneath their bed, unable to stand even looking at them. Y/N rolled their neck as they pulled off their shirt, tossing it to the side as they grabbed a paint can as they stared at the blank canvas in determination.

TWO WEEKS LATER

“‘Up and coming painter,Y/N L/N, has been hospitalized at New York’s mental hospital. They’ve been experiencing vivid hallucinations and long periods of mania, breaking the glass of their high rise apartment. One theory is giving a little bit of insight to why they’re acting like this, some say she hasn’t been sleeping well or sleeping at all. They recently did a painting stream and you won’t believe this, for almost 30 hours. Some say that they didn’t move either, to eat or relieve themselves, so they potentially have an eating disorder as well.’'

Ethan scoffed as he changed the channel, tossing the remote to the side. “Lo sa ancora (Does he know yet)?” Ethan questioned as he opened a bottle of liquor, pouring himself a glass along with Thomas and Vic. “No, but he’ll probably know soon, you know he kept tabs on them. I don’t know why though, I’m pretty sure that they’re over with.” Damiano stepped through the door, looking worse for wear as he stomped through the room, taking the swing of the bottle. “Damiano….” “Just don’t. I don’t want to hear it, I know they’re in the hospital and-” “Dude, we’re just wondering if you’re okay, we don’t care about them-” Damiano stopped as he glared at Thomas, bending down in front of him. “I don’t give a shit how I feel, but you’re not going to disrespect Y/N in front of me. You can do it anywhere else, but around me.” Ethan quietly watched him as he slammed the door shut. “Maybe he’s onto something, he knows them better than us, maybe they’re nice.” Vic spoke up after a while, rubbing her neck as she felt an insane amount of guilt. She knew that Y/N knew that, and the rest of the band didn’t like them. They were so different from Damiano’s partners, none of his partners were foriegn, Y/N was an American and they did things differently than they do. “Are you okay, Vic, you look like you have an idea that none of us are going to like.” Vic was going to make this right and help these two useless lovebirds. “Pack all of your shit, we’re going to America.”

“What do you mean they’re not here? Where could they go?” The receptionist stared blankly at three before grabbing the phone. “If I knew that, I still couldn’t tell you because of HIPAA, if you don’t leave, I will call security.” They quickly stepped out of the building, disappointed as they looked at themselves. “Okay, so we’re going back home right?” Ethan looked done with everything, glaring at the paparazzi that made their way down the street. “We’re going to look for them, I’m not giving up, Damiano is close to shutting down completely and leaving the band. We owe it to him to at least help him either get back together or help him move on.” Vic realized during the ten-hour flight how well Damiano was doing much better with them in his life, they actively made sure that he was eating and remembering important small details. They were a match made in heaven and according to Vic, everyone needed someone to manage in the cruel world. “I know that they have a friend named Jennie, we just have to find where she’s at.”

“The world hasn’t been too kind to you, hasn’t it?” An older man glanced towards the backseat, frowning as he occasionally watched his child sleep. They looked exhausted and ready to throw in the towel from this brutal boxing match. He remembered them, crying into the phone, on the verge of a panic attack as they tried to form a coherent sentence and the next thing he knew, he was on a flight headed to New York. He knew that after the death of their mother, his wife, that they weren’t okay, but it was their senior year of high school and they got into a very prestigious school. They just kept going and going, no time to grieve and he was surprised that it took them so long to do so. As a father, he wanted to protect them from the outside world and yet, he couldn’t be there for them and it frustrated him so much. He pulled into a dirt road, sighing as they made their way down that familiar path. “I just want you to be happy again, just have this snarkier, larger than life attitude, and enjoy yourself. If you didn’t know, I’m proud of you and I’ll make sure that you know that for the rest of your life.”

“So you’re that Måneskin? Not going to lie, I thought Y/N was lying about him, you know? They seem a little...off the rails.” Ethan furrowed his eyebrows at Jennie as she basically walked around naked. “Is there another Måneskin band that we don’t know about? I’m getting sidetracked, where is Y/N? I know they had a breakdown and I thought in America you had to stay there for three days so?” Jennie just looked at the other woman, shrugging her shoulders as she walked into her kitchen, dancing to trashy pop music. “I really don’t know and I really don’t care, I didn’t consider Y/N as my friend. When they came to New York, I just took advantage of that, they were from the South. They came here and wanted to make all of the friends, wanting to get close with everybody and you know what? I could see them, slowly crack and not be their cheerful self and -” “God, no wonder they acted like that, they have you in their right ear, being a negative bitch and making themselves feel like shit.” Thomas spoke up as she pouted, making Ethan and Vic wear a puzzled look on their faces. “How are you making this about yourself? They’re obviously not in a good mental state, don’t make this about you.” Ethan shuffled uncomfortably in his seat as he looked around, coughing awkwardly. Jennie raised her eyebrows at them before she opened the door, pointing out. “Get the fuck out of my apartment and never come back. You’re lucky that I became friends with that hillbilly freak, no one else would ever deal with them.” Once again, they were stumped, they had no leads and they were pretty much ready to give up and call it a day. “...Vic, why are you doing this? Be honest with us, why do you feel this urge to help them? What have they done for you to help them?” “Because Damiano..has become a better person because of them, he’s been worse than this before. He would sleep around, not caring about who he hurt in the process and he was just sinking further and further. Then Y/N came along, they became friends and it took months of Damiano being called out for him to change and during that time frame, he fell in love with Y/N. ...I was jealous, he was more open with them than me. I’ve known him longer than anyone else and it was painful for me to hear him express his dreams and feelings to someone else. I wanted him to express himself with me instead of trying to act like he’s okay with whatever he was dealing with. That’s why I despised them, my jealousy got the best of me and it clouded my judgement.”

2 MONTHS LATER

Y/N watched the fields of corn as they seemed to continue on, never ending as the days went on. They were mounted on their childhood horse, Luna, as they explored the unchanging surroundings around them. Everything was the same, albeit, it really wasn’t, people passed away and some left to bigger and better things and the town that they grew up with just faded away. It was a ghost town, hardly anything stayed in town, all of the mom and pop shops shut down as the older generation retired and their children didn’t want to run a store. Y/N was lucky to have such great parents and allowed them to explore and learn everything they wanted to know. They never held that against their parents, they knew that just being the weird kid would have been sheltered because they knew how society treated children who didn’t fit into the norm. ”Whatca thinkin about?” “Nothing really, just relaxing, thinking, I don’t know what else to do, I don’t want to go back to New York quite yet. I don’t want to paint..it just reminds me of him, and losing him was the second worst pain that I've dealt with. I remember when mom died and I just pushed myself through, buried myself in my college work and...Damiano helped me decompress, I lost my rock and I’m pretty sure that he doesn’t want to see me. His group just won Eurovision and they’re getting international attention…” Their father watched them carefully, walking next to them. “Let me ask you a question, why did you and Damiano fight? Let’s start from there.” Y/N stopped Luna as they spun around to face the older man. “We fought because I traveled all the way to Rome and got drunk for two weeks. I thought we were going to spend time together and he would take me to see his favorite places-” “Did you tell him that? Before you confronted him?” Their father gave him that same look that they loved to give. Y/N had this bad habit where they'd daydream about important conversations and not have those said conversations in real life, they looked away shamefully. “No...I didn’t” “You know men are dumb as rocks, you need to tell us everything or we won’t pick up on hints that you drop. When your mother was pregnant with you, she would constantly get mad when I didn’t do things which led her to getting a chalkboard to let me know what I needed to do. Good communication makes a relationship thrive and survive, you can’t be silent and expect him to come to you. Now, do you want with this information, there’s someone who would love to speak to you.” A car sped down the dirt path, unfamiliar with this terrain, stopping as they rushed out of the car. “How did he even..” They urged Luna to slowly make their way back inwards, nervously glancing back towards their father, he only nodded as he urged them to continue on.

“Excuse me? I’m looking for…” Damiano trailed off as he watched them slowly trotted over to him. “..How did you even find me?” “Honestly, I spent hours upon hours looking through our facetimes and I just wanted to see you...I have so much to say and I just….Ti amo e voglio essere con te(I love you and I want to be with you), I’m hurting when you are and I realized that I can’t imagine myself without you. You’ve been there when I was at my lowest and you know me so personally and I don’t want to lose you.” Damiano grasped their waist as he pulled them into his chest. “Damia-” “No, let me talk first, you were absolutely right, we should’ve talked about what we should’ve done when you visited. I was stupid to think-” Y/N covered his mouth, shaking their head, “No, I’m partially to blame as well, I didn’t communicate what I wanted and I ended up causing a scene and I embarrassed you in front of everyone and your bandmates probably hate me even more.” Damiano wasn’t even listening to what they were saying, unable to focus on anything else but them, he quickly took their face in his hands, eagerly kissing as he ran his hands along their body, gripping their hips. “You weren’t listening to a word I said, did you?” “Diavolo, no(Hell no), you’re too distracting for me to focus.” He chuckled, pulling them closer to him, smirking when they gasped. “Don’t give me that look, I’ve always wanted to sleep with my amore on their childhood bedroom, let’s make that into a reality, shall we?”

[bevvydraws]

Sweet Justice (cont.)

Prev.

Chapter 2 

The soft click of her heels against the pavement was the only sound that registered to Princess Justice. Each click just one more step forward on her path to making things right. In the back of her mind, she was grateful for her decision to take her earrings off, but it was a fleeting thought because she wasn’t sure just how deep the connection to Hawkmoth was. Hawkmoth wasn’t yet aware of her plan to take him down, otherwise he wouldn’t have given her the knowledge of his lair. Of course, he didn’t explicitly tell her, but she knew. She could feel it. It almost made her sick, having that connection with him.

For all of the grand schemes and countless villains with potentially cataclysmic powers, Hawkmoth wasn’t particularly bright. His plans relied solely on his blind trust that those he bestowed powers to would be unwaveringly loyal to him. And that would be his downfall. Marching on with determination and grace, Princess Justice knew that by the end of the day, everything would be different. 

As she came to the more crowded areas of Paris, she caught the attention of more than a few bystanders. Princess Justice barely spared them a second glance, the sight her mask gave her allowing her to see the injustices of those around her as well as the true intentions lying in their heart. If she were to describe it, it would be like a flame sitting in the middle of someone’s chest. Burning bright enough to shine through any facade someone might try and put up. The brighter and larger the flame, the more they had done to hurt those around them. The hotter the flame (showing up as blue rather than the more common orange) the more it showed their intent behind their actions. 

The average person only had a tiny, red flame, as no one is perfect but very few intend to hurt those around them. That was what she saw most often. But occasionally, there would be someone she passed by that had a more alarming flame, bigger and hotter. Princess Justice would stop them, under the guise of someone simply passing out samples in costume for a nearby bakery, and give them a macaron. And then she would be off without waiting to see what came of them. Occasionally she felt the presence of a knight joining her ranks and she would smile. That meant that the macaron did as she intended, and helped the misguided find their way back to the light. Those who were determined to stay unjust got their punishment, and were rooted to their spot in stocks, their misdeeds displayed for the rest of Paris to see. 

It took a surprisingly long time for people to realize that she was not a simple advertisement stunt, and was actually an akuma. But even when people put two and two together, no one ran from her. As she strolled throughout the streets of Paris, people simply made way. Once her cover was blown, she made no effort to stop any more to pass out her macarons. She couldn’t afford to be sidetracked. She needed to get to her school before any kittens could get in her way. 

---

The school was still full and bustling with energy when Princess Justice arrived, and she wasted no time making her way up the stairs. To those who questioned her--while still recognizing her as Marinette--she simply smiled and gave them the excuse that she was just helping her parents while showing off her costume making prowess. The naivety of her fellow schoolmates allowed her to pass out many macarons without much problem. She gave and gave her macarons with nothing more than a smile, and no one questioned it at all. 

Walking through the front doors of the school, Princess Justice felt a slight wave of emotion wash over her, causing her to purse her lips in disdain. The feeling only got worse as she glanced under the stairwell where she overheard Lila and Alya talking. With narrowed eyes and more determination than she had previously, she marched towards her classroom with renewed urgency. However, despite her rising emotions, Princess Justice could not bring herself to handle things with little tact. 

She gently opened the classroom door, strolling in with elegance and a presence that demanded awe and respect. Mme. Bustier did not look up from her book, and only got a “Marinette, you’re late once again--” out of her mouth before the rest of the class broke out into chaos. 

Questions of what she was wearing and why she was late, pleads to make a dress similar to the one she was wearing, and inquiries on how she managed to make her mask glow and if she was still able to see out of it. The noise grew louder and louder and was beginning to get overwhelming. She had to make it stop. Out of desperation she banged her scepter into the ground a few times, like a judge calling for order with their gavel. Silence fell over the classroom and Princess Justice smiled in relief. She scanned her eyes over her classmates, her heart breaking at the flames she saw. Some were relatively large, but they weren’t hot. Adrien was one of the first she looked at, and his was larger than she expected from him. Large, but not hot. She supposed that made sense, given his naivety. Even those with pure intentions could hurt others if they lacked the social know-how of most. Chloe’s was unsurprisingly large, and the orange flames had wisps of blue within them. 

But it was nothing compared to the blue inferno that was surrounding Lila, who had fixed her eyes on Princess Justice with a heated glare. The glare soon melted into a sweet smile as she walked up to Princess Justice with her arms open as if about to initiate a hug. The heat of her ill intentions would have made anyone else flinch if they had the power to feel it, but Princess Justice didn’t react as she began speaking,“Marinette! That costume is absolutely stunning! But isn’t it a bit late for costumes? And won’t it be a bit… distracting to others?” Blinking her eyes innocently at Mme. Bustier, Lila’s voice dripped with faux concern. 

“Actually,” Princess Justice spoke calmly, “This is something I’m doing for my parent’s bakery. I spent my lunch break passing out macarons in this costume, and I would have gone home to change… but I decided to bring the rest of the samples here for you all.” As if to prove herself honest, Princess Justice reached into her purse and produced a box of macarons big enough to give one to each person in the class. No one seemed to question how illogical it was for a box that size to fit in such a small purse, but that only worked to her advantage.

With a cheer resonating throughout the room, her classmates happily took one a piece, and then expectantly looked at Lila who had yet to take one. Before Lila could rattle off an excuse as to why she didn’t want to take one, Princess Justice took a step closer to her. Putting on the sweetest smile she could, her voice dripping with sugar, she said, “I really wanted to apologize, Lila. I’ve been so cruel to you because I didn’t know you had such a rare disorder that caused you to lie. It isn’t your fault, and I shouldn’t have held it against you. I hope you take a macaron as a sign of good faith and I hope we can be friends moving forward.” 

Princess Justice was so focused on Lila taking a macaron, she didn’t notice the blonde boy--who recognized the energy coming off of her as the energy of an akuma and chose to hide in the background--slip out of the classroom and sprint down the hall. 

Lila, feeling the pressure of those around her, hesitantly took a macaron. Once she took a bite, everyone else in the room followed suit. As soon as she saw that everyone had bitten a macaron, Princess Justice cleared her throat. 

“Forgive me for lying to you, my dearest friends,” she said gently as those around her stiffened, their eyes glazing over as the effect of her macarons took hold, “I’m afraid there was no other way for justice to be served.” She watched as tears began falling down the faces of her classmates, them likely witnessing the torment they had put Marinette, and occasionally others, through. Soft whimpers and occasional sobs broke free and bounced softly off of the walls of the room. 

“Mari…” she heard Alya sniff, and Princess Justice moved to her friend in an instant, her hand gently wiping the tears from her face. 

“It’s alright, Alya. I know that you are kind, and that your heart is good,” she whispered, “Please, fight with me once again. Help me take down the injustice in this city.” 

As Alya nodded, the majority of those in the room began to change. Their school clothes were replaced with shining white armor of different kinds. Once again her friends were on her side, and feeling the magical connection she had with them all gave her peace. The peace was short lived though, as she heard an ear splitting screech from where Lila had been standing. Lila was still there, but she was now in tattered clothes, her head and arms stuck in magical stocks. From her stocks a flyer was hung, with her name and misdeeds displayed for all to see. 

Lila Rossi: 

Liar - Conspirator - Harasser - Villain

Lila struggled and cursed and threatened, jerking and thrashing as she tried to escape the confines of the stocks. Even under the influence of the magic macarons, the classmates and teachers looked at Lila with disappointment and pity. All they could do was shake their heads at the pitiful display in front of them before turning to look at Princess Justice. Getting down on one knee, those around her bowed their heads in respect. 

“Rise, my dear knights,” she made a motion with her hand and in unison, everyone stood. “I need two of you to move this misguided soul to the front of the school, to let everyone know of her misdeeds so that her injustice is put on display and she can no longer hurt anyone with her lies,” Princess Justice chose to ignore Lila’s increased rage. The blue inferno that surrounded her only grew larger and hotter. “Everyone else, let us--” 

There was the sound of glass breaking as a black streak tumbled into the room. It didn’t take long for it to be evident that it was Chat Noir who had crashed in. Princess Justice didn’t have time to think as his baton extended outward quickly in her direction, intent on knocking her down. With reflexes that came only from being Ladybug for so long, she knocked his attack away with her scepter and stepped to the side, a frown on her face. 

“Chat Noir,” she spoke, her voice the same calm tone as before, only slightly laced with disappointment, “I was so excited to see you again, yet you attacked me before even saying hello? That’s not very charming of you.” 

Chat Noir stood, his expression pained but determined, “Marinette, please,” he begged, “I don’t want to fight you. And I know Ladybug doesn’t want to either.” 

For the first time since she had become Princess Justice, she felt a brief flash of rage. How dare someone assume what she would have wanted? That was all anyone ever did, pretend that they knew her and her intentions. Her voice was laced with malice, despite still remaining an even tone, “I’m not worried about Ladybug stopping me, she can’t. Not anymore.” 

The conflicted look on Chat’s face only got worse at those words, not sure what to think or how to feel. Princess Justice found herself confused by that. Sure Chat had helped her occasionally, and did know her civilian name, but there was no reason for him to be so conflicted. He’d never seemed so serious before. There had to be something more to this. That’s when she noticed the flame at his chest. She was surprised by the slightly larger than average flame, but it wasn’t hot. A flame of one who had hurt others unknowingly. A flame she had just seen a moment ago in a classmate. With a glance around the room she realized that classmate was not among her ranks and it all clicked together. 

This train of thought took only a second or two, and Princess Justice felt her rage disappear as quickly as it had come. She felt her gaze soften, which only confused the feline hero in front of her even further. 

“What did you do to Ladybug?!” Chat Noir cried, desperately trying to stay focused on the fact that Marinette was now a villain and he would undoubtedly have to defeat her. 

“Oh kitty,” Princess Justice whispered, stepping slowly towards Chat while the knights around her remained on guard, ready to attack at a moment’s notice. Chat stepped back, baton at the ready but obviously not intent on using it. She stopped a little bit in front of him, leaning forwards slightly and smiling gently. She dropped her voice to a whisper so no one else could hear, and said three words that nearly brought Chat Noir to his knees: 

“I was Ladybug.”

-----

taglist:  @fandom-trapped-03 , @justafanwarrior , @ultimatetornshipper , 

I know i’m missing someone for the taglist but i’m to worst and lost the message to be added :( so if you want to be added in future updates, just comment and i’ll be happy to add you! 

[imagine-the-energon]

We Were Wrong Chapter 4

Annabelle makes a few decisions

As soon as we landed, the storm cut almost all electronics with the exception of the Cybertronian ones, which was a godsend and a half as I don’t think I’d be able to lead the mission with only one working arm and leg. “Meerkat, Llama, see if you can get the extensions for the shuttle to work. Bunny, try to keep an eye on the radar to see if the scanners can cut past the interference for Spark Signatures. Jag,” the woman in question looked up, eyes shining. “Suit up; you’re with me on perimeter.”

“Roger that, Commander Draco.”

——————————————————————————————————-

I squinted at the makeshift scanner as I ran it up and down the rock where the signal was supposed to be coming, confusion building as it said that there was something Cybertronian in it. “Bunny, you got anything?”

“Commander, I’m getting a signal twenty miles south that match a spark signature! It appears to be fading in and out.” she replied quickly. “I recommend moving the shuttle closer and calling Stormreign and Steelbane in so that they can carry the Autobot back to the ship for repairs.”

“Understood Bunny. The rest of you, return to the shuttle. We have an Autobot to rescue.” At their confirmations, I spared another glance towards the rock, a heavy feeling coming over me. What if this was a trap? Sparing a glance around, I took the end of her gun and slammed it against the stone, grinning as a crack big enough to slip my hand through formed. Reaching in, I felt the piece of tech and used my cybernetic arm to pull it out, frowning at what I saw. 

“Commander, everyone is accounted for except you.” Jag’s voice cut through my thoughts and made me jolt.

“Apologies. I got sidetracked for a second. ETA five minutes.”

——————————————————————————————————-

Putting on the Eco-Mask was the last thing I wanted to do, but the distressed spark signal was coming from the middle of the storm, so while Meerkat and Bunny stayed in the shuttle to contact the Knights, Llama and Jaguar followed me as we waded through all types of dead foilage, finally coming to a clearing. In the middle were two mechs, a cherry red one and a sunshine gold one. Baffled, my gun lowered for half a second as I searched for facial recognition. The red one came up as Sideswipe, who was last seen with silver armoring. Would that make the gold one his twin, Sunstreaker?

“You… you’re humans?” Sideswipe’s voice had me gripping the gun a bit more tightly, but I nodded. “Why are you here? Haven’t you done enough?” The pure desperation, sorrow and hate in his tone had my heart clenching and I took a deep breath before holstering my weapon, reaching up to unlatch the helm.

“Commander, we have no idea what the storm will do if you do that!” Llama hissed, having holstered his weapon as well. His voice was distorted, and it sounded… wrong. I didn’t want the mechs to think I was more of a threat than I really was.

Taking a deep breath, I undid the helm and took it off, feeling my hair fall from it’s bun. “Sideswipe, yes?” I asked, feeling my throat tingle as I had to raise it in order to cut through the storm. “I am the Dragon Commander. Earth is dead, killed by the Decepticons. We found a spark in distress, and with allies aboard our ship, we thought you might like it if we were able to stabilize your brother.”

“These allies, who are they?” He demanded, though there was a spark of hope in his optics. In reply, I heard Dragonstorm let out a roar, flying towards us with only one head. “Knights of Iacon? They’re real?”

“Real, and willing to aide you two. Their base is on our ship, as well as fresh energon and medical supplies.”

——————————————————————————————————-

“You’re an idiot, I hope you know that,”

I let out a little laugh at Scorpion’s words from the other side of Quarantine, well aware that while he meant it, he meant it lovingly. “Yeah, but I’m your idiot. I got Sideswipe and Sunstreaker safe and away from that Ion storm, so maybe they’ll help take us to Optimus.”

“Maybe,” he murmured, resting his head on the glass, and a half second later, I did the same thing. “I love you Annabelle.”

I felt a small smile show on my face as I stared at him intensely, trying to memorize the soft look on his face. “And I you, Robert.”

——————————————————————————————————-

By the time I was cleared to leave Quarantine, Sunstreaker had been treated and both were online and completely replenished with Energon. And yet… and yet…

It felt like a hallow victory as I stared at the report in front of me.

Estimated Earth Date August 23rd, 2010, 1239: Optimus Prime has been offlined. The Autobots are no more. 

“Damnit…” I whispered, reading the report over and over again.

Optimus Prime has been offlined…

“Damnit…”

The Autobots are no more…

“DAMNIT ALL!”

——————————————————————————————————-

Robbie came back just in time for me to fall to my knees, our room thoroughly trashed. “Annabelle?” he gasped out, rushing forward. “What’s wrong?” I didn’t trust myself to say anything, so instead, I shakily held out the report, watching as his features grew grimmer and grimmer. “So what now? We go to Rhaki?”

“No,” I instantly shot down, grief and self-disappointment swimming in my head. “We go in search of the others. Ironhide, Ratchet, Jazz, they were part of the top command for the Autobots. We have to find them.”

“Annie,” he whispered. “Our mission failed. Rhaki is the only way.”

I stared at the report, hand going to the dogtags around my neck. “There’s always another choice,” I found myself saying quietly. “Have you ever wondered how Megatron was able to be revived? How Blackout and Barricade came back after we saw them offline with our own eyes?”

“I’d assume the Allspark,” he said quietly. “But as far as I know, there were only two shards left, and the Autobots left with one.”

“I think… I think it has something to do with The Fallen. A-according to the… the report, he came to Earth the same day that…” I trailed off, eyes shutting and fists clenching. “There’s something else going on, Robert. Something bigger that we’re not paying attention to.”

——————————————————————————————————-

Annabelle Lennox…

There was something in the air, something that made me walk closer towards the ever bright light.

Annabelle Lennox…

“I’m here,” I whispered, reaching forward. A warm sensation crawled up my arm, and I watched in fascination as white Cybertronian runes tattooed themselves onto my skin before fading away. In a brilliant flash, the light disappeared, showing a teenager I just barely remembered. “S-Sam? Sam Witwicky?”

“Annabelle Lennox, you have been chosen.” He offered his hand, with a sad sort of smile. “While I am not the Sam you know, I am a part of him, and before that, I was once a part of Optimus Prime.”

I furrowed my brows, mouthing the words back before I felt something… click almost. “You’re Primus. You’re what it means to be a Prime.”

“Yes, but no. I am only a part, a fraction of a whole. Fate changed her mind at the last second, when she should have kept steady, and because of this, I am no longer as I should be.”

“It wasn’t supposed to be like this,” I mumbled, feeling something churning my gut. “Why are you contacting me, a human, instead of one of your own?”

“You are the last hope of many, including me, Dear Child. You are right to believe that there is another way, but the path before you is dangerous, and lonely, as such is being the price of Prime.”

“So there’s a way to revive Optimus? Is there a way to bring back Earth and Cybertron?” I demanded, a small hope starting to bloom.

“No. Earth, even with a God’s blessing, would not survive for long, and to bring back my former body would begin a collapse in the core. I am sorry, truly, but those worlds must stay dead.”

I stared at his still outstretched hand, debating. “What does it mean, to be a Prime?” I finally asked, quietly.

“That, I’m afraid, is only something you can answer.” His response left me burning with more questions, but I took a deep breath.

“Will becoming the next Prime make it easier to find the rest of the Autobots?”

“Should you wish it, yes.”

With a tense nod, I put my hand with his and almost collapsed from the burning pain that coursed through me. Unable to stop my scream, I could faintly hear Robbie yelling for medics in the background. Finally, the pain stopped and I found myself on a stretcher, gazing at the ceiling.

It is done. Thank you, my child.

——————————————————————————————————-

If anyone said anything about me having to be wheeled out of my quarters, no one said it to my face, especially as I was able to direct the next jump towards another series of planets in this system, aiming towards one of the larger moons.

“Are you certain they’ll be here?” Robert asked during our lunch hour as I poked at the food, not very hungry. I closed my eyes and tugged on the golden thread that had appeared the night before, grinning slightly as I felt shock and amazement flow back.

“Yes, I’m certain.” I answered before forcing myself to take a bite. He got up from the table and I felt a sharp stabbing pain of doubt. “I love you, you know that, right?”

“Always. I love you too,” he replied with a blinding grin and kissing my nose. I could hear a few privates coo, and when I glanced over my shoulder, they quickly turned back to their meals, making me smile myself.

——————————————————————————————————-

The Autobots – Jazz, Ratchet, Ironhide, Bumblebee and a black and white mech I couldn’t identify – were waiting for us as we landed the ship itself, and I could feel their confusion and slight horror from the state of it. Ensuring that all Commanders and their XOs had our best Formal wear on, we were the first ones to march, ensuring that our hands were above our heads at all time. I was the last out alongside Scorpion, and as we came into view, I saw their panic turn into anger.

“You have younglings in command?” Ratchet sounded aghast and I forced myself not to give myself away then and there, though it probably didn’t help that my command circlet was bigger, brighter than the others.

“Going by their helm adornments, the last two are in charge of the ship as a whole, while the others are subsystems.” I saw the others tense up, most likely wanting to look back at me for a reaction. Instead, I forced myself to stay calm as those not in Cryo slowly started to step back onto land for the first time in years, eyes wide with wonder and a hint of fear as they milled around the ship. Deciding it best to keep space between them, the ‘Bots led us away and allowed us to lower our arms, where I had to listen to Grizzly and Ironhide bicker about what to do with the other.

Jesus fucking Christ what the hell is wrong with him?

I glanced around at the adults desperately trying to keep the children away from the conversation that was happening in front of them. “For God’s sake, this isn’t getting us anywhere,” I snapped, pushing passed the others to stand in front of the Autobots. 

“Draco!” Grizzly snapped, but I ignored him.

“Either you agree to help us or not. We were wrong to do everything we did against you, and now we’re suffering for it. Earth is dead and the Decepticons are on their way here. Either you help us, or you watch the last of our species die in front of you.”

“Bold words for a human,” the black mech snorted. “What’s your name?”

“My mama raised me to take no shit, and I’m Annabelle.” I saw something flash in their optics as a toothy grin began to show on my face. “Annabelle Lennox.”

[askcarlyle]

[A contribution (in conjunction with @askbarnum) to FanFicFeb on @theothersidediscord for Prompt #14 (Soulmate). Edited from the live version, which appeared on server earlier this month.]

Barnum

Wanders into the office a warm afternoon, hair still slick with sweat from rehearsals and puts down a mug of coffee and a muffin in front of Phillip

Time for a break from those finance forms. You've been staring at them for over an hour.

Carlyle 

pushes aside the papers, shaking head

That's because I'm still not sure why you ordered costume beards for the elephants. They're shedding hair everywhere and you need five people to tie each one on.

Barnum

Hey, sometimes you just have to trust me. Thought you'd know that by now.

Beams at him smugly, playfully grabbing his shoulder and giving it a little shake

Let's take a walk, Phil. I wanna show you something anyway and you look like you could use the air. You get any more pale and you'll blind people when the spotlight hits you.

Tugs him to his feet gently

Carlyle 

comes along gamely but holds up one finger in protest at the last comment

New York City air is hardly the healthiest panacea one can offer, you know. I'm pretty sure many places would turn one green rather than pale.

Barnum

Raises his eyebrows sassy at him as they exit the circus and ushers him into a carriage. Plonking the muffin into his lap as he sits down

Eat, I didn’t see you grab any lunch.

Taps the top of the carriage and tells the driver where to go, sitting back and bumping shoulders with Phillip affectionately before pressing a kiss to his cheek

I've been working on this in the mornings all month.

Carlyle

looks up from muffin, startled

Exactly how early were you waking up? You've been in at the normal time every day. Except that one time you got sidetracked by the patterned waistcoat sale in the warehouse district. That delivery never arrived, by the way. I have no idea why.

Barnum 

Yes I did notice. Mysterious.

Sips from the mans coffee cup before handing it back to him

4am, you can tell the bits I've worked on by candlelight. It's been worth it though.

As the carriage comes to a stop he dusts the crumbs off his jacket, opening the door for Phillip to reveal their train. Originally black now brightly painted in red. Many of the carriages are still unfinished, charcoal sketches of lions and oddities covering the sides. The very first carriage is the only one completely finished and painted in vibrant tones. A carriage sized painting of Phillip in his ringmaster costume gracing the front, next to him Barnum himself.

Carlyle 

brushes crumbs off lap before looking up, and stares for an extended minute

You did this all by yourself? It's incredible...

steps a bit closer and puts out hand, about to touch, before drawing back at the last minute

Is it finished?

Barnum 

It’s dry, don’t worry. Finished the last glaze this morning.

Leans his head against Phillip's shoulder fondly

I was going to wait until the whole thing was finished but I think if I do everything myself it might take the rest of my life so I've hired a few artists to finish up the rest. You were looking a little low this morning and I wanted to cheer you up.

Carlyle

reaches out again and runs hand over his larger-than-life portrait, lingering over its raised hand

You painted the ring, too. Right there on the front of the train.

Barnum 

He shrugs one shoulder, almost a little sheepish that he noticed, and glances at his boots for a moment with a chuckle

I can paint over it....if it makes you uncomfortable. I'm just. I'm proud to be engaged to you. I couldn’t bear to leave the ring out. It's a symbol of how much you mean to me. Besides, people aren’t going to know, right? They'll probably just think it's yours from Miss Wheeler or something. It's hardly the most scandalising thing I've done.

Meets his eyes again. Excited but vulnerable. Eager for his verdict on the piece

Carlyle

shakes head and leans over to pick up an abandoned brush and dip it in gold paint before adding a similar ring onto Barnum's portrait

Just one... little... addition. Anyone who does figure it out might as well be thoroughly scandalized rather than just halfway.

takes Barnum's hand and impulsively paints a matching golden adornment on his actual hand

I might have picked one for you a while back as well, but never quite found the right moment to give it to you, so this will have to do until we get home later.

looks Barnum in the eye, still holding hand and giving its scarred knuckles an affectionate kiss

Now it's absolutely perfect. 

Barnum 

Stares at the wet ring of shimmering gold paint on his finger, where the faint dent left from so many years of wearing a wedding ring before was lingering. His eyes misting up after a while of silence, a little speechless and clearly rather touched.

Chuckles loudly, throwing his arms around Phillip and swinging him around enthusiastically. When his feet touch the floor once more he immediately presses a loving kiss to his lips

You are ridiculous. I love you.

Carlyle 

Hmm. Learned from the greatest, so I'm told.

wraps arms loosely around the back of Barnum's neck and sways in time to music in his head

[FTB]