Strange Lands, Strange Journeys, Part 1
Jan. 5th, 2022 10:24 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
primus_seeress((In which Auspex, still at the Castle Outside Time, has an adventure in a dream.
Part 1 - Life on holiday, and an unusual start to a dream...))
Auspex has been at the Castle now for what her inner chronometer assures her has been five days. Whirl has moved into a room in the Castle proper, and so no longer pains the servants with her stressful emotions, though the men say that they sometimes see her and Joy outside the Castle. Kup has accepted her assurance that there is no danger to her here and now spends a portion of each waking period exploring with Kigan, Theodicy, and sometimes Heartsease. Auspex herself hasn't explored, though she listens with great wonder to the stories of floating islands and trees, and the amazing organic creatures that live in them and in the giant floating water drops that Anmut and her family call ponds. The servant prefers to visit with Blue and hear her stories about Keg and others, commune quietly, or cuddle Heartsease and/or Starsong and/or Cureall. The Castle is still a strange place, but it's no longer an alarming place, even when furniture forgets itself so long as to make friendly advances or offer assistance.
She has counselled her construct about his grief, and finds herself growing to care more for him with each passing time period. She's also heard the full story of how Cureall's little souvenir piece of Kigan's light became Starsong, and how Heartsease was a gift from the Primus of the Cybertron where she had helped for so long. She's also spent a spark pounding few hours praying with Blue and Cureall while watching on the mirror as Keg and the Optimus of his current reality fought off a group of thugs with their fists. And she and Cureall have sat in the shadow of Blue's massive cyberplant and reminisced and mourned together over those they will likely never see again til All are One.
Cureall: *curled on the bench by Blue's plant, holding one end of the large, beautifully illustrated book that Blue lent to her and Auspex. Her eyes are bright, and she's nearly chirping with excitement as she finishes reading the story to her friend* See, Sister? Instead of the thorns, you had Mister Kup! Only... *saddens* No prince came for you.
Auspex: *She's sitting beside her friend, holding the other end of the lovely, ornate, impressively oversized book, idly swinging a foot as Cureall shares the "Sleeping Beauty" story with her. She appreciates the artistry in the volume, even if the story itself remains somewhat baffling* It... is not a perfect analogy; as far as I know, there was no consciousness behind the storm, in the first place... *she pauses, hesitating, then sweeps the thought away before she can truly question that - it's not worth worrying about now, at any rate* ...and Primus both put me into stasis, and was the one to wake me. He is enough. *she chuckles a bit* Romance will not solve everything, as pleasant a thought as that might be.
*she looks away for a moment, watching Cureall's sparklets play a short distance away, with little dragons, and an animated footstool, of all things. Her voice is soft* Besides, even in a direct analogy, the ones that might have come, that I would have welcomed... no longer had access. *she doesn't elaborate, but Cureall knows of at least one that might have filled that role, once*
Cureall: *look of semi-laughing protest* Love solves all, Sister! *sober again, then, and she takes the book and gently closes it, her feelings and body language quiet and pensive* This one will go put the book away.
Auspex: *she's smiling now, but her voice is still quiet* I hope I need not remind you that platonic love has its place - and my function requires an abundance of it. *and not every romance lasts, not always because of the fault of any one person, either... as she knows Cureall is well aware of*
Cureall: *as she hops down and trots toward Blue's quarters with the big book in her arms* Thrrpt!
Tessera: *from where she's scooted over from where the sparklets and creatures are playing* Thrrpt! :D
Auspex: *chuckles fondly at Cureall as she moves away with the book, raising a brow at the chiproach as she echoes the sentiment* Tessera... don't be rude. *there is no scolding in her tone whatsoever*
Tessera: *gives a joyful little trill of laughter, and then stops to chirp a greeting to Auspex's closer toe*
Auspex: *she playfully nudges very gently at Tessera's tiny body with that foot, before reaching down to offer her hand* What have you been up to, little one?
Tessera: *up onto the hand and then looks up and chatters happily before yawning and emoting sleepiness*
Auspex: *she smiles fondly, gently scritching the chiproach's back* Sleep, if you wish. I am here.
Tessera: *sleepily* Blue. *more yawn, and then a little kiss for Auspex's finger before she scurries to her bed and crawls in. Her chirping and emotions soon settle down to the muted tones of sleep*
Auspex: *beams at Tessera's little gesture of affection, and holds her arm still out of courtesy, if nothing else, as the chiproach settles into her customary little nook under her shoulder pauldron*
Blue: *had been wandering with abstract contentment around the edges of the courtyard and up onto the wall behind Auspex and Cureall, but now calls quietly from the mess* Auspex, the mirror's showing Primal.
Auspex: *She frowns with slight confusion at Blue's call - she's not certain why the mirror would; it was such a brief meeting she had with him, long ago. But she gets up to come join the other fem, glancing curiously over at the mirror as she crosses the threshold*
Blue: *as Auspex approaches, she says excitedly* This is the first I've seen of him since his people left the quiet world. *glances at her new friend, and then back to the depiction of the people that she's seen on and off during her stay at the Castle* *quietly* They're waiting for something. See? The tall woman in leather is his wife An.
Auspex: *she comes to stand beside Blue, studying the mirror quietly. Blue has explained a little about what Optimus Primal and his crew and allies have experienced since she last spoke to him; it is not a happy story, overall, though there are bright spots. She hopes this will be one of them. She recalls what Primal told her a long time ago* Ah. Windracer's mother.
Blue: *nods and gestures as a younger woman darts into the scene and hovers over Primal's head, her strong face greatly resembling her mother's, but holding the same expression that Optimus's does* There's Windracer. *and then she gives a startled hiss as the people in the glass scatter*
mirror: *draws back, showing Primal's family and a few other bots and humans facing a massive, heavy, long-necked creature with a single spiral horn on its forehead and mad orange eyes. The beast charges, mouth open in a scream that the mirror doesn't project. Little brown sheep scatter slightly where they're huddled behind the people, pinned against the face of a concave rock wall, then turn and face the horror as Optimus shoots at it and distracts it into following him*
Auspex: *she tilts her head, curiously regarding the very human-looking offspring of Primal's, recalling very well that she has a Cybertronian spark. Such unique origins...*
*her optics flare bright, and she takes an inadvertent step backward as the huge creature appears in the scene and attacks. She's immediately seizing on Primus's presence, drawing it in around her, and praying for the safety of Optimus Primal and his crew and family*
mirror: *Optimus tosses the gun into subspace and pulls out his curved swords even as he somersaults away from the creature. He calls to one side, and a trio of woolly unicorn ponies charge into sight and harry the heels of the monster. Windracer swoops down and kicks the thing in the head, then vanishes upward again, and the other humans attack from various directions. The thing rears and screams again, then once more charges*
Blue: *low voiced exclamation as Optimus is tossed offscreen*
mirror: *shows An as the woman tosses her spear thrower and spear bag aside, then shouts and charges the creature herself*
Auspex: *she hisses tensely as she watches and prays - she can't intercede for humans, but Primus can. She prays for that also, even as part of her marvels at the strange creatures living on their planet*
mirror: *An reaches the creature, and then bursts into flame, totally engulfing the beast, which is finally distracted from its single minded attempts to destroy every other living thing in sight. Instead it convulses and spins in a circle, bucking and writhing as An winds up on its back, clinging to its now burning neck. A young mech with feline spots on his skin dives close with a long spear held in both hands. As the two praying women watch, the spear slices into the creature's belly and stops its mad dance. And then Windracer swoops in from the other side and drives another long spear behind the creature's front leg. The scene quickly switches to where a pony with no horn and two little sheep are kissing Optimus on the face and pawing at him as he flails and tries to sit up before he gets loved to death*
Auspex: *she 'eep's in astonishment as the human woman somehow calls up spontaneous fire! She distantly remembers Primal telling her of those humans having 'gifts'... somehow, she didn't imagine it involved esoteric powers. Her optics are enormous as she watches the scene, cringing as the humans and Cybertronians alike do what they must to stop the creature's rampage - organics, even the strong and mighty ones, are easily mangled in ways that mechanicals are not, and she trembles at the damage being done, though it is necessary*
*she sighs heavily as the mirror's scene changes abruptly, sparing her the grisly details, at least* I... suppose that... must have ended well. Or... as well as can be expected, at any rate. *she blinks, out of sorts and uneasy*
Primus: *all are safe but the chaos beast. And An's clothing*
Blue: *snerk* She hates it when the clothes burn. *sounds a little shaky herself*
Auspex: *she acknowledges Primus's information with thanks, not without a trace of humor, but mostly just relief* I... would imagine so.
mirror: *shows Primal using his hands to protect his lady's modesty as the spotted mech and the women among the human combatants laugh. And then it goes dark*
Auspex: *She quirks a brow, only having a vague idea of human modesty, but she appreciates that they are at ease enough to be amused*
Kup: *is the sound of once more tripping over a smaller sparring partner in the courtyard and falling on his aft*
Auspex: *She takes a deep cycle of air for a moment as the scene fades, trying to calm herself after watching what became (at least to her) a nerve-wracking event. Thanking Primus once more for the safe outcome, and glancing at Blue for a moment to offer a relieved, if weak, smile, she wanders to the doorway to watch what the others are up to*
Kup: *sees her at the door and scrambles to his feet as his face blooms into that million dollar charming grin*
Theodicy: *up as soon as Kup's leg is off him, and running to Auspex with a glad smile on his face and in his feelings* Mom, I found you something today!
Auspex: *she blinkblinks for a moment to see Theodicy and Kup in a bit of a heap, before laughing softly, simply glad to see them so happily interacting; also gratified once again, that Kup is both making sure Theodicy can defend himself, and wishes to hone his own versatility against a much (very rare to be had on Cybertron) smaller opponent. Her smile warms as she meets Kup's gaze, before she kneels to be closer to her construct as he approaches, optics alight with curiosity* Ah? What did you see?
Theodicy: *gently climbs up onto her leg and then sits down, his expression going intent as he reaches into his subspace* It's a shell. Lady Anmut said that a little animal that eats nectar from the cup flowers wears it when it's alive. Aha! *grinning even more widely as he looks up and offers his mother a beautiful iridescent, gold marked whorl* And when they die, the shell changes colour and looks like that. But it only does the colour change if the animal dies naturally.
Auspex: *she leans closer as he climbs up, listening with avid interest as he describes the item, before he finds and produces it. She gasps softly in wonder as he presents the shell to her, just big enough that he needs both hands to hold it; it's a bit oversized to her own palm, but she cradles it carefully, aware of its probable fragility* It's beautiful...!
*she studies it, watching the light reflect on the surface, giving the delicate spiral an almost ethereal glow* They cannot be killed and exploited for their beauty that way, and they leave a precious gift to those who remain alive. *She glances up finally, beaming at Theodicy, reaching to smooth his helm appreciatively* Thank you so much! I will treasure it...
Kup: *warm and gentle hand falls lightly onto Auspex's shoulder. Kup is happy, calm, and relaxed. And full of affection for Theodicy and Auspex. Thoughtful wonder as he looks at the shell* It looks like you.
Auspex: *her optics flicker as Kup's hand lights on her shoulder, and she pauses for a cycle of air, concentrating on Theodicy's lovely gift. She opens her mouth to speak, but Kup does first, and her words fade before they can be said. She tries her best to ignore her resulting fluster, with limited success. She looks over her shoulder, but can't quite look up at him* That... is a kind thing to say.
Kup: *looks down at her kindly, gulping down a quick flash of nerves, then wryly exchanges a glance with Theodicy before stepping back and changing the hand on the shoulder to an offer of a hand up* *gently* You ready for bed, Lady?
Theodicy: *sparkles up at his mom, his eyes dancing with laughter and encouragement*
Auspex: *She doesn't immediately answer Kup, and doesn't entirely catch his aspect, either, as she turns her head slightly to regard Theodicy; she's rather aware of what he's probably sensed from her, judging from his own aspect*
*She sighs softly, glancing down at the shell once more; she thanks her construct again for the gift as she carefully subspaces it, before looping an arm around him to pick him up. Only then does she look up again, having stilled herself enough to meet Kup's gaze without wavering. With a small nod, she takes his hand, allowing him to help pull her to her feet*
Kup: *lifts her up, but instead of stepping away like he usually does, he bites back a flash of shy feeling and puts a hand on her back as though to guide and protect her on the way to the dorm. Rather than speaking to her, however, he looks at Theodicy, who is sitting on Auspex's arm and feeling of happy laughter* You going to tell her about the unicorn?
Auspex: *she does catch the fleeting hint of sentiment from Kup this time, and her optics widen slightly, but as they walk she ventures, perhaps subconsciously, a bit closer to him than she otherwise might, in answer*
Theodicy: *looks up at his mother's face, studying her emotions and feelings, then sobers and pats her gently* I think she has a story. Something's stressed you, Mom?
Kup: *quick concern as he looks up from Theodicy to study her face* Was there somethin' bad on the mirror?
Auspex: *she stops for a moment, blinking at Theodicy, turning slightly to glance over at Kup as well. She realizes belatedly that she's probably still a bit on edge after the second-hand experience of Primal's battle* Oh... I watched someone I counseled once battle a very large, crazed-looking organic creature. He and his companions were alright; they did have to kill the animal, however. The mirror... didn't go into too much detail, thankfully, but what I did see was... somewhat harrowing. *she looks away, faint regret tinging her aspect*
Theodicy: *sympathy, concern! HUG a mom!*
Kup: *wince wince, feel a little anger at the mirror for showing Auspex something so harsh, and then stop and keep himself emotionally steady as he realizes that the hand on the back has become a comforting arm around her shoulders* You better sleep by her tonight, Theo.
Auspex: *she smiles faintly, curling her other arm around Theodicy, and she inches even closer to Kup, grateful for the support from both. Her voice softens* I am fine, and more importantly, they were fine... but thank you.
Kup: *smiles into her eyes, and then gently urges her toward the dorm* Well, Theo saw the local legend. They say the golden unicorn only lets good people see him.
Theodicy: *with a feeling of continuing a debate* Then why didn't he let you see him?
Auspex: *her smile broadens to something much less tentative in return as she continues making her way to the dormitory, listening closely with raised brows* What sort of creature is that? Perhaps it is merely shy...
Theodicy: Do you know what a horse is, Mom? Or a deer? And he didn't seem shy. He walked right up to me and kissed me on the knee.
Auspex: *makes a little 'o' of surprise and recognition* Blazer's altmode is a horse! Bob told me about them. Similar to that, then? He sounds lovely...
Theodicy: *nods as they reach the door of the dorm and Kup makes sure she doesn't tumble down the stairs* He looked like that, only his tail is longer, and his hooves have two toes. He's slender and delicate looking, and he's got a beautiful spiral horn on the middle of his forehead... uh. Oh, thanks, Kup.
Auspex: *She's listening in wonder, though she blinks a bit as Kup steadies Theodicy with a hand, and herself as well, by proxy, as they near the staircase. She proceeds with caution, more to humor him than actual need* I am sorry you couldn't both see him... *she would have been disappointed, were she in Kup's position*
Kup: *quick to reassure* Aww. I don't fit into the jungle, 'n Lady Anmut says the unicorn don't come out.
Auspex: *she 'hmm's softly with a bit of regret, nodding quietly* I see. That is unfortunate.
Starsong: *looks over as Auspex and the others come down the stairs, then comes running over for a goodnight kiss like she does at the start of every rest period. Such happiness in her emotions as she dances on her little feet in front of her beloved aunt*
Auspex: *she laughs softly, always charmed by Starsong's earnest joy. She comes forward into a crouch, setting Theodicy down, and leans to fondly kiss the young fem's temple* Have a good rest, little one.
Starsong: *returns the salute on Auspex's cheek, then hugs her around the neck and softly emotes affection* You too, Aunty. I love you. *steps back and smiles into Auspex's eyes, and then turns and hunkers down to kiss Theodicy on the cheek as well*
Theodicy: *chuckles and hugs his cousin, emotions closely echoing his mother's in regard to Starsong* Try not to have any really funny dreams tonight, okay?
Starsong: *little giggle as she remembers the previous downtime, when her infectious mirth at an amusing dream had wakened everyone in the dorm with laughter* Daddy will help me stay quiet.
Kigan: *thumbs up from the comfortable cuddle with wife and tiny son*
Theodicy: *has to laugh about that too*
Kup: *feels kind of wistful as he looks over at the little family pile, but also cheerful and amused*
Auspex: *She hugs Starsong in return, happily echoing her sentiment without words; she rubs the sparklet's helm as she stands. She chuckles at the banter, optics glowing softly with humor as she glances over at the firmly ensconced pile that is Kigan and Cureall and family. She raises a hand in a little wave* Rest well, all of you.
*she approaches her own berth, passing Kup along the way; she senses the mixed feelings, and after a moment of thought, reaches to squeeze his forearm kindly* Rest well, Kup.
*she sits on her berth, poised to curl up there, glancing over at her construct in silent question* Wherever you wish to recharge, Theodicy, is up to you.
Theodicy: *grins at her, then grins at Kup... and then runs and climbs up on to the bed next to Kigan and Cureall's*
Starsong: *looks over her shoulder from where she's climbing up onto her family's bed and over her dad to reach the snug nest between her parents, then emotes soft amusement, affection, and see you again soon before tumbling into place, hugging her little brother, and turning her feelings and mind to talking to her creator and his*
Theodicy: *streeeeetch. Sigh. Feel satisfied*
Kup: *frowns after Theodicy, but then sits on his bed and shakes his head ruefully at Auspex, feeling a little embarrassed, but mostly tired and glad to be going to bed*
Auspex: *her surprised laugh nearly approaches a giggle as her tiny construct takes a disproportionately large empty berth for himself. Her optics are bright with amusement as she catches Kup's glance, and she shrugs in response with another chuckle, before curling up contentedly on her side. Her optics dim slowly out, and soon she is peacefully recharging*
Somewhere in dreams...
Kup: *blinks around at quietly whispering trees and a blue sky, then looks down at the woman in his arms. Remembers that she likes snuggles in real life, and even though this is obviously just a dream, he tightens his embrace slightly and gives snuggles now* *softly, his emotions warm with affection and gladness to hold her* Don't be frightened, Lady. I'm here.
Primus: *surprised! Is here is here, don't fear!*
Auspex: *She blinks, coming into awareness... and feeling a sharp spike of panic as she finds herself in an alien setting, in the arms of an alien person... and (most alarming), finding herself in an alien body! She spends a frantic, frozen moment casting her senses out - immediately finding Primus, at least, and mentally clinging to him as he sends reassurance that he is there, though his surprise makes her very wary. If he wasn't expecting this, either... what is happening?*
*The man holding her, though unfamiliar, feels like someone she should know, and she can sense him, despite both her form and his... and then he speaks, and she recognizes his voice. She slumps against him in relief, trembling, burying her face in his shoulder as he reassures her. At least she is not alone here; he is safe*
*Nestling closer, she stays there, huddled in his embrace, for a long time, gaining her bearings and gathering her wits*
Kup: *softly, his emotions thrilling with delight at this chance to hold her* Yeeeeah, that's it. You're safe, Lady. You're safe. *gentle kiss for her head as he smooths the back of it with one hand*
Auspex: *Finally, her confusion and unease subside to the point where she is willing to lift her head, hands gripping his upper arms, as she looks both at him and herself in wary scrutiny*
*As she moves, something falls over her eyes. Blinking slowly, she reaches up with one hand to push back what appears to be a loop of white fabric from her head, and finds her arm also tightly swathed in some kind of turquoise-shaded textile. More white fabric hangs around that in a long length, sweeping upward as she moves her arm, reminiscent of a wing shape. The edge is adorned with a pointed, repeating cutout design; the inside is a gold color. She stares for a moment, nonplussed, then turns slightly in Kup's arms and looks down at herself, finding her body also encased in layers of white fabric, and her feet, invisible under there somewhere, clothed in something that holds them tightly but comfortably... and she realizes there are extra, small appendages at the ends of her feet...??*
*She shakes her head, returning her attention to Kup: he is noticeably taller than she is, and dressed very differently; he is clad in some sort of loose-fitting, knee-length draped garment, of the same sage-green shade that his armor typically would be. Something of a stiffer texture covers his torso, adorned with an embossed Autobot insignia to one side on the upper chest. His arms are swathed in something softer, of a pale seafoam hue. She shifts slightly, then starts as Kup gives a soft, pained grunt. Looking toward his feet, she sees that they are bare, and... ah, there are the strange foot appendages, and there is her own swathed foot... oh dear. She's stepped on his toe-things. She hisses softly, murmuring an apology as she withdraws the offending limb*
*There are smells, which she is not used to. His wrap smells slightly sweet, the garment underneath has a chemical scent, though it is not unpleasant, and... humans have a scent? Kup is human... but she smells differently, herself*
Kup: *still wincing slightly, and also now blinking tears out of his eyes, but he's focused on Auspex, concerned and watching her. Does she need more hug? Can he pull her close again, it hurts him to see her looking so overwhelmed*
Auspex: *she sees his expression and the tears, and frowns, now aware that she's hurt him more than she realized - it gives her something to focus on, besides her own confusion. On impulse, she reaches up to gently touch his face, inching closer to peer up at him contritely* I'm sorry. Are you alright?
Kup: *little thrill at her touch, and then engulfs her in reassuring embrace. Slightly gruffly* I'm fine. Don't worry about it, Lady. *puts another kiss on her head, unworried about showing how he feels in a dream*
Auspex: *She makes a tiny sound of surprise, swept up in his emotion for a moment - it is fainter, in this strange form, but he is not hiding it, either. She feels a bit light-headed, but returns the hug, reveling in the safety of his presence. Her brow furrows in slight confusion at the sensation of her eyelids involuntarily closing*
Kup: *unconsciously responds to her feeling with even more protectiveness, and he's so joyful. He snuzzles her head, and then stops as the hood of her robe falls down her back with a soft jingle from the little bell attached to the end of it* Uh?
Auspex: *it takes her a moment to sort herself, finding it so easy to be happily lost in his unexpected joy. Blinking, she glances backward at the head covering she'd moved aside earlier, seeing the small bell affixed to the tapered end. She withdraws an arm from the embrace to reach around and tap at it bemusedly, but not without whimsy, listening to the quiet tinkling. It only calls to mind the relative absurdity of this scenario* Why are we in these forms...?
Kup: *lets go with one arm himself to reach and finger the silken tassel that hangs with the tiny flower-shaped noise maker. Absently, though with acute focus on her* Dreams don't make any sense, Lady.
Auspex: *she is surprised at a small, errant pang of sadness, that his joy, and her sharing it, is temporary and imaginary. She sighs, nodding quietly, resting her forehead on his shoulder* I suppose not.
Kup: *attention snaps wholly back to her as he senses that little spark of pain, and before he thinks about it he's reached down and lifted her chin with one finger, then leaned close and kissed her on the forehead* Hey, c'mon. It's alright. *slight snapping to attention without moving and then heightened alert as he catches the sound of footsteps* ...And maybe we shouldn't be standin' in the middle 'a the road.
Auspex: *she smiles sadly, eyes closing again as he lifts her face up, offering his comfort* I know... There will be other dreams to be had.
*Her eyes fly open and dart sideways as she hears the footsteps also, and she sidesteps nervously*
Kup: *one arm comes up around her shoulders as the other reaches like it would for him to pull his gun out of subspace. Low voiced exclamation as he winds up socking himself in the side*
Blackout: *do you remember that voice, Auspex? It's not as deep, but it's the same slightly sarcastic alto* Put the great kilt down, Kup, before someone gets hurt.
Kup: *wait what??*
Auspex: *She is turning to face the footsteps, but does a bit of a double-take as Kup tries and fails to access his subspace; she winces a little, hoping he hasn't hurt himself. When she hears the familiar voice, she's turning faster, eyes wide* Blackout??
Blackout: *broad shouldered, dark-skinned woman is taller than Kup, with reddish brown eyes, spiky short hair, and paint on her face that calls to mind her normal features. Chuckles* In the squish. It's good to see you again, Auspex. *and she means it. The former Decepticon is content and joyful, and feels real affection toward Auspex*
Kup: *wait what??*
Auspex: *She blinks. Blinks again. She opens her mouth, but no words come out. She is visibly Not Computing this* How? Why...? *she huffs a little chuckle at herself and her own bafflement. Speaking of which... she rests a hand on Kup's forearm, giving it a reassuring squeeze - she's not in danger here*
*She takes a step forward, studying the other woman with eyes and senses. Even with the impressions fainter than normal, she can sense that she is... lighter, somehow, than before; the dark things under the surface that made Auspex uneasy... seem to have lessened? She takes another step forward, arms tentatively outstretched* I'm so pleased to see you... but I am also very confused. *her smile is wan, but warm*
Blackout: *brace yourself, Auspex... you just got bearhugged! Gives her friend the same hug that she gives her husband, her brother, and her kids that warrant hugs, one that's rough, gruff, and full of affection and gladness. Simply* I wished you could be here. There's a mission to do.
Auspex: *squeaks! She hugs her back, chuckling breathlessly as Blackout squeezes her. She's rather glad of this form and the lack of her normally thin plating, right about now. Her eyes widen as Blackout explains a bit* Ah, one of these wishes, again. They must be very powerful... *she attempts to pull away a little to look at Blackout, who loosens her grasp, grinning down at her. She smiles back, though still a little wide-eyed* And you wished for me to be here? Would I be of any use?
*She turns back slightly, to glance at Kup; there is a trace of fondness for him in her aspect* And you've brought my bodyguard, Kup... you knew of him?
Blackout: *grin widens as she looks over at the confused and frowning bodyguard* Yup. Idiots are fun. Do you want to meet mine? *there is a feeling of answering the other questions later. Blackout is emoting affection, and her voice is warm as she speaks the seeming harsh words*
Auspex: *blinkblinks for a moment, at first disapproving of the word she's used in its literal sense, until she catches the implication behind it... her eyes widen again as she blushes, then lifts a hand to her cheek, surprised at the warmth she feels in her face. Her immediate attempt to speak comes out a bit scratchy, and she coughs lightly* Er, well... he, ah... hmm... *she deflects slightly* You are talking about... your mate? *she is studiously not looking back at Kup at the moment*
Blackout: *laughing without mockery as she nods, her feelings full of amusement and affection as she punches backward and is rewarded with a grunt and a deep voiced chuckle* Yeah. My mate. *sidesteps, still holding Auspex with one arm, so that the smaller woman can see the strapping dark tan skinned man with the shoulder length black curls who is rubbing his nose and grinning as his blue eyes... one partly swollen shut, twinkle* That's Greatshot. It's a lie.
Greatshot: Noooo. Blackout! Whyyyyy? *laughs*
Auspex: *She looks up at Greatshot as he comes into view, chuckling softly at Blackout's banter with him; their affection for each other is very clear. She's a little concerned at what looks like an injury, but he, clearly, is not - that gives her some peace of mind. She nods her greeting with a smile* I'm honored to meet you, Greatshot.
*She ventures a small glance back at Kup - she'd honestly appreciate his closeness, but she's also slightly wary of... possible embarrassment. She's not entirely sure of whose, at this point*
Kup: *over before he can think, one arm going out tentatively even as he looks up warily at this swarthy living legend. Wants to hold his lady some more, isn't sure what to think of Blackout's laughter, but shyly hopes to befriend if she's willing*
Auspex: *she sidles closer to Kup as he approaches, reaching out to him, also, with a smile of warm reassurance* Kup, this is Blackout. She is a Cybertronian also, of course. We were friends for several stellar cycles before my reality closed. Her first construct became a servant, and worked with me; her second, Requiem, you've met - he came to the sanctuary when I awoke. And this is Greatshot, her mate, whom I've just met.
Kup: *touches his forehead with the forefinger of the hand not going around Auspex's waist. Diffidently* Theodicy's told me about you, Lady Blackout.
Auspex: *she blinks, trembling slightly at the touch, and concentrates on a deep breath for a moment, before slowly relaxing into Kup's side. She seems a bit dazed, perhaps, by the affection*
Blackout: *perk of gruff and kindly interest from where she just tried to get her mate in a headlock after letting go of Auspex* Has he? You can't believe everything they say about me these days.
Kup: *gruffly, as he pulls Auspex a little closer* The ferryman told Theo that you're Warlady of the Backwater, and of at least one Cybertron. *bit of a grim smile to cover how moved he is* And that no one goes without, if you can help it.
Blackout: *snorts and turns to hit her husband in the stomach armour to cover the little choke in her throat*
Greatshot: *burp* O_o Whoops.
Auspex: *She watches the Destrons' roughhousing for a moment, listening quietly to the conversation, a frown of regret deepening on her face, despite her gladness at what she's hearing* I have missed so many things... Kup, apparently, knows more than I do. Do you know about my... construct, Blackout? *she's grown accustomed to thinking of him that way, but saying it aloud is still new and strange*
Blackout: *turns back, cheerfully shrugging slightly to try and dislodge the brawny arm that's laying around her shoulders, even as she soberly and with gruff sympathy considers Auspex's words for a moment* I heard from the orange brat and her oldest brother that you had one. They didn't tell me any more than that. *got the arm around her waist. Feels pleased and looks toward the sky. ladeda... see no affectioooonnnn*
Greatshot: :D
Kup: *saw what you did there. Heh*
Auspex: *she nods, quietly solemn, considering* Hormah apparently had lost one of those wishes in my sanctuary, and Primus brought the little prayer statue to life, with part of my spark. He kept my sanctuary while I was... gone. *her lips quirk in a tiny smile at Greatshot and Blackout's antics, though she remains somber, for the most part* I suppose it was Ratchet who must have told him what my charges and friends were doing in the meantime. I am glad of it...
*she blinks in sudden boggled realization (forgive her, she was a bit distracted...)* Cybertron? How...?
Blackout: *brows up* It was during my first Trip, when I was self repairing from all that damage I had after Requiem was born. I tried leaving Starscream and Optimus in charge, but the one was convinced he was only governing in my absence... *suddenly gruff and feeling a little sad* And the other one died and took his mate with him.
Greatshot: *snuggles make it better? Wait... no, stop pinching! Grimace*
Kup: *sympathy grimace as he sees that big hunk of skin being pinched through the taller man's woollen shirt*
Auspex: *softly, eyes downcast* Oh. That long ago? Things happened... that we never caught up on, I suppose. *she sighs quietly*
I'm sorry about... the deaths. But you've done so well for yourself, Blackout, and providing for others, myself included. Primus has blessed you... *she smiles up at her, though there is still an echo of sadness there*
Blackout: *sighs and stops pinching the husband, to his surprise and enquiry* There was a lot going on back then. *hope and confidence* But we'll have a lot of time now. Scorponok, leave her sleeve alone.
Kup: *quickly follows the Warlady's glance, and then lightly swats a shaggy chestnut pony on the nose with the hand of the arm around Auspex's waist*
pony: *snort snort squeal!*
Blackout: You deserved that. Get back here. Auspex, that's my symbiont. The original one. *gladness and thanks, though also old concern for that chibi guy who was with her for awhile*
Auspex: *She nods slowly, cheering up a bit at Blackout's optimism... then squeaks at the feeling of tugging on the fabric around her arm. Her eyes widen at the little horse, and she presses closer to Kup's side, unsure of what to do - until he swats the pony; though it fortunately doesn't appear to do the creature much harm. She reaches tentatively to brush her fingers across Kup's hand in thanks as she blinks owlishly at it, until Blackout explains* That is Scorponok? Oh... your... you found him again...! That's wonderful! *she does pick up on the concern, though* Is... the other one all right, do you know?
Kup: *too much happy as he grins down at Auspex. Can't notice anything else*
Blackout: *shakes her head and reaches to grab Scorponok by his tail and pull him toward her as he squeaks his surprise and wiggles his ears while feeling adoring and sure that everything Blackout wants is good and right* No. I hadn't even realized the switch til Hormah told me. *cuffs her symbiont on the head* He chose this form himself, and thinks he's going to carry our "luggage".
Auspex: *frowns in confusion and concern - she's not familiar enough with how symbionts work to understand that. She offers a quick prayer for the one whose status is unknown. There is nothing that can be done for that directly, now, however, so she attempts to concentrate on the here and now. She winces a little at Blackout's rough treatment of Scorponok, though she is used to seeing it, and understands it* Why did he... ah, never mind. *a faint hint of a smile ghosts across her face*
*...which widens as she senses Kup's reaction, and she furtively (she hopes, anyway) curls her fingers around his hand in response*
Kup: *happy increases as he gently squeezes her hand, then he's distracted and looks toward a rumble from behind Blackout. Eyes go wide as his back straightens with shock*
Auspex: *She returns the squeeze, still peering curiously at Scorponok, but looks up at Kup in concern as he stiffens. Following his gaze, her eyes rivet on the absolutely enormous dark brown felinoid that's coming up behind Blackout... and it looks familiar? Besides that, it's faintly emoting curiosity, that she can sense - and she's also somehow very sure it's not Cybertronian, and a query to Primus confirms it* -Then how am I sensing it...?-
*Eyes still focused forward, she reaches up with the other arm to slowly rest demure fingertips on Kup's back, attempting to reassure - she's okay, if he is...*
Primus: *hmmmmm. Curious. Blackout says it's from your heart*
Blackout: *tips her head up to look back, feeling calmly amused* I'm not pulling your tail, Boulder.
Boulder: *more rumble as he looks down at nice lady that said his name. Use words that make sense!*
Greatshot: *reaches up and scritches the massive critter's chin* Did he get bored waiting?
Blackout: No. *attention back on Auspex* He wanted to play.
Auspex: *the owlish blinking resumes as she studies the giant cat* Er... where, exactly, did you get him...? He looks very much like one of my brother's pets. Perhaps they are common in certain realities...? *she blinks, slightly overwhelmed again by all the unknowns* I have many other questions, of course...
Blackout: *laughs, feeling of amusement and of secrets* I didn't get him anywhere. Come over here to the camp, and you'll see.
Greatshot: *lets go of wife and looks off to the right*
Boulder: *hrrroooom. Big fluffy tail twitchy at the tip as he studies Auspex and Kup. Curious and friendly and thinks Auspex looks familiar*
Auspex: *her head tilts at the cat's interest, at the familiarity... and the novelty that she can read him at all. She shakes her head, as though to clear away all the endless questions. Dropping one arm, she takes a step forward, intent on following Blackout wherever her friend might lead - strange entourage and all. The other hand stays curled around Kup's, still resting on her waist*
Kup: *will gently guide his lady after Blackout, letting Greatshot bring up the rear. He's a bit worried by Greatshot's doing so, not realizing that it's Destron courtesy to those weaker than themselves*
Boulder: *follows after Greatshot. If Auspex looks back she'll see the top of the man's head vanished into playful kitty mouth, as though he's wearing a massive helmet*
Greatshot: *highly amused*
Auspex: *she rubs Kup's hand soothingly as they walk, sensing his unease; for whatever it's worth, she trusts Blackout's mate, but she is grateful for Kup's vigilance all the same. She's looking at the surroundings with wariness, but for very different reasons - despite this form seeming better suited for an organic planet, it's all still very alien to her sensibilities*
*She glances back at the sense of Greatshot's humor, only for her eyes to widen hugely at the cat's behavior. She quickly turns around again; well, as long as they're amused...*
Blackout: *snorts and leads them along a little path that barely shows in the undergrowth under the massive old widespread trees. Soon comes to a ring of head size round white stones that encircles a comfortably sized campsite*
woman: *stands and turns to meet them as they near. She's tall and golden pale, strongly built and clad in a simple knee length gown without sleeves. The white gown is trimmed in cobalt and gold, and there are flecks of white and cobalt in the golden feathered wings that rise up from her shoulders. Cobalt eyes study Auspex with familiar interest, and there is calm in her emotions as well, though it's mixed with hints that suggest that this young woman is capable of strong feeling and that she is fearless*
Auspex: *Her eyebrows raise at the person already here... and the colors she's wearing. She can sense the new woman's nature as a Cybertronian; Auspex's own aspect is brimming with curiosity*
Primus: *softly emoting gentle sadness and deep comfort. See, Auspex, Jetstorm and his brothers left something of themselves behind*
continued here!
((Co-written with random-xtras))
Part 1 - Life on holiday, and an unusual start to a dream...))
Auspex has been at the Castle now for what her inner chronometer assures her has been five days. Whirl has moved into a room in the Castle proper, and so no longer pains the servants with her stressful emotions, though the men say that they sometimes see her and Joy outside the Castle. Kup has accepted her assurance that there is no danger to her here and now spends a portion of each waking period exploring with Kigan, Theodicy, and sometimes Heartsease. Auspex herself hasn't explored, though she listens with great wonder to the stories of floating islands and trees, and the amazing organic creatures that live in them and in the giant floating water drops that Anmut and her family call ponds. The servant prefers to visit with Blue and hear her stories about Keg and others, commune quietly, or cuddle Heartsease and/or Starsong and/or Cureall. The Castle is still a strange place, but it's no longer an alarming place, even when furniture forgets itself so long as to make friendly advances or offer assistance.
She has counselled her construct about his grief, and finds herself growing to care more for him with each passing time period. She's also heard the full story of how Cureall's little souvenir piece of Kigan's light became Starsong, and how Heartsease was a gift from the Primus of the Cybertron where she had helped for so long. She's also spent a spark pounding few hours praying with Blue and Cureall while watching on the mirror as Keg and the Optimus of his current reality fought off a group of thugs with their fists. And she and Cureall have sat in the shadow of Blue's massive cyberplant and reminisced and mourned together over those they will likely never see again til All are One.
Cureall: *curled on the bench by Blue's plant, holding one end of the large, beautifully illustrated book that Blue lent to her and Auspex. Her eyes are bright, and she's nearly chirping with excitement as she finishes reading the story to her friend* See, Sister? Instead of the thorns, you had Mister Kup! Only... *saddens* No prince came for you.
Auspex: *She's sitting beside her friend, holding the other end of the lovely, ornate, impressively oversized book, idly swinging a foot as Cureall shares the "Sleeping Beauty" story with her. She appreciates the artistry in the volume, even if the story itself remains somewhat baffling* It... is not a perfect analogy; as far as I know, there was no consciousness behind the storm, in the first place... *she pauses, hesitating, then sweeps the thought away before she can truly question that - it's not worth worrying about now, at any rate* ...and Primus both put me into stasis, and was the one to wake me. He is enough. *she chuckles a bit* Romance will not solve everything, as pleasant a thought as that might be.
*she looks away for a moment, watching Cureall's sparklets play a short distance away, with little dragons, and an animated footstool, of all things. Her voice is soft* Besides, even in a direct analogy, the ones that might have come, that I would have welcomed... no longer had access. *she doesn't elaborate, but Cureall knows of at least one that might have filled that role, once*
Cureall: *look of semi-laughing protest* Love solves all, Sister! *sober again, then, and she takes the book and gently closes it, her feelings and body language quiet and pensive* This one will go put the book away.
Auspex: *she's smiling now, but her voice is still quiet* I hope I need not remind you that platonic love has its place - and my function requires an abundance of it. *and not every romance lasts, not always because of the fault of any one person, either... as she knows Cureall is well aware of*
Cureall: *as she hops down and trots toward Blue's quarters with the big book in her arms* Thrrpt!
Tessera: *from where she's scooted over from where the sparklets and creatures are playing* Thrrpt! :D
Auspex: *chuckles fondly at Cureall as she moves away with the book, raising a brow at the chiproach as she echoes the sentiment* Tessera... don't be rude. *there is no scolding in her tone whatsoever*
Tessera: *gives a joyful little trill of laughter, and then stops to chirp a greeting to Auspex's closer toe*
Auspex: *she playfully nudges very gently at Tessera's tiny body with that foot, before reaching down to offer her hand* What have you been up to, little one?
Tessera: *up onto the hand and then looks up and chatters happily before yawning and emoting sleepiness*
Auspex: *she smiles fondly, gently scritching the chiproach's back* Sleep, if you wish. I am here.
Tessera: *sleepily* Blue. *more yawn, and then a little kiss for Auspex's finger before she scurries to her bed and crawls in. Her chirping and emotions soon settle down to the muted tones of sleep*
Auspex: *beams at Tessera's little gesture of affection, and holds her arm still out of courtesy, if nothing else, as the chiproach settles into her customary little nook under her shoulder pauldron*
Blue: *had been wandering with abstract contentment around the edges of the courtyard and up onto the wall behind Auspex and Cureall, but now calls quietly from the mess* Auspex, the mirror's showing Primal.
Auspex: *She frowns with slight confusion at Blue's call - she's not certain why the mirror would; it was such a brief meeting she had with him, long ago. But she gets up to come join the other fem, glancing curiously over at the mirror as she crosses the threshold*
Blue: *as Auspex approaches, she says excitedly* This is the first I've seen of him since his people left the quiet world. *glances at her new friend, and then back to the depiction of the people that she's seen on and off during her stay at the Castle* *quietly* They're waiting for something. See? The tall woman in leather is his wife An.
Auspex: *she comes to stand beside Blue, studying the mirror quietly. Blue has explained a little about what Optimus Primal and his crew and allies have experienced since she last spoke to him; it is not a happy story, overall, though there are bright spots. She hopes this will be one of them. She recalls what Primal told her a long time ago* Ah. Windracer's mother.
Blue: *nods and gestures as a younger woman darts into the scene and hovers over Primal's head, her strong face greatly resembling her mother's, but holding the same expression that Optimus's does* There's Windracer. *and then she gives a startled hiss as the people in the glass scatter*
mirror: *draws back, showing Primal's family and a few other bots and humans facing a massive, heavy, long-necked creature with a single spiral horn on its forehead and mad orange eyes. The beast charges, mouth open in a scream that the mirror doesn't project. Little brown sheep scatter slightly where they're huddled behind the people, pinned against the face of a concave rock wall, then turn and face the horror as Optimus shoots at it and distracts it into following him*
Auspex: *she tilts her head, curiously regarding the very human-looking offspring of Primal's, recalling very well that she has a Cybertronian spark. Such unique origins...*
*her optics flare bright, and she takes an inadvertent step backward as the huge creature appears in the scene and attacks. She's immediately seizing on Primus's presence, drawing it in around her, and praying for the safety of Optimus Primal and his crew and family*
mirror: *Optimus tosses the gun into subspace and pulls out his curved swords even as he somersaults away from the creature. He calls to one side, and a trio of woolly unicorn ponies charge into sight and harry the heels of the monster. Windracer swoops down and kicks the thing in the head, then vanishes upward again, and the other humans attack from various directions. The thing rears and screams again, then once more charges*
Blue: *low voiced exclamation as Optimus is tossed offscreen*
mirror: *shows An as the woman tosses her spear thrower and spear bag aside, then shouts and charges the creature herself*
Auspex: *she hisses tensely as she watches and prays - she can't intercede for humans, but Primus can. She prays for that also, even as part of her marvels at the strange creatures living on their planet*
mirror: *An reaches the creature, and then bursts into flame, totally engulfing the beast, which is finally distracted from its single minded attempts to destroy every other living thing in sight. Instead it convulses and spins in a circle, bucking and writhing as An winds up on its back, clinging to its now burning neck. A young mech with feline spots on his skin dives close with a long spear held in both hands. As the two praying women watch, the spear slices into the creature's belly and stops its mad dance. And then Windracer swoops in from the other side and drives another long spear behind the creature's front leg. The scene quickly switches to where a pony with no horn and two little sheep are kissing Optimus on the face and pawing at him as he flails and tries to sit up before he gets loved to death*
Auspex: *she 'eep's in astonishment as the human woman somehow calls up spontaneous fire! She distantly remembers Primal telling her of those humans having 'gifts'... somehow, she didn't imagine it involved esoteric powers. Her optics are enormous as she watches the scene, cringing as the humans and Cybertronians alike do what they must to stop the creature's rampage - organics, even the strong and mighty ones, are easily mangled in ways that mechanicals are not, and she trembles at the damage being done, though it is necessary*
*she sighs heavily as the mirror's scene changes abruptly, sparing her the grisly details, at least* I... suppose that... must have ended well. Or... as well as can be expected, at any rate. *she blinks, out of sorts and uneasy*
Primus: *all are safe but the chaos beast. And An's clothing*
Blue: *snerk* She hates it when the clothes burn. *sounds a little shaky herself*
Auspex: *she acknowledges Primus's information with thanks, not without a trace of humor, but mostly just relief* I... would imagine so.
mirror: *shows Primal using his hands to protect his lady's modesty as the spotted mech and the women among the human combatants laugh. And then it goes dark*
Auspex: *She quirks a brow, only having a vague idea of human modesty, but she appreciates that they are at ease enough to be amused*
Kup: *is the sound of once more tripping over a smaller sparring partner in the courtyard and falling on his aft*
Auspex: *She takes a deep cycle of air for a moment as the scene fades, trying to calm herself after watching what became (at least to her) a nerve-wracking event. Thanking Primus once more for the safe outcome, and glancing at Blue for a moment to offer a relieved, if weak, smile, she wanders to the doorway to watch what the others are up to*
Kup: *sees her at the door and scrambles to his feet as his face blooms into that million dollar charming grin*
Theodicy: *up as soon as Kup's leg is off him, and running to Auspex with a glad smile on his face and in his feelings* Mom, I found you something today!
Auspex: *she blinkblinks for a moment to see Theodicy and Kup in a bit of a heap, before laughing softly, simply glad to see them so happily interacting; also gratified once again, that Kup is both making sure Theodicy can defend himself, and wishes to hone his own versatility against a much (very rare to be had on Cybertron) smaller opponent. Her smile warms as she meets Kup's gaze, before she kneels to be closer to her construct as he approaches, optics alight with curiosity* Ah? What did you see?
Theodicy: *gently climbs up onto her leg and then sits down, his expression going intent as he reaches into his subspace* It's a shell. Lady Anmut said that a little animal that eats nectar from the cup flowers wears it when it's alive. Aha! *grinning even more widely as he looks up and offers his mother a beautiful iridescent, gold marked whorl* And when they die, the shell changes colour and looks like that. But it only does the colour change if the animal dies naturally.
Auspex: *she leans closer as he climbs up, listening with avid interest as he describes the item, before he finds and produces it. She gasps softly in wonder as he presents the shell to her, just big enough that he needs both hands to hold it; it's a bit oversized to her own palm, but she cradles it carefully, aware of its probable fragility* It's beautiful...!
*she studies it, watching the light reflect on the surface, giving the delicate spiral an almost ethereal glow* They cannot be killed and exploited for their beauty that way, and they leave a precious gift to those who remain alive. *She glances up finally, beaming at Theodicy, reaching to smooth his helm appreciatively* Thank you so much! I will treasure it...
Kup: *warm and gentle hand falls lightly onto Auspex's shoulder. Kup is happy, calm, and relaxed. And full of affection for Theodicy and Auspex. Thoughtful wonder as he looks at the shell* It looks like you.
Auspex: *her optics flicker as Kup's hand lights on her shoulder, and she pauses for a cycle of air, concentrating on Theodicy's lovely gift. She opens her mouth to speak, but Kup does first, and her words fade before they can be said. She tries her best to ignore her resulting fluster, with limited success. She looks over her shoulder, but can't quite look up at him* That... is a kind thing to say.
Kup: *looks down at her kindly, gulping down a quick flash of nerves, then wryly exchanges a glance with Theodicy before stepping back and changing the hand on the shoulder to an offer of a hand up* *gently* You ready for bed, Lady?
Theodicy: *sparkles up at his mom, his eyes dancing with laughter and encouragement*
Auspex: *She doesn't immediately answer Kup, and doesn't entirely catch his aspect, either, as she turns her head slightly to regard Theodicy; she's rather aware of what he's probably sensed from her, judging from his own aspect*
*She sighs softly, glancing down at the shell once more; she thanks her construct again for the gift as she carefully subspaces it, before looping an arm around him to pick him up. Only then does she look up again, having stilled herself enough to meet Kup's gaze without wavering. With a small nod, she takes his hand, allowing him to help pull her to her feet*
Kup: *lifts her up, but instead of stepping away like he usually does, he bites back a flash of shy feeling and puts a hand on her back as though to guide and protect her on the way to the dorm. Rather than speaking to her, however, he looks at Theodicy, who is sitting on Auspex's arm and feeling of happy laughter* You going to tell her about the unicorn?
Auspex: *she does catch the fleeting hint of sentiment from Kup this time, and her optics widen slightly, but as they walk she ventures, perhaps subconsciously, a bit closer to him than she otherwise might, in answer*
Theodicy: *looks up at his mother's face, studying her emotions and feelings, then sobers and pats her gently* I think she has a story. Something's stressed you, Mom?
Kup: *quick concern as he looks up from Theodicy to study her face* Was there somethin' bad on the mirror?
Auspex: *she stops for a moment, blinking at Theodicy, turning slightly to glance over at Kup as well. She realizes belatedly that she's probably still a bit on edge after the second-hand experience of Primal's battle* Oh... I watched someone I counseled once battle a very large, crazed-looking organic creature. He and his companions were alright; they did have to kill the animal, however. The mirror... didn't go into too much detail, thankfully, but what I did see was... somewhat harrowing. *she looks away, faint regret tinging her aspect*
Theodicy: *sympathy, concern! HUG a mom!*
Kup: *wince wince, feel a little anger at the mirror for showing Auspex something so harsh, and then stop and keep himself emotionally steady as he realizes that the hand on the back has become a comforting arm around her shoulders* You better sleep by her tonight, Theo.
Auspex: *she smiles faintly, curling her other arm around Theodicy, and she inches even closer to Kup, grateful for the support from both. Her voice softens* I am fine, and more importantly, they were fine... but thank you.
Kup: *smiles into her eyes, and then gently urges her toward the dorm* Well, Theo saw the local legend. They say the golden unicorn only lets good people see him.
Theodicy: *with a feeling of continuing a debate* Then why didn't he let you see him?
Auspex: *her smile broadens to something much less tentative in return as she continues making her way to the dormitory, listening closely with raised brows* What sort of creature is that? Perhaps it is merely shy...
Theodicy: Do you know what a horse is, Mom? Or a deer? And he didn't seem shy. He walked right up to me and kissed me on the knee.
Auspex: *makes a little 'o' of surprise and recognition* Blazer's altmode is a horse! Bob told me about them. Similar to that, then? He sounds lovely...
Theodicy: *nods as they reach the door of the dorm and Kup makes sure she doesn't tumble down the stairs* He looked like that, only his tail is longer, and his hooves have two toes. He's slender and delicate looking, and he's got a beautiful spiral horn on the middle of his forehead... uh. Oh, thanks, Kup.
Auspex: *She's listening in wonder, though she blinks a bit as Kup steadies Theodicy with a hand, and herself as well, by proxy, as they near the staircase. She proceeds with caution, more to humor him than actual need* I am sorry you couldn't both see him... *she would have been disappointed, were she in Kup's position*
Kup: *quick to reassure* Aww. I don't fit into the jungle, 'n Lady Anmut says the unicorn don't come out.
Auspex: *she 'hmm's softly with a bit of regret, nodding quietly* I see. That is unfortunate.
Starsong: *looks over as Auspex and the others come down the stairs, then comes running over for a goodnight kiss like she does at the start of every rest period. Such happiness in her emotions as she dances on her little feet in front of her beloved aunt*
Auspex: *she laughs softly, always charmed by Starsong's earnest joy. She comes forward into a crouch, setting Theodicy down, and leans to fondly kiss the young fem's temple* Have a good rest, little one.
Starsong: *returns the salute on Auspex's cheek, then hugs her around the neck and softly emotes affection* You too, Aunty. I love you. *steps back and smiles into Auspex's eyes, and then turns and hunkers down to kiss Theodicy on the cheek as well*
Theodicy: *chuckles and hugs his cousin, emotions closely echoing his mother's in regard to Starsong* Try not to have any really funny dreams tonight, okay?
Starsong: *little giggle as she remembers the previous downtime, when her infectious mirth at an amusing dream had wakened everyone in the dorm with laughter* Daddy will help me stay quiet.
Kigan: *thumbs up from the comfortable cuddle with wife and tiny son*
Theodicy: *has to laugh about that too*
Kup: *feels kind of wistful as he looks over at the little family pile, but also cheerful and amused*
Auspex: *She hugs Starsong in return, happily echoing her sentiment without words; she rubs the sparklet's helm as she stands. She chuckles at the banter, optics glowing softly with humor as she glances over at the firmly ensconced pile that is Kigan and Cureall and family. She raises a hand in a little wave* Rest well, all of you.
*she approaches her own berth, passing Kup along the way; she senses the mixed feelings, and after a moment of thought, reaches to squeeze his forearm kindly* Rest well, Kup.
*she sits on her berth, poised to curl up there, glancing over at her construct in silent question* Wherever you wish to recharge, Theodicy, is up to you.
Theodicy: *grins at her, then grins at Kup... and then runs and climbs up on to the bed next to Kigan and Cureall's*
Starsong: *looks over her shoulder from where she's climbing up onto her family's bed and over her dad to reach the snug nest between her parents, then emotes soft amusement, affection, and see you again soon before tumbling into place, hugging her little brother, and turning her feelings and mind to talking to her creator and his*
Theodicy: *streeeeetch. Sigh. Feel satisfied*
Kup: *frowns after Theodicy, but then sits on his bed and shakes his head ruefully at Auspex, feeling a little embarrassed, but mostly tired and glad to be going to bed*
Auspex: *her surprised laugh nearly approaches a giggle as her tiny construct takes a disproportionately large empty berth for himself. Her optics are bright with amusement as she catches Kup's glance, and she shrugs in response with another chuckle, before curling up contentedly on her side. Her optics dim slowly out, and soon she is peacefully recharging*
Kup: *blinks around at quietly whispering trees and a blue sky, then looks down at the woman in his arms. Remembers that she likes snuggles in real life, and even though this is obviously just a dream, he tightens his embrace slightly and gives snuggles now* *softly, his emotions warm with affection and gladness to hold her* Don't be frightened, Lady. I'm here.
Primus: *surprised! Is here is here, don't fear!*
Auspex: *She blinks, coming into awareness... and feeling a sharp spike of panic as she finds herself in an alien setting, in the arms of an alien person... and (most alarming), finding herself in an alien body! She spends a frantic, frozen moment casting her senses out - immediately finding Primus, at least, and mentally clinging to him as he sends reassurance that he is there, though his surprise makes her very wary. If he wasn't expecting this, either... what is happening?*
*The man holding her, though unfamiliar, feels like someone she should know, and she can sense him, despite both her form and his... and then he speaks, and she recognizes his voice. She slumps against him in relief, trembling, burying her face in his shoulder as he reassures her. At least she is not alone here; he is safe*
*Nestling closer, she stays there, huddled in his embrace, for a long time, gaining her bearings and gathering her wits*
Kup: *softly, his emotions thrilling with delight at this chance to hold her* Yeeeeah, that's it. You're safe, Lady. You're safe. *gentle kiss for her head as he smooths the back of it with one hand*
Auspex: *Finally, her confusion and unease subside to the point where she is willing to lift her head, hands gripping his upper arms, as she looks both at him and herself in wary scrutiny*
*As she moves, something falls over her eyes. Blinking slowly, she reaches up with one hand to push back what appears to be a loop of white fabric from her head, and finds her arm also tightly swathed in some kind of turquoise-shaded textile. More white fabric hangs around that in a long length, sweeping upward as she moves her arm, reminiscent of a wing shape. The edge is adorned with a pointed, repeating cutout design; the inside is a gold color. She stares for a moment, nonplussed, then turns slightly in Kup's arms and looks down at herself, finding her body also encased in layers of white fabric, and her feet, invisible under there somewhere, clothed in something that holds them tightly but comfortably... and she realizes there are extra, small appendages at the ends of her feet...??*
*She shakes her head, returning her attention to Kup: he is noticeably taller than she is, and dressed very differently; he is clad in some sort of loose-fitting, knee-length draped garment, of the same sage-green shade that his armor typically would be. Something of a stiffer texture covers his torso, adorned with an embossed Autobot insignia to one side on the upper chest. His arms are swathed in something softer, of a pale seafoam hue. She shifts slightly, then starts as Kup gives a soft, pained grunt. Looking toward his feet, she sees that they are bare, and... ah, there are the strange foot appendages, and there is her own swathed foot... oh dear. She's stepped on his toe-things. She hisses softly, murmuring an apology as she withdraws the offending limb*
*There are smells, which she is not used to. His wrap smells slightly sweet, the garment underneath has a chemical scent, though it is not unpleasant, and... humans have a scent? Kup is human... but she smells differently, herself*
Kup: *still wincing slightly, and also now blinking tears out of his eyes, but he's focused on Auspex, concerned and watching her. Does she need more hug? Can he pull her close again, it hurts him to see her looking so overwhelmed*
Auspex: *she sees his expression and the tears, and frowns, now aware that she's hurt him more than she realized - it gives her something to focus on, besides her own confusion. On impulse, she reaches up to gently touch his face, inching closer to peer up at him contritely* I'm sorry. Are you alright?
Kup: *little thrill at her touch, and then engulfs her in reassuring embrace. Slightly gruffly* I'm fine. Don't worry about it, Lady. *puts another kiss on her head, unworried about showing how he feels in a dream*
Auspex: *She makes a tiny sound of surprise, swept up in his emotion for a moment - it is fainter, in this strange form, but he is not hiding it, either. She feels a bit light-headed, but returns the hug, reveling in the safety of his presence. Her brow furrows in slight confusion at the sensation of her eyelids involuntarily closing*
Kup: *unconsciously responds to her feeling with even more protectiveness, and he's so joyful. He snuzzles her head, and then stops as the hood of her robe falls down her back with a soft jingle from the little bell attached to the end of it* Uh?
Auspex: *it takes her a moment to sort herself, finding it so easy to be happily lost in his unexpected joy. Blinking, she glances backward at the head covering she'd moved aside earlier, seeing the small bell affixed to the tapered end. She withdraws an arm from the embrace to reach around and tap at it bemusedly, but not without whimsy, listening to the quiet tinkling. It only calls to mind the relative absurdity of this scenario* Why are we in these forms...?
Kup: *lets go with one arm himself to reach and finger the silken tassel that hangs with the tiny flower-shaped noise maker. Absently, though with acute focus on her* Dreams don't make any sense, Lady.
Auspex: *she is surprised at a small, errant pang of sadness, that his joy, and her sharing it, is temporary and imaginary. She sighs, nodding quietly, resting her forehead on his shoulder* I suppose not.
Kup: *attention snaps wholly back to her as he senses that little spark of pain, and before he thinks about it he's reached down and lifted her chin with one finger, then leaned close and kissed her on the forehead* Hey, c'mon. It's alright. *slight snapping to attention without moving and then heightened alert as he catches the sound of footsteps* ...And maybe we shouldn't be standin' in the middle 'a the road.
Auspex: *she smiles sadly, eyes closing again as he lifts her face up, offering his comfort* I know... There will be other dreams to be had.
*Her eyes fly open and dart sideways as she hears the footsteps also, and she sidesteps nervously*
Kup: *one arm comes up around her shoulders as the other reaches like it would for him to pull his gun out of subspace. Low voiced exclamation as he winds up socking himself in the side*
Blackout: *do you remember that voice, Auspex? It's not as deep, but it's the same slightly sarcastic alto* Put the great kilt down, Kup, before someone gets hurt.
Kup: *wait what??*
Auspex: *She is turning to face the footsteps, but does a bit of a double-take as Kup tries and fails to access his subspace; she winces a little, hoping he hasn't hurt himself. When she hears the familiar voice, she's turning faster, eyes wide* Blackout??
Blackout: *broad shouldered, dark-skinned woman is taller than Kup, with reddish brown eyes, spiky short hair, and paint on her face that calls to mind her normal features. Chuckles* In the squish. It's good to see you again, Auspex. *and she means it. The former Decepticon is content and joyful, and feels real affection toward Auspex*
Kup: *wait what??*
Auspex: *She blinks. Blinks again. She opens her mouth, but no words come out. She is visibly Not Computing this* How? Why...? *she huffs a little chuckle at herself and her own bafflement. Speaking of which... she rests a hand on Kup's forearm, giving it a reassuring squeeze - she's not in danger here*
*She takes a step forward, studying the other woman with eyes and senses. Even with the impressions fainter than normal, she can sense that she is... lighter, somehow, than before; the dark things under the surface that made Auspex uneasy... seem to have lessened? She takes another step forward, arms tentatively outstretched* I'm so pleased to see you... but I am also very confused. *her smile is wan, but warm*
Blackout: *brace yourself, Auspex... you just got bearhugged! Gives her friend the same hug that she gives her husband, her brother, and her kids that warrant hugs, one that's rough, gruff, and full of affection and gladness. Simply* I wished you could be here. There's a mission to do.
Auspex: *squeaks! She hugs her back, chuckling breathlessly as Blackout squeezes her. She's rather glad of this form and the lack of her normally thin plating, right about now. Her eyes widen as Blackout explains a bit* Ah, one of these wishes, again. They must be very powerful... *she attempts to pull away a little to look at Blackout, who loosens her grasp, grinning down at her. She smiles back, though still a little wide-eyed* And you wished for me to be here? Would I be of any use?
*She turns back slightly, to glance at Kup; there is a trace of fondness for him in her aspect* And you've brought my bodyguard, Kup... you knew of him?
Blackout: *grin widens as she looks over at the confused and frowning bodyguard* Yup. Idiots are fun. Do you want to meet mine? *there is a feeling of answering the other questions later. Blackout is emoting affection, and her voice is warm as she speaks the seeming harsh words*
Auspex: *blinkblinks for a moment, at first disapproving of the word she's used in its literal sense, until she catches the implication behind it... her eyes widen again as she blushes, then lifts a hand to her cheek, surprised at the warmth she feels in her face. Her immediate attempt to speak comes out a bit scratchy, and she coughs lightly* Er, well... he, ah... hmm... *she deflects slightly* You are talking about... your mate? *she is studiously not looking back at Kup at the moment*
Blackout: *laughing without mockery as she nods, her feelings full of amusement and affection as she punches backward and is rewarded with a grunt and a deep voiced chuckle* Yeah. My mate. *sidesteps, still holding Auspex with one arm, so that the smaller woman can see the strapping dark tan skinned man with the shoulder length black curls who is rubbing his nose and grinning as his blue eyes... one partly swollen shut, twinkle* That's Greatshot. It's a lie.
Greatshot: Noooo. Blackout! Whyyyyy? *laughs*
Auspex: *She looks up at Greatshot as he comes into view, chuckling softly at Blackout's banter with him; their affection for each other is very clear. She's a little concerned at what looks like an injury, but he, clearly, is not - that gives her some peace of mind. She nods her greeting with a smile* I'm honored to meet you, Greatshot.
*She ventures a small glance back at Kup - she'd honestly appreciate his closeness, but she's also slightly wary of... possible embarrassment. She's not entirely sure of whose, at this point*
Kup: *over before he can think, one arm going out tentatively even as he looks up warily at this swarthy living legend. Wants to hold his lady some more, isn't sure what to think of Blackout's laughter, but shyly hopes to befriend if she's willing*
Auspex: *she sidles closer to Kup as he approaches, reaching out to him, also, with a smile of warm reassurance* Kup, this is Blackout. She is a Cybertronian also, of course. We were friends for several stellar cycles before my reality closed. Her first construct became a servant, and worked with me; her second, Requiem, you've met - he came to the sanctuary when I awoke. And this is Greatshot, her mate, whom I've just met.
Kup: *touches his forehead with the forefinger of the hand not going around Auspex's waist. Diffidently* Theodicy's told me about you, Lady Blackout.
Auspex: *she blinks, trembling slightly at the touch, and concentrates on a deep breath for a moment, before slowly relaxing into Kup's side. She seems a bit dazed, perhaps, by the affection*
Blackout: *perk of gruff and kindly interest from where she just tried to get her mate in a headlock after letting go of Auspex* Has he? You can't believe everything they say about me these days.
Kup: *gruffly, as he pulls Auspex a little closer* The ferryman told Theo that you're Warlady of the Backwater, and of at least one Cybertron. *bit of a grim smile to cover how moved he is* And that no one goes without, if you can help it.
Blackout: *snorts and turns to hit her husband in the stomach armour to cover the little choke in her throat*
Greatshot: *burp* O_o Whoops.
Auspex: *She watches the Destrons' roughhousing for a moment, listening quietly to the conversation, a frown of regret deepening on her face, despite her gladness at what she's hearing* I have missed so many things... Kup, apparently, knows more than I do. Do you know about my... construct, Blackout? *she's grown accustomed to thinking of him that way, but saying it aloud is still new and strange*
Blackout: *turns back, cheerfully shrugging slightly to try and dislodge the brawny arm that's laying around her shoulders, even as she soberly and with gruff sympathy considers Auspex's words for a moment* I heard from the orange brat and her oldest brother that you had one. They didn't tell me any more than that. *got the arm around her waist. Feels pleased and looks toward the sky. ladeda... see no affectioooonnnn*
Greatshot: :D
Kup: *saw what you did there. Heh*
Auspex: *she nods, quietly solemn, considering* Hormah apparently had lost one of those wishes in my sanctuary, and Primus brought the little prayer statue to life, with part of my spark. He kept my sanctuary while I was... gone. *her lips quirk in a tiny smile at Greatshot and Blackout's antics, though she remains somber, for the most part* I suppose it was Ratchet who must have told him what my charges and friends were doing in the meantime. I am glad of it...
*she blinks in sudden boggled realization (forgive her, she was a bit distracted...)* Cybertron? How...?
Blackout: *brows up* It was during my first Trip, when I was self repairing from all that damage I had after Requiem was born. I tried leaving Starscream and Optimus in charge, but the one was convinced he was only governing in my absence... *suddenly gruff and feeling a little sad* And the other one died and took his mate with him.
Greatshot: *snuggles make it better? Wait... no, stop pinching! Grimace*
Kup: *sympathy grimace as he sees that big hunk of skin being pinched through the taller man's woollen shirt*
Auspex: *softly, eyes downcast* Oh. That long ago? Things happened... that we never caught up on, I suppose. *she sighs quietly*
I'm sorry about... the deaths. But you've done so well for yourself, Blackout, and providing for others, myself included. Primus has blessed you... *she smiles up at her, though there is still an echo of sadness there*
Blackout: *sighs and stops pinching the husband, to his surprise and enquiry* There was a lot going on back then. *hope and confidence* But we'll have a lot of time now. Scorponok, leave her sleeve alone.
Kup: *quickly follows the Warlady's glance, and then lightly swats a shaggy chestnut pony on the nose with the hand of the arm around Auspex's waist*
pony: *snort snort squeal!*
Blackout: You deserved that. Get back here. Auspex, that's my symbiont. The original one. *gladness and thanks, though also old concern for that chibi guy who was with her for awhile*
Auspex: *She nods slowly, cheering up a bit at Blackout's optimism... then squeaks at the feeling of tugging on the fabric around her arm. Her eyes widen at the little horse, and she presses closer to Kup's side, unsure of what to do - until he swats the pony; though it fortunately doesn't appear to do the creature much harm. She reaches tentatively to brush her fingers across Kup's hand in thanks as she blinks owlishly at it, until Blackout explains* That is Scorponok? Oh... your... you found him again...! That's wonderful! *she does pick up on the concern, though* Is... the other one all right, do you know?
Kup: *too much happy as he grins down at Auspex. Can't notice anything else*
Blackout: *shakes her head and reaches to grab Scorponok by his tail and pull him toward her as he squeaks his surprise and wiggles his ears while feeling adoring and sure that everything Blackout wants is good and right* No. I hadn't even realized the switch til Hormah told me. *cuffs her symbiont on the head* He chose this form himself, and thinks he's going to carry our "luggage".
Auspex: *frowns in confusion and concern - she's not familiar enough with how symbionts work to understand that. She offers a quick prayer for the one whose status is unknown. There is nothing that can be done for that directly, now, however, so she attempts to concentrate on the here and now. She winces a little at Blackout's rough treatment of Scorponok, though she is used to seeing it, and understands it* Why did he... ah, never mind. *a faint hint of a smile ghosts across her face*
*...which widens as she senses Kup's reaction, and she furtively (she hopes, anyway) curls her fingers around his hand in response*
Kup: *happy increases as he gently squeezes her hand, then he's distracted and looks toward a rumble from behind Blackout. Eyes go wide as his back straightens with shock*
Auspex: *She returns the squeeze, still peering curiously at Scorponok, but looks up at Kup in concern as he stiffens. Following his gaze, her eyes rivet on the absolutely enormous dark brown felinoid that's coming up behind Blackout... and it looks familiar? Besides that, it's faintly emoting curiosity, that she can sense - and she's also somehow very sure it's not Cybertronian, and a query to Primus confirms it* -Then how am I sensing it...?-
*Eyes still focused forward, she reaches up with the other arm to slowly rest demure fingertips on Kup's back, attempting to reassure - she's okay, if he is...*
Primus: *hmmmmm. Curious. Blackout says it's from your heart*
Blackout: *tips her head up to look back, feeling calmly amused* I'm not pulling your tail, Boulder.
Boulder: *more rumble as he looks down at nice lady that said his name. Use words that make sense!*
Greatshot: *reaches up and scritches the massive critter's chin* Did he get bored waiting?
Blackout: No. *attention back on Auspex* He wanted to play.
Auspex: *the owlish blinking resumes as she studies the giant cat* Er... where, exactly, did you get him...? He looks very much like one of my brother's pets. Perhaps they are common in certain realities...? *she blinks, slightly overwhelmed again by all the unknowns* I have many other questions, of course...
Blackout: *laughs, feeling of amusement and of secrets* I didn't get him anywhere. Come over here to the camp, and you'll see.
Greatshot: *lets go of wife and looks off to the right*
Boulder: *hrrroooom. Big fluffy tail twitchy at the tip as he studies Auspex and Kup. Curious and friendly and thinks Auspex looks familiar*
Auspex: *her head tilts at the cat's interest, at the familiarity... and the novelty that she can read him at all. She shakes her head, as though to clear away all the endless questions. Dropping one arm, she takes a step forward, intent on following Blackout wherever her friend might lead - strange entourage and all. The other hand stays curled around Kup's, still resting on her waist*
Kup: *will gently guide his lady after Blackout, letting Greatshot bring up the rear. He's a bit worried by Greatshot's doing so, not realizing that it's Destron courtesy to those weaker than themselves*
Boulder: *follows after Greatshot. If Auspex looks back she'll see the top of the man's head vanished into playful kitty mouth, as though he's wearing a massive helmet*
Greatshot: *highly amused*
Auspex: *she rubs Kup's hand soothingly as they walk, sensing his unease; for whatever it's worth, she trusts Blackout's mate, but she is grateful for Kup's vigilance all the same. She's looking at the surroundings with wariness, but for very different reasons - despite this form seeming better suited for an organic planet, it's all still very alien to her sensibilities*
*She glances back at the sense of Greatshot's humor, only for her eyes to widen hugely at the cat's behavior. She quickly turns around again; well, as long as they're amused...*
Blackout: *snorts and leads them along a little path that barely shows in the undergrowth under the massive old widespread trees. Soon comes to a ring of head size round white stones that encircles a comfortably sized campsite*
woman: *stands and turns to meet them as they near. She's tall and golden pale, strongly built and clad in a simple knee length gown without sleeves. The white gown is trimmed in cobalt and gold, and there are flecks of white and cobalt in the golden feathered wings that rise up from her shoulders. Cobalt eyes study Auspex with familiar interest, and there is calm in her emotions as well, though it's mixed with hints that suggest that this young woman is capable of strong feeling and that she is fearless*
Auspex: *Her eyebrows raise at the person already here... and the colors she's wearing. She can sense the new woman's nature as a Cybertronian; Auspex's own aspect is brimming with curiosity*
Primus: *softly emoting gentle sadness and deep comfort. See, Auspex, Jetstorm and his brothers left something of themselves behind*
continued here!
((Co-written with random-xtras))
