Vi_idk

-The bots followed the clues on the map to the other temple, racing against time and the cons to reach the energon reserve first.

- Their search took them to a giant bay where the second temple was located. The kids end up being brought along.

-There, they end up encountering two human researchers who had been studying the place and the sea life around them. Maybe they had been studying the temple and ended up as prisoners when the Decepticons arrived there, and were then rescued by the bots.

-As the energon reserve was located beneath the temple and underwater, the cons intended to level the temple down to reach it.

-As the temple was rich with history, the researchers pleaded with the Autobots to prevent the cons from destroying it. So, the bots confronted the cons.

-The researchers took the kids to their boat to keep them away from the fight. But while observing, one of the researcher's computers started beeping strangely.

-The researcher checked it. 

"Doc, do you see that?" the guy said, pointing at a red dot on the screen. 

"That's (Name)," he added. 

-The kids immediately questioned about it, and the researchers revealed that there was an alien robotic dragon on Earth, one that lingered in Earth's seas. 

-One which they named (Name).

-They had been studying you ever since they first spotted you and even succeeded in marking you with a tracker, so they could follow your activity. They also suspected you were a female because you showed signs of carrying eggs.

-They never revealed your existence to the government, so you would not get hunted, also because you never showed yourself near human civilizations.

-The researcher showed the kids the pics they have managed to capture of you. 

"Holy... " Raf uttered. 

"She's huge... " Miko exclaimed

-You were definitely a Predacon, and telling from the pictures, you were bigger than Predaking, like three times bigger.

-The fight in the previous temple most likely woke you up, and now you were coming to the second temple to feed on the energon. It had been your feeding ground for years.

-The researchers could not tell how you would react to the Autobots or Decepticons. 

-In the midst of battle, when the Autobots looked like they were about to win, Predaking suddenly showed up. He overpowered the bots, and the battle soon turned south. One of the bots ended up injured and tossed into the water.

-The kids and researchers tried to help the bot, using their boat to help the bot float. But then Predaking flew toward them, intending to blast fire on the injured Autobot.

-The researchers tried to cover the kids as they were on the firing line.

-But then, a giant Predacon suddenly surged forward from the waves. It clamped its powerful jaws around Predaking’s neck and, with its weight, pulled the latter into the water.

-Predaking roared in startle as he was pulled under. 

-The researchers recognized it as you and concluded that you most likely saw Predaking as a competitor over your territory.

-The humans watched as Predaking was helpless against you. He eventually managed to get free, and you roared at him, asserting your dominance. Predaking shrieked back, but retreated, seeing that he was powerless against you in your domain.

-The cons retreated too, startled by your appearance and realizing the fight was no longer in their favor.

-Thus, the temple was spared with minimal damage, and the cons didn't get their hands on a single crystal of its energon.

-But then the researchers and the kids would find you next to their boat. They and the injured bot would tense as you looked at them with your blue optics.

-They stayed quiet as they marveled at your size. You were an absolute behemoth. Though you were half-submerged, your head was bigger than the researchers' boat.

-You looked at them carefully. However, there was no aggression in you. On the contrary, there seemed to be a hint of recognition in your optics as you looked at the researchers.

-You then huffed through your nostrils and dived back under the water, surprisingly gently as the movement caused by your swimming did not rock their boat too much. Your tail splashed some water on them.

-The researchers said that you were likely entering your feeding grounds, as you were the only one able to access it.

-Miko was excited about the experience. Jack would take it as too much excitement for the day. Raf would be glad that his computer was waterproof.

-The researchers concluded that you likely didn't see them and the injured Autobot as a threat. They added that you possibly possessed intelligence beyond your instincts.

-You could have easily chased them away or removed them from your territory, but didn't.

-The researchers assured Optimus and the team that you weren’t a danger to humanity. From what they had seen, you ignored humans’ existence. You didn’t attack as long as you weren’t provoked. 

-Optimus would be convinced, and since the energon reserve was only accessible to you and you needed it to sustain yourself and your future young, they would not try to take it from you. Also, because you will likely defend it from them. 

-However, he would likely convince them to reveal your existence to Agent Fowler so your home and feeding ground could become protected areas.

-Agent Fowler gave a few complaints about a giant alien robot dragon living in the Earth's seas, but would take the researcher’s words into the record.

-And thus, your temples became protected areas, and you continued to live your life as you pleased.

-From what the researchers could tell, it looked like you were going to lay your eggs soon.

zanka nijiku

zanka is the type of guy who immediately accepts you as his older sister with zero hesitation. 

you call him “kid” once and he’s like “okay, that’s my sister now.” 

he follows you around sometimes without even realizing it. 

the poor guy embarrasses himself constantly, so you’ve seen him at his absolute worst. 

tripping over something. 

accidentally breaking something. 

getting roasted by literally everyone. 

every single time he looks like he’s about to sink into the ground from humiliation, you’re there patting his shoulder like, “don’t worry. i’ve seen worse.” 

you become his biggest hype woman. 

when he manages to do something impressive, you’re the loudest one cheering. 

the others will hear you from across the area. “THAT’S MY LITTLE BROTHER RIGHT THERE!!” 

zanka turns red so fast he nearly combusts. “STOP CALLIN’ ME THAT–” 

you do not stop calling him that. ever. 

but when he gets injured during missions? the mood changes instantly. 

you’re the one cleaning his wounds, hands gentle, but voice stern. “you don’t get to brush this off.” 

he always gets quiet during moments like that. 

because nobody’s really taken care of him like this before. not even his biological older sister. 

he might grumble, but deep down, zanka really likes having you as an older sister. 

also you will absolutely smack the back of his head if he does/says something stupid. lovingly, of course. 

august stilza

august is loud. passionate. dramatic. a walking explosion of energy who does everything at full volume like life is a stage and he’s the lead actor. 

so the first time you call him “little brother” after he goes on one of his ridiculous, over-the-top speeches? 

he freezes. 

then immediately points at himself like he’s been personally selected by the universe. 

“ME? YOUR LITTLE BROTHER?!” 

congratulations. you have just fueled his ego for the next three decades. 

august takes the role extremely seriously. 

suddenly he’s announcing things like: “DON’T WORRY, BIG SIS! YOUR LITTLE BROTHER, AUGUST, WILL HANDLE THIS!” 

nobody asked. 

nobody needed that announcement. 

he said it anyway at maximum volume. 

he’s the type to sling an arm around your shoulders and loudly brag about you to everyone within a fifty-foot radius. 

“THIS ONE? THIS IS MY BIG SISTER. SHE’S THE COOLEST PERSON YOU’LL EVER MEET.” 

if you sigh and shove his arm off your shoulders, he just laughs harder. 

the funniest part is that august actually does listen to you. 

you’re one of the few people who can tell him to calm down and he’ll eventually do it. 

emphasis on eventually. 

like when he comes back from a fight half-bloody and grinning like he just had the best day of his life. 

“LOOK AT THIS SCRATCH–” 

“august.” 

“… yes, big sis.” 

“sit down.” 

he sits. 

still talking. loudly. but sitting. 

if someone disrespects you though? oh that’s bad. 

august goes from theatrical to genuinely furious in about two seconds. 

because in his mind you’re family now. 

and august stilza protects family like it’s a sacred mission. 

jabber wonger

jabber being around an older sister figure is honestly a terrible idea for everyone involved because the man is a menace who treats life like a never-ending opportunity to start problems. 

the first time you call him your little brother he bursts out laughing. 

not normal laughing either. the kind that sounds a little unhinged. 

“me? your little brother? you sure you don’t mean favorite problem?” 

jabber doesn’t respect authority and he definitely doesn’t suddenly behave because someone called themselves his sister. 

if anything, he gets worse. 

constantly poking at you, trying to get a reaction. 

leaning way too close to your face while grinning like he’s about to start something. 

“c’mon big sis, don’t tell me you’re scared of a little roughhousing.” 

the problem is jabber is also the type who likes pain almost as much as he likes fights. 

so when you actually grab him by the collar and yank him back from doing something stupid? 

he just grins wider. “ohhh. so you’re the strict type.” 

menace behavior. absolute menace behavior. 

jabber also loves dragging you into chaotic situations. 

not because he thinks you can’t handle yourself. 

but because he’s curious what you’ll do. 

fights break out and he’ll glance over at you like he’s watching a show. 

“go on, big sis. show ‘em what you got.” 

if someone else tries to mess with you though? 

jabber gets very interested. 

not protective in a soft way. 

protective in a “oh good, now i have an excuse to hurt someone” way. 

he’ll crack his knuckles and tilt his head with that wild grin. 

“hey. you picked the wrong person today.” 

and the scary part is jabber genuinely enjoys defending you. 

because fights are fun. 

and fighting for his big sister? that’s just bonus entertainment. 

riyo reaper

riyo immediately latches onto you with big little-sister energy. 

she’s the type who casually blurts out the most unhinged things without realizing kids or strangers are nearby. 

you’ve had to gently elbow her multiple times. “riyo.” 

“what?” 

“maybe don’t say that part out loud.” 

she forgets again ten minutes later. 

riyo actually likes having an older sister figure because you don’t judge her weirdness or ill-mannerism. 

instead you just sigh and guide her like a responsible adult. 

she’ll happily drag you around to show you random things. 

new weapon? showing you first. 

weird object she found? showing you. 

random thought about death or violence? also showing you. 

she gets weirdly proud when you praise her, too. 

you’ll say something like “nice work today” and suddenly she’s glowing like she just received the highest honor imaginable. 

if someone makes you uncomfortable though? 

riyo’s smile disappears instantly. 

the reaper last name suddenly feels very real. 

rudo surebrec

rudo pretends he doesn’t need an older sister. 

keyword: pretends. 

he’s stubborn and defensive, especially at first. 

but you quickly start doing little things for him anyway. 

fixing tears in his clothes (that he insists he can do himself, but then he gets too busy/distracted). 

making sure he actually eats. 

handing him water and sweets after training. 

he’ll grumble every single time. 

“… i could’ve done that myself.” 

“sure you could’ve.” 

but he never refuses. 

sometimes he’ll hover nearby when you’re doing something like cleaning equipment. 

not saying anything. 

just… staying close. 

he doesn’t really know how to ask for comfort, so your presence alone helps. 

you’re also the only person allowed to flick his forehead when he’s being stubborn. 

the first time you do it he looks absolutely offended. 

“did you just hit me.” 

“lightly.” 

“… don’t do that.” 

you do it again two days later. 

the biggest moment though is when rudo gets really frustrated about his past or his situation. 

when that anger starts bubbling up. 

instead of lecturing him, you just sit beside him. 

quiet. steady. 

eventually he mutters, “why are you still here.” 

you shrug. “that’s what big sisters do.” 

rudo goes quiet after that. 

and from then on, if someone messes with you, he’s immediately stepping in. 

because you’re his sister now, whether he admits it or not. 

follo tunito

follo is probably the one who accepts the older sister dynamic the most naturally, because it fits into the way he already sees relationships. 

he’s polite and friendly with you from the start. 

always greeting you warmly, always asking if you’re doing alright. 

“did you get enough rest today?” 

“you shouldn’t push yourself too hard.” 

it almost feels like he’s the one acting like the older sibling sometimes. 

but underneath that kindness, there’s a lot going on in follo’s head. 

he’s constantly measuring himself against others. 

wondering if he’s doing enough. 

if he’s useful enough. 

if he deserves to stand beside people he respects, such as you. 

so when you treat him like your little brother without hesitation, it catches him off guard. 

you don’t question his worth. 

you just hand him something heavy to carry and say “thanks, kid.” 

follo blinks. 

then smiles. 

because for once he’s not being evaluated. 

he’s just… family. 

that makes him work even harder. 

if there’s a dangerous mission, he’s pushing himself further than anyone else. 

if someone needs support, he’s already there. 

you’ve had to stop him more than once. 

“follo.” 

he pauses mid-task. “yes?” 

“sit down.” 

“… i’m fine.” 

“sit.” 

he obeys with a sheepish smile because you’re one of the few people who can call him out when he’s overextending himself. 

follo also becomes quietly protective of you. 

not aggressive. just attentive. 

if someone speaks down to you he’ll step in with that same polite tone he always uses. “i don’t think that’s appropriate.” 

and somehow the calm firmness in his voice makes people back off. 

because follo believes deeply in protecting the people fighting beside him. 

and once you’ve claimed him as your little brother? 

he’s determined to prove that he’s worthy of that place. 

tamsy caines (slight spoilers)

tamsy initially presents himself around you exactly the way he presents himself to most people: pleasant, polite, dependable. 

he’ll greet you calmly, offer help if you’re carrying something heavy, and speak in that smooth, almost reassuring tone. 

“need a hand with that?” 

it makes the others roll their eyes because they know better. 

you notice it, too, eventually. 

the small cracks. 

the way his smile sometimes lingers a little too long when someone else is uncomfortable. 

the way his eyes sharpen when rudo is mentioned. 

still, tamsy seems oddly amused by the fact you treat him like a younger brother. 

you’ll casually say something like “don’t cause trouble, tams.” 

and he’ll smile. “i would never.” 

which is technically true. 

because tamsy doesn’t see his actions as trouble. 

he sees them as necessary. 

sometimes he’ll sit beside you during downtime and listen to you talk, nodding along politely like a well-behaved younger sibling. 

but occasionally he’ll say something that reminds you exactly who he is. 

like when rudo’s name comes up and you mention wanting the kid to be okay. 

tamsy hums thoughtfully. “don’t worry. i’ll make sure he becomes something worthwhile.” 

there’s a quiet intensity behind the words that makes it clear his definition of “helping” is… different. 

strangely though, tamsy never directs that cruelty toward you. 

if anything, he treats you with a sort of calm respect. 

you’re someone he listens to, even if he doesn’t always agree. 

and if someone threatens you? 

the polite mask doesn’t even crack. 

he simply smiles at them. softly. 

“i’d advise you to reconsider.” 

it’s not loud or dramatic. 

but somehow it’s much more unsettling. 

zodyl typhon (a/n: might be ooc as zodyl does have a canon sister, but we don’t know anything about her yet)

zodyl does not react the way normal people do when you casually start treating him like a younger brother. 

most people either laugh it off or get defensive. 

zodyl simply analyzes you. 

the first time you call him “kid” or “little brother,” he pauses mid-conversation and looks at you like you’ve just presented a hypothesis he hasn’t heard before. 

his eyes narrow slightly. “explain your reasoning.” 

you shrug like it’s obvious. “you’re younger than me. that’s the reasoning.” 

zodyl doesn’t argue. 

he just files that information away somewhere in his mind like a note in a research log. 

you quickly realize that being around him sometimes feels like being observed by a scientist. 

he watches people carefully. how they react. how they think. how they move. 

and that includes you. 

you might catch him studying you after a mission while you’re calmly patching someone up or organizing equipment. 

not in a creepy way. in a curious, calculating way. 

as if he’s trying to understand what makes you tick. 

when you start nagging him like an older sister would – telling him to rest, reminding him he’s overworking himself – he doesn’t get irritated the way others might. 

instead he tilts his head slightly. “interesting.” 

because from his perspective, you’re introducing a variable he didn’t account for. 

someone who speaks to him casually without fear. 

someone who doesn’t try to manipulate him or challenge him. 

someone who simply treats him like family. 

zodyl respects intelligence above all else, so if you show good judgment or strategy during missions, he’ll quietly acknowledge it. 

sometimes he’ll even ask your opinion. “if you were in my position, what would you do?” 

he’s genuinely analyzing you. 

once he starts accepting the dynamic, the “older sister” label becomes something he uses strategically. 

if someone tries to threaten you, zodyl doesn’t react emotionally. 

he simply steps forward and looks at them with that cold, measuring gaze. the kind that makes people feel like they’re already being dissected. 

then he says something calmly insulting. “you’ve made a remarkable mistake.” 

because in his mind, you’re now part of his circle. 

and zodyl typhon does not allow useful assets to be carelessly damaged. 

even if he never admits that protecting you is anything resembling affection. 

If Prime isn’t on the battlefield for any reason Megatron at least knows he’ll get a worthy fight if you're there. It's also tantamount to accepting failure on a mission if he allows you to operate freely on the battlefield unchecked. He knows only Soundwave or himself stands a proper chance of infringing on your objectives in a fight. Simultaneously irksome and exhilarating, the fact that you're such a capable warrior. A mech of few words that knows what they want. And that’s to snuff his spark. He's more than once attempt to play into your good graces- with words and promises. It was always futile. He'd offered to once give you anything you'd wanted if you joined The Decepticons. You'd asked "anything?" To which Megatron assured.

You'd then proceeded to ask him to die for you before rushing him yet again. He can't help but admire the pragmatism.

It reminds him of the arena- the pit. But more akin to his earlier years. When he was still finding his strive. Having to stay on guard, lest he be killed by one misjudgment on an attack aimed right for him. The brutality of your strikes. The way you come after him with the sole intention of killing him. It's not one he faces very often with Prime. No... you're a warrior through and through. You're ruthless. Especially so for an Autobot. But the ruthless core of your actions is simply a by product of your cold disposition. A detached indifference to the energon you spill, and the damage you deem necessary to inflict on another mech. Truly, a one mech army. A commendable opponent and one well deserving of his time.

Your looks are simply another discrepancy to your lethality. Most bots who are that up on their own up keep, tended to be vain. Not willing to risk serious damage to their frame (like Knock-out). But instead they simply sat as an accessory to your status as a fighter. He'd taken note of it the first time you'd fought- it had lead to his downfall when he'd made the very lethal mistake of underestimating you. Megatron has entertained the thought of his victory over you. Of beating you truly and claiming you utterly and thoroughly. Occasionally envisioning Prime there having to watch what he does to one of his mechs. Or even desecrating you as completely as possible. Breaking your modesty panel off of you, leaving his trace on every plate of yours, and discarding your battered and used frame for Prime to find.

There were certainly a prime number of choices- ones Megatron had zero qualms in indulging. And none he wouldn't hesitate to put into practice when he finally bests you.

Call Starscream every name In the book! He knows not to take chances with you around. And he doesn’t feel bad about being insulted over his rightful caution. Especially not when Decepticons that didn’t take the same cautions, were woefully unprepared for the damn force of nature you were on the battlefield. Most either being injured badly enough to know to never make the same mistake again. Or they certainly never would, because you’d deactivated them and didn’t allow them the second chance to begin with. He will retreat as quickly as possible considering whatever circumstances he finds himself in with you in proximity to him. No! He does not squeal when you show up out of seemingly nowhere- Knock-out! He's simply- surprised you are as well- covert as you were. That's all!

He'll fight you if he has to of course. (When turning his back on you was much more dangerous than facing you helm on.) He feels like he's been forced into a spar with Megatron! He's on his heels and doing his damnedest just to survive. You don't even dignify him with hello- or "stop right there con-!" No, nothing! He can't fluster you into giving him even a micro fraction of leeway. You still have that cold detached expression on your faceplate regardless of what he says. The only thing he has if you pin him, is utterly and completely groveling and begging. Pleading for mercy is the only thing that gives you slight hesitancy in just outright killing him. And it is groveling on a level that Starscream barely ever even employs with Megatron. His optics might be leaking coolant. Though you always leave him alive when he refuses to fight you back- you also always brutalize him. You without fail sever his connection to his own wings. A fate he's had to multiple times suffer the long repair of. (The fragging agony of-!). A servo full of times was more than enough for an entire function for Starscream!

And yes there is some rather telling... discrepancy between your looks and your lethality. But attractive faceplate and frame aside- any mech has the capability of being lethal. He's attempted to praise you for said looks to appease you (to no avail). And perhaps- perhaps mind you, Starscream occasionally... reflects in a more perverse manner. His thoughts tend to drift towards servitude. Not to you! No- no-! Of you to him. Of you seeing the error of your Autobot thinking and simply- pledging your loyalty to him. Swearing servitude to him. On your knees and servos willing to do anything to please him. Having a mech such as yourself to his beck and call, only concerned with anything you could do to satisfy his ideals, his plans, his needs. To have such a powerful bot readily following his every command. It is quite the... thrilling fantasy to indulge in.

It's not something Starscream ever entertains seriously- only on very lonely charge heavy nights. Because surly there was no chance you'd never have an epiphany of such a drastic sort. But there's no harm in a mech having ideals... now is there?

He sees you sometimes before he even hears you. Which is a fact in it of itself to how dangerous you were. Soundwave didn't know how you did it. You were just as cybertronian as the rest of them. Yet it was hard to hear your mass- even the ever light sound of your plating shifting. Even after this long at war he still has trouble pin pointing your exact location, before you deliberately make yourself known. Full sneak attacks are only something he ever has to worry about because of your existence. The reason he'll stay on his pedes outside of The Nemesis when you could be anywhere. There aren't many who can match him on the field. There were even less who could actively make Soundwave work as physically hard as you do.

There's a bit of a thrill to it all, having a competent opponent. It is a minuscule amount of enjoyment mind you. The only reason he leaves The Nemesis is when he has a mission. Mission that you have no problem or hesitancy in blocking or even destroying his progress on. You are the biggest problem above Optimus Prime himself. Simply because Optimus Prime will focus on Megatron if he has to choose between him or Soundwave. While you will make the effort to fight both of them simultaneously to keep either one of them from leaving your focus. It's the closest he's come to seeing you fighting up hill. But you still never allow either of them to inflict lethal damage onto you. A small part of himself has vowed to beat you. He does note he has the least amount of audio recordings of your vocalizor saved out of any of the Autobots. Even less than your medic. He doesn’t know why that very fact irks him.

The fact that you're a rather attractive bot hasn't been one he's paid too much attention to. For the first couple of decades you've been an enemy to The Decepticons anyway. The longer you proven yourself a problem- the longer you prove yourself a major player in the war; the more noticeable the fact becomes. At this stage of the war on earth, Soundwave has more than once (on his down time and privacy), envisioned a proper victory over you. Since it's fantasy and no more he let's himself indulge on not immediately killing you. Instead holding you down with his servos and body weight, before using his prehensile cables to explore over your frame. Explore your array too. Making a point to use the recordings of your own allies voices to splice some choice mockery; Over the state you've become.

Fantasy is fantasy. Soundwave knows and he knows he wouldn't hesitate to properly take care of you if he ever had the opportunity to deactivate you... surely he would.

There's bots she knows she should be wary of and bots Airachnid knows she needs to be very prepared for if she's going to cross them. You fit slotted perfectly in the latter category. You were merciless, unforgiving, and determined... A mech after her own spark. Troublesome that you were cross faction from one another. She finds she'd more than likely enjoy your interactions if you'd both bore the same badge- at a point in time anyway. What with her solo work. But wistful and rather pointless daydreaming aside- she has a strut to pick with you. As do you her, though you seem to treat any enemy with the exact level of violence you deem necessary. Oh, it is a marvel to watch you work through mechs. Less so being the one on the receiving end of your icy glare. But she was a hard bot to pin down.

She rather finds herself growing frustrated when you utterly and truly do not seem too emotional invested in much of anything. Though the ferocity in which you attack shows anything but. Which in turn only annoys her further, the longer she begins to even consider the very notion that you'd find her not worth your emotions. But you care. Oh, you care. About your team mates. She's seen the look in your optics when you'd last rescued Arcee right before Airachnid could sink her claws into her spark chamber. Your expression much the same as always, but the look in your optics was ferocious. Like a beast more than a mech staring her down and daring her to run so you can give chase. She finds herself having to make solutions on the very spot lest she actually be captured and slaughtered for sport. It's a touch exhilarating- a pain absolutely. But the rush she gets when she realizes she'd gotten away from you. Oh, it is delicious.

She's used to being the hunter, not the hunted. Oh, but you? You're no prey. You're a predator. She might even say apex if she was feeling so generous. Something she laments when you've clearly got such a lovely "coat". The things she could do to you. The things she would do to you given the proper chance. She'd play with you. And she would thoroughly enjoy her time pulling you apart plate- by plate. How you'd squirm. How you'd gasp. How you'd groan. How you'd beg. She would indulge but she wouldn't kill you however. No, you were a prize fair enough and a tribulation great enough- she'd keep you. As her personal pet. You should feel honored, truly. A title in her vorns of function she's only ever entertained bestowing Arcee. She'd keep both of you as her lap cyberhounds if she was ever given the opportunity to do so. Airachnid has-… practice breaking new projects in. She would just positively adore breaking her two personal pet projects in.

Details- and options. So so many options on how she could play with you if you did end up in her claws. Till then she can make note of her ideals as a diligent reminder.

Knock Out utterly despises you. Yes, dangerous, a menace in a fight. With a cold calculated nature that’s much more in tune with a hardened Con than any soft sparked Autobot. (And soft sparked you were anything but.) And most of all Knock out cannot forgive the outrageous fact that you look that good while doing all of it. Knock out likes to play with his food but you tend not to dally in any way. Strikes and coming after them (himself included) as soon as you’d gotten the opportunity to make yourself a problem for them. Cold and to the point, no affection for talking or some good fashioned banter. Gaze sharp and not even dignifying any of them with a proper emotional reaction. As if Knock out wasn’t worth the effort to give him anything other than that cold calculated gaze of yours.

It infuriated Knock out more than he’d let anyone know.

But petty spite and hang ups aside Knock out was still a medic. One of the best The Decepticons had to offer, clearly. And certainly no slouch in a fight or with his energon prod. But a medic none the less. He was far from a push over in a fight. But Knock out wasn’t delusional enough to think he’d be able to take you down with anything other than luck and a very good shot. He’s seen you get into it with Megatron himself. Megatron actually gets excited when he sees you in a fight. That is an automatic "No thank you" from him. So he delegates himself to not sticking around when and if you make yourself known in a fight. Because you weren’t worth the helm ache and the utterly egregious amount of damage you can and will deliver upon him given the opportunity.

Though Knock out was an opportunist. And even he couldn't deny exactly how fetching your frame and chassis were, aesthetically anyway. He's not exactly shy in his admiring. You don't exactly seem to mind, and if you did you haven't made a point to say anything about it. (Or increase the already present brutality in your actions.) He does fantasize about getting a hold of you. Maybe after Megatron got a lucky shot. Or some other extremity that allowed your capture. Regardless, you end up in Knock out’s grasp either way. And he would thoroughly take his up most care in positively ruining your paint job. Both in salacious ways and also maybe in more sadistic methods of indulgence. Finishing his work off with carving "Knock out was here" with a claw either on your inner thigh or directly above your modesty panel.

Knock-out positively adored breaking things up and taking them apart. Even more so when he breaks something pretty and handsome all at the same time. How invigorating it is to watch premium bots fall oh so very low...

It’s the drum of the fight that keeps Breakdown going when the energon starts spilling like a broken undercarriage, more often than not. He keeps going, he keeps fighting, he survives. And he counts his deeds and his damages after every fight. To keep himself ready for the inevitable next. But all the prep in the sparkdamn world, still wouldn’t make him feel like he’s ever actually ready to go pede to pede with you on the battlefield. But slag rarely ever cared if you actually were ready or not to fight for your fragging survival in war. So Breakdown grits his denta and does his damnedest to not get turned into scrap, when you decide to clash with him. Breakdown wasn’t a rookie, he was a wrecker for frags sake. He's been a front liner long after that. So he knew a thing or two about fighting and his way around a war zone.

And despite that all Breakdown still feels like he’s treading water to stay functional whenever your cold optics lock onto him. Your demeanor compared to your frame might be jarring to some- well, he knows better. Especially when he’s worked with Knock out for however many vorns and seen how sadistic the medic can be when he wants to. That an attractive frame didn’t mean slag about the bot actually strutting around in it- Airachnid is another example of the same fragging thing. Sure, it’s a bit of a trip up seeing how good you can look practically slathered in energon. And your weapon still brandished promising to add to the amount you were already drenched in. But Breakdown isn’t dumb enough to let it distract him when those optics of yours are trained right on him.

In terms of fantasy- okay maybe maybe Breakdown lets himself indulge in a little bit of his imagination when he actually has the time to treat himself. How that frame of yours might look even better underneath his own. Him actually managing to break that cold expression always on your faceplate with how he uses you. He thinks you'd look sweet with that cold look fragged out of you. Or maybe your weapon underneath his own chin. And you ordering him on his knees in the middle of a battlefield with only the two of you left on it. But again Breakdown isn’t fragging stupid enough to let them be anything other than late night fantasies. You’ll just be his... dirty little self service secret. It's also why he keeps his mouth shut when he hears Knock out growl "Oh, the things I would do to them-!" Under his vents after a class with you.

Breakdown can deal with his attraction to Airachnid or any other con just fine. But… you were the sinfully sweet thing caught underneath his armor he didn't have a problem keeping hidden (for himself only anyway.)

There are many opponents Dreadwing has heard the tale of through the Decepticon ranks. The Prime himself the most exalted and hated- scorned. For what he is. For what he represents. For what he is not. But you? You were spoken of with fear. Tales from bots seemingly haunted by the mere encounter. Tales from those bragging about having simply survived crossing paths with you. The ones most taken by fear would speak quickly and in a panic, hushed words. As if you were some fictional pit spawn. (And not a real tangible enemy, any of them may face.) As if somehow you would hear the words your enemies spoke of you. As if you would hear the hearsay spoke within the ranks from wherever you presently were; and hunt them down yourself for the mere transgression of slander. He always scoffed at the notion- tales were tales for a reason. They were built on speculation and emotion- and in this case gossip.

Though be that as it may, Dreadwing would have done well to heed the many warnings told to him time and time again. He may have been at least a fraction more prepared. When he had learned that monsters from tales are typically inspired by the horrors of reality. You'd almost killed him- he was woefully unprepared and had even underestimated you; when he had seen with his own optics that you were a real mech. Not a ounce of pity or even scorn on your faceplate when your were halfway through ripping his spark out. Covered in his and other troops energon. He was only saved when your attention was driven elsewhere- when Megatron had gotten a hold of your ally. You abandoned him immediately to rescue them. Dreadwing learned well enough never to allow his guard to drop around you, lest he be killed on the spot. A frightful opponent and one well deserving of the tales spun of them.

Your... appearance he will admit rather shamefully was a part of the reason he had underestimated you as much as he had. Yes, you were clearly capable- with the energon you had spilled and the weapon you brandished unflinching at him. But there was a particular... credence to a way warriors had a tendency to look. A mold you did not entirely fit- a bot he would believe he would have seen on an advertisement when Cybertron was still populated and functional to a degree. Maybe a film. Not one he would be actively struggling not to perish to. With a faceplate that is something even he would- in the privacy of his thoughts- admit to finding... attractive. The ferocity and danger of your being only seemed to accentuate your beauty. A plague on his thoughts off the battlefield. And on it when he has a particularly close encounter with you. He does not indulge too much- (you were a filthy Autobot after all!) But even Dreadwing can't help his thoughts wandering when he self services to take the edge off. Your derma, the shape of your frame, that sharp cutting gaze of yours. Your very being a bewitching, perilous, and handsome call.

The very fatal attraction that Dreadwing simply cannot seem to shake in his more heated lunar cycles of privacy. It threatens to haunt him and cause his own demise.

There are a multitude of bots who need to be kept on high surveillance on the battlefield and off the battlefield. Powerful figures who can turn the tides of battle, and who are to be treated with caution. Mechs who are of high interest and high resource deficit to handle. Optimus Prime was the second Autobot on Shockwave's priority list. The first Autobot on his priority list would be you. You were a stalwart in the Autobot faction and had been for the entirety of your enlisting. Cunning, efficient, and hazardous to any Decepticon you deemed your opponent. A helmache to him when you would turn your attention onto him. Or his projects, if Shockwave happened to be your objective. A mech he will not hesitate to shoot first if he registers you in his peripheral. His chances of survival drastically decrease if he would entertain anything less.

Your pragmatism is something that- bothers his allies to a... substantial degree. In Shockwave’s case he recognizes the mutual comprehension, you seem to wordlessly share with one another. Even as enemies. You are going to strive to kill him. He is going to fight while simultaneously attempting to do the same to you. There is nothing less or more to bother with. Unless you are aiming to destroy his progress or projects. In which case he will need to be twice as proactive to prevent total destruction of his works. Something you have... no grievances in partaking in. The efficiency in which you are capable of operating that particular endeavor leaves Shockwave a touch... irritated. He can't recall any other bot who's made him squeeze his own fist harsh enough he’s popped a digit joint lose.

Neither can he recall himself even- entertaining more then necessary procedures. He's well aware it would be a waste of time. He would kill you first and foremost if he had the opportunity. However, rather perplexingly, Shockwave finds himself becoming- fixated. On particular opportunities he could partake in if Lord Megatron left you as his responsibility after you'd been subdued. Perhaps Shockwave would be- given the order by Lord Megatron to... Indulge. Something Shockwave has found Lord Megatron had a frequency of doing- employing acts for seemingly nothing more than… his own sadism. The possibility was quite high considering Lord Megatron’s pension for such decisions. Logically Shockwave had taken it on himself to then find what would account as “Indulgence” under such a hypothetical order. Opening you up and mapping out your internals would be a possible conclusion. To find out the logistics of what made you such a competent soldier. What he could not see on the surface with only his base optical output. What made you, you.

What made you whole.

… Shockwave believes he may be able to fulfill such an order to Indulge when he imagines your faceplate overwhelmed and your optics brightened. Responding to his touch and his experimental- maintenance.

Dividers credit: @/cursed-carmine,

He gently picked up the ball before practically bouncing back over to you. You beckoned for him to lower his helm. He did as you commanded and you proceeded to take the ball and pet his helm before leaning your upper body against him in an attempted hug. "Good boy! Great job, Predaking! Who's a good boy! Yes you are!" You cooed, gently stroking one of his mandibles while nuzzling his helm with your forehead.

He purred loudly at your praise. His mood would instantly change whenever you were with him. Your mere presence alone made his spark throb with love and joy. Honestly, he didn't mind being treated like a lesser being, even a pet. But only if it was you. He would not allow this sort of belittlement from anyone else. Not from Shockwave, not even from Megatron. And especially not from a piece of scrap like Starscream.

Speaking of the devil, Predaking spotted him behind you near the entrance. He released a dangerously low growl to warn the seeker to stay away. Especially from you, knowing Starscream's distaste towards humans. You thought the growl was aimed towards you, so you backed away from him with an apologetic look, believing you weren't supposed to hug him like that. "Oh- Sorry..."

However, Predaking felt your warmth leave him, and he didn't like it. His aggressively stiff posture turned calm again. He then nudged his helm back towards you with a purr, rubbing his rather flat snout against your tummy, begging you to hang onto him once more.

Your smile returned as you plopped your weight against him once more. Just to make the moment funnier, you even said a little "Boop!" as you landed on him. His tail wagged a little, happy to make you smile. Yet he still kept an optic on the seeker, just in case he tried anything.

Meanwhile, the seeker was not amused as he was on the flight deck for a reason.

"Human! Megatron and Shockwave are awaiting the predacon! Megatron commands you to go back to your habsuite until further notice!" Starscream's voice startled you as you didn't notice him before. So you got off Predaking's maw and looked at the other mech. But one hand was still on the giant predacon as a form of comfort for both of you.

You slightly looked downwards in disappointment. "Oh... Okay then..." You turned back towards the mech dragon giving him a sad smile before leaning down to put a light kiss on his snoot, rubbing the side of it.

"We'll play more later, okay? Be a good boy when you leave. Love you, King!" You said before starting to walk towards the entrance, turning one last time to give him a little wave.

You didn't notice it this time, but the mech dragon's tail swooshed from side to side faster than before. If you had listened closely, you could've also heard his cooling fans turn on when you gave him a kiss. His optics also turned from giving the seeker half the attention to putting his whole attention onto you as your tiny frame walked away.

His gaze on you was soft. There could have possibly been hearts floating around his helm if this were a cartoon. He could've even had hearts in his optics, that's how far gone he was. That's when he heard the seeker approach him with his usual unnerving voice. The predacon's mood instantly changed. His loving gaze towards your direction halted as he turned to face Starscream with a look of pure hatred.

"Well, well, well... You appear to be having fun, being treated like a servant animal by a tiny rat. Doing everything they want. Why can't you simply follow my orders then!?" He yelled out in anger. If he hadn't known about the predacon's transformation, he would've hit the dragon.

Predaking let out a loud screech before standing up and spreading his wings- Towering over the shorter mech. Having his pride take a hit was one thing, having to listen to the SIC call you 'rat' was another. You were so much more than a rat. You were a divine soul. And your tiny frame only made his primal instincts want to protect and love you even more.

"Whatever your relationship with the fleshy may be, it doesn't matter. Now, move to Shockwave's lab." Starscream scoffed. If looks could kill, the seeker may have already died back in the pits of Kaon. It felt like Predaking's hatred for him could time travel.

Suddenly, the mech dragon transformed into his bi-pedal cybertronian form.

"I'll be there for the meeting. However..." The taller mech stomped over to the now intimidated seeker. His shadow was now looming over the SIC. "If you call them a 'rat' one more time, I'll make sure to rip your spark out the 'primal beast way'."

Starscream trembled beneath the predacon's fierce gaze, then the king made his way past the seeker and towards the lab.

The meeting itself was quite uneventful. It was simply seen as a progress report. Predaking was just there for show, in a way. It was mostly Shockwave who talked to Megatron.

After the meeting, the predacon was dismissed. And the first thing he did was visit your bedroom.

Due to your relationship with Predaking, and you being basically the only one able to tame the beast with questionable ease, Megatron assigned Shockwave to be your guardian and for you to stay in a smaller room connected to the lab. However, with how much disinterest the scientist had in you, he basically abandoned you just for you to be taken care of by Predaking. So technically speaking, Predaking was your guardian and you were his charge. The only thing Shockwave did to take care of you was to get Knockout to get you stuff you needed. Because it seemed illogical for him to go get necessities for you himself.

The predacon slowly approached your little home, transforming into the beast on the way. You knew about his bi-pedal form, but you didn't treat him with as much affection as you did when he approached you as a mech dragon. He enjoyed your company regardless, but it was more enjoyable for him personally to see you laugh and smile a lot more when you were simply allowed to pet his helm.

You had fallen asleep in your bed, assuming the meeting would take a while. So when Predaking gazed upon your sleeping body, he couldn't help but purr. And of course, his purring didn't go unnoticed by you as you slowly woke up from your nap. And the first thing you saw right in front of your face was a pair of yellow glowing optics staring right at you in admiration. You weren't startled or anything as this wasn't the first time the predacon (unintentionally) woke you up like this. You yawned as you sat up to look at him with a little smile.

"Hey, King... How did the meeting go?" You asked, still tired. The predacon closed his optics and tilted his head towards the side, ex-venting some warm air like a heater. This movement roughly translated to either "Boring" or "Meh", and it never failed to make you laugh. It simply looked ridiculous to see a giant beast do such a motion.

The predacon then suddenly got an idea. He gently picked you up by the back of your shirt like a kitten and walked off. You two bypassed Shockwave as he just stared at you helplessly dangling from the giant beast's maw.

You didn't say anything, waving at the purple mech. This wasn't the first time Shockwave's creation did this, so neither of you were concerned about being in danger around him. However, you were a little curious as to where he was taking you.

Turns out he was taking you back to his kennel. You still didn't understand why, however. Maybe he wanted to play more?

Your questions quickly were answered however, when he gently lowered you into the middle of his nest and started to circle around you before eventually dropping down, having you sitting against his body. One wing was spread out a bit to give you a roof and contain more of the warmth Predaking's frame produced.

He let out a whirring noise that seemed to resemble a yawn as he tried to comfortably cuddle up closer against you. He curled his body around you more and you couldn't help but coo at how adorable he was acting. Like an overgrown puppy wanting love and attention. And if you couldn't give it to him all the time, he would simply not let you leave. But to be honest, you didn't want to leave him at the moment anyway.

So you simply let yourself fall back asleep, this time in your king's embrace.

OPTIMUS PRIME

He can't help but sigh in love whenever he sees you - you are a walking dream with such a precious frame that not only makes you look attractive, but shows off your strength.

Whenever Optimus gets the chance to hold you, he finds comfort on leaning his helm against your chestplate or thighs. He always asks if its okay, of course! (Melts whenever you coo at him or caress his helm.)

Even when you two are already together, Optimus is quite shy and can't help but get all timid and blushy around you. A big shy nerd and his badass big conjux.

BUMBLEBEE

Another shy mech, but a little bit more brave to show his affections towards you. Loves to snuggle his faceplate against yours and hug you.

Bumblebee always plays your fave Earth music and dance with you (may or may not have once played Baby's got back by Sir Mix-A-Lot.)

Once it's night time and you two are all alone, Bee begs to have you sit on his lap and let him keep his servos on your hips or thighs and touch, grope and caress. Loves to beep praises to you and how pretty you are.

RATCHET

Thicc thighs save lives and he knows it.

Ratchet is both a tsundere that is quick to get all embarrassed (and needy) whenever you show off your frame and a pro at flirting and knowing what to say to make you melt.

Any little insecurity you have about your big frame is met with his sincere and energetic praising. He is ready to kiss you down and remind you why your frame is perfect.

May or may not want to have your thighs crush his helm wHO SAID THAT

ARCEE

Sits on your lap or has you sitting on her lap. (She can take it, don't worry!!!)

Gets all flustered whenever you carry her around. "Your frame is perfect to carry around, Cee!" - and you then are met with all the praises and compliments in the world from her.

Arcee is ready to go after anyone who is mean and tries to say something bad about your big frame - you are perfect! And as the Pits she will let anyone say anything bad about it!

If you are comfortable with it, she will always keep her servo on your hips, thighs or aft.

BULKHEAD

A mech with a big frame with a significant other that is also a big frame? Sign him up! A powerful duo full of support and love!

He is such a gentleman, Bulkhead is over heels for you and is all ready to kiss the floor you walk on.

Your number 1 fan - loves how you show your strength and the pride and love you have for your big frame. But if you ever need some supportive words, he is ready to remind you how much he loves you.

Gets all blushy and shy when he gets to lay his helm on your thick thighs or touch them. A thigh guy definitely.

WHEELJACK

Down bad for you and a total menace.

Is not shy to flirt with you, whisper some sweet spicy nothings and grope here and there (only if you had consented and feel comfy with it, of course!)

Wheeljack is a danger to society, whistles at you and even howls when you show off your hips, thighs, chest or your whole frame in general. (Please, sit on my face coded.)

SMOKESCREEN

Primus. This mech loves you like crazy.

He is a constant "look at my hot S/O!" and enlist every little thing that he loves about your frame, your personality, your everything! Your number #1 fan.

While Smokescreen would be all over the moon to have you sit on his lap, he also melts and gets all shy if you have him sitting on your own lap. He would even be all like "Oh my, such a beautiful bot is flirting with me!" and you two had been dating for a long while, what a silly goose.

ULTRA MAGNUS

Another painfully shy bot, tries desperately to always keep himself collected and serious. But when you are around he gets all anxiously-lovestruck and even more if you pay attention to him!

Needs an extra push to have him put his servos over you - even if you had already told him that it was okay to touch, Ultra Magnus wishes to be nothing but the best for you.

When you two are alone, he feels in heaven having you on his lap, holding you close and whispering sweet nothings to you. Wants you to sit on his face wHO SAID THAT

CLIFFJUMPER

Is like a middle between Wheeljack and Bumblebee - Loudly expresses his love for you but is also veeeryyy romantic for it (sometimes silly, but it's because he loves you so much).

Cliffjumper is always eager to carry you around as much as possible (if he is able to, of course, but he'll try!!) Even more if you had ever expressed not linking your frame and wished to be smaller in shape. Not on his watch! He is ready to make his sweetspark feel beautiful!

If you have a big chestplate he is constantly resting his helm on it, too. "Let me help you, babe - they look heavy." (Just another menace)

MEGATRON

Y'all watch out - Megatron is all in to leave bite marks, grope and what not to any type of thickness you have.

He loathes the idea of others staring at your plump assets and is very possessive. Snarls and growls but at your touch he is quick to melt (and sometimes bark as he wants a bite of that cake!)

Always has you sitting on his lap. And he will actually make you sit on his face.

STARSCREAM

The size difference has him going wiiild but it's too flustered to touch, move, or even breathe the same air you breathe.

If he ever hears someone talk bad about your frame, he goes full banshee and destroys whoever spoke ill about you (Verbally or physically? Who knows, but he destroys in your name).

Starscream becomes all blushy and shy if you hug him or have him sit on your lap, lay on your thighs or rest his helm on your chestplate.

Needs to,,, to have his helm crushed,,, b by your thighs

SOUNDWAVE

Would definitely tease you by groping your aft or thighs with his tentacles (w/ consent of courseee)

Whenever you are all alone with him, Soundwave would request to be allowed to caress your frame with his digits - it makes his spark flutter.

Takes photos of you and shows them to you - you always look drop dead gorgeous in them.

KNOCKOUT

The most hot couple of them all fr fr

Knockout is always praising you and giving you every single love nickname in the book, holds you close and just showers you in kisses.

Another menace - is happy to grope your aft, thighs and give you the most berthroom optics while resting his chin on your chest.

"My soon-to-be-conjux is better than yours" mech.

BREAKDOWN

He is a gentlemech to the heart, but when possible and in the mood, Breakdown becomes a menace.

Whistles whenever he gets to see you kick afts, you look so hot!

He would also be the type of significant other to always have one of his servos on your aft or hips. Always.

SHOCKWAVE

Your frame type is NOT illogical. It's PERFECTION.

You are the only one to see this mech actually prove he has feelings - Shockwave always sighs enamoured whenever he places his optic on you.

Big chest couple... just sAYING-

AIRACHNID

You are her most precious treasure from her collection.

Will be a menace by touching, pinching or groping any thickness of your frame and even purr when she catches you getting all shy.

Airachnid would love to cuddle and show you off to others.

Just like Megatron, she is all in on marking you.

PREDAKING, DARKSTEEL & SKYLYNX

Predaking prefers your hips and thighs, is always snuggling his helm against them and whispering sweet nothings to you.

Darksteel is more an aft mech, his praises are full of dirty talking and is all eager to mark you.

Skylynx loves your chest, is more bashful at the idea of touching it but melts in the moment when you allow him to lay his helm on it.

DREADWING & SKYQUAKE

Dreadwing would be like Breakdown - is a gentlemech that gets all over you at any display of your strength or showing off your frame with pride. But he is also eager to keep a servo over you or leave a mark.

Skyquake another menace who is ready to throw servos at whoever stares at you for too long or says something bad about your frame. You are hot, perfect and his.

VEHICONS

They are always gushing about you.

They are all ready and eager to please you to be allowed at the end of the day to touch or just feel your frame close to theirs.

The Vehicons are your own fan club, but all of them are painfully shy - show off your frame and soon they will get all ready to get active.

Explaining things was immediately off the table. So, you'd scooped him up in your arms, running down another shortcut as quickly as you could. After all, even if you hid him in the Spire...the mob could tear it apart. Or come back the next day, or the next, until their bloodlust was finally satisfied.

For his safety...and your own selfish wants, perhaps...he had to disappear.

That was barely a few hours ago. Now, you and he were on a small boat, heading towards the distant continent. You'd never taken your gaze off him, not even for a moment...he could wake up at any moment.

He started to stir. You held your breath, leaning forward...with a groan, he opened his eyes, blinking a few times before blearily focusing on you. He softly said your name...then looked around, brow furrowing in confusion as he took in his surroundings. "What...?"

"I'm...sorry," you said slowly. His gaze snapped to you. You were tempted to tell lies, but...he deserved the truth, at least. So you told him everything: the way others had plotted to kill him, and how you'd...technically kidnapped him in response. To protect him!

His eyes had slowly widened through your explanation. You swallowed, lowering your head...still glancing up to watch him. "I...understand if you can't forgive me," you said. "But you...you're everything to me. To see other Cookies act like that, I just...I can't let them do that. I need you, my Fount.

"Even if you despite me for it...I can't let you leave my side. Not after this." You almost reached out to him, but stopped just short of actually taking his hands. "I...I love you."

You tried to brace yourself for a rejection. You probably failed, but you had to at least try...

So you were taken aback when he suddenly surged forward, grabbing your hands and giving them a small squeeze. You let out a small, shocked gasp. "My Fount...?"

"I love you, too," he said. "How could I not, when you...you care so much? When you'd do this just to protect me?"

You raised your head, slowly smiling. "...you mean it?"

He nodded. "Whatever you have in mind...I'll come with you." He gave a wry grin. "Keep in mind this will be forever, though! A pretty big commitment."

"Forever sounds perfect," you said, grin widening. He beamed, stars flickering a little brighter...you sat beside him, and he sank against you, allowing you to hold him close.

"...I'm still going to hold onto your staff for a bit," you said. It was nearby, just...hidden. So that no one would notice it and thus him, and perhaps...a tiny, slowly-shrinking worry he'd use his magic and leave you.

Zanka looked down at the ground, away from them. No way he was going to humiliate himself even further.

“Did…Did something happen? We’re here to listen if you need to talk.” The gentle voice coaxed him. He looked back up, noticing that only the shadow of the woman remained. Zanka hesitated for a beat. But the woman, she was so calm, so gentle. Zanka couldn’t help but fall in her sanctuary. Well, if she was willing to listen…

Zanka begins his story. How he trained to be the best. How he tried to brush his efforts off to appear like a natural. How a real gifted girl showed him up. How he ended up with this stupid stick like an idiot.

The woman listened attentively, nodding along to his story. Zanka felt a warmth he never felt before. He felt seen, acknowledged for something deeper than his efforts to be strong. He hadn't realized how badly he'd wanted someone to simply listen. 

“Okay, so your special school has special classes on weapon selection and stuff. Sick. And you happen to vibe with that instrument of violence. Go off.” The man summarized his story. He could make out the back of the man who sat at the ledge of the well. He seems…simple minded.

“But that still begs the question on why you’re at the bottom of the well.” The woman shifted her position to be more comfortable as she sat sideways on the ledge to look down at him easier.

Zanka’s eyes glazed over as he is brought back into the memories of his failure.

“Hang on, didn’t you say something about the class being three days ago? Doing the math… you’ve been down there for three days without any food or water this whole time?” The man exclaimed.

“Did you know we’d be popping a squat or were you trying to die?” The man scoffs. Zanka only hugs the stick tighter. “There was a hole here. So I got in it. Now, I’m stuck.”

“Yeah, I feel that.” the man empathizes. “Ah well, nothing to do about it now except appreciate the local confections.” or not. 

He can see the woman push the man, “You’re horrible.” she scoffs. The man waves her off as he begins to snack. The man makes some exaggerated moans as he eats. Rubbing salt into the wound. Zanka looks up at his stick, noticing how the woman was now no longer at the ledge.

“The others, they all picked weapons they thought looked the strongest. And I figured Hyo would too. So I thought I could game the system. There was this worn out piece of crap mixed in with the other weapons. I thought it’d be like when a hunk of junk is actually a secret powerful thing.” Zanka thought back to the selection process. How stupid he was to think that. A stick was just a stick. That’s it.

“Seems like you out thought yourself.” the man commented. Zanka curled up closer, “It was just a damn stick. It wasn’t even supposed to be on the table. The school made a mistake and no one caught it.”

Zanka lets out a pathetic laugh, “I got so many looks that I’d never thought would come my way.” He lets out a sigh, “Then came the moment we’d all been waiting for. And you know what the real deal picked? Just a plain old sword. Unremarkable. Completely ordinary.”

Zanka couldn’t help the sobs of laughter. The shame he feels, bringing shame not only to himself but also his family. What would his older sister think? 

“I am such shit! A piece of shit! Shittiest shit in the heap! Ahahaha! King shit! Who knew the biggest fake was the one trying to get people to think he’s something he’s not! But now I know. That mediocre can’t become natural talents!” Zanka grits his teeth.

“Man…why can’t I die? Just drop dead. I’m just as big a poser as this stupid ass stick. I shouldn’t be alive.”

Clink.

Looking down, he sees a bottle attached to a thin rope. Or was attached. The rope had snapped, letting the bottle drop the rest of the way down. He could hear the woman curse as she pulled back up the rope.

“That took a very dark turn.” The woman sighs. “A kid like you shouldn’t be thinking like that.” The woman's voice echoes around him “Besides don’t mediocres surpass talent in the end? That's practically the foundation of every story.” The woman speaks up. Zanka’s eyes widened. “Sure, to be born with talent is great and all, but to learn is to struggle and make mistakes. That’s what makes you human.”

He could hear the woman shuffle around, “You’re not a natural and you can’t become one, that’s okay. Then what else can you become? That’s the beauty of human nature, you don’t have to stick to one path.”

He sees the woman lean over the well again, looking down at him, “Besides, you talk all about dying and giving up but deep down, you still got some fight left in ya. You’re still holding on to that stupid stick afterall. Most would have just tossed it and got a new weapon. You held on.” Zanka’s grip tightened around the stick.

The man spoke up again, “Now, you’re free to ignore the ramblings of the weirdo who’s passing though.” 

“Hey.”

“But, you can’t know your strength till you know your weakness. So with that what you will.” Their shadows disappear.

“We gotta go but we’ll be back for more manju. Maybe we’ll see you around. We would love to see you prove my point.” Those were the last words he heard from the man as their footsteps receded.

Hope.

How long had it been since he felt hope this true and pure?

Zanka climbs from the well, clutching the bottle to his chest. When he got out, on the ledge of the well was a white box. Opening it revealed some fresh manju.

He held the box close and grabbed a piece, taking the first bite of food he had in a long while.

He quickly scarfed down the rest and washed it down with water.

Turning the lid over, he noticed a note taped to the cover. He gently detached the note and opened it.

“A kid like you needs proper food and water to grow. Don’t starve yourself again.”

His heart warmed at the gesture of kindness.

He gulped down the last few sips of water and let out a satisfied sigh. 

He turns the bottle in his hand, inspecting it. Only then did he notice the floral designs painted around the bottle. It seemed hand-painted.

He hopes he can see those two again someday. He doesn’t like to owe favors.

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