A Special Touch
By: Sapphire
Part 5
Chapter 8
- Discovery
"Stay away from me. Leave me alone."
Sapphire's eyes opened to darkness. Then a pale light seemed to grow as her eyes adjusted. Soft, distant whispers rose and fell in the otherwise heavy silence. They came at first as a blur to her ears and then cleared. She could make out the words, coming in hissed, painful sobs.
"Leave me alo-one... Go away."
She raised her head off her pillow a little. It hurt.
"Ack, ow...who's there?" she asked.
"Shhh!" came a sharp reply.
Something moved in the dark towards her. The figure stood over her and took her arm. The white of her eyes caught the light. They were large, terrified. Suddenly, Sapphire recognized her.
"Varyn?"
"Come with me," she urged softly, and pulled her off the bed, which seemed to be on a table. Sapphire staggered, unsteady on her feet, searing pain reaching up through her spine and a headache pounding in her skull.
"God, Varyn, not now. I feel awful... I don't think I should be moving."
Varyn ignored her and pulled her along by the arm. She was forced to follow. They went through the gate and into the tunnel, scurried along the right of it and then came to the hatch. Up the short flight of stairs they went. Varyn pushed the hatch, that was usually sticky and hard to open, with such ease. Biting back the pain, she clambered up out of the tunnel and stood still with her friend, leaning against her side for support.
"Look," Varyn said gently but with some alarm in her voice, and she pointed.
Sapphire blinked away the sleep and confusion and saw ahead of her a strange and bewildering sight. Moving like the show animals of some twisted circus were large aliens and alongside them marched hundreds of Transformers. They were moving through the streets, not two hundred meters away from their base.
"What are they doing?" Sapphire asked. She sniffed and frowned. "And what's that's awful smell..."
"The smell is the remains of one of the mutts that broke you," Varyn answered steadily. Sapphire felt sick almost instantly.
"As to what the aliens are doing, I tracked their movements and they're all heading to the City Hall, which, as was explained to Miss Special and I, is like an enormous army base. Or rather, it is the base that controls all bases."
"And that means?" Sapphire asked, nuzzling closer to Varyn's side as a cold wind whipped around her aching legs.
"It means they're onto us. We have to break in there. They're piling just about all they've got into the defense around the Hall."
Sapphire's headache worsened.
"That's not good."
"No," Varyn said coldly, "It isn't."
They stared in silence, listening to the curious roars and moans some of the strange beasts made as they moved along.
"Lady Scale mentioned that you called those hounds 'scratchers'. Why?"
Sapphire dropped her gaze. "It's silly. I used to imagine, when I was a kid, that there were wolf-like creatures out there with long claws. Then one day my mother told me of something she read in the paper. Some small village in India was being attacked by what the villagers said was a wolf with long sharp nails. Probably just a myth, and a co-incidence."
"A very strange co-incidence. The description fits the animals that attacked us pretty well, although they were more dog than wolf-like."
Lights were being carried by the Transformers and it reminded Varyn of olden times, when people wandered through the forests in the early hours of the morning with lanterns, usually on a journey, or on the way to a cemetery to bury someone.
Sapphire looked at Varyn's face and noted a weird, almost wild look in her eyes. She seemed to be elsewhere, her mind occupied with something pressing.
"Varyn? Are you okay?"
Varyn turned her head very slowly and looked at her with some scrutiny.
"No-oh," she stuttered and she trembled slightly.
"Varyn?" Sapphire said meekly.
"Sapph!" she hissed, suddenly looking terrified again. "There's something horrible inside of me...it won't...it won't leave me alone!"
She started shuddering more violently.
"Varyn!! You're scaring me," Sapphire cried and let go of her arm and backed away a little.
"It was the alien, the alien that grabbed me Sapph! Sapph... it revealed me. God, I feel so naked. So cold....I hate myself!"
"Varyn, calm down," Sapphire put her arms around the Canadian, even though she was afraid to.
"Sapphire...Sapphire...I have to empty this rage, before it eats me from the inside out," she whispered, tears running down her face.
"It was Spenzak. He did this to you. He took your anger and used it to make you violent, hateful," Sapphire said bitterly.
"I always was violent and hateful!" she snapped angrily and pulled away. She walked a few steps forward and stared furiously into the night.
"I'm going to hunt them all down and kill them, you understand me? I have to. I must."
"Lucky for you," Sapphire answered slowly. "Your job is just that."
Varyn turned around and looked at her searchingly.
"You don't understand, do you?"
"Understand what?"
"True fear."
Sapphire stared back at her with equal intensity.
"Maybe not the fear you feel. But perhaps another kind of fear altogether. All I know is that every emotion, including fear, is made up of energy. It's what we choose to do with that energy, where we channel it, that leads to the outcomes that make up our lives."
Varyn turned and faced forward again, folding her arms.
"Then let me let loose this fury and disgust inside of me on something that deserves it."
Sapphire braved to voice the question that was on her mind and which she feared the answer of.
"Which is?"
Varyn turned to look at her again, this time with a calm smile.
"The sonsofbitches who are responsible for our being here, of course."
"The aliens," Sapphire breathed.
"Yes," Varyn answered as she turned and made her way back to the hatch.
She paused after she opened it and looked down thoughtfully.
"Sapph, if I unleashed it on myself, if I decided to destroy myself with it, it wouldn't be a waste not of my life, but of the possibility of saving others with it."
Sapphire walked up to her and put a hand on her shoulder. "No, it would be a waste of both."
Varyn let out a deep breath and stepped aside to allow Sapphire first entrance.
"You get back to bed. I shouldn't have dragged you out here in your current state," she said apologetically.
"It's okay, Varyn. By tomorrow morning, the amulet would have done its job adequately enough for me to start moving more comfortably again."
"Let's hope so," she sighed and followed her into the tunnel.
Miss Special rubbed the sleep from her eyes and rolled over to see Sinead, lying with her arms folded behind her head, listening to the music Lady Venom was playing. Amber had tampered with an old Transformer computer and made some minor adjustments to allow Lady Venom to play some Evanescence.
"Fallen angels at my feet, whispering voices at my ear. Death before my eyes..."
"Uplifting song to be playing for someone who's already had a near-death experience," Miss Special called to Lady Venom. The young woman turned and grinned at her. "It's a good song."
Miss Special nodded and pushed her covers off.
"Upon my end shall I begin, forsaking all I've fallen for I rise to meet the end..."
"So! What's for breakfast," she asked with cheerful sarcasm.
Skyfire called from the stove right at the other end of the room: "Can you take a guess?"
She placed her finger over her chin and looked up in mock thoughtfulness.
"Hmm...is it maybe beans?" she said loudly. There was a collective groan from everyone around her.
"Corrrrrrect!" Skyfire followed with a laugh.
"Same thing we eat every day, Pinky, beans and toast and coffeeeeee!" Starath joked.
"Ugh," Pacerpaw moaned as she too got out of bed. "Beans for breakfast, beans and meatballs for lunch and beans and cabbage for dinner. Why don't we alternate?"
"What? Between beans and more beans? We've run out of cabbage," Skyfire announced.
"Oh, you've gotta be kidding me!" Pacerpaw exclaimed and threw up her hands.
"I don't even like beans," Sapphire murmured. Everyone turned and looked at her in amazement.
"Sapph! You're awake!" Lady Venom cheered.
She smiled lopsidedly. "My wounds are just scars now, but man, my back aches!"
"That's to be expected. You keep wearing that amulet until you feel better. Next up is Nurann," Pacerpaw said as she fetched a painkiller for the South African from her medical kit.
"Oh yay! I'm getting sick of this silly leg," Nurannoniel groaned. She paused. "Mind you, it is a lot better."
"Say, where's Varyn?" Kacheetah asked as she sat up and looked around the room.
"She's taking a shower," Cheetra replied as she entered the sleeping hall. "Dang, it feels good to be clean!"
"Yeah, we seem to get pretty grimy on our excursions," Sharpshot agreed and studied his stained hands. "My hands look like they'll forever be a strange tinge of green."
"How'd they get green?" Starath queried.
"Beats me!"
"Hey, everyone?" Sapphire piped up.
All eyes were on her. "Varyn will probably have more to say on this, since she show--er, told me about it. But the aliens are onto our plans and they're all gathering around the Hall to form stronger defenses."
Gazes dropped, people kicked things lightly and the whole group of them seemed to sag in posture.
"Oh, that's just splendid news," Hacker groaned.
"We're gonna have to do some major planning and distracting to get the girls within an inch of that place," Sharpshot sighed.
"That's going to be impossible. We'd need to get someone inside to open doorways and lead the way while we're doing the distracting. I mean, Pacer and Amber aren't even tall enough to turn the door handles! This was badly thought out on Spenzak's part," Miss Special said, annoyed.
"I could help."
She turned sharply left to see the small, turquoise femmebot she'd helped rescue yesterday emerge from the shadows.
"Who's she?" Sapphire asked.
"You were unconscious when I explained," Miss Special said absently as she stared at the femme.
"How can you help, Markaya?" Nurannoniel questioned.
"Well," she began, shifting a little uncomfortably under the intense gazes of her audience. "Most of the aliens have Transformer bodies. I could just walk straight into a marching line and worm my way in. Technically all real Transformed have been killed or driven out and a clean sweep has been done of the city, only they missed me because I was under a ton of rubble. No sane Transformer would hand themselves to the aliens, and since they have no real means of identification, it is possible they might just overlook me."
"Well, you are very small," Dannn noted.
"This is a very dangerous mission you're asking to go on, Markaya, and there's a strong possibility you'll lose your life to it," Miss Special said sensitively.
"I know, but, everyone I ever loved and knew has been destroyed by these invaders and...if I'm the only chance of overthrowing them, then I think it's worth just one more Transformer life."
Miss Special nodded thoughtfully.
"Okay, you're in. But you have to be sure about this."
"I'm sure," she said calmly.
Miss Special exchanged glances with Sinead, who shrugged slightly. "It's her choice."
"Right, then it seems we've got the beginnings of a plan. We'll formulate once everyone is together. But before that, even, I'm going to indulge in some beans on stale bread," Miss Special said with false enthusiasm.
"Oh, yippee," Kacheetah rolled her eyes.
"They could have at least packed some candy!" Amber moaned loudly.
"I strongly agree!" Starath nodded vigorously.
"And some better coffee," 'Blaze added as she took her first sip of the steamy liquid and grimaced.
"And some more Band-Aids! I have a nasty paper cut and only heavy duty bandages to cover it with!"
"And some breath mints."
"Hey? You telling me my breath stinks?"
"Not to mention some TV!"
There was a collective roar of agreement.
"And some softer pillows!"
"And some softer towels!"
"As well as some....."
And so it continued while Markaya watched in amusement.
The rest of that day the teams gathered together around their leaders and formulated plans for the Hall break in. The significance of such a mission was explained to all and, while many were concerned on just how dangerous it was, they all felt a sense of relief knowing it would be their last mission.
"Say, didn't Spenzak promise us a surprise after our first mission?" Starath piped up when a discussion on part of the operation had come to an end.
"Yeah," Skyfire said and narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
"Well, if we haven't got it yet then I'm assuming that this mission we're going on now must warrant the surprise," Pacerpaw added.
"But this is our last mission! If it truly is the 'first mission', then that means there has to be a second!" Kacheetah moaned.
"We already know the second mission," Miss Special told them calmly.
"We do? What?" Sharpshot asked flatly.
"Our second mission is simply to survive and get out of the hot zone once we've completed the first mission," Miss Special stated.
"Oh."
There was a short silence before Starath spoke up again. "Well, if getting out of here is classified as a mission on its own, something tells me it's not going to be easy."
"But then doesn't that mean the surprise has to fall in between missions?" Lady Scale pointed out.
Miss Special rubbed at her temples. "Oh, I don't think there is a surprise. I think it was just more of a bribe to get us into this mess more readily, than anything else."
"Well that's positive!" Sapphire grumbled.
"Sapph, the best surprise I'd like would be going home as soon as we've completed this thing," Miss Special sighed.
Sinead patted Sapphire on the shoulder. "There there, I'm sure we'll get something for our troubles before they send us home."
"Yeah, like a memory blank, so we don't remember any of this!" Sharpshot snorted.
Sinead glared at the Brit, who glared right back.
"Okay, okay. Enough of that," Varyn raised her voice for the first time in a while. "I think it's time we had a break. Everyone's tense. We'll finish discussing strategy in an hour."
No one argued and everyone left fairly quietly. Varyn sank down onto the table she'd been working on, pushing aside the map and plans.
"Are you okay?" Pacerpaw asked. Varyn looked up, a little surprised. She hadn't noticed that the medic had stayed with her.
"Yeah...I'm just a little groggy. I didn't sleep well last night."
Pacerpaw looked at her searchingly. "Is that all?"
Varyn put her head between her knees and sighed. What good was it doing trying to fool her? Pacer was sharp at picking up when something was wrong. It was her ability and power.
She looked up to face the Swede. "I'm not very comfortable with myself. I have a lot of power inside of me, itching to get out. I just want this thing to be over with."
Pacerpaw nodded gently and Varyn could see by the look in her eyes that the medic had picked up more than she had intended to reveal in her words.
"Then I suggest we get cracking on those plans soon. If we finish them today, we can revise them tomorrow and attack the following day. You can release whatever monsters you have inside of you."
Varyn stared at her, watching her intently. Pacerpaw smiled calmly and turned away. Shaking her head slightly, Varyn got to her feet and called across to her dear friend.
"Hey! Lady V! Get over here!"
Lady Venom was on the other side of the room talking to Sapphire. She grinned. "What do you want, your highness?"
Varyn knew what she wanted. Someone who understood her, would not question her, would not pry. A good friend and a distraction.
"I've got a bone to pick with you!" she yelled teasingly. Lady Venom cocked an eyebrow and inclined her head towards Sapphire.
"May I give her a bone?"
Sapphire laughed and nodded. Lady Venom strode over to talk to her friend. The South African was left alone for the moment and she busied herself watching Sinead practice with her sword. She marveled at how elegant the young woman was when she turned and twisted, holding her blade with such ease and comfort it looked like she'd been doing it for years.
"The last samurai," Sapphire offered as she approached her.
Sinead smiled even as she continued practicing.
"Dinobot would have been proud," Sapphire said as she leaned against the wall.
"I'd like to think so," Sinead replied as she held her sword out and assumed an attack stance.
"Sinead? Do you have any notion of what this 'surprise' could be?" Sapphire asked a little tentatively.
Sinead shook her head with a chuckle. "You just can't handle suspense, Sapph!"
Sapphire shrugged with a sheepish grin. "I'm just a little impatient. Besides, it's usually the leaders of the group who know this stuff, and you are second in command, so maybe you know something I don't."
Sinead paused and glanced at the girl. "Sapph, if I knew anything of the sort, I promise I would have told you by now. I'm just as clueless as you."
"Hmm."
Sinead sheathed her sword and walked over to her. "Wanna see something funny?"
Sapphire raised an eyebrow with curiosity. "There's a lot of mischief in that voice of yours."
Sinead bit her lip playfully and pointed at Skyfire, who was playing cards with Starath on the far right of the hall.
"What I'm going to do next is good for me, as it is good practice. And..." she trailed as she focused her gaze on Skyfire.
He suddenly disappeared and when Starath looked up to see cards moving through the air by themselves, she squeaked in surprise and fright. A second later, she growled. "Sinead! That was mean!"
"What are you talking about?" came Skyfire's voice. "Hah! Where'd I go?!"
Sinead burst out laughing and Skyfire flickered into view, glaring at her with his arms folded.
"And good fun!" Sinead finished with a giggle. Sapphire rolled her eyes and chuckled. "You're a menace!"
Starath and Skyfire watched the laughing duo suspiciously for a whole, before resuming their game.
The hour passed and soon both teams were gathered to learn the strategy. It went as follows:
Everyone would hold back while Markaya went and joined a marching line. When she was inside the grounds, Sinead and Wicked Woman would advance. Once they were close enough, Sinead would cloak Wicked Woman and she would move in and use her slowing power to semi-freeze the enemy. This would be the perfect opportunity for Amber and Pacerpaw to move into the building. It had been decided that Wicked Woman would go in with them for extra security. Markaya would lead them through the building with Wicked Woman freezing any opponents and security cameras as they moved. Even with her ability, they were bound to be spotted and so a large distraction was needed to divert the attention of the guarding troops. This was where Miss Special would come in.
Sinead would have fallen back in the meantime and regrouped with Miss Special. She would cloak her and the leader would ignite anything within range that would explode and get the attention of the aliens. Of course, this would backfire in a sense as the Aliens would be alerted that enemies were in the area. So it was important that the enemies reveal themselves.
The object was to occupy the aliens on as many fronts as were available. Sapphire and Hacker would launch an attack on the rear of the building with Dannn and Skyfire as support. Varyn, Lady Venom and Nurannoniel would be joining Sinead and Miss Special in a frontal assault. Hitting the right side of the Hall would be Lady Scale, Kacheetah and Starath. The left and most unguarded side would be attacked by Blaze, Blackarachnia and Cheetra. Sharpshot would be stationed on the nearest safest building overlooking the Hall. When the time was right, he would deliver the shot with a signal in the bullet that would transmit on impact. Amber's job after helping Pacerpaw at the computers was to plant a bomb in the room and exit. Once everyone was safely clear of the building (and for the first time they would use field radios, since their mission wasn't covert) Sharpshot would trigger the explosion and the base would be destroyed. By that stage the damage would be done at the army base on the other side of Cybertron and the Transformers would hopefully be able to move in and gain control.
The teams were divided up into five. The frontal attack team called themselves the Firecats (a name Miss Special chose), the rear attack were named Airblast, seeing as most of them were flyers and Sapphire would be delivering powerful energy blasts into the building. The Right-hand team took the name of P.I.T.Bulls (Pitbulls are well known ferocious dogs, although it was Starath who came up with the front abbreviation P.I.T.B. - Pains in the Butt, as she'd hoped they would be for the aliens.) The left-hand team called themselves the Beez, as homage to Waspinator.
They worked on and discussed the plans late into the night until it was clear everyone was getting too tired to talk anymore. The following day they would split up into their respective groups and familiarize themselves with their strategies.
That night, after Varyn and Miss Special had finally dismissed everyone, a sense of anxiety settled on most. It was apparent that this mission was very dangerous and as they'd already nearly lost members thus far, it was an unnervingly great possibility that they could lose someone to it. Among the most frightened, however, was Miss Special. She was leader and developer, along with Varyn, of the strategies, and she worried that if anything bad happened, she'd be responsible. She couldn't live with the guilt of her mess-up costing someone their life. Varyn explained to her, sensing her disquiet, that once they were split up into their separate groups, it was out of her hands. Every member relied on every other member, and the entire weight of the mission shouldn't rest on any one person's shoulders. While she accepted the comfort, Miss Special couldn't shake the feeling of dread that shrouded everywhere she went.
"I'm scared," Sapphire murmured to Sinead. The two of them had been sitting next to each other talking. There had been a long, not uncomfortable silence between then when Sapphire finally spoke.
Sinead looked gently at her. "We all are. So were all the millions of soldiers going into battle throughout the ages. But Sapph, it didn't stop them. They all fought, knowing it was their destiny to do so. If you accept that this is where you are, and that there is a reason for whatever happens, and if you trust that God knows your fear, then you'll be ok. A little faith, whether it be faith in yourself or a higher power, can go a long way to calming the nerves."
Sapphire lowered her eyes in thought. "I wish...I wish I could feel that sense of calm that you do, Sinead. I've never had a secure footing at home - I've always felt like I've been walking on a tight rope, and there's no net to catch me below."
Sinead put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You know that's not true. I am your friend and I'll always be there to catch you if you fall, Sapph. And so would everyone in this hall right now. You have good friends, don't forget that."
Sapphire smiled weakly and gave her friend a cuddle. "What would I do without you..."
Others were coping with the fear in different ways. Lady Scale was methodically polishing her huge claws, trying to make them look sharper and more threatening. Amber watched her warily.
"You can really slash well with those things, can't you?"
Lady Scale answered without meeting her gaze. "Of course. Don't you worry, Amber. While you're in their doing your thing, I'll be keeping your enemies very busy with these babies."
Amber smiled with laughter in her eyes.
"We're gonna be okay, hey, Lady Scale?"
The Romanian nodded. "Yes, we'll be okay."
Soon everyone was too tired to fret anymore and they all feel asleep. Varyn was the only one who did not sink into a deep slumber. While she was resting, she was also listening out for things. At the moment, the monster inside of her was dormant and so she was able to sleep a little, but that did not mean she had let her guard down. Her awareness paid off.
She heard the squeaky hinges of the gate as someone entered. By the sounds of it, they were metal feet, and a lot of them. There were a few muffled whispers and some shuffling. There were people inside the entrance hall, just outside where everyone was sleeping,
Carefully, Varyn removed the covers from her bed on the floor and stood up. She walked tentatively over to Miss Special and roused her gently. The Californian got to her feet without a sound, her eyes bright and alert almost instantly. Varyn wondered for a moment if she'd also been sleeping as lightly as her.
Putting a finger to her lips, the Canadian pointed to the source of the noise and Miss Special listened. She heard the soft noises and nodded. They advanced stealthily to the exit of the room, stepping over sleeping bodies with care, When they were one on each side of the door, Varyn waved her hand and at the same time they entered the hall, ready to fight.
Miss Special's jaw dropped. Varyn stared with a look of shock and confusion. The fireball that had flamed up in Miss Special's hand spluttered out, as if to confirm her sudden realization that she wasn't going to need it.
Rattrap waved. "Hi."
Behind him were all the Beast Warriors, well, all who were admired by at least someone inside the sleeping hall. They were all gathered in the great entrance archway, armed with tambourines and portable drums.
"Um, surprise?" Optimus whispered.
Varyn shook her head. "You have GOT to be kidding me! You're REAL?"
Dinobot snorted from the back. "Well of course we are!" he growled.
"Shhhhh!" the Transformers chorused.
Miss Special and Varyn exchanged glances.
"Well, this must be the surprise, then?" the fire-girl offered.
Varyn finally allowed herself to smile with pleasure.
"Oh, and what a great surprise it is!" She turned to the Beast Warriors. "Something tells me you were going to make a grand entrance with all those noisy instruments."
Inferno lifted up his trumpet with an eager yet demented grin.
"Guess we're not gonna get much sleep for a while," Miss Special sighed with a grin. They stepped aside...
Starath nearly sailed through the roof when there was a cacophony of noise bursting into the room.
"Aieeeee!" she yelped as she leapt to her feet, wide-eyed. She was not the only one.
"What the he----eeeeell?" Lady Venom blurted as she sat up rigidly in bed.
Standing arranged at the entrance were all the Beast Warriors, blowing trumpets, smacking tambourines and pounding drums in no particular rhythm. When they were sure everyone was staring and gaping at them, Rattrap took the honors of rushing forward, gliding on one knee with his arms open and he yelled: "Surprise!"
There was a funny, incredulous little silence before Starath broke it.
"Eeeeee! It's Megatron!!"
Before they could react, there was a rush of funny looking humans surging towards the gathering.
Dinobot gave Optimus a worried glance. "Are you sure Spenzak wasn't off his rocker when he said this would be 'good for them'?"
Optimus braced himself as Nurann came running at him. "They seem happy to see us. Whether this will be good for us is still to be seen!"
And then there was chaos.
"Rattrap!" Sapphire pounced on her favourite character.
"Dinobot!" Blaze and Sinead chorused. Varyn frowned. "Mine! I saw him first!"
Megatron was under siege by a squeaking maniac who briefly introduced herself as Starath. Optimus was laughing at him until he felt someone hug him around his legs. He looked down at the tiny human.
"Hi! I'm Nurannoniel the Insane Mutant Elf!"
Optimus smiled awkwardly.
"Uh....hi."
Pacerpaw was a bit more delicate in her approach of Rhinox, who was standing aside from the rest, watching with amusement.
"I'm the reason you've been dragged here," she said to him. He looked down at her with surprise. She extended her hand. "So I'd better introduce myself. The name's Pacerpaw, although you can call me Jen." Rhinox put forward a huge green hand. "How do you do, Jen?" She smiled warmly.
Kacheetah and Cheetor seemed equally excited to see each other.
"Cheetor!"
"A human!"
"Cheetor!"
"A human!"
"What?" Cheetra laughed as she approached. "You've never seen a human before?"
Cheetor grinned lopsidedly. "Well, not a live one, and especially not ones that look like you!"
Cheetra and Kacheetah looked at themselves. "Guess we do look a little funny," Kacheetah chuckled.
Cheetor looked them both over. "Yeah, but you look great."
Cheetra bowed slightly. "Why thank you, I designed myself!"
Lady Venom and Rampage were having a staring match.
"Ugh... a human," he grumbled.
"A big ugly crab!" she retorted.
Rampage raised an eye ridge.
"I don't sense an ounce of fear coming from you. Aren't you afraid of being squished?"
Lady Venom snorted. "By you? Hah! I've seen scarier things in my short time here, trust me, 'Page!"
They were instantly friends.
Inferno and Miss Special were having a 'burning' contest. They assembled some empty boxes in a corner, with a fire extinguisher nearby, in case.
"All right, if you think you're better at roasting things than me, prove it!" Miss Special challenged.
Inferno stuck his head up in pride and aimed his flame thrower.
"Buuuuurrrrrrrn, boxes!"
And they did burn. Very well. In fact, they burnt so well that there was nothing but a smoldering heap of ash left by the end of his sentence.
Miss Special looked impressed.
"Well, thanks for leaving something for me to burn!"
Inferno put his flame thrower in his holster.
"The Royalty says you will have plenty of opportunity to burn enemies!" he said.
Miss Special nodded. "I'm counting on that."
Skyfire was having a civilized conversation with Silverbolt, who commended the young man on his courage. Not far away, Silverbolt's beloved Blackarachnia was grinning as the girl who had adopted her name as her own complimented her for being 'so cool'.
Wicked Woman had greeted all the Beast Warriors and had now moved onto Terrorsaur, who was showing Dannn his weapon.
"I have wings like you," Dannn pointed out with a small but proud smile.
Terrorsaur nodded: "And what gorgeous wings they are!"
"Wayward would spazz if she could see you now," Wicked Woman chuckled. "She is perhaps the only one I know of who actually thinks you're 'gorgeous'."
Terrorsaur snorted. "She sounds wise, this Wayward girl. And you are?"
"Wicked Woman," she said and they shook hands.
Amber was not compelled to glomp Rattrap like Sapphire had done, but she was very pleased when he showed her his bomb collection and infiltration kit. She knelt on the floor and looked over his tools. He said that if she saw anything she liked and didn't own herself, she was welcome to it. After that he was kept busy by an overbearing Sapphire, who continued to cuddle him wherever he went.
Lady Scale was overjoyed that Transmetal Two Dinobot had also come along. Although he didn't openly express it, he was rather flattered that she admired him so, and even had a monocle. She proceeded to show him her claws and he complimented her on that they were indeed very sharp and shiny.
Hacker, despite her small size, had enveloped Depth Charge with her enormous wings into an embrace. He sighed and patted her gently on her back. He'd been warned that he was a favourite of someone and so he did not repel her. Tonight he was here to make someone happy, and so he would try.
Sharpshot hung back while the girls hogged Dinobot.
"You're such an amazing warrior!"
"I love your beast mode."
"You totally kick butt."
Sharpshot rolled his eyes.
Dinobot was looking flustered as the three girls gathered around him, asking him questions or just pouring out compliments. He caught Sharpshot's eye and gave him a desperate glance.
"Hey, you're my favourite character too, only I'm not going to smother you like those three."
"Smother? Do you see me smothering him?" Varyn asked crossly. "I'm giving him the respect he deserves!" She turned to face Dinobot again. "Now transform to beast mode and give me a piggy-back ride!"
Sharpshot shrugged with a helpless gesture as Dinobot tried to rub away a headache.
Finally the hype calmed down enough for the humans and Transformers to settle down. Being the most sane at that time, the guys took it upon themselves to ask the important questions.
"So how did you get to us unseen?" Skyfire asked them.
"We used the same ship you did, acted like we were aliens when we were seen and then snuck to where we were told to go by Spenzak," Blackarachnia explained.
"He organized this...why?" Skyfire asked.
"Ta cheer you all up before yer big day, were his words," Rattrap replied.
"Will you be helping?" Dannn asked.
Optimus shook his head. "We can't risk it. If any of us get killed, we could get infested by an alien spirit and then betray you. We're basically here to give you some, um, emotional support." He smiled awkwardly.
"What are you planning on doing while you're here, and for how long are you here?" Sharpshot queried.
Rhinox answered: "We're here until you attack, and then while the aliens are busy, we'll sneak out of the city again. As to what we're doing here, well, I don't entirely agree that it's appropriate---"
Cheetor revealed a large disco ball and a portable stereo from a bag he'd been carrying.
"Party!"
"Yeeeeee!" Varyn exclaimed happily.
Rhinox sighed and shook his head with a weary smile.
"But it's two in the morning!" Kacheetah laughed.
"That's never stopped me," Varyn roared as she leapt to her feet. "TELL me you brought drinks?"
Rattrap chuckled. "'Course! What's a party without beer an' dirty mech fluid?"
Lady Venom and Varyn gave each other a high five. "All right!"
"Oh boy..." Blaze muttered.
"Don't worry, Miss 'Blaze," came a growling voice from behind her. She turned and looked up at Dinobot.
"Not all of us will be behaving like their beast modes tonight!"
She laughed. "Good to know!"
And so the disco ball was set up, some music was played, and those who felt like it got dancing. Varyn was content to kick back with a couple of drinks and have a laugh with Lady Venom, while 'Blaze and Wicked Woman and Skyfire huddled around Dinobot and Terrorsaur as they told them stories of Cybertron and the Beast Wars.
Rattrap was out dancing with Sapphire, seemingly comfortable with the whole situation. Sinead was watching from the side-lines, sipping some punch and enjoying the show. She had plans to get Dinobot on the dance floor. She just had to wait for the right song...
Even though it was fast-paced, lively music that was playing, Starath took pleasure in teaching Megatron to slow-dance. Megatron was clumsily trying to copy Starath as she taught him the waltz.
"Is this entirely necessary?" he complained.
"Yes, now don't step on my foot! It's a lot smaller than yours!"
"Starath, you do realize I have to bend half my length to put an arm around your waist? This is very uncomfortable."
"Deal with it, Megs! You're here for my entertainment tonight! Emotional support, remember?"
"Only because you're saving the planet...and I signed a contract with VERY small print," he sighed.
She grinned knowingly and continued. "One step right, one step left..."
With evil intentions, Miss Special was giving Inferno lessons on how to do the Macarena.
"Repeat after me: One maca two maca three Macarena..."
Inferno copied her, watching her moves carefully.
"And this will please the Royalty?" he asked again.
"Yessss," she answered, casting an eye to an unsuspecting Megatron across the room. "Very much so."
Both Blackarachnias were giggling and snorting as they danced with Silverbolt, who was getting a little flustered trying to give attention to both of them.
"This is fun, hey, Silverbolt?" human Blackarachnia asked.
"Ah, yes, it is...enjoyable, my lady."
"Don't neglect me!" the other Blackarachnia cried in jest. Worried, her turned to face her. "I'm not neglecting you, beloved!"
"Hey, over here!" human Blackarachnia called, faking a hurt sound on her voice. The other Blackarachnia chortled as he quickly turned around again to dance with her.
Cheetra, Cheetor, Kacheetah were dancing happily in a group when Cheetra spotted Sinead on the side-line and observed the look in her eyes.
"Hey, Cheetor? You're the DJ... do you think we can play a slower song? For the romantics of the group," she asked.
Cheetor stopped dancing and nodded. "Oh, yeah. I've got some mushy songs. I'll go put one on..."
He disappeared to the back of the all and suddenly "Shape of my Heart" by Sting started to play.
"I love this song!" squealed Sapphire and she sighed and lovingly rested her head against Rattrap's chest, who shook his head at her with an accepting smile. "Sapph, you're hopeless!"
"Megatron! A slow song! Time to put your waltzing lessons to practice!" Starath cried out joyfully. Megatron groaned.
"The Queen is displeased!" Inferno told Miss Special. "Would now be a good time for this 'Macarena'?"
Miss Special burst out laughing. "Goodness, no!"
Dinobot was listening quietly to Silverbolt when he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned around and saw the pretty young woman offering a hand to him, as he was seated.
"Care to dance?" she asked, smiling gently.
He stared at her and then looked around. Everyone was so involved in what they were doing, surely no one would notice...
"Well, I suppose it is...impolite, to refuse a...young lady such as yourself, such an invitation," he stumbled his words as he took her hand and stood up. Sinead suppressed a giggle at his inexperience and walked him onto the dance floor. She put her arms around him and leaned into his chest. The song played in its smooth, sad but romantic rhythm. Dinobot did more shuffling than dancing, but Sinead was happy that he was even trying. The couple passed Sapphire and Rattrap. The latter smirked upon seeing Dinobot and gave him a thumbs up. Dinobot snorted.
Hacker and Depth Charge, Nurannoniel and Optimus and Lady Scale an a rather surprised looking Transmetal Two Dinobot moved with a fair amount of grace across the floor, that had been cleared of all bedding and was directly beneath the shimmering disco ball, which was now turning slowly to fit the rhythm.
"They all look so happy," Pacerpaw said to Rhinox. He nodded slightly.
"For all that they've been through, I have to admire their ability to relax in such times."
Pacerpaw glanced up at him. "You speak of something you know," she said.
He watched the couples with an air of nostalgia.
"We invented our own little ways of coping in the Beast Wars."
Pacerpaw patted his arm lightly. "I know, and you held it altogether, even at the toughest of times. That is why I admire you so greatly."
He chuckled gently and looked down at her. "I am flattered."
Sharpshot, Dannn and Amber were gathered around a punch bowl that had been brought (along with the punch) by Optimus. It was nice to drink something with some flavour.
"We're going to be sleepy when we need to revise the plans," Dannn pointed out.
"We sure will, but hey, this may be the last time we get a treat. Might as well enjoy it."
Everyone did indeed take advantage of this 'treat' and surprise, and for a few hours there was chatter and laughter until eventually the human ran out of steam and nodded off to sleep in various position.
Varyn and Lady Venom and passed out one after the other on their seats, heads resting on the table. Varyn still had a glass in her hand, half full. Cheetor had an arm around both Cheetra and Kacheetah, who'd been keeping him company as he DJ-ed that night. Both were leaning against the wall, sleeping peacefully.
Dinobot was still awake, sitting beside Sinead who had fallen asleep listening to a story he was telling. She was leaning against his shoulder. Blaze had made herself comfy in her own bed and had moved it so she too could listen. She was fast asleep.
Rattrap had Sapphire lying on her back across his lap. She was snoring away with a blissful smile on her face. He combed his fingers through her hair and stared across at Depth Charge, who'd embraced Hacker with his wings. She looked absolutely adorable cuddled up with him.
Sharpshot was the only human still awake. He was searching for his mattress and blankets in the mess of bedding.
"Oh, look at all these girls! They're SO soppy!" he moaned to himself.
"Yeah, but dey're sweet in deir own silly way," Rattrap answered. "I just took an attitude of acceptance. It woulda been pointless puttin' up a fight."
"Agreed!" Megatron said from his position against some boxes, not far away. Starath was curled up in a ball in his arms.
"This one was showing me her 'impression of a tortoise', when she just passed out on me without warning. And now, I am stuck," he told them.
"I think she knew what she was doing!" Sharpshot snickered as he found his bedding. "Ah!"
He glanced around the messy sleeping hall. He found Skyfire and Dannn asleep in an orderly fashion right in the corner of the large room.
"There are my only sane friends, and that is where I shall sleep this morning!" he said as he glanced at the clock on the wall. Five a.m.
"Good night, all."
"Mmmm...g'night," Varyn muttered in her sleep.
Optimus laughed. "Nurann spoke a little in her sleep too! Said something in a funny language. I think it was what she was trying to teach me earlier," he said as he looked at the sleeping Canadian at his feet. "Elvish."
Sharpshot shook his head, exhausted, and found a spot near Skyfire and Dannn and went to sleep. They would all rest until midday.