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Post by Nightshroud on Oct 3, 2023 18:03:58 GMT
Characters Appearing: Nightshroud, Open to all Location (s): Wooded mountain area not far from the compound Timeline: September 2023 shortly after 'Meet the Quake' Plot Summary: Yet another Con at the Compound now, but Quake's not the only bot Nightshroud is upset with.
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Post by Nightshroud on Oct 3, 2023 18:14:34 GMT
Steel cleaved straight through yet another tree as Nightshroud yelled angrily, not even paying the foliage any mind as it toppled over.
Now there was another Con at their little hiding place. It wasn't entirely unexpected given that Nightshroud had hoped to have extended that offer back to Mire before the jailbreak, but it was the manner in which things had occurred that had upset the femme. First it had been that alarm that someone was approaching quickly followed by the banging on the doors. Nightshroud was more than happy to stand her ground and fight whatever was trying to get in, but once again.. Starscream had refused to let her. He insisted that she be safe and took care of things with Soundwave.
And that's when her processor started spiraling out of control all over again. The memories Starscream being captured and being told to stay safe.. the jailbreak when Starscream had told her to leave without him before he went back into the prison.. Even though this had been something entirely different and it turned out to just be some loud mouthed Decepticon in the end, it still plagued the crimson seeker's mind. She was going to lose him again, but the worst part had been that he didn't want her involved. He didn't want her to fight if it was necessary. She understood the rules. She knew her adoptive sire was just trying to protect her, but it didn't hurt any less. He knew she could fight! She'd shown off her strength and speed when they'd met.
So why..?
It didn't take long before the spiraling had become too much and she'd slipped out of the base via the roof access. As hard as it was, Nightshroud did manage to send a comm to Starscream telling him she needed out for awhile but even in her haste it was clear that she was upset. She'd get over it after letting out some aggression. It was how she'd done it before when Starscream was captured, but if she left things alone too long she'd end up right back to how she was when she reunited with Starscream. Nightshroud continued to swing her scimitar angrily, swinging it at any bush, branch or even tree that got in her way. She needed to get stronger. She needed to prove to Starscream she could handle herself, and she wanted him to see how far she'd come too.
But right now, she hated being alone.. but she couldn't bare the thought of being at the compound at this very moment.
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Post by Rampage on Oct 3, 2023 23:18:52 GMT
In the seeker's angered swinging, the sound of metal striking metal could be heard following two of those swings.
A groan of grogginess followed by the bushes rustling violently revealed Nightshroud wasn't nearly as alone as she initially thought. Two massive pincers extended from the foliage as Rampage stretched as he slowly awoke from his slumber. Though the two strikes did little to his thick frame, it was enough to stir him to awaken, letting out an audible yawn as he pushed aside the bushes to see what had disturbed his recharge cycle.
Slowly the cannibalistic crab emerged from his hiding spot, his optics focusing on Nightshroud as they adjusted to the lighting of the forest around them. "Well, well, the last thing I'd expect is a Seeker to be disturbing my sleep." He spoke groggily, not yet fully awakened, not that he was in any mood to speed up the process. Though, a quick glance at their surroundings told him the little femme seemed in quite the feisty mood, "Haha, much less a feisty one at that. Trees scratch your perfect finish or something small fry?" Rampage remarked snidely with an amused cackle.
Following the remark, Rampage shifted to his robot mode, grunting softly as he felt some of the lower branches snap from his height and bulk, brushing them away like specks of dirt. Well, there goes more of the foliage, hopefully they wouldn't be missed. "Now what brings a flier all the way out here in a remote woods? Hardly seems a fitting place to take your anger out." Rampage observed, deciding to forego his usual blood lust and boredom to entertain a conversation. To be honest, he was a little curious to see a lone Seeker, often seeing them in at least pairs or trines, but alone was different.
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Post by Fadeshift on Oct 5, 2023 1:35:38 GMT
She had been flying in what felt like circles for mega cycles now. No matter the day, she seemed to never find anything of note. Fadeshift did enjoy this luxury though, as most other Decepticons couldn’t risk be out in the open. Thank Primus she was forged with such a useful ability to cloak her physical frame and energon signature. Something extra useful against being detected by those humans apart of that vile syndicate G.H.O.S.T. Primus, even their helmets screamed “we’re obviously not good guys.” But it made sense that Optimus and the Autobots would align themselves with anyone who hated Decepticons. Fadeshift had avoided capture, but was extremely hesitant to attempt anything on the G.H.O.S.T compound that held the rest of her allies. Being in a cell wasn’t an option for her.
It had been some time since Fadeshift had interacted with the few Decepticons that had avoided or escaped capture, but if she was being honest, some of them she wouldn’t miss. As she flew over a thicker tree line, she could pick up the audible sounds of trees being felled, and even some faint voices. Curiosity would take hold, and she redirected her course towards the sounds.
Once she found a nearby clearing, she landed softly before transforming out of her alt mode, maintaining her invisibility in case there were Autobots nearby. As Fadeshift moved closer, she could make out two Cybertronian frames, and it was clear to her these weren’t Autobots even if she might not immediately know exactly which Decepticons they were.
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Post by Nightshroud on Oct 6, 2023 1:32:54 GMT
Swish! Swish!Clang clang!...Clang? What in the world had made that sound out in this mountainous area as Nightshroud swung her scimitar. It wasn't the sound itself that had alarmed the femme but rather what had come of it as a strange, crab-like mech suddenly crawled out of the bushes before transforming. Nightshroud jumped back, gripping her blade tightly in her servos as she took up a stance defensively. She might not have been aware of the other femme that was hiding in the area, but her optics were trained on the mech that was talking up a storm. Whatever his intentions, Nightshroud was fairly certain that he was trying to goad her; trying to pull information out of her. Whether it wanted her to talk or not, the femme wasn't entirely in the mindset for conversation. "Like I'm gonna tell you." Digging her afterburner heel into the ground, not budging an inch nor letting her guard down at in the least she continued to glare daggers at the mech. "Fight me." Nightshroud wanted to fight; to prove that she could handle herself in a fight. It was going to take a little more than a few words to calm the small crimson seeker down, but Rampage did have a point. This wasn't entirely the best place to take her anger out on, but where else did she have to go? The compound was a definite no until she could calm herself, and now that there was another mech standing in her way retreating wasn't an option either. "I said fight me!" It was like she was desperate for Rampage to give into her demands as she shouted. Just one look at Nightshroud spoke volumes of how frustrated she was. She could be talked down, but it wouldn't be easy.
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Post by Fadeshift on Oct 6, 2023 3:10:16 GMT
As Fadeshift observed the scene before her closer, she was able to recognize Rampage. She could identify that voice and snide attitude from a mile away. The seeker had usually tried to avoid interacting with Rampage as much as possible during the war and in general, as she didn’t necessarily have a favorable opinion of him. The whole ‘cannibalism’ thing didn’t sit well with her. As Fadeshift continued to watch from the safety of her hidden presence, she took note of the small crimson femme who seemed overeager to fight Rampage.
“Incredibly foolish” she thought to herself, gauging the differences in the two’s size, armor, and potential combat history. Fadeshift couldn’t determine with confidence as to who Nightshroud was. What she could determine was that the crimson femme was severely agitated, and that her stance gave away a hint of inexperience in combat perhaps. It was also odd that a Decepticon would want to jump at the chance to fight yet another Decepticon, noting the lack of strategical gain. As much as Fadeshift wanted to address them and get answers and maybe some energon, she would observe for a bit longer. After all, she wasn’t eager to get caught up in a fight.
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Post by Rampage on Oct 6, 2023 4:12:32 GMT
Rampage observed Nightshroud a little longer, taking in her stance, her body language, the way she took up a defensive position. She was agitated, that was for sure. Seekers tended to get rather agitated easily in his experience, and this little one was no different. What could be getting her wires in a bunch?
“Hohoho, been a while since I’ve seen a seeker so riled up for a proper fight.” The supersoldier found himself more amused than anything at her attempts to appear tough. She had spunk, he could respect that. Compared to most bots who ran at the mere size of his form and his reputation. Though this little flier had some brass and seemed unaware of said reputation. Not that it mattered. The outcome likely would be the same, it would just be the aftermath decision that might change. Insistent on a fight, Rampage crossed his arms, contemplating her request, her stance not exactly suggesting she was in the right mind or perhaps had as much experience as most he had faced.
But, not like he had anything better to do…
Unaware of Fadeshift’s presence, Rampage finally shrugged, “But very well, you’re so eager to blow off steam…” Noting her scimitar, the cannibal decided to oblige Nightshroud’s favored fighting style, reaching back to draw his dual-bladed war axe and holding it out in front of him, amusement shifting to a more serious expression, “Let’s see what you got little seeker.” He growled softly, letting out a war cry as he swung his axe towards Nightshroud, holding nothing back as he brought it down with all his might.
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Post by Nightshroud on Oct 6, 2023 22:05:33 GMT
Nightshroud knew nothing of Rampage and his infamy, and she didn't care too much at the moment. Right now all she wanted was to fight and to prove her skill, and she didn't care who she had to go up against. Unfortunately for her, she'd definitely picked the wrong bot to mess with. "Good. I won't have it any other way."
Somehow, she just kept making things worse for herself.
The femme stood her ground, watching as the crab mech reached for his war axe. Now things were going the way she'd wanted, and as Rampage swung his weapon Nightshroud backflipped out of the way, landing with a crouch with a single servo helping to help balance herself. She smirked to herself, getting perhaps a little too cocky before she lunged forward. Powering on her afterburners, Nightshroud rocketed forward before she swung her scimitar at Rampage as hard as she could before following up with two additional swings, each followed by a loud grunt. Sure she could just land an attack and be happy, but she wanted it to hurt if she could make it so. Of course as she continued to strike, her carelessness left a wide opening for Rampage take advantage of.
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Post by Rampage on Oct 8, 2023 21:12:00 GMT
Rampage found his weapon making contact with the ground rather than metal, leaving a small dip in the ground from the impact. It showed how much strength he was putting in his strikes, full strength with nothing held back. Whether she was young or not, whether she was inexperience or not, the supersoldier didn't discriminate on those he fought. This little seeker was wanting a fight, he would gladly oblige as he always did in any situation. It was all out or nothing at all.
As expected however Nightshroud was quick. Her smaller frame meant she would be harder to hit, in addition to the speed making it difficult for Rampage to properly strike her down with axe or his fists. He had to think smarter this time.
So, he watched. Her movements were quick but erratic, almost cocky as he blade struck his frame, cutting the top layers but he gave them no mind. Instead, his green optics focused, following her movements until opportunity presented itself. Optics brightening, the warrior snarled and swung his axe, the cackling of electricity heard on the blade as he activated it in full, "Not fast enough!" This time he hit his mark, electricity covered blade striking the little seeker with all his strength and might, enough force to send her flying through a few trees. The axe itself was swung through, slicing through some shrubbery, leaves, and branches, some catching fire from the electricity as Rampage shifted into the motion before planting himself back into an offensive stance.
"Hm, I wonder just how you'll recover from that blow." He mused, pressing the button on the handle to deactivate the electricity, taking a look at the blade to see if he had even spilled energon with the hit.
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Post by Fadeshift on Oct 8, 2023 22:23:13 GMT
Remaining hidden in the tree line, Fadeshift had witnessed the fight between Rampage and Nightshroud. It wasn’t a fair fight to her, not by a long shot. Yet another reason she usually chose to refrain from interacting with Rampage, as he had no qualms using his full strength on those weaker than him. Part of her had hoped this small femme seeker would be able to get in a good blow on Rampage, as she would’ve loved to see the look on his faceplate.
As the scuffle continued, Fadeshift’s optics widened in shock as Rampage landed his attack with his axe and sent Nightshroud flying into the tree line. Despite not knowing this seeker, there was a piece of her spark that spurred her into action. Fadeshift launched a barrage of flares in front of where Rampage stood, hoping to stun or at least distract him for a time. Meanwhile, she hurried over to where Nightshroud had been thrown, hoping the seeker was as tough as she talked.
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Post by Clematis on Oct 9, 2023 1:14:22 GMT
Meanwhile just outside of Autobot City, Clematis was having the time of her life. She and Hot Rod were on yet another date, spending time on that very cliffside looking over Autobot City and well beyond. Things had been relatively peaceful for awhile and it'd really been nice to just spend some time working on herself and not having to worry as much about her twin. The femme had her arms wrapped around her boyfriend, gazing into his optics lovingly before the both of them found themselves in the middle of a makeout session. But all that changed the second Clematis felt something wrong. Out of nowhere she felt searing pain ripping right through her left shoulder; agonizing electric currents ripping through her entire frame. At first she tried to power through it, but in mere seconds the pain became unbearable. Quickly pulling away from the kiss, Clematis cried out in pain as her frame trembled, vents hitched as her optics snapped shut. Initially she had no idea what had even happened, but then she realized it. Something had happened to Nightshroud! She could feel it in her spark even as the electric pain came to a stop and the pain from the shoulder, while still unbearable, started to lessen. Without any hesitation, she privately communicated with her twin through their shared psychic link. <<"Nightshroud! Are you okay?! What happened?!">>Right.. Hot Rod.. He was probably very concerned right now with how she'd suddenly screamed out in pain. Optics still tightly closed, Clematis pressed herself against her boyfriend as she whimpered from the pain. "I'm okay.. I-I'm okay.. I think.. something just happened t-to Nightshroud.." Anything to try and reassure him, but more so to reassure herself. She'd be okay, but only if Nightshroud stopped doing whatever it was that had gotten herself into this mess to begin with. If nothing else, at least she had Hot Rod with her but that also made it worse at the same time. Clematis didn't want him to see her like this.
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Post by Hot Rod on Oct 9, 2023 1:21:14 GMT
Hot Rod was in pure bliss at the moment. He and Clematis had been doing great as a couple so far. Right now things were intense and passionate. He couldn't ask for a better-
All of a sudden she started screaming in pain and hollering
"WHAT!? WHAT HAPPENED!? WHAT'D I DO!?"screamed Hot Rod in horror.
Eventually she stopped and Hot Rod held her in his arms. She was so scared.
Once she got a chance to speak she told him what was going on. Apparently it was that split spark thing again.
"...I'm sorry..."Hot Rod said. He hugged his girlfriend tighter. He could tell she needed him more than ever now.
"Don't worry Clematis. I'm here. I got you. I'm not gonna let you go..."he said his arms extended in a comfortable hug.
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Post by Nightshroud on Oct 9, 2023 1:42:18 GMT
[TW: Heavy damage and blood]Back at the mountain Nightshroud continued her fight with Rampage until the unthinkable happened. He'd actually hit her. Nightshroud was thrown backwards as Rampage's axe sliced halfway through the femme's shoulder and right through her Decepticon insignia. She screamed in pain as she slammed against a tree, but it wasn't just the pain from her shoulder hurting her but the electric attack as well. Even after landing her body trembled as systems tried to reboot after short circuiting, her HUD flooding with error messages as things tried to sort itself back out while energon leaked out from her shoulder. Eventually the electric shock wore off, but the crimson seeker lay still with dazed, half-lidded optics. The anger and frustration from earlier had washed away, but in it's place was emptiness. How could she have let this happen.. again? She thought she was done throwing herself into dangerous situations just like this, and here she was doing it again after Starscream had told her to go hide. All she had to do was listen.. All she had to do was stay safe, and now look what had happened. Now her own life was on the line because she'd horribly messed up. Starscream was right.. He was right..Nightshroud just barely heard Clematis' message through their sparkbond. Great.. now her twin was worried about her. The crimson seeker was still too dazed from the attack to even respond, but even still there was a part of her that didn't want to. She couldn't bring herself to comm her adoptive sire for help even if she could. Her vision still scrambled, Nightshroud just barely was able to make out a figure approaching her. She couldn't tell who they were, but it was an easy assumption to assume that it was Rampage. Quietly, Nightshroud whimpered. She didn't want to offline. She wanted to live, but how could she fight back when her body would not let her move as she recovered from the electric shock? Quietly, she managed to barely speak. "Just.. finish me.."
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Post by Rampage on Oct 9, 2023 23:18:08 GMT
Rampage had barely inspected his axe before he heard movement, snarling angrily as the flares momentarily blinded him causing the massive mech to blindly begin swinging his axe. It was out of reflex. He was aiming to strike at the enemy he had failed to realize was there, chancing he might hit them if they were seeking to come in for a follow-up strike. But, all he met were trees and shrubs, nothing more solid than wood.
Finally, his vision went from flashing spots and blurriness to normal, having to blink a few times and focus them in and out before everything was back to normal. Where had the interloper gone?! The red and silver mech turned on the spot, scanning the treeline until he finally spotted the small red seeker, accompanied by a red-violet flier he had never seen before. Or if he had did not recall her in the least. So, she had been the one to interfere where she wasn't asked. His green optics flashed with anger, gripping his axe tightly enough his hands shook a bit as he began to storm towards the two femmes.
But as he did approach, Rampage took in the damage he had caused Nightshroud, his anger turning to satisfaction. He had easily torn through her shoulder and wing, seekers being ever thin in frame and build. Rarely were they a powerhouse or thick armored enough to hold out against a war axe or someone of his bulk and strength. "How pathetic." Rampage remarked when he heard Nightshroud asked to be offline. After one hit she was already begging to be ended? Hmph, where was the fun in that.
The supersoldier's anger quickly dissipated as quickly as it came. What use was it to consider feasting on the fallen when they gave up so quickly? "Hmph, seekers, you're all so fragile and weak. What's the point in a fight." He scoffed softly, any wounds the little femme having landed seemingly no where in sight, his armor having healed itself with only the small trails of energon being visible signs he had been harmed at all. "[/b]And who were you to interfere with a fight that had nothing to do with you femme, hm?[/b]" He asked gruffly towards Fadeshift as he brought his axe down licking away some of the energon staining it. What a waste.
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Post by Fadeshift on Oct 10, 2023 0:25:39 GMT
As Fadeshift hurriedly rushed to Nightshroud’s side, she could see the large wound that Rampage had inflicted on the small femme. She didn’t know this seeker at all, but she could clearly see that she was rather young. Young and foolish. Listening to Nightshroud’s defeated request to be off lines broke her spark a little. Fadeshift never took much satisfaction in the death of others, especially not her allies nor youth. She had leaned down towards Nightshroud as she tried to assess the damage, “Hey kid, you’re not done yet. My name is Fadeshift, and I’m going to get you help.”
She pauses as she hears Rampage’s heavy footsteps grow closer to her. Fadeshift stands and turns around to face him quickly. He was of course, much larger than she was, but now she was pissed off. Fadeshift activated her missiles on her forearms and took aim at Rampage, a scowl weighing heavily on her face. “Back off, Rampage or so help me I will not hesitate to blast you as many times as needed.” Her teal optics locked with his as she stood in front of the injured Nightshroud.
She seethes at Rampage’s comment, “You, a Decepticon we’re about to offline another Decepticon. Or are you too stupid to not fight amongst ourselves? Especially when we have both Autobots and humans hunting us down?”
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