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Post by Nightshroud on Oct 18, 2023 21:27:59 GMT
Characters Appearing: Nightshroud , Fadeshift Location (s): Rural area right by the woods Timeline: A week after 'Tell Me Why' Plot Summary: Recovered from her wounds caused by Rampage, Nightshroud isn't too happy that she now owes Fadeshift. The problem now is tracking the femme down.
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Post by Nightshroud on Oct 18, 2023 21:39:37 GMT
It was nice to be able to think clearly again, but that didn't mean Nightshroud was happy.
It'd only been about a week since her processor had spiraled out of control so badly that she'd fled the Compound and demanded to fight the first bot that crossed her path. Unfortunately for her that bot just happened to be Rampage and he had damaged her shoulder pretty badly as well as short circuiting a few of her non-vital systems. Nightshroud was angry with herself for letting things get that out of control, but talking to Starscream while she recovered did help. It didn't take long for her to recover between having her shoulder patched up along with the self-repairs taking care of the rest. Her systems weren’t damaged badly enough to need repairs as a simple reboot from recharge was enough to bring things back online.
The only issue remaining was that she still had a debt to pay, and she wasn't happy about it in the least. Fadeshift was probably the only reason she'd survived Rampage and despite her protests the other femme insisted on saving her life.
And she hated it. Nightshroud hated owing anyone anything, and here she was stuck in this situation. Once she'd recovered, and trusted herself to safely venture out, the crimson seeker made it her prime mission to find Fadeshift and find out just what the other seeker expected out of her. Clearly she only saved her life because she expected something in return right? To have that chance to call in a favor?
Nightshroud didn't stray terribly far, but didn't venture outside of the woods. She did comm Starscream regularly to let him know she was okay and where she was to prevent a repeat of the previous week, but she looked out of the treeline toward a large open field that stretched on for what felt like miles. There were a couple of shacks in view, but nothing that looked lived in. Nightshroud didn't expect to find Fadeshift here, but there was no harm in scouting anyway. Besides, she could use a short break to sit down and drink some energon which was precisely what she was doing as she kept a close optic on the empty field.
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Post by Fadeshift on Oct 18, 2023 23:09:53 GMT
It had been a week since Fadeshift had seen the small crimson seeker. Things had left off with the small femme fleeing into the forest after sustaining injuries from Rampage. Primus, she did not like that mech. After Nightshroud had left, Fadeshift was eventually able to separate from Rampage but did not see the crimson seeker anywhere in sight. Fadeshift hoped she was as tough as she acted, and assumed she would still be functioning at the very least.
In the meantime, Fadeshift had been patrolling the usual areas around the rural outskirts of Pennsylvania, always steering clear of urban areas due to Autobots and their human allies. She had managed to find a small G.H.O.S.T. supply caravan being raided by a lone Decepticon, and took advantage of the distraction. With her cloaking ability, she was able to stealthily make off with a small supply of energon before disappearing from the scene. Fadeshift had found a secluded swallow cavern inside the forest, allowing her to stash her energon supply and have somewhere to recharge. The seeker had no plan really other than to survive and avoid capture, but she still wondered about that little crimson femme.
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Post by Nightshroud on Oct 19, 2023 0:16:56 GMT
Nightshroud stayed seated, leaning against a fairly sturdy tree as she sipped her energon. Thoughts of Fadeshift entered her processor, albeit somewhat fuzzy. She only remembered bits and pieces from after Rampage struck her, but she did remember enough to know that the femme known as Fadeshift saved her against her will. Nightshroud sighed, trying to recall what the femme had even looked like. Red and.. indigo? It was all so hazy, though she did somewhat recall her face and her voice.
Once the energon cube was depleted, the crimson seeker stashed it away in her storage and let her optics close for a moment. It was going to bother her until she got answers, and she had no idea where Fadeshift even was let alone how to get in contact with her.
After a moments rest, Nightshroud pushed herself up to her pedes before dusting off her armor. She'd just had it fixed up. Well, all fixed except for one thing. Her Decepticon insignia was still torn in two, left unrepaired from when her shoulder was fixed up. It'd been her choice honestly to leave it damaged as a reminder of what had transpired; of what happened when her processor spun so far out of control that logic and reason were out the door. She never wanted to scare Starscream like that again, and honestly she was just as scared herself. She was afraid of going that far off the deep end again. Deciding she'd had enough of the scenery Nightshroud walked through the woods, making an effort to maneuver around the trees that kept getting in the way. As she walked she spotted a small cavern, but it was what she detected that caught her attention.
Energon, and lots of it.
As much as she wasn't excited about it, Nightshroud felt it was a good idea to check it out. They could always use more energon back at the Compound, though she wanted none of it going to Skywarp or Soundwave. "Odd place for an energon stash.. Wonder if someone's been storing it here, but who?"
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Post by Fadeshift on Oct 19, 2023 1:20:14 GMT
Fadeshift often wondered what it was like being a captive of the Autobot-human alliance known as G.H.O.S.T. and what would happen to her captured allies. The amount of intelligence and important information that must be stashed in their compounds… The temptation to break in and download their files would come across her processor from time to time, but the notion would be quashed by her caution. After all, the risk was likely far greater than the reward, that and she would be at a severe disadvantage if discovered. Remaining hidden would have to do for now, or at least, until an opportunity arose.
The Decepticon femme was returning back to her hidden cavern, the sun hanging low in the sky. She quietly landed at the edge of the forest before transforming from her alt mode and making her way through the trees. Fadeshift was careful not to disturb her surroundings, better not to leave a trail of Cybertronian-sized damage to follow. As she carefully made her way back towards her hideout, she sensed something was off. Fadeshift had an excellent memory, and any time she left her hideout she took note of how every bit of the surroundings was left. This was the best form of surveillance she could muster without possessing security technology, and indeed she could tell some elements around her hideout had been disturbed. She hoped it was nothing more than an Earth creature, like one of those tiny idiot rats with fluffy tails.
Nevertheless, Fadeshift immediately cloaked herself and drew her weapon, a missile-launcher on her wrist, and waited quietly out of sight.
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Post by Nightshroud on Oct 19, 2023 1:48:43 GMT
While there was only a small supply of energon, it certainly wasn't enough that Nightshroud was going to be able to carry it all back on her own. Besides, they were good on energon for the moment at the Compound, but that didn't mean it wasn't worth making a note of this spot and telling Starscream about it later. It was the least she could do after her blunder, and that was considering she was being much harder on herself than her adoptive sire was. She wanted to try and work on that, but it felt like each time she made progress something else happened that set her three steps backwards. Ironically, some of that had been Starscream's own doing, but she forgave him for it anyway.
"I'll leave this here for now.. No way I'm gonna be able to carry all that."
Shaking her helm, the femme started to make her way back out of the cave not realizing that there was someone there pointing a weapon in her direction. "Guess I'll head back for now. Probably would make Starscream feel better the sooner I get back." Not that he didn't trust her. She just didn't trust herself to not screw things up.
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Post by Fadeshift on Oct 19, 2023 3:17:37 GMT
As Fadeshift listened closely, she could make out footsteps and a voice coming from inside her cavern. Her teal optics narrowed as she readied her weapon, willing to defend her only source of energon if needed. She would have to be careful if she fired, as hitting energon with any flammable or explosives device would send everything in a half mile radius into the atmosphere. So Fadeshift would wait at the entrance of the cavern, standing to the side with her weapon drawn, as to get a “safer” angle on the intruder when they emerged.
As she waited, the sound of footsteps grew louder towards the cavern entrance, and Fadeshift remained still as adrenaline coursed through her lines.
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Post by Nightshroud on Oct 19, 2023 13:20:39 GMT
As Nightshroud neared the entrance of the cave she decided it would be for the best if she commed Starscream with one of her regular check-ins. That way he wouldn't have to worry and he'd know she'd be on her way back to the Compound before too much longer. Part of her still wasn't sure if she wanted to bring some of that energon back with her, but in the end she decided not to. She really didn't want to stick in that cavern any longer than she needed to, feeling a little bit of that claustrophobia kicking in. Last thing she needed was for a cave in or something to happen.
Last thing Starscream needed too considering all the stress he'd been put through.
Stepping outside Nightshroud didn't notice anything out of the ordinary as she looked around. She didn't see anyone but chose to not leave right that second either giving Fadeshift the perfect chance to react if she wanted to.
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Post by Fadeshift on Oct 19, 2023 13:43:25 GMT
Fadeshift was standing to the side of the cavern anxiously, ready for whatever foe she may soon face. As the Decepticon began to power up her weapon, she paused as she saw the glint of crimson metal before her. Perhaps against her better judgment, Fadeshift drew back slightly from the entrance, having a feeling and memory of the seeker femme she has defended before. The former seeker was still careful, just in case she was to be deceived by a rogue con, or worse, an Autobot ally.
Betrayal and deceit were all too familiar for Fadeshift, often sourced from those she trusted and regarded closely in the past, therefore earning her suspicious nature.
As Fadeshift noted her trespasser’s frame, her weapon whirred as it powered up. She raised her missile launcher and lowered her voice, “State your name and rank before I blast you to pieces…”
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Post by Nightshroud on Oct 19, 2023 14:02:42 GMT
Nightshroud's helm immediately turned in the direction of the voice threatening her, servo reaching for her scimitar but not quite unsheathing it. She knew that voice to be Fadeshift's, but the problem was she couldn't quite see where the heck the femme was. All she knew was what direction the voice had come from.
"Nightshroud, and I'm a medic. Spark researcher to be more specific." The femme spoke coldly, optics narrowed as she looked to her surroundings to keep an optic out for Fadeshift. "You know considering you had no interest in terminating me before, I think it's funny that you're trying to do it now. What, did you finally work up the nerve?" Either way she wasn't going to go down without a fight, but she knew that she needed to be careful. She didn't want a repeat of last time as her own shredded Decepticon insignia quickly caught her attention as she looked for the other femme. She didn't need Starscream to think she needed protection at all times, and she definitely didn't need him worrying about her again.
"Where are you hiding? I know you're here somewhere."
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Post by Fadeshift on Oct 19, 2023 14:35:07 GMT
The tension in her frame relaxed ever so slightly as she processed the familiar voice, albeit a one-time encounter. The youth and attitude were hard to confuse in Fadeshift’s encounters. This could be none other than the young seeker she defended the previous week, crimson armor and all…. Although she wasn’t expecting this femme to be attempting to steal her energon source. As Fadeshift listened to Nightshroud’s words, she couldn’t help but smile as she slowly lowered her weapon, but still had it readied just in case.
“So that’s your proper name huh? Nightshroud… I like it.” The Decepticon femme revealed herself, an incredibly rare account for the usually paranoid and cautious femme. Fadeshift almost smiled as she looked at the young Nightshroud, “I would’ve never thought you anything but a fighter based on your determination to fight Rampage of all bots…” She takes note of the small femme’s body language and relaxes her frame tension before growing serious. Nightshroud is your proper name? Huh… I’m glad you’re okay after all this time.” She noticed the patch-job on her frame and shoulders, “…Someone got you back to full health?”
Fadeshift felt happy this femme was still alive, which was odd for her as death was apart of war and attachments only ended in sorrow
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Post by Nightshroud on Oct 19, 2023 17:47:50 GMT
It wasn't until Fadeshift revealed herself and lowered her weapon that Nightshroud released her grip on her sheathed blade, crossing her arms. Fadeshift's demeanor completely changed, suddenly all happy to see that she was still among the living. Even with her body language relaxing, Nightshroud wasn't ready to drop her guard just yet hinted by her crossed arms and her still narrowed optics.
So Rampage had been the name of the mech she'd fought. She'd completely forgotten it after that battle, but then again she hadn't been 100% lucid or anything either.
"Look.. about Rampage. I wasn't having a good day, but I'm better now." The crimson seeker wasn't quite ready to divulge the details of the panic that had sent her into complete fight mode, and she doubled she ever would to someone she considered a complete stranger. Only Starscream had that luxury of having the younger femme opening up to him. Nightshroud stepped closer, slowly walking around Fadeshift as she spoke. "But you.. I don't recall asking you to save my life, and I hate owing bots. So what is it that you're wanting in return, because clearly you must have wanted something right? Energon, information.. I'm sure there's something of interest to you that you can only get out of me."
Then again, Starscream had offered her some energon for the single price of a story so maybe, just maybe.. she could be surprised here too.
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Post by Fadeshift on Oct 20, 2023 21:30:07 GMT
Fadeshift took notice of Nightshroud’s body language, seeing she had relaxed slightly but was clearly suspicious of her. The crimson femme’s crossed arms and blunt tone reminded Fadeshift of a teenager, and she had to conceal a slight smirk. She watched Nightshroud curiously as the femme began to circle around her in what seemed a show of dominance. ‘How cute’ she thought to herself as she stood there patiently and listened.
At hearing Nightshroud’s assumptions, Fadeshift spoke up “I wasn’t aware someone needed to be asked to help a con in need. I’ve never seen nor met you before, Nightshroud. I just saw you were injured and Primus forbid I should leave a con, or any bot to Rampage’s vile devices. You’re welcome by the way.” She pauses as she continues to watch Nightshroud.
“I don’t want anything from you, okay? I just… maybe there was a time where I needed help and no one came for me. There. Satisfied?” Her tone had a slight regret to it.
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Post by Nightshroud on Oct 21, 2023 14:42:11 GMT
At Fadeshift's words, Nightshroud froze in her tracks with somewhat widened optics.
Fadeshift.. also knew what it was like? "I.." Memories of that night in Uraya came flooding back; memories of being trapped under the rubble crying out for help, left for dead until one of the Decepticons barely managed to find her. She only remembered bits and pieces, but it was what she did remember that haunted her. It'd been a long while since she'd had one of those nightmares, and while she was happy to not dream about Uraya they were now replaced with nightmares of Starscream dying in various ways and she couldn't help. Just one trauma for another.
Optics shakily shifted away from the taller femme as she shuddered. "I.. suppose I know what that's like.."
The crimson seeker sighed as she closed her optics for a moment, still avoiding direct optic contact as she continued. "The science lab I worked in with my twin was struck by the Decepticons during the war. I.. don't know how long I was trapped, but it had to have been a pretty long time considering how bad off from what I was told. I only remember the pain and crying out for help, thinking I was probably not going to make it out alive as time passed. I don't even remember the Decepticons finding me, but the medic said I apparently kicked my rescuer in the face when they tried to pry me out. Said if they had found me any later I wouldn't have made it." Nightshroud scoffed, shaking her helm. "The Autobots had been there before the Cons found me, looking for survivors. They found my twin, but they never found me."
Granted, Nightshroud had been working on a lower level of the building and Clematis had been on a much higher one.
"And you? What happened with you?"
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Post by Fadeshift on Oct 22, 2023 3:21:32 GMT
Fadeshift watched as he crimson seeker’s demeanor quickly changed from being suspicious and accusatory, to as if she had just relived a nightmare. This prompted Fadeshift to pay closer attention, having little idea as to what was happening. At this point her body posture was completely relaxed, sensing Nightshroud didn’t pose a threat to her. She couldn’t quite place it, but Fadeshift had a feeling this young femme reminded her of a certain seeker with her mannerisms. She remained standing there, audio receptors open to listen to what Nightshroud was about to say.
Her spark sunk as she listened to Nightshroud’s story, empathizing with her pain and ordeal. She couldn’t help but compare her own past to this young seeker, albeit if some details of her situation had been different. To think both of them ended up joining the Decepticons despite suffering some degree at their hands. Now here she was, being asked to divulge the most traumatic event in her life. Fadeshift looked down at Nightshroud, “Primus… that was a lot. I see the war pushed us both in a similar direction. Before I say anything more, can I ask what happened to your twin? You said the Autobots found them.”
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