A/N: HEWO!This is the fifth chapter of the Broken Machines series! I'll do one more to wrap it up so hang in there! Enjoy this long ass chapter!
TW: Angst. Trauma. PTSD.
---
Location: Autobot's base.
Staring back at the message before them, Ratchet went berserk.
"WHAT IN PRIMUS'S NAME IS THIS!?" He roared, slamming his digits as he tried to erase the message. Unfortunately, it keeps appearing every time he deletes it.
"It's a virus!" Ratchet said, gritting his dentas.
'I am no virus. I am a messenger. Listen to my words, and come to Jasper's Library tomorrow, Ratchet. Make sure the team are prepared. -A.T'
"FRAG! IT KNOWS MY NAME!?" He screeched, taking a step back.
"It can hear us!" Raf cried out, frantically trying to search the bug and delete it. Their location would be compromise if the Cons get hold of their position.
'Fear not. Your location remains out of the Decepticon's reach.'
"...S-So...Who are you?" Jack asked, glaring at the screen. It went silent for a moment before another message came in.
'In due time, little fella. You have shown many Prime-like qualities, and I would like to personally offer my gratitude tomorrow. For now, rest and prepare. The...evil organisation are out there, hunting. Be careful.'
"I-I'm... no Prime..." Jack said, looking down. Poor Darby was so close to tears due to the pressure. Miko gave the teen a hug and Raf joined in, emotionally supporting the tired boy.
"You may not be one...but you are a potential leader, Jack. We've never doubted that." Arcee said, giving a reassuring nod at her charge. With a sigh, Jack returned the favour and took control again.
"We'll meet the messenger tomorrow."
---
Location: (Y/N)'s house
"M-Mark! Baby, please! It's okay, I'm safe! You're fine, come on sweety!" I pleaded, hoping he would snap out of it. The traumatised man was gripping my body tightly and rocked back and forth, eyes flickering as he mumbled incoherent things.
"I hurt (Y/N), I hurt (Y/N) ..." Mark kept repeating, sobbing uncontrollably. I gently touched his face and pushed away his hair, making him focus on me.
"Mark, you're fine. You didn't mean it. I'm okay..." I cooed, kissing his lips softly. That seemed to do the trick and he melted into the kiss, cupping my face. Breaking away, Mark leaned onto me, whispering sweet nothings as he held me tight.
"Mhm...I love you too..." I said, hugging the large man. Looking over the stacks of cards, I gave a hesitant look before sighing.
"W-We...can do it...I ...want to know..." Mark said slowly, dry tears stained his cheeks. I nodded, placing another soft kiss to his lips before sitting up straight.
"Whatever happens, Mark, I'm not leaving you, EVER. I don't care what or who you are, and that I'll always love you...okay?" I said, staring right into his blue eyes. Mark went silent for a moment before he nodded, believing my words.
"I trust you." he finally said, hugging me tight before getting back to the mystery.
~~~
Taking the fourth card, Mark flipped it over and read it.
'What is your faction?'
"Faction..." Mark's eyebrow creased as he tried to think of what it means.
'Faction! Faction! Autobots! Autobots!' the Matrix said, almost too happy. Nemesis was silent but the entity was not happy at all.
'What if (Y/N) won't love us anymore...?'
That got Mark to freeze in his place. (Y/N) noticed this and took his hands, massaging it and gave him an assuring squeeze.
"I love you." she said softly. Mark broke into a smile and spoke up, choosing to believe in the Matrix once more.
"My faction...is the Autobots." He said.
~~~
"Autobots..." I mumbled, jotting it down and proceed with the next question.
'Read the old journal.' It said. I took the worn-out book and flipped it open. Mark gasped loudly, shakingly pointing a finger at the picture.
It was a picture of a team of robots...and a few humans. Underneath the drawing, there was a signing.
'Transform and Roll Out; Autobots.'
My eyes were trained on the one in the middle, the red and blue bot. It-He had the same...ears as Mark.
"Is this you?" I asked. Mark gulped and nodded, fear evident in his face.
"They- My- My body!" He was stuttering horribly. I leaned in, once again giving him time to cool down as I gently stroke his hair, easing his worries.
"It's okay..." I said, planting small kisses onto his hair as he sighed audibly, emotionally exhausted.
"You want to continue this tomorrow, sweetheart?" I asked, not wanting to pressure him anymore. He's gone through enough. Mark nodded, standing up and carrying me to our room. I let him be, knowing he just want to sleep it off until tomorrow.
---
The Next Day.
I woke up to see the big teddy bear curled up in my embrace, his steady breathing and light snore brought tranquillity and peace for a moment. I sat up straight, enjoying the cute scene as I ran my fingers through his thick raven hair, enjoying his soft locks intertwining with my hands.
"Mhmm...(Y/N) ..." he murmured, blinking as he opened his eyes.
"Hey big guy, had a nice sleep?" I asked, my fingers still woven in his hair. Mark smiled tiredly and yawned, shifting closer and held a grip to my waist.
"Mhmm..." he mumbled, snuggling onto my chest now while looking up at me. I raised an eyebrow, chuckling a little.
"Well, someone's sticky today." I said, nudging my face to his nose. Mark turned over and faced me, leaning against the bed frame as he trapped me in between in arms.
"Me likes (Y/N)." he said, before bursting into a deep chuckle and gave me a kiss on the cheeks.
"Yes, yes. Me likes Mark too." I said, ruffling his hair. Checking the time, I realised it was already ten in the morning.
Man, we really slept in.
"Come on Mark! We gotta be at the library by 12 today!" I said, jumping out of the bed. Mark whined, not happy with losing the warmth from my embrace.
"Stay?" he pleaded, giving me those puppy eyes again.
FFFFFFFUUCCCC-
"No sweety. Please don't, we gotta be there or else I'm losing my job." I sighed, planting a kiss on his left cheeks before hopping into the bathroom for a quick shower.
Mark sat still, staring off into space as he heard the Matrix talking.
'She loves you, no matter what. Now do us all a damn favour, and find out who you truly are. Your team needs you as much as she does!' it said, pulsing in his mind. Nemesis hissed and replied, having rolled out the wrong side of berth today.
'Will you SHUT UP!? Quit yapping about the damn team! I need sleep for frag's sake!'
Mark sighed as the two began their daily bicker in his mind again.
---
"Scrap, we're late!" I said, locking the doors and making a dash with Mark. The latter pulled me back before carrying me bridal-styled, sprinting through the neighbourhood with his surprising strength and agility.
Within minutes, we've arrived at the library and he didn't even break a sweat!
"Thanks, Mark. A little warning next time?" I said, pushing open the doors. I stopped halfway when I realised there was a massive group of people talking to Mr. Albert. Said man turned around and gave me a smile.
"Ah, there she is!"
---
Autobot's POV
"Okay everyone, listen up. We'll have to maintain our cool and make sure no civilian is harmed during this procedure." Agent Fowler said, giving a stern glance to the team. Everyone nodded, getting a little jittery.
"Let's go meet this A.T, shall we?"
Ratchet groundbridge the whole team including himself to Jasper's library while maintaining vehicle form. When they arrived, the Bots activated their holoform before going in, still nervous.
Stacks of books were neatly placed by the side, yet to be put up on shelves. Team Prime gave the place a glance, slowly taking in their surroudings when a figure came up from behind, effectively scaring the whole crew.
"Enjoying the view? You're welcome to stay if you like."
"AHHHHH!" The team screamed, taking a few steps back as they whipped around to see an old man with a very long beard smiling at them. He had one hand behind his back and was stroking his long beard, eyes closed.
"Well, hello." Albert said, giving a curt nod to the team. Arcee stepped forward, glaring at the fragile human.
"Are you the one who sent the message? A.T?" She demanded, growling a little. Albert chuckled, not at all bothered with her threatening tone.
"Why, yes. My name is Albert Terrence, nice to meet you too, Arcee." He said. Arcee took another step forward, annoyed at the enigmatic man before her.
"Who are you!? Why do you know my name!?" she hissed, gripping his shirt.
The femme didn't realise who she was dealing with and found herself suddenly thrown back by an unknown force. The blue-haired femme slammed onto a pile of books, scattering it everywhere. The team went on guard, activating their down-sized weapons at the old man.
"Ah, ah, ah. No need for brutality now, do we? I did not mean to hurt your friend...but please, refrain from being so hostile. I believe you all know me as Alpha Trion." Albert said, dropping his cover. The whole team gasped, not believing their audial receptors and ears.
"The ALPHA TRION!? The head archivist of Iacon Hall of Records!?" Ratchet yelled, coming forward.
"Why, yes. Did you not read my initials?" Alpha Trion said, sighing before standing up straight.
"B-But...you're human! My proximity scanners-" Ratchet words were cut off when his scanners beeped loudly, signalling the man before them was off Cybertronian origin.
BEEEP!
"I'm as much Cybertronian as you are, doctor. I merely choose to reside in this form due to Primus's will." The old man said, opening his eyes slowly. Everyone took an involuntarily step back, suddenly fearing the man before them.
"S-Sir...with all due respect- W-We need to find Optimus! It's an honour to meet you...but-but Optimus is out there. We were hoping if you would know something- anything about him!" Jack spoke up, firming his resolution as he stood unknowingly before one of the original Thirteen Primes.
"Ah, Jack. A fine man...yes, I do have the information on your leader. Though, I must ask one thing from you." Alpha Trion replied, playing with his long goatee.
"What do you need, sir?" Jack asked, eyes sparkled with faith. Alpha Trion broke into a small smile and guided them to the long table.
"What tea would you like to drink today?"
---
After getting everyone to sit down, Alpha Trion set the kettle to boil as he stood in the middle, slowly observing his student had gathered after years of war.
"Time is essence, but we need to wait." Alpha Trion said, contradicting words made the team looked at him like a mad fellow.
"WE HAVE NO TIME! OPTIMUS...needs us..." Ratchet breathed out, stumbling back onto his seat. Alpha Trion sighed, but said nothing.
"Are you playing with us, sir? We have to get to Optimus now! Who knows what the MECHS would be doing to him as we speak!" Bulkhead said, slamming his fist onto the table.
No reply.
"FRAG THIS!" Arcee stood up, wanting to walk away from the library. "He's not Alpha Trion, just some kind of crazy old man who doesn't know who he's dealing with!" she continued, wiping a stray tear. She was frustrated and this man wasn't helping at all! The sound of doors opening caught their attention. Alpha Trion smiled and turned around, greeting his trusty worker.
"Ah, there she is!" he said, slowly walking towards the young lady with her sticky boyfriend.
~~~
"You were waiting for me, sir?" I asked, returning his smile. Alpha Trion nodded, guiding me and Mark to the table with a bunch of people...
Wait, isn't that the boy I've met yesterday?
"Hey Albert, what's with the guest?" I asked.
Mark shifted awkwardly behind me, not liking the crowd. "Can we go sort out books or something...?" Mark asked, growling a little. Alpha Trion gently patted the man's back, easing his tension.
"Easy, my student. Your confusion will be answered in due time." He said, going back to turn off the whistling kettle. Mark and I stood awkwardly in front of the group, not knowing what to say.
An old man with white hair stood up, slowly coming close to both of us. He had a lab coat on and looked like a doctor, judging by his outfit.
"Optimus...?" he gasped; eyes wide. Mark shied away from him, growling a little louder. The doctor stepped back, retracting his hands as he turned his gaze onto me.
"What have you done with him!?" He seethed, pointing his fingers at me. I took a step back too, confused and scared of his accusations. Mark immediately snapped up his head and tackled the man, growling like a mad dog as he choked the man.
"MARK! MARK! STOP! IT'S OKAY!" I yelled, pulling him away. I cupped his face, forcing the rabid man to focus on me.
"It's okay, I'm fine! You can't just tackle someone, Mark!" I said, hugging the man. He snapped out of it, eyes returning to his normal blue colour and he buried his head in me, ashamed.
"He-He was being mean to (Y/N) ..." Mark said meekly, peeking at the man sadly before returning back into my embrace.
"I'm fine...don't do that again, alright?" I said, placing a kiss on his head and got up. Mark went and cower behind me again, not wanting to face the group anymore.
"Um...hi? Sorry about that, Mark is not really...friendly." I winced, not knowing how to describe the situation. The doctor stood up, gripping his neck.
"I-I- What happened to Optimus?" He asked, looking at Mark worriedly.
"Huh...so his name is Optimus..." I mused, confirming Nemesis's words. Mark shook his head, not wanting to accept the given designation.
"No...I'm Mark..." he said, pulling my close. Alpha Trion came out with a tray of cups in hand.
"Am I missing something?"
---
We all finally settled down and I've shared what I could with the team. The team introduced themselves and briefly explained the situation, though they were very much wary of me.
Meh, if they don't wanna believe me, okay then?
"Mark..." I said, sighing as he still hugged my waist tightly. Mark pouted, his blue eyes pooling with tears.
"I don't wanna go..." he said, crumbling back into my shoulders.
"Go where? You're sticking with me, sweetheart." I said, patting his back. The team tensed up and one lady spoke, cutting us off.
"Uh, no. He's our leader and we need him. Optimus is coming with us." Arcee said. I hardened my gaze at her words, not liking the tone. Alpha Trion sensed a storm brewing and spoke up.
"Arcee, stay down. It is up to Mark and (Y/N) to make the decisions." He said, casting a sad look at his ex-student. He saw how humanity bared their sharp fangs and tortured the man to near insanity, and now that he finally found peace, he was called back to his duty...to protect humans.
How ironic.
"Maybe you need to realise one thing, Arcee. Mark-Optimus was TORTURED. He swore to protect mankind and THIS is what he received in return!" I hissed, tears stinging my eyes. She didn't know how many nights Mark cried for help and I had to calm him down. She didn't know how long it took for the man to ease at her touch.
They DON'T know.
"I'm letting Mark decide on this. If he wants to stay with me, let him stay. If he wishes to go with you guys, I won't stop him." My voice crack at the last sentence. Mark rose his head and spoke, one of his blue eyes now red.
"I'm staying with (Y/N) ...but I need to find my old body." He gave the ultimatum. Ratchet sat there helplessly as he watched his oldest friend spoke.
"O-Optimus-"
"MY NAME IS MARK!" He snapped, slamming his fist on the table. I set a hand on his chest, pushing him back just a little.
"Op-Mark! W-What about the Cons!?" Miko asked, standing up. Mark looked at her with confusion before gazing onto the youngest human.
"Rafael..." he muttered and the boy perked up. Optimus remembered seeing the boy nearly died at the hands of Megatron...but he nearly died too; at the hands of MECHS.
"I-I..." Mark shook his head. He was afraid.
"Fate placed the hardest obstacle for Mark. I've read the history of your life, Mark...this is the point for you to decide; stay with (Y/N) or go with the Autobots?" Alpha Trion said solemnly, placing a small key on Optimus and continued his words.
"If you wish to stay with (Y/N), the Matrix will be passed down to another worthy of carrying it. In my eyes, I believe the suitable one would be Jack...but he's a human. They should be staying out of our war. On the other hand, if you've decided to go with your team, I will return your body and memories back." He said, patting the man's hands.
"W-What about (Y/N) ...?" Mark asked, glancing back at the lady that loved him for who he was; cared for him. Alpha Trion sighed, giving me a sad look.
"(Y/N) will be...forgotten." He said. I looked down, playing with my thumbs.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN FORGOTTEN!?" Mark roared, holding me close.
"Her journey ends here and she'll forget you. She was meant to guide you up to this very moment..." Alpha Trion trailed off. Mark gritted his teeth.
The odds were not in his favour.
"Why can't (Y/N) come with us?" Raf asked, pushing up his glasses. Alpha Trion cast a glance at the young boy before returning to me.
"Y-Yeah...why not?" I asked.
"Would you still want to be involved in this...after everything?" Alpha Trion asked, making his book and quill appear out of thin air.
"Of course I want to! I'll follow anywhere this guy goes! He's...my guy." I said, smiling at Mark-Optimus. Alpha Trion pondered for a moment before sighing again, writing something down in the large book.
"Even if it means exposing yourself to danger?"
"Hey, it's a good day to die." I replied, chuckling at the old guy. Alpha Trion smiled and produced a feather instead, taking away the key.
"Then by all means, I leave the future up to you, (Y/N)."