Snowdrop's World. Various places. Epic Dream Adventure 10

[random_xtras]

((continued from here))

dog: *stops yelling to SNUB the newcomer. Already busy, go find your own messenger dog!*

Auspex: *She wonders how most people keep up with a dog if it goes so fast... she's about to ask, when someone unexpectedly interjects. She "eeps" softly, very much not wishing to start some sort of altercation... she gives the winged elf an apologetic look* It's... leading us somewhere, if that helps...?
*She trails off, suddenly realizing that this person must have a Cybertronian spark... the emotions are coming from Primus, rather than her heart. This is unexpected... the Aerial must be the other former Transformer living with Perceptor. She proceeds with caution, unwilling to reveal too much at once, should their errand be met with hostility - but she thinks she can at least mention this person's probable house-mate* We were on our way to Percival's house, and the dog was difficult to keep up with.

Aerial: Oh. Percival's place's the one with the tower... that's smoking. *feels disgruntled and slightly concerned, but shrugs it off after a glance at the leggy young hound beside her* I'm his wife, Sky. Tell him he better not be using anything important for wicks again.

Foresight: *absently lets the messenger dog leap down*

dog: *such talk, so noise! Is plainly scolding and coaxing her clients to hurry up and let her finish her job!*

Auspex: *She winces, glancing up to see that smoke is indeed rising from a decently-sized stone house that's wedged tightly between two others. Well, the Aerial doesn't seem too concerned... perhaps this is routine*
*She blinks ponderously as the woman mentions her name, wondering if she's ever met an alternate of this "Sky", of either gender. The name calls to mind Skyfire, Skywarp, or Skydive, of the factioned mechs she knows, though there's probably many others that she doesn't... well, she'll find out in due time, she hopes. She gives Sky something of a blank nod at the request to pass on the admonition* Er, of course...
*She sighs as the dog insists on continuing on their way; at least they can see their destination now, so perhaps tearing after the messenger is no longer quite as necessary*

Sky: *hand up in an absent wave of thanks as she looks down at the young hound* You seeing that?

hound: *sniffs in that direction, looks back up to lady. Not bad smokes*

Foresight: *meanwhile, to the messenger dog* Find Percival.

dog: *and she's off, though this time she's just trotting*

Boulder: *promptly trots after her*

Ruth: *peeks at Auspex* -Wanna sing.-

Auspex: *She gives one more uncertain glance back at the winged woman and her canine companion - perhaps they will return home later, if Auspex is to speak to both displaced Cybertronians - before turning forward to watch as messenger dog and Boulder approach their destination at a much more sedate pace (why didn't the dog move that slowly in the first place...?). She glances down at Ruth's silent request, with pat of her head and a gentle smile* If you want to... perhaps not too loudly?

Ruth: *slightly embarrassed wince shows in her emotions and the slight flattening of her ears* -Um. Kitteh only have one volume.-

Kup: *stands slightly as he hears a man's voice rise up from the house they're approaching* What the...?

man: Three dead rats! I can't work! I must call Sarah! I CAN'T WORK!

Auspex: Ah... *she gently pets Ruth's head in apology* Perhaps in a little while, then? We're approaching the person we're meant to talk to, and I'm not entirely certain about the specifics, yet...
*Her brow furrows at the nonsense someone's spouting up ahead. If that's Perceptor, he seems a bit more... unstable than the one she knew best... she hopes not. Shaking her head slightly, she queries Primus - is she to wait for Blackout, or even mention who she is right away?*

Foresight: *silent for a moment, but then turns and steps over the front railing before sitting on it and frowning at Auspex* I can sense that he hears us, and that he wants something. But I've never felt him this focused on anything since the day you woke. *absent glance at Ruth, who has gently started to wash Auspex's hand*

Auspex: *She frowns deeply as she receives an absent acknowledgment of her presence, but no specific answer. She glances sharply at Foresight as she makes the comparison* Surely his distraction was not simply on my account... but I am not clear on the timeline for when the temporal storm was permanently resolved. If something similar is happening now, it is likely related to why we are here. Hmm... did Blackout say anything else, besides that she would meet us here? Are we to speak to Perce... er, Percival first?

Foresight: *frown is deep and eyes are absent* She said to tell them they're needed at home, and then to stay at their house til she comes back.

Percival: ...I just punched a rabbit. *feels so guilty*

Kup: *tries to hide the snerk, but it got away*

Boulder: *stops in front of the open door and looks up at the sign which announces the house to be a wizard's lab* Mrrrph?

Auspex: I would prefer to know why they are needed... but perhaps they will know. I hope...
*She shakes her head, perplexed at just what is going on in there - but that voice is indeed familiar, now that it's not shouting, and she winces slightly at the nostalgia it brings. She's not met any alternates of Perceptor, besides the one she knew best*
*She tries her best to discern Boulder's questioning aspect* Perceptor was the Autobots' head scientist - at least, the one I counseled was, in an analogous reality and an era very close to our native one. I can only assume this alternate held a similar position. I suppose this title is close enough...

Boulder: Huh. *does his careful lay down right there on the sidewalk and gets poked, talked to, and laughed at by the pedestrians who have to go around him*

Kup: *hugga Auspex, then hops down and moves over to be ready to help her down*

Ruth: *isn't moving yet. Busy loving*

Auspex: *She sighs as she relaxes into Kup's embrace for a moment, appreciative of the support through the slight melancholy. She finds herself unable to move for the moment, and blinks down at Ruth, patting her back carefully* Are you all right? I'm afraid I have to move very soon, but I may have a few moments, if someone inside is sorting out rabbit issues. *Whatever that means...*

Ruth: *muffled* Bit scareded. But wanna be good 'n help. *lifts her head, and her eyes are slightly bright from tears. Quietly* Is my first mission.

Auspex: Oh... *Auspex frowns, before gently stroking Ruth's head and offering her an encouraging smile* I think Blackout would have sent you home if she'd had time... she must be somewhere she couldn't take you safely. But you're doing very well! I know things can be overwhelming. You were brave when the fungus-people were there.

Ruth: *soft little snerk and spark of humour* Used kitteh supapowa 'n ignored.

Auspex: *she smiles back, with a little chuckle* Ignoring people is a very good superpower, when you're scared.

Ruth: Yup! *rises to her feet and walks over to pet Foresight's knee with her cheek*

Foresight: *down on her knees to give a hug*

Ruth: *PURRRRRRRRRRR! See what you missed, Auspex?*

Auspex: *She lets the large feline go as Ruth ventures away to offer and receive affection from Foresight, eyebrows raising in light amusement at the continued volume of her purr. She lingers for a moment, to see if Ruth needs further moral support*

Boulder: *reaches up from his laying position to gently pull the string that hangs beside the open door, then perk his ears at the jingle from inside the house*

Ruth: *looks around Foresight to see where the bell came from*

Percival: *from inside* Coming! Please feel free to be seated while you wait! *more quietly* Paul, this is your own fault. You know better than to sneak up and lick my hand.

Kup: *shakes his head slightly, still waiting to help Auspex down when she's ready*

Foresight: *absently tugs on the flight feathers of one wing as she looks over her shoulder with thoughtful calm growing*

Auspex: *She pauses for another moment of observation, but Ruth seems all right for now. Auspex carefully climbs over the platform railing, inching herself down to hop the rest of the way into Kup's outstretched arms as Boulder rings the bell. After a moment of hesitation at Perceptor's response, she glances at the others before approaching the open doorway of the house, peeking through at the inside*

shop: *heavy beams, a pleasant smell of dried plants. There's a stained glass window with a picture in it, and a deep window seat with comfortable cushions. Also a counter with laden shelves and hooks behind it, and a door to one side of it from which is coming soft admonishments to a silly rabbit*

Auspex: *She lingers there in the doorway, looking around, but doesn't enter the building just yet; she stops to look again at Boulder* I regret that he won't fit through the door; I'm not sure how long we might be. You'll be all right out here, Boulder?

Boulder: *soft chimes as he nods and makes a sound very similar to what Hallow sounds like when he says don't mind me, I'll be alright*

Foresight: *feels like she's hiding a smile at that, as well as a little concern for her mentor*

Auspex: *She doesn't hide her smile, or the accompanying chuckle. That cat has picked up so many things from his caretaker. Turning to Foresight, her smile becomes reassuring, as she picks up on her emotions* Hallow will be fine. He's survived this long.

Foresight: *blinks slightly and looks up* I know. *attention goes to Boulder, and then back to Auspex. Hesitantly* Would it trouble you if I were to return home and see if I can find out what's distracting Primus? Boulder can stay with you.

Boulder: *tilts his head and glances at her sideways, but then huffs an apology and gets up to move backward out of the way of a little old lady with crutches*

Auspex: *She freezes for a moment, the smile wavering, turning into something more bittersweet, though it doesn't entirely disappear. She takes a near-involuntary deep breath, letting it out slowly; she knew this was going to be difficult, when the time came for Foresight to leave. She'd thought she had some time yet... and thought the younger servant and Boulder would need Blackout to go home. Apparently that's not the case*
*But she is very concerned about Primus's silence, and it is so much less effort to maintain vigil on his presence from Cybertron, than any other world in the universe, and she suspects their planet may not even exist in this current reality. Besides, their current forms (or Auspex's, at least) hinder the strength of that connection, as well... and Foresight does not need to stay for this errand*
*She shakes her head, finally, smile fading, though it becomes a look of acceptance and support* I'll be fine... if there is a reason for Primus's distraction, it's best you find out what it is. I regret that I'm not in a position to discover that until he speaks to me, or until I wake... and even then, we are still beholden to the Castle until it... she... sends us home. At least, that's how I understand it all to work. I can only hope nothing is amiss, until then. But, take Boulder with you... there is no need to keep him here, so long as there is no more travelling to do.

Foresight: *nods her understanding and acceptance despite hesitance to leave her aunt so soon after she's found her, then stops and stares blankly at the loose feather that's suddenly in her hand. Absently scratches the wing it came from, and then steps forward to offer a hug*

Auspex: *She winces at the feather (she hopes losing it isn't painful...), even as she's suddenly struggling to hold back tears. Shame on this organic body... she chuckles tearfully* A memento for this adventure, then... assuming you can keep it? I'm not entirely sure how it is you are here.
*Still fighting the urge to openly weep (and only partially succeeding, as a few tears escape), she steps away from the door to enfold the younger woman in a tight embrace, speaking softly* Until we meet again, then, and I pray earnestly that it's soon. I look forward to seeing my brother again, and I... have so many things to tell you, as well, when there are no other pressing tasks that need to be done.
*Taking care not to linger longer than necessary, she reluctantly lets go of Foresight and steps back, before stepping up to Boulder and patting his nose* Thank you, my friend, for making the journey so much easier. Take care of Hallow for me - though I know you always do. I'll be happy to see you again, also, though I will be quite a bit taller! *She smiles in gentle amusement*

Foresight: *strong hug, her melancholy and reluctance still strongly tempered with calm. She doesn't speak, only nods before releasing her aunt as Auspex releases her*

Boulder: *kissie! Just the tip of his tongue and a cool nose. And a big feeling of loving affection*

Auspex: *She laughs softly, face scrunching slightly at Boulder's affection, though it cheers her a bit. She then turns her attention to the smaller feline* Ruth? I assume you will stay to wait for Blackout... can you bring the book with you?

Ruth: Book! ^_^

Boulder: Nuh uh. *gets book, hugs book to chest as he rumbles and talks*

Auspex: *Her brow furrows for a moment in confusion at Boulder's intervention - though if Foresight can keep her feather, of course she and Boulder must be able to bring back anything they choose, unlike herself... and... possibly Kup?* You'll keep it for me until I come to see you all, then?

Boulder: *nods just like Hallow. His eyes are twinkling the same way, too. Then he grunts and arches his back as someone excuses herself and ducks to walk underneath of him*

Foresight: *can't help being amused at how little fuss these citizens put into dealing with a giant cat across their walkway*

Auspex: *She reaches to fondly pat Boulder's nose again, before stopping to blink at the passer-by's nonchalance, and mutters* They must see so many strange things on this world...
*She offers her departing family a watery smile as she steps back, though she's keeping her composure remarkably well* All right, then, thank you. I pray that all will be well on your immediate return, and until we see each other again. *Her voice wavers for a moment, but she continues* Take care, and give Hallow and his other students my love...

Foresight: I will. *affection in her emotions and eyes as Boulder waves* Be well, Aunt. *turns to leave, putting a hand on her big friend as she guides him away to where a small grassy place marks the street corner*

Ruth: *soft sound and presses gently against Auspex's side*

Kup: *arm around the white lady's shoulders from the other side, will see if he can lead her over to the window seat*

Auspex: *she reaches out to give Ruth a grateful pat, though she resists Kup's attempt to draw her away for the moment, offering him a gentle smile, even through the tears* I'll be all right long enough to see them off. I want to see that they leave safely.

Kup: *frown of concern but nods and looks out the door to watch Foresight and Boulder remove the howdah and set it aside*

Auspex: *She's thankful for Kup's support, and she shifts her weight to lean a little more against him, silently watching as Foresight and Boulder prepare*

Boulder: *howdah set aside, he gathers up the book and then waits as Foresight leaps into the air and settles on his neck*

Foresight: *looks toward the house and waves, and then the pair of them are engulfed in red and blue twinkles*

Ruth: *sad little sound and feels lonesome*

Auspex: *Smiling bravely, she waves back, noting that their exit seems to be facilitated by yet another Guardian Fae wish, and without mishap, thankfully. She idly wonders if someone might find some use for that platform...*
*...before offering Ruth a pat on the head, and sagging against Kup rather more than she'd like, as her tears start to flow. She dabs at them ineffectually with her sleeve for a moment... Not now, she needs to be ready to talk to Perceptor!*

Kup: *gently scoops her up and turns from the door, then nearly launches himself and her into the rafters as he comes face to Auspex with a slender red-haired man in a red and gold gown and pointed hat*

Percival: o_O *backpedals with the skill of a man used to soldiers and their sometimes exaggerated startle reactions!*

Paul: *giant furry light grey rabbit wiggles his nose and watches from the inner door. Fur is so long that he's got a ponytail on top of his head to clear his eyes*

Auspex: *She squeaks softly as Kup lifts her off her feet, unprepared for him to react so strongly to her emotion - she simply needed a moment! In a case of extremely poor timing, here is Perceptor at last, and she temporarily clings to Kup as he responds abruptly to the man's unexpected appearance. She quickly dries her tears, patting Kup's cheek in affectionate gratitude and please-put-me-down-now-I'll-be-fine-I-promise*

Kup: *practising deep breathing as he carefully sets Auspex on her feet. Then he notices the rabbit and blinks, once more wondering just what the heck?*

Ruth: *looks at Percival. Looks at Kup. Looks at Auspex* ... Why he do dat for?

Kup: *face palms*

Auspex: Ah... *smiling helplessly, she reaches for Kup's hand where it's met his face and tugs it gently away, to where she can hold it properly* I was emotional, and he was trying to comfort me, I think... and then he was startled.
*She offers the house resident an apologetic smile, as she takes just a moment to study him. She's reminded that the Perceptor she knew had been subjected to Victor Drath's awful Machine once, turning him human... but this man bears only a slight resemblance to what he'd looked like at the time: he's more slightly built, and his hair is a different color. She's not sure what method has changed this individual and his mate, but they still retain their sparks (thankfully!) - and most importantly, it was a voluntary change. She imagines that a consciousness was behind choosing their appearances, rather than a mindless automated process. A method that would not invoke Primus's frustration, for stealing his sparks away from him... she conceals a wince at the memory*
*Speaking of which... she queries him again for guidance, and again receives a distracted acknowledgment, but no clear reply. Her hand tightens involuntarily around Kup's, seeking a source of strength and solace as she realizes she's on her own in this. Should she call Perceptor by his original name, or his new one? After a moment of deliberation, she decides honesty is best... besides, she realizes, he'll soon likely notice the Autobot insignia Kup is wearing, or the sigil of Cybertron on her belt clasp...*
*She introduces herself as gently as possible* Hello, Perceptor... my name is Auspex, and I am a servant of Primus.

Percival: *steps back, and then sits on his rabbit* Oh. Oh my. I had not expected this sort of answer.

Paul: *licks his lips and wiggles his nose. Also stretches his back legs out behind him*

Auspex: *She blinkblinks, taking a step forward out of concern, but he seems more stunned than outright upset, and his furry companion seems unperturbed. His words imply that he's not entirely surprised...* Ah... you had a specific query?

Percival: *quietly, as he takes off his spectacles and wipes them on a cloth from his pocket* Not as such, no, my lady. But both Sky and myself have felt that somehow, though to my knowledge he does not exist in this reality, that Primus was trying to speak to us. We've been asking the Mountain Builder to help us understand what was wanted.

Auspex: I... am not entirely sure what to say. Generally, Primus does not attempt to call to those not designed to hear him directly... but then, his children are not usually in a reality where he has no presence and no servants. Normally he will send one of us from another reality, in that case... but this world has no portal to the greater multiverse, either, as far as I know, and that is how it would normally work. I was actually here on an entirely different errand, arranged through very strange means - I highly doubt it was only coincidence, now. But I am here... though Lord Primus seems to be uncharacteristically distant from me at the present moment...

Primus: *oh! That's you! I found you! Hi! Oh, aren't you beautiful. LOVE*

Auspex: *She trails off, eyes widening, as she receives this very odd impression* -...my lord?-

Primus: *I'm here. I've found you now. Love, relief, and gratefulness. Please tell Perceptor to come home?*

Auspex: *She relaxes considerably, sending him her profound relief to sense his communications again, however strange or distant it might feel at the moment (and it does - something is still amiss, but he's responsive, and she's so grateful). She acknowledges his request, though she hopes to find out a bit more of Perceptor and his mate's situation, so that she might understand what she's truly asking of them*
Ah... there. Well... *she hesitates, remembering how dismayed Blackout seemed to be about the situation, and she can't imagine Perceptor will take this any better. She offers a compassionate look with the quiet words* He wishes for you to come home.

Percival: *spurt of dismay* Oh, but what about Elijah?

Auspex: *She grimaces slightly - of course they are likely have attachments here... or this may run deeper than that. She needs more context* I am not always given a great deal of information - only the message itself, and your identity, in this case. If you can tell me a little about your situation, I will help you as much as I am able. Who is Elijah?

Percival: *slightly meek and guilty smile as he gets up from his furry seat. Quietly* Elijah is my and Skywarp's son. He was born here.

Auspex: *She hisses softly, eyes widening. Skywarp. Well. That might complicate things in their home reality... and also, again, reminds her painfully of Perceptor of the truce reality, and his own twin daughters with a Skywarp of an analogous world, who were friends of hers as well - though they were a great deal more... accidental. She's half-surprised this couple did not have children who were alternates of the two fems... the multiverse is so strange, on so many levels...*
*But back to the subject at hand. Oh dear... her brow furrows in much sympathy* He is your only child, then? How old is he?

young voice: *speaks from behind Auspex, Kup, and Ruth* I'm nine.

Ruth: *doesn't jump, but her fur just got a LOT more fluffy as she jags softly with startlement*

Kup: *looks over his shoulder. He'd heard the boy come in*

Primus: *loves that boy and is proud of him*

Percival: *feeling much the same emotions as he looks at his son*

Auspex: *She reaches out to place her free hand gently on Ruth's head, offering comfort as she turns to the side to see the child as he makes his presence known. She'd sensed the approaching Cybertronian, but she'd assumed it was Skywarp. Then their son has a spark as well... She can sense someone else nearby as well - most likely Skywarp, or perhaps Blackout or Greatshot returned from wherever they've been; she's rather too focused on the people here inside to pay them much mind, for the moment*
*She nods at the boy, even as she sighs, her dismay growing. She addresses Perceptor again* I... imagine your people are still at war, in your world...?

Percival: *emotion drops to sadness and depression as he nods* Yes. Even the death of our leaders hasn't stopped it.

Elijah: *waves to Ruth, then turns and calls to the person outside before walking around the visitors to hug his dad*

person outside: *doesn't seem to have really heard Elijah. Is instead blooming with wonder and interest while discovering Primus*

Auspex: *she nods slowly; she's a bit reluctant to talk about this in front of the boy, but she trusts his father will know what is appropriate to say, and she'll not press him if he wishes to avoid her questions* I think... I would best not assume who they are, though I suspect your reality runs close to my own, and a few others I know fairly well. Perhaps... you can tell me what happened to them? It may give me some insight.
*She pauses then, as it occurs to her that Skywarp played a pivotal role in the aftermath of the battle that killed Optimus Prime and Megatron - (s)he was one of Unicron's reformats! If she is here, how did that change their world, and those events? Did they even happen...? All the more reason for a bit more information*
*She blinks as Primus seems to interact with the person outside, feeling the sort of ripple effect she might note when another servant is communicating with him, though there is a sense of newness - this is the first time they've "met". Oh. Probably not Skywarp, then. Yet another Cybertronian? And yet, they are not being called away? The complexity of the situation seems to be growing*

Percival: *arm around his son, his other hand absently coming up to fluff the boy's dark hair. Quiet and sad* Blackout says that they killed each other, but then the unmaker reformatted Megatron.

Elijah: *brows draw together over eyes one of green and one of blue as he leans back comfortingly against his dad. He's wondering again what his parents' homeworld looks like, and yearning so badly to be able to see it*

Auspex: Ah... Optimus Prime and Megatron, I assume. You weren't there to see them fall, then, and what came after. I suppose that makes sense; in several realities that I am familiar with, including my own... Skywarp was reformatted alongside Megatron, and a few others. I'm glad to know yours escaped that fate...

Percival: *looks up, his blue eyes full of pain and concern. Quietly* Will she be safe when we return?

Elijah: *okay, now he's not sure he wants to see Cybertron. Not if his mom's not safe!*

Auspex: *she takes a moment to confer with Primus, asking for the most important detail in this; she nods in relief at the answer* Unicron has been defeated, so there is no danger of anyone else being reformatted. You have that assurance, at least.
Were you together long on your world, before coming here? Cross-faction relationships are rare, for obvious reasons... *she frowns regretfully*

Percival: *guiltily* Errrr...

Elijah: Four Earth years. But they kinda chased each other around for three years before that.

Percival: *SHOCK* Who told you that, Elijah?

Elijah: Mama! :D

Percival: *face palm and mutter*

Auspex: *She takes note of the recurring guilt with a frown - she'll likely need to address this at some point, but she leaves him be for now. Her mouth quirks in slight amusement as Elijah offers more information than Perceptor seems to feel his son should have; she takes it in stride* Long enough to manage a relationship in spite of a war...
*Her expression sobers, and the gentle sympathy returns* How, then, did you learn that you cared for each other?

Percival: *looks down at Elijah's gleeful grin* Won't you have a seat, Miss? This sort of thing is much more comfortable with tea.

Elijah: Tea?

Percival: Still too young, son.

Elijah: :p

Auspex: Ah... all right, thank you. *She offers a squeeze of the hand to Kup and a scritching of the head to Ruth, before withdrawing and approaching the long seat stretched out under the colorful window. She offers Perceptor an apologetic smile as she takes a seat, leaving room for her companions* I will have to defer to your experience with "tea", as I've only inhabited this body for... perhaps a day and a half.

Kup: *watches to make sure his lady is seated without any trouble from her dress, then grunts as Ruth bumps him in the process of hopping up on the seat. Chuckles at the giant kitten, and then perches his butt on the last corner of the seat*

Elijah: *here he comes with a chair and a footstool*

Percival: I'll return shortly. *turns and heads through the door. The sound of a grunt and a grumbling about punching a rabbit again comes back*

Elijah: *sits on the stool and looks expectantly at the guests* Greetings! I'm Elijah Percivalson.

Ruth: Kitteh's Ruth. Parta Blackout's Army! 'N dat's Kup!

Kup: ... *points with his thumb* Her bodyguard.

Elijah: Oh. Interesting. Bodyguards usually don't sit.

Kup: If I don't sit, she gets mad.

Auspex: *She offers a polite assent as Perceptor negotiates the exit and the rabbit, before turning her attention to the introductions. She smiles gently, with a slight hint of a blush, at Elijah's comment on Kup's status* He... is also my friend. *Of course, it's more complicated than that... but it is truth*

Percival: Lady Auspex, would you prefer something other than black tea?

Kup: *before Auspex can speak* Give 'er chamomile. She needs something relaxing.

Auspex: *She opens her mouth to begin to explain that she really has no idea what anyone ingests on this world, when Kup intervenes, and she gives him an owlish blink; again, he's amazed her with what he must have learned about organics in his relatively short time outside of his own world. Perhaps that would help - Primus's silence and Foresight's departure have been stressful*

Percival: Oh yes. Just the thing. Honey?

Kup: She'll like that. *checks to see if Auspex wants his hand back*

Auspex: Ah... you are both much more knowledgeable about what is appropriate. I'm sure I will enjoy whatever you recommend, thank you. *She did like the honey the Bee offered her the day before*
*Well... that hand would be welcome, yes. She reaches for it, seeking his gaze for a moment with an affectionate smile*

Elijah: *sitting so nicely on his stool* Papa and Mama were drunk when they first kissed.

Percival: *more SHOCK* Did your mother tell you that???

Elijah: She told me all the mushy stuff.

Percival: *not sure he wants to come out of the parlour*

Auspex: *She laughs gently, but maneuvers diplomatically* Perhaps it is better to let Perceptor tell me what he wishes to of his relationship with Skywarp... but I'm sure you've been told many interesting stories.

Elijah: *purses his lips and looks over his shoulder, but then perks and jumps up* Please excuse me. I should go tell Aunty Sarah that Papa needs more rats removed.

Kup: *eughhh, why? doesn't show on his face*

Auspex: *She's mildly taken aback, but gives the boy a short nod* Ah, all right.

person outside: *surprise. DISMAY. Thankful to Primus for sympathy, and can he please tell Elijah help is needed?*

Elijah: *freezes in place, his eyes widening as he feels frightened and uncertain about what's touching him*

Primus: *withdraws. Oh dear. Auspex?*

Auspex: *She senses more of the ambient stirrings of someone talking to Primus - the individual outside is reacting negatively to some outside stimulus, and Primus offers his sympathy... she follows idly, like hearing a conversation from a distance. Her head snaps up, however, when Elijah stiffens, and Primus calls her. What...? Did he speak to the boy? That can be frightening to the uninitiated... she's not sure he even knows who Primus is. Something distinctly odd remains in Primus's interactions right now... he seems unsure. Perhaps... interacting with him in a reality where he normally has no presence is creating some odd phenomena...? She sends a query, in hopes that he might enlighten her*
*In the meantime...* Please, don't be afraid, Elijah. That is Primus - he created all Cybertronians. He usually does not try to speak to someone who doesn't know him - I'm attempting to find out why. I will explain, if you like - but someone outside seems to need your help, for the moment.

Elijah: *blink blink, then* Oh no! FELICITY, DID YOU WALK INTO THE TREE AGAIN???? *and he's gone*

Auspex: *Her eyes widen at the boy's reaction... and she now has a name for the mystery Cybertronian outside, and more questions for later*

Primus: *so sad. Has never had someone to talk to before*

Auspex: *Ohh. Then... he... this is a facet of Primus likely from... Perceptor's world? Where... there are no servants?? How...? Why not?? Oh... tears pricking her eyes, she sends him all the love she can muster. She's never encountered a manifestation of Primus that had no one at all to hear him... that explains so much*

Primus: *feels slightly miserable. He didn't hurt the boy, did he? The girl was so happy to speak with him, and had so much to say...*

Percival: *enters, chatting about tea as he pushes a little wheeled table ahead of him*

Auspex: *She sends reassurance: Elijah will probably be fine; he seems a practical sort. He may be more amenable to being spoken to if she explains to him. She realizes it's a somewhat self-perpetuating loop, to have no servants to tell others about Primus, and no one receptive to hearing from him without negative reactions, because of that ignorance... resulting in no servants. Perhaps the cycle will break here...*
*She looks up as Perceptor returns, her gaze partly apologetic, partly reproachful* There is a girl outside who is also Cybertronian, somehow? Now that Primus has reached out to me, she has been speaking to him also. Unfortunately, he tried to speak to your son as well, who did not react so well - I'm afraid I will have to explain this to him when he returns.

Percival: *blinks and looks toward the door* Yes. Felicity is Ferdinand and TC's daughter. *pause* That is, I mean Fireflight and Thundercracker. They arrived here before myself and Sky... shortly after Fireflight flew into a mountain. *bit of sadness as he remembers Optimus's grief. Carefully pours tea and then holds the cups toward the Bee who's sitting on the side of the table and quivering with eagerness to share.*

Auspex: *her eyes widen* More here from your reality...? Oh. I suppose that is why you chose this world? I understand Skywarp and Thundercracker tend to be close in most realities... *And because of this, they lost their identities together...* And she too, has avoided that reformatting.
Fireflight, though... *she winces, somewhat sensitive to the thought of another Aerialbot team broken...* He is another who died and was given new life in another reality? *Her fingers subtly curl that much closer around Kup's hand*

Kup: *squeezes Auspex's hand gently*

Perceptor: *adds a spoon to a pretty wooden teacup and brings it over to her. Quietly* Actually, Blackout chose this world for us, but we were glad to see them here. *soft traces of sadness in his voice* Yes. Ferdinand is an Exile. *offers tea*

Auspex: *She accepts the cup, thanking him (and the Bee, for good measure) nodding quietly as she mulls this over* Ah... I'm sure Blackout knew they were here, then - she has a remarkable information system to draw from. I'm glad they could see you again, and that you weren't alone... though I imagine you were better acquainted with human culture than I am. *she chuckles, self-deprecating*
I would like to ask how you met Blackout... but how you and Skywarp came to know each other outside of the context of war, may be a more pressing question for now.
*She takes a tentative, careful sip of the tea - it tastes a bit the way flowers smell, she thinks. But the warmth and the flavor do seem soothing; even the material the cup is made from has an enjoyable scent*

Percival: *back to the table, and then offers a tall glass of very dark brown liquid to Kup*

Kup: *takes it with his free hand, then sniffs it curiously before having a sip*

Percival: *thinking as he brings over the second cup of tea and offers it to Ruth*

Ruth: No fanks. Kitteh good wif snuggles.

Percival: *slight smile* Very well, Miss. *returns to his seat and offers a bit of the tea to the Bee, who shakes her head. Settles back and looks at Auspex* I'm surprised Elijah let off so easily. He's very like his mother.

Elijah: *can now be felt having a minor Perceptorish fuss and scold fit*

Felicity: *pretty!*

Ruth: *warm kitty, soft kitty, massive ball of fur*

Auspex: *she chuckles softly* Ah, well, I think he is slightly distracted at the moment; something about Felicity... and a tree...?
*Her hands are in use, but she leans a bit against Ruth to offer her at least some form of contact, as she notes Perceptor's slight reluctance to discuss his and his mate's history together* Please understand that I don't wish to make you uncomfortable... it may simply be easier to discern the possibilities of the future, if I understand more about your past, and your reality.

Percival: *nods, but takes a few more moments to order his thoughts and memories. Looks into his teacup* It was the evening of a day when I had needed to shrink some of my teammates so that they could enter Megatron's body and retrieve a dangerous artifact that he had installed within himself.
For some unaccountable reason all the rest of the Decepticon forces had overcharged their systems to the point that they were unable to function properly, as I discovered when ambushed later that night by a Seeker who was... drunk beyond belief.

Auspex: *She sips at her tea as Perceptor thinks, finding the stress of the journey and the unknowns easing that little bit more. She'll have to remember this substance, should Blackout take her on any more strange excursions such as this one...*
*Her eyes widen at the beginning of his tale - that sounds like a bizarre and risky undertaking. Size-changing tech is not all that uncommon, as it figures heavily into many individuals' altmodes, but using it arbitrarily on a person's entire body at that extreme a size difference seems strikingly perilous... what had Megatron gotten himself and everyone else into...?*
*...besides a drunken party, apparently* Ah... she attacked you, then?

Percival: *small smile into his tea* Oh no. I believe the common term is "pounced".

Kup: *chokes to cover a snigger, but feels so very amused*

Ruth: *heeeeeee!*

Auspex: *She nods slowly, expression dry, completely unsurprised... she was trying to be diplomatic, after all. Her tone is deadpan, though her eyes are sparkling with amusement* How fortunate you were in the right place at the right time, then... though I imagine she must have come to her senses eventually.

Percival: *that small smile continues* When I awoke she was cuddling me much as Elijah and Felicity are wont to do with dolls and baby animals. She was also frowning at me thoughtfully, and clearly in pain. As a gift of friendship Brawn had given me a code specifically for easing the discomfort caused by overcharging, so I offered her the first use of the tab. She was startled and bewildered by the action, and I had to use the tab first before she could be convinced I meant her no harm. And then she noted that I "didn't have as sweet of lines as TC's shiny, but I was kinda cute". I had no idea what to say to this, so I wished her a good day and returned to base before Optimus or Brawn could become worried.

Auspex: *Her brow furrows for a moment of confusion (when did he shut down?), before it occurs to her that Blackout's told her often enough that in some realities, a kiss comes with a charge, and too many and too much can cause unconsciousness... ah, heh. Poor Perceptor... she nods*
*And poor Skywarp - too much energy, and too much affection. She chuckles softly as Perceptor quotes her* Ah, flier's bias... though I'm relieved she didn't attempt an actual attack, then. You were kind to her.

Percival: *ducks his head to hide. Quietly* Rather, I feel she was kind to me. And the kindness continued when she lured me out several months later with a most interesting scientific discovery... and then gave it to me.

Kup: ...Stolen?

Percival: Oh no. *smiles at the other man* She found it in an abandoned village in the Himalayan mountains.

Auspex: *Her glance darts to Kup for a moment - she'd wondered if there might be controversy in whatever Skywarp might have shared, if it was something valued by the Decepticons... he's asked it much more to the point. She smiles slowly, as she turns back to Perceptor* Ah... that is generous. Though... *she sobers quickly* I imagine she might have been in a great deal of trouble if she'd been observed by either side...

Percival: *sober nod* She would have been, yet she asked if we might continue meeting. *gaze drops back to his tea as the guilt surfaces again* I agreed, and we continued in that way til early in the Earth year 2000. *sadness* That was the year Fireflight died. Skywarp lost heart for the war when her sister vanished, and I... *sigh* When I found my way to the Backwater I asked if there might be some way that myself and my sparkmate might be together, Blackout gave her answer, and we've been here for nearly ten years. *sad and guilty, and so torn*

Kup: *reads the scientist's expression and frowns*

Ruth: -Him thinks him deserted. Wansa go home, but this home too. Lotsa stuff to do here, 'n peeps. But... him left. 'N now Oppy dead.-

Auspex: *She acknowledges Ruth's observation, even as she frowns unhappily at the amount of guilt Perceptor is emanating in this* If you had stayed, Skywarp would have been lost. From what you've told me, and from what Primus knows about how history has unfolded in similar realities, events have not changed significantly in your absence, save the reformatting. What you have changed may still cause a favorable outcome. You can't bear the weight of an entire war on your shoulders alone - yours, or Skywarp's. You've also likely changed this world for the better - not to mention the offspring you've brought forth. How has your life been in this world?

Percival: *flinches and pangs with horror and grief at her words about Skywarp being lost, then hides his face once more in his teacup before looking up at her last sentences* Er... It has been productive, useful, and very pleasant. *flinch, elbow! Wince* ...Other than a marked tendency to punch rabbits.

Paul: *flops down and does the rabbit licky mouth thing*

Elijah: *mmmmmm. GRAPES*

Felicity: *chatchat chat to Primus*

Primus: *gently suggests that the children will be able to be all they're meant to be once they're on Cybertron*

Auspex: *She winces slightly, regretting the pain her words have caused, truthful though they are. She quirks a quizzical, but amused brow at said rabbit; she wonders what the creature contributes to Perceptor's work. She begins to ask, when Primus speaks to her again, and she's brought short, pausing to confer with her lord. She was going to ask him what he had in mind for Elijah to do, of course, but... both children? What about Thundercracker and Fireflight? The latter cannot return... Who is meant to go, then?*

Primus: *Perceptor, Skywarp, the boy, and the girl. Because the girl must learn to be what she truly is, and... I need her. Her parents have their place here, but she doesn't*

Auspex: *She's mildly surprised, but she sends her acknowledgment. For the moment, she returns to her questions* What exactly do you do for the people here? Does your companion, uh... get in the way? *She can't hide the slight laughter in her voice*

Percival: *lifts his elbow and looks under it and behind him toward the rabbit* Paul? Oh no. He only finds it amusing to test the limits of my post traumatic stress disorder. And I sell various useful mechanical items, such as clocks, watches, magic mirrors, clockwork stoves and ovens, etc, as well as non ingested remedies for minor injuries or epidermal conditions. I am also currently involved in research involving electricity, which is where Paul's assistance comes into play.

Auspex: *Her eyes widen, and continue to do so, as Perceptor enumerates quite a list* You certainly keep busy, then! Blackout has told me of the EMP field on this world - at least there are ways to make machines that don't require electricity. But it sounds as though you're attempting to circumvent it, somehow? *she tilts her head curiously*

Percival: Oh yes, of course. Though the research is more a hobby than anything. *slight scowl as he remembers the mess he just made in his laboratory in the tower* The local vermin controller seems to think it a fitting way to dispatch condemned rats.

Auspex: *She grimaces slightly - she's not terribly well-versed about what happens when you expose an organic to an unrestrained electric current, but she can imagine it's not much better than the effect on a mech, and probably much worse. She takes a sip of tea as she dispels this thought* Paul... helps with this somehow?

Percival: *reaches down with his free hand to run his fingers through Paul's fur, then sits straight again and shows the handful of soft grey fluff to Auspex* This is a very prime insulation material.

Paul: :p

Auspex: Oh! I see. That is clever... I imagine you don't have access to the usual materials on this world... but you've had time to come up with alternatives.
Ah, that reminds me... we did encounter Skywarp on the way here. *The mirth creeps into her tone again* She sent along an admonition against "using something important" for your work, I think. I imagine there's a history there...

Percival: *red man* Er. I have not done that in several years.

Auspex: *She smiles gently, though there's a bit of a wince in it* Apparently it made a lasting impression on her...
She's kept busy here as well, I assume?

Percival: *long, quiet sigh and a sip of tea. Gentle acerbity* She likes to tease. *and then the smile returns* Oh yes. She is the city's master of fire hounds.

Kup: Fire hounds? *frowns uneasily as he thinks of creatures he met during the short time he was with Optimus's group*

Auspex: *She nods wryly; she hasn't talked extensively with any of Skywarp's alternates, but she's heard stories about his/her wit - she can't imagine it would apply any less to this individual. She considers with curiosity as Perceptor mentions her occupation, thinking of the canine Skywarp had with her when they briefly met her... but she's derailed for a moment by Kup's reaction to the name, turning her head to blink at him, as she brushes her thumb over his hand with some concern. She can only imagine what he's remembering...*
We did see her with an unusual-looking dog... I take it 'fire hound' is not as literal as it sounds.

Percival: *earnestly* Oh, on the contrary. The breed was created to respond to and seek out smoke and fire.

Kup: *relaxes, feeling amused and curious as well as relieved*

Percival: *unaware of this as he sips tea and pulls fluff off his rabbit* They are an innovation introduced by Blackout, and they have greatly simplified the lives of our fire brigades in just the six years that they've been here already.

Auspex: *Kup's hand receives an absent squeeze as she hides her own amusement at the slight miscommunication. Function over form, then...* I... can imagine fire is much more of a problem when structures are sometimes made of organic materials. It seems an unusual job for a former Seeker, but I imagine she must be good at it, if she is the authority. She trains them, then?

Percival: *nods* Today she's testing the instinct of the youngest litter of pups. She also upkeeps the harnesses, and oversees the creation and birth of new members of the pack. *slight jag* Ouch. Paul, you know that I have no fur to pull. *gentle bop for rabbit nose*

Paul: *sneeze! Sneeze, sneeze, sneeze! Thump back foot hard against the floor and grunt, then sits up and wipes nose with paws. Wipe wipe wipe a nose*

Auspex: *She nods pensively, hoping Skywarp is not as indispensable as it sounds she might be... but there's no use in possibly spreading the anxiety just yet. Her smile for Paul is gently amused, if slightly perplexed, while she mulls over what other questions might be relevant*
What about your son? He seems to enjoy the old stories about your lives before you came here...

Percival: *another sigh, this one accompanied by rueful concern* Elijah is sky thirsty. He has been since he was a newborn, to the point that we had to keep his bed next to a window that he could see through when we couldn't let him rest in the garden. He was a most unhappy and restless toddler til the day TC, trying to follow Seeker custom, brought Felicity and put her into his arms. They've been nearly inseparable since that day. The only time Elijah is willing to leave her during the day is when he's begged his mother to bring him up.

Auspex: Ah... *she frowns* It's unfortunate he didn't inherit his mother's wings. I suppose the wish to trine is an instinct he still has, then, and I'm glad Felicity seems to help with that. Can you tell me a bit about her, as well?

Percival: *soft laugh as he tugs on Paul's neatly beribboned topknot, his emotions even warmer than they are for his son* Have you ever met Fireflight?

Auspex: *She can't help but flinch at the innocent question - Jetstorm's brothers had endured unspeakable horrors, and while they came through it mostly intact, mentally, they retained a thread of trauma and rage that they would likely carry with them for the rest of their lives. Fireflight had been the first to fall to his brother's mad bid to avoid their reformatting, and had carried that pain the longest...*

Kup: No. She hasn't.

Auspex: *She turns to give Kup a sharp glance, taken aback, and bewildered by the outright lie - he may not even know who Fireflight is, let alone whether she's met him... then she realizes: he's picked up on her momentary distress, and he's trying to deflect any provocation of it, even without knowing what caused it. Oh... she glances around for a moment for a place to set her tea*

Ruth: *twitches ear at Auspex, and then holds up her hand for the lady's teacup*

Auspex: *Ah... or the resident telepath might just sense her intent and offer to take it. She hands it over with silent thanks, and carefully tugs Kup's hand over to clasp between hers, massaging it gently in absent gratitude, even as she answers Perceptor*
Ah, I apologize... yes, I have, though extreme circumstances... hardened him, somewhat. He still had a reputation for appearing somewhat absent-minded and... 'dreamy', I suppose.

Percival: *pauses and blinks, his heart dropping at the thought of Fireflight so hurt as to be hardened by it* Oh... Dear me. I'm sorry to hear that. Our Ferdinand is... innocent. Trusting. His dreams might lead him into predicaments at time, but those who know him love him enough to pull him out of danger. And Felicity is like him, with perhaps a little of her mother's... lack of mental capacity blended in.

Primus: *the girl's not stupid*

Kup: *protective, and gently proud feeling as he looks at Auspex*

Ruth: *mentally giggles at him for mush*

Kup: *ignore a kitty*

Auspex: *She's distracted for a moment by Kup's reaction to her refutal of his denial, examining it more closely in troubled concern - if he is surprised by it, then he doesn't understand her as well as she might wish - but she's relieved that he seems to simply think highly of her emotional strength. Still, she may wish to speak to him about this later... she appreciates his protection so much, but being vulnerable to others is how an empath truly connects with them - it's simply part of her function, and he cannot hinder her in that. In the meantime, she intertwines their fingers, silently reassuring that she's not upset with him, should he pick up on her less-than-approving emotions*
*She turns her attention back to Perceptor, nodding carefully. She's aware that he might be underestimating both Fireflight's and Thundercracker's intelligence - and Felicity's as well, by extension, as Primus notes. That may affect his reaction... she hesitates a moment, before she quietly continues* I ask, because... the children both have sparks, and Primus would like for them to return to your world with you.

Percival: *sits up, his hand freezing in Paul's fur with surprise* Both of the children? But Ferdinand no longer exists in that reality, it's impossible for him to return.

Auspex: *she winces slightly* I know. I admit it surprises me as well...

gentle voice: *from the door* That's alright, Percy. You know Lissy and Elijah have to be together. *hic* Mrrph. Excuse me.

Percival: *startles and looks toward the door, then perks* Ferdinand, have you been drinking?

Ferdinand: *lanky dark-haired man wanders in slightly sideways* Yes. I thought of something I wanted to talk to you about, but then I got distracted by butterflies, so I drank Gustav's bottle of rum. *hic* ...I think I drink it too fast.

Percival: Gustav's rum!??? *dismay and concern*

Ferdinand: He gave it to me. *looks at the visitors with blue eyes as peaceful and content as a full and sleepy baby's* Hi. Ohhhhh. A kitty! I haven't seen a cat since I came here. She's really big.

Ruth: *peeeeeek, chirps and tucks head in again*

Auspex: *She trails off at the new (and familiar) voice, recognizing it as Fireflight's. She turns to glance up at him, finding the encounter quite a bit less painful when he's in an entirely different form (and she doesn't have to see the familiar head on the long-lost body...). His state of overcharge is concerning, but he's still on his feet, at least...*
*She offers Ruth a pat on the head in sympathy for her bashfulness (and also carefully takes her tea back as an afterthought, with another mental expression of thanks); the other hand remains firmly enfolded around Kup's. She directs a mild admonition at Fireflight, laced with gentle humor* Ah, you'll embarrass her...

Ferdinand: *concerned frown* Embarrass her... *perk* Oh. Shy?

Auspex: *she nods quietly* She is. She's Blackout's adopted daughter, and Blackout had to leave suddenly - I think wherever she went was too dangerous for Ruth. We're awaiting her return together.
Ah... *She abruptly remembers they haven't been introduced, or at least explained* Kup and I are Cybertronians also. I am a servant of Primus, and my name is Auspex. I understand that you are Fireflight - I... knew an alternate of yours; but I'm pleased to meet you. *She gives him a kind smile. She's a bit anxious to tell him her business, especially since it involves his daughter, but she reminds herself she needn't relate it all at once*

Ferdinand: *eyes widen slightly* A servant of Primus. *looks at Percival* So he really was trying to talk to us. *back to Auspex and Kup* I'm glad to meet you. Please, just excuse me for a moment? I have to say this to Percy before I forge... wait. *wrenches his mind away from what he'd been thinking of* You're here to take him away?

Kup: *wondering as he watches this guy, who is NOT acting like the Fireflight he met back at Ghost Squad's base*

Auspex: *She winces again, ducking her head. Her fingers tighten around Kup's, feeling rather dismayed by her errand* I'm afraid Primus needs him, and Skywarp... and also their son, and your daughter. She has an affinity for speaking to Primus, and Perceptor and Skywarp may change the tide of the war... and Elijah needs to fly.

Ferdinand: *nods and hiccoughs softly* He does. He's as sky hungry as the wildest Seekers. *inhales and lets the breath out, only to hiccough again* TC and I will take care of Paul.

Paul: *no. Hides his face under Percival's robe*

Percival: *gentle booting of rabbit face* Thank you, Ferdinand.

Ferdinand: No problem. *turns back to Auspex* When are you going?

Auspex: *She lifts her head to meet Fireflight's gaze, but hesitates to answer for a moment, as she concentrates on his emotion, and Perceptor's. Fireflight seems remarkably calm about all this, despite potentially losing contact with his young daughter permanently... as well as a couple he's come to view as family. Perceptor is feeling a mixture of sadness and fear, but also eagerness. She can imagine it was hard to leave his home reality, even as much as he views the new one as home, and how torn he must feel now...*
Ah... *She pauses a moment to confer with Primus and clarify* There's no specific timeframe, but Primus wishes for them to go as soon as they can put everything in order and be ready. I... am afraid my friends and I must stay here, and wait for Blackout to return - Ruth should not go, and Kup and I can't, for... complicated reasons.

Ferdinand: Oh. So you're not going with them.

Kup: We're not from yer reality.

Ferdinand: I know. *interested wonder* So there are a lot of them, huh?

Kup: Yup. *remembers his glass and has a swig*

Ferdinand: So you'll have to take good care of them, Percy.

Percival: Of course. *hides a wibble in his tea*

Auspex: *She nods quietly* Very many realities. It... can be difficult at times, to meet multiple alternates of individuals... especially if they are friends no longer within your reach. *She bows her head, wincing at her own words... though it prompts her to stop again to ask Primus - these peoples' native reality is open to the Nexus, isn't it? Will there be a chance for visits...?*

Primus: *going to make sure it's open to the Backwater!*

Auspex: *She feels the need to impart this news, of course, tone gentle* Your reality should be open to the Nexus at some point, if it isn't already... I hope that will be of some comfort to you.

Kup: *looks up at the same time that Ferdinand perks*

Ferdinand: Are you going back too, Optimus?

Percival: *EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK, what????*

Paul: *gets up and tiptoes over to sniff at something companionably and see if he can lick it*

Auspex: *Her brow furrows as she senses a new presence, and her eyes widen as she looks up... to see the ghostly presence of Optimus Prime, of all people! He's very faint, but she can just discern him there, manifested small enough to fit into the human-sized house. This was unexpected...* Er... hello? Why have you not gone on to your rest, then...?

Optimus: *looks up from stooping to touch the rabbit, then looks at Ferdinand as the younger man walks over and offers a hand. Takes the hand*

Ferdinand: I failed to protect Fireflight during his life. I know he's happy and safe now, but something wouldn't let me leave him once I'd found him.

Kup: *soft snort, pretending his eyes aren't prickling and his throat's not choked*

Percival: *from skeeved to skeeved and weepy in 0.1*

Ruth: *funny Optimus is always a softy*

Auspex: *Her brow furrows as Optimus relays his message through Fireflight... she is confused, at first, why he is not speaking for himself, but then, she's long accustomed to talking with free-sparks that are very strong, and can manifest themselves easily. Apparently, it's more difficult for him*
*She frowns at the ghost in concern, as she absently squeezes Kup's hand* You've not told anyone else that you are lingering here?

Ferdinand: Thundercracker... sorry, Ferdinand, TC knows. Knowing how closely Felicity resembles Ferdinand, she may also know. *concern as he looks in the direction of the palace*

Primus: *so concern. Optimus needs to come home*

Optimus: *sorry. No. Turns his attention toward Percival and feels compassion*

Auspex: *She turns away slightly, curling subtly inward, mirroring Primus's dismay. She nods quietly, though she doesn't look up* I see. Do you have any advice for the ones who need to return, then, since you are here? You at least know the state of your world between the time they left and when you died, if not after.

Ferdinand: *as Optimus frowns with concern* Galvatron is not there. Deathscream has never proven himself capable of besting Rodima's people. *more quietly* Follow your hearts.

Kup: *small pang, but drives it away with a squeeze of Auspex's hand*

Auspex: *Her eyes widen in surprise; Starscream was reformatted in that reality, then... and where could Galvatron have gone to? She means to ask (perhaps he was never recovered from the aftermath of Unicron's destruction?), when Kup's reaction to Optimus' statement becomes clear, as well as the reason for it. Oh... the fear. To be the subject of that, even indirectly... the teacup is set on the floor between her feet this time, as she grips Kup's hand in earnest between both of hers, though her gaze travels back to Optimus, with a firm nod* That is sound wisdom - for everyone.

Optimus: *nods as Ferdinand does, though his frown of concern is now aimed at the Kup who is hiding in his glass of beer*

Kup: *manages to speak without gruffness, though his affection is clear toward Auspex* Skywarp 'n Thundercracker didn't feel Starscream's reformatting?

Percival: *snort blows away some of his sadness and guilt. Crisply* Of course not. He'd never trust his spark to another being. I'm surprised Unicron managed to get past his ego.

Optimus: *had to let Ferdinand go, because he's doubled over in silent laughter*

Ferdinand: :D *to Percival* Optimus is laughing!

Auspex: *Her brow furrows - she wasn't going to assume that trining in their reality meant some sort of bond, necessarily, but Perceptor's reply answers that question. She ducks her head to cough delicately into her shoulder (she's not letting go of Kup's hand any time soon...), but she doesn't otherwise outwardly react* He's not likely to remember Skywarp... I imagine that will be uncomfortable for her. Ah... among other things. This will likely not be a comfortable transition, and I'm sorry for that. Do you... even have a way to return, or will we need Blackout?

Percival: *tries to wipe away the wibble. A little hoarsely (because Perceptor's voice isn't really made for gruff)* We have a way. I ... hoped never to use it.

Ferdinand: The kitty says that makes you feel guilty.

Percival: *startled look for his friend, and than a glance toward the big ears poking from the bundle of fur with the thinky tail. Slight deer in headlights glance for Auspex as he wonders what she or Optimus will say about that*

Auspex: *She sighs, softly and sympathetically* I understand, and I'm sure Optimus Prime does, also. No one wants to live in constant opposition, save those who thrive on violence... especially when someone you love is on the other side. I know the reasons you left... but I know you have the strength to return, as well.

Ferdinand: *holding Optimus's hand and once more speaking for him* And perhaps one day you'll be able to return to this place, and the people that you love here.

Percival: *gets control of his grief and raises his head. Softly* I wish that you too would be able to return to the people that you love.

Optimus: *turns away, feeling wistful, but also feeling determined to stay here*

Auspex: *She hesitates, conferring with Primus on what is safe (or, at the least, not upsetting) to say, before quietly contributing* If it is any comfort... I know he was revived several stellar cycles ago in my reality, though I am not completely certain of the circumstances. There is much that I miss, as a neutral party, if I am not specifically told.
*She continues in her gentle tone, glancing back to the scientist/wizard* Is there a specific place that you will appear when you go back, Perceptor?

Percival: *Optimus gets to live again!!!! huh?* Oh. Yes. We will be returning to the place where Sky and I used to meet. Blackout has assured me that it is still as overlooked as it was when we made use of it. *Optimus gets to live again!!!*

Ferdinand: *for Optimus* How was my alternate revived?

Optimus: *frowning*

Auspex: *She balks again - she'd heard rumors, but never anything concrete, and she'd never asked Primus specifically. The Hate Plague that engulfed Earth never spread to Cybertron, thankfully. The query to Primus takes longer for him to answer, presumably because of the strange disconnection with her own reality's facet. When he finally responds, her eyes widen in wonder* Oh. It seems Rodimus Prime was given a premonition in a dream that Optimus's remains were in peril, and also that he would apparently be restored. That peril was accompanied by a dire plague that I... would rather not describe, but it was sure death for everyone, mech and organic alike.
*Primus reveals more, and she chokes* Oh dear. When Rodimus himself was infected, the Autobots had little choice... but to ask a Quintesson to revive Optimus, to help retrieve the Matrix and stop the Plague.

Ferdinand: *as Optimus's frown deepens and Percival jags with horror and revulsion* Elita drove the Quintessons away from my tomb.

Auspex: Ah... *she confers with Primus again, unclear of the circumstances in her own reality. Apparently, the Quintessons stole his empty shell originally... though that happened some time before the Hate Plague, and they lost it again. Rodimus must have recovered it later on. She could ask for more details, but she demurs; this is disturbing enough already. But where was Elita...?*
*She muses quietly* Evidently, the events proceeded differently in my reality, and others. I was vaguely acquainted with an alternate of Elita One, though I don't know when she was from, originally. I have no knowledge of her whereabouts in my own world... but I can't imagine her not defending your tomb, if she had any suspicion of anyone disturbing it. One thing that was very clear to me, was how much she loved you, Optimus.

Ferdinand: *softly, as Optimus bows his head* She still does. I've urged her to return to the living world, but she won't leave my side.

Auspex: *Her brow furrows in dismay at the idea* I... know it was very difficult for the alternate I knew to move on - I am unsure what would change if she knew your spark still lingered in the living world... perhaps that is the difference, here. I would have urged her to continue living her life, also... but I understand her dedication to keeping your remains safe, especially if enemies are seeking to plunder them. *She pauses thoughtfully* She can hear you, then? Can she see you, as well?

Ferdinand: *grins as Optimus looks seriously at Auspex* She always could see me. *meaning he himself, and not the hero and the Prime*

Auspex: *She smiles slowly at Optimus's turn of the phrase, voice soft* That is a rare thing, indeed, and it transcends death.

Kup: *glances toward Auspex with his eyes, a thrill going down his back as he contemplates a love that lasts beyond death, and what that level of commitment would feel like*

Auspex: *Her breath hitches, sensing Kup's rush of emotion in response, and the very obvious focus of it. She... can't see him, not like that, not yet, when there is so much of him still hidden from her... but he wants it, and the notion leaves her breathless for a moment. She's trembling as she slowly smooths her upper hand over his - she does, too, if she can dare to hope...*

Kup: *gentle squeeze for her lower hand, his eyes talking as they peek at her*

Percival: *just put his hand over Ferdinand's mouth*

Ferdinand: *FEELS the squee!*

Optimus: *is laughing again*

Ruth: *ears asking questions as she wonders just what the heck was with that enormous happy bomb*

Auspex: *She tilts her head slightly in Kup's direction, but she can't quite meet his gaze when he's looking at her like that... not without utterly forgetting what she means to say to the others. But she squeezes his hand in return, briefly closing her eyes as she concentrates on conveying her unabashed affection and willingness to learn who he is...*
*She opens her eyes again, blinking slightly as she realizes Fireflight has somehow picked up on that exchange, and Optimus through him... and Perceptor just seems to know his friend that well. Coughing slightly, mouth quirking in a tiny smile, she attempts to resume the conversation, which sobers her rather quickly* I'm... uncertain how Optimus might be revived if the Quintessons are not involved, then... but that does not preclude Primus causing something else to bring that about, either.

Primus: *darn tootin'*

Optimus: *more laughter at that*

Ferdinand: *distracted and wondering what funny he missed*

Kup: *distracted by that held in squee, and knowing very well what it was. Slightly sheepish, and quite cheerfully amused* XD

Auspex: *She explains, with subdued humor* I believe Primus approves of the idea.
*After a moment of thought, she turns back to Perceptor, frowning slightly as she queries Primus to make sure their worlds coincide on the basics of the most recent events in their native reality* I assume Blackout has given you an idea on the state of things - the Autobots have taken back control of Cybertron, and the Decepticons are now based on Chaar, though they seem to still have skirmishes on Earth relatively frequently...

Percival: Blackout keeps us updated, yes. *feeling lighter and more positive now* Although I think she hoped we'd be able to stay here. *slight smile* She strikes me as a very protective individual.

Kup: *thinks that's an understatement, to go by his mutter*

Ruth: *mental giggle*

Auspex: *She nods slowly, relaxing slightly as he seems to be coming to terms with what is being asking of him and his family* All right...
*she chuckles softly at his assessment of her friend, and Kup's commentary* That, she is, and she's only grown more so, in the time that I've known her. *Auspex's smile becomes a bit more melancholy as she ponders the rest* And she lost her taste for war-mongering many stellar cycles ago - at least, her will to fight merely for the sake of destruction.

Percival: We don't seem to have ever had a version of her in our original reality. Was she so savage?

Ferdinand: *drinking Percival's tea after the cup was set down*

Optimus: *face palm*

Auspex: No, I've not met any of her alternates, nor have I heard of any in the realities similar to mine or yours. The one she comes from is very different in history and technology, but from what I understand, she was Megatron's right hand, and exceedingly loyal.

Ruth: *shows everyone a mental image of Blackout smoking a G1 Trypticon with a massive uppercut that actually knocks the city bot over*

Percival: *frozen in the act of rescuing his tea*

Ferdinand: O_O

Kup: O.<

Auspex: *She raises her eyebrows, but doesn't seem particularly surprised by the scenario* Ah... the Decepticons' transforming city, from a reality similar to ours. I'm not sure which that was, or why she fought with him... but that is a good summation of her power and determination.

Percival: I see. *cocks his head* Elijah and Felicity have gone to the palace to speak with TC.

Ferdinand: *shakes himself with a bibble sound, then nods* Yeah, she's kind of sad, so they're telling her how much they want to go to Cybertron.

Auspex: *She sighs softly, brushing Kup's hand one more time with her upper one before she reaches down to retrieve her own mostly-empty cup of tea, sipping the last bit in quiet thought* Ah... there will be so much for them to learn - I hope they will not be overwhelmed. Do you... have sparklets, in your reality? Some do, and that may be a factor in what form they will take when they come to your world.

Percival: Sparklets?

Ruth: Babeh bots.

Percival: Oh mercy me, no. Except for experience, we come fully prepared for life.

Ferdinand: Except goofs like me. :D

Percival: You are not a goof.

Auspex: *She suppresses another twinge of pain; she often forgets how young the Aerialbots generally are - even the ones she knew best, who'd been through more hardship than some who'd lived for decavorns* No. Inexperience is not ineptitude or irresponsibility.
But your children will most likely become normal, full-sized new-sparks, then, and not remain human - that has been the case in my limited experience, at least.

Percival: *attention back to Auspex. Smiles* I theorized as much. Elijah is going to be delighted.

Auspex: *She nods, though she doesn't quite smile - she has difficulty imagining such a literal transformation would be anything but traumatic. But this excursion has proven quite well that she's not as adaptable as she might wish; she's sure the children will be fine...*

Ferdinand: I hear the hounds.

Percival: *distracted* Oh, so do I. Gracious mercy, was Gustav cooking again?

Ferdinand: Yup. I left before he could offer me any. :D

Percival: *groan and grumble*

sound: *from outside, growing gradually louder comes a chorus of long drawn out cries that blend into a lovely, wild music that is accompanied by the rumble of wooden wheels over stone pavement*

Auspex: *Her brow furrows at the growing sound, finding it more alien and strange than she's equipped to understand. She fidgets nervously* ...Does your neighbor often set his food on fire?

Ferdinand: *cheerfully, as he heads toward the door* He's a troll and a brewer.

Kup: That mean yes?

Percival: *apologetically, as he sets the rescued teacup down and pushes his spectacles up* I'm afraid so.

Ruth: Fire hounds can has bringin' firetrukk! *lifts her head from the giant ball of fluff to look around*

Auspex: *She blinks* Is... that a custom?

Percival: *dryly* No, it's poorly applied scientific theory. Would you care to rest while awaiting Blackout's return?

Auspex: Ah... *she quirks a brow* As long as he finds it edible, I suppose.
*She smiles gently* Thank you for offering... I'm all right for now, though we have nowhere else to go until she does come back. I can only hope we'll not impose on you for too long, or too much...
*She glances at Ruth and Kup, one after the other* Did you want to see the dogs outside? It sounds like something of a spectacle...

Ruth: Kitteh has seen! Kitteh has run wif hounds!

Kup: *smiling* It's a pretty inspiring sight.

Percival: Oh, you've seen them?

Kup: *rising to his feet and offering a hand to Auspex* Just in holos, though I only learned what they're called right now.

Ferdinand: *at the door* I see the outriders!


((continued here))