Snowdrop's World. Various places. Epic Dream Adventure 11

[random_xtras]

continued from here

Auspex: *She smiles at their enthusiasm, reaching to take Kup's hand as she sets the teacup on her seat for the moment* Are they common on other worlds?

Kup: *gently leads her to the door and snerks soft amusement as Ferdinand puts an arm around her shoulders*

Percival: Blackout tells me that the only other world that any are found on besides their native one is one hound in an inter-dimensional nexus called the Backwater.

Auspex: Oh... I suppose it was from the same place originally, then, if Blackout brought them here. *she nods, peeking out curiously*
*She's taken slightly aback at Fireflight's friendly display of affection. She offers him a kind smile, though it's tinged with sadness. She quickly turns her attention outside again before she becomes too melancholy*

outriders: *hounds like giant, long-legged foxhounds that gallop like horses rather than the bounding run of the greyhound. They seem to be predominantly brindle or black and tan, though there is a rare tricolour or two among them. The tallest ones are in the range of 42 inches tall at the shoulder, though most of these animals seem to be young dogs. Calling loudly and melodiously, they race down the street with their eyes scanning the road ahead of them*

Kup: They'll make sure the way's clear. The clip I saw, one saw a little kitten on the road and picked it up without even pausin'.

Ruth: *from wherever she's gone* -Kitteh was RUTH!-

Auspex: *She watches with some bemusement, having never seen organic canines that tall before, other than the one they'd seen with Skywarp, of course* Dogs certainly come in all sizes...
*She winces at Ruth's addition to Kup's anecdote* Oh dear. I'm glad you weren't hurt...

Kup: On Earth there were ones that'd fit in the end 'a your sleeve. *looks up*

Auspex: *Her eyes widen in amazement* How strange!

Ruth: -Doggeh can has soft mouth. Kitteh not even get droolystinky.-

Ferdinand: *cheerily* Bleh.

Auspex: *She chuckles softly at Ruth's assessment* Ah... oh dear.

fire engine: *and the hounds song gets louder and more complex, the long calls of the mature dogs mixed with the shriller voices of the pups that are bringing up the rear. The tank bearing engine itself is drawn by six dogs hitched two abreast and running all out. Several people cling to the engine and cheer the hounds on with low calls not unlike those of the dogs themselves. There's a wind, a brief instance of louder calling, and then it's past and Ferdinand is busy noticing smoke coming out of Gustav's front window and door*

Auspex: *She shuffles a bit, wincing slightly at all the noise, but finding it all fascinating to watch. The hitched dogs are pulling a rather strange-looking assembly of handles and hoses and a tank of some sort on a wooden wheeled vehicle, approaching a smoking house that must be this Gustav's* This happens often, you said? How is his house still standing...?

Ferdinand: It's dwarf work. Only the furniture and the beams could really burn anyway, and the beams are ironwood.

Sky: Like Gustav's head.

Ferdinand: Sky! *lets go of Auspex to hug Sky*

Auspex: Ah... so it's mostly cosmetic, I assume. *She nods to the winged woman as she approaches* Skywarp, hello again.

Sky: *grins* Hi. What's cosmetic? Gustav's head? You wouldn't say so if you saw him out of his wraps.

Auspex: *She offers the Aerial a wry look in return* The potential damage to his house, I mean, of course.

Sky: *soft snerk, then cheerily squishes Ferdinand til he burps, excuses himself, and lets out pops from his spine* It's pretty rough inside anyway. Trolls fight. And he keeps torch dragons. It's the brewery they need to keep from getting too hot, so it doesn't take the whole street off the map.

Ferdinand: *happy momentarily squished* D:

Sky: *sets him down and pat pats him* You know that's not happening.

Ferdinand: *needs more hugs*

Auspex: *She winces at Fireflight's spine, but otherwise doesn't comment* Ah... I'd not thought about damage to the houses of others. At least they have your dogs to be proactive about fire. *She hesitates, though she knows Perceptor has likely been communicating with her via Aerial telepathy* I... only hope they can spare you, if perhaps only for a time. *she grimaces slightly*

Sky: I've got everything squared away. My second and my apprentice can take care of things while I'm gone. *and she's fully confident that she's coming back*

Auspex: *She nods slowly in contemplation - it's quite possible she may return someday. If that is a comfort to her, Auspex won't try to persuade her otherwise* You do sound prepared; I'm glad to hear it.

Sky: *Blinks and looks down at Auspex's stomach* ...You haven't figured hunger out yet, have you?

Kup: D:

Auspex: Oh... *she winces; she'd absently noticed some mild stomach cramping, but hadn't given it much thought - besides, Blackout has her food, and she'd rather not burden Perceptor and Skywarp. But there are too many telepaths here to pick up on subtle clues...* This body is still very strange to me. The feeling of hunger is similar, but I'm not feeling depleted yet.

Sky: *reaches to gently pat the other woman's shoulder, feeling commiseration and motherly feelings* Come grab a bite with me. I haven't had anything since breakfast.

Percival: *from back by the tea cart* Oh, but I did give her...

Sky: Nerdy, not everyone can live on brown water. *affection and laughter in her tone and her feelings*

Percival: *mildly mortified til Sky walks over and kisses him. Then everything's gone but happy*

Ferdinand: *grins and hugs Kup, then waves to Auspex and wanders off*

Kup: *buh?* *distracted from his thoughts*

Auspex: *She chuckles softly, glad for the deflection of Perceptor's unwarranted embarrassment. Fireflight's hug for Kup inspires more amusement of the puzzled variety, but random affection seems to be per normal for this particular former Aerialbot. She waves in return, sensing that he hopes to help comfort his mate as she comes to terms with letting their daughter go; her smile turns more melancholy*
*She peeks up at the other woman sheepishly, attempting to demur* Ah, are you sure? Blackout did bring edibles for me; I could wait for her to return. I'm not accustomed to solid food, I'm afraid...

Sky: *gently catches Auspex's arm and steers her toward the parlour door* I'll make it soupier, like my nerd likes it. Come on.

Kup: *went to step out onto the sidewalk. Just got lightly landed on by a giant kitteh* Oooph. Ugh. Not kisses.

Auspex: Ah... *She considers for a moment; she's not sure when Blackout will return, after all...* Well, thank you, that's very kind.
*She allows herself to be led, though she glances back at Kup, in time to see Ruth gently (?) flatten him. More gentle laughter follows at his words* Please, don't lick his hair; we had a small adventure with that yesterday morning. I am not an apt hairdresser... *her eyes sparkle with amusement at the memory*

Ruth: *busy snuzzling and rubbing her cheek on Kup's face* -Kitteh be good.-

Kup: *manages to get a hand free and thumbs up*

Auspex: *She nods patiently at Ruth, though they will sense her continuing mirth* All right, then. *She beams at Kup, charmed by his patience with the very large young cat, though she's concerned for the well-being of both, also* Are either of you in need of something?

Sky: *silent sniggerfit as she looks over her shoulder* The scrap is that?

Auspex: *She blinks at Skywarp for a moment, before she discerns her meaning* Ah, Ruth? She's a feline of the domestic variety, only they're usually much smaller - there are some Cybertronians with similar beast modes, though they are more like the wild ones. The Decepticon cassette, Ravage, has a wild feline root mode. Ruth is much less... combative, among other things.

Ruth: Kitteh is meeeen. *gently noms on the Kup hand that's been affectionately shoved in her face, purring her massive song as she does*

Kup: *as he gets the "mean" in a headlock and gives her a gentle noogie, feeling of mirth and affection* I'm fine, Lady. Go ahead.

Auspex: *the beaming continues* Very well, if you're certain. *She glances over at Skywarp again, with a tentative smile*

Skywarp: *wing around the white lady's shoulders* He's thinking about somethin' he smells out there, too. *chuckles* He'll like 'em. It's doughnuts.

Auspex: *She nods uncertainly* Ah... though he has nothing to exchange, as far as I know...
*She allows Skywarp to guide her through the doorway Perceptor had disappeared through earlier to bring the tea. A glace around reveals a smaller, but comfortable-looking room, with a long wooden seat and a very soft-looking chair. There's an alcove in the wall that contains some sort of metal pots and pans, with various accoutrements to hold them, presumably for cooking. Most curiously, an amphibious creature about the length of her forearm sits in the middle of it. Auspex peers at it with obvious puzzlement*

Sky: My nerd's going to be going that way too. Marna has sweet tea. *soft snigger as she says the word tea, and then a questioning perk as she senses her guest's confusion* He's a salamander. The safe way to cook.

Auspex: *she grimaces a bit, nodding with continued uncertainty* We'd expected Blackout to be with us, of course; she had all of our means and resources with her...
*She blinks, tilting her head at the rather non-sapient-looking salamander* How so?

Sky: *drops her wing and hunkers next to the cast iron pot with legs, frowning as she does so and wondering what could have made Blackout leave her people like this* Huh? Oh. *gets a poker and gently prods the creature, then shows him the spider and the full tea kettle and sets them over him as he puts his head down again and suddenly starts radiating more heat* Like this.

Auspex: *She shrugs slightly, unable to resolve her misgivings for now until she has some sort of idea what's occupying Blackout's time. Instead, she follows after Skywarp, watching closely as she works. Her eyes widen as the salamander apparently begins to radiate heat when prompted, now that she can feel it from where she's standing* Oh. It's a heat source! How odd... but convenient!

Sky: *looks up at her with a grin* We don't like using open fires around here if we can help it, because it can really mess up the atmosphere. *rearranges the spider* And our atmosphere's already weird.

Auspex: *She nods soberly - of course, the sorts of fires she's most familiar with are from war, on a planet of metal and electronics; heavy on the fumes and high heat, and other dangerous side effects. She'd thought perhaps that's not as common on this world, as many organic things would burn much more readily, presumably with milder output - but that may be a false premise* ..."weird?"

Skywarp: *surprised look, and then points toward the glass-paned door next to the fireplace* Look at the sky.

Auspex: *brow furrowed, she approaches the door and looks out and up*

sky: *clear and unobstructed for the first time since the party's arrival, the sky shows patches and edges of traditional blue, intermixed with violently moving swirls and bolts of various colours (some of which are unknown to science on any world). And off to one side is what looks like a massive hole in the sky that not only shows stars, but also something massive and serpentine's midriff as it passes by*

Kup: *emotional squawk of surprise and alarm from the street*

Primus: *comfort, soothing. No need for fear*

Auspex: *she blinks owlishly, noting the Earth-like sky that she'd seen limited glimpses of, but the moving striations aren't like anything she's observed on either world she's been on, though the Nexus was something else entirely. Something that looks like a hole in the atmosphere high above receives another perplexed blink, and the sight of something moving - in space?? - causes her to emit a little baffled squeak. She's not afraid, per se - and she sends along Primus's reassurance to Kup, when she realizes he's reacted as well, because he'd sensed her own curiosity - but that is, indeed... weird*
What is that out there...?

Sky: *intent on pouring water from the kettle into a bowl* What's it look like?

Auspex: Um... *she glances back at Skywarp, brow furrowed, before she takes another look at the sky - it's still there; something that looks like it's a distance away from the planet* It's... there's something sinuous and undulating out beyond the... hole where you can see beyond the atmosphere. It has some sort of... shiny diamond-like pattern to it, I think?

Sky: *thoughtful expression as she works in the bowl, then picks it up and comes to look up. Jag of eep* Wow. I'm glad things never come through those skyholes. *looks over her shoulder curiously, then lifts her eyebrows* Your guy says that the colours mean that this world isn't in normal reality, and that that thing's an alpha chaotic entity.

Ruth: -Issa MEGADANGERNOODLE.-

Auspex: *She frowns at Skywarp in confusion* You've not seen it before...? And there is more than one hole?
*She pauses, as she feels Kup's sense of familiarity with something in this scenario, though she's not sure if it's the changing sky-colors, the hole, or the creature - until Skywarp explains, gaining the information with the use of her telepathy, no doubt* My... oh, yes, ah... *she trails off, distracted by that feeling of uncertain wonder, of just what all Kup has seen since his death in his native world* He's spent awhile in a place that I understand is... not entirely normal spacetime, either. I suppose I should ask him more about whatever that is...

Sky: The holes come and go. *attention back on the bowl she's holding and working in* And we've even had some things stop and look through the holes, but the only other time there were scaly things was when a red dragon and a white one had a big fight. That scared the scrap out of my nerd. *stops and studies the contents of the bowl, then offers it*

Auspex: *She feels mildly horrified at the idea - she winces at a flash of memory, of Unicron balefully eyeing Cybertron, just before his attack - but obviously these entities they're discussing were either benign, or disinterested. The thought of such creatures fighting so close to an inhabited planet reminds her of how often she's explained to skeptics and the disillusioned why Primus didn't physically fight back when his world was threatened... she pales slightly* I imagine so, yes.
*She peers with open curiosity at the bowl and its thick liquid contents, even as she takes it with a nod of thanks, perching herself on the end of the couch* What is it?

Sky: *as she heads back inside and hunkers again to stick her hand into the dutch oven* It's tea with butter and hemp mint flour... milk fat and ground up dirt full of plants. *sets her lump of stuff in another bowl and then pours in tea. Has managed to lose her leggings and the wrapping that she wears instead of a bodice, and so is clothed in only a knee length shirt of some sturdy greenish fabric*

Auspex: *She looks blank, until Skywarp clarifies the ingredients - she's dimly aware that milk is something babies drink, and adults too, apparently - still, she's a bit puzzled* Is dirt normally edible? *She shrugs; she trusts Skywarp that it is in this case, at least. She takes a tentative sip of the warmed mixture, finding the flavor a curious mixture of salty and tangy, with a mildly sweet aftertaste* It's very different from fruit, which is all I've tried at this point - but pleasant; thank you!

Sky: Fruit's overrated. And usually only babies eat dirt. This stuff's special stuff they dig out of the hemp mint fields. *stuffs a big blob from her bowl into her mouth and chews, but then looks over at the door to the shop* Hey, Sarah, he did all three of 'em.

Auspex: *She shrugs again, not being much of an authority on anything organics find edible; it's keeping her stomach from complaining, anyway*
*She glances up with a raised brow; Elijah mentioned a 'Sarah', and something about rats...*

Sarah: *is a being with rough, uneven black skin, a squat body that rests on four bent limbs, a twinned tail that curls absently behind her, and two crumpled and twisted wings on her shoulders. Her head narrow and eyeless, and her jaw long and narrower still and studded with protruding, jagged black teeth, some of which shine in the light while others are dim and rough looking. Her voice too is rough, slurred, and possessing a quality that is both gravelly and whining. But her emotions, though difficult to read, are calm and benign* Zzzatsss a new record. *turns her head toward Auspex, small fleshy growths over her nostrils waving. In the process she discloses that she's wearing a version of the skirt, blouse, and bodice that most of the woman Auspex has seen here wear*

Auspex: *Her eyes widen in astonishment at how alien this individual is to her sensibilities, both visual and empathic; she doesn't otherwise outwardly react, nodding politely after only a moment of hesitation*

Sky: That's Auspex. She came to bring us a message. *eats more, and then speaks with her mouth full* Oh yeah, and Percy, Lijah, and I will be going back to where the nerd and I came from. Ferdy 'n TC'll take care of Paul and Fluffy.

Sarah: *soft hissing growl in her throat as she nods her understanding. Is feeling a pang of loss at the thought of her friends going away, and a small thread of anger toward Auspex that she's trying to squash. That blind head turns back toward the white lady as the things on her muzzle point toward the Doll* I am Zzzarah Gengua.

Auspex: *She's silent a moment, wincing slightly in understanding of the sentiment. She has little idea of what Sarah might know about her Cybertronian friends (other than that they are not native, apparently - whether she knows they are from a different world entirely remains to be seen), so she chooses her words carefully* Hello, Sarah, I'm pleased to meet you. I... do regret that they are needed back where they come from... though I have hope that they may return someday.

Sarah: *seems to look at Auspex for a long moment, emotions warring inside the alien mind and breast. But then she bows her head a little and reaches out to the Creator that has helped her come to terms with her physiology and history. Something comes to mind that comforts her, and she lifts her head again and tries to joke, struggling with the verbal speech as always* Zzzhey hhhhaz to. Zhe dire rats need an exzecutioner.

Auspex: *She smile sadly, recognizing the attempt at humor, as well as the reluctance and the difficulty speaking* Ah... you are a trapper of pests, then?

Sarah: *turns her head toward Sky*

Sky: *swallows hastily to free her mouth of the huge bite she just took* She's the ratcatcher, licensed to convict 'n execute. *sympathetic smirk for her friend* It's how she gets her food.

Sarah: *winces inwardly, but nods*

Auspex: *She blinks in mild confusion* Non-sentients are given formal criminal sentences...? *She doesn't understand or address the chagrin behind the need to kill to eat; she finds it distasteful, herself, but she understands it's a necessity for some creatures*

Sky: *shrug* Most people here don't like just killing things. That's why the rats're criminals, even if they aren't people. *and why Orcs are banned from this part of the world* *leans forward slightly* Drink your tea before it gets cold.

Sarah: *and now she's amused as she sees the mother pop out past Sky's usual hard nose indifference and anti social tendencies*

Auspex: *She nods thoughtfully* I see... I understand the sentiment, at least - but also the need for removing creatures that may do harm.
*She brightens with good humor as she complies, continuing to sip from her bowl*

Sarah: *snorts softly as she turns away from the door with a soft scraping of her belly scales against the floor* I'll get zhoze zhings. Vas nice (n)eeting you, Auspex.

Sky: *cheerily, around another mouthful of hemp mint porridge and butter tea* Don't let the door hit your aft on the way out!

Sarah: *SNORT*

Auspex: *She nods quietly, watching Sarah's maneuvering of her strange physiology with subdued curiosity* And you... take care. *She's dismayed for indirectly causing such disappointment in the natives, who are obviously attached to their wizard and their fire hound master...*

Sky: She'll be alright. *slurp* After she gets home she'll go chew on Gustav for nearly blowing the house up, and the two of them will bust more dents in the woodwork. *munch* You want more tea?

Kup: *just saw a head on the end of the long sky critter and is spitting defiance*

Percival: *trying to comfort!*

Auspex: *She winces, though not without mirth* He does have a sturdy house, then...
*She glances down at her bowl - her meal is only about half-gone* I think I'm all right for now, thank you...
*She abruptly trails off as she senses Kup's unrest, gaze snapping up in his general direction outside, though she can't see him from this side of the house. After a moment, she infers the cause, and turns back to the window to peer up at the atmospheric hole, where the creature still lingers, and now has a discernible head. She hisses softly - she trusts Primus's earlier reassurance, as well as Skywarp's assertion that things outside the atmosphere can't or don't come in, but Kup seems to better understand what he's seeing; his alarm concerns her*

Sky: *frowns in the direction of the doughnut and refreshment cart* Wow, he's really spitting fire. What's he so worried about? Will being in here with you stop him from getting my nerd so worked up?

Auspex: Ah... he's very protective, and he likely has first-hand experience with such a creature - it's probably dangerous, in the right context. I should talk to him... *She hesitates, looking for a place to set her as-yet unfinished tea*

Sky: Sit still, he's coming in. *more food in her face*

Auspex: Oh... all right, good. *she nods in relief, drinking more from her bowl as she waits for his return* I'm sorry he upset Perceptor... but his caution makes him a very effective bodyguard. *A trace of a smile crosses her face*

Sky: *soberly* You need that where you live, huh? *absently shoves her hand into Paul's face as he lorps over and tries to stick his nose in her bowl*

Auspex: *she grimaces slightly* Not as a rule... it was much more perilous until recently. Cybertron has been relatively peaceful since it's been under Autobot occupation, and it's a bit complicated... but I was called to serve the multiverse, and my sanctuary was - is - open to visitors from the Nexus, and sometimes someone dangerous comes across. I'm not built for combat, and it's better to be safe, I suppose. I've certainly needed him on this world, where Primus can't protect me as well.

Percival: AHHHHHHHHHH! Sky, that is your UNDERWEAR!!!! What have I said...

Sky: *up and dragging husband away from the door and back into the shop*

Kup: *looking over his shoulder and thinking someone's nuts as he comes into the parlour*

Paul: *looks around, and then hunkers down*

Auspex: *She blinks up at Perceptor, eyes wide, as he immediately begins scolding his mate upon entering the room. She would mention that his guests are also Cybertronian, and various states of dress or undress are all rather meaningless without cultural context (and, at least in her case, she has almost none)... but Skywarp hauls him out of the room before she can think of a tactful way to reassure him. She huffs a quiet chuckle, before sobering as she turns to Kup, questioning him softly* Are you all right? I take it you've encountered such a creature before?

Kup: *steps over Paul's back legs as the rabbit gives up on staring after his master and flops down full length. Grim and quiet* Yeah. I've seen them before. *comes and hunkers near where she's sitting, feeling unsettled and protective. Also full, those sweet things were good*

Auspex: *she studies him for a moment in concern, before reaching to brush the backs of her fingers over his cheek, hoping to reassure him* Primus told me not to fear it, and Skywarp said she's seen creatures outside of the atmospheric holes before, and none have crossed that barrier. I trust that we are safe here - I only regret the memories you must have... *and there is also relief, that he missed Unicron's coming, though she thinks better of saying so*

Kup: *closes his eyes and is comforted by her touch, but looks up at her grimly* If the boss says it, I gotta believe it. *but his eyes are going toward the window, and he's thinking of going and checking to see what the serpent's doing*

Ruth: -Nopegone.- *shares peaceful feeling of warm belly and sun on fur*

Kup: *startles and sits back*

Auspex: *She peers back at him, brow furrowed; she opens her mouth to speak, when Ruth interposes a thought. She tilts her head, returning a question of her own* -Did it leave, then...?-

Ruth: -Hole shut! Just swirlies left now... ooooo, kitteh gettin' dizzy. LOL!-

Kup: Stop lookin' at 'em. Lady doesn't need ta see you falling off the roof.

Ruth: -...Kitteh bounces.-

Auspex: *Her lips quirk in something that's not quite a smile, though there is some amusement behind it. She softly says the words as she thinks them at Ruth, for Kup's benefit* No need to make yourself sick, anyway...
*She finishes the last bit of her tea mixture, setting the bowl aside as she reaches out again to rest her hands on Kup's shoulders* Please, don't worry... besides, I'm not sure what you could do single-handedly against something of that size, even if it was interested in this world. Something our world's encounter with Unicron taught me... sometimes you can only trust, and save your strength to endure, and put everything back together afterward.

Kup: *sighs, then says with rueful humour and more than a little absent awe* I haven't learnt ta glow like Optimus can.

Auspex: *She chuckles softly, leaning in after a moment of thought to kiss his temple* All right... you aren't a storehouse of metaphysical power - few people have that luxury. The rest of us clean up the aftermath.

Kup: *quiet chuckle as he leans back against the sofa, then a questioning look as Sky steps into the room*

Sky: Dunno how long you two are staying, so I'm going to open up the bed. *still in her shirt, Percival is a distracted curiosity behind her somewhere in the shop*

Auspex: *She frowns regretfully as she's reminded why they're still here in the first place* I apologize for that... I have no idea what's keeping Blackout! *She averts her gaze for a moment as she queries Primus directly - though she's not sure what sort of insight she might gain, given the curious distance and delay she's still receiving from him*

Primus: *uncertainty. Blackout's in a lot of places at once right now. Two of them are here on this world... but she isn't talking to him in either instance, and doesn't seem to intend to come back. Trying to ask her... Wait, she's on Cybertron? Hrrrrm. I think you're there for awhile*

Sky: *comes in* Don't sweat it. Move your butt and I'll get it flipped.

Kup: *much frown, he'll look to his Lady before he'll move from his spot in front of the couch*

Auspex: *She hisses in bewilderment at Primus's reply - she doesn't think it's entirely safe to cross oneself in the timestream in any one reality while travelling multiversally... and the idea of ignoring Primus when he speaks to her is utter anathema. Between her friend's odd behavior, and Primus's earlier detachment and current roundabout communication, she's rather unsettled*
*She nods distractedly, though she's not sure what Skywarp means, until she notes that the long seat has hinges of some sort - it's convertible, apparently. She stands and scoots away from it, to give the Aerial room. She seeks Kup's gaze and reaches for his hands; she would appreciate his closeness right about now* Primus doesn't see Blackout returning for awhile, at any definite point... And she... seems to be in multiple places at once. She's utilizing some very rare multiversal tricks to achieve that; it's not recommended. I don't think she'd do so unless it was absolutely necessary...

Kup: *responds promptly to the reaching and is on his feet and reaching for her hands in a flash. Gruffly and with concern* I never heard she was crazy.

Sky: *as she takes the two cushions off the couch and then flips the top of it over to make a wider platform* Other than what she gets from being Destron. But she's smart.

Paul: *leaving with a flipping of back feets, offended by the thump of the couch coming open. The sound of a Percival eep and a rabbit being punched follows*

Auspex: *She holds tightly to Kup's hands as he takes hers, bowing her head slightly even as she shakes it* She's not crazy; she doesn't normally take excessive risks, I don't think, but... something is happening - several somethings - and I can't discern whether any, or all of them, are related...

Kup: *takes a hand back so he can put an arm around her, because she looks and feels like she needs that. Isn't sure what to say, so he'll offer comfort*

Primus: *hrrrm. Suspects so. Trying to talk to his brother again*

Sky: *opens a hatch on the part of the bed that was the base of the couch and pulls out bedding, then puts both cushions back on it and pulls the cover over them before dumping the soft top blanket and the pillow on top* There. *quick dart over to look up at the sky, and then comes back* I'll get something for him to sleep on.

Auspex: *She turns her senses toward Primus with nervous attentiveness; if he can't make sense of this, then there isn't any to be had, though he may not necessarily explain to her - but she will settle for him having some certainty in this, she hopes... In the meantime, she nestles thankfully into Kup's side, though she also offers Skywarp her thanks, with a grateful smile; she'd wondered how best to ask to accommodate her bodyguard - and there's still their feline companion to be concerned about* Oh... poor Ruth; she'll have to do without her family for awhile...

Sky: *as she moves toward the door* She'll be alright. She found Fluffy. *stops short in the doorway* Heh. You want to see something weird?

Kup: *frowwwwns and wonders what kind of weird and if it'll bother his Lady*

Primus: *oh. Sees that and thinks it's not weird. Is gently amused even as he feels sorry for Sarah*

Auspex: *She's not sure, herself, whether Ruth will be fine or not; she's seemed alternately skittish and affectionate in the few hours she's been with the party - but she doesn't sense any distress from her at the moment, which she takes to be a good sign. She has company - whoever Fluffy is*
*She hesitates, considering the last 'weird' thing was a hole that revealed something that disturbed Kup, and Primus seems ruefully sympathetic* I... suppose.

Sky: *points, sparking with happy laughter* I've never seen her carry that many at once.

Kup: *what? Steps forward to look, bringing Auspex with him*

Auspex: *Her brow furrows, though she approaches the inside doorway as Kup does, peering out curiously. Her eyes widen as she beholds Sarah passing through the main shop, carrying three very large, and also very dead, short-legged quadrupeds (that look remarkably like retrorats), one in her jaws, the other two in one tendril each of her long tail. She winces* I suppose those are your dead rats... they're rather bigger than I expected...

Sky: *sticks hands into pockets in the side seams of her shirt* They're pretty average for dire rats. *humorous but not unkindly look* Rats and rabbits and stuff like that are bigger here. Someone said it's because they came on the ship that's scrapped up the area to the east of here. *glances toward her husband as she hears a thump and snerks* Miniature rabbits are misclocked little glitchheads.

Kup: *blinks surprise*

Sarah: *and out she goes, hissing quietly in reply to Percival's "til we meet again"*

Auspex: *She shrugs slightly, knowing very little about either creature - she'd not heard of organic rabbits until encountering Paul, anyway. But the mention of a ship prompts her to tilt her head curiously* Oh... from before the EMP field - whatever is causing it - happened, then? Blackout said there was a spaceport, once...
*She winces again, hoping for them, that they will, indeed, have the opportunity to meet again*

Sky: *steps toward the staircase* Rabbits are usually eight and a half foot long around here.

Kup: ... ... ...o.O;

Sky: *sniggers at his expression* I'll go get your bed.

Auspex: *she pauses a moment to convert the measurement* Ah... rather larger than your average human, then... *she blinks at Kup, smiling in understanding as she bumps his side gently* I gather that's much bigger than on your average world.

Kup: *soberly, as he looks at her in response to the bump* That's bigger than the average petro rabbit from where I come from.

Auspex: *She isn't overly familiar with the creatures, but she nods thoughtfully* If they're bigger than even your usual mech-sized wildlife, that is unusual... but I'm ignorant of so many things outside my world, everything is unusual to me. *she smiles ruefully*

Kup: *glances over as Percival makes something snap and pop, but then turns and gently tries to guide his lady back over to the resting place* I guess you can sit on that as well as you can lay on it.

Auspex: *She blinks, startled slightly by the noise, turning to see Perceptor contentedly studying something of interest; he's jotting notes down as he peers at the contents of some sort of grinding instrument. She quirks a smile at him, before looking up to meet Kup's gaze, nodding as she allows him to steer her back into the other room, mind drifting back into her own preoccupation. Does Primus have any more insight on what's happening, either with Blackout, or with his own disconnection?*

Primus: *brothers are very busy... someone seems to want to harm Auspex? Grrrr no. And... Blackout feels she has helped the people she was with, and has now vanished from the world. ...And she too is thinking of protecting Auspex? Frustration, what ... OH. Oh. I have it in hand. Trust now, child. Everything will be alright soon*

Auspex: *She stops in her tracks, with a little sound of bewildered bemusement. What? Why would someone seek to harm her...? She hasn't even been conscious for so many stellar cycles... She trusts Primus; of course she does, but what could be happening concerning her, that would occupy his processing so heavily that he was not responding to his servants??*

Primus: *trust now? It will be well*

Kup: *head turned and eyes on his Lady's as he feels her emotional reactions and guesses that she's communing again*

Auspex: *Her hand unconsciously tightens around Kup's as she makes something of a wounded noise. She is concerned about Primus, not herself... and she's still asleep, body still in the Castle, while there are those that she cares about on her world that might be in peril. Oh... she'll need to tell Kup, at least... but are they to stay here indefinitely, until the threat is gone, then?*

Primus: *would like to keep you in a safe place. Hallow is safe, Auspex's creator is safe*

Auspex: *she sighs softly; she's relieved that they're all right, but it's incredibly unsettling that some sort of peril to her person might tax Primus's attention... she strongly suspects that he's in danger as well, and he is refraining from telling her. He will protect the non-combatant servants such as herself and her build-brother and creator-mentor - and he does have ones who will fight for him, if necessary (such as Foresight), including individuals from other realities and callings, like Blackout. But there's only a few entities out there that can hurt him... and generally, only one that would want to. She trembles slightly, turning a little more towards Kup, though she doesn't look up at him yet*

Kup: *full of concern now as he puts both arms around her. Doesn't want to interrupt her commune, so he doesn't speak*

Primus: *comfort. Love*

Auspex: *She lifts her hands to rest on Kup's upper arms, as she struggles to accept Primus's comfort, in the face of such grave news. She glances up to meet Kup's gaze for a moment, but she can't hold it, eyes dropping down again. It takes a moment for her voice to work, and it's very quiet* It... there is danger at home. Primus will not tell me everything - but someone... *she winces, wanting very much to spare her bodyguard the worry* ...apparently is seeking to harm me, specifically. What he is not telling me, I can infer - only things that may harm reality itself, or involve large amounts of Chaotic energy, would distract him as much as he is right now...

Kup: *grip tightens as he sparks with protective anger. Voice is a low growl* Unicron.

Auspex: *She hesitates, before nodding haltingly, the motion of her head seeming an inordinately difficult task* It... seems most likely. There, he is reduced to only a head, and it is far away from Cybertron - but with the reality open again, it matters little if the local aspect of Unicron is active or not: my sanctuary has been attacked before, by a servant of Unicron from outside of my reality - it was an act of revenge, for cleansing a powerful mech who served Unicron, in a reality where he corrupted the Matrix. *And that is a story Kup will need to know in full... someday* But even then, it did not tax Primus's awareness; it only angered him. This is something... much bigger.

Kup: *quietly and still sparking with protective anger* Most alpha evil chaotics can't go directly into normal reality. I only know three that can, and two of 'em never happen in realities with Cybertron in 'em.

Auspex: *she nods slowly, inferring that the term, as he is using it, applies to Unicron, and whatever malevolent entities may equal him in power in the multiverse* Ah... there would be little reason for anyone else to be interested in attacking Primus, especially if I am also a target...

Sky: *pops out of the opening to the stairs with a big bundle of bedding. Trips, stumbles, teaches Paul some new words, and then notices what her husband's doing and drops the bedding to go look at it*

Auspex: *She glances up to blink at Skywarp's entrance, and thinks better of having this dark conversation where it might disturb their hosts. She turns her head to meet Kup's eyes, before wandering back into the parlor to sit on the edge of the bed, expression pensive*

Kup: *lets go of her arms, but follows her, frowning with concern. Kneels in front of her after she sits, his eyes seeking to meet hers* Lady?

Auspex: *Though her thoughts are full of concern for Primus, for Foresight, for Blackout... she's abruptly struck with a wave of Kup's emotions, effectively pulling her from her preoccupation. She locks eyes with him again, fully aware now that he is suffering. While she can see the worry and the fear and the determination in those eyes, layered in complexity - here is a clear view of how much he would be willing to do to ensure her safety, and how much her uncertainty concerns him - the undercurrent of doubt that's accompanied his interactions with her, even in the joy, has now reached a stifling peak*
*She turns her complete attention to him, attempting to discern why. Being alone with her, without a task to distract him, seems to be amplifying his fear that what he feels for her is somehow... wrong on some level. Whether he thinks that he is somehow not allowed to love her, or worse still: he's already indicated that he believes he's dreaming (she knows she is, though it is still real on some level - but she's still not entirely sure dreams can be shared in that way, Fae energy or not...), and if he has the impression that this is all something that will evaporate when he wakes, her acceptance of his feelings and her reciprocation included...*
*She hisses softly, reaching down to take his hands, enfolding them in her own in her lap. She looks at him for a long moment, before lifting a hand to run gently through his hair*

Kup: *his concern grows, and is joined by wondering, as she takes his hands. Then he startles slightly as he catches the edge of what she's feeling, and his hands tighten imperceptibly. He blushes a bit and starts to look away*

Auspex: *It hurts to see his hesitation and doubt; she shakes her head as her other hand leaves his to cradle his cheek, hoping to encourage him to turn his head back toward her* Kup, please... don't do that. Don't shut me out.

Kup: *sucks in air and freezes, closing his eyes for a moment as he tries to get his emotions under control. His Lady has enough going on. She doesn't need to see him cry on top of all that. His emotions gently reach out to hers, tender and quiet despite the tears.*

Auspex: *his reaction worries her at first, but a closer look reveals that he is touched by her concern for him, that she is willing to accept him... and is as reluctant as she is for the dream to end. She sighs softly as she resumes stroking his hair, wishing to reaffirm her sentiment in the here and now* I know how you feel, and though I haven't known you for very long, I could not deny you your feelings if I tried. It will take time for me to learn about you - you've had the advantage of hearing about me and seeing me before you met me - but I can't resist your sincerity and your gentleness; for me, it's only a matter of time.

Kup: *is able to open his eyes now, though his blush increases as he thinks of those long quiet times of watching over her, and of sitting and listening to Databurst tell him what the young servant had learnt about the lady from Bob. But his heart still hurts as he wonders why dreams are so cruel as to offer an intangible ghost of what you want most. New to humanity, he has no idea how much his eyes are talking and adding to the emotions he's transmitting*

Auspex: *She's tearing up herself now, and her hands are visibly trembling. She can feel that pain, and she wants it to stop... but she has her own struggles in the waking world. She needs to warn him...*
I... don't know if you are truly here with me, or if you are merely a fancy of my dreaming mind - I hope for the former. If you are here, and if you retain anything I say when you wake, please remember this: if I remain seemingly ignorant of your feelings, If I act as though I am unaffected... it is not because I am rebuffing you. I know you have your own fears, though I'm not entirely certain what all of them are. But I... have lost someone who was well on his way to feeling something similar for me. He is gone, he could not stay... but my fears of losing again always linger; there were others I might have loved as well, who also slipped away. My fears are entirely because of who I have lost. Here, I am responding to you because you are not afraid. When I am awake, I will be trying to protect myself from loving you... and losing you.
If you want this at all, and if you should vanquish your fears... you must not give up on me.

Kup: *oh no, tears! Hand up to gently try and wipe them away with his fingertips as he listens to her*

Auspex: *She withdraws the hand from his cheek to clasp his hand on her own face as he wipes at her eyes as they close, and she attempts to control her emotions. The uncertainty of knowing if he will remember any of this - if he ever heard it in the first place - when she wakes up threatens to cause those tears to fall, and prompts her to reiterate all the more clearly* I will remember how you feel when I wake - but you have been hiding it from me. Please... don't hide, don't give up, and don't doubt yourself. Show me how you feel, in ways that I can't ignore. Remember that I want you to. I told you I would not turn you away; you will win me over if you are persistent, I promise you.

Kup: *the hand she is now touching cups her cheek in turn and then pats gently, his emotions gently urge her to open her eyes and look at him*

Auspex: *She curls her fingers further around that hand as her eyes slowly open; she lifts her gaze to meet his, unshed tears making her eyes bright as she struggles with them*

Kup: *again those speaking eyes talk to hers, promising her that he has heard her and understood her. And then he lets go his fear, rises up to sit beside her, and wraps her gently in his arms, tucking her head under his chin as he shelters her and loves her*

Auspex: *With another little sigh, she gratefully allows Kup to draw her close. She leans against him comfortably, silently listening to the steady sound of his breathing, and underneath that, a faint, regular rhythm where she would normally hear the soft thrum of a spark. Despite the unfamiliarity of the sound, it brings some comfort*
*At least the immediate fear of the dream ending with things unspoken between them has faded, for her, and it seems for him as well. Whether that means his conscious mind will have heard, or remember when she (they?) wake, remains to be seen... but she's done what she can. If Primus has any say in the matter, she prays that he might ensure that*
*After several moments of simply taking in his presence, she shifts to wrap an arm around him in turn, reaching up to rest the other hand on his shoulder before softly speaking up again* You've been such a comfort to me, in my distress... I think you should know the cause of that, as well.

Kup: *eyes closed as he contemplates the feel of her breath against his chest and wonders why Auspex smells like mint* You mean it's more than the trouble Primus is having?

Auspex: *she winces slightly, idly fingering the rough texture of his outer garment as she nods* More, yes... though it's somewhat related, now. You... may remember that I was given a revelation, yesterday, shortly after we came to the willowmaid's clearing...

Kup: *spark of remembering* Yeah... *wonders if he should lean back to look at her*

Auspex: *She's all right for now, though she's unsure if she will be able to relate this without becoming emotional... her voice is very soft* That was when we met Foresight. Primus spoke to me when I saw her. First of all... she is actually my construct. But... not only mine. *She pauses for a long moment, struggling to properly explain a thing she barely understands herself* I... told you that I lost someone that I cared a great deal for. She is - somehow - his construct as well. She is a perfect blend of the two of us...
*Now she's choking up a bit, and doubt is creeping in - perhaps telling Kup was a foolish idea, but she felt he deserves to know why she'd fallen apart on him... and now she's trying to hold herself together for his sake* We... never knew she existed, and apparently, she simply didn't. The temporal storm... it seems it may have caused some events to happen that were alternate might-have-beens. There were Nexus LOLs that could cause such offspring, that couldn't otherwise occur. We never encountered one, but we could have... and... here she is. So unexpected, so... wonderful, even... through the pain. *She bows her head, wrapping her arm tighter around him as she hides her face against his chest*

Kup: *feels of "I thought so" when she says that Foresight is hers, but then jags surprise and sympathetic pain as he learns that the girl is essentially a souvenir of someone his Lady has lost. His grip gets more protective and comforting as the rage and pain at the thought of this one more thing that she has to deal with tries to rip out of him in a howl of protest. Instead, he concentrates on comfort, unconsciously moving very slightly in a faint rocking motion*

Auspex: *Oh... she winces as she senses that abrupt, stark protest... and at how quickly he fights it down again for her sake. She sits up slightly to nuzzle at his cheek, profoundly grateful for his concern and his efforts to console her, and how much he seems to understand*
You suspected the first part, at least, then. I do see much of myself in her... but... so much of him, also. *she sighs softly* It will be all the more obvious when I see her in her true form.
Blackout, in her information-gathering, saw a glimpse of Jetstorm and I with Foresight as a sparklet - and that obviously did not happen, either. The disconnect with reality is... tremendously disconcerting. *She blinks rapidly, tears threatening again* And... I miss what might have been... but you are here... *she trails off, simply reaching up to cradle his jaw as her words fail her*

Kup: *it's his turn to tremble as she touches his face, and then he's hiding that face against her as he starts a nearly soundless rumble that might be a comforting hum*

Auspex: *She leans her head against his, hand shifting to run gently through the still-novel, pleseant texture of his hair. She’s silent for several long moments, simply taking in his reassuring presence, before she lifts her head to continue quietly* But... Foresight went home, to whatever is happening on our world right now. I fear, if this opponent finds out who she is, she will be in even more danger, either by virtue of being mine, or his... *she hesitates, but she's admitted so much already...* Jetstorm was the one I cleansed; if any servant of Unicron who knew him were to see her and know...

Kup: *grip tightens as he jags slightly with alarm and then he loosens his grip so he can meet her gaze as he throbs with a strong desire to protect* What's Primus saying?

Auspex: *She meets his eyes, hers speaking volumes of her concern* Only that he has it in hand, and to stay where it's safe. We both know that Unicron is outside of his influence... but he knows him and his ways, at least. I believe Blackout is there as well. He tells me my brother and my surviving creator are safe, and likely their pupils and colleagues, also... at least the non-combatant ones. But... it chafes me to be so useless, when even Primus himself is likely in danger...

Kup: *moves restlessly, his eyes speaking promises of protection before he turns his head and looks toward the door, thinking of that window in the sky. Frowning uneasily, he pulls her close again* Why would he keep you away, 'n not send them somewhere safer?

Auspex: *She quietly rubs his back and shoulder as she ponders the question, hoping to comfort the both of them* There is a reason the wilderness sanctuaries are so far out of the way - they do discourage random violence, unless one knows where they are. They can be found with some work, of course, as mine was before... but even the non-combatant servants can defend themselves by wielding Primus's power in a psychic attack, if the opponent possesses enough Chaotic energy. In the larger sanctuaries, there are more guards and strength in numbers.
It would depend on how many of Unicron's minions may be involved, and what their specific objective is - Sideways was only there to aggravate, perhaps attack if I had been present, but he was only one. I... may be of the most affront to Unicron on my world, for being sent to the multiverse... the others may not be as much of an interest; though there must be a great deal of activity, to distract Primus so... *she hides her face in the crook of Kup's neck and shoulder* I... simply don't have enough information.

Primus: *comfort, gentle love. Here is an image of Pythia. See, she's safe! Sitting on her faithful friend with his tail around her waist as she speaks to two of Blackout's youngsters. Very safe. Only a little put out by Deherree's wildness*

Kup: *nods, feeling reassured, though his protectiveness increases. Then he meeps soft surprise as he catches the edge of Primus's emotional sending*

Auspex: *she explains what Primus has shown her, even as she accepts his solace* Blackout has brought more of her family to help, at least for the other servants who know me.
*She pulls back slightly to peer at Kup's face in response to his little startled sound* Ah... you are still sensing things from me, and I may be channeling slightly... *she reaches up to smooth his cheek, somewhat apologetically*

Kup: *snuzzles the hand, but then pauses and looks at her, uncertain but eager to serve* You want me to see if I can find that guy?

Auspex: *She offers him a gentle smile in return as she strokes his face with her thumb, though her brow furrows at the question; studying Kup's aspect doesn't enlighten her very much, either* ...Who do you mean?

Kup: *earnest frown full of thinking* Foresight's dad. Should I see if I can bring him back to you? *wants her happy, no matter what. And if this is just a dream, this can't hurt. If it's not... he's got to make sure she's happy. Yes, he's here, but she liked that guy first...*

Auspex: *She stops breathing. She pulls away a bit, to get a better look at him, as she tries to form words that won't come. Besides it being a frank impossibility - Primus himself can't pull someone out of a closed reality, as far as she knows, and Jetstorm needed to stay in that one; his brothers were there - how does Kup think she could do that to him? As much as she cared for Jetstorm, as much as she yearns for him and Foresight to meet and know and love each other... to deny Kup his love is an excruciatingly painful thought. Sorrow, joy, loss and deep gratitude tumble over each other in an incoherent mass, and she chokes on a sob. Pressing close, she wraps her arms around his neck and clings as hard as she can, as the tears come*

Kup: *sucks in his breath with dismay at the reaction to his words, then sputters with tears himself as he holds her close. Apology storms with love in his emotions, and brings on a cloud of weariness as he remembers that he hadn't been able to sleep the night before because of the alien location and situation and because his Lady was inside a tiny thing that he needed to keep watch over*

Auspex: *She spends several long moments simply holding on to him tightly, face buried in his hair, breathing deeply in an attempt to calm herself and slow her tears, as she wills him to understand how touched she is by his selflessness, silently refuting his chagrin*
*Finally, she recovers enough to draw back just a little, to frame his face in her hands. She leans in to kiss him softly, lingering, before withdrawing just enough to rest her hands on his shoulders* You are truly a blessing to me, Kup. You can't do the impossible, but it means more to me than I can say in any amount of words.

Kup: *shy but unhesitating response to the gesture of affection, and then a serious look into her eyes as she speaks. Chokes up at those words, and then once more pulls her close as he feels the grogginess trying to overcome the burst of energy that the kiss gave him*

Auspex: *She curls her arms around his neck again, leaning her head against his as she sighs softly. The concern for what's happening away from this reality and the Castle still lingers, but she is trying her best to concentrate on the moment, and - just perhaps - hope for a time when they might have such a moment unhindered in the waking world*

Kup: *once more rumbles quietly, but then says quietly, as he fights relentless sleep* Let me hold you while I sleep? Snuggles?

Auspex: *She draws back slightly, a hand returning to his face as she senses his weariness (he didn't sleep well, did he?), and she leans in again to kiss his nose as he makes his request* I would like that very much, if our hosts are amenable to it... we are among Cybertronians, and perhaps we can overlook the organic social taboos...

Kup: *soft huff of a sigh* Right now I don't care bolts for organic social taboos. I just need to know you're safe while I sleep.

Auspex: *she chuckles quietly at his dismissal of local niceties; she's glad of it, though she's also concerned that he'd probably foregone sleep the night before for want of that assurance for her safety. Again, she's touched by his watchfulness, even if it might be slightly excessive - still, it's probably best to be safe in an unfamiliar place, especially when their party is so much smaller. With a gentle smile of silent thanks, she trails her fingers across his cheek once more, before drawing away from him a bit, turning toward the door and calling silently for Skywarp, fairly certain that she'll 'hear' with her inherent telepathy*

Sky: -Yo? Sup?- *amusement* -You done being stomach churning?-

Kup: *grimly fighting off the wave of sleep, feelings washed away by the relentless, soothing tide*

Auspex: *She glances over at Kup again, and reaches over to quietly rub his back in sympathy, even as she reacts with wry amusement to Skywarp's comment* -...I make no promises, but I think so, for the most part...-
*Now she's more on the sheepish side, as she continues* -Thank you for finding bedding for Kup - but I think he needs to sleep right away, and I'm afraid he won't be able to rest without being close to me. I think we'll share the bed, if that's all right with you - I know the organics would frown on that, but I don't think it really applies in this case...-

Sky: *mental snerk* -He's too tired, even if he knows enough to be dangerous. Don't worry about the bedding, the kids'll probably play with it later before they bring it back up.- *projects an image of a house made of pallet and blankets and furnished with a pillow*

Auspex: *she coughs slightly - that wasn't... exactly what she meant. She has no reason to believe he wouldn't behave himself...! But that's neither here nor there. She quirks a smile at the little makeshift space Skywarp is projecting* -Children are so inventive... very well, then. I think we'll sleep for awhile, then, if that doesn't inconvenience you.-

Sky: -No skin off my nose. You know where the hairy kid went?- *amusement follows an absent Percival squawk of protest*

Auspex: *She blinks at the idiom, but Skywarp's accompanying aspect is easy-going enough, it must mean she's all right with that* -Ah... I don't, but I assume she's nearby?- *She glances at Kup again, to make sure he hasn't fallen asleep sitting up*

Kup: *lifts his eyebrows over bleary eyes. Orders?*

Ruth: -Aunty want kitteh?- *sounds sleepy and happy*

Auspex: *She shakes her head very slightly at Kup with fond exasperation, but continues rubbing his back as she talks to Ruth, now* -I just wanted to tell you that we are going to sleep for awhile. I'm not sure how long Blackout and Greatshot will be gone, still...- *She doesn't voice her concern, and hopes it isn't coming across clearly enough to worry the large cat* -But hopefully soon, and you can call to me if you need anything... I don't mind if you wake me.-

Ruth: -Okay! Kitteh can has stay 'n snuggle Fluffy!- *so happy and warm and sleeeepy*

Auspex: -You'll be all right, then? Who is Fluffy?-

Ruth: *projects an image of a massive brown toad cuddled next to her with half closed eyes, then shows the little balcony with metal lattice roof that she and the toad are resting in* -Fluffy can has be 'Flight's pet! We can has sit in itty roof house on 'Flight's house.-

Auspex: *She raises her eyebrows at the mental picture of the amphibious-looking squat creature that Ruth is snuggling with, in an area that seems inaccessible but for fliers and climbers - and jumpers, judging from Fluffy's physiology. She conveys a warm smile* -All right! You seem rather sleepy, yourself. I hope you have a good rest also, then.-

Ruth: -Kitteh liek nap!-

Kup: *nod, jerk upright*

Auspex: *having informed everyone she believes needs to know that they'll be out for a few hours, she turns back to Kup, wincing as falling asleep in place wakes him again. She moves both hands to his shoulders as she peers at him in concern* I'm sorry... I wanted Skywarp and Ruth to know we won't be available while you get some rest. Now that that's done - please, lie down. I will be here...

Kup: *feels her hands and fights to focus on her* ...Huh?

Skywarp: *gentle feelings belay her brash words as she pauses to look into the parlour before gently closing the door and going back to her husband teasing*

Auspex: *She frowns at him; he has the arguably enviable talent of going from wide-awake to nearly asleep in such a short amount of time... she attempts to nudge his person backwards a bit, her aspect a mixture of slight exasperation and amusement* You are going to sleep, and I am going to lie beside you... assuming you move enough that I will have room.
*She catches Skywarp's hint of emotion, and offers the impression of a smile of thanks - she's very grateful for her and Perceptor's hospitality and care*

Kup: *understanding. Right, just let him figure this out, okay, he sees. Gets himself arranged on his back in the right place, one hand keeping his kilt from shirking its duty. There... Slight, sleepy and appealing version of that million dollar grin*

Auspex: *She waits patiently as he settles himself, but she looks away when he grins sleepily - that's enough of that for the moment, thank you - then blinks as she realizes they both still have on their footwear, and she's still wearing all of her layers. With a little sigh at her oversight, she first reaches over to unlace Kup's shoes, at least enough to slip them off his feet. She sets them neatly to the side, before removing her own boots (she knows about the hooks, this time!) and doing the same*

Kup: *props himself up slightly when he feels her working on his foot coverings, feeling guilty through the haze that he forgot about that human custom. Wants to help, but she's got them off before he can move enough. More blinking as he watches her focus on her own footclothes*

Auspex: *She glances up again as she senses his dismay, reaching over to squeeze his hand with reassurance - neither of them are used to all of these accoutrements, and she doesn't mind. She unfastens her belt and folds it neatly, but hesitates to remove anything else for the moment* Ah... I should probably remove my overlayers. That might be awkward with an audience...

Kup: *awk! Shuts eyes and puts a hand over them. Must see no accidental bums!*

Auspex: *She blinks at him, laughing softly* That may be excessive... simply looking away would be fine. *She pulls her overdress off first, bundling it up beside her shoes, before wiggling out of the kirtle as well, leaving the long-sleeved chemise and the leg coverings. She thinks that should be fine...* All right, thank you. *She perches on the side of the bed and reaches for the blanket, glancing over at him again*

Kup: *murmuring to himself softly, his ancient dialect of Cybertronian muffled and mumbled by his human mouth. Is praying quietly*

Auspex: *She blinks, caught off guard, before her expression melts into a warm smile. His voice is very soft, but the dialect sounds familiar - though it's likely not spoken anymore, and certainly not with an organic voice and tongue and lips to shape it. As he prays, she reaches out to Primus in her own inherent way, thanking him for sending Kup to her, and entreating him and her other loved ones to be safe as they deal with the unrest on her world*
*She waits patiently for Kup to finish, unwilling to potentially startle him*

Kup: *realizes he can't hear her, and lowers his hand for a quick look as he wakes. And then relaxes when he sees her sitting and looking at him. More grin*

Auspex: *She can't stop the little flutter she feels at that grin, and has to look away again, though her own smile remains. She scoots over to lie down next to him, curling closely against his side as she pulls the blanket over them both. She reaches up for a moment, tipping his face a bit closer as she kisses his cheek, before situating herself so she can lay her head on his shoulder. She drapes her arm around his middle, as she offers quiet words* Rest well, Kup.

Kup: *satisfied sigh as he puts the arm of the shoulder she's using for a pillow around her. And then... he's out*

Auspex: *Again, she's amazed and amused at his 'instant sleep' - but he pushes himself entirely too hard*
*Nestling in, she communicates her thankfulness to Primus once more. She has no idea if Blackout will arrive while they sleep and wake them, though she hopes for that, ideally - it's in Primus's hands, and she trusts him. With a last sleepy, affectionate mental nudge against her lord's presence, she allows herself to drift off to sleep, as well*

elsewhere

Theodicy: *hands patting Auspex's face* Mom? Mom? *concerned, though it doesn't seem to be for Auspex. The sound of Castle dragons squabbling sounds very faintly in the distance*

Auspex: *Her optics snap on with a start, and she stares at nothing for a moment, before tilting her head to meet her construct's gaze* Theodicy...? *she trails off, hearing the scolding dragons, but it's not entirely abnormal for them...* Is something wrong...? Oh... *she's disoriented, but reaching out to Primus results in the same strange distracted, abstract reply she'd experienced in the dream, before his more distant facet tracked her down - that was certainly real, then. And... probably other things as well...* I... had a dream. I'm reasonably sure it was a real event. How long has Primus been... distant? Did it wake you?

Theodicy: *frowning and slightly uneasy, though he's just not skittish enough for real fear right now* Actually, Heartsease getting excited woke me, and then I realized that Primus was transmitting reassurance to you, but not really speaking. Only you were asleep, and didn't look or feel like you were having a nightmare. I was worried, but I felt how happy you were... *frown* So I went back to sleep, but just now you felt frightened, and Primus still won't speak.

Auspex: *Her optics flicker, as she realizes where the happiness must have come from... oh. Oh dear. She's slightly overwhelmed at how many different directions her thoughts are going at the moment... she needs to explain to Theodicy. But Kup... she darts a glance over to his berth; is he still recharging? If he... if he'd actually been there, is he... still there, without her?*

Theodicy: *senses her concern for Kup and turns to look at his mentor just in time to see Meatball appear and land on the sage green mech's head. Wince*

Kup: *startles and lifts his head slightly, eyes powering up faintly* Hmmph? Uh? Meatball? Sure, cuddles. Stupid little punk. *tucks the little dragon in with the pillow he's hugging, and then drops back into the sleep that he never fully left*

Theodicy: *holding in laughter with his hand*

Auspex: *She stares over at Kup with wide optics for a moment, brows lifting as the rotund little dragon plops on his head. But he's awake for a moment, and that's a good sign - it's probably unlikely he'll return to that dream again... if he was ever there at all. Soon he's in recharge again, dragon and all. Feeling profoundly relieved, if slightly haunted, she turns back to Theodicy* I, ah... *she sits up a bit, propping herself up at the head of the berth, and holds her arms out in silent question*

Theodicy: *head snaps around, and then he's quickly moving into his mother's arms, his emotions reassuring and full of affection. I'm here, I love you, Mom*

Auspex: *She hugs him close, resting her cheek against his helm as she attempts to get her thoughts in some semblance of order* I'm not sure offhand what frightened me - I saw a great many things in that dream. I know now that you've been told of Blackout of the Backwater Nexus, and she... used the same sort of power that brought you into existence, I think, to use my dream as a way to interact with me. We were on another world... but she had to leave abruptly, and didn't return before you woke me.
It's a long story, but Primus was not communicating any more clearly there, either, until I was found by another facet of his presence, from a more distant reality. He would not tell me very specifically what was happening... but what he did tell me is... concerning.

Theodicy: *deep frown* Should we go look in the mirror? *head turns toward a faint clicking that starts up from inside the bed with the walls around it, his concern sparking gently through with amusement at Heartsease and the sparklet's exciting dreams*

Auspex: *She blinks at him, brow furrowed* No... no, I don't need to see... and I don't wish to wake Kup - you know he will wake. *the corner of her mouth lifts in something between a rueful smile and a grimace*
But what Primus did tell me... *she winces, reluctant to upset her construct, but needing to be honest* ...is that someone has ill-will toward me, and is on our world seeking to harm me. But Primus's level of distraction seems to indicate that they are using an excessive amount of power for it... I imagine they are trying to harm him, as well. You know there are only a few that would try...

Theodicy: *normally gentle and cheerful face goes hard and fierce, and a harsh sound rumbles in his chest*

Auspex: *She nods, pressing her helm against his and hugging him closer as she continues, voice low* I know. Sideways was only one mech; this seems like a great many more. I'm unsure if this is still the same... issue, or something else entirely. Primus implied that Blackout left to help handle the problem - I know some of her many constructs are there as well. And... ah... *she sighs* There is someone else I met in the dream, that went back to our world before I woke, who will likely be caught up in this as well... *Her emotions are complex, a mixture of anger at Primus's enemies, concern for the people involved, and a note of loss and faint joy as well*

Theodicy: *pushes back just a little so that he can look up to her face as he senses those last mentioned emotions* Who was it? Did one of your charges manage to stay?

Auspex: *She shakes her head, optics dimming, her emotional tangle not abating* Not... exactly, no. Primus... brought you into being because of the temporal storm, so that someone might be there while I was in stasis - but the storm itself apparently somehow caused at least one... might-have-been to become reality. I... discovered I have another construct - though I... am only half the source for her spark. She is a... poignant reminder of whom I've lost, in her other half... *He can, perhaps, infer by the timbre of her emotion*

Theodicy: *sucks in air* Jetstorm. And... I have a sister?

Auspex: *She nods mutely, hiding her face in his helm for a moment as her emotions rise, swell, and subside again, before continuing* Her name is Foresight. Blackout had a hand in bringing her safely to our reality, where she's been with my brother for a good many kilovorns, though she would only have become reality very recently - her timeline has not been linear. She... doesn't know her origins at all; Primus told me to wait... *She struggles with a twinge of pain before it fades*
When Primus did not answer us directly, she went back home to see what was wrong. She may be in the middle of whatever is happening - she is a powerful combatant like Jetstorm, but if this is in any way about Jetstorm... I only hope our opponents will not make that connection.

Theodicy: *concern. Determined prodding of Primus*

Primus: *ack. Image for both servants, of Foresight crouched on a rooftop and looking at smoke in the distance*

Auspex: *She blinks as they receive a response, though the strange delay and his faint eagerness to interact indicates that, perhaps, the aspect of Primus from that distant reality has managed to find her again*
*She smiles faintly, wistfully, at her second glimpse of Foresight in her true form - the blend of Auspex's, Jetstorm's, and even Silverbolt's designs are readily apparent - though her expression fades quickly enough as she takes in the context. She makes a low sound of discontent* She's well enough at the moment - though I imagine she will want to investigate, rather than stay in the sanctuary. I can't blame her - I don't like staying behind while the world, or at least its people, may be in danger...

Theodicy: *wonder and a bit of a weepy feeling as he sees that image, but then he's thoughtful* Where are the sanctuary guards?

Primus: *gentle sigh feeling. Shows the mighty grune parked in the sanctuary doorway, with a couple, large, completely identical bots peering over him. Then shifts to show several large, very dangerous looking Decepticons at various places in a ring around the building*

Auspex: *Her brow furrows at the question, even as she observes the images with interest* Well... generally the wilderness sanctuaries don't need them, being small, out of the way, and home to only one or two servants, at least initially - usually they remain undisturbed. I tended to our sanctuary alone for a very long time - but things changed when the Nexus portal appeared.
Hallow, I learned in my dream, has two students that he requested, three that share one consciousness, who were wards, and Foresight, who came unexpectedly when Blackout delivered her to him. He has an unusual amount of people living there... *her optics betray fond amusement* And the pets, including the large cat - his name is Boulder, and I met him in the dream, as well.
Apparently, Hallow has acquired a following of Decepticons who are willing to defend him, though...

Theodicy: *as Primus affirms* Ahhh. Wow. So he's a lot like you.

Auspex: *It takes a moment to understand the comparison - but she chuckles softly when she does* I suppose I did acquire several honorary guards - and most all of them were Decepticons, now that you mention it. Blackout and her family have distanced themselves from the faction, but they certainly count... Thrust, and Blackstar, as well. The Autobots have been somewhat late to the scene, in retrospect.

Theodicy: *tilts his head back to smile at her, then snuggles close again* Is there anything else you want me to know, Mom?

Auspex: *She sighs quietly, thoughts drifting back to her dream for a moment - if Primus is still in contact with Fireflight's daughter, Felicity... she hopes, perhaps, that he can ask her to apologize to Perceptor and Skywarp on Auspex's behalf, for her sudden disappearance (and to Ruth, for that matter, if Blackout doesn't return there soon). It was not what she had expected to happen, and had not prepared them for that possibility...*

Primus: shares an image of Felicity and Elijah snuggled with Fluffy, Ruth, and another, more humanoid kitty girl of a soft creamy orange and white*

Auspex: *She blinks at the image - at least Ruth seems to be in good company, then, and no one seems terribly upset*
*She 'hmm's thoughtfully at Theodicy's question, as she absently pats his helm* Primus intends for me to stay here until the threat on Cybertron is over - I am a bit wary that they will not give up so easily, however. I... don't know. I was already eager to see Hallow, and now I have so much to tell Foresight as well... it's difficult to wait. *she frowns regretfully*
*She pauses as she reaches out her senses to the others in the vicinity. Kup is too deeply (dreamlessly) asleep to be emoting very much. Cureall and her family are in the other room, out of sight, but she's picking up hints of concern from what must be her friend, while Starsong is projecting calm and compassion for her, and Heartsease is excited despite being asleep, it seems* Are the others all right?

Theodicy: *heartfelt sympathy for his mother* Heartsease got really excited about an hour ago, and Kigan went to see why Starsong and I couldn't get Primus to talk to us.

Auspex: *Her frown deepens* I wasn't aware he can travel across realities on his own. I hope he's not trying to visit our Cybertron right now...

Theodicy: *thinks that over for a long moment, then looks up and says* I don't think the enemy can really do anything to Kigan.

Primus: *...Can't find that guy. Oh, not a bot? But should still be able to... hello. Oh! Oh! Yeah. Sorry. Can't see him. The little girl says he's hiding*

Theodicy: *bit of a grin, then looks to his mom to share the smile at this Primus facet's eagerness*

Auspex: Ah... *she considers Kigan's nature thoughtfully as she notes Primus's observation* That may be true... I am wary of odd creatures such as Sideways, however, who may have knowledge of things more out of the ordinary. Whatever Kigan is may be known... somewhere. Admittedly, that thrall was a bit of a strange case...

Primus: *quiet study of her thoughts, then looks away to something else. Hmmmm*

Theodicy: *thoughtfully* Ratchet told me about Guardian Fae. They can do things about the same way that Kigan does. The Guardian Fae are supposed to be deadly to dark things. I wonder if Kigan has that too...

Primus: *very sure that if he can't find Kigan, then the enemy won't be able to either*

Auspex: *her optics flicker at the memory of wards and cold-forged steel... what other strange and unknown esoteric methods and materials exist in the universe?* I would not count on that... there are too many unknowns. But I trust that Kigan will be careful, or his family will be very upset with him. *a very slight trace of humor creeps into her tone*

Theodicy: *nod* Yes. *and then his mind wanders to the sister he's never met* You have as many constructs as Aunty Cureall does.

Primus: *Ack! Found him. He's fine*

Theodicy: *startles at the ack, and then puts his hands to his mouth to hold in that belly laugh of his*

Auspex: *She's silent for a moment as she digests Theodicy's observation, before commenting quietly* I suppose so.... though you mustn't forget that it's a great deal more work to take care of a sparklet; I have it relatively easy. *she chuckles faintly, leaning her cheek on Theodicy's helm, feeling a curious mixture of love, fulfillment, and yet a trace of pain*
*Her optics widen slightly as Primus seems startled, himself, until she understands, with slight amusement* Ah. Kigan's made contact with Primus, then...

Theodicy: *nods knowingly as he thinks of how many times Heartsease has tried to bathe in fuel, or eat rocks*

Primus: *shows Kigan, a tiny golden wisp of a humanoid woman who is floating at his side, and what looks like a small black-haired human woman. These three have found the entrance to the Core, and they are protecting it*

Auspex: *she sighs softly, before mulling over the new information and images Primus is sending. There are many tunnels and passages leading to the center of Cybertron, and covering them all could be quite a task... hopefully it will not be necessary, though she's sure there will be more people available if Kigan and his companions are not enough to prevent someone trying to get at Primus's physical presence. She has no idea who they are and what their capabilities might be, however*

Primus: *more than one entrance to this chamber... ohhhh. Shows a massive, primitive looking bot that shows tech near to but slightly different from what's native to Auspex's reality. Tunnel Train has come to help too. And then he shows the tiny glowing woman vanish and show up in a different spot before he thrills with slight surprise at her touch*

Theodicy: I recognize two of those people from Ratchet's stories, the two little humanoid women. I'm glad they're there. *absently rubs an optic and feels drowsy* ...Though they probably won't need to do anything, with all Primus's own defences.

Auspex: *Her optics widen at the image of the huge mech that's apparently not from their reality, though she's not very familiar with all of the defenses - automated, sentient or otherwise - that Primus employs, even on her native world; there's simply no need to go down that far, when he can communicate directly with his servants. She only knows that he has them, and she has heard stories of formidable automatons that keep the tunnels clear... but having a bit of the unexpected there to help certainly can't hurt*
*Her brow furrows at Primus's surprised reaction - she gathers that particular humanoid reached out to him on her own as well... Blackout has unusual friends*
*She nods quietly in agreement with Theodicy's assessment* That's likely true, yes, though having some additional 'surprises' makes good sense, considering the occasional outlier amongst Unicron's people. *She's thinking of that particular one that shall remain nameless, of course, but there could be others, as well...*

Primus: *affection directed toward the big ugly bot. Tunnel Train is mine. He and his brother Road Train have been with me a long time*

Theodicy: *so interested in that, but just accidentally shared the drowsy with his mom*

Auspex: *She smiles faintly at Primus's clear fondness for the strange mech - at least he's not totally alone there on his world, then, and she's glad to hear of it*
*She blinks down at Theodicy as the weight of his fatigue begins to draw him back to recharge again. She pulls him a bit closer, wordlessly expressing a wish for someone nearby while she recharges, as well... actually, knowing Cureall, she could use some company also, while Kigan is away. Lifting her gaze, she comms her friend* //Cureall? Would you like to come stay with us while we recharge? I'm not certain how long a wait we may be in for - strange things are happening on my world right now.//

Cureall: *opens the door to the little room and peeks out, feeling hopeful but hesitant* Are you sure, Sister? This one's baby is being very noisy.

Heartsease: *click click click continues behind Cureall*

Auspex: *She tilts her head as she listens - even if Heartsease was being too noisy, she couldn't refuse Cureall's tentative hope for companionship... but it's not an obnoxious sound, or even particularly loud, either. She glances at Theodicy, sensing his amenability as well. She nods, waving the minibot over* Ah, he's fine, don't worry.

Cureall: *perks gladly, and turns back into the room. Gentle love blooms as she speaks to Starsong, and then quiet, fond amusement as she chuckles at her tiny son. Is still chuckling softly as she comes out of the room with Heartsease in her arms and Starsong wandering in her wake*

Starsong: *so distracted by her praying and holding back the desire to poke Primus*

Auspex: *She senses Starsong's preoccupation with leaving Primus alone - though the older sparklet hasn't been interacting with him a great deal, so much as he's been very curious about her nature during their stay in the Castle, and she's likely sensed that; the absence of it is probably noticeable. She watches Cureall and her offspring quietly as they approach, with a little smile for Heartsease's unconscious 'babble'. Her own stress at the situation is mostly muted, as she focuses on the others*

Cureall: *returns Auspex's smile, but then pauses as she comes by Kup. Gives the unconscious bot a long look of concern, and then she's up on the edge of the bed doing a sparklet for pillow swap and putting the pillow back under the bodyguard's head* Poor Mr. Kup. I'm not sure why he's suddenly so tired. *another pause as she contemplates something, and then she turns a happy hopeful smile toward Auspex that's accompanied by inward laughter* We should rest here, Sister. Mr. Kup seems to feel lonely.

Starsong: *rest there? Okay. Around the bed and climbs up, then snuggles against Kup's back*

Meatball: *quiet comment*

Heartsease: *clickmore*

Auspex: *she blinks, and hesitantly gives Kup the first proper look since he briefly woke earlier to tuck Meatball under his arm. He doesn't look properly rested, no, and her mind drifts unbidden to the end of her dream, and... how tired he'd been. Her optics flicker. It... may not be related. She can't... there's no way to know for sure. Not without questions she's not sure she'd have the strength to ask, and he can't answer them at the moment, anyway*
*At Cureall's latter observation, she's struck by a moment of profound sadness, and her intakes hitch before she recovers, faster than the unobservant or the non-empath might see. She doesn't entirely manage to smile back, but she nods her agreement, slowly collecting Theodicy, though she hesitates as she sits up* Perhaps so... if it won't embarrass him when he wakes...

Cureall: Oh, it can't embarrass him if we're all here. *innocently* It will make it easier for him to protect us!

Starsong: *sits up to look at her mama funny*

Cureall: *shoves the little head back down behind Kup without turning or stopping her smile*

Theodicy: *saw that, Cureall. See him give you a blurry but studious look even as he puts an arm around his mom's neck to make it easier to lift him*

Auspex: *she raises a brow, not at all convinced; she answers softly, and somewhat wearily* I think you might underestimate the degree of his preoccupation with adhering to what is "proper" for his function. *she contemplates for a moment, before a bare hint of a smile creeps onto her face* If he is at all flustered when he wakes, I will let you explain why we've piled up around him, then.

Cureall: *soft eyes twinkle* Of course, Sister.

Auspex: *She loops her arms securely around Theodicy as she gets to her feet, taking the handful of steps over to the neighboring berth, where she stands and hovers uncertainly*

Theodicy: *looks at the bed for a long moment, but then realizes they're not moving and looks up at her questioningly*

Cureall: *gives her sister a moment, but then goes up on her knees and reaches to point behind Kup* There's plenty of room. Starsong will love to snuggle with her cousin, won't you, Starsong?

Starsong: *absently* Uh huh.

Auspex: *She hesitates a few moments longer before she silently nods, continuing around to the other side, where she carefully sets Theodicy down in the middle of the wide berth, next to Starsong. After a moment, she climbs up herself, though she settles much closer to the edge on this side. Her emotions are somewhat closed-off, though she does offer Cureall a subdued smile*

Cureall: *hops down, then scoots around and gives Auspex a gentle push* Go ahead, Sister. This one will take the edge.

Theodicy: *snugga little cousin*

Starsong: *emotional poke?*

Theodicy: *cross-eyed look of enquiry*

Auspex: *Her optics flicker again, and she very nearly protests. Perhaps... if she can refrain from thinking too deeply about the circumstances. Aspect tightly controlled, she scoots over closer to her construct and Cureall's, keeping her gaze fixed on Theodicy as she does. She lies down on her back, reaching out to them with her closer arm as she settles*

Starsong and Theodicy: *never met an Auspex snuggle they didn't like! Happily tuck themselves into the arm crook*

Cureall: *up she gets and snuggles, her emotions distant as she seeks for some hint of her mate*

Kup: *suddenly turns, baby and little fat dragon tucked with the other kids as his arms go around Auspex and Cureall*

Cureall: *surprised squeak and pulls out her scanner* ...How did he do that without even being aware?

Auspex: *She hisses softly, optics going out as she hugs her smaller companions closer. She shakes her head in mystified response, though she doesn't look over at the mech in question* He has good instincts, I suppose... *a tiny smile graces her face, just for a moment*

Kup: *soft thread of warm emotion, and then he sinks back into the dreamless slumber*

Theodicy: *already conked out limp and bringing Starsong with him*

Cureall: *warm, snug, many of her people are here. She'll soon be following Kup and the youngsters into rest mode*

Auspex: *She lies there silently, contemplating that fleeting warmth in spite of herself for a moment, before giving in to a deep sigh. There is so much weighing on her mind at the moment, but nothing can directly be done about any of it as of yet. Her arms are full of beloved family, and perhaps someday... the arms loosely holding all of them will be something she can accept with uncomplicated, unrestrained joy. In the meantime, she reaches for Primus's presence, wrapping her mind in his comfort, wherever he may be, any and all facets of his being, and asks again that he may keep himself and his children safe from harm from their enemies. Receiving an affectionate wash of calm in reply, she holds fast to it, and gently fades into a placid, dreamless state of recharge*