[Robots and Magic] New Memories, Old Enemies ✓

16. 𝘙𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘴, 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦

[ Trigger warning: Abuse ]

The old warehouse loomed ahead, the distant hum of the city barely reached this far, leaving the outskirts cloaked in an eerie silence, broken only by the howling wind that slipped through the shattered windows and jagged gaps in the walls. The moon shined bright as the Dazzlings walked towards it, their footsteps echoing in the empty, decaying space.

Near the entrance was Steeljaw. His metallic frame gleamed beneath the light, his optics studied them with an unsettling mix of amusement and scrutiny, "Ah, ladies." he greeted charmingly, "I see you've finally arrived. I assume the plan was a success?"

Adagio stood at the forefront of her sisters, a smirk curled across her lips as she lifted her hand, showing off the stolen geode, "All of their magic is officially under our possession." she announced with pride. Then, just as quickly, her gaze flicked back to Steeljaw, turning cool and assessing, "Would you like to tell me where have you been?"

His muzzle twitched slightly as he regained his usual smooth demeanor, "I had to deal with a little... something." he replied, his tone evasive, measured, "Insignificant, really. No need to concern yourselves."

"So I've heard." the golden-haired female murmured, spotting his battered frame. Dents and scratches marred his otherwise pristine armor, faint yet unmistakable signs of a scuffle. She let the observation settle between them for a long, weighted pause before tilting her head, feigning innocence, "Does it have anything to do with our plan? Or are you just... ditching us?" her attention flicked to a particularly deep scratch along his side and she raised a delicate brow, "Seems you went through a bit of a fight. Didn't go as smoothly as you'd like?"

For a split second, something dark flickered behind Steeljaw's face-plate, "A minor inconvenience." his growl was low but warning, "Nothing that concerns you or our arrangement." he inserted, his derma curling into a thin smile with no warmth to it.

Adagio turned to her siblings, "You two, put this on the table with the rest." she ordered, handing the geode off to Aria without looking, "I'll be there in a minute." without waiting for a response, she turned back to the wolfcon, watching as her sisters disappeared deeper into the warehouse. Crossing her arms, she stepped closer to the Decepticon, "I don't like being kept in the dark." she muttered, "If this plan is going to work, we all need to be on the same page. No secrets."

"Why, of course." he purred, carrying the right amount of charm, "We're allies, after all. I would never dream of leaving my teammates behind, especially when we're so close to success." his predatory nature never quite left him, even when he pretended at civility, "Which reminds me," he continued, his tone shifting as if the thought had just conveniently occurred to him, "I have good news of my own. The Groundbridge is nearly complete. We're only missing one key component, a power source capable of sustaining the energy it requires."

His charge raised a brow, "And where exactly do you plan on finding that?"

"A fusion reactor." Steeljaw replied confidently, "Perhaps from one of the nearby military facilities. My pack and I can retrieve it while you and your sisters focus on harnessing that magic of yours. A perfect division of labor, wouldn't you agree?"

The girl studied him, weighing his words carefully. Her arms remained folded and she let out an exhale, "Fine. Make sure this little side mission of yours doesn't delay things. We've waited long enough. Once that stupid bridge is operational, I expect us to move swiftly."

"Naturally." he gave a calm response, "I wouldn't dream of dragging my pedes. The moment the reactor is in our servos, we'll be ready to proceed." he then cast a brief glance to the door where the other two girls had gone, "In the meantime, I trust you'll keep your end of the bargain?"