A/n: I guess I promised in the last chapter that this chapter would be more interesting but oops it's been literal years since I've updated this and honestly, I can't remember what direction I was going with things. For reasons. Life sucks and people are gremlins. Ah, well. I'm not making any promises that I'm back, though I have spat some stuff out on AO3 during my "hiatus." Oh, yeah. New pen name, too. Guess it was time to erase some traces of 13-year-old me.

Chapter Summary: Miko attempts peace talks with Megatron only to be thwarted by someone everyone least expects.

Warnings: Mentions of rape, violence, and torture.

Delusion

Miko waited, listening, patient for perhaps the first time in her life. The anticipation was sickening as she craned her neck, wondering when she might hear the ever-familiar scrape and clanks of metal footsteps against the concrete floor of the silo. She questioned how brave Megatron would consider her if she threw up from the anxiety of it all, spewing vile chunks of lunch rather than desires for peace. Optimus—he who was so much better at speaking eloquently and professing complicated thoughts than she—would be there to help her, at least.

Peace. Even the word sounded fake, the idea of it just a fallacy, a brutal falsity of hope. Was it really so noble the idea of offering Megatron the opportunity, and not only for peace, but for redemption? Optimus had a way of making it seem so, even as Miko silently recounted all the times Megatron had never shown her mercy nor a willingness to improve even his morality.

A sudden groan emanated from the door causing the girl to jump. Its metal grated against the floor and the old mechanics whined as the door opened to reveal Agent Fowler, two cups of coffee in hand. Miko had tried to forget that he was participating, too.

"Holding up okay?" he asked, offering one of the steaming Styrofoam cups to her.

The girl stared at the drink for a moment before reaching out to take it. She didn't bother trying to force a smile. "Just peachy," she managed, hoping the smell of the coffee would help to settle her nerves before Megatron inevitably mocked her, or worse.

"You liar, Optimus. Your desires are still there. Oh, how I would love to take Miko in front of you."

"Megatron…"

"Prime will know that you are mine."

"Good," Fowler returned, stepping back as she took the cup and watching as she seemed to inhale the steam, "because I have my doubts about this."

Miko felt her stomach seemingly lurch and clenched her jaw as she tried to keep the sickness that threatened to rise into her throat at bay. Trepidation swelled painfully within her chest. "We went over everything," she spoke after a while, voice calm despite her anxieties and a prickle of anger. She'd find a way to tell Fowler later that getting Megatron to agree to peace, to stop hurting her, wasn't something that could be done over coffee.

"The doesn't change the recent events between the Autobots and Decepticons. You know, with the Star Saber, the Dark Star Saber, and how both sides are presently hunting for the Omega Keys. Tensions and stakes are too high."

"Is that fear in your eyes, Miko?"

Miko watched as he took a sip of the brew. "The Autobots have three of the Omega Keys thanks to Smokescreen. Megatron might be more willing to listen—"

"Megatron is angry. Worse than angry, even. Why do you think he sought you out not long after losing the Omega Keys he had?"

"We knew he would," she countered.

"He wants to use you to find the base, and hell, probably to relieve some of his anger too." Fowler watched as she averted gaze, not in shame, but severe disdain at the implication. He went on, "If you ask me, he seemed to know that we anticipated him calling you. If there's anything I've learned, it's that despite failure, Megatron always knows how to be a step ahead."

"Your life is a power you hold over Megatron."

"We still have to try," she persisted. "Our home is worth it. The Autobots, despite everything, are worth it. I'm worth it. I feel like this is the last chance I've got, so you better knock it off and give this everything you've got."

Fowler gave her a smile. "Yes ma'am."

Miko inhaled deeply, willing her nerves away and fighting a bubbling urge to slam a fist against a wall and hold it there as the pain of the blow stung through her knuckles. How she might unfurl her hand then as the pain ebbed away, and dig her nails into the wall before dragging her hand downwards. Things should have never gotten this far, and yet, she couldn't look away. She couldn't run. All that was left was to confront the monster head on.

A sudden commotion caused her to look to the open door to see if someone was waiting outside the room. Crimson optics flared as Megatron smiled back.

It was a clever ruse, if he didn't say so himself. Ramshackle, of course, but certainly enough to make even Megatron proud for so brilliantly making most of his lack of resources. Starscream paused, considering—okay. So perhaps that was hyperbole. Still.

Even with his lack of T-Cog, he had still managed to eavesdrop on the Autobots and learn about how the Omega Keys could be used to restore Cybertron in one's image. He had one of them, all he needed were the last three, which were fortunately in Autobot hands.

Fortunately so that he could infiltrate the Autobot base, obtain the keys, and return them to Megatron as a peace offering. If everything went as he envisioned, then hopefully, he might regain his position prior to leaving the Decepticon ranks. After all, he didn't have an army, let alone infrastructure, to go to war against either side and attempt to obtain the Omega Lock and Keys for himself.

A pipe dream, perhaps. Starscream sighed. At least second in command of the Decepticons was better than scavenging for scraps without the ability to so much as transform.

"Lord Starscream," an Eradicon spoke up, "the body of the clone is in place."

"Ah, Steve," the Decepticon turned. It did make things easier when he did have one loyal servant who had abandoned Megatron with him, having served his newfound master mostly from the shadows. "I suggest, that perhaps after tonight, you address me as Commander."

"Yes, Commander Starscream."

Starscream winced at the demotion of title despite. "Make yourself scarce; however, be ready to attack the Autobots at my command once they arrive."

"Understood, Commander," Steve complied, scampering off to a position behind a rockface.

Turning away, Starscream looked to the small communicator within his palm, rereading the message he had composed. Seeing it fit, he sent the encrypted data packet to the Autobots.

All that was left was to wait.

"An interrogation room? Clearly you do not intend to take me prisoner, Optimus."

Optimus ignored Megatron's chastising as he waited for the door to close. Strategically, he stood by the controls in case the Decepticon tyrant attempted to leave unsanctioned or without escort. "This is not an interrogation," the Autobot leader spoke once the door groaned shut, "and this is not your imprisonment, either."

"I was informed Miko wished to speak with me," Megatron returned, "and yet, here you are, and him." He gestured to Agent Fowler before his optics shifted to Miko. A wicked grin spread across his face as he fixed his gaze upon her. "Tell me, my dear, have you arranged an audience to behold me claim you?" he asked, kneeling and reaching for her. "Perhaps Optimus would like to participate."

Miko stepped back, glaring. She heard Optimus growl a warning. From the corner of her eye, Fowler shifted, ready to defend her if necessary.

"The last time you gave me that look, you threatened I would never forget your face if I ever double-crossed you. What is it this time? I already know every part of you, there is nothing for me to forget."

"Death," she said at last, daring to defy him so pointedly, "for what you have done to me and me alone, you deserve to die."

"Miko," he growled, voice prickling with rage, yet the fires behind his optics seemed to burn with wicked amusement at her defiance.

"Optimus left your fate to me," Miko warned, going on despite knowing she was inciting both anger and excitement within the warlord.

"So, this is my execution," Megatron accused, rising to his full height.

"No. Not today. Not like this." Her gaze flittered to Optimus, desperate for reassurance as a knot in her stomach tightened. Confronting Megatron, demanding things of him, it was so much more difficult than she had ever imagined.

Optimus gave her a gentle nod. She sucked in a breath and held it there for a moment, attempting to calm herself, before exhaling. "I don't want you to die." She blinked as his optics flashed, betraying his glee. "The war needs to end—your people are dying. There's hardly anyone left. If everyone dies, you won't have any left to rule if you do win."

"My, Miko. A plea for peace. How Autobot of you. And I suppose if I am not to agree, then I am to die?"

"Lest we as Cybertronians are to face extinction," Optimus spoke up, watching as Megatron's attention shifted to him. "If our population is to survive, our war must end. Prolonged warfare is no longer sustainable or beneficial. As Miko is unprepared to lose you, she wanted to afford you an opportunity to allow the Autobot and Decepticon armies to join together with the restoration of Cybertron as our common cause."

Megatron's optical ridge furrowed as he narrowed his gaze at the Autobot leader. "You dare to pit Miko's affections against me?"

"Do you love him, Miko?"

"There have been times I have missed him and ached for him so much, I have screamed for him to come to me."

"You, Miko, are who he craves and desires now. It is you that holds the key to his redemption."

Miko squeezed her eyes shut, looking away. They weren't affections, but how was she to argue, to convince him otherwise? All of this had come to be because of her own foolish desires for attention, because he had twisted her and taken things too far.

Worst of all, he seemed to take her so-called affections seriously, as though it was of importance to him.

"Ratchet to Optimus. We have a situation."

All attention turned to Optimus as he received the call from the Autobot medic. "A moment, Ratchet," he responded, pressing the controls for the door to open.

"I knew it, you're up to something," Fowler immediately accused as Optimus stepped out of the room yet remained within sight. He kept his voice low as he spoke to Ratchet.

"Hardly," Megatron shot back, looking to the agent.

"Oh, and I am supposed to take your word for that?"

"If you know what is best for you."

Miko spluttered suddenly, coughing. It earned her both Agent Fowler and Megatron's attention. "Miko," the agent spoke, concerned, "you alright?"

"What did you put in this?" she choked, grimacing as she lifted the Styrofoam cup of coffee in his direction.

"It's my special blend," Fowler answered proudly.

"Tastes like ass mixed with the back of an envelope."

"Look, when I was deployed overseas for our great country—"

"Kill it with the patriotism, dude. I'm not American and neither of us are white. This country doesn't give a fuck about us."

Fowler sighed, defeated. "Yeah. I miss Obama."

Megatron rolled his optics before bemoaning, "Humans. As pitiful in your politics and systems of government as you are in your beverages, it seems."

"Oh, zzzing! Feel that burn?"

"As if Megatron is someone we should be seeking the advice of. Bet this walking pile of scrap helped hack the election," Fowler quipped.

Megatron narrowed his gaze, looking to Miko as she set aside her drink. "And pray tell, is this how peace is supposed to be? Me, worn to the last thread of patience?"

"What patience?" Miko asked, crossing her arms, an unconscious effort to shield herself. "Wouldn't you rather have this than fighting all the time? Or a death sentence?"

"Don't entertain such delusions, my dear. It's unflattering, despicable, punishable," and he smiled, stepping towards her. Fowler straightened as Miko held her ground. To accommodate the difference in height between them, he kneeled, easing the tip of his digit beneath her chin as he tilted her head upwards so she might meet his gaze. "A counteroffer, Miko. Grant me access to the Omega Keys, and I shall remake Cybertron for us. Convince the Autobots to surrender to me and there will be peace."

"You're lying."

"Am I? Wouldn't you like to have everything you've ever wanted, everything you've ever deserved?"

"You said yourself that you want nothing to do with my humanity, that you will not allow me such privileges as long as I am human."

"Have I not said I will be sending Knock Out for you soon? Your humanity will be remedied."

"…it would not surprise me now if he was making plans to amend your humanity."

"Megatron." The Prime's voice thundered as he entered the room. "We have never sought to pit Miko against you; you will not manipulate her against us."

Megatron looked to the Prime, allowing his hand to fall back to his side, but he did not stand. "She already belongs to me."

Miko reached, taking the coffee in hand and throwing it at him. The piping liquid splashed against his thigh. He laughed. Over his laughter, she spoke, "I do not belong to anyone."

"So defiant, my dear. How I have missed you." He reached for her, this time to take her in his grip, as Optimus reached out to stop him.

Miko cried out as an explosion suddenly rocked the silo.

As he cradled the three Omega Keys in his arms, Starscream laughed. Trust, a desire for faith—both would forever be the fatal flaws of the Autobots. How invigorating it was to know he was so capable, able to succeed at last and on his own despite not being in possession of his T-Cog. If only there was more red energon to spare; how he might then be invincible.

However, not wanting to gloat prematurely, Starscream quickly made his way back to the command center of the Autobot outpost, grinning as he recounted his victory.

All it had taken was a well-worded message, a prop, and an ounce of red energon to gain access to the Autobot base. The deceased clone of himself had served its purpose after he sent the lure, saying he would exchange the Omega Key he possessed in favor of a T-Cog transplant. Desperate, the Autobots had taken the bait, sending Ratchet, Bulkhead, and Smokescreen to investigate. Starscream, infused with the red energon, easily slipped unseen into the open groundbridge.

And the outpost, so antiquated, it had been all-too-easy finding the Omega Keys. A simple blast was all that was needed to gain access to the room, and ultimately, to access his prize.

Despite the urge he had to rip open the Autobots trapped in their normalcy, Starscream refrained. Eyeing the still open groundbridge, he moved towards it.

Victory was close.

"Hnn," Miko groaned, trying to heave Megatron's hand off her before he could grab her. The force of the explosion had knocked them all to the floor. "Get off!" she grunted, managing to create enough space to squirm free.

"What in blue blazes," came Fowler's voice.

"Starscream," Optimus managed, standing. "Ratchet received a distress call from him. However, it seems it was a trap."

Megatron chuckled. "How convenient, an opportunity to not only take Miko and the Omega Keys, but to at last extinguish the traitor's spark."

"Not if I can help it," Miko remarked, climbing to her feet.

"Miko, you can't—"

"Watch me," she stated before bolting out of the room, newfound determination pumping through her veins. At last, a moment where she could prove herself without causing a problem first or breaking protocol in some regard. It was exactly what she needed to cast aside the weakness she felt for simply being human, for feeling as though she had no value to Team Prime.

Ducking past the debris and smoke, Miko peered inside the room in which the Omega Keys had been stored only to see that they were missing. For a moment, she wondered how Starscream could have possibly known that the Autobots had them, and more so, if he and Megatron had managed to cast aside their differences and arrange this. However, there was no time to wonder as Starscream was getting away. Miko charged toward the command center.

Heavy footsteps pounded behind her and she listened as her name tore from Megatron's mouth. The girl didn't want to wait to find out if Optimus was trying to stop him or if Megatron had done something to incapacitate him.

Quickening her pace, Miko burst into the command center. "Arcee!" she shouted, nearly out of breath, "The Omega Keys, they're missing!"

"Miko," Arcee spoke sternly over the noise of the sprinkler system as water sprayed down, "where is Megatron? Did he—"

"No," she replied, noticing the femme's hand on the groundbridge controller. "Don't close it!"

"Miko, if you so much as think about going out there—"

"Did you see Starscream come in? Has he left?"

"What?"

"There's no time to explain!" she yelled, taking off towards the gaping mouth of the open groundbridge.

"Miko." Megatron's voice boomed as he burst into the command center of the silo, Optimus behind him.

His voice startled her, causing the girl to slip in a puddle as she looked behind. She fell, sliding across the floor until she came clamoring to a stop upon the Apex Armor. Before she could even speculate how the armor had gotten here, it suddenly activated, swallowing her within and expanding around her.

"Whoa," she exclaimed as the armor settled. Miko stumbled a bit, adjusting to its added height and weight. Grinning, she looked to Arcee, "My turn to wear the fat suit." She then took off through the open groundbridge, determined to catch Starscream.

She emerged to the surprised yet curious faces of Ratchet, Bulkhead, and Smokescreen. "Miko?" Bulkhead asked, struck by the peculiarity of her within the Apex Armor.

"I'll explain later," she answered, watching as Starscream suddenly appeared behind them, cradling the Omega Keys within his arms. "You!" she shouted, tearing after him.

Starscream let out a shriek as she pushed through the group of Autobots, realizing that the red energon had worn off and that he had been spotted. He went to turn and run when none other than Megatron emerged from the groundbridge; the shock of his presence halted Starscream immediately as his wings rose in alarm.

The action was enough to cause Miko to pause, stopping a few paces before him. She glanced back, seeing his attention on Megatron. Megatron's gaze was fixed upon her.

Squinting, she looked back to Starscream. "Don't worry about him," she spoke, "your fight is with me."

It was enough for him to focus his attention back on her, red optics flaring as he took a step back. A precaution, of course, so he would tell himself. "Miko, is it?"

"What's the matter, Screamy? Can't pick on someone your own size?"

Not wanting to look weak because of a human in front of his master, Starscream stepped forth, stooping over Miko to the best of his ability. His voice was menacing as he threatened, "Even the strongest armor can't protect the weakest of creatures."

Glaring, Miko seized him by the shoulder, yanking him to her height. "Protected you, didn't it?" she countered, beholding the sheer surprise upon his face.

"Miko!" Optimus called, "stand down!"

"No," Megatron chastised, watching with glee. He had never ached for her more than in this moment. He willed this to go on, to see the extent of Miko's capabilities against Starscream.

Optimus observed him from the corner of his optics; a hungry smile stretched across his scarred maw, optics burned with greed and lust. Megatron was enthralled, captivated, unable to look away. Optimus felt his tanks churn with unease.

"… I have developed certain attractions towards you."

"You said you wanted me the same way Megatron does."

"Yes…but I would not harm you or force you."

Optimus shook his helm, feeling suddenly nauseated as he diverted his gaze away from his enemy. Such obsession, he had never intended such in his own admission to Miko.

A sudden and loud clang caused Optimus to look up, his gaze shifting back to Miko as she shoved Starscream away. The Seeker staggered, and seeing he was under attack, a single Eradicon emerged, weapon trained upon Miko. Miko wasn't fazed as she seized Starscream by the arm, causing him to squeal as he desperately clung to the Omega Keys.

Effortlessly, she lifted him by the arm, spinning around to gain momentum, before launching him directly into the advancing Eradicon. Megatron beamed.

Desperately, Starscream gathered up the spilled Omega Keys, his optics wild with panic and humiliation. "Steve!" he barked as he stood. The Eradicon was by his side immediately. "Open a groundbridge," he commanded.

Steve wasted no time. Starscream watched as it yawned open before thrusting the Keys into Steve's arms. "Take these. I have a matter to finish with Miko."

Steve obeyed promptly, taking the Keys and disappearing inside the groundbridge, though it remained open. However, Starscream would not simply leave after suffering such humiliation. Raising his remaining missile at Miko, he seethed, "You do know that I vanquished Cliffjumper, don't you?"

Miko narrowed her gaze. "Big whoop," she countered, "I snuffed Hardshell."

Megatron closed his optics, reveling. After viewing Hardshell's remains, he had yearned to witness firsthand Miko's capability for violence. Oh, she did not disappoint. How he hoped the Autobots could smell the ozone wafting from his arousal. His lust for Miko throbbed through his sensornet, a delicious ache.

"The Autobot did this?"

"No, my lord. It was a human girl."

His optics flared online at the sound of Starscream's missile launching. "Miko!" Optimus yelled, but she didn't move. To his vicious delight, and to the surprise of everyone else, Miko caught the missile. It exploded in her hand, the force of the blast launching her upwards. With concussive might, she came streaking down, propelling herself directly into Starscream. She rose to her feet unscathed.

For the first time in his life, Megatron felt compelled to cheer.

Seeing he was defeated, Starscream gathered himself up, retreating into the groundbridge.

"No!" Miko shouted, running after him, but it was too late. The groundbridge closed as she got there, disbursing into the darkness. "We have to go after him!" she yelled, turning back to the Autobots—to Megatron.

Megatron reacted first, surging forth. Effortlessly, he seized Miko by the arm, gripping the Apex Armor tightly. "There is still one prize to be claimed today." He radioed for a groundbridge to his coordinates.

"No," Miko fought back, her fist connecting with his chest, resulting in a loud bang of metal.

He relished the pain as the blow stung. "Hold still," he growled, dragging her backwards as the Autobots advanced.

"Megatron, release her immediately," Optimus ordered.

At once, a groundbridge tore open behind Miko and Megatron. Megatron laughed. "So long as the Omega Lock remains a viable option of restoring our world, there will never be peace, Optimus. Until the next time we meet." He turned, dragging Miko into the groundbridge with him.

"No!" Optimus shouted, chasing after them. But he was not quick enough; the groundbridge closed as he reached it.

Defeated, Optimus screamed.

"Let go of me!" Miko shrieked, finally managing to tear herself away from Megatron's grasp.

Megatron watched as she stepped back, regarding her. He grinned, "Tell me, my dear. Am I to tear the armor from you to have you as I please?"

"You saw what I did to Starscream."

"I am not so easily defeated."

"Try it," she dared him.

However, Megatron was not afforded the opportunity as Dreadwing suddenly approached, interrupting them. "Lord Megatron," he spoke quickly, noting Miko. "An intruder was detected in the vicinity of the bridge, I was on my way to investigate—is this her?"

"No." Megatron answered, choosing not to explain her presence aboard the warship. "Is it an Autobot?" he asked about the intruder.

"Undetermined," Dreadwing reported, his questioning gaze lingering upon Miko.

"Then swiftly," the Decepticon ushered, ignoring Dreadwing's watching as he seized the girl by the shoulder and pushed her forward toward the bridge.

She scowled as she was navigated by the Decepticons to the bridge. Dreadwing drew his cannon as he entered, prepared to fire in the event of an ambush. Megatron kept Miko close to him.

None of them expected Starscream waiting for them, leaning casually against the main computer terminal. A shocked expression went across his face as he noticed Miko.

It was she who broke the silence. "You!" she yelled, breaking from Megatron's grip as she stepped towards him. "Didn't think I'd get the opportunity to waste you again so soon."

"No!" Starscream jumped, moving to place a servo across his chest as he bowed. "Please pardon my unannounced visit, Lord Megatron."

Miko took another step, but Megatron advanced, placing a servo upon her shoulder to stop her. She looked back at him.

Starscream continued, "I have come bearing a peace offering." And to everyone's surprise, he held up all four of the Omega Keys. Believing then it was safe to approach, Starscream crossed the length of the bridge towards his master. After all, not only had Megatron unfortunately just witnessed his humiliating defeat at Miko's hands, but he had seen the Seeker steal the Keys from the Autobots.

He stiffened as Megatron approached, walking past him to claim his rightful place at the head of bridge. Reverently, Starscream laid the Keys at his master's feet, kneeling.

"Few things of value come without a price," Megatron spoke, voice calm. "So tell me, Starscream, what is it that you wish in return?"

"Only to be a Decepticon again," he answered, once more placing a servo over his chest.

Miko scoffed, hating that when it came to negotiations of peace, this was what she had to see. She clenched her fists, feeling as they trembled with rage. She contemplated defiantly leaving the room, knowing she would only be caught. There was nowhere to run, to escape. She couldn't fly, she didn't know how to open a groundbridge using Decepticon technology. Instead, she looked on, wondering how easily Starscream's helm might be bashed in and what would happen if she was to try.

Bulkhead had said it had taken a few blows when he killed the traitor's clone. She took a step towards the Seeker, betting she could do it in less than seven.

"Dreadwing is my first lieutenant now," Megatron responded, paying no mind to Miko as he gestured to the large Seeker.

Starscream's expression faded. "—And I accept that much has changed during my absence. I only wish to serve you, my one true master, in any way that you deem fit."

"I am deeply impressed by your accomplishments, Starscream," the Decepticon leader managed, eyeing Miko as she glared. "Know that I will put your offerings to good use, whatever the outcome."

"Uh…outcome? Heh. Of…what?"

"A cortical psychic patch," Megatron grinned, "so that I might see your true motives."

"Lord Megatron I can assure you—"

"Dreadwing, take Starscream to Knock Out. Inform our doctor he is to prepare the patch—"

"No need, Lord Megatron," Knock Out's vocals suddenly chimed from the entrance to the bridge. It was good to stretch after his unfortunate mishap with Smokescreen and the wall and after cooping himself up in the med bay for so long. "I will have the cortical psychic patch operational momentarily, I only wish to inform you of something juicy." Knock Out then looked over, eyeing Miko. "Ah, this must be the girl. Who knew the Apex Armor was so…hideous."

"Knock Out," Megatron scolded. "What could possibly take precedence over carrying out my instruction?"

"Merely that the protoform is ready. All I require is your human pet."

Miko stepped back warily as all optics shifted to her, Knock Out's words distracting her from her anger towards Starscream and the mounting Decepticon hypocrisies. "Protoform?" she asked, then looked to Megatron. "What does he mean?"

"An eventful day indeed," Megatron mused. "Very well. Miko and I will join you in the med bay…eventually. Do carry out your orders. Swiftly."

Without further prompt, Knock Out, Starscream, and Dreadwing left the bridge to prepare for the cortical psychic patch. "The rest of you," Megatron barked, addressing the remaining Eradicons, "leave us."

They filed out quickly, leaving Megatron and Miko alone. With a glare, she turned to face him. "Protoform?" she demanded again.

"A complicated thing to explain, but it is a vessel which contains the living metal which forms the basis for all Cybertronians. All it requires is an infusion of CNA, like your DNA, and a spark. Perhaps you remember how Cylas was able to infuse his organic systems with that of Breakdown's."

"Barely—I never saw him, but Bulkhead told me. I was too busy helping Raf stop Project Damocles."

Megatron grinned at yet a second admission of her transgressions against him. "His failures earned him a place at Knock Out's dissection table. By studying him, Knock Out was able to develop a way to cyber-form human life."

Miko felt sickness rising to her throat, suddenly able to taste the horridness of the coffee Agent Fowler had prepared for her earlier. She looked down, seeing the stain of the coffee still upon Megatron's thigh. How many times had she expressed her eagerness at becoming a Cybertronian? Of at last being free of her humanity so that she might be able to fight and defend herself? She had never believed it to be attainable, only a comforting dream.

Yet, it was happening now, and once again, she knew she didn't have a choice.

"After today, you will no longer be cursed by your humanity. You will walk with the gods, with me."

"With you?" she asked spitefully. "To serve you as a Decepticon?"

"As my finest warrior," he answered, reliving the memory of her fight against Starscream. Arousal stung at his sensornet as he reached Miko. For a moment, he beheld her. Finally, he pressed a hand over her chest, triggering the Apex Armor to deactivate and release. Using the shape modifier, he mass-displaced, shrinking to be approximate with her height.

For the first time in months, he reached out, cupping her face within his sharp palm. He regarded her as she looked up at him, enjoying the softness and warmth of her flesh against his servo. Then, he leaned forward, pressing his mouth to her ear as he whispered, "As Lady Miko Nakadai, conjunx to Supreme Lord Megatron, first of her name."

Conjunx. Miko didn't have to know Cybertronian or Latin to guess what that meant. She felt dizzy, weak, stung—was this another elaborate manipulation meant to twist her affections?

"I ache for you," he breathed, moving to kiss her jaw.

How had peace negotiations led to this? How had stumbling upon him in that mountain range all those years ago led to this?

"Miko."

"Conjunx?" she breathed.

"I suppose in your terms it would be spou—"

"No, I know what it means. I just don't believe you."

Megatron eased back, studying her expression. "Why?"

"Why?" she spat. "Isn't it obvious? You have kidnapped me, raped me, held me against my will, manipulated me, tortured me, turned me against those I love and the ones I love against me. You reduced me to nothing before seducing me with gifts and words of how you favored me. After everything, I still clung to the possibility that you cared simply because you kept coming back. I wanted you to care. I wanted to matter to you. You drove me to the edge of my sanity—I didn't know how to live without you—and I still foolishly offered you peace. But you don't care. You can't care. You just take."

Angrily, she jabbed a finger into his chest, directly above his spark. Glaring up at him, she demanded, "So you tell me why, Megatron. Tell me why you wanted my obsession of you, my affections, my body, and now this. Your conjunx. You couldn't just kill me. Don't you dare say it was because you cared about me. Bulkhead cared. Optimus cared."

Megatron scowled, baring his jagged teeth. How dare she. Enraged, he slapped her hand from his chest before throwing her to the floor. "You dare question me?" he yelled, standing over.

Despite his wrath, Miko remained determined, her boldness unwavering, "Admit it, Megatron. You have been just as obsessed. You've secretly yearned for compassion, for someone to be as mad for you as you have been for them. Orion denied you; you refused to let me."

"Enough!" he howled. He kneeled over her, lifting her by the neck. His grip tightened, and he listened as she choked, struggling for the oxygen necessary to keep her alive. How he hated her for such insubordination, for the insolence in her eyes, how he loved her for it. Slowly, he loosened his grip. "Dear Miko, at your first infraction against my cause, I intended to give you the death you've so craved. After your second, that changed, and I developed a curiosity for the meager human girl capable of thwarting my elite Decepticon officers. Then, the first time I laid optics on you, you had the audacity to threaten me."

He paused, reflecting, his anger abating some as he managed the hint of a smile. "You reminded me of a time before the war, of a passioned innocence and bold force to be reckoned with I had once admired. Something I had once been afraid to lose. But there you were, those delicate things seemingly found again, willing to fight me with merely dirt when we came across one another by accident in those mountains. I realized the intensity of the madness you afflicted me with then, Miko. There is no going back."

"It is you that holds the key to his redemption."

"What about you?"

"To see Cybertron, our home restored would bring me the happiness and fulfillment I desire."

Miko looked to him as he released her; her expression softened. Was this to be how they negotiated peace? And at what cost? Her human body? Her life? Was she destined to belong to Megatron for the sake of not only her world, but for Cybertron as well? For the sake of peace?

With trembling hands, Miko reached out, daring to touch him. His armor seemed to ripple beneath her fingers.

This was happening for a reason; she couldn't keep going if she believed there was no purpose to this, no hope for this.

She allowed him to nuzzle her, to press his mouth to her throat. He chuckled. "Regardless of your foolish attempts to proposition me, I've still gotten everything I've wanted. At last, everything is falling into place."

This had never been what she had wanted all those years ago, pinned by the weight of him against that rockface. Somehow, it had become everything she wanted now.

Dawn cracked through the windows of the Nemesis, illuminating them in their silence. Miko moaned softly as the tyrant leaned forward, kissing her slowly, savoring the taste of her humanity for what would be the last time. She felt the warmth of the sun against her skin, the strength of Megatron's body against her own. Too quickly this moment would have to come to an end.

She didn't want to let go of this delusion of peace.

A/n: See you in another four years right? HFDKFJDKI No guarantees, but I'll try not to wait so long between updates next time. Maybe. I plan on updating another one of my stories since I'm already 3,000+ words into that chapter already. If you want my AO3 account, hit me up, I don't have much on there, but there's some juicy stuff.