tarting the week and the first sparkless of the year.
Title: Sparkless. (31/??)
Rating: R
Warnings: A bit of violence, angst, possible slashy goodness. Implied character death.
Characters: Jazz, Prowl, Volt, Trax, Optimus Prime.
Setting: Movieverse AU.
Summary: In trying to live up to the name of his sire he gave his all, until he lost his own spark. Those who once loved him now called him "sparkless".
Notes: This is an AU bunny that belongs to snugsbunny, it's all her fault, I just happen to be the one writting it. Several concepts seen through the duration of this fic are hers and used with permission. This is a very AU fic so please take with a grain of salt.
Many thanks to mmouse15 for kindly beta reading this for me.
The news about Lord Prowl’s and Lord Jazz’s bonding had spread faster than sand carried by the wind. There was a plethora of reactions, some positive, some negative and then there were those that wondered if the bonding could even truly come to pass.
Jazz had been only too happy to tell his grandfather about the news and Lord Trax was pleased to hear they would take to such commitment, hoping that Jazz’s and Lord Prowl’s sparks could be bonded and finally fulfill each other like they needed and deserved.
There were many formalities that had to be observed before any plans could be made, and Lord Prowl was already hard at work to carry over with those formalities. Before he could even make his official, formal proposition, he required authorization from the Lord Prime. It was an ancient practice that predated most of his ancestors, and that the Prime himself considered arbitrary and useless, but it was so ingrained into the customs of their species that he did not dare to remove it altogether.
In the beginnings of their civilization, the Lord Prime was not only the supreme ruler, but also the one that judged the propriety of things such as the selection of a bondmate by the Lords that ruled the shires and cities. Back then, if the Lord Prime did not authorize the bonding, the lords could not bond to their chosen mech and those that defied the Prime’s word and bonded anyway, were stripped of their position and sometimes even their titles.
The past few Primes had seen that tradition as something arbitrary, and rather than truly judge the propriety of the bonding, most of them granted their permission every time, turning it into something symbolic rather than something official as it used to be. The current Prime preferred to regard it as give them his blessing, rather than granting them permission.
Lord Prowl knew the Lord Prime would give them his blessing, but departed to Iacon nonetheless to carry with the formality. There was another important role filled by the Prime when it came to the bonding of the rulers of the lands. A bonding gift was to be offered to Jazz and his senior, his grandfather in this case, and the bonding gift Jazz would receive would be selected by the Prime himself.
Prowl traveled to Iacon and was received by one of the Prime’s aides. “The Lord Prime is excited.” The mech spoke in a hushed tone. “I think he has a soft spot for Lord Jazz.”
Prowl nodded as the mech led him around the halls towards the Lord Prime’s private quarters. “It’s been a while since a Lord had to ask for the Prime’s blessing for bonding. I’m sure that adds up to his excitement.”
“Certainly. Ah, here we are.” The mech showed Prowl to the door where the guards verified their identities before allowing them in. “My Lord Prime, Lord Prowl of Praxus is here.”
“Thank you, you may leave now.” Lord Prime watched his aide leave the room with a pronounced bow and gestured Prowl to come closer.”
“My Lord Prime,” Prowl bowed and moved closer as he was prompted to. “I hope you are well, my lord.”
“I’m well. You seem to be doing very well yourself, Lord Prowl. Much happier.” The prime smiled warmly.
“I am.” Prowl admitted, allowing a small smile to creep over his lips. “I am certain you know the reason behind my happiness.”
Prime nodded. “I’m glad to see your relationship with Lord Jazz is going so well, to the point you’ve chosen to bond to him. He’ll make a fine bondmate, I’m sure.”
“If I can bond to him.” Prowl let out a soft sigh. “We don’t know if I can actually bond to him, but we will try nonetheless. I want Jazz to be my mate and be his mate in return, and for that reason I have come to request your permission, my Lord Prime.”
“I sincerely hope you can establish a bond with Lord Jazz.” The Prime turned to pick something from his desk, a small black box that looked even tinier in his large hands. “Is that an official request, Lord Prowl?” he asked with a smile.
Prowl took the cue and lowered himself to one knee, binging a hand across his chest plates to rest over the left arrangement of crimson plates. “My Lord Prime, I have come to you to humbly request your permission to bond my spark to Lord Jazz’s. I leave this matter in your wise hands and await your judgment.”
The Prime nodded, smiling at the memorized words, the same plea spoken by the same mech many vorns ago, much younger and hopeful. He couldn’t help but think that same mech had come a long way, and was certain that now more than ever, he would actually be exercising his judgment as he took a decision. “Lord Prowl, appointed ruler of Praxus and member of a most noble line,” he spoke in a regal and commanding tone. “Are you certain this is what you wish to do? Is Lord Jazz the mech you wish to bond with?”
“Yes, my lord.” Prowl bowed his head a little more. “I am.”
There was a brief silence and Prime rumbled softly before taking a step back, gesturing with his hand. “Then as the reigning Prime of Cybertron, I grant my permission to proceed with this bonding. Raise, Prowl, Lord of Praxus, and accept this gift.” He held out the black box.
Prowl stood and accepted the box with a gracious bow. “Thank you, my lord. It is my promise to honor and cherish Jazz as my bondmate, for the rest of my life.” The last part was not part of the usual formalities, but Prowl’s own oath not to the Prime but to himself.
The Lord Prime smiled and relaxed his stance. “I certainly hope Lord Trax will not make you work too hard for his approval.”
“If he does I will endeavor to meet his specifications, then. I wish to bond with Lord Jazz more than anything.” Prowl assured, tracing the Prime’s shield of arms over the black box’s cover with his clawed hands. “I thank you, my lord. I should be heading back to Praxus to have the bonding gift presented to Lord Jazz and his family.”
“Yes, you’d best get going. Have a safe trip.” The Prime watched Prowl bow once more, cradling the box between his hands as he left the room. “May your wish be granted and your spark can be bonded to the one you love.”
---------------------
Jazz had been amused when his grandfather began to tell him about the many formalities that were involved in the bonding of a land’s ruler such as Lord Prowl. Elites and socialites did not need to go through as many formalities and customs, but Jazz was well aware he was going to be bonding to a mech that was the most important figure in Praxus, and thus many rituals were to be followed.
One of them was taking place right now, as he sat on the couch, with all the propriety expected of a mech of his social condition but barely holding back the grin that threatened to take over his features, watching as Volt presented his grandfather, Lord Trax, with a black box emblazoned with the Prime’s shield of arms.
“Lord Prowl, ruler of the city of Praxus wishes to offer this gift to Lord Jazz, as a promise of bonding.” Volt said softly, his voice barely containing the emotion that was no doubt overtaking the old mech. “If Lord Trax would so allow it, of course.”
Lord Trax looked from the black box to Jazz with a stern expression, carefully schooled as if they were acting for an audience. “Are Lord Prowl’s intentions towards my grandson noble and honest?”
Volt nodded and bowed again. “My master wishes to honor and cherish Lord Jazz for the rest of his life, to give himself to Lord Jazz as he hopes Lord Jazz would want to give himself to my master.”
“I do.” Jazz said quickly, not caring if that was part or not of the tradition.
Lord Trax had to fight back a smile as he seemed to consider whether or not he would grant his permission. After a brief pause he nodded solemnly. “You may tell your master his gift is accepted. He has my permission to bond to Jazz.”
Jazz grinned and watched with delight as Lord Trax picked the black box and stood, opening it with a big smile, he turned the box in his hands, presenting it to Jazz. “You’re now linked to Lord Prowl. Wear this proudly, my grandson.”
“I will, grandfather.” Jazz said, holding his arm out so Lord Trax could attach the bonding gift to his hand. He gave up being proper and prim, he just grinned happily and so did his grandfather, both looked back at Volt who smiled faintly. “Thank you, Volt.” Jazz said, going to wrap the old mech in a gentle hug. “Would you deliver a message for him, please?”
“Of course, my lord.” Volt returned the hug freely, knowing jazz would want it no other way.
“Please tell your lord,” Jazz said, playing his role with all the seriousness he could muster before once more that smile broke through his facade. “Tell him I love him and can barely wait.”
Volt smiled. “I will my lord.” The old mech bowed and excused himself to return to Praxus to deliver the news and the message from Jazz.
Lord Trax relaxed on his seat and laughed softly. “Well that wasn’t easy.”
“Is this how it goes fer everyone that bonds ta a ruler?” Jazz asked with an impish grin. “I’m gonna have a hard time if the ceremony itself is this formal.”
“You better start practicing, then.” Trax shook his head, watching his grandson tracing his bonding gift with his silvery claws in awe. “Sometimes the Prime himself officiates the ceremony, so yes, they can be very formal.”
“I promise I’ll behave, grandfather.” Jazz nodded and sighed in contentment. The ornament in his hand made everything even more real. He didn’t doubt that Prowl had been sincere and honest in his request and would carry through with the ceremony and bonding, but to have a gift issued by the Prime himself gave it a sort of tangibility. His spark fluttered in its casing, thinking and awaiting anxiously the moment it’d be joined to Lord Prowl’s.
“I’m glad you both are taking this step, and I hope everything goes well for both and your future brings wonderful things.” Lord Trax moved from his seat to sit next to Jazz, wrapping his grandchild in a tight hug. “There’s much that has to be prepared and done for the ceremony and your bonding night, but I would like to request you let me take care of certain arrangements for your bonding night.”
“What kind of arrangements?” Jazz asked, basking in the warmth of his grandfather’s arms.
“Oh, that is a surprise; let’s just say it’s my bonding gift for you both. I’ll let Lord Prowl know so I’ll have access to whatever I need in his home.” Trax said softly, and remained in silence with Jazz for a while. Finally he spoke in a hushed tone. “I’m glad you’re going to be with the one you love but I hope you will visit me on occasion.”
Jazz could hear the faint note of sadness on Trax’s voice. He looked up, smiling to his grandfather. “I wouldn’t dream of leavin’ ya alone jus’ like that. Of course I’ll keep visitin’ ya, an’ Prowl said ya would be welcome ta come to us as well. I want ya t’be a part of my life, jus’ because I’m bondin’ don’t mean I’m gonna jus’ pretend ya ain’t around anymore.”
“Good.” Trax said softly and hugged his grandson a little tighter.
As volt finally reached the grounds of the Lord of Praxus’ home, he transformed, noticing the figure waiting for him on the balcony of the Lord’s rooms. Lord Prowl disappeared quickly and Volt knew he was expected in the Lord’s rooms. Moving as fast as his frame allowed it, he knocked on the doors, stepping inside once he was granted access.
“My lord.” He bowed.
“Speak.” Prowl stood straight, his wings fluttering lightly with barely contained excitement and nervousness. The event would take him one step closer to consummate his love for Jazz.
“Lord Jazz accepted your gift and Lord Trax has granted his permission.” Volt nodded with a small smile. “I also have a message from Lord Jazz addressed to you.”
Prowl nodded. “Very well. What is it?”
“He said he loves you, my lord, and can barely wait.” At his words, Volt could not help but feel blessed, watching the truly happy smile that now adorned his lord’s face.
Rating: R
Warnings: A bit of violence, angst, possible slashy goodness. Implied character death.
Characters: Jazz, Prowl, Volt, Trax, Optimus Prime.
Setting: Movieverse AU.
Summary: In trying to live up to the name of his sire he gave his all, until he lost his own spark. Those who once loved him now called him "sparkless".
Notes: This is an AU bunny that belongs to snugsbunny, it's all her fault, I just happen to be the one writting it. Several concepts seen through the duration of this fic are hers and used with permission. This is a very AU fic so please take with a grain of salt.
Many thanks to mmouse15 for kindly beta reading this for me.
The news about Lord Prowl’s and Lord Jazz’s bonding had spread faster than sand carried by the wind. There was a plethora of reactions, some positive, some negative and then there were those that wondered if the bonding could even truly come to pass.
Jazz had been only too happy to tell his grandfather about the news and Lord Trax was pleased to hear they would take to such commitment, hoping that Jazz’s and Lord Prowl’s sparks could be bonded and finally fulfill each other like they needed and deserved.
There were many formalities that had to be observed before any plans could be made, and Lord Prowl was already hard at work to carry over with those formalities. Before he could even make his official, formal proposition, he required authorization from the Lord Prime. It was an ancient practice that predated most of his ancestors, and that the Prime himself considered arbitrary and useless, but it was so ingrained into the customs of their species that he did not dare to remove it altogether.
In the beginnings of their civilization, the Lord Prime was not only the supreme ruler, but also the one that judged the propriety of things such as the selection of a bondmate by the Lords that ruled the shires and cities. Back then, if the Lord Prime did not authorize the bonding, the lords could not bond to their chosen mech and those that defied the Prime’s word and bonded anyway, were stripped of their position and sometimes even their titles.
The past few Primes had seen that tradition as something arbitrary, and rather than truly judge the propriety of the bonding, most of them granted their permission every time, turning it into something symbolic rather than something official as it used to be. The current Prime preferred to regard it as give them his blessing, rather than granting them permission.
Lord Prowl knew the Lord Prime would give them his blessing, but departed to Iacon nonetheless to carry with the formality. There was another important role filled by the Prime when it came to the bonding of the rulers of the lands. A bonding gift was to be offered to Jazz and his senior, his grandfather in this case, and the bonding gift Jazz would receive would be selected by the Prime himself.
Prowl traveled to Iacon and was received by one of the Prime’s aides. “The Lord Prime is excited.” The mech spoke in a hushed tone. “I think he has a soft spot for Lord Jazz.”
Prowl nodded as the mech led him around the halls towards the Lord Prime’s private quarters. “It’s been a while since a Lord had to ask for the Prime’s blessing for bonding. I’m sure that adds up to his excitement.”
“Certainly. Ah, here we are.” The mech showed Prowl to the door where the guards verified their identities before allowing them in. “My Lord Prime, Lord Prowl of Praxus is here.”
“Thank you, you may leave now.” Lord Prime watched his aide leave the room with a pronounced bow and gestured Prowl to come closer.”
“My Lord Prime,” Prowl bowed and moved closer as he was prompted to. “I hope you are well, my lord.”
“I’m well. You seem to be doing very well yourself, Lord Prowl. Much happier.” The prime smiled warmly.
“I am.” Prowl admitted, allowing a small smile to creep over his lips. “I am certain you know the reason behind my happiness.”
Prime nodded. “I’m glad to see your relationship with Lord Jazz is going so well, to the point you’ve chosen to bond to him. He’ll make a fine bondmate, I’m sure.”
“If I can bond to him.” Prowl let out a soft sigh. “We don’t know if I can actually bond to him, but we will try nonetheless. I want Jazz to be my mate and be his mate in return, and for that reason I have come to request your permission, my Lord Prime.”
“I sincerely hope you can establish a bond with Lord Jazz.” The Prime turned to pick something from his desk, a small black box that looked even tinier in his large hands. “Is that an official request, Lord Prowl?” he asked with a smile.
Prowl took the cue and lowered himself to one knee, binging a hand across his chest plates to rest over the left arrangement of crimson plates. “My Lord Prime, I have come to you to humbly request your permission to bond my spark to Lord Jazz’s. I leave this matter in your wise hands and await your judgment.”
The Prime nodded, smiling at the memorized words, the same plea spoken by the same mech many vorns ago, much younger and hopeful. He couldn’t help but think that same mech had come a long way, and was certain that now more than ever, he would actually be exercising his judgment as he took a decision. “Lord Prowl, appointed ruler of Praxus and member of a most noble line,” he spoke in a regal and commanding tone. “Are you certain this is what you wish to do? Is Lord Jazz the mech you wish to bond with?”
“Yes, my lord.” Prowl bowed his head a little more. “I am.”
There was a brief silence and Prime rumbled softly before taking a step back, gesturing with his hand. “Then as the reigning Prime of Cybertron, I grant my permission to proceed with this bonding. Raise, Prowl, Lord of Praxus, and accept this gift.” He held out the black box.
Prowl stood and accepted the box with a gracious bow. “Thank you, my lord. It is my promise to honor and cherish Jazz as my bondmate, for the rest of my life.” The last part was not part of the usual formalities, but Prowl’s own oath not to the Prime but to himself.
The Lord Prime smiled and relaxed his stance. “I certainly hope Lord Trax will not make you work too hard for his approval.”
“If he does I will endeavor to meet his specifications, then. I wish to bond with Lord Jazz more than anything.” Prowl assured, tracing the Prime’s shield of arms over the black box’s cover with his clawed hands. “I thank you, my lord. I should be heading back to Praxus to have the bonding gift presented to Lord Jazz and his family.”
“Yes, you’d best get going. Have a safe trip.” The Prime watched Prowl bow once more, cradling the box between his hands as he left the room. “May your wish be granted and your spark can be bonded to the one you love.”
---------------------
Jazz had been amused when his grandfather began to tell him about the many formalities that were involved in the bonding of a land’s ruler such as Lord Prowl. Elites and socialites did not need to go through as many formalities and customs, but Jazz was well aware he was going to be bonding to a mech that was the most important figure in Praxus, and thus many rituals were to be followed.
One of them was taking place right now, as he sat on the couch, with all the propriety expected of a mech of his social condition but barely holding back the grin that threatened to take over his features, watching as Volt presented his grandfather, Lord Trax, with a black box emblazoned with the Prime’s shield of arms.
“Lord Prowl, ruler of the city of Praxus wishes to offer this gift to Lord Jazz, as a promise of bonding.” Volt said softly, his voice barely containing the emotion that was no doubt overtaking the old mech. “If Lord Trax would so allow it, of course.”
Lord Trax looked from the black box to Jazz with a stern expression, carefully schooled as if they were acting for an audience. “Are Lord Prowl’s intentions towards my grandson noble and honest?”
Volt nodded and bowed again. “My master wishes to honor and cherish Lord Jazz for the rest of his life, to give himself to Lord Jazz as he hopes Lord Jazz would want to give himself to my master.”
“I do.” Jazz said quickly, not caring if that was part or not of the tradition.
Lord Trax had to fight back a smile as he seemed to consider whether or not he would grant his permission. After a brief pause he nodded solemnly. “You may tell your master his gift is accepted. He has my permission to bond to Jazz.”
Jazz grinned and watched with delight as Lord Trax picked the black box and stood, opening it with a big smile, he turned the box in his hands, presenting it to Jazz. “You’re now linked to Lord Prowl. Wear this proudly, my grandson.”
“I will, grandfather.” Jazz said, holding his arm out so Lord Trax could attach the bonding gift to his hand. He gave up being proper and prim, he just grinned happily and so did his grandfather, both looked back at Volt who smiled faintly. “Thank you, Volt.” Jazz said, going to wrap the old mech in a gentle hug. “Would you deliver a message for him, please?”
“Of course, my lord.” Volt returned the hug freely, knowing jazz would want it no other way.
“Please tell your lord,” Jazz said, playing his role with all the seriousness he could muster before once more that smile broke through his facade. “Tell him I love him and can barely wait.”
Volt smiled. “I will my lord.” The old mech bowed and excused himself to return to Praxus to deliver the news and the message from Jazz.
Lord Trax relaxed on his seat and laughed softly. “Well that wasn’t easy.”
“Is this how it goes fer everyone that bonds ta a ruler?” Jazz asked with an impish grin. “I’m gonna have a hard time if the ceremony itself is this formal.”
“You better start practicing, then.” Trax shook his head, watching his grandson tracing his bonding gift with his silvery claws in awe. “Sometimes the Prime himself officiates the ceremony, so yes, they can be very formal.”
“I promise I’ll behave, grandfather.” Jazz nodded and sighed in contentment. The ornament in his hand made everything even more real. He didn’t doubt that Prowl had been sincere and honest in his request and would carry through with the ceremony and bonding, but to have a gift issued by the Prime himself gave it a sort of tangibility. His spark fluttered in its casing, thinking and awaiting anxiously the moment it’d be joined to Lord Prowl’s.
“I’m glad you both are taking this step, and I hope everything goes well for both and your future brings wonderful things.” Lord Trax moved from his seat to sit next to Jazz, wrapping his grandchild in a tight hug. “There’s much that has to be prepared and done for the ceremony and your bonding night, but I would like to request you let me take care of certain arrangements for your bonding night.”
“What kind of arrangements?” Jazz asked, basking in the warmth of his grandfather’s arms.
“Oh, that is a surprise; let’s just say it’s my bonding gift for you both. I’ll let Lord Prowl know so I’ll have access to whatever I need in his home.” Trax said softly, and remained in silence with Jazz for a while. Finally he spoke in a hushed tone. “I’m glad you’re going to be with the one you love but I hope you will visit me on occasion.”
Jazz could hear the faint note of sadness on Trax’s voice. He looked up, smiling to his grandfather. “I wouldn’t dream of leavin’ ya alone jus’ like that. Of course I’ll keep visitin’ ya, an’ Prowl said ya would be welcome ta come to us as well. I want ya t’be a part of my life, jus’ because I’m bondin’ don’t mean I’m gonna jus’ pretend ya ain’t around anymore.”
“Good.” Trax said softly and hugged his grandson a little tighter.
As volt finally reached the grounds of the Lord of Praxus’ home, he transformed, noticing the figure waiting for him on the balcony of the Lord’s rooms. Lord Prowl disappeared quickly and Volt knew he was expected in the Lord’s rooms. Moving as fast as his frame allowed it, he knocked on the doors, stepping inside once he was granted access.
“My lord.” He bowed.
“Speak.” Prowl stood straight, his wings fluttering lightly with barely contained excitement and nervousness. The event would take him one step closer to consummate his love for Jazz.
“Lord Jazz accepted your gift and Lord Trax has granted his permission.” Volt nodded with a small smile. “I also have a message from Lord Jazz addressed to you.”
Prowl nodded. “Very well. What is it?”
“He said he loves you, my lord, and can barely wait.” At his words, Volt could not help but feel blessed, watching the truly happy smile that now adorned his lord’s face.