For the Bird, and a Dinobot

Log Title: For the Bird, and a Dinobot

Characters: Airazor and Dinobot

Date: 1/15/2023

Summary: On Eukaris, life is quite different than it is on Cybertron. Airazor and Dinobot encounter each other, with a little of the wild nature of the planet and its inhabitants on display.

As logged by Airazor

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Talon Valley - Eukaris[]

Talon Valley is a location on the planet Eukaris, close to the remains of the space bridge that once connected the planet to Cybertron. It doesn't belong to any one of Eukaris's four tribes, making it an ideal neutral meeting place.

---

It's one of those perfect days on Eukaris. Cloudless sky, bright sun, enough of a breeze to make flying easier. Thermal drafts aplenty, as well. Up above it all, Airazor soars in falcon form, mechanical wings angling to catch those drafts and carry her higher, beating when needed. She circles, loops, and generally flies like she's in the midst of having a little fun.

In truth, she's looking for someone. Tigatron. With the bird and tiger having left their respective tribes, they've taken up space in the neutral territories to call home. It's not to say there are never any visits back to their homes of before, but...it can be complicated. Up in the skies, some of those thoughts feel as distant as the surface below.

---

Far below, a steel-feathered predator stalks the valley. Its pink and black patterns hide it from prey on the ground, but from above, its movements are clear as it slithers along, hunting and stalking. On Eukaris, it's hard to know what mechanimals are sapient or not, but this one looks dangerous either way, in spite of its small size. Airazor has seen these small Jurassanoids before, but always in packs -- never alone like this one.

---

Too quietly to be heard from her location, small servos whirr as Airazor's optics sharpen and focus on the creature that's on the move. It certainly stands out as unusual for just one to be hunting, so for the time being the falcon circles above and watches. She has hunted many a time from this perspective, but at this particular moment she is not seeking a meal. Rather, a friend. A mate. "Now where are you hiding, dear? Don't tell me you've found some cave to curl up in."

---

The Jurassanoid, making no sign of his awareness of Airazor's presence (assuming she's careful not to let her shadow fall over him), continues to stalk. It spots another, larger Jurassanoid, and alters its rout, becoming stealthier in its pursuit. Even though the other Jurassanoid is slightly longer than the first Jurassanoid Airrazor noticed, the pink pursuer shows no fear as it slowly advances on its bigger prey.

---

There /is/ a shadow that passes over the terrain, but it's not the smaller creature it 'touches.' Instead, it's the would-be prey. Coincidence, or accident? It may never be known. The bigger of the two stops as that brief shadow of darkness passes over it, seemingly larger than it really is thanks to the falcon's high place in the sky. Then it runs off into the brush.

Quietly, way up there, one word: "Oops."

---

The first Jurassanoid sees the flitting shadow spook its prey and growls, transforming into robot mode and scanning the skies in irritation. "Who there dares interrupt my hunt?" He demands, showing he IS sapient, of a sort. "By doing so, are you offering to be my next meal?" He draws a sword and scowls upward, although naturally Airazor is far, far outside of melee range. The 7.5 ft. tall Eukarian glares up at the former Cloud Walker.

---

It's difficult to tell whether or not a falcon can smile, but as soon as the smaller Jurassanoid takes its much larger form in comparison, there is instantaneous recognition. Dinobot. Scale Walker. Not the worst of them, maybe the best for that matter, but still a Scale Walker.

Airazor swoops lower, getting in better range of hearing for both of them, and her voice reaches Dinobot. "Unless you can reach me from down there, I think I'm pretty safe where I am. I guess I lost track of where I was." Or did she? The flier waits for his reaction before deciding to close in further or not.

---

Dinobot grins up at Airazor, showing a lot of teeth. "Don't think your position high in the sky keeps you safe should you ignite my wrath," he says confidently, although he makes no actual hostile moves.

---

"Tigatron and I may have left the tribes a while ago, but I don't forget things like that," the falcon remarks as she, too, transforms into her bipedal state prior to landing - outside the normal range of Dinobot's potential wrath. Hands come to rest at her sides as Airazor looks him over, the talons that remain part of her feet digging slightly into the ground. "Hopefully you aren't /too/ hungry."

Optics take a quick scan of the area before she adds, "Speaking of Tigatron, have you seen him around? He has a habit of sneaking off when I'm sleeping. Sometimes he likes to pounce me. The first, uh, number of times I thought he was doing it to try to eat me, but it was his way of playing."

At times, she can get distracted just talking about him, so with a clearing of her voice she wonders, "Since you're here, I wonder if you've noticed what I have. The space bridge has been lighting up sometimes. Nothing's come through, but..." Doubt creeps into her expression.

---

GAME: Dinobot PASSES an INTELLIGENCE roll of Average difficulty.

Dinobot snarls, glancing in the direction of the old space bridge, although he can't actually see it from here. "Yess," he admits. "I've noticed its recent activity. I don't like it. Sstrangers joining us on Eukaris... well, I'm sure Chela will let them know they are not welcome." Dinobot gives a hissing laugh, and sheaths his sword, since Airazor doesn't seem to be placing herself in a combat footing.

---

Airazor's wings flex briefly behind her, just a resettling of their positions. Arms cross before the larger falcon head shape of her upper torso. "Chela keeps the invaders from reaching us, but the bridge is different. Should we not just dismantle it if we are to keep the planet safe from outsiders?"

She paces closer, to the point of circling Dinobot as long as he doesn't react poorly to it. "Or are you itching for a fight with anyone who might come through? It better not be anyone from..you know. They have left us alone for many vorns. Why should that change?"

With irritation in her tone, even the metallic feathers that frame her head begin to poof out a bit.

---

Dinobot slowly turns as Airazor circles him, not allowing him to get behind her. "That is not a bad idea, Cloud Walker," he agrees. "Perhaps we should destroy it now, before any visitors get any further ideas." He draws his sword once more, and with a flick it opens to form a large, spinning cutting device, capable of doing a lot of damage at once. "Shall we destroy it together, in the spirit of planetary unity?"

---

"I may still walk amid the clouds, but I am tribeless now, just as Tigatron is no longer a Fur Walker. We chose to leave and swear to support each other, staying neutral to the rest," Airazor explains, a hint of chewing at a corner of her mouth following. Left of their own volition, kicked out, whatever the truth was, this is her interpretation of it.

All the same, there is a temptation in her body language, her expression, to do as Dinobot suggests. "It..it'd eliminate a danger, but is it the right thing to do without at least talking to the others first? You know the pacts about what's on neutral lands. Hunting is allowed, but no fighting, and no acting without agreement from the leaders." For someone supposed to be tribeless, she does seem to still defer to the old ways.

She questions, "What if something happens and we /need/ to use it ourselves? Nobody wants to think about leaving, but fangs and fur, Dinobot, some already have. Don't forget Goth. He.." There is a huff, a scowl taking shape. "..I shouldn't have brought him up. I don't want to think about him all over again. Not after what he did."

---

Dinobot snarls. "'Neutrality' is a coward's way out. You either support Scourge's leadership, or you don't. I promise you if you declare before him you reject his sovereignty, your stated 'neutrality' won't save you for evisceration. As for talking with others -- only Scourge's opinion would really matter, and I'd rather act on my own judgement than seek out his 'wisdom'," Dinobot says boldly, considering his immediate previous statement.

---

Now, the feathers around Airazor's head fluff up the rest of the way and she steps more into Dinobot's personal space, jabbing a finger toward his chest. "Scourge may lead the Scale Walkers, but his claim over the planet is not agreed to by all. Besides, he'd have to catch me first." In her opinion, there are few who can match her when it comes to speed and maneuverability, at least when airborne.

Then there is a pause, her head tilting in Dinobot's direction. "So only his opinion matters, but you don't care what it is? Aren't you contradicting yourself?" One brow lifts higher than the other.

---

Dinobot glances down as Airazor pokes him in the chest. "Touch me again without my permission," he warns with a growl, "and you will lose that hand. As for Scourge -- I acknowledge that he leads Eukaris, for better or worse. I follow his orders, as a loyal Scale Walker. It does not mean that I enjoy it. Loyalty takes precedence over personal feelings. Or, at least, it does to those who do not abandon our own people," he says archly.

---

"There, there. We aren't enemies. At least, we don't have to be. Sometimes you even show honor, which makes me wonder just how much a Scale Walker you really are." Airazor tests the waters and tempts fate by patting at Dinobot's chest a couple times in a placating manner, prepared to draw back swiftly if he takes it the wrong way and wishes to follow up on his threat.

All the same, both hands go up afterward, peaceably. "If you follow his orders, then ask him what he'd have you do about the bridge. If he wants it destroyed, you'll have your chance soon enough."

A couple more steps of distance apart are sought. "Just because I still walk in the clouds, it doesn't mean that's where my head is, and I haven't abandoned anyone. Goth..is another story. I was created in Chela's likeness as much as anyone, maybe more. He is most wise and protects us all. Maybe he has reasons for allowing the bridge to remain. Have you ever wondered what our destiny might be?"

---

GAME: Dinobot FAILS a LEADERSHIP roll of Above Average difficulty.

When Airazor attempts to pat Dinobot's chest, he attempts to block her hand with a hard thrust of his arm -- but does NOT use his spinning blade on her, in spite of her warning. Successful or not, when she steps back and raises her hands, he does not press the attack, and instead collapses his spinning blade back into a sword again. He harrumphs. "Fine. I will ask Scourge's 'wisdom', and carry out his orders. I do not know this 'Goth,' but have no interest in destiny. I create my own fate, cycle by cycle. The Fateweavers have no say in MY destiny."

>> Dinobot fails its generic combat roll against Airazor. <<

---

In spite of the block attempt, contact is made with his chest before the gap is created. Airazor gives a smug look that only lasts for a moment. "Very well. Sometimes I see Tigatron sniffing around it, even still. Cats and their curiosity, you know." She shakes her head, as if to ask 'what can you do?'

There is a scowl that crosses her face, the headfeathers bristling again before settling back down. "I may tell you about him one day, but not right now. The Fateweavers make me uncomfortable. I don't like the webs they spin, no matter what they might know." That could mean a couple different things, particularly for someone used to the freedom of the sky.

Besides, she's already convinced her destiny is with Tigatron.

---

"In this, you are I are in agreement," Dinobot growls. He once again sheathes his sword. "For now, I consider you no enemy, former Cloud Walker. However, should Scourge command me to kill you, know I will not hesitate, despite any personal feelings on the matter. I am a loyal Scale Walker, and until I have the power to challenge Scourge for leadership, I must obey his commands. It is the Law."

---

Airazor turns her mostly brown, gold, and silver self toward one side, standing in profile before Dinobot. "Tigatron's taught me a few tricks for when I can't be as fast as I need to be. Let's say you do end up trying, though. I think you'll find it harder than you think, and if you manage to succeed you'll have him coming after you."

Gesturing toward him with a hand, she clarifies. "We are loyal to each other first, but still loyal to Eukaris. If the planet is in danger, we'll fight to protect it. By your side, if it comes to it." An optic shifts in his direction. "Or against you, if it goes the other way for some reason. I'd rather it be the first way, not the second."

---

Dinobot nods. "You seem to be a femme of honor, despite your lack of loyalty to your clan. I, too, would rather fight with you than against you. But, if ordered, so be it. I will accept the challenge, and either kill or be killed by you and your mate. If you are as impressive as you claim, the battle will be glorious no matter the outcome." He stares fearlessly up at the larger femme, sizing her up for battle, in case it does become necessary after all.

---

"I'll be there for them if they really need me," is all Airazor has to say about the Cloud Walkers. Sizing him up, she decides, "There would be worse ways to die than in battle with you. Not to say I'm looking for that."

The bird has an impulsive, playful side to her. There are times she surprises Tigatron with some game, or even just a few particular words. "And I doubt the Fateweavers saw this. I should go find you know who and let you go catch what you were after."

She transforms back into the falcon, testing how quickly she can land atop Dinobot's head, tap lightly at it with her beak, then fly off before he can react. "So be good!"

GAME: Airazor FAILS an AGILITY roll of Extreme difficulty.

GAME: Airazor PASSES a LEADERSHIP roll of Above Average difficulty.

---

>> Dinobot fails his generic combat roll against Airazor. <<

Dinobot nods. "I should report this to Scourge," he decides, not sounding happy about it. He swats irritably as Airazor lands atop his head, taps lightly at it with her beak, and then flies off. Once again, he is too slow to make contact. "I'll be good at ripping out your feathers if you don't knock that off," he growls, but there isn't real anger in his voice. He tries to hide a touch of amusement behind a mask of grumpiness. "Got guts, though," he allows. "I'll give you that."

---

Though Airazor is a bit too slow for her own good, it comes out all right in the end when Dinobot isn't fast enough with his reaction. "And brains, and I'm a pretty bird. That's what /he/ always tells me, anyway!" she calls back down now that she's beginning to circle above the Scale Walker once again. "I think I almost saw you smile, too. It looks better than you going 'Grr, grr, snarl, snap' all the time!"

She arcs around with her wings extended, dipping at an angle that suggests a wave, then she catches an updraft to get herself higher again, toward Talon Lake. "Ooh, maybe I can catch him bathing!"

---

Dinobot shakes his head, before transforming back into his Jurassanoid mode and heading back to Scale Walker territory.