Chapter Text
The fire was illuminating five bots around a campfire, treats and drinks scattered over the tables as one of them spun a tale of the monster in the forest. The crystal trees cracked with the breeze, mechanimal and insects chirping into the night.
"And at midnight, th' creature crawls through th' crystals t' take a spark!" Jazz jumped forward, scaring Blaster and Bluestreak. He laughed at his friends, leaning back into his chair, popping a sour candy into his mouth.
"Aw come on Jazz. Monsters don't exist." Blaster huffed as he grabbed his flashlight.
"I'd let it eat you." Sideswipe snickered.
"I'm never inviting you guys ever again. You're all so mean to me!" Blaster said dramatically. He laughed, standing up to stretch. "I'm going off. Tomorrow we have to hike to the next rest stop and I don't wanna hear any of you complaining." He went into his tent and zipped it shut, keeping his night light on.
"He's right though." Bluestreak said, leaning again his boyfriend tiredly.
"I'll take care o' th' fire. I'll be sitting out a bit." Jazz replied. He wished good night to his friends as they went to their tents. It was nice out and Jazz wanted to enjoy the quiet, to disconnect a little. That was why he suggested coming into National Crystaline park. It was an out of the way space for outdoors enthusiasts, far enough many didn't bother with the drive. It was the perfect place to wind down and have space to think about what he wanted to do. Life as a musician was exciting but he'd never truly found his place, where ever that was. He was trying, though.
He turned, watching the forest. His plating crawled with the sensations of being watched but when he flared his sensors, he couldn't find anything. "Huh." Maybe it was a deer or another critters.
He buried the fire, checked for any embers, then he went to his shared tent with Blaster to sleep.
..but he couldn't get the feeling that something was off.
---
Bluestreak was walking ahead, holding servos with Sunstreaker and Sideswipe, chatting about insects and how his door wings caught noise of them.
Jazz would have listened if he didn't feel pinprick all over his plating. He turned up his audios, listening closely to any strange noise from the forest. Critters, mechanimal, the flora moving in the breeze.. this was their second stop on the hike, the path going uphill toward the mountains. It was a four nights hike, something they had been planning for months, to get together and just relax..
Jazz startled when a servo landed on his shoulder.
"Slag Jazz! Are you okay?" Blaster peered down at him, worried frown on his features.
Jazz smiled automatically. "Yeah! Sorry was just lost in thought. What were ya saying?"
Blaster spoke about music genres, and Jazz tried to pay attention, ignoring the wrongness of the forest.
--
They set up camp, and Jazz watched the forest because it was definitely watching him back but he couldn't tell that to his friend, he was just having a bout of paranoia, right? He set his lamp by his side, just in case.
"Is something wrong?" Bluestreak asked. "You've been twitchy since we left second camp." He fanned his wings, moving around to scan. "I don't detect anything, did you see a moose? Those guys are huge and I hear they pack a mean tackle. Though the forest guard would have warned us before the hike."
"Jazz's probably thinking about creatureeeees." Sideswipe snickered, leaning an arm over Jazz's shoulders.
"Knock it off ya moron." Jazz shifted out of the grip. "Nothin's wrong. I just saw a few turbo foxes."
"What, scared?"
"Ha. Ha. Stop bein' an afthole Sides." He rolled his optics behind his visor. "Creatures aren't real."
"When the forest chills your core and you stumble in the darkness.. Oooouh." Sideswipe sat in his camp chair with a laugh.
Jazz chuckled. "Wanna hear the story of the siren?"
---
Jazz grumbled when Blaster accidentally smacked him in his sleep. He rolled away from his friend, pulling at his blanket to hide his face when he heard it. A branch cracking, and then nothing. No noises anymore. He sat up, looking through the mesh window but it was too dark to make out anything.
He stepped out of the tent, knowing this was stupid and that was how horror movies started but he just needed to make sure it was nothing. Monsters did not exist, he repeated to himself as he walked around the camp, closer to the trees. He couldn't hear anything. No insects or birds or squirrels. Nothing.
He moved the light across the tree line, the shadows expanding alike claws waiting for prey. Everything in him screamed to run but it wasn't real. Nope. Just his over reactive imagination.
He swept his lamp across the tree line but froze when he heard a crash and a pained squeak. It sounded like a bird. He paused, looking back at the tents.. and the bird crying didn't sound too far..
He walked forward, following the noise deeper in the forest. There. A bird was on the ground, chirping in distress. "Hey buddy.. it's okay.." he kneeled, gently scooping the bird in his servos. But as he stood up, the bird disappeared in smoke.
"You are quite brave, little songbird." A voice whispered in his audios.
Jazz glanced around but there was nothing. His plating vibrated as his system told him to run. No, he was just tired. Maybe he was having a nightmare and he would wake up cuddled to Blaster and this whole thing was just his processor making him suffer for joking about creatures and scaring Bluestreak.
"Are you afraid?" The voice whispered softly and he felt a caress on his audial horn. Frag this slag. Nope. Nope.
Jazz sprinted away. He needed to find the camp. Like right now thank you very much. He dodged trees and jumped over bushes, having dropped his flashlight on the way. He glanced behind, where the shadows seemed to curl into themselves, almost like.. a mech?
He missed his jump and tripped, slamming down into the ground and he lost consciousness.
----
In the morning..
Blaster turned, blinking the sleep away. Jazz was already up, his side of the tent was cold. He stretched, gathering his blankets to fold after breakfast. He exited, but paused upon not seeing Jazz with the others. "Hey guys where's Jazz?"
"I thought he was still asleep." Sideswipe said, taking the pot off the fire.
Blaster glanced around. "Jazz?" He called. But there was no answer. "Jazz?" He moved further into the forest, and he noticed steps in the dirt. "Jazz!"
Bluestreak joined him. "Jazz where are you? He couldn't have gone far? Is he playing a prank? Jazz if this is a prank it's not funny!"
There was no answer.
"Okay we can look around. There's footsteps. He must not be far. Blaster, did he tell you anything?"
Blaster shook his head. "No, he just said he felt mechanimals around."
"He might just have fallen asleep out there." Sunstreaker said flatly.
"Then why isn't he answering?" Bluestreak fanned his wings, slowly moving around the perimeter to scan their surroundings.
"Okay before freaking out let's just walk about the camp. If we can't find him I can drive to the forest guard outpost." Sideswipe said.
The group started by going from east to west, but couldn't find any traces, the footsteps having disappeared suddenly. They rounded the whole camp before meeting again in the middle.
"Alright. I'll go and you guys stay here."
"Wait." Bluestreak said. "Sunny and I should go. We shouldn't separate."
"Okay. Blaster and I will keep watch." Sideswipe said.
Bluestreak and Sunstreaker made their way to the emergency trail, transforming and speeding off.
"I hope he's okay." Blaster whispered, looking toward the forest.
----
Jazz onlined his visor, trying to grasp what had happened to him. He remembered running and then nothing. That had been one pit of a nightmare. "Blaster?" He mumbled, turning to his friend but Jazz wasn't in his pillows in a tent, no he was in what looked like a nest? The events of last night processed and he bolted upright.
He was underground from what he could tell, still in the forest because he could see roots. Light danced over his head in tiny fragments of crystals, giving him enough to see there was a tunnel, hopefully an exit.
He moved silently, listening for any noise of the.. thing that had chased him. He really hoped he was in a self-aware dream and not whatever this was. He turned the corner and stopped short at the mech sitting by the fire pit. Door wings were the most prominent feature. The second thing Jazz noticed was that everything looked.. Off. He couldn't really place why but his processor told him to run. No that he could, with the unknown mech between him and the exit.
Jazz tried to edge along the wall but the wings followed his movement until he was almost in line of sight of the mech. Yellow optics stared at him and Jazz clenched his fists, forcing himself still.
"Come sit by the fire." The mech said, voice tingling against Jazz's sensors pleasantly. But no, stranger danger right.
Jazz approached reluctantly, glancing at the exit behind his visor. If he could distract the mech long enough to slip by and run for it..
"I wouldn't if I were you. I do love hunting prey."
"Ah wouldn't taste good I'm from Polyhex." Jazz blurted out. And. The mech laughed. It was sweetly rich, but hid something ancient. What did Jazz stumble into??? He pinched himself just in case but he was definitely awake.
"You're lovely. My name is Prowl, and this is my territory." Prowl fanned his wings, paint flaking into dust as crystals grew. Plating twisting and turning and what stared back at Jazz wasn't a mech anymore but a creature with long limbs, a ruby crystal crown that grew from his red chevron, crystalline armor protecting protoform and wings that looked like moths' in the starlight, each scale glowing faintly. The mech looked the definition of a mythical creature and Jazz was staring like an idiot. He should run. He had to run, but something stopped him from moving. It didn't help that the crystal reflected off the creature in colorful swirls.
Elongated claws gently tilted Jazz's head up. "You will be a good mate."
Hold on a second. "What. No." Jazz backed away, and the creature let him, yellow optics piercing and was that amusement?? "I didn't mean t' walk into ya territory I'll jus' leave an' ya won't see me again." Twenty steps to the exit. "I mean, I can't cook an' I'm more of a free spark ya dig? I sing outside an'," he was almost there. "I'd be really bad at-" he screamed when his back hit Prowl as if the mech had teleported but that wasn't possible, right? Right?!!?
Prowl leaned down, whispering in his audios. "You can sing, here. The forest will be your witness."
Jazz tried to step forward but Prowl embraced him. Okay. What to do with cuddly monsters?? "I have friends waitin' for me." Yes. He had friends and Blaster would panic because they'd been close ever since they both moved on from their slag life to get themselves together.
"They will not find you." Prowl purred. It sounded like a crystal chime he used to hear every morning he spent in Praxus, from the porch of his elderly neighbors who always offered him Praxian goodies before going out.
"Ya can't keep me in here." He tried, but was ignored.
Prowl hummed, and smoke filled the exit to block it as if there never was one. He put a clawed servo on Jazz's lower back, leading him into a seat by the fire. "I have prepared energon for you."
"I'm not hungry." He tried to lean backward but Prowl simply trapped him in the seat. Those golden optics.. "What are ya?"
"Oh? I am simply the forest, dear one." Prowl backed away and sat on a large pillow, settling his wings to trail behind himself. "If you are not hungry you may go recharge into the nest."
Anything to get away honestly. Jazz hurried toward the back, in the room he woke up in. he climbed into the nest, trying to think of a solution. Escaping was out the window. And despite being pushy, the creature- Prowl, never tried anything aside from innocent touches ( and a lack of personal space but). Maybe Jazz could work with that, maybe strike a deal or something. Maybe Prowl was a reasonable forest entity and would let him go once Jazz showed him he wouldn't be a good pick.
What better way than to list his flaws and be annoying?
-----
Jazz approached the fire pit, sitting in the seat he had been in a few hours ago. Prowl was weaving? Something in crystals, using his claws tips to place the filigree and the crystals. They were in shades of blue and reflected the light of the fire. He meant to say something else but what came out was: "what are ya making?"
Prowl looked at him, servos still working. "A courting gift." He smiled, showing needle like teeth.
Jazz blinked. Oh. oh. "I'm flattered but I've never had a serious relationship ya know? I kick in my sleep an' I'm grumpy in th' mornings. I'm a mess, ya can prob' find someone better."
"You are not scared of me." Prowl stated, head tilted.
"I mean, ya haven't tried ta eat me b'fore." He shrugged. His plan was Not working. At all. Plan B. "We can make a deal then."
Prowl paused, giving him his full attention. It made Jazz squirm but he held optic contact. "A deal? Interesting. What kind of deal?"
"Uh. We, um. Go on a few dates see if it works?" Like, Prowl would surely see Jazz was not the best mech around. His past could attest that.
"Dates, hm.. three dates, then. We shall see."
"Two. And then if it don' work ya let me leave and I won't say anything."
"Three."
Jazz crossed his arms. "Fine. Three dates, but swear you'll let me go after."
Shadows curled around Prowl, making him seem larger. "I promise to release you if you truly do not reciprocate after Three dates." His optics glowed and his body twisted to become one of a mech, a black and white Praxian with red accents.
Prowl stood up, offering a servo. "We will join your friends before they call a search."
"..really?"
"You made a pact with me. If you try to return on your word, the forest will take you." Prowl smiled. It was a little creepy.
"Okay." Jazz took the servo. The world shifted, darkness enveloping him in a swirling crystalline portal. He stumbled to his feet as Prowl held him upright. And already, he could hear Blaster and the others calling for his name. "Blaster!" He shouted.
Prowl led them around a river, then up a hill, most likely knowing where everyone was.
Jazz sprinted and collided with Blaster, who held him tightly. "Jazz! Where were you! We searched all night!"
"I'm sorry. I heard a bird in distress then got lost." He glanced behind, seeing Prowl waiting. "Uh, this is Prowl. He found me an' helped me find you."
Sideswipe snorted. "Only you to do that."
The rangers with them approached. "We'll get you back to camp and please don't go out at night out of the trail."
"Of course. Sorry."
They made their way out of the woods and into the trail, and after a few hours they arrived to the camp. The rangers bid them goodbye before leaving through the emergency trail. Jazz was.. a little worried. He wasn't really sure what he had gotten himself into but Prowl seemed amicable enough. Now for the introductions..
"So, this is Prowl. Prowl, these my friends Blaster, Bluestreak, Sideswipe, and Sunstreaker. Are we stayin' or we packing to go back to camp one?"
"We can camp and drive to camp one tomorrow." Blaster shrugged. "So, were you camping around here Prowl?"
"We could say so. Recharging under the stars is calming, with the breeze lighting a song within the trees."
Jazz heard Sunstreaker cough to hide a laugh and rolled his optics. He vented as he sat by the fire, reaching for the lukewarm energon, he was hungry and hadn't realized until now.
Prowl sat next to him, golden optics tracking his movements. Jazz was sure the mech rarely interacted with mecha because he looked a bit off and hoped the others wouldn't notice or accuse him of being a serial killer or something. Would Prowl be offended? Would he react in anger? It felt like Jazz was walking on eggshells and he hated it. The unknown had never scared him before but he couldn't help but cringe away from the shadows.
Bluestreak sat by Prowl, wings fluttering in wing-cant. - Hello!
-Hello. Friend of swirling-melody, J-a-z-z
::you okay?:: Blaster sent in comm.
Jazz turned to his friend with a smile. ::yeah I'm good. Just had a scare in the forest.::
Blaster glanced at Prowl who was in conversation with Bluestreak. ::he's not hurt you or anything? He's a bit odd but he seems polite::
::nah, he seems okay?:: aside from the whole mate thing but Jazz didn't tell that. He wrote a bit about being lost and that Prowl had been polite but he wished he could talk about the deal. Well.. The dates would be to get to know Prowl better and he had promised to let Jazz go. He could try.
--
Prowl offered his servo, and Jazz took it. He led them out of earshot further in the forest, but still in view of the camp. "I will sleep in the forest." He said, pulling Jazz closer. "Your friends are interesting. They care about you."
"Yeah. We'll drive tomorrow, d'you have an alt?"
"I can be anything." Prowl tilted his head. "Does this form pleases you?"
Jazz looked Prowl over, and the wings definitely did it but what he preferred were those golden optics and how they watched the world. "I do. But the appearances are not of what to look for in a mate ya know."
"I am quite aware." Prowl replied, amused. "You are gorgeous and intelligent." He leaned down, whispering against Jazz's audio. "And I am looking forward to learning more about you in your world."
Jazz shivered. He shook his head, pushing Prowl back. "I hope ya like music an' nights out." He grinned. "My world's a bit louder an' flashy."
"It will be an unique experience I'm sure."
-------
Jazz lived with Blaster in their too cramped apartment in downtown Iacon. It was a good ways from the forest and yet Prowl managed the travel just fine, having chosen the alt of a pursuit unit and it had made Jazz chuckle at the sight. He guessed since Prowl was made of crystals, he was born or appeared? Near Praxus. They had the most crystal species.
So after talking to Blaster, Jazz took Prowl home for their first date. It wasn't anything fancy, a cube and goodies he had made. They weren't perfect but he rarely cooked anyway.
Prowl looked around the apartment, while Jazz set up their food on the small table. "Do you play many instruments?" Prowl asked, holding a music sheet.
"Don' have th' money for it. I did borrow some from the library though. I mainly play Bass." Jazz approached. "Blaster loves music too. We share everything we can learn with each other."
"The city has changed much since I last stood in it." Prowl placed the sheet in the shelf before turning to Jazz, leading him to the table with a servo on his lower back. He even pulled the chair for him like in old romantic holos!
It was so awkward, Jazz thought. But kinda cute. He tilted his head away but from Prowl's smirk, he noticed Jazz blushing. "So how come you are the forest but you can walk among the cities?"
Prowl took the rust sticks from the plate. "Hm. Crystals grow underground. My territory reaches from Praxus, Petrex, to Iacon's border. The laws placed upon us are our protection."
"Ya live with others?"
"My turn for the question. Why did you leave Staniz?"
Jazz blinked under his visor. No one knew he wasn't from Polyhex proper, he'd escaped his old life, leaving everything behind. "It wasn't my scene." He shrugged, but Prowl regarded him with those piercing optics and it made him feel like Prowl wouldn't judge him. It made him feel safe and he'd only ever felt that with Blaster. "After a factory accident tha' could've been prevented I faked my death. Lived in th' streets until I had enough t' leave. Tha's when I met Blaster." He took a sip from his cube, never once looking away from Prowl.
"I live alone, but my territory is too large for I alone. Turbo foxes are my optics across the land."
"Ya were following me." Damn, he knew he wasn't crazy.
Prowl only smiled. "Show me music you enjoy."
Jazz wouldn't be told twice. He played songs, from popular covers he did, to instrumental, to many genres he liked. He talked about what got him most tips, and that interaction with the public was a must. He had a job with Blaster at the local bar, it wasn't high paying but it was enough for rent and food. The rest they borrowed from the library or found in charity shops.
They talked some more, light topics mainly. Jazz learned Prowl enjoyed reading and strategy games so he put a note to go to the library or shops to get one.
As night approached, Prowl exited, promising he would be back in two days for their next date.
Jazz leaned against the wall, not understanding why he felt safe with Prowl. The mech was, otherworldly but under the stoic figure was a dry sense of humor and yeah, Jazz was kinda in trouble for finding the mech interesting. It wasn't bad that Prowl was hot as Pit too. Ugh. Like, his true form. The mech form was nice but the crystalline moth wings? Jazz wanted to run his fingers over to see if they were as soft as they looked.
The door opened to Blaster coming home from his shopping. "How was your date?"
"It was good." Jazz groaned.
"Is it bad? I mean, you deserve nice things too."
Jazz barked out a laugh, couldn't help it. Blaster watched him with worry and, Jazz just, he spilled the beans. It was freeing to be able to tell his best friend, and maybe Blaster could offer some advice because this wasn't in any history book okay! Mythology, it depended honestly. Vague stories about forest fae but not a being like Prowl..
They were sitting on the couch by now, Blaster on the armchair and Jazz sprawled over the couch. "Two dates to go DJ and he's so nice to me. Dunno how I'm gonna say no to him."
"I'm just, it's hard to grasp."
Jazz rolled to his pedes and sat on Blaster, offering his wrist port. His friend connected and Jazz shared his memory files of that day. They watched in silence, only a small bout of fear coming from Blaster.
"You're right he's gorgeous." Blaster blurted out.
Jazz groaned. "Not helping DJ."
"I knooow. Sorry. Just, you promised three dates so I can help as much as I can. Do you want me to say we're together?"
"He knows when I lie. He's got that sixth sense or som. He's been a gentle mech so I'll go with th' flow ya know? I'm not forced after these dates."
"Okay." Blaster hugged him. "Let's go rest and then we can think up a place to go."
"You're the best ya know that?"
Blaster smiled. "We're there for each other Jazz-Meister. C'mon, off to berth we go."
---
Jazz was preparing his bass for his turn on the scene. The bar was full of mechas, giving it a party ambiance without being too loud. It was these moments Jazz enjoyed the most, where he could sing for others to enjoy. A few bots were the usual, and always left him generous tips.
He plugged in, checking the parameters before playing the first notes. It was a new song he'd created last night with Blaster, about learning a new world, in his case, learning about the otherworldly nature of the forest. He was cautious, but interested in all its wonders. It had secrets, but he was a very curious mech.
The patrons applauded him then he started on more regular pop songs.
During his last set, he felt once again that stare on his frame, it was so different it almost made him lose his cool. How Prowl had found him? No clue but the guy knew to make an entrance.
Jazz had finished his song and started to pack his bass when Prowl approached. "Hello Jazz."
"Didn't think ya one to be here."
"Usually not, you are correct. However, I wouldn't have missed this for anything. You truly have a gift, little songbird."
"My shift isn't done for a few hours." Jazz replied, trying to ignore that he was flustered from the words.
"I can wait." Prowl smiled. He made his way to an empty booth, no one paid attention to him.
Jazz shook his head and got back to work.
-
It was early in the morning after his shift when Prowl led Jazz somewhere, the mech wouldn't tell and Jazz didn't really mind, he knew he was safe and how crazy was that? He felt safer with a forest entity than mechas after hours. "Where are we going?" Jazz asked again.
"Be patient." Prowl admonished gently. "We're almost there. Are you tired?"
"Nah I'm good. I'm curious is all. Ya said much changed from the last time ya came here." They turned a corner, where Jazz knew there was a park, he'd never paused to stop there though.
"Indeed. An acquaintance own this territory. We speak rarely, our natures opposite. He is a gentle mech, and was willing to lend me time for our second date."
"Like what, now? I haven't washed or-"
"Just be yourself." Prowl smiled. "It is no issue to me, I have no sense of smell."
"Ya really know how ta talk to dates, huh Prowler?" Jazz rolled his optics, but was smiling.
"Prowler?"
Jazz shrugged. "Do ya like it?"
"Hm.. I do." Prowl offered his arm, that Jazz took. The world shifted as they entered the park, the noise of life disappearing behind them as if they were in a bubble out of time. Trees were surrounding them, and the field was filled with flowers or every colors, Jazz didn't even know where to start. Prowl led them up the hill, where a blanket was placed, along with goodies and energon. Jazz sat down, taking in all in. none of the flowers he recognized but he didn't doubt this was the power of another entity, and Prowl offered all this for him. He was no one, just a mech trying to live by.
"Why me?" Jazz whispered.
"Why not you?" Prowl paused. "I admit my instincts got the better of me, when you ran, I had to chase you. But despite your fear of the forest, you went out when you thought a spark was in distress. There is so much to love about you, dearest Jazz. I do apologize for taking you away, but I do not regret it."
"Okay. Yeah, that's.."
"Overwhelming?"
"Just a little." Jazz laughed, embarrassed.
"Then let me have one more dramatic moment," Prowl pulled a box from wherever and opened it. Inside was a necklace, with blue gems and red crystals intertwined together. "I release you from our pact."
Jazz saw dark smoke lift away from him. "I, what?"
"I wish to court you properly. Without fear or uncertainty. I was selfish in wanting to cage you and I apologize, little songbird. This is me trying to redeem myself. If you choose to continue courting, wear it and call my designation. I will come to you. This, is part of me, or my forest. If you truly never want to see me again, simply pull the string. The necklace will be no more and there crystals will release their magical call to me. I swear to the forest that I will not bother you again."
Prowl closed the box and gently put it in Jazz's servos. "Thank you for giving me some of your time, lovely Jazz. Enjoy the picnic, take your time to think. If you call, I will be there."
Prowl vanished in smoke, leaving the faint sound of wind chimes. Jazz stared at the box. It was what he had wanted, right? Then why did he feel sad?
He took the picnic basket and exited the forest. He found himself in the normal park nearby, and decided to go back home. A good sleep would surely help him process this.
-------
Blaster was worried for him, but Jazz was fine. He went back to his life, putting the forest and all of its contents in the back of his processor. Weeks went by, and Jazz found that he was missing something. He enjoyed his life, he had friends and he was free but..
He looked at the box. He opened it, and lifted the necklace up. It reflected the morning light softly, as the crystals hummed to each other. He shakily tied it around his neck, vented heavily before whispering the designation.
Smoke lifted as his bedroom darkened. It swirled around him as it formed a mech. Prowl smiled to him, optics soft and filled with love. Jazz closed the distance and pulled Prowl in a hug. "I think I was missin' part o' me somewhere in th' forest," he sang softly. "where fear turned to curiosity, an' a new understanding, oh stars, the forest was my safety blanket, with th' protector so lonely, his apologies swayed my spark, his genuine attention makin' me feel like the brightest gem in the universe.."
Jazz backed away, smiling. "Hi Prowler."
"Hello beautiful Jazz."
"I was thinking o' that restaurant down th' street."
"I would be delighted to go on our first date, my love."
"Lookin' forward to it."
"May I have this dance?"
Jazz played soft music as he took Prowl's servo.