The Power of Prayer {Closed: Alti, Ep 2}

[Deleted]

Episode 2
Week 4; Day 7
After ‘Dance with me, make me Sway’

The search for the priest with Knock Out had gone a little…Array to say the very least.

In other words? While she had thought the music had been distracting, the red Decepticon medic was even more distracting! She enjoyed his company, that much was for certain, but now it was far past the time she thought she would be back at base! So, here she was, sending a quick ‘call’ back to base, so that no one would worry – before she went about looking for that priest again.

Of course, she was starting to retrace her footsteps to the busier places she had visited earlier, and really? If she had simply asked someone else, instead of chattering away with the Con, she would have been pointed out to the old time worn Altruous ages ago! It was silly to think how much time could have been saved if she had gone her original plan, but she wasn’t going to complain too much. Sure, she had it in mind to see the priest and not to fraternize with a Decepticon, but in the long scheme of things? It had been pleasant talking with someone who also appreciated the arts, and it wasn’t a bad way to spend the morning.

Rota also had to remind herself that almost her whole day was one meant for a little bit of relaxation, as she had spent the night before making sure all her tasks were in order. There were a couple of things she still had left to do back on base, but they could easily wait until later – after she got back from this little excursion. Which, possibly could be on the downward slope as she found out where the priest was, with thanks to the help of femme who pointed out where he would be.

Which, happened to be in the bar area – which had since calmed down since she was last in here roughly thirty minutes ago. Slowly but surely, she started towards the older mech – before clearing her throat slightly as she drew closer to him. “Excuse me, are you Altruous, the priest?” Rota asked, a polite smile forming on her face. She just hoped that he wasn’t bothered by her coming up to him like this!

[Deleted]

Altruous was not much of a drinker - he could hold his highgrade shockingly well for a holy mech, but it was a talent he rarely, if ever, showcased. He simply wasn't fond of the taste, or the effects that partaking in such a recreational activity brought onto the body. He quite liked being fully cognizant, thank you, and besides, once he actually managed to imbibe enough highgrade to actually become intoxicated, he tended to get the spins.

He had a hard enough time nowadays standing upright whilst completely sober - he could only imagine what would happen if he decided to throw caution to the wind and drink himself well past a buzz.

That said, one would think a bar would be the very last place one would find the priest. However, Altruous very much liked to socialize, and out of all the places in Haven available to the public, the bar experience the most traffic. Mecha from both factions frequented it with something bordering on regularity, when their scarce amount of free-time allowed it, which made it the perfect place for the little old priest to sit and wait for company.

As Rotary approached, she would find the old mech sitting at the bar, leaning over the counter as he worked on something in front of him which one could not see from behind. He seemed to be rather engrossed with whatever he was doing, however, he was not too far gone that he did not hear the sound of Rotary's voice as she called out to him.

The ancient priest looked up, turning in his seat as he moved to look over his shoulder at the approaching femme. At the sight of her, his mouth pulled back into a broad grin and his optics crinkled at the corners, the old, worn mesh slightly cracked around the edges.

"Why, yes, that I am! And who might you be, little one? I don't believe we've been acquainted."

[Deleted]

Before the war, Rota was no stranger to socializing and enjoying every second of it. She was a social sort of femme, and while she spent plenty of time in bars – she had only become drunk a handful of times. Despite her knowing that bars were also meant for socializing, the femme was not exactly sure of the old priest’s personality. Sure, she had heard he was kind – but hearing and actually knowing were two very different things!

So, when he turned to her – and his mouth peeled back into a grin and his optics crinkled at the corners? Her own mouth formed a demure smile, glad to find out that his expected kindness was indeed true. “Unfortunately we have not been, my name is Rotary.” She told him. “I was, and still am, incredibly glad to have found out about you.” Her field bubbled with a decent amount of cheer. “I…have been wanting to talk with someone who was more…Spiritual for a long time now.” There was a hint of nervousness in her voice, but that could be chalked up to feeling like she didn’t deserve to be talking to the holy mech.

To put it simply, she felt like there were others who needed his services more than she did.

Shuffling her feet, the nervousness grew about her as she gave him a small smile. “That being, if you have time? If not I can come back.” Rota told him, not wanting to pressure him into speaking with her this very moment. Besides, it looked like he had been working on something a moment ago! Still, as much as she did not want to disturb him? A larger part of her hoped he was not as busy as she had assumed he was, because she could really use talking to someone like him.

Then again, talking to anyone could be useful – because she hadn’t done suc a thing in so long, it would be nice to get te weight off of her shoulders as the humans would say.

[Deleted]

It was no easy task, standing up. Perhaps for a younger, more able bodied mech it would have been a simple task, but for the old priest and his bad leg, it was a trial in and of itself. He shifted in his seat, touching the pede of his good leg to the floor first, so that he could shift his weight onto it without (much) fear of it giving in on him. The second leg followed soon after, the fragile, irreparably damaged joint creaking with the effort as he pushed himself to his feet and stood before Rota.

The preacher's pleasant smile was still firmly in place, despite the difficulty he had to overcome just to stand upright. It seemed not even the discomfort caused by putting pressure on his ailing joints could curb his enthusiasm for making a new acquaintance.

"My dear, of course I  have the time." He replied gently, his field and tone both alight with warmth.

He gestured with his free hand towards the small hallway at the far side of the room, directing Rota's attention towards it. "Please, come this way. Something tells me this is a conversation you would rather hold privately."


Turning, the old priest took a half-step in the other direction before pausing, then turning right back towards Rotary. He raised his brows, his hands resting atop the handle of his staff as he leaned against it for support and favored the femme with a curious look.

"Unless I am mistaken?"

[Deleted]

She watched him stand up, and the younger femme wished she was quicker to say he didn't need to stand! He was already standing up to his feet, the smile still on his face, and that was some relief to her.

His words, the warmth of his field and tone, were also relieving and she returned his smile with one of her own. “Thank you, I greatly appreciate this..” It was really the only thing she could say at the moment and when he gestured towards the hallway she hadn't noticed earlier, when she had been in this room with Knock Out, she gave him a small nod. If he had continued towards the direction he had gestured towards, she would have followed him.

But before he did, and right before she moved to start following, he stopped. His curious look made her own 'brows' rising back at him and when he asked if his assumption was wrong? Her helm was quick to shake 'no' and she gave him a slightly brighter smile thanks to his gentleness. “You were right, in that I would rather talk to you in private.” She told him, her words soft. “I feel it would be better to.” At the remark, her optics lowered slightly to look downwards at her feet before she looked back up at him.

“Besides, I do not want anyone to hear what might be silly thoughts on my part.” In reality, she did not want to potentially offend any Decepticon here in this room. They might have been the enemy, they certainly knew they had killed Autobots in the past, but for now? There was the truce, and Rotary was a sensitive femme who honestly wanted to try to be friendly despite the past. This would be mentioned to the old mech in due time, but for now? Her little 'fear' would be what he heard in a room with possibly over observant ears.

Hopefully, he would understand.

[Deleted]

The old mech shook his head at that last comment, his hand waving dismissively as if to brush away Rotary's insecurities.

"Nonsense. There's no such thing as silly thoughts. If they trouble you, they are worth hearing."

He favored the young femme with a reassuring smile, his optics glowing warmly as he crooked his elbow and held his arm out in offering. Judging by her frame-type, the ordination engravings decorating her plating, and the intricate, artful design of her helm, the old mech guessed Rotary was of a higher caste - as such, he figured she might feel a little more at home if she were to be escorted to his office as opposed to simply being lead there.

"Now, let's show you to my little hole in the wall, shall we?" He asked, before turning to casually make their way to the room at the far end of the bar.

Once inside, Rotary would find the room was smaller than one might expect, though it was more cozy than cramped. In lieu of steel, wood, or other coverings, the floor was left bare. The stone beneath their feet was not rough, however, as it had been polished and sanded until it was level and smooth to the touch. The room itself was sparsely furnished, just a few chairs of varying sizes all arranged in a tidy, close-knit circle. In the center of the circle, on the cool stone floor, was - of all things - a zen garden. Carved into the floor, three inches deep, was a circular pit filled with fine white sand. The old mech had painstakingly raked the sand into a pattern, creating groves around the stones which peppered the sand plot here and there.

Whether the garden was soothing to look at, or simply confusing, depended on the person. Altruous himself found it to be quite relaxing, though he knew all too well that his tastes did not suite everyone.

Smiling, the old mech waved his free arm towards the room in all its simple splendor.

"Here we are, my haven within Haven." He grinned broadly at his own joke, his field rippling with mirth as he took a step forward, gently tugging Rotary inside along with him.

"Have a seat wherever you wish, my dear, make yourself comfortable."

[Deleted]

Oh it was so nice to have someone wave off her insecurities like that. It didn't work completely, but it did make her feel better (at least a little bit) already. It was a small sign that she had indeed made the right choice in coming here, that it was a good thing she had not simply given up in finding the older mech who could give her some much needed guidance.

She would have been fine in simply following him, but when he offered his arm – it was a welcoming gesture that she took graciously. “I am sure your 'little hole in the wall' is lovely.” Rota replied with a small smile as she carefully walked alongside him. Of course, when he lead her towards the room at the far end of the bar? She wanted to smack herself for not thinking to check over there! If he had been in there while her and Knock Out were in the bar area, well, they were within stones throw of where she had wanted to be.

Oh well, at least she was here in the small (but comfortable) room. The stone was smooth against her feet, and the careful design that was raked into the sand was simplistic, but beautiful. She was a little confused by it, she was still learning about the various Earth cultures, she simply found it holding it's own sense of beauty – and she would later ask about it, just to learn and to possibly get one together in her own quarters. At least a small little desk equivalent.

Her smile widen at his little joke, moving along with him as he gently tugged her along. “Can see why, it is peaceful here...You can feel it.” She commented, though she had a feeling that had much to do with Altruous himself, he exuded peacefulness.

When he mentioned to have a seat wherever she wished, she nodded and slowly unlinked her arm with his in order to sit down. She chosen one of the more simpler chairs that looked like it would easily hold her weight, and she sat down – legs crossed at the ankles like the proper femme she was raised to be.

A slow huff of air left her and she glanced towards him while he got comfortable himself. “I suppose, I should start sharing why I am here?” She asked, there was a slight nervousness again – feeling like he had far more important things to do.

Calming herself, she let out another huff of air. “When I was evacuated from Cybertron, I lost the mech I had cared deeply for. I was alone for so long in my shuttle that my thoughts started to..wear me down.” She explained, the soft smile she had worn earlier was gone now and there was an almost sad expression on her face.

“What I had done for the Autobots before we all had left, was served as a counselor – to help settle others processors. I almost, feel like I can't do that now – not until I have sorted myself out again...It almost feels wrong to in a way, even if it has been so long.” The femme admitted and she shook her helm. “I feel so silly for it, I really do. I'm sure you have more important things to do.”

[Deleted]

It was only after Rotary seated herself that the old mech settled himself down and made himself comfortable as well, choosing a seat across from the young femme as opposed to one directly beside her. While a closer proximity could foster feelings of trust and familiarity, it could also be uncomfortable and stifling - it all depended on the person, and how they felt at the moment in time. No matter how friendly, open, or touchy-feely the person seemed at first glance, the old priest preferred to keep his distance until he had a better handle on their temperament and preferences.

After all, he was long past his prime. He couldn't afford to repeat the follies of his youth, not with his body failing him as it was. As much as he'd have liked to give everyone the benefit of the doubt and assume they wouldn't suffer a sudden, explosive breakdown and put his head through the wall because he had the misfortune of being the closest living thing in grabbing-range, he just couldn't take that risk.

Not that he felt Rotary was at all unstable, mind. He doubted the femme had a violent strut in her body, but it paid to be careful when one was as fragile as the old priest. Things could go wrong, his assumptions could turn against him, the femme's looks could be deceiving - any number of things could happen, and it was this reason alone that Altruous put a healthy amount of distance between himself and Rotary.

Sometimes all it took was one slip up, one poorly placed word, and suddenly you'd find yourself staring down a once-sleeping dragon, its fangs poised and ready to sink into the unlucky sod that dared to wake it.

Resting comfortably in his seat, the old mech brushed aside all thoughts of this little chit-chat turning unfortunate and instead focused his attention on Rotary, his expression relaxing into a patient smile as he waited for her to say her piece. As the words fell from her mouth bit by bit, each part coming together to form a larger whole, the old mech nodded, encouraging her to continue.

As she spoke, the old mech's expression twisted with sympathy. Ah, so she had lost someone she cared for. It was a tragedy, albeit a small one, but a tragedy none the less. He wished he could say she was the first person to come to him with confessions of grief, but alas, that simply was not the sort of world they lived in. The war left no one unscathed. No one was spared its cruelty, not entirely. Some were luckier than others - Rotary, thank Primus - seemed like one of the luckier ones. The pain of losing a loved one was something Altruous would never wish upon any living soul, but if that pain was the worst the femme had to contend with, well, Atruous would be grateful for it.

"My dear, you may have noticed that I am a very old mech. Very old. I don't have much time left in this world, and so I have an obligation to make the most of my life while I still have life in me. That said...do you really think I would be sitting here, opening my arms to you, if I thought this was a waste of my precious little time?"

He smiled softly, amusement dancing in his field and in his optics as he leaned forward a bit, resting his hands between his knees as he raised a brow and gave Rotary an arch look.

"I am here with you now because there is no other place I would rather be, little one. Do not think of yourself as a burden."

[Deleted]

Rotary would understand why he sat at a very slight distance. After all, she had talked to mecha who seemed so...Open and friendly, but would snap at her when talk became too...Personal. They had never done her any physical harm, and she was quick enough to get out of the way if something was thrown at her. In the priests case, he was older and while she herself was fragile? She had 'youth' on her side, and she would be able to bounce back instead of being broken like he would be.

As for herself, even if something was a touch sensitive, Rota was not the sort to lash out – which in time Alti would realize his thoughts of her not having a violent strut in her body was a very true thought. She would feel sad by digging through old thoughts, but she would not lash out at the kind mech siting nearby. She couldn't lash out at anyone for that matter, but he had no way of knowing that for certain.

When it came to the lost she thought far too much about during her time alone, it felt like...Nothing compared to what others had faced. She knew it was a small thing, something she felt was so...Minuscule to everything else it was so stupid compared to the larger problems others had. Alti on the other hand, did not see it that way. He only offered her kindness and a warm field that was tinged in amusement. That field, like a hug or as a human would say – a warmed blanket that was wrapped around her shoulders.

Her optics lifted from her hands, to look up at his raised brow look and the soft smile on his face. The amusement was in his optics, like it was in his field. A slow huff of air left her, and she slowly smiled in return at him. There was a small feeling of relief, and her own field was a little less heavy than it had been a moment ago. “You...have such a kind spark, Altruous.” Rota mentioned softly. “Thank you for listening.” She told him before letting out another huff of air.

“During the time I was alone, I began to wonder if he has peace or...if his spark is wandering aimlessly.” She told him. “I also wondered if, I was too upset over his passing – over what could have been if there was no war.” She shook her helm a little. “Wonder what would have happened if he hadn't shoved me into the ship we were going to use to get off planet.” The smile she had worn for a brief moment was faded by now as she looked up at the older mech.

“I do not know if I even believe in the old tales still...” She admitted, the words were soft as she looked away from him for a moment to gaze upon the zen garden he had created. In a way, it felt like she was having some sort of spiritual crisis and she didn't know what to believe in. It left her terribly...Lost when she didn't feel lost before.

(Hope it works Dx I know a little about the stuff they did like well of allsparks and stuffs but I'm shaky on that knowledge, I just imagine Rota is like a having her moment of 'does god exist, is cipher in heaven, is there a heaven' type of thing but the words were escaping me 8I)

[Deleted]

Rotary was by no means the first person that had come to the old priest, seeking refuge from their bereavement, and she would by no means be the last. It pained the old mech to know this, to know that there would inevitably be others who would experience that same suffering,  but such was the way of the world. Love and heartache went hand in hand in much the same way as life and death. The two were inseparable, unavoidable. If one loved, one always risked heartbreak, without exception. For Cybertronains, that heartbreak often came mercifully late or tragically soon - though their near-endless lifespans had once been the envy of countless species, Cybertronains these days rarely survived into what they would consider old age.

Rotary fell into the latter category - heartbreak had come for her far, far too soon, robbing her of the chance to grow old with the mech she loved. It broke the old priest's heart. Rotary, and all the mecha like her whom he had consoled for their various losses, deserved better than this. No one deserved to have something so dear to them taken away, especially not when they had so much of their lives left to live. To think of all that time being spent mourning the loss of someone taken from them so early on in their lives - it made the old mech want to weep. Not that he physically could, at least not in the way the Humans did, but still. It made his spark ache to think of how much grief the young femme sitting across from him had suffered in her short life - a life which should have been so much more than this war had allowed her.

"Do you believe that is all they are? Tales, and not truth?" He asked gently, his voice quiet and undemanding. "You needn't worry, there is no "wrong" answer. No matter what you say, I won't take offense. This is not about what I believe, but rather, what you feel the truth to be."

[Deleted]

Having lost someone she loved so young, was horrible. It was a fate that should not happen to anyone, but unfortunately with the war? It was something that was bound to happen. Of course, Rota knew what losing someone so tragically soon was like first hand. There were times she wondered if she had not been alone for so long? She might not have such a need to talk to Alti about her lost. But the fact she had been on her own, stuck with her own thoughts, well...It was of course what brought her here today.

His question, the gentleness in the way he spoke, and the general kindness that radiated in his field brought a faint smile to her faceplate before she let out a huff of air from her vents in thought. “I do not know what to believe.” She admitted. “I feel that they are true but at the same time? I feel that they were tall tales told to sparklings who misbehaved.” Rota told him honestly before another huff of air left her.

“I would debate with myself on whether or not what I had been raised with were lies or not.” She told him. “I still feel there is truth, that departed souls go back to the Allspark. I hope it is, because of the thought that those I have lost and wandering without peace is..Terrifying to me.” She explained, even shuddering ever so slightly as she thought about it. “It was a thought that would keep me from properly resting for many cycles” It was also the thought that would cause the debates on that long and lonely trip of hers.

[Deleted]

What Rotary was saying, the doubts and fears she had been harboring all this time - it was nothing new to the old mech. It was nothing he hadn't heard before, time and time again, from the mouths of hundreds of other 'bots who had come to him just as Rotary had, seeking comfort, or answers, or simply a shoulder to cry on.

Whichever one the young femme needed, whichever she asked of him, he would provide it without hesitation. It was not a matter of if, or how, but when.

"Mmm. And these thoughts, these doubts. Do they still trouble you?" He asked gently. "Do they still keep you awake at night, or have they become less distressing over the years?"

What he had wanted to do was assure Rotary that she had nothing to be concerned over, to tell her exactly what she wanted to hear with absolute conviction, but he knew better than to do any such thing until he knew where the femme stood. If she had spent years suffering from doubt and spiritual malaise, it was entirely possible she would not believe such a seemingly grandiose claim. His words would seem insincere, as if he were pandering to her deepest desires rather than speaking to her truthfully. At the same time, if he went the opposite route and tried to assuage her fears of there being no afterlife by explaining how that might not be quite as terrible as she imagines, then he would risk unintentionally confirming the very fears she had been harboring. After all, what sort of priest would comfort someone about the potential lack of an afterlife, unless they themselves doubted there was one?

Well, Altruous liked to think that any priest worth their salt would be able to comfort anyone seeking their counsel with or without resorting to using their own personal beliefs to back their claims, but he knew that was not often the case. What's more, he knew that even when it was, most mecha were wholly unable to believe it.

The last thing he wanted to do was confuse Rotary further, and exacerbate her already painful condition.