Transformers: Prime: Web of Shadows

Chapter 7: A Light That Burns

Sideswipe and Strongarm's residence in Iacon had always been lively, but ever since Landslide brought Janey home, the energy had shifted into something far more curious—and occasionally unsettling. Janey hadn't just been a guest; she had become part of their daily routine, slipping in and out of shadows with an ease that made even seasoned warriors blink twice.

Neither Sideswipe nor Strongarm had ever believed the old stories about Shadowcons—Cybertronian-like beings made of darkness, smoke, and whispered legends. But Janey proved those stories true every time she moved.

In the living room, Landslide sat beside his younger brothers, Aeroclash and little Rock Out. The sparkling was perched on a cushion, bouncing his legs as he stared wide-eyed at Janey, who sat calmly across from them, her dark aura faint but ever-present.

Aeroclash leaned forward, curiosity overriding caution.
"How do you blend into the shadows so fast?" he asked.

Janey shrugged lightly, as if it were nothing at all.
"I'm a Shadowcon. I was born with shadow manipulation powers."

Landslide nodded, still fascinated despite having seen her abilities more than once.
"What else can you do?"

Janey didn't hesitate.
"I can read minds."

Aeroclash's eyes widened. "Oh, really? Then what am I thinking about right now?"

She met his gaze with unsettling calm.
"You think I'm weird."

Aeroclash jolted. "H–How did you...?"

"And," Janey added, "you're jealous of your older half-brothers because they have more experience and maturity than you."

Aeroclash froze, color draining from his face. "How do you know that?"

"Shadowcons don't just control darkness," Janey said. "We read minds. We smell fear. And I know what you're afraid of."

Landslide held up a hand before Aeroclash could spiral further.
"Okay, that's enough, Janey. I think you've proved your point."

Aeroclash crossed his arms, shivering slightly.
"I swear, your friend gives me the creeps."

Landslide ignored him and turned back to Janey.
"So... how did you manage to leave the Shadow Dimension?"

Janey's expression grew distant, her voice quieter.
"I pushed through the barriers with my shadow abilities. The Shadow Dimension was created as a prison in outer space by Primus himself. But when he fell into eternal slumber—after Cybertron shut down during the eons-long war—a few of us grew strong enough to break our way out. Not many can do it. Only Blight and the strongest Shadowcons can leave at will."

"How'd you end up on Cybertron? Where I found you?" Landslide asked.

"When I broke out," Janey said, "I was lost in deep space for a long time. Eventually... I crashed onto your planet."

Aeroclash had finally recovered enough from his earlier shock to ask, "So... who is Blight?"

Janey's voice darkened.
"He was the first Shadowcon. Unicron created him as one of his Heralds, and Blight became our leader after that. Our entire species was made to spy on the Thirteen Original Primes—to hide in the shadows Unicron forged for us using his own blood."

"Dark Energon," Landslide murmured.

Janey nodded. "Correct."

She tilted her head slightly. "You told me you sparklings go to something called school. What is school?"

Aeroclash groaned. "A place where kids learn things... and a place most of us don't want to go."

Janey blinked. "Is that because of boring classes and school bullies?"