A/N: HELLO! Welcome to my new story! I have had this written awhile now but have never found the courage to publish it; now I have and I am ready for this!
This idea came to me a few years back and I just adore the thought of Optimus developing a father-daughter like relationship with a human. I believe he should be given more of a personal interaction with a human being and this is my way of achieving that.
This is set in the TFP universe and I hope you all enjoy it!
(())
Lana was never a confident, outspoken girl, nor was she loud and boisterous. Meek and timid were her usual characteristics. Whenever someone was to raise their voice or move chaotically in anger or frustration, the girl would drop her gaze to the ground. An action she often does, she mused to herself as her emerald orbs stared silently at the floorboards of her aunt's living room.
"Late, again! What are you even doing at this time of night?" her aunt, Olivia, berated angrily and paced in front of her, thin arms crossed over her chest. Lana could see that she was breathing heavily in her rage. Her face was red too. The woman looked as if she was about to have a seizure.
"I-I'm sorry Aunt Olivia...I w-was landscape drawing again..", she clutched her worn sketchbook close to her with her reply. Her eyes drifted up nervously.
The black haired woman's head whipped around to look at her. Blue eyes alight with her harsh glare, her mouth shaped into a snarl. Lana took a small step back in response, fighting the urge to drop her gaze again so as not to be disrespectful.
"Drawing?! How do you hope to graduate when you are off doing something so ridiculous!? " Aunt Olivia shouted once again. "Art is not a responsible or secure career to have Lana!"
The girl of sixteen years blinked back the onslaught of tears she felt in her eyes. Her aunt becoming angry and yelling at her was a common occurrence. Ever since the death of her parents, Lana had been living with Olivia Campbell, her father's older sister. Olivia and her brother, Ryan, weren't close but she was the next of kin. She was given the responsibility of caring for Lana and couldn't abandon her.
"I-I'm sorry Auntie. It won't happen again..." Lana muttered sadly and dropped her head again. She hated this...
"I have heard that before. Just get up to your room, you have school tomorrow." The woman sighed and rolled her eyes heavenward before departing to the kitchen to finish up the dirty dishes. Deep down, she hated reprimanding her niece but it had to be done; her parents would expect the best from the sixteen year old.
Lana turned and trudged up the staircase, the squeak of the top step ringing louder than normal in her ears, before making her way down the hall and into her bedroom. She set her sketchbook down on top of the chested drawers next to the door and moved to flop down onto her bed. Her emerald eyes blinked up at the off-white ceiling. Her thoughts went to her parents again. They had died eight years ago, in a car accident on their way home from an out-of-town trip. As they were approaching the main highway leading back to Jasper, Nevada, a drunk driver had collided with the drivers side of her parents' car; her father's death was instantaneous and her mother passed a short while after from blood loss.
She remembered the day so clearly in her mind, the shock of the loss nearly bringing her younger self to madness. Lana refused to speak to anyone for days, even after the funeral. She realised soon, however, that her parents wouldn't have wanted her to waste away like that. So she moved in with her aunt and continued to live her life.
"Not much of a life really, I don't think I will ever amount to anything..." she whispered softly to herself and rolled to lay on her side on top of the baby blue bed covers. Her reflection in the mirror across from her stared at her with a sad emerald-green gaze. Her brown bangs fell into her eyes slightly and her long plait laid limply over her shoulder.
There was love from her aunt, though she knew Olivia preferred not to show it. Lana wanted more though. She wanted the love that came with a family. She wanted the bond that came with a family. At this point though, she believed that she would never feel such a love.
Familial love.
(())
After a coarse word of warning from her aunt, Lana Campbell was off for another day of school. Making sure to pack her sketchbook, she dashed out the front door. She walked down the pathway, glancing at passing cars whenever they came. She was currently a sophomore at Jasper High School and even though most teenagers hated attending, Lana happened to adore school and her classes. Regardless of her aunt's rants, Lana was actually a good student. She often achieved excellent grades and studied hard enough.
"Lana!", the young voice calling brought a small smile to the girl's face. Spinning around on her heel, she waved a little to the boy dashing toward her.
"Good morning Raf! Ready for school?" she asked when he stopped in front of her, panting lightly from his run. He had never been the athletic type.
He nodded, grinning up at her. "Of course I am. Aren't I always?"
Rafael Esquivel was a short boy with slicked-back brown hair, a shade darker than her own. Still, it was quite spiked and a tad unruly. He was her only real friend here in Jasper, her best friend really. Lana didn't care that he was nearly four years her junior, Raf understood her and accepted her for who she was. Also, he may not look it but Raf was a genius and a prodigy. His intelligence and exceptional grades leading to his placement in high school at the tender age of twelve(and a quarter).
"Yes, always. You're such a little nerd after all!" Lana giggled and ruffled his hair, the boy batting her hands away with a whine. She was more confident around him, she noticed.
"I'm not a nerd." Raf huffed and strode by her, his lips set in an annoyed pout.
Lana didn't comment and instead felt a gentle smile form on her face. He was such an adorable little nerd, and he knew it.
"I brought my remote control car to race after school if you want to join me." he piped up a few seconds later and gestured to the bag on his back. It stuck out more than usual and Lana knew it was due to the car sitting inside. Raf loved that toy. She recalled that he had received it for Christmas last year from his older sister, Maria.
The young girl nodded her head as they turned to walk up the path to the school doors. "I'd love to join. I just have to be home before sundown."
"It's no problem. Mama wants me home then too."
Evidently, Lana's favourite class was Art. Miss Bright was a kind teacher, often allowing the students to make their own creations and use their own imaginations. At the moment, Lana was painting the landscape she sketched last night in her trusty sketchbook. The Nevada desert sky was beautiful at night, each star gleaming vividly and the sheer amount awe inspiring. She remembered sitting on a flat rock on the outskirts of town and gazing up at the twilight, her hand moving fluidly across the page. She had drawn the subject matter quickly with her collection of colour pencils.
Lana cocked her head to the side as she blended the white of one star into the black-blue of the sky using her fine hair brush. The effect was beautiful.
'Acrylics are easy to use if you know how', the girl thought to herself and stepped back to look over her work.
"Ooooh! I love it! You should add some crazy killer spaceships!" Lana spun around and came face-to-face with the grinning face of Miko Nakadi. Lana remembered first seeing her a few weeks back, when the loud girl had transferred to the school from Tokyo.
"Something like that anyway." Miko finished, her almond gaze roving over the painting. "It would make it soooo rad!"
"...I prefer it this way. Simple and clear." Lana's voice was quiet and gentle as she spoke, her hands fidgeting a little. She wasn't used to receiving compliments by anyone other than Miss Bright, she felt a little embarrassed; but also felt a surge of pride for her work.
Miko waved her hands and grinned even wider, "Whatever you think, you are the artist!" She then bounced closer to Lana and held her hand out. "I'm Miko Nakadi! It is a pleasure to meet you Miss Artist!"
"O-Oh no! It's just Lana. Lana Campbell." she replied shyly and shook the Japanese girl's hand, her grip soft but firm enough. "It is lovely meeting you too Miko. I never did get the chance to introduce myself when you transferred here."
Miko laughed loudly, causing a few students to turn their heads. "Yeah, I can see you are a little shy! There is no need to be though, you seem cool enough to me!"
Lana could feel her face turning pink at her words, her embarrassment obvious as she shook her head quickly. "T-Thank you! But I-I'm really not that cool!"
"Nahhhhh you are! You are obviously nice and sweet, not many people around here are like that." Miko said. "So, let's be friends!"
"F-Friends?" An incredulous expression graced the emerald eyed girls features and she barely noticed that she had dropped the paintbrush.
"Yeah! Why not? Like I said, you seem like a cool girl!"
The bell sounding the end of class began to ring and Miko grabbed her backpack, yelling something about how she'd get Lana's number later as she raced out of the room. Lana, however, barely heard her. She was too overcome by the fact that someone as bouncy and loud as Miko wanted to be her friend. Her friend.
And the day only got stranger from there. But Lana would soon learn that strange days were sometimes amazing and ultimately life-changing.
(())
Lana sat with her back to the wall, the top of her pencil between her plump, pink lips as she contemplated what to draw on the blank page of the sketchbook resting in her lap. Next to her, Rafael was releasing cute 'vrooming' sounds as he messed with the controller, driving the little yellow car at a fast speed. Her emerald-green orbs followed the toy for a few seconds before dropping to the page again. What, oh what, should she draw?
She heard Rafael retrieve his phone from his pocket.
"Hi Mama!...Racing...Just down the street with Lana!...Okay, just five more minutes?...And yes, I'll tell her!"
"Five more minutes is going to turn into an hour before you even realise it", she spoke and her eyebrows furrowed in slight annoyance as she continued her staring match with the page. "And tell who what?"
"Oh she wants to invite you over for dinner tomorrow night", he replied absentmindedly as he beat down on the controller.
"That's sound great, I'd-"
The revving of a motorcycle cut her off and before she knew it, the origin of the sound had landed in front of them. A boy was sitting on it, Lana knew him from some of her classes. Jack Darby was his name. And he had hurled the bike right over their heads.
"Woah!" She heard Rafael gasp and nearly did herself. It was an amazing sight.
Jack shook his head in bewilderment, "You have no idea."
Another, much louder, revving was heard behind them. Lana spun around and they all watched in shock as two twin cars came barrelling down the embankment. Lana's breath caught in her throat as they drove off the edge and transformed midair. Transformed into huge robots. Absolutely terrifying robots! They had shining purple armour and their faces were obscured by gleaming visors that struck fear into her heart.
The girl heard gears and metal shifting behind her and looked back. The motorcycle had changed too! She was so tall and obviously not an emotionless automaton. The fierce glare on the strikingly gorgeous metallic face spoke that much. The look was directed at two other robotic forms, males from what Lana could see. They were bigger too.
Lana raced to the side with Raf and Jack, holding her sketchpad close. Curiosity overcame her and she turned to watch the fight with the boys when they were at a safe distance.
With an angry bellow of "This ends here 'Cons!", the female bot dashed forward to battle the two. She expertly kicked one of the males down with a loud battle cry before taking care of the other. She was incredible to watch, Lana was engrossed by the fluid movements of her. She would be fantastic to draw, the girl thought as she witnessed the brawl.
"W-What are they?" Raf asked.
"Talking cars that turn into robots, or the other way around!" Jack seemed too shocked by the scene to fully process this.
Lana shrugged, "Who knows...but they are something else..."
(())
Arcee leaped up and gave the enemy Decepticon a hard kick to the chest plates. She wanted them to hurt. To feel nothing but pain. They would pay for they did to her partner!
She released a series of rage induced punches, launching them into the Decepticon's abdomen. "THIS. IS. FOR. CLIFF!" The final one landed right on the con's visor-clad face and his head whipped to the side before turning to look at her slowly.
The femme backed up warily and began to backflip away from the two when they started shooting at her. They were ferocious in their attacks. She hoped they would avoid the children and go for her alone. They were only humans but they didn't deserve to be scrapped by the Decepticons. These thoughts distracted her and an energon blast hit her chest, sending her flying back with a grunt.
'Scrap!'
(())
Lana gasped as she watched the female robot slam onto the ground. She nearly rushed forward but the familiar sound of gears shifting made her look up at the bridge.
Another robotic being had joined the fray.
A yellow and black custom-made muscle car transformed into his bipedal form and landed on one of the twin cars. He then grabbed the arm of the other and sent a harsh punch into his face.
It was this battle which led to the destruction of poor Rafael's toy car.
The yellow bot took his foot away from the crushed car and appeared to look apologetic as he beeped to Rafael. Not spoke, but beeped. Lana blinked at the bot, surprised by the sound, and realised that she found him quite adorable. Especially the beeping!
"No problem, really!" the young boy smiled at him. The bot nodded but was soon shot at by the two opponents, causing him to fall back.
Lana let out a startled yelp and took a step forward, concern welling in her for the yellow robot. She gazed upon the sight in fear as the two cons crowded the downed bot, aiming their blasters at him.
Raf reacted to this angrily, "LEAVE HIM ALONE!"
The two looked at them through glaring red visors and directed their weapons at them. They didn't seem happy at all.
Lana latched onto Raf's hand as he stammered, "...Please?"
"Bad call!" Jack quickly grabbed Raf and Lana, her yelping and having a vice grip on her sketchbook. They made a mad dash for the sewage pipe and managed to enter it before the purple-armoured cons got to them. Lana panted and held her book close, the event happening so quickly she could barely process it. She nearly shrieked however when she glanced back and saw the clawed hand coming for them. She heard Jack yell for them to hurry and she tried to.
The hand suddenly disappeared. The con was knocked away from the pipe by the yellow bot, whose head appeared at the opening. His huge blue orbs seemed to twist and enlarge even more as he beeped to them. Lana confirmed that yes, she did find him cute. Lana caught the eye of the robot, holding the contact for a few seconds before looking at the boys.
"Thank you!" Raf squeaked before Jack ushered them down the pipe and away from the fight. "Don't look back guys!"
"W-What did we just see?" She stuttered and Raf seemed to be asking the same question as he looked fearfully at Jack who shook his head, "Don't know and I am not sure I wanna find out!" With that, they all continued their way down the pipe, desperate to find the exit and
(())
Minutes had passed, it felt like hours, before they found their way out. Jack seemed to be internally and externally freaking out as he threw his hands up into the air and paced in front of them. Lana and Rafael watched with wide eyes, their own minds still coming to terms with what happened. The girl could make out that they were near the road leading into the suburbs of the town, her own house wasn't far from here. Her aunt was probably home and ready to hunt the girl down.
"What was that!? I mean, all I was doing was talking to Sienna when the motorcycle I was sitting on suddenly drove off and started talking to me!" Jack sputtered and threw his hands to-and-fro. "And a robot fight! A real robot fight!"
Lana held her sketchbook closer to her chest as she listened to his rant of what happened. Actual robots? She wondered who made them, or if they were even created by humans at all.
"Jack, what happened just now was crazy but if we don't get home now, our families will send out squadrons of police to look for us!" Rafael looked up at the darkening sky urgently. None of them had realised how much time had passed.
Lana's eyes moved from Rafael back to Jack before she spoke, "R-Raf is right. For now, we need to get home...I am sure we can come up with a plausible explanation for this tomorrow."
"...You're both right. Freaking out right now won't help at all." Jack sighed and ran his fingers through his inky black hair.
"...We need to keep this on the down low for now...People would think we were insane if we spoke of this." Lana tucked a lock of brown hair behind her ear. It felt grimy and unkempt. She would need to shower, especially after being in that filthy pipe.
Jack mulled this over in his head and nodded. He has to agree with that, anyone would send them off to the nuthouse if they heard about this. "Good idea. I agree. DL for now!"
"Then let's get going", Raf secured the bag on his back, "I still have homework!"
(())
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Lana continued to tap the end of her pencil on the wooden desk, watching the clock on the far wall. Only two minutes left and then she could go home. Her aunt was furious last night, again, so she expected her home straight after school. The woman showed her protectiveness in the strangest ways. Even in the years she had been living with her, the woman rarely ever smiled or laughed. She never seemed proud of Lana's accomplishments or achievements. Olivia was a very taciturn, stoic person...except for when she was angry; which was mostly at Lana herself.
The bell began ringing and the young girl put her things away before standing and making her way out of the classroom. She passed Sienna and a group of girls as she headed for the front doors. The redhead gave her a kind smile and she returned it shyly. Sienna may seem a little stuck up but she can be nice, she has never treated Lana badly and often makes conversation with her in Chemistry class.
Lana met Rafael outside. She immediately felt brighter at the sight of him as she hurried over to him.
"How was your last class?" He smiled up at her and it widened in amusement when Lana groaned. He knew how much she hated Math.
"Sucked as usual! Honestly, when will we ever need to use imaginary numbers and Trigonometry?" Her tone was whiny and drawn out.
Rafael chuckled and shrugged, not knowing how to answer. Then, a familiar boy leaving the school caught his eye. He waved Jack over and Lana smiled kindly at the older boy when he reached the two. Jack seemed frazzled and she could see sweat dotting his forehead.
"Raf, Lana! Hey...Look, let's just keep this between us. Forget anything ever happened okay? Just like what Lana said last night, nobody has to know." Jack said and gave them a pleading look.
Lana was about to respond when she heard a car horn beep. She turned and blinked owlishly when a familiar muscle car pulled up.
"Jack, Lana!" Rafael murmured in astonishment, his large brown eyes on the yellow car.
Lana held her sketchbook close, "It's him..." She couldn't believe it, the robot was back. How did he find them and what did he want?
"Oh not again!" Jack cried and took a small step back as the door to the car-robot- opened.
Lana heard beeping coming from it and tried not to giggle. It really was the most adorable sound she had ever heard and she was like a broken record at this stage with how much she had thought this.
Jack frowned slightly, "I-It wants us to get in."
Rafael shook his head, brown hair swaying. "No, just Lana and I."
"Huh?" The robot wanted her to go too. Her aunt would kill her...Wait! Raf could understand it. He knew what the robot said. Lana couldn't help frowning and glanced at Jack who gaped at Raf.
"What? How do you know that?!"
Rafael smiled and rolled his shoulders in a shrug, "It said so."
"What?!" The older boy demanded.
Rafael grabbed his arm and gestured to the parking lot outside the school. "Yours is over there."
Lana saw the dark blue motorcycle and could see that Jack was trying to come to terms with all this madness. He had to ride the motorcycle and she had to get into this strange robotic being and go who knows where.
She decided that this would be interesting and she wanted to know more about these strange beings, so she went with Raf to climb into the car.
"Look, I really don't think- Guys wait! Stop!" Lana heard Jack yelling and trying to chase after them. The car was too fast though, and they soon found themselves speeding down the road.
The teenage girl shuffled awkwardly in her seat on the passenger side, suddenly feeling shy and nervous. The robot's vehicle form felt like any other car. His seats were smooth and comfortable, he was even warm. She wondered what his name was, or if he even had one. She...may as well ask.
"H-Hey...what is your name?" She asked quietly and saw Rafael grin in the back seat as a happy beeping sound came from the radio.
"His name is Bumblebee!"
Lana smiled softly and giggled. "That is a really nice name...I never thought a robot would be called that." It was an adorable name too. A robot named after a tiny, flying insect. A Bumblebee of all things.
More loud beeping came from the radio.
"He didn't choose it but he likes it. He also asked for your name...and mine!" Rafael laughed. "My name is Rafael Esquivel! You can call me Raf though."
"I'm Lana Campbell. It is a pleasure to meet you Bumblebee." Lana replied and her smile widened at more excited beeping coming from the bot.
"He says likewise!" Rafael translated. "I have a question Bumblebee. Where are you taking us?"
Lana looked at Raf questioningly when Bumblebee answered. The boy cocked his head to the side and looked at her.
"He is taking us to his team's base."
The robot turned automobile bleeped in response and the young girl nodded her head, her brown bangs swaying with the motion. The journey continued for sometime and Jasper was getting further and further away. The road which they were driving along was deserted, except for the two vehicles carrying Lana and the others.
Lana could hear the motorcycle behind her but paid it no mind as they were currently approaching the bottom of an enormous cliff and Bumblebee wasn't stopping.
"B-Bumblebee, what are you doing? We are going to crash!" She clutched her book and drew her legs up as they drove closer and closer to the rocky wall.
They didn't crash into it though. Instead the wall opened up and she could see huge metallic doors sliding to the sides to reveal a long, dimly lit tunnel.
"Wow..." Lana heard Raf murmur as Bumblebee took them inside. She was equally as amazed. There was a hidden base of some sort right outside Jasper and they never knew it.
Bumblebee drove up the tunnel and into a big room. The floor was metal plated and Lana could see the stone walls of the cliff surrounding the room, but that wasn't what caught her attention. What caught her attention were the other robotic forms in the room. She gaped, completely astounded, and leaned over to get a better look out the window, Raf muttering his awe behind her. The bot at the computer was staring down at them warily, his orange, plate eyebrows drawn down. He looked kinda cranky. The other bot in the room was even bigger than the orange and white one. He was a tall, rounded green robot and the ground shook with each step he took.
Bumblebee came to a stop and she and Raf jumped out. Lana staggered back as he transformed and directed his gaze down at her. She gave him a shy wave which he returned, beeping happily.
She heard a gasp and her eyes flew to Miko and widened. When did she...
The orange and white bot stood next to the bulky green one and blinked, "I thought there were three."
"Haven't you heard? Humans multiply." The newly transformed female spoke sassily, a hand on her cocked hip and walked away.
"I'm Raf!" Her friend chirped beside her, starting off the introductions. Oh dear, she had to introduce herself.
"..I'm Lana." She shifted from foot to foot, rubbing her arm shyly. Thank goodness, she didn't stutter. She usually stammered when she spoke and could never stop her hands from shaking when she had to talk in front of a large group. She could recall a moment, about a year ago, when she had to make a presentation for History-and completely failed by knocking the entire chart to the floor. She could still hear the class laughing.
She shook her head to wipe the memory from her mind and returned to the situation at hand.
"I'm Miko!" The Japanese girl raced over to the green robot, a wide grin on her face. Lana could tell Miko was loving every second of this. "Who are you!?"
The bot seemed stunned by her bluntness and it showed on his face. "...Bulkhead."
Miko gasped, "Are you a car!? I bet you're a truck, a monster truck!" She continued to babble and ask him question upon question. Lana snickered and brought her hand to her mouth, the poor guy looked so terrified.
"So...if you guys are robots? Who made you?" Rafael had finally asked the winning question.
Lana saw the outraged expression on the grouchy bot's face; she determined he probably had an almost constant scowl on his face. "Ugh, puuuhlease..."
It was then that the emerald eyed girl heard booming footsteps that shook the ground, even more than Bulkhead's. Whirling around, she had to crane her head back to look into the blue eyes of the newest robot. He was absolutely enormous. Bigger than anyone here. She barely reached where his ankle would be and she could see sets of big wheels on each leg. He must be a truck of some sort. She stared up at him and saw a genuine kindness in his bright eyes, along with wisdom and a hint of...sadness?
His voice was deep and echoed throughout the room when he spoke, "We are autonomous robotic organisms, from the Planet Cybertron. Also known, as Autobots." He was obviously the leader of these 'Autobots', the fact that he was the tallest of the bots told Lana that much.
She gave him a small smile and nodded her head in greeting. He seemed a little surprised but nonetheless returned the gesture.
Jack decided to step forward, "Why are you here?"
"To protect your planet, from the Decepticons." He answered and clenched his fists for a moment.
"The jokers who tried to bump us off last night?" The female Autobot spoke up from the larger one's side.
"Okay...Why are they here?" Jack continued.
Lana watched as the huge Autobot knelt down to answer Jack's question. Geez he really was tall.
"A fair question Jack," He began as Lana and the others took a step closer to listen, "In part, they are here because our planet is uninhabitable. Ravaged by centuries of civil war.
"A war?" Lana asked and the male glanced at her and nodded. She frowned sympathetically at him and he smiled slightly to assure her all was well. That was such a sad thing to think about, their entire planet was destroyed due to war and now they had to make a home on a strange, new world. She couldn't ever imagine experiencing such a thing.
"Why were you fighting a war?" Raf asked curiously from her side.
"Foremost, over control of our world's supply of energon. The fuel and lifeblood of all Autobots, and Decepticons alike." The bot replied, seemingly becoming lost in old memories. "The combat was fierce and endured for centuries." Lana twitched and felt shock lance through her at this. A war that lasted centuries? Oh goodness...
"In the beginning. I fought alongside one whom I considered a brother...but in war, ideals can be corrupted...and it was thus, that Megatron lost his way."
Miko sighed boredly and twirled her hair, "Is there gonna be a quiz?"
Lana gave her a wide eyed look and whispered, "Don't be rude Miko..." The Japanese girl just grinned cheekily, not bothered in the slightest. The brown-haired girl knew she would have to get used Miko's rebel-like behaviour.
"Wait, so what does Megatron...or any of this, have to do with us?" Jack asked in confusion and Lana nodded, wanting to know the answer too.
"Megatron has not been seen or heard from in some time", the leader of the Autobots began, "but if his return is imminent, as I fear, then it could be catastrophic."
"...That does sound terrible." Lana said, looking up at him. "S-So what are your names? Raf and I already know Bumblebee..."
"Bulkhead too!" Miko interjected and pointed at the hulking green Autobot. He was so cool!
"And Arcee." Jack scratched the back of his head and Arcee smiled a little.
Lana smiled, "Bulkhead and Arcee too."
"I am Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots." Optimus said and then gestured to the orange and white bot. "This is Ratchet and he is our medic."
Ratchet huffed and gave the children an absentminded wave, which was basically a slight twitch of his hand.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Ratchet." Lana regarded the CMO shyly and he seemed surprised by her politeness. He grunted and turned away, focusing his attention on the computer screen.
Optimus cleared his throat and stood again to his full height, moving to join the other Autobots. "And since you now know of our existence, I fear that as of last night, the Decepticons know of yours."
Lana felt a spark of fear at this revelation. These Decepticons knew that they lived in Jasper and think they were now affiliated with these Autobots. Well, she mused, they were now.
Jack nod his head firmly, "Got it, if we spot any strange vehicles, call 911..." He took a deep breath, "Can we go now?"
The emerald eyed girl whirled around to stare at him with bewildered eyes. She didn't want to go yet, she wanted to know more about these Cybertronians and where they came from. Her life had never been interesting until now. Nothing so miraculous had ever happened to her before!
Apparently Miko was thinking the same thing.
"Are you insane!?" She whispered harshly and gestured with the wave of a hand to the Autobots, "I'm living a dream here in 'Botswana'!" She glared at him and Lana took a nervous step back. Miko was kinda scary when she was angry. "And I will not allow YOU or anyone else to shatter it!"
There was a short, awkward silence before Lana heard Optimus's deep voice cut in, "It is best that you four remain under our watch, at least until we can determine our enemies intentions." The girl breathed a sigh of relief at this. She felt much safer now, knowing these Autobots were going to protect them.
"Optimus, with all do respect, the human children are in as much danger here as anywhere." Ratchet stated quietly, not liking this idea one entire bit.
"Children!?" Lana nearly laughed at Jack's outrage and she could related to this. She never really appreciated being referred to as a child either.
"They have no protective shell! If they get underfoot, they will go...Squish!" Ratchet took a heavy step forward to emphasise his point. Lana and the others jumped back a little. He was the medic? More like Doctor of Doom.
Optimus placed his hands on his hips, a small smile on his face. "Then for the time being Ratchet, we must watch where we step."
Lana chuckled softly at this and gave a polite smile to Optimus when he directed his cerulean gaze her way.
Suddenly, a loud noise began to come from all around the room. The young girl's head whipped around wildly as a flashing green light also accompanied it. It sounded like an alarm of some sort.
"What's that!?" Jack demanded.
Bumblebee beeped a response and Raf translated, "Proximity sensor. Someone's up top!"
Lana watched as Ratchet tapped the keypad of the computer, a video feed popping up on the screen. "It's Agent Fowler." He confirmed gruffly.
The girl frowned and shared a look with Jack before piping up softly, "I-I thought we were the only humans who knew about you all."
Optimus faced them, "Special Agent Fowler is our designated liaison to the outside world. As he tends to visit only when there are...issues, it may be best if you do not meet him at this time."
Lana blinked at this and all the children hurriedly made their way to the wall located beneath the stairs and upper loft.
She leaned back against the wall, her heart thumping in her chest as she heard the elevator doors opening. This was all happening so fast and it was utterly terrifying...but exciting too.
"Seven wrecks, thirty-four fender benders, a three hour traffic jam," she listened to the peeved voice of Agent Fowler as Optimus approached the rail. She could see that the other Autobots weren't huge fans of Fowler, considering how they backed away from him.
"And on a particular note," Fowler continued, "numerous reports of a speeding motorcycle of unknown make, and a black and yellow custom muscle-car."
Jack peeked out behind the wall while Lana moved her eyes to Bumblebee and Arcee; who looked at eachother, Arcee not that bothered, while Bumblebee guilty. Jack quickly shot back behind the wall before Agent Fowler could see him.
Lana shared a fearful expression with the others for a split moment before listening to the conversation again. Agent Fowler didn't sound too friendly, what would he do if he knew about them?
"So, anything you care to get off your tin chest, Prime?" Lana frowned when she heard the seemingly mocking tone Fowler was using with Optimus. That wasn't right. He should respect and be thankful to Optimus and the other Autobots, they were selflessly putting their lives on the line to protect Earth. In the short time she had been here, she already knew that the Autobots were the genuine good guys. Especially Optimus. She could tell he was noble, honest and true. So she didn't appreciate Fowler's rudeness, even though she was sure he was only concerned about the wellbeing of humans.
"We have the situation under control Agent Fowler." Optimus replied in a firm manner.
"They're back aren't they?" Fowler asked and Lana knew exactly whom he was speaking of. Optimus too.
"If you are referring to the Decepticons, I have doubts that they ever left. Your planet is much too valuable." The Prime replied grimly.
"Then it's time to wake up the Pentagon." Fowler stated. Jack's eyes widened at this and Lana mirrored his expression. Fowler wanted more humans involved?
"Here me, Agent Fowler, we are your best, possibly your only defence against the Decepticon threat." The Autobot Commander replied and Lana had to agree with him.
"Says you." Fowler's voice sounded far too confident for Lana's liking. He was too prideful, she could tell.
"Hey fleshy!" Bulkhead called, too irritated to ignore the man any longer, "Did anyone get splattered on that freeway? Team Prime knows when to use force-", he tore a piece of apparatus from the table, wires being yanked apart, "and how much to use!" He proceeded to crush the defenseless device and Lana winced. That looked important...
"Bulkhead, I NEEDED that!" Ratchet exclaimed and gave Bulkhead an irritated look.
Evidently, the device was important.
"Enough!" Optimus's authoritative voice rang throughout the room and even Lana stood shock still. He was definitely a commander, she mused to herself.
"Military involvement will only result in catastrophe. Perhaps you can condone widespread human casualties Agent Fowler, I, however, cannot." She could feel a happy smile spread across her face at Optimus's reply and knew he had put Fowler in his place.
"Then do us both a favour and handle this Prime, under the radar...Or I will." Lana faintly heard the elevator doors sliding shut and sighed, relieved to know he was finally gone and they didn't have to hide anymore.
She and the others emerged from their hiding place as Bulkhead snorted, "Pretty big bearings, for a human."
"Agent Fowler is concerned for his world Bulkhead, as he should be." Optimus said and stepped away from the rail.
Lana followed Jack, Raf and Miko over to the ladder leading up to Ratchet's workspace and waited as they began to ascend. She looked up at Optimus curiously, "W-When did you first arrive on Earth?"
"Over six years ago, " he answered and regarded her softly, "a few of us here arrived in stasis pods."
"..It must have been scary, being on an unknown planet." She said quietly and Optimus's eyes widened slightly.
"...We felt wary and didn't know the ways of your world. We had to adapt." He said and Lana climbed up the ladder, joining the others. "We have come to think of it...as a safe haven, and we will defend it."
Ratchet huffed a laugh at this before something on the computer screen caught his eye and he scowled, "Blasted Earth tech!" He turned to face the other Autobots, "Cliffjumper's signal popped back online."
"Who's Cliffjumper?" Miko asked but no one answered as Optimus took a small step forward.
"How is that possible?"
Ratchet shook his head, "It isn't. Another bug! The system is chocked full of them!"
Lana peeked over the rail to see Arcee looking desperately at Optimus, "If there is any chance Cliff's alive-"
"Ratchet, prepare a sick bay. We may need it." Optimus ordered and was about to depart with the others, a mask covering the bottom half of his face, when Miko called for him. He glanced back at her.
"What can we do?" She grinned.
"...Remain with Ratchet." The leader decided and Miko openly drooped, she and Ratchet 'awh'ing in disappointment. Lana found Ratchet's disappointment amusing, he didn't to be left alone with the "human children".
Lana then heard a switch being pulled and gazed upon the swirling vortex of spiriling colour in awe. That wasn't like that a second ago, it was just a metal arch.
"Autobots! Roll out!" Optimus bellowed and transformed into his vehicular form, the others following, and Lana saw that she was right, he was a truck.
In the blink of an eye, the band of Autobot warriors disappeared into the vortex.
She was left astonishment by this. Did they just teleport?
"What just happened!?" Jack asked, gaping at the bright spiral.
"I transported them to the designated coordinates via the Groundbridge." Ratchet answered, as if it was obvious.
"W-What's a Groundbridge?" Lana fidgeted with the sleeve of her lavender button-down shirt, blinking curiously at Ratchet.
He shook his head, "Ugh...A scaled down version of Spacebridge technology." He drew his attention back to the monitor.
Lana frowned a little. That didn't really answer her question but she didn't want to further irritate the medic.
"Since we don't currently possess the means or the energon required for..intergalactic travel.." He looked at them again, a sadness in his eyes. Lana felt a stab of sympathy for him. He, nor the other Autobots, could return home.
Jack confirmed her thoughts. "You're stuck here...on Earth."
"With the likes of you, yes," the CMO said in his usual gruff manner, "But I constructed the Groundbridge to enable travel from here, to anywhere on your planet."
The overly shy girl gasped and walked closer to the rail with the others to inspect the Groundbridge closely, "That's amazing..."
"Does it work for humans?" Raf asked hopefully.
Lana could see Ratchet's metal chest puffing out in well-deserved pride, "Naturally."
"You mean I could just shoot on over and visit my parents in Tokyo?" Lana smiled at Miko's query.
"Within moments," Ratchet replied and smirked, bending down to the children, "In fact, allow me to send you there immediately, all four of you!"
Miko bravely brought her face closer, hands on her hips. "Watch it Ratchet." She ordered sassily. Lana snickered softly at Ratchet's shocked expression.
Raf smiled up at her, "I've never seen you like this Lana. You're not as shy here as you are outside."
She blushed and shrugged her small shoulders, "I-I don't know what it is, I just feel comfortable here. I feel safe."
"Me too." Raf grabbed her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "I think this will be good for us. We've made new friends! It isn't just the two of us anymore!" He grinned happily. Lana's emerald eyes softened. He was so excited and honestly, so was she. This would be a new experience for them and they are now a part of something big. Something incredible.
"I agree completely." She said and squeezed his hand, smiling sweetly.
Jack approached them, "I'm not so sure about this…"
"Oh! Jack! Don't be such a downer! What? You wanna leave?" Miko nudged his arm with her elbow.
"Like I said, I'd be more than happy to transport you anywhere you desire.. Even to that Tokyo place your friend spoke of." Ratchet cut in and grunted, "As long as you are far away from me."
"Ratchet, we are sorry if we are an inconvenience…" Lana spoke softly and the medic glanced back at her. She could see his eyes-optics growing soft.
"...Only a slightly. No need to exaggerate." He cleared his throat and went back to work. Lana smiled shyly in response.
(())
A while later, Miko and Jack climbed back down the ladder to have a look around the base. Miko flew down like a light, sliding down expertly, while Jack took his time; he didn't want to risk breaking his neck. Raf remained with her and she took out her sketchbook, deciding to draw Ratchet. She would draw all the Autobots. They would be a fantastic challenge for her, with each groove and sharp edge to their metallic armour. Each one of them was so different too.
Arcee had a slender, curvaceous frame; she even had the jutted out chest that indicated a bust. She was also far short than the male Autobots.
Bumblebee had an almost lean-muscled frame, as far as robots go anyway. Doors served as wing-like structures on his back and his headlights sat upon his chest. He also had the most adorable, big blue eyes she has ever seen. Far more beautiful than any human's eyes. He also didn't appear to have a mouth, or perhaps it was covered. She would have to ask him why he doesn't communicate through speech like the others do.
Bulkhead was definitely the most interesting of the group. He wasn't thin or lean, but a rounded shape. He was enormous too and looked like he could punch the biggest of Decepticons out in one go. His face wasn't structured like the others' either. His mouth seemed to be separate from his head, attached to it by bolts.
Ratchet was bigger than Bumblebee but shorter than Bulkhead. He had a thick form and she could tell he transformed into an emergency vehicle by the colour scheme of his armour. He scowled most of the time but she found that endearing in a sense.
Then, there was Optimus Prime. Leader of the Autobots. He would probably be the most difficult to put on paper. He had far more visible gears and parts than the other bots, and he was also freakin' huge. He had high shoulders leveled with his head, which had antennas protruding from the sides. He had big wheels located on each leg, and smoke stacks on his back.
Each Autobot had a symbol too, she noticed. Located on shoulders, chests or winglets. That must be the Autobot insignia.
Overall, she would have a grand challenge with each bot and would have a great time partaking in it. She inspected the bots well enough and was excited.
She looked up, breaking from her inner musings, only to find that Ratchet had gone to the other side of the room. He seemed to be analysing the piece of apparatus Bulkhead had crushed. He sighed forlornly and Lana giggled. Ratchet turned and walked back over to the computer screens; Lana and him both noticed Miko touching something down below.
"What is this anyway?" She asked, reaching for it.
"Broken. Don't touch." The medic replied as he passed. Miko blinked and began reaching for it again. "Don't touch that either." Ratchet ordered again, his back facing her.
"Is there anything in here we can touch?" Jack asked as he stood next to Miko.
Lana saw Ratchet giving them a look before a low beeping on the monitor caught his attention. A warning tab appeared on the screen, flashing red and white.
"How come you guys are using human computers?" Raf walked over to the rail, gazing up at the Autobot with inquiring brown eyes.
"It certainly isn't by choice." Ratchet replied and faced the screen again, "It was handed down from the previous tenants when we inherited this former missile silo. I make modifications as I see fit."
"It belonged to the military? And right outside Jasper too." Lana said as Ratchet nodded. More tabs popping up on the screen distracted him, however, and he groaned.
"I think I can fix that." suggested a smiling Raf as he took off his backpack to retrieve his laptop.
"Really?" Ratchet asked, not believing him in the slightest, "You know this is complex technology, don't you? I mean it isn't a child's toy!"
Lana grinned with pride and fondness as Raf hooked his laptop up to the monitor and got to work, his hands flying across the keyboard. "Raf is a computer genius, He can fix it!"
"Now try!" Raf said and his smile widened as he looked up at Ratchet.
Lana and Ratchet faced the screens and all the tabs beeped again, each problem quickly corrected by Rafael. Miko and Jack soon joined them, grinning at Raf.
"Well done Raf." Lana praised and ruffled the boys hair, to which he whined and tried to bat her hands away.
"Yes...Well done." Ratchet muttered quietly, left shocked by the boy's intellect.
There was a sudden crackling sound and Optimus's voice rang from the computer. His tone was urgent and Lana could hear explosions and tires screeching in the background. Ratchet hurried to the Groundbridge controls.
"Ratchet! Bridge us back! Use the arrival coordinates NOW!" Ratchet activated the Bridge, Lana and the others watching in pure amazement as the Autobots raced through in their vehicular forms, a huge blast of blue smoke chasing them. Each transformed upon entry, Optimus narrowly missing the explosion by flipping mid-transformation and landing in a crouch, one knee on the ground.
"Woah…" Lana breathed as the leader rose to his full height.
"Cutting it a bit close." Ratchet said and then asked quietly, "How about Cliffjumper?"
Each Autobot turned their heads away and Lana could feel their grief and the despair they felt at losing one of their own. She didn't dare ask any questions, knowing she would be stepping out of place.
Miko had other plans though.
The Japanese girl raced to the rail, bubbling with excitement. "What was that explosion?" She asked curiously. "Was there a fight? Can I come with next time?!"
Arcee scowled up at her, "Look-"
Jack quickly interrupted before there could be an argument, grabbing Miko's shoulders. Lana was relieved by this, glad he had decided to step in.
"Hey, hey, Miko! Let's go see what the bots hide in their sock drawers." He suggested and led her away. Lana barely heard Miko's reply, as her attention was on the Autobots.
"Arcee, what did you see?" Optimus asked, concern ringing in his voice. Lana peered over the railing, frowning sadly at the Autobot femme.
Arcee hugged her arms, shaking as she spoke, "Not Cliff...at least, not anymore...He was mutated, butchered…" Her breath hitched and she brought a hand to her chest. "Like something from those Con experiments during the war…" She suddenly swayed and collapsed against one of the generators, Bumblebee beeping worriedly.
Lana's grip tightened around the yellow rail, her brow furrowing even more in concern. Something is wrong with Arcee. Why did she collapse?
"I'm fine! Just dizzy…" She assured the others, her voice low and drained.
"Robots who get dizzy?" Miko murmured and Lana nodded slowly.
"Robots with emotions." Rafael followed and Jack peered over their heads, speaking softly. "Robots...who can die."
"They are just like humans." Lana's voice was a mere whisper as she watched the interaction between the Autobots. They were sentient beings, just like humans, They felt pain and sadness, happiness and joy. Indeed, humans and Cybertronians were different species, but they all were the same inside. This event proved that.
They watched as Ratchet ran a scanner over Arcee, the bright blue turning red when he reached the femme's hand. Lana saw Optimus frown and take a step closer.
"What is this?" Ratchet spoke ominously, eyes firmly on the purple substance splattered on Arcee's hand.
"Don't know...Cliff was covered in it...leaking it…" Arcee replied tiredly and Ratchet scraped it off using a scalpel.
"Go take a decontamination bath. Now." the CMO ordered and stared at the strange liquid warily.
Lana followed Bumblebee's movements as he helped Arcee up, taking her over to the glass cylinder across the room. Worry and concern welled up in her chest for the female Autobot. She didn't deserve this. Her eyes then turned to the Autobot commander in front of her. He must be the most concerned, Arcee is one of his soldiers after all.
Jack stepped up beside her, "O-Optimus, I hate to bug but…", he held up his phone, "no bars."
"A security precaution. The silo walls isolate all radiowaves." Optimus answered stoically.
Jack sighed, "Well if I don't call my mom like now, then I'm pretty sure the cops will be out looking for me."
Optimus bent closer, brows lowering. Lana could see he was trying to understand this.
"Have you broken a law?"
"A curfew.." Jack said and smiled awkwardly, "It's after 10 pm."
"I better get home too or I'll be grounded for a year." Raf said.
Lana then remembered her aunt. Oh no! She was supposed to be home hours ago, her aunt was going to skin her alive and then roast her on a spit. Gruesome, she knew that, but her aunt was a terrifying woman.
"M-Me too Optimus...my aunt is going to be furious.." She frowned and saw Optimus's eyes narrow in concern.
"Earth customs. I hadn't considered." He replied, "But the issue of your safety remains" He then turned to face the other Autobots. "Bulkhead, accompany Miko home."
Miko whooped and grinned at Lana, Jack and Raf, "Awesome! My host parents will freak!"
"And maintain covert surveillance, in vehicle form." Optimus finished and Bulkhead nodded to his leader.
"Kerbside duty. Got it." He said.
"Awwwh…" Miko's shoulders sagged and Lana smiled, patting the girl's shoulder.
Optimus then looked at his scout, "Bumblebee, you'll watch over Raf." Bumblebee's eyes found Raf's and the boy smiled at him. Lana's own smile grew, she knew Raf wanted Bumblebee to be the one guarding him. That just left her and Jack.
"Ratchet-"
"Busy." The medic cut Optimus off before the dreaded question could even be asked.
Optimus's gaze moved to the femme emerging from her decontamination bath, "Arcee, you'll accompany Jack."
Lana almost laughed at Jack's expression as Arcee spoke, "Ooooh, still dizzy!"
"You're fine, says your physician." Ratchet piped in without removing his gaze from the monitor in the medlab and Arcee sighed in response, making her way over to the others.
"And that just leaves…" Optimus trailed off as his eyes land on the final human. Lana gave him a shy wave, feeling nervous with all the eyes on her.
She watched as Optimus glanced Ratchet's way again and shook his head slightly. The CMO won't accept and the other Autobot's were already assigned a human, so that meant…
Optimus heaved a soft sigh and stood in front of Lana, "Lana, if you would permit me, I will accompany you home and watch over you." The girl's emerald eyes widened, as did everyone else's.
"Are...Are you sure Optimus? You must be so busy already, you don't have to-" She started to protest but the Autobot leader cut her off with the slow raise of his hand.
"I am sure. I may be otherwise engaged at times, but I am willing to be your guardian, as the others will be for your friends. It is my responsibility to ensure the safety of humankind." he said sternly and she blinked with large eyes, processing this.
Lana smiled after a moment and nodded, "Alright. Thank you Optimus." She felt happy as he returned her smile with a small one of his own.
"You are very welcome. Now, Autobots, let us accompany our human charges home." Optimus's voice echoed throughout the room with his order as Lana and the others descended the ladder.
He and the others then transformed into their vehicular forms in a series of shifting gears and metal. Lana scooped up her backpack and trotted over to the Peterbuilt semi-truck, opening the door and climbing into the passenger side. It was a little difficult at first, considering how high the door was, but Lana managed it. Then they were off. Optimus barreled out of base and through the tunnel, driving out onto the road leading back to Jasper.
Lana's eyes roamed around the interior of the truck and noticed that the inside isn't like any other truck she had ever seen. The dashboard was dotted with buttons and blue lights, Optimus even had a radio like Bumblebee did. His wheel had a bright, Autobot insignia located in the middle of it and it spun and twisted on Optimus's accord as he drove.
There was a calm silence for a few minutes before Lana decided to speak, "Thank you again Optimus, I know that this must be another weight on your shoulders...I'm sorry for that."
"No need for apologies Lana. I already told you back at base, this is my responsibility." His deep voice came from the radio but the Autobot symbol on the wheel flashed with each word he spoke. How fascinating.
"However, when I find myself in a situation demanding my attention, Bumblebee will have to act as a...replacement of sorts. Though, I am sure that will only be from time to time. I cannot ask Bumblebee to guard the lives of two humans, that would not be just nor would it be fair." He said and Lana nodded in agreement.
"I understand, but I am happy you are one watching over me." She said shyly and fiddled with the strap of her backpack.
Optimus chuckled, "I am pleased to hear it, I will admit, this may be an enlightening experience. We Autobots can learn more about the human race through this...guardianship."
"And I want to learn more about your race. I am sure the others are thinking the same." Lana giggled a little. "Miko would especially like to know about your fighting styles and weaponry,"
"She is quite...lively." He replied as he entered the town and headed for the suburbs, "Can you direct me to your home, Lana?"
"Oh! Of course! Just drive right down this street…" She began, "And then, take a left and it is the last house on the right hand side."
"You mentioned your aunt earlier. Will she truly be angry with you?" He asked curiously.
Lana laughed nervously, "Yeah, she will be. I was supposed to be home hours ago." The closer they got to her home, the more anxious she was feeling.
Optimus was quiet for a moment as he neared her house, "I apologise for the inconvenience I have caused you."
"Don't be silly Optimus, I wanted to go with Bumblebee. It is not your fault, you only wanted to ensure our safety." Lana smiled and reached out to pat the dashboard.
"...I still apologise for the trouble you may find yourself in." He pulled up outside and one-storey house and Lana opened the door before stepping out.
"Don't worry about it," she assured him, "Thank you for the ride home."
"I shall remain nearby, though I might have to return to base...Though I will be here in the morning to retrieve you. I understand that you do not attend school tomorrow."
She nodded, "It's a Saturday, so no school. I'll see you tomorrow Optimus." She closed the door gently. "Goodnight!" And with that, she raced around him and up the path to her house.
She knew when she answered that she would be knee-deep in trouble, but she didn't care. When she glanced over her shoulder to look at the truck, all she felt was excitement and an unadulterated joy. Something like this had never happened to her but it was happening now and she doesn't want to miss a single moment.
She now had new friends...a family of sorts. She now had a powerful guardian that would defend her and she hoped that they would grow infinitely closer over time.
(())
As Optimus sat outside the house in his vehicular form, he mulled over the events of the past few days. Megatron had returned after three years, they had lost one of their comrades, and now they have gained new ones. Human children. He had been bestowed a human charge. He could hear Primus laughing, because a Prime was now safe guarding a human. A young human girl. Optimus smiled internally, for he currently could not externally. Lana was a sweet child, she radiated kindness and she had a pure heart. Optimus found himself enjoying the fact that he was now her self-designated guardian.
A Prime shouldn't feel such emotions but since Cybertron went dark, Optimus had allowed himself to become more open with his fellow Autobots. He must still remain stoic and proud, as he was still a Prime. His comrades never minded though, they knew how he must act. They depended on his leadership and clear mind, able to purge all revenge and rage from his spark. That was what it meant to be a Prime.
So, as he sat by the kerb of Lana's house, he realised that he now had another being depending on him. One of whom did not understand what it meant to be a Prime. Optimus didn't pay that any mind though, she would learn eventually. He felt his spark warming at this thought. She wanted to learn and he would teach her.
He was her guardian now after all.
(())
Well, I sincerely hope you all enjoyed the first chapter! I promise to post as much as possible X3
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