A/N: Thanks again to my beta, SIDEKICKSANONYMOUS, for working on this chapter!
...
CHAPTER 3
Revelations
"You know, you act a bit more like you're a teenager."
Shane gave Will a sideways glance. He got that a lot, people saying that he was a bit more mature. It wasn't unusual to him, between having an adult's memories, and well... Growing up in the system made anybody grow up faster than they should. They said and heard things a lot of adults would rather not hear. So they carried themselves like they were a little older too. Shane was really no exception.
"I get that a lot," Shane commented as he looked over the pamphlets. "I'm like every twelve year old though. But I don't think you want me to go into a hyperactive rant about Pokémon, do you?"
Will's laughter was warm and friendly. And since Ironhide hadn't heard a lot of that, Shane had to smile. "Yeah, all I remember about that from when my daughter was young. Her favorite was... I think Pikachu? Little mouse thing? It was pretty cute."
"Aw, I'm a bigger Bulbasaur fan! He's really cool! Reminds me of a little dog in the cartoon too. But Pikachu's okay! He's just—"
"Ha, I think I see what you mean."
Shane smirked, knowing he'd made his point. He hated to make people think he was different, as much as he was. He put the pamphlets into his pocket and stood there. He looked over Will's shoulder too, noticing Sideswipe was parked there. So the mech still didn't trust him? Figured. "Well thanks for this, Will. I really appreciate it. I'll get reading them right away," Shane smiled brightly.
Will however, held up a hand. "No problem. But hey, you doing anything this afternoon?" Shane shrugged, of course he wasn't but he had to play the part of a 'normal' kid. "Good. You see, I think my comrade's a little worried. Said you ran into him at the pond a few nights ago. I thought to get his afterburners cooled down I'd treat you to lunch. You know, get to know you a bit better."
Shane paused, looking at the man with confusion. Was he really offering to buy him lunch? And here he'd been, wondering how to get closer to him. "Alright. I mean, I didn't bring any money so I'd have to go back home." Shane replied.
Will snorted, as if he'd said something funny. "Kid, I'm asking you for a favor. The least I can do is treat you to lunch. Come on, I know this great pizza place just down the block." He noticed Shane nervously staring at Sideswipe. "We don't need to go in him. We'll just walk over, he can follow us."
Shane sighed, but relented, following Will down the street. Shane tried to keep calm, though he hoped that Will didn't notice any stench from him. He hadn't gotten a chance to "bathe" in the pond after all. He also hoped that he didn't notice that he was wearing the same clothes as when he'd met him. He was working on that part, at least. He'd gone to a shelter, posing as a resident as it was giving out clothing before leaving. He'd managed to get enough changes of clothing it wouldn't look strange as long as he kept them clean.
But Will didn't mention any of that as they entered the restaurant and ordered. Rather, he smiled a bit, and nodded at the t-shirt. "You must really like Good Charlotte, huh?" Shane blinked, confusion in his eyes. "The t-shirt. I noticed it's the same one you wore a few days ago. So I just figured..."
"Oh! I forgot I was wearing it. Yeah, I love Good Charlotte. Do you? What's your favorite song? Mine's 'Lifestyles of the Rich and the Famous.' But I really like 'The River' too."
Will grinned. OK, now the kid was acting more like a kid. And for that matter, a rather hyper kid. "Those are good ones. But it's always going to be about the 'Broken Hearts Parade' for me, honestly." He seemed to muse upon this for a moment. "I even got to see them play live once. Back when I was living in Vegas. It was pretty awesome."
"Whoa! That's totally wicked! I've never been to a concert. Except for this silly little one that I got dragged to when I was like, six." Shane added. Will chuckled a little bit at that. "General Lennox, can I ask you a question?" Will nodded his head slowly.
"Alright, shoot. And it's Will, by the way, no need to be formal."
Shane nodded his head a bit, he swallowed, and looked off to the side. He crossed his arms, and then looked over at Will. "I uh... I was gonna wait to say this because I figured you wouldn't believe me. But I... I kinda had another reason for running into you," Will raised an eyebrow at him. "I uh... I think you're going to think I'm insane."
Will looked at the kid with a look of pure confusion. Was Sideswipe right about the kid? What was going on? As the waiter brought the pizza, Will thanked him, but kept his eyes firmly on Shane. "Alright, is this some sort of trap? Because if you really are a Decepticon—"
"It's the opposite, actually. I knew I was going to be in DC..." Shane lied. "And that provided me the perfect opportunity to run into you and the Autobots. Because…look, I don't know how to explain this. It's really weird... Like super weird... Like you're probably going to get up and walk away. And think I'm this kooky little weirdo."
The boy really could ramble when he wanted to, Will had to give him that. "What? You wanted autographs? Pictures? What kid, if you're not a Decepticon, there's not much you can say I haven't already heard."
There was a long silence as Shane tried to think of the best way to put it. Taking a slice of pizza, he looked at Will, and spoke slowly. "I... Ever since I can remember, I've been having these dreams. Dreams only you guys can help me with," He explained. "I... I dream that I'm not me. That I'm someone else. I think you guys know this person—he was an Autobot named Ironhide."
Will spat out the coke that he'd been drinking. Was the boy being serious right now? What kind of messed up prank was this? "Ok, kid. That's a bold accusation you're making right now. So I'm going to give you two seconds to convince me I shouldn't get up and walk away. The mech you're talking about..."
"Was your best friend. He was your family's protector ever since... Uhhh you came home from some place called Mission City," Will nearly balked at that, trying not to get up. "Your wife's name is Sarah. Ironhide's wife's name was Chromia. And Sideswipe, and his brother Sunstreaker... They were kinda, I think, taught by Ironhide? I don't know, he acted like a dad to them but they didn't call him that."
Okay, now this was getting weird. He hadn't told a single lie, and some of that information was sensitive. How did this kid know this? "Alright, you have my attention. But I'm gonna need more than that," Will told him. "Because for all I know, you're a really, really good Pretender. Tell me something only Ironhide and I would know."
"When Annabelle was two, Ironhide lost her at the park. You were freaked out because you thought she'd been kidnapped. And you spent the day while you guys searched for her trying to keep Sarah from knowing on the phone," He then added, rather quietly. "You also secretly once wanted to be a rock star. But you try to keep it a secret because..."
"You're not being serious right now. This is a dream, right? How do you know this?"
Will looked and felt bewildered. He was definitely sure the kid wasn't lying, at least. But what could he say other than what he already had?
"I told you. I saw it in dreams... I have lots of them," Shane took a deep breath. "Look, I'm sorry. I know this is weird. But I couldn't think of a way to get us to hang out after this. I needed to tell you the truth... And I'm not lying, I promise. I really do..."
"Okay, okay, slow down. I believe you. This is just weird; and you definitely have guts to be up-front about it," Will explained, looking at him. "But honestly, I don't know what to tell you. Do you want me to bring you to the 'Bots? I can't do that, kid. Not without a lot of paperwork, and you could be talking days or weeks... Regardless of what dreams you're having."
Shane shook his head. "But you don't understand! These dreams are haunting me. They SCARE me! Maybe the Autobots could have an answer for me? This is them I'm having dreams about, right?"
Will's head hurt. At this point, he wanted to run away from this kid screaming. As unprofessional as that sounded, this was a bit too much for him to handle. Here had been this kid who had seemed to act, and be pretty cool. And now he'd thrown in some mystical jumbo he frankly couldn't wrap his mind around.
"Yeah, well, they aren't exactly going to react well. I mean heck, I'm barely keeping myself together now. And I can barely believe what you're telling me." Will shook his head. "This is out of my league; out of a lot of people's leagues. And honestly, kid? I don't really know if they could help you anyway. The 'Bots never mentioned anything like this."
Shane could hear the strain in Will's voice. Yep, that voice he knew had said he'd blown it. Taking a final piece for himself, he got up immediately. This was stupid, this whole idea had been, he realize. Will was right, what exactly was he expecting to happen? That they'd take him on base? Run scans and suddenly give him answers? "You're right, I'm sorry. I should have never bothered you," Shane replied. "Thanks for the pizza, and the pamphlets. I really am thinking about joining the army. So I appreciate it."
Will nodded his head, seemingly still a little bit in shock. "Wait, where are you going?" He asked as Shane started to leave.
"Home. I'm really sorry to bother you Mr. Lennox. I just... I thought maybe... Nothing. I'm stupid sometimes, or most of the time." Shane shook his head, then looked over at him one last time. "But if it makes you feel better... He cared about you a lot. His last thoughts when that bad Autobot, Sentinel killed him... Were that he hoped he didn't hurt you or Sideswipe."
And then he sprinted out of the shop in embarrassment, leaving Will sitting there, thinking over what Shane had just said. Was this really happening? It sure seemed like it, given how much Shane seemed to know. He watched through the window as the boy walked away. He didn't think they could help him, but he also knew they couldn't just let this go. It was too... Weird. A kid with Ironhide's memories? What did it mean? Why would he have them to begin with?
Soon, Will got up to leave as well. His heart was practically beating out of his chest. He knew one thing was for sure: Sideswipe wasn't going to like this.
...
It was bitterly cold that night as Shane made his way toward his shelter. He hated the fact he'd have no heater that night. One of the downers of not being in the home, he guessed. But, now that NEST was out of the question, he'd hopefully be in a home soon enough. When he found his parents, at least. Until then, he simply zipped up his jacket, stuffed his hands in his pockets, and tried to get warm.
NEST. He scoffed a little as he thought about his talk with Will. He knew he should have stuck to his plan, but he'd let paranoia get the better of him. Now he'd never have a chance to get close to them, or find out the truth. And that was something he couldn't help but beat himself up over. Because now he'd come all this way for nothing. He tried to keep the tears from forming in his eyes, pushing them back.
Why was he even crying? They didn't want to meet him, that was the facts!
It was also the story of his life. He'd seen it all: neglect, abuse, sometimes even further abandonment. That was the breaks of being in foster homes since you were two months old, he guessed. No one had ever really wanted him, and if they did, something happened. Whether it was in their control, or not. He could just add the Autobots to the list, and at least it wasn't in the "family" sense this time.
He pushed these thoughts away as he finally made his way to the abandoned building. He supposed he could call it home until he had enough money to leave the town. Yet he was surprised to hear echoing sounds as he entered the building. He'd been alone, and the building abandoned, after all. He carefully reached into his backpack, grabbing a flashlight to see in the dark.
It didn't provide much light, but just enough. The noise continued, and he carefully made his way towards it. He had to know who else was there, after all. Or else who knew if there was some sort of murderer there? The noise continued in the darkness until he at last saw it. His heart leapt into his throat and he hid behind a corner. A Cybertronian? Definitely no one he knew, but a giant robot could be nothing else, right?
Was this it? Was he caught? Would Will have warned them about him already?
There was another soft sound, and then a silence. "You know, I can sense your body heat. So if you're trying to hide from me, you're doing a terrible job," came a smooth voice. "It's okay though, I'm not here for trouble. The building we're standing in has some spare parts lying around I can use. I won't disturb you if this is your home."
Spare parts? Shane frowned, was this a Decepticon? That made him panic, but something told him not to. The mech didn't seem to be angry, or threatening. "Well that doesn't sound like something an Autobot would do... Which means you're a 'Con, right? I should still be afraid."
There was a small snort as the gold opticed mech turned his head. The boy he'd just detected was smart. But given he wasn't the type of Decepticon who outright hated humans, he was lucky. No, he could play the part of a neutral and get out of here with little to no problem, or harm to the native.
"I'm a little too nice for a planet-conquering Decepticon, don't you think?" He stated evenly. "Nah, I'm a neutral. I don't play for either side."
He took a few steps forward, moving so the boy could see him. He wasn't much to look at, simply a fifteen foot tall, blue mech with green accents. Shane seemed to loosen up a bit; thankfully for the mech, his Decepticon shield was well hidden.
"Good. Because I want to see Autobots even less right now," Shane muttered. "You'd better not be lying. If you're one, and with the police, I'll run. I'm not going with 'em."
Ah, so this was clearly a runaway. The mech smirked, shrugging his shoulders. "I don't have time to turn in some homeless kid. And besides, if I were an Autobot, I'd be in that fancy base. Not in here, scavenging for spare parts to take out some dents."
Shane supposed that the mech made a good point. He gave him a sideways glance, and then nodded. "Good. I guess. Take what you want then, I don't care," He said, his disappointment and frustration betraying him.
The mech stared at him for a moment. "What's your name, kid?"
The boy paused. Could he trust the mech with that information? He sighed quietly. "Shane."
"Ah, mine's Corkscrew. Kind of bland, but my creators weren't very creative." Corkscrew told him with a shrug. "Anyway; sorry for invading your home. I'll try not to be too much of a bother for you."
Shane stared at him, figuring by the way he was speaking he was being honest. Rubbing the back of his head, he looked at the ground. "Yeah, well, it's okay. Just uh... Don't tell anyone I'm here and we're good," He explained. "I'm leaving before too long anyway."
Shane shivered a bit, turning around, and starting off. Corkscrew frowned a little, thinking. Grunt wouldn't be happy with some kid being there. But at least, he didn't seem to be a problem. Though the way he shivered bothered him as well. "Hey, you look pretty cold," Shane turned his head as the mech reached inside his subspace. "Here, I got a little something that gives off some pretty good heat. I'll be back for it later, but I can at least lend it to ya."
He followed Shane to where he was fixing to sleep for the night. Setting the large orb down, he pressed a button. To Shane's surprise, he was right, it gave off a great deal of heat. "Oh, uh, thanks..." Shane replied. "That's nice of you."
"Don't think too much of it, kid. It'd be cruel to leave a sparkling out here on a night like this. It's freezing cold."
Shane nodded, looking over as the mech went off to go back to his work. He wasn't sure what to think of that, but it still made him feel good. At least he wouldn't freeze that night, he figured.
...
"You realize how insane this sounds?"
Will sighed. He knew exactly how this sounded. But he still felt awful; knowing how he left things with Shane. He was only twelve, and he seemed so scared. After the initial shock had broken, he couldn't help but feel guilty. So he had gone to see Optimus and Ratchet the day after. And both of them seemed confused, and curious at the thought all at once.
"I know, I know. But the kid said stuff only Ironhide really should know. I don't think he was lying about it at least." He explained as he stood before the two of them. "I'm not saying the kid couldn't be a 'Con somehow. He didn't stick around long enough for me to really grill him."
Ratchet titled his head to look at Optimus. The mech was clearly as deep in thought as the medic was. They were both curious about the boy, undoubtedly. Who wouldn't be, considering Ironhide was their closest friend? But in general, they weren't sure what to make of it. How exactly could they help this boy? Perhaps through testing they could find some answers, but Ratched doubted they could find them all.
Optimus finally vented out, and looked at Will calmly. "Can you find the boy again? Without his phone number to reach him?"
Will shrugged. He supposed they could try the park again, but there was of course no guarantee that he would be there. "I met him at the park both times. So there's a good chance he hangs out around there," Will told him. "Or maybe at that pond Sides saw him at. Beyond that, I don't think so. I don't even know his last name."
"What are you thinking, Prime?" Ratchet asked.
Optimus made a small "hmmm" sound before nodding his head. "I'm thinking... If we're even going to entertain the notion of helping him, I would like to meet this boy. I will determine through my own questions, and scans if he is who he says he is, and furthermore if he does have these 'visions.'"
"On your own!? Prime, that's dangerous!" Ratchet replied. "I'm curious too, let me come."
Optimus shook his head, resting a hand on his friend's shoulder. "We do not want to overwhelm or scare him. It is likely being in my presence will put him under enough pressure. If this really is just a twelve year old boy, We should treat him as such, and with at least some degree of leniency."
Ratchet grunted, though he supposed that Optimus was telling the truth. If it was a twelve year old, they should indeed treat him with kindness. "Well, I just hope we know what we're doing. The last thing we need is to be played by a Decepticon."
They all could agree on that.
