We had been traveling for what must have been hours before we finally we reached 'Autobot' territory. Ironhide kept pushing me for us to keep a steady pace, I did my best but I didn't have the same amount of endurance as him. Every so often Ironhide would allow for a short stop, but we would always get back on the road shortly after.
As we traveled I began to wonder. We had been at this for forever now. I must have reached the time limit by now. My headset should have forced me out of the game ages ago. Unfortunately I would have to think on the matter as a giant wall came into view.
It was an encampment of sorts. We were still a few miles out before we ran across a patrol. Being held at gunpoint isn't the greatest of first impressions. Ironhide shifted to the side, using his body to shield me out of view of the mechs before us. He took charge of the situation, stating his name and flashing his Autobot symbol at them.
They dropped their weapons and saluted. Apologizing for the inconvenience, they offered to escort us the rest of the way to the base. Once we were inside Ironhide ordered for me to be taken to the Med-Bay. I tried to protest, I wanted to stay with him. He was the closest thing I had to a friend here. Even if he was a NPC.
"You need to get that helm of yur's looked at kid. We don' know how much damage the Cons may have done. I'll come find you after I've finished my debrief." He gave my shoulder a firm squeeze before he left.
As I was led through the mass of buildings towards the Med-Bay, I noticed a NPC leaning against a nearby wall. His silver frame seemed to glow in the low light. He was about my height, half a head taller perhaps. He had an air about him, one that made a shiver go down my spine. His eyes were covered so I was unable to see what color they were. I nodded in his direction as we passed; he smiled back, nodding in return.
After I arrived at the Med-Bay I was finally able to get the dent in my head taken care of.
"Now if you feel any dizziness or discomfort what so ever, you come straight back here. Alright?" The medic attending to me was woman, the first I had seen since I started playing. She had yellow armor and went by the designation of Livewire.
"Yes ma'am" giving her a firm nod I left the Med-Bay. I should try logging out while I have the chance. As I made to bring up my options menu my wings felt the presence of a familiar spark. Turning my head slightly got get a better look at see who it was, I was surprised to find that it was the silver man from before.
He was once again leaning on a nearby wall again. Interesting. My wings twitched, moving into a high V. As I started to wander around the Autobot camp, I concentrated on his spark signature. Watching his movements carefully I noticed that as I moved, so did he. Staying far enough away to remain inconspicuous but close enough that I was still within his line of sight.
I quickened my steps, looking for a familiar face. Be that of soldiers that found Ironhide and I or Ironhide himself. Every time I thought I had lost my shadow he would show up again, just leaning on another building smirking at me. Like he knew I was trying to get away from him.
On the outside I kept my cool, face blank of emotion, door wings held in a stiff arch. Internally though I was freaking out. Where the hell is Ironhide!? My hand hovered over the knife that rested on my thigh. Trying to maintain a casual pace I took a sharp turn around a building, hiding in the shadows, I waited with baited breath. His spark continued to get closer and closer before he finally came around the building.
He paused, glancing side to side. He tilted his head to the side, the fins on either side of his head shifting, moving back and forth. Those must be his ears. Is he trying to find me through sounds? Echo location maybe? I kept perfectly still, holding each breath for as long as I could. My heart was beating so hard I was almost positive he would hear.
His mouth formed a grim line before he took off. Running in the direction I had originally been walking in. I waited a few minutes, in case he decided to double back. Once I was sure he wasn't coming back I made my way in the opposite direction.
I focused my attention on reading the sparks closest to me. Don't want to run into him again that's for sure.
It took a while but I was finally able to track down Ironhide by using my wings. It was easy to do once I figure out how. His back was turned to me, I was about to call out to him when I noticed he was talking to Livewire. I knew better than to eavesdrop but I couldn't help it. Like before I used the shadows to my advantage, blending in and staying hidden. Geez, Anne was right. I really am a prowler.
"How far along is she?" I wonder who Ironhide talking about.
"She's in her third frame, almost ready to start her final growth spurt." Third frame? Growth spurt?
"And her creators?" Creators? The heck are those?
"I couldn't find any traces of a bond from the scans I took of her spark." What the hell is a spark? Or a bond for that matter?
"None at all?"
"None, it's as if her creators never initiated a bond with her after she was sparked."
"Slag, maybe I should take her back to Iacon with me, have Ratchet take a look at her."
"Are you sure Prowl will go with you? There's a chance that she may want to be sent back to Praxus." Wait a second..they're talking about me!
"All I can do is ask. It don' feel right to jus' leave her on her own when she don' have anybody else." I looked down at the ground, a frown on my face. My wings started to droop a little. I felt horrible, I didn't want Ironhide to worry about me. Not when he didn't have to. I paused, shaking my head, face scrunching up in confusion. Why do I even care? He's just an NPC, like all the others. I need to log off before this game messes with my head anymore than it already has.
I slipped away before Ironhide or Livewire noticed my presence. Not once noticing the shadow that followed.
Gotta say, I never expected my story to get so much attention. A lot thanks and appreciation go to Cashagon, AndromedaAI, Malkah5967 and CrackleShot-the-Sparkeater for your awesome reviews. It really helped to boost my confidence in this story. I hope you, and everyone else who reads this story, enjoys reading it as much as I do writing it.