34: The Adventures of Little Riley!
Chapter 34 - A Slip In The Systems
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Transformers Prime or the franchise. All characters (except Riley/Raina) belong to Hasbro.
::Hello:: - Bumblebee Talking
"Hello" - Normal Talking
'Hello' - Thoughts
*Hello* - Cybertronian Talking
=Hello= - Over the phone or Comm
—
Raina woke up, forcing herself to get ready for school. Earlier that day, or night, she had woken up for no reason. The moment plaguing her mind with curiosity. It was something to keep her mind off of since her dog died the previous day.
She unplugged her phone and opened it up, only to see a bunch of notifications. Mostly from Miko but from Jack and Raf as well. Even her old group of friends were talking on the group chat and to her personally on why she wasn't answering.
After giving a brief explanation to her Buffalo friends she got herself changed and ready. She grabbed a pop tart before heading out. Siting down on the step and munching away, she watched the world around her do its thing. Adults leaving for work, kids leaving for school, birds flying around in endless freedom, the only few clouds drifting gracefully across the blue sky. It was nice enjoying the scenery rather than being glued to a screen.
After a while, Bulkhead finally came. She hopped in the back as Miko tackled her.
"Where were you?! You had us worried sick Raina!" Miko exclaimed, shaking Raina around like a rag doll.
Then the reminder hit her hard as she fought back tears. They stung her eyes, her lip quivering slightly. Miko took note and stared deeply into her friends eyes, looking for an explanation. For once, she stayed silent and patient, waiting for Raina to explain herself.
"Collette...is g-gone. Y-yesterday around noon. I m-miss her so much Miko." Raina stuttered, choking up in her attempts to talk.
Miko felt sad too now. Anytime she hung out at Raina's, they either hung in her treehouse or with her dog. But now the doggo was resting eternally.
"I'm so sorry Raina. It's gonna be ok." Miko gently wrapped her arms around Raina, giving her comfort through her hug and words.
Bulkhead was very confused but didn't say anything since he's never seen Raina cry or Miko give off so much comfort.
When they finally reached school, Raina felt so embarrassed. She looked like a mess, no, a wreck. She tried laughing it off but her voice still quivered and her nose still sniffled.
"You can make it through the day Raina, I believe in you. Are you a con or not?" Miko asked with a serious tone.
Raina looked up and chuckled a bit. Miko was the best-est friend she could ever have. She was right, she could do it.
Through out the school day, it was relaxing. Her classes were easy like usual and lunch was always good since she got to see her friends. But Raf had run into a little problem, a Vince problem.
"Got something to say? Hm?" Vince's voice echoed in the empty halls. Raina was just around the corner before stopping, hearing his voice.
"N-no." Raf stuttered back, his fear was made clear.
"Seems like you want to make this a problem." Vince threatened.
Raina quickly whipped around the corner and towards Raf. She made little eye contact as she tried to lead the boy away from the situation.
"Raina, this little nerd and I have some business. Just run along now." Vince sneered, appearing more friendly when addressing her.
"What did he do wrong?" Raina asked, keeping up her positive attitude. As much as she wanted to threaten Vince right about now.
"He snitched on me earlier for having a little smoke break. Don't think I didn't notice you." Vince pointed his finger at Raf accusingly, his other hand curling into a fist.
Raina was currently holding Raf's shoulders with her own hands. She tightened her grip, in a protective way when Vince got more angry.
"I-I didn't. I swear." Raf whimpered.
"Vince, I'm sure he's telling the truth. Let's all just stay calm, please." Raina let go of Raf and got in between the two, slightly pushing Raf back.
"He is lying, and he's going to pay for it." Vince suddenly pushed Raina out of the way as he charged at Raf, punches ready to fly.
"Vince, stop." Raina suddenly spoke up, holding him back. But he didn't stop, only shoving her away again.
"I said stop. He's only 12 for crying out loud. Leave him alone Vince." Raina raised her voice, but not enough to catch nearby passers attention.
And to think she was friends with this guy. Total jerk.
Vince didn't stop and by now, Raf had gotten out of the way of the first punch. He ran directly to Raina and hid behind her, like a scared little kid with a parent.
"Step aside please." Vince cracked his knuckles, then his neck. Was he trying to be intimidating?
"I understand your angry at Raf but don't take your anger out on others. If you excuse us, Raf and I will be leaving." Raina then grabbed Raf's arm and dragged him with her down the hall.
A sudden grip on her shoulder stopped her though. Vince spun her around and stared directly in her eyes. When he didn't get the reaction of fear he was hoping for, he looked down at Raf. The boy shrunk under his stare, clinging to Raina's arm.
"Back. Off. I'm giving one warning." Raina dropped her act, he was just pushing it.
"Or what? What can a ninth grade girl do?" Vince challenged, amused by her threatening nature.
True he was two grades above her, taller than her, and had a pretty good reputation of violence. But she knew how to handle herself and people like him. This wasn't her first rodeo.
"Goodbye Vince." Raina shoved past him, keeping Raf close.
"Raina, I didn't snitch I swear." Raf quietly peeped up.
"I know Raf, I know. He's a real jerk." Raina looked down at the 12-year-old, smiling reassuringly.
"Snitches get stitches. Ever heard of that where your from?" Vince then tried to hit her but it was a weak move.
Raina stepped to the side, avoiding the fist before sweeping him off his feet with her leg. He landed on the ground with a satisfying smack.
"Never hit a girl. Have you heard of that where your from?" Raina taunted back.
"Raf, go head to class. Now." Raina crouched down and shook the boy.
He nodded his head and immediately took off. If Vince still had it in him, this could get pretty bad, nasty you could say.
He got up, wiping away blood from his nose. Seriously? She swiped him to the ground and he was already bleeding? Wuss.
He tried again to swing at her but to no luck. She either dodged it or attacked him before his fist could land. She is super glad little her wanted to learn martial arts, it was for this exact reason she wanted to learn.
Raina caught his fist, twisting his arm, and kicking his shins. Now he was on the ground whimpering like a little girl.
"I believe I can rest my case." Raina smirked before releasing his arm and walking away.
Just when she thought she was done, Vince freaking sneak attacked her. He used his elbow to smack into the back of her head then finally landing one on her face.
The shock didn't last long, as Raina quickly backed him into a locker, holding her forearm against his neck. No way was someone getting away with that.
But before she could do anything, a couple of teachers came. So did Raf and he looked shocked none the less. Raina didn't let go at first but it wasn't till after the teachers calmed her down like a wild animal when she finally did.
Now she was in the principals office, sitting beside Vince, and the VP reprimanding them like 5 year olds. Both her and Vince got tissues for their bleeding noses, and Raina noticed her handy work fading in. A bruise forming on Vince's neck where she had her arm. But she could feel a bruise under her eye socket forming as well.
"Your parents have already been called. I'm suspending you both for the week. No ands or buts." The VP finished, crossing his arms while leaning back in the office chair.
Great, she could hear Megatron's voice saying how much of a Decepticon she was. Well, maybe she could do her research during this suspension. Might as well make use of it.
Thinking of that, she was remembering something. The answers from her questions 3 days before. And why she ran out of the base, the voices...why she woke up at night, it was all coming back.
But the sound of her parents and Vince's disturbed her train of thought, actually train of memories.
The VP explained everything that had happened to their parents as Vince and Raina tuned them out. Then they left the building with them, grabbing their bags on the way out.
Vince left in his 'precious' car while Raina was allowed to wait for her 'science fiction club members' to arrive. Of course, after she re-explained the whole situation to her parents. And here she was now, sitting where Miko sat when she drew Arcee that one day.
She had a whole hour to kill so she texted her Buffalo friends. Unaware of the time passing around her. She jumped at the bell ringing but continued texting. Then Miko decided to sneak up on her, like she completely forgot about Raina's warning.
"Who's JJ?" Miko asked. Raina nearly hit Miko but it was her voice that made her stop herself.
"What did I tell you Miko!" Raina scolded but her phone got snatched by the girl, ignoring her words.
"Who are these people?" Miko asked, scrolling through the texts. Raina snatched her phone back as Miko let out an 'Aww'.
"Friends. And no, not those 'friends'."
"Dude! What happened to your cheek!" Miko suddenly exclaimed.
"Vince was being a jerk off to Raf." Raina told her like it was nothing.
"That guy is just asking for it." Miko frowned, her eyebrows furrowing.
Then she carefully reached out and touched the spot that definitely shouted 'I got punched'. It surprisingly didn't hurt when Miko brushed her fingers against the purple and blue spot. More relaxing and comforting then anything.
That's when Jack and Raf finally joined them.
"Are you okay Raina?" Raf asked worryingly.
"I'm fine. If Vince bothers you again, text me or shout really loud. It'll help then just cowering away."
Raina's amused smile gave Raf all the comfort he needed. The 4 kids then went to their guardian's alts and headed to base. Once arriving, Raina's battle scar didn't go unnoticed by the hatchet.
"What did you do Raina?" Ratchet asked, glaring down at her.
"Some jerk bullying Raf. Nothing important." Raina waved it off like nothing but Ratchet didn't stop keeping an optic on her the entire time.
Did he care? He told himself he didn't but yet, here he was. Maybe it was natural instinct as a medic? No, now he was just making excuses. Too prestige to admit caring for the humans.
"How did it feel to punch Vince!" Miko exclaimed, making a punching motion with her arms repeatedly.
"I don't know, like a normal punch?" Raina told her confused by the girl's question.
"Raina, thanks again for sticking up for me." Raf thanked again, slightly guilty Raina had a nice mark under her eye.
"It's no problem. Nobody messes with my favourite 12-year-old." Raina leaned over and messed his hair up playfully.
"It's 12 and a quarter." He corrected in a joking manner.
"Oh well excuse me, you're my favourite 12 and a QUARTER year old." Raina corrected, emphasizing on the 'quarter'.
"Raaaaaatchet."
Raina was hearing them again. Oh no.
"Raaaaaatchet."
Wait, she was starting to know the next words. What the voices were about to say...
"RATCHET!"
"What." Ratchets voice sounded done and completely annoyed at the shouting.
When Raina turned to him though, he wasn't even present in the room. His pedsteps fading into the hallway. Then the small voice came back.
"Let's do something fun! And not that confusing stuff your doing. Like maaayyybe..."
"The park?"
"The Park..."
Raina said exactly what the voice said the moment it came up. She knew what was about to be said. She wasn't scared of the voices anymore...more satisfied and longing for more than anything.
"Uh everything ok?" Miko asked, waving her hand in front of Raina's face.
"Wha-Oh yeah, all good." Raina responded laughing slightly.
"Uh Huh...Well 3 more days till our fun returns! How is everyone feeling? Cause I'm so pumped to get back to plucking my guitar strings!" Miko proceeded to exaggerate her point, playing an air guitar quiet violently.
"I can finally have a chance to escape with Arcee." Jack added, smiling and daydreaming about it already.
"I can't wait to beat Bumblebee at video games. I've been practicing a lot recently." Raf adjusted his glasses, glaring at Bee slightly.
"And I get to text my friends. Soon it'll be summer, 1 and a half months to be exact. When it's summer, adios amigos because I'm leaving this place to see them." Raina relaxed, putting her feet up on the makeshift coffee table and putting her hands behind her head.
"We're not good enough anymore?" Jack asked sarcastically.
"You guys could never be like my friends. But you would love 'em." Raina chuckled.
"Is that who you were texting earlier?" Miko asked.
"Yep. And to finally answer your questions, JJ is Jayden, we call her Jay though. The others were Jordan, Emma, Kissh, Mei, and Ro-" Raina stopped immediately, she was so used to recounting her friends that she forgot Rose wasn't in the mix.
"Uh yeah, just those 5, ignore the last part." Raina fixed her position and tried to smile.
Now she felt like she was spiralling into a black hole. She had lost Rose and now Collette. Her memories and friendships. But something distracting made her thank Primus a bunch.
"Uhhhhh you guys, I'll be back." Raina then quickly rushed down the stairs and into the halls of the base.
Once around a corner, she looked down at her hands that were covered in blood. Not drenched but enough to make a nice handprint.
"Where did this come from..." Raina asked herself, then she felt the back of her head. Sure enough, she found the source.
Vince had must of hit her harder than expected. But when she reached back, she felt something...poking out? When she grabbed it, it looked like a device of some sort. It blinked red for a couple of seconds before shutting off. When she removed that, the wall that's been up for 3 years felt like it disappeared.
But that could wait, she needed to see Knockout. Why him and not Ratchet or a hospital? Well he stitched her up those three years prior in that exact spot, obviously he would know what was currently in her hand.
Luckily the back of her head was covered well and her hair was black so the blood wasn't noticeable at first glance. All she had to do was grab her backpack and bail.
She swiftly walked back to the human area, grabbed her bag, and made her way to the entrance.
"Hey! Where are you going?" Miko asked all glum.
"I forgot something that I had today. No need to bridge me, I can walk." Raina smiled but as soon as she turned around, she bit her lip nervously.
"She's been acting weird lately." Jack mentioned to the two remaining kids.
Miko looked back at him before laughing. "Paranoid Jack? And why are you paying so much attention to her? Like her or something?" She totally played her trap card just to mess with him.
"What?! No I'm just saying her behaviour has been weird and obvious. I mean she's hearing stuff, leaving base frequently, and now this?"
Jack was very suspicious and Raina couldn't blame him. She would be too. Before she finally left, she heard Optimus' voice, not his real one.
"Just because we will be safe, doesn't mean you'll be. The Decepticons have tried to manipulate you and caused you great harm. There isn't a need to put you through anymore of it."
"But you did put me through it again." Raina silently told herself.
Wait, where did that come from. That just came out naturally, no thinking involved. She started to walk faster until she reached the entrance. The big door opened and she ran outside. She kept running till she was far away from base before texting Soundwave that she needed a bridge. As soon as she texted, one appeared.
After walking through right in front of Soundwave, she greeted him.
"Sounds', any idea where Knockout is?" She asked.
He stood silent for a few moments before shaking his helm. "Hmmm well, thanks Soundwave."
And off she went to his lab, medbay, place. When she entered, it surprisingly wasn't empty. Breakdown was there alone, sorting out medical equipment for Knockout.
"Hey Breakdown." Raina greeted, walking into the room.
"Hey kid, what's up? Shouldn't you be with the bots?"
"Yeah but something happened and I need to see Knockout. Any idea where he is?"
"He left the ship again, he really doesn't like being cooped up. Want me to comm him back?"
"Yes please, it's super urgent and important."
Breakdown went to one of the monitors and pressed down one of the keys. Raina climbed the stacks of crates and got on to the counter next to Breakdown.
"Breakdown to Knockout, you there?"
=What is it Breakdown?= Knockout sounded a bit annoyed.
"Raina is here and she needs ya, says it's urgent."
=Is she there now?=
"Yes"
"Hi Knockout!" Raina suddenly chimed in.
=Listen, just tell me over the comm Raina=
"Ok um...3 years ago when you stitched the back of my head, did you put anything there? Like a device?"
Knockout went silent after that, Breakdown and Raina felt the tension building up.
=Why...did you find one?= Knockout finally spoke up nervously.
"Yeah, did you place it there?" Raina answered.
Again, silence. A few moments later, a groundbridge opened behind them and Knockout's alt came speeding through. He skirted to a stop and transformed. Breakdown released the key as him and Raina stared at him.
"Let me see it." Knockout spoke up, walking towards her.
Raina reached into her backpack and got it out, placing it in Knockouts held out servo. He picked it up using his other servo, examining it between his digits. Then he hummed before placing it down.
"Breakdown, place Raina over there." Knockout pointed at silver surface while looking at the small component once again.
Breakdown and Raina exchanged confused looks, shrugging their shoulders at one another. Breakdown held his servo out and carefully walked to place the girl down where Knockout wanted.
"Breakdown, a moment." Knockout and Breakdown walked out of the medbay, the doors closing behind them.
Raina couldn't exactly follow or eavesdrop since she was on a high surface and no way to get down. She could hear their voices, but not what they were saying. But the gist of the conversation was clear. Knockout would raise his voice, sound a bit trembly, sometimes sad. Same with Breakdown.
It felt like a lifetime till Breakdown returned in the room, but not Knockout.
"Raina, have you been feeling ok since that thing came out?" Breakdown asked nervously.
"Yeah, why wouldn't I?" Raina asked confused.
"Ok, Knockout said we should be good as long as nothing to sensitive reaches you." Breakdown mumbled but Raina could hear. She didn't say anything though, not yet.
"So do you know what the device was for?" Raina asked.
"Nope. I'm not the one who put it there or the geeky one around here." Breakdown and Raina broke out chuckling but something didn't sit right with the girl.
She thought about that night she met the Decepticons. How Megatron explained what they were, the crew, and a bunch of other stuff. But something started to become fuzzy. Getting more and more clear, like camera lenses focusing on something.
That night, she was remembering something. She remembered it was day, she was walking away from that candy shop. For a while she was...she was thinking about the Autobots. Then Soundwave came and kidnapped her, then she was in the lab. On the same table...
She tried to jump off but Soundwave stopped her. Then Knockout said she wouldn't remember anything after that. Not remember the bots...
Sudden feelings and emotions flooded in. More and more becoming clearer. All the memories and thoughts that were missing, they were there now. Dreams about Cybertron that she used to have. The Autobots visiting her while she was with...her foster parents. Her parents weren't her parents...just foster ones. Then who was her parents...
"Dad..." Riley suddenly whispered. Her memory was back, Riley was back. Everything was brought back.
"What?" Breakdown asked.
"You...you...wiped my memory? Why?" Riley asked, looking at the mech she thought was her friend, choking up a bit.
"Scrap...uh listen, Raina-" "It's Riley." She interrupted.
"Riley, we didn't want to do that to you but Lord Megatron ordered us to. Knockout felt so bad after he knocked you out that night. I've felt bad that we had to lie to you. If it was up to me, I wouldn't have let this carry on for so long."
"Breakdown, get me back home. My real home." Riley pleaded.
"I'm...I'm sorry kid. I want to but I can't."
Riley curled up in a ball, crying her heart out. She remembered everything and now she was trapped on the Nemesis. She was with her family all along but she didn't know. She felt 7 again, wanting to be with Optimus all the time. All she wanted was her dad.
Breakdown carefully scooped her up and hugged her. He may be tough at times but he was a real softy. Riley just hugged him back, well tried to. Size difference and all. After a while, she felt more calm but she still wanted to see them, to see him.
"I shouldn't have come here, this was a bad idea." Riley told herself.
"Hey don't be down. Soon you'll be able to do whatever you want. Because you're Riley, and the only girl who has the guts to confront Megatron. The girl who fights better than any human ever. If you can get through anything then this will be easy." Breakdown was just trying everything he could to make her feel better.
"Thanks Breakdown." Riley looked up and smiled at him, he smiled back.
The cute moment was short lived as soon as Knockout came back in.
"Am I interrupting something?" Knockout asked eyeing the two.
"She was just feeling down. Oh and she knows." Breakdown reported.
"Well Lord Megatron is on his way so might want to put her back. I can't believe I'm doing this again." Knockout sighed, walking over to some of his tools.
"It's gonna be ok, for both of you." Breakdown placed his servo on Knockout's shoulder.
"I don't like doing this." Knockout looked at Riley who knew what was coming.
"Maybe you don't. Breakdown told me about you not liking it before so maybe you don't have to. If you guys help me, you can just say I escaped on my own. Maybe we can put up an act." Riley tried to negotiate.
"I would agree to that except-" and just as he was about to say it, Soundwave came in.
Riley just accepted it and sat herself down again. She was going to go back and forget everything all over again. Why her? So what if she had a connection with the bots, she didn't decide on that. It wasn't her choice.
It was silent after that. Soundwave watched over Riley as Breakdown stood to the side. Knockout was either typing or looking at the device. But everyone's attention went to Megatron who entered moments after.
"Knockout, how long do you think it'll take to repair the device?" Megatron towered over the medic as he picked it up.
"Roughly a day, day and a half. It's very small and requires delicate repairs." Knockout reported.
"Then see to it that it gets repaired. Soundwave, keep an extra close watch on surveillance. I'm sure it'll be easy to keep her here, right Knockout and Breakdown?" Megatron was being as intimidating as usual.
"Yes Lord Megatron." Knockout placed his servo where his spark was and bowed slightly. Breakdown copying his action.
Megatron then looked at Riley, who only glared at him with spite. He could tell she was scared though, eyes and optics were easy to read.
Him and Soundwave left after that, Knockout and Breakdown visibly relaxing.
"Please don't do this again." Riley pleaded the second she could.
"We're sorry Riley. Truly are. We've grown so close and I hate to do this. But if we don't then we get our sparks ripped out and who knows what'll happen to you then." Knockout explained, searching for smaller tools.
"Besides leaving this ship, we can do whatever you want? Ok?" Breakdown smiled comfortingly at her, which made her feel better.
"Can...can I send a message to Optimus, just to let him know I'm fine. Him, the team, and the humans are working hard to find me. Funny I was right beside them the whole time." Riley giggled slightly before sighing.
"I don't see why not, as problematic that'll be. But they deserve to know. How do you suggest we give them the message? If we send it, it'll look suspicious." Knockout pointed out.
"The Human way, a letter. I can mail it to Agent Fowler somehow, he'll get it." Riley thought up.
"Maybe." Breakdown shrugged his shoulders.
Riley took that as a yes and rummaged through her bag. She got out her pencil and a paper and began to write. Gosh how was she supposed to start this out? Couldn't hint to anything, the cons would surly look it over before it got sent. But she still wanted to send a secret message through, but how? Couldn't make it obvious, some cons were smart. But if it was too well hidden, the message would look like any normal letter. Then she thought of it. She could drop hints and if she did get memory wiped again, she could add stuff she knew, regardless of memory status.
—
Dear Team Prime,
It's been a while since I've heard from you guys. 6 years with no words and 7 in total? It's been too long. Anyhow, I'm still wondering when you're coming but I've created such a life! My foster parents are great, I've made a lot of friends, school is easy, and it's just been great. I can't believe my dog died though, Collette was her name.
Asides that, I hope you all have been doing fine without me. Hope you didn't get caught by any other kids ;).
I learned this new game with my friends, it's called every fourth word. It's a silly game honestly, the fourth person gets a pie to the face.
Ok so uh 'I' just found out 'needing' friends is a 'helpful' thing. But challenges 'memory' since birthdays totally 'wipe' me out. Jane 'Device', my friend, loves 'Raina', a character in 'Hays'. I hope the 'Decepticons' aren't giving any 'trouble'.
Love you guys and miss you a bunch! Hope you guys didn't forget me cause I nearly did!
- Riley
(Just so y'all know, the (') isn't there in the letter, just for you all to see the message.)
—
Riley was done her message, now to hopefully get it sent to Agent Fowler.
It had been a while and Riley didn't have anything to occupy herself. Knockout was busy preparing her doom and Breakdown couldn't entertain her for long. Checking the time on her phone, it was already midnight so might as well get rest.
(~Dreamland~) (Riley's POV)
Since I got my memories back, I also got my Cybertron filled dreams back. I missed these, wonder what it was this time.
I onlined my optics, ready for a new solar cycle. I was in my Sire's room but he wasn't there. So swinging my little legs off the berth and landing on the ground, I opened the door and made my way out.
Eventually I was in a bigger room that acted as a lounge. Bots were all around, chatting it up, playing games, having their daily energon, that stuff. Not a single spark noticed me though, not sure if that was good or not.
I looked around the room, hoping to spot someone I've seen before. Who did I know that's alive anyway? Optimus, Ratchet, Bumblebee, Arcee, Ironhide, and Chromia. But none of them were there.
So I swiftly and silently made my way across the lounge into the hall on the right. Luckily, I didn't get noticed or called out. So I was in the all clear.
I kept wandering for a bit until I saw Ratchet. Thank Primus, this place was a maze and was I glad to see him again. With my itty bitty legs, I ran over to the bot. He was busy looking over a list of patients and only looked down once I hugged his leg.
"And how's the little one doing?" Ratchet asked me, crouching down.
"Fine." I answered.
"Bumblebee has been wondering about you, and seeing as he is in the all clear, do you want to finally visit him?" Ratchet picked me up, bouncing me slightly to get a better hold.
Finally? I really needed to make a timeline of these dreams so I know what's going on. Regardless of that, I nodded my helm.
We started to walk down several halls until we reached a specific room. Ratchet set me down and opened the door. Inside was Bumblebee sitting on the edge of a berth, holding his throat while looking down depressingly. His attention went up once the door opened. I ran to his side immediately.
I hopped on the berth then gave Bee the biggest hug I could muster. He squeezed me back, but he wasn't saying anything.
I put two and two together, his voice was gone. Tyger Pax already happened. One of my past dreams did end with him being rushed in.
"Are you feeling ok Bee?" I asked. I know he couldn't give me a verbal answer but he could still give one.
His talking instinct kicked in as he tried to answer but ended up coughing. Glitchy puffs emitted so I assume they are coughs. Then he shook his servo in a 'kinda' way.
"Well, I'll make you feel better." I chimed, hugging him again.
His faceplates said 'there's no use'. I frowned at that. He couldn't give up just because of a silly little voice box. It didn't change the way he was. I already knew he would be somewhat better in the future but it still hurt to seem him like this.
"I assure you Bumblebee, we are trying to find a way to make you speak again. But with the little resources we have and the current situation..." Ratchet trailed off, feeling helpless.
I knew why. I remembered asking Ratchet about Bee's voice one day, he said he tried his best to help him but still felt guilty about not doing more. Well now I'm seeing the beginning of that wretched path he would put himself on.
"Bumblebee, you're still the same mech I know and love. Voice or no voice. No matter what, I will always be there for you." I spoke up, staring Bee in the optics.
When it came to my love, I make sure those I do love, know I do. They better know it, accept it, and take it. Ok, I'm a bit forceful with the love but just take it.
He smiled after that, Ratchet too. Bumblebee then looked at Ratchet who nodded his helm. No doubt wondering if he could finally leave. Bee did not like being in the same room for long periods of time.
Without warning, he grabbed me, put me on his back, and rushed out of the room. Ratchet chuckled at the two of us. I wasn't sure where Bee was heading but he was acting like he had a mission. Soon we stopped outside of a pretty big door. Almost looked like a vault door, it was super secure and sturdy. Like, it requires a whole lot of explosives and firepower to take that thing down.
One of Bee's arms stopped supporting my weight so he could enter a pin for the door. Once the little light above the keys glowed green, the door's pistons hissed as it slowly opened. Bumblebee was practically hopping in his spot, waiting for the door to open enough for him to slip through. Once it was, he was at it.
Next thing I saw was a bright light. It burned my optics, I was used to the dull lights of the indoors and not outdoors. As soon as my optics adjusted, the sight was horrific but beautiful.
Vast lands of metal, destroyed buildings, rubble, bodies, abandoned weapons of destruction, and to top it off, the sun peeking above the horizon.
Bumblebee didn't seem to mind the view but I was just, feeling not okay with the sight. Bee put me down, grabbed my servo, and led me to a specific spot. It was just a pile of big crates over to the left.
He picked me up and placed me on top before hopping on himself. We both stared at the beautiful star rising into the sky, making the pretty colours turn into blue. If you ignored the rest of the mayhem, this was a really pretty sight.
"You didn't want to miss the sunrise, did you?" I asked slightly laughing.
Bee nodded before being entranced again. But then we heard someone sobbing behind us. We both turned around to see a femme curled up in the distance. She was in one of the outer corners of base, just crying. Bee and I exchanged glances before heading towards her. Both of us hopping off and slowly making our way.
When we got closer, we both recognized her. It was Arcee. As soon as I found that out, I ran to her side. Bumblebee following close behind me.
"Arcee, are you ok?" I asked, hugging her side.
She jumped back a bit, probably cause I scared her. Then she sighed annoyed.
"Yeah, everything's fine." She grumbled, tired and annoyed as she wiped away the lubricant.
"Are you sure?" I knew she was lying, why was she upset though?
Bumblebee by now had sat down by the other side of her, wrapping his arm around her. He couldn't talk but his face said a million words. Arcee smiled wearily at him before flopping her helm back on her knees.
Sighing, she looked at the sun rising. More lubricant falling from her optics. Something was seriously wrong.
"There's something wrong Arcee." I voiced out my thoughts, shaking her gently.
"You're too young to understand." She told me.
That's not the first time I've heard that, and it brought back old emotions from the previous experience. What was with Arcee and telling me that I was too young? Was that her go-to excuse?
"Talking will make you feel better. Whether I understand or not." I told her soothingly.
Giving up, she told me.
"I lost my partner to a Decepticon. Even though I gave her the truth, she just...killed him."
This was new. Very very new. Arcee lost a partner during the war on Cybertron? That must've been hard on her...no wonder Arcee was so angsty now. But Bee understood, already knowing. Maybe he helped her before running into Megatron.
"Why do I keep losing bots close to me? First my sister now Tailgate? Wonder who's next." She dug her helm into her knees again, back to sobbing.
Bumblebee and I quickly wrapped our arms around her. Comforting her in any way we could.
I knew Arcee had a sister, 2 actually. Optimus told me about his sparkmate shortly after showing me the picture of himself with her and their kid. Her name was Elita apparently and Arcee was one of her sisters, Chromia being the other. But seeing as Chromia is present in the dream universe and Arcee is here, that meant Elita died. Seeing as Optimus is my Sire, that meant I was Elita's kid, all leading to me being Arcee's niece. Well Silverstar technically, I was seeing through her optics.
So Elita is already dead in this dreamland. For who knows how long but it couldn't have been too recent, everybot looked pretty fine. But those who are closer take longer to heal, like Arcee. And now she lost partner, a close friend no doubt.
"I'm sure he is resting well in the allspark. And watching over you to make sure you're safe." I spoke up. Bee nodded to my statement to agree.
Arcee looked up and smiled at me then Bee. Then she got up, wiping her faceplates again before lending her servo out to me.
"Time to head inside, you both look like you haven't gotten energon yet. Come on." After I grabbed her servo, she used her other arm to grab Bee's. She dragged us both back inside as the sun's round glow shone above the horizon and slowly raised into the sky.
Once inside, she forcefully sat us down at an empty table in the lounge and disappeared. Moments later coming back with three sky blue cubes. She gave one to me then Bee as she started to consume hers. Bumblebee's disappeared quickly, eager to do something fun. I was pretty slow that Arcee and Bee started a one way conversation already.
Finally finishing mine, Arcee put her servo over mine on the table.
"Thanks. I needed that, guess that's what family is for." Arcee smiled sheepishly, maybe a bit awkward because she was being so soft.
"Anytime 'Cee." I smiled back cheerfully.
Bumblebee was sitting impatiently, waiting for the cute exchange to end so he could drag me to do something. Arcee and I laughed as she let me go. The millisecond she did, Bee had me in his grip and ran away with me. Like Gollum with the ring except less 'my precious'.
Bumblebee was trying to find anything fun to do but ended up running into some bot. That some bot was the bot I've been wanting to see, dream world could always give me something that currently was out of reach in reality.
Bumblebee tried to apologize but had a coughing fit, but stopped when the mech placed his servo on the young scout's shoulder.
"I know what you're trying to say Bee, it's ok."
I looked up and there he was, my dad, Optimus. I missed seeing him through my true eyes, not as Raina but as Riley or Silverstar. I couldn't help but immediately hug him. I was very small to him but my hugs were bigger than the galaxy. Primus that sounds so childish, and I'm supposed to be 15? Yeah right.
"Hello Silverstar, how was your recharge?" He asked, smiling down at me.
"Good." I replied, smiling back.
Bee made an 'Aww' face, holding his servos together and placing them under his face. Swaying his frame side to side at the same time.
"I see you and Bee are already back to your antics. I hope you had your energon first."
"Of course. Bee and I are gonna show this place some real fun!"
"I'm sure you are sweetspark. I'm sure you are."
(~Back To Reality~) (Still Riley's POV)
Optimus' final words echoed in my head before I finally decided to open my eyes. I was still on the Nemesis, unfortunately. With no way to escape. Might as well treasure and savour my mind before I lose it again.
"You're finally awake? You humans need a lot of sleeping." Knockout said with a bit of sass.
"No, just me. I did sneak here in the middle of the night for a while. I still have sleep to catch up on." I yawned, stretching my arms out.
"You didn't have to." Knockout pointed out.
"But I wanted to, so there. What time is it?" I asked.
"Nearly 1 in the afternoon." He answered back.
"Where's Breakdown?" I scanned the room but the bulky mech was no where in sight.
"Oh right, about that. Apparently some humans kidnapped him and Lord Megatron doesn't want to save him. Starscream told me he plans on going out himself in...well actually right about now. So if all goes well, he'll be back soon."
"You sound super chillax and not at all worried for him. He's been kidnapped! By humans! They could be doing anything to him right now!" I was super worried for him. We were small but still capable of doing drastic things.
"No offence, but humans won't be able to do much to a Cybertronian, especially Breakdown." Knockout told her confidently.
"We can do pretty crazy stuff Knockout, don't underestimate us." I warned jokingly.
"Oh I'm sure you guys can." He teased back.
Knockout then told me he had to leave and that he'll be right back. I sat in the poorly lit room, alone, as I tried to plan an escape. I mean how. Soundwave was being extra vigilant now, groundbridge controls were most likely out of reach, and I was on a flying ship. Flying. Maybe I could try and contact base, supply coordinates and boom. Adios Decepticons?
Well Knockout's monitors luckily had the system to comm, proven earlier by Breakdown. So let's start there. Thank Primus I wasn't on that table but on a countertop. I made my way over, eventually reaching the screen. I tapped a few keys and it turned on.
I looked around nervously, hoping there wasn't a camera nearby or watching me right now. I was already in deep water, might as well keep going.
I typed away, looking for anything that would lead me to the comm links. After a few minutes, I found not only the comm links, but the one the cons used to eavesdrop on the Autobots. Well now or never.
I pushed down a key and started to speak.
"Hello? Is anyone there?" I asked. Static came back. Maybe I forgot a step or the ships cloaking was scrambling it. Maybe Soundwave was watching and he was stopping me right now!
But all that washed away when I finally got a voice in return.
"Who is this? Identify yourself." That voice, she knew it anywhere.
"Ratchet! Thank Primus. I need you to groundbridge me out of here, I can supply coordinates." I told him quickly.
Then I brought up the ships current position on another screen, reading the coordinates in my head.
"Raina is that you?" He asked.
Oh right, about that. It can wait, I just needed off. Now.
"Yeah, can you bridge me please? I'm sending coordinates now."
"Why do you need me to bridge you? Where are you?"
"Upon the...Nemesis. It's a long story I just need you to hurry! Did you get the coordinates."
"Raina I'm not at base, hold on, I'm getting the others on the line."
It was silent until she heard Optimus' voice.
"Raina, you're on the Nemesis right now?" He asked.
"Yeah. I need to get out of here." I answered.
"Optimus, why do you sound so calm? She is on the Decepticon warship!" Arcee's sudden voice rang out.
Well that would have gave me away, it was that loud. I'm shocked Knockout or literally anyone else hasn't come in yet.
"I-I can explain back at base. Optimus, Bee, and Miko already know. But you guys, I really am in trouble." Hopefully I made my voice sound desperate enough. I wasn't feeling any actual fear so I had to make it seem like I was so I could peel out of here faster.
"Hold on, we're getting Miko to bridge us back now. Once we arrive, we will open a bridge for you and come through." Ratchet spoke up, keeping a calm and collected voice.
"Ok, please hurry. I already sent the coordinates."
Now I had to play the waiting game with a fun twist. Hope no one comes in the meantime. No way I had just gotten away with that. Soundwave must've known, so why was he letting this go on? Did I just lead them into a trap? Uh oh, let's not make it one.
Just then, my worst fear came true. Knockout returned and Soundwave joined him.
"Hello Riley, bored aren't we?" Knockout eyed the monitor that currently showed the ships location and status.
Yep, that was totally it. I nodded my head as Soundwave came closer to me. He knew, he did, I could tell. His visor then showed a wagging finger as a series of voice clips played.
"I know what you did. You're not leaving, very sorry."
"What's he talking about Ry'?" Knockout asked.
"I uh don't know." I gulped as Soundwave intimidating, silent frame casted a shadow over me.
He turned to Knockout, showing something on his visor. I only knew that from the reflection in Knockout's optics. He looked hesitant too but whatever Soundwave told him, he did.
He carefully brushed me aside, typing away before stopping. He looked down in complete sorrow, before looking at me with sad optics.
"I'm sorry." Was what he told me before I felt a stinging pain in my head. It got worse with every passing second.
My entire head felt like it was burning, eating itself, or being dipped into acid. Actually, all of the above. It throbbed and I couldn't help but scream in pain. I held my head, tightly crushing it to make the pain go away.
Next thing I heard was a groundbridge, was I going to escape? Was I finally going to go home? I wasn't sure cause after seeing 4 figures come through, I blacked out.
—
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