36: The Adventures of Little Riley!
Chapter 36 - I am Riley Autobot Pax
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/Riley's POV (still))
"Riley? Are you sure?" Optimus asked, doubting me?
"I'm sure. The voice said that name when they told her to not act like she was leaving forever. And that they would always be there for her." I told him more, standing and speaking confidently.
Optimus looked at the crystal again before taking it and looking closely at it. His optics widened slightly before looking at me. It was like Megatron just slapped him across the face, shocked, stunned, but still keeping some composure.
"Raina, where did you get this from?" He asked.
I shrugged my shoulders. "It was in my tree house inside a box. There was another one too. Hold on." I reached in my bag and grabbed the 'memory' box.
I opened it, not expecting anything. Paper and pictures was it's contents. I dumped it out on the table and spread it all out. I flipped the pictures over and opened the letters. Optimus watched me the whole time, looking carefully at each item.
"What is all this?" I asked myself, grabbing a picture with Ratchet on it. He was in mid throw, a wrench object in the air.
"What have they done?" Optimus asked himself now. I looked back, confused.
"Raina, does anything on the table...spark something?" He asked. I looked at the things before turning again and shaking my head.
He lent out his servo at that moment. I got on and we walked into the halls until we reached that room. The kids room. Was it that girl's room? It looked like one and I don't remember hearing about any other kid living here.
Optimus got the door to open, carefully entering and placing me on the ground. I looked up at him confused, a desperate look in his optics. What was happening?
"Do you...remember anything particular right now?"
I looked around, shaking my head again, much to his disappointment. He pointed to a picture on the wall, one with him and the other bots. And a girl. I walked to it, looking at each being. They all looked so happy, relaxed, and like a family. The girl stood in the middle, lowest point of the picture. She looked like me.
I felt like I was rediscovering information, like I already knew this. I turned back to Optimus but the mech wasn't there. Was I dreaming? Going even more crazy? Or did a big guy like him manage to sneak out?
I walked to the door entrance and peered around the corner. Optimus was there, thank goodness I wasn't dreaming. He was talking lowly to someone. He backed up and Ratchet came out, noticing me peeping on them.
They walked towards me and the room as I ducked back in, waiting patiently.
"Optimus, are you sure?" Ratchet asked wearily.
"The necklace, the pictures and letters, look at her Ratchet. How could we have not seen this?" Optimus was growing a bit frustrated, clenching his dentas together.
"Wait one second..." Ratchet optics lit up as he rushed away. He returned seconds later, which was impressive for an old mech like him.
He was holding something, reading it over again and again. Then he went "Ah Ha!" Like some mad scientist. He showed Optimus, pointing at certain things. All while I was standing below, very confused.
"Before we got her, she was her. We spoke to Riley and she made this. She knew this would happen again. If this message is correct..."
"Uh...guys? What's uh, going on?" I asked, my neck craned up, making it harder to talk.
"I'll see what I can do tomorrow, for now, don't be too sensitive. I don't want something bad happening." Ratchet jokingly warned his old friend.
Optimus half smiled, watching his friend walk away.
"So...what was that?" I asked.
"Whether you know it or not, you've always been smart. You'll be back soon." Then he just left.
Excuse me? Bossbot? Mind not giving riddles like the old mech you are? Whatever, what time was it? I walked back to the main part and to the couch, pulling my phone out. 3am, devil's hour. Great time to sleep. Wait, I didn't get the crystal back. Well I'll just ask tomorrow.
I curled up comfortably and finally felt the world around me drift away. I was so glad to be disconnecting from reality, the harsh lands I wanted to escape all night.
But it felt like seconds later when I opened my eyes again. Sleep was like an illusion. You could fall asleep and be that way for hours on end, but it only felt like a second had passed. I got up but it wasn't the couch I was lying on before. No, a giant metal berth instead. Weird way to start the day off.
I looked over and saw Ratchet explaining something technical to Optimus. This was too early for any long confusing words so I stretched myself out. I looked over the berth, thankful to see a small drop.
"Uh I don't think Ratchet wants his patient leaving yet." A voice spoke up, putting their servo in front of me.
I looked to my right and saw Arcee smiling. Oh come on, really 'Cee?
"Why?" I asked. My voice gained the attention of the two older mechs in front of us.
"Finally." Ratchet sighed annoyed. He muttered something about humans and needing so much care. I didn't really want to know exactly what he said, I could care less.
"Good morning Raina. Did you sleep well?" Optimus asked, kind as ever.
I nodded my head before the events of last night rang the reminder bell.
"What was last night all about? 'I'll be back soon'? What was that? And whatever Ratchet showed you, oh and the crystal, did you confiscate it or something?" I felt like Miko, asking rapid fire questions. She was rubbing off on me, I had to admit.
"You will know in a moment. The crystal is in a safe place, you'll get it back once Ratchet explains this all." Optimus then stepped to the side as Ratchet cleared his throat.
"You don't remember this but you wrote a letter, within it, a hidden message. Saying you needed help. It also mentioned a device, and the Decepticons. Meaning they were behind it. Miko handed it to me before she left, if you're wondering." Ratchet handed me the paper they had apparently looked at last night.
Taking it, I read it over again, word for word. I saw the hidden message immediately, it mentioned my name and sort of my last name as well. As much as I wanted answers, this letter gave nada. I was more confused, I might as well get married to that emotion.
"I can tell the letter mentions something else you know about." Ratchet was looking at me, like he knew there was more to that then a little message.
"It has...my dog's name. It mentions my name and I see the message." I explained, bewildered still.
"Cause past you knew. You knew your memory would disappear again so you left hints. Something happened, the cons are to blame, and now you're back where you started 3 years ago." Arcee piped in.
The bots made it seem simple, like this whole thing was the ABCs. Past me? Memory? They lost me long ago on this topic but now I was completely lost.
"So...what are you going do?" I asked hesitantly.
"Well, after fixing my scanner, I performed a scan and found the source of the problem. As a doctor, I need a patients consent before I can perform any procedure, unless they are unable to decide but you can." Ratchet spoke professionally.
"In simpler words, he needs the go ahead from you." Arcee clarified better.
"The source? Not now...hey where are the kids? Isn't it the weekend?" I looked around, not seeing my friends. I really needed them right about now.
"We told them they were to stay home for today." Optimus briefly explained.
"Ok..." I let out disappointed.
Then an alarm went off, Ratchet went to investigate it and mentioned something about an energon signal. Apparently a mine. So Bumblebee, Arcee, and Bulkhead went while the other 2 bots stayed.
"Shouldn't you go with them?" I asked Optimus.
"They will be fine if I don't go this time. We still have to deal with your current issue."
"Right...last night, you said my eyes were glowing? What do you mean glowing?" I asked, remembering his words.
"When the crystal was glowing, your eyes were as well. But not just a glow, almost as if your eyes turned into optics." Optimus explained.
"Her eyes what?!" Ratchet suddenly cut in.
"Why has this not been brought to my attention?!"
"Cause...I don't know. It only happened last night and I just woke up minutes ago." I responded.
Ratchet went to his monitor again, probably recording that piece of information down. Then he just stood there, back straight and just staring into space while his optics slightly darted around.
"Is everything alright old friend?" Optimus asked, placing his servo on the medic's shoulder.
"No normal device would work on a human..."
"Ratchet? You're mumbling." I looked up at him, confused.
"Eyes turning into optics..."
"Ratchet?" Optimus asked this time.
"Glowing crystal..."
"Now you're being weird Ratchet." I sighed annoyed.
"Cybonic Plague..."
"Ratchet, we do not understand your words." Optimus shook his friend slightly.
"Optimus, do you not see the connections? Having optics, catching Cybonic Plague, glowing and talking Crystals, and memory wipes on a human? Those aren't normal, not for them. For Cybertronians, it is. How could we not have seen this?!" Ratchet looked directly into Optimus' optics, slightly pulling him closer.
Optimus stared blankly and confused at Ratchet, thinking how mad and crazy his friend has gotten.
"So, what is your conclusion?" Optimus asked hesitantly.
"She might not be human." Ratchet turned to look at me, mind you, I was sitting peacefully and drifting in the void while listening. I snapped back out though.
"Nice theory doc but I'm human. Could just be the crystal causing this stuff." I nearly laughed at how funny this was.
"It's an object, it can't do anything." Ratchet mentally face palmed.
"But it can talk and glow, why not change things physically?" I asked, swinging my legs off the side of the berth.
Then Arcee called for a comm, asking for a bridge for herself. "One moment" Ratchet excused himself, activating the bridge.
Optimus and I exchanged amused glances while he peeked at Ratchet's recordings. Arcee came walking in alone as she told Ratchet to activate another one.
"What's going on Arcee?" I shouted since she was on the other side of the room and I'm not exactly a big person with a loud voice.
"Jack was grounded for arriving home late last night so his mom wants to make sure I'm in the garage. Apparently she's going home early." She explained.
Jack? Grounded? He was so responsible though. It must've been not the first time he got home late or his mom is really strict. I think I met her once, back when my head was freshly stitched from Knockout. Her and Jack do have the same last name and look similar so maybe.
Arcee transformed and left right away, Ratchet closing the bridge behind her. Then he made his way back, staring at me then Optimus.
"You never did answer whether or not you wanted me to perform the extraction procedure." Ratchet finally spoke.
"When?" I asked.
"Now. Better to get it done right away." Ratchet explained like it was facts.
I gulped hard on that. Butterflies swarmed in my stomach and I shrunk a bit. I just woke up and now I'm going under a knife? Great. Just great.
"Fine, but I'll be unconscious right?" I asked.
"I don't have anything to knock you out with since you say you're human."
"So...I'm going to feel you cutting into me and taking whatever the thing is, out?" I started shaking now. Of course it was going to be painful.
Optimus looked at Ratchet, hoping that wasn't the case. It did go against his 'no harming humans' policy. Ratchet looked back at him with a 'what?' Face. Then he finally turned to me and nodded.
"Let's just do it." I chimed sarcastically, my arms flying up in the air. "Why not? You only live once."
"Are you sure?" Optimus asked in slight disbelief but more concern.
I nodded my head. "What's the worst that could happen?"
"Your blood spills everywhere and you're screams of pain are etched into our processors." Ratchet explained like it was nothing.
Optimus just gave the 'what the frag!' look.
"Optimus, I'm joking. I may be a medic for Cybertronians but I understand life blood flow and how to stop or reduce it. She'll be fine. But the screams weren't a joke."
And with that, Ratchet was looking for the smallest tool he had. I shifted around nervously and mentally braving myself as Optimus looked very uncomfortable with this himself.
"Can you believe it Optimus? We find out who she truly is, she doesn't remember, and our questions might finally get answered!" Ratchet chimed happily.
"What do you mean by questions?" Optimus asked.
"When you first found her, she was in a pod. We have been questioning why she had no human connection or why she was there. Suddenly she comes back and she's showing signs of Cybertronian. What she is, might get answered, if I'm correct that is." Ratchet explained as he motioned for me turn around and sit up straight.
"Ratchet, you sure you don't have any painkiller stuff or anything to knock me out? What if I knock myself out?" I offered nervously laughing.
"And risk brain damage, no thank you. Now, are you ready?" He asked.
I nodded my head as I leaned my head forward and braced myself. I could see Optimus' movements via shadow. He was shifting uncomfortably as I felt Ratchet's metal digits touch the back of my neck. They weren't cold surprisingly. My hair got brushed back and I could tell Ratchet himself was hesitating now.
"Just do it." I spoke up.
Optimus sat down beside me on the berth, nodding to Ratchet. He lent out his servo, which confused me until I found myself gripping the hell out of it. Ratchet carefully did his best while also being quick. I didn't scream or thrash. I tried to stay silent and still while also squeezing one of Optimus' digits.
Next thing was burning. It felt like acid was getting poured into the incision Ratchet made. I could feel every thing he did, my nerves were going haywire. I finally let out a yelp when he grabbed something.
"I know, I'm sorry." Ratchet apologized. It was unlike him to apologize like that but I was currently focusing on other things. Like massive digits controlling a tool that was grabbing and pulling something.
Then it was finally over. Ratchet walked away and handed Optimus a cloth. He put it over the cut as I swerved myself around and held it in place. It wasn't actually that bad, but my head was going to be sore for a week now. At this point, I looked like someone who got into an ally fight. A bruise under one of my eyes from the fight, scars on my hip from somewhere, scar on my forehead from, again, who knows where. Now the cut on the back of my head got opened like what? The third time? That was going to scar nicely, not.
"Are you feeling ok?" Optimus asked. I nodded my head, smiling up at him.
"Ratchet, did it work?" Optimus turned his attention to his old friend, who was currently looking at something under a microscope.
"I got it out. She should start to remember. We can worry about the Cybertronian stuff later." Ratchet told his leader.
I felt a lot better now, not sure why. I was still confused about the 'you'll know soon' part but eh. Then Optimus got up and talked to Ratchet lowly. They bickered back and forth, like an old couple, till Optimus came back. He lowered himself down and stared me in the eyes.
"The team and I are going to try and help you. Ratchet says the device wasn't what caused the wipe but made sure you couldn't remember again. But now that it is gone and you're safe here, we can help you come back." He explained calmly like I was a young child.
I nodded my head in understanding as he began to speak again.
"Do you have any questions?" He asked.
"Did I know you guys...before I met the Decepticons?" I asked slowly.
"You knew us the second you opened your eyes. You only forgot because of me." He started to seem a bit distant, regretful, and ashamed.
"Optimus, please. It's no ones fault." Ratchet cut in before Optimus could say anything more.
"I know old friend I just-" "Careful Optimus, your Orion is showing." Ratchet teased to lighten the mood. Optimus nearly chuckled, but resorted to just smiling.
I was just watching these two. They were adorable! They could bicker, call each other names, be all personal, and it was just...so cute! That's a good friendship right there.
"Now, instead of mopping around, be glad we have a chance to get Riley. We just need to work together and not blame ourselves." Ratchet went back to studying the device afterwards. Then he turned around, asking me a question.
"Raina, can you remember anything off the top of your head?"
"Nope. Well, I'm starting to remember my life in Buffalo but nothing with you guys." I replied.
Optimus seemed a bit sad but Ratchet grumbled at him.
"It takes time Optimus, it's nothing overnight." Ratchet told him.
"But last time this happened, I did." I piped in.
The two mechs looked at me then at each other.
"I know I remembered everything last time. But what I did, is still blurry." I shrugged my shoulders at the two.
"Optimus, I know you said after but, can I see the crystal again?" I asked hesitantly. He nodded his helm and left. Moments later, he handed me the small necklace.
After studying it for a few seconds, something popped into my head.
"You gave this to me on my birthday, didn't you?" I asked looking at Optimus.
His expression got all hopeful as he nodded his helm to my question. I had to admit, I liked this version of Optimus. More open and caring, more human than Prime.
I put the necklace on and it landed against my chest. But when it did, it made a little ding. I looked and the metal Miko mentioned the previous day came into view. But my memory came to the rescue and I knew exactly what is was and how it happened. So it got brushed aside and I continued to think hard.
"Ratchet?" I piped up. He hummed, motioning for me to go on.
"The timer for the groundbridge, did you use it ever again?" I asked.
"Out of all the things to remember, you think of that? Well, it was scraped after a couper of years. I gave up fumbling around with it plus we didn't need it as much as before." He answered back.
"Huh, it was really useful when I snuck out though." I said out of instinct.
"Do you remember why you snuck out? And for what?" Ratchet asked slightly chuckling at the time he was freaking out.
"Something about a factory. Wait, the scars on my hip. It's from there, right? I followed the others and I accidentally caused the whole place to burn up and collapse." I recollected.
"It's coming back to you." Optimus spoke up for the first time in a while.
"In pieces. But I have one question. Why doesn't my name feel right to me?"
"Because it isn't your name, it was probably a coverup. Do you have an idea of your actual name?" Ratchet asked me.
I shook my head and Optimus said 3 names that felt right to me. "Riley Autobot Pax."
"Hey, didn't Ratchet name me?" I asked teasingly.
"You are never going to let that go are you?" He sighed.
"You know you love me~" I taunted more.
For some reason, I felt right. Like what I was saying was like old times. A feeling of nostalgia washed over me. Then I looked at Optimus, then at Ratchet and one word came to mind. Family. Ratchet activated his holoform and did his best to stitch my head.
The rest of the day was just me remembering bits and pieces. The others returned with some energon and Arcee eventually came back late at night. I had another meltdown from the losses of Rachel and Lawerence but at least I had my family with me. Yeah, I didn't remember how but, they felt like family to me.
(~2 Days Later~)
"I have to go pick up Jack and his mom now." Arcee told the others before transforming and riding away.
We learned that last night, Arcee and Jack had to go rescue his mom from MECH and Airarchnid. Now June Darby knows about the bots and today, she was going to meet them.
As for my memory, the only thing missing was my time spent here and my relationships with them all. It just didn't come to me which upset me and the bots.
The kids also came and I was so glad to see them. Raf and I played videogames, Miko entertained and forced us to dance, and Jack got ungrounded so today, I was going to see him. Something I knew I was taking to my grave was the fact I knocked out Raf and Jack. Honestly, I wasn't in the right mindset but it was alright now. There was a lot of things I was taking to the grave, unless I get bored one day and want some shocked reactions.
Miko and Raf were chilling by the (callback to the bullet holder thing-a-ma-bob) with Bulkhead and Bee. While those 4 talked, Optimus was trying to help me out. It felt nice being closer to him now, he felt already close but I didn't know how. Which bugged me so much, I wanted to punch the wall in frustration. Those are the only pieces missing!
And no, the kids didn't know yet. I was planning on telling them after I was all good. So for now, I was still Raina to them.
"Riley, relax and just keep your mind clear. It'll help." Optimus told me soothingly. We were currently in the hallway as he sat on his knees.
"I'm trying." I accidentally snapped. He knew I was growing impatient with myself.
"Sorry. I just don't know why before it was easier and so fast. Now it's just messing with me." I quickly spoke.
"Maybe the Decepticons made it so the process was longer this time, but don't worry, you'll come through. You always do." Optimus' voice was so reassuring that it could give anyone hope.
"I did just remember something." I smiled up at him.
He tilted his helm so I continued on.
"I was your sweetspark, that's what you called me sometimes."
"You are my sweetspark but you don't remember that..." he emphasized the 'you are' part.
"I'll remember soon and we will look back at this moment and laugh our afts off." I proceeded to laugh, Optimus somewhat joining in.
The familiar sound of an engine came into earshot. Optimus placed me on his shoulder as we walked back out. I spotted Arcee with her two passengers. Jack took his helmet off and shook the hair out of his face.
June was staring up at Optimus with wide eyes. Yeah, normal reaction to giant robotic beings.
"Mom, meet my science fiction club." Jack introduced, gesturing his hand towards the 4 mechs. They all stood together and stared at her as she sheepishly smiled and waved her hand.
"You must be June Darby, I am Optimus Prime and this is Team Prime. Your son and the other children have been safe while under our care. They have been great members and friends to the Autobots." Optimus greeted her.
She seemed relieved to hear we were safe. I knew he was lying since parents can go coo koo when their child is in any sort of danger. Well, good parents would.
But now we had to keep a lot of things secret, like the shadowzone, late night racing, fake Autobot, scraplets, museum heist, Megatron controlling Bumblebee. The everyday things.
"It's nice to finally meet you Optimus." She greeted back.
"This is Ratchet, our chief medical officer. Bumblebee, my greatest scout. Bulkhead-"
"The muscle of Team Prime!" Said wrecker exclaimed, punching his fists together.
"And the greatest nuisance." Ratchet added.
"Way to throw shade grumpy." I giggled as Ratchet glared at me. "Missed you too." I used the smile of doom on him. He rolled his optics, slightly smiling.
"And you have already met Arcee." Optimus finally got to finish.
"It's great to meet you all. Is that Miko and Rafael over there. How are you kids?" June recognized the two who were still sitting/standing in their spots.
"Good Ms Darby." Raf replied, fixing his red glasses.
"Yep, same here." Miko replied crossing her arms, trying to make herself look cool? Pfft, why Miko why? You're already cool!
"And who is that?" June shifted her focus to me, as I was perched on Optimus' shoulder almost like a bird.
"Raina Hayes." I introduced looking over at her. After going by that name for 3 years, I didn't like it much anymore.
"Oh dear, I heard what happened. I'm sorry for your loss." June quickly got all mushy and sympathetic.
I was confused at first till she gave me that reminder. It felt like a punch at my gut.
"Thanks." I replied, a lump forming in my throat.
June went around to talk to every bot, probably to get to know them better. I asked Optimus to put me down and once he did, I swiftly left the room. Holding back the third meltdown since coming here.
I looked around before putting my back against the wall and sliding down. Curling up and letting it all out. It echoed through the halls as I tried to muffle the noise but I couldn't.
Then I felt a pair of arms wrap around me. I quickly looked up and saw, a man? I slightly freaked out but he explained himself quietly.
"It's me Riley, Optimus. It's just my holoform."
I relaxed immediately and just fell into his arms. I buried my face into his chest as he tried his best to help me. I was so glad Optimus was here, I can't deal with this on my own.
"It's going to be ok. I'm sure their watching over you now. I bet they were amazing while they cared for you." Optimus spoke softly. I kept crying for a few moments, and Optimus sat with me patiently.
I nodded my head, finally feeling better. I looked up and saw him smiling through my watery eyes. He wiped the tears away and cupped my face in his hands.
"Are you feeling better now?" He asked.
"Yeah...I really miss them. I know you guys are my family but they were a second one to me."
"I know, it's fine to feel that way. I'm grateful they gave you everything we couldn't."
I sniffled, rubbing my nose against my arm. We both got up as he led me back to the others. I wiped the final tears and fanned my face with my hands, trying to get some blood rushing again.
"What are you doing?" Optimus asked chuckling.
"Making myself not look like a mess." I replied still fanning.
"You don't look like a mess." He replied smiling.
I gave him a sarcastic 'really' look.
"Ok, you look...not that bad." He admitted.
We both started laughing after that as we finally emerged. His holoform fizzled away as his real body came to life. He smiled at me before joining the others, I followed close behind.
I joined with the other kids and saw Jack and Raf racing against each other while Miko tuned her guitar, ready to play. They hadn't noticed me yet so that was good, my face has a chance to liven up.
"Hey Rain'!" Miko greeted after looking up.
Just had to jinx it. Just fragging had to jinx it.
"Hey Miko. Clearly you're getting ready to annoy Ratchet." I laughed as she nodded her head.
We both stared at him, peacefully working. Miko raised her hand up with the guitar plectrum and swung it down. The sound of the guitar startled the boys, stopped the conversation June was having with the guardian trio, and made Ratchet groan aloud.
"Miko, one day, you won't walk out of here alive. Not if you keep playing that vile thing!"
Miko and I snickered at Ratchet's comment as she played one of her more hyperactive songs. Miko gave her excellent tour to June afterwards as I got a chance to virtually race against Bee. I showed no mercy and I actually won!
"Finally! Took me long enough to beat you!" I exclaimed, standing up and raising my hands up in victory.
::Yeah yeah, I let you win.:: He beeped sarcastically.
"Hey! You can't use my excuse!" I pointed at him laughing.
::Well I just did so there.:: If he could, he would be sticking his tongue out right now. Or Glossa I should say. So I stuck mine out at him.
Miko returned a few moments later and went back to her guitar, but with Bulkhead cheering her on.
"I say we party!" The girl exclaimed.
"For what?" I asked.
"Can't we just throw parties for no reason?" Miko asked as she strummed at her guitar more, just to aggravate the medic.
It's like the word 'Party' was a trigger word to Optimus and Ratchet. The medic got more annoyed while Optimus was readying himself to leave.
"Take it away Miko. Nobody can stop you." Jack sighed, leaning back into the couch.
She smiled at that, it was all she needed to motivate her. She invited Raf and Jack to dance while I ran over to Prime. No way was he leaving.
"Where do you think you're going?" I asked, putting my hands on my hips.
"I'm going for a drive, I won't be long." He then looked up at the kids enjoying themselves, June watching, Ratchet getting more annoyed, and the guardian trio watching or joining in as well.
"Nu Uh. You're staying here." I told him.
"Riley-" "Nope. You are staying and that's final." I cut him off, getting all stubborn. I even put my foot down.
He looked at me, then the 'party', then back at me.
"Ok, I'll stay. Only cause you're being stubborn as always." Optimus had a defeated look but smiled nonetheless.
I smiled back at him as he scooped me up and placed me on his shoulder once more. We watched as Bee and Raf danced in sync, Jack took a break and went to Arcee, Bulkhead jammed out, and June made conversation with Ratchet.
"Why don't you go join them?" He asked me.
"Why don't you?" I shot back snidely.
"Cause I'm not one for parties." He replied crossing his arms.
"Clearly." I laughed as I felt his body relax a bit more.
"You've grown up so much." He brought up.
"Have I now?" I looked at him and he nodded his helm.
"Normally, you would have been excited for this stuff and dance away. You wouldn't even know I left since you'd either be sleeping after or distracted still."
"Well, 7 years with you and 7 years away. A lot can happen. I'm just glad I'm back."
"We all are."
The party lasted for a few hours before Miko suggested we show June the sunset from up top. So me, Miko, Jack, Raf, and June went up to watch it. It was beautiful as always and well, I may have gotten a bit cocky.
We all sat on the edge and Miko was beside me so I leaned my head on her shoulder. Yeah I regretted it immediately but Miko leaned her head on mine so...yay? Butterflies were swarming around my stomach and my face was going beet red.
"Well, it's time go." June spoke up. She got up from her spot once the sun disappeared over the horizon.
"I'll see you guys tomorrow?" I called out, still sitting on the edge.
"You bet." Miko made finger guns before catching up with the other three.
"Bye guys!" I waved as they waved back. I sighed, relaxing as I laid down and stared up at the sky.
The wind blew softly, the night sky was calming as the many stars shone and twinkled. I started to trace out each constellation with my finger, whispering the names.
"And what's that one called?" Asked a familiar voice.
I looked up and saw Optimus' holoform standing above me. Then he joined me on the ground, laying the opposite way.
"Cassiopeia, The Vain Greek Queen." I replied, pointing as best I could at it.
"Wanna see something even more cool?" Another voice asked.
Next thing I knew, every bot with their holoform was lying on the ground as we stared at the stars.
"What Ratchet?" I asked.
"See that star right there." He pointed and I followed his finger to a particular star. It was the brightest, surrounded by dimly lit stars that twinkled every so often.
"That's Cybertron."
"Far in another galaxy." Arcee added.
"I'm sure it was lovely before all of the messy stuff happened." I replied sympathetically.
"It was." Bulkhead chimed in. I saw Bee nod his head from the corner of my eye.
"Well, Earth is your home now and it's beautiful. And we won't let it end up in Decepticon hands." I sat up and stared at them determined.
"So you're officially on our side?" Bulkhead asked chuckling.
"Of course I am big bro!" I punched his shoulder. Everyone just stared at me.
"What..." I asked looking at their faces.
"You called him big bro." Arcee pointed out.
"I...I did? I did!" I quickly hugged Bulkhead's holoform, squeezing my eyes shut from the embrace.
Then I looked at everyone else. Seeing their smiles and...tears? Why do they have to cry? Now I wanna cry!
"Big brother Bee and Bulk, My only sister Arcee, grumpy uncle Ratchet and..." then I finally looked at Optimus and my whole world came crumbling down, in a good way.
"...dad..." and with that, we were all in one big hug. One huge hug and one big mess.
"I-I...I remember you guys! I'm so sorry I forgot you guys, how can I?" I weeped joyfully.
"It's not your fault, it's ours." Arcee replied.
"For the record, I'd like to say Arcee and I were right." Bulkhead chimed in.
We all let go and started laughing, except Optimus but he would if the others weren't present. But him being the shielded and closed off person he is, didn't.
"You were Bulkhead." Ratchet admitted.
"I just wish Cliff could have been here to witness Ratchet saying that." Arcee then looked at the pile of rocks.
Oh scrap! I've completely forgotten about him! I mean, how can I forget the worlds most annoying but funny chatter box? So...he died. Cliffjumper is gone? And that pile of rocks is some sort of memorial spot?
"He's gone? How?" I asked.
"Decepticons. As usual, he didn't want backup but when he did, it was too late." Arcee explained solemnly.
"Well, now he can laugh at us as we fail at everything." I tried raising the mood.
"Asides from all that mushy stuff, is Riley back?" Ratchet asked, placing his hand on my shoulder.
"If you mean the girl who snuck into a radioactive factory, help Arcee and Cliff out with their problems, getting scared by Megatron and Starscream, making her first humans friends, and playing a game of truth or dare, then yes."
"I am Riley Autobot Pax."
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