37: The Adventures of Little Riley!
Chapter 37 - Did you mean it?
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
2 Days Later, Takes place during and after the events of 'Metal Attraction'.
—
(I'm just gonna make the rest of the chapters in Riley's POV because it's more fun, easier for me, and this story is about her. I'll be sure to tell you if the POV ever changes because sometimes, the plot needs to move forward without her.)
(~Riley's POV~)
"WOOHOOO!" Miko, Raf, and I screamed.
Right now, Miko somehow convinced Raf to join us as Bulkhead went racing around the vast lands of Jasper. He turned every corner sharply, drove at tops speeds, and even went off-roading. It was Miko's idea of having fun, not really mine anymore but her and Raf seemed to enjoy it.
It's been 2 days since I officially came back to Team Prime and I told the others. The kids and I even reintroduced each other in a joking way. It was like old times again, but with 3 humans kids around my age I could share this stuff about! So, even better than the last time.
The bots, may be a bit overprotective now. Bulkhead didn't have to be my guardian anymore but I still drove with him and Miko before and after school. But anytime I wanted to go out of base, somebody joined me. I didn't mind but I could tell they were worried.
But pushing that all aside, today was a very special day! Later that night from remembering and reuniting, I got a text from my old squad. Later you'll find out for what but I'm super excited!
Bulkhead drove around for a bit longer, making us flop around like rag dolls in our seats. Thank Primus for seatbelts. Then Bulkhead finally decided to put a stop to the fun and drove back to base. When we arrived we hopped out, laughing away.
"Did you feel the Gs on that last turn?" Miko asked, swinging her arm around.
"Bulkhead's an animal!" The girl proceeded to make her hands into animal claws. Pretending as Raf joined in. I laughed at the two until we noticed June.
"Remember when this used to be a 'secret' clubhouse?" Miko whispered to us both before we walked towards her.
"Uh, don't worry Ms Darby, we were wearing seatbelts." Raf quickly spoke in.
"I'm sure you were Rafael. Hi Miko! How's school going?" June greeted the two.
"Why? What'd you hear?" Miko asked her suspiciously.
June chuckled. "And hey Raina, wait no, Riley? Sorry, Uh hows it going?"
"Good, you?" I slightly laughed.
"It's going fine." She replied.
"Let's do this thing Jack." Arcee tapped the rope she was holding against her leg before walking away. I could hear a slight annoyance in her voice.
"But, I just got here." June stopped Jack from joining his guardian. "I brought sandwiches~."
"Mom, ugh. Look, I really need to help Arcee test her upgraded tracking system." I could tell Jack was trying his best not get annoyed at his mom now.
"Well, just, be careful." June told Jack as he walked away.
"There's nothing to be careful about. It's a routine diagnostic." Arcee really couldn't help but make a snarky comment.
"Are you sure you need Jack for that?" June asked with slight annoyance. I sense a cat fight.
Arcee stopped in her tracks and let out a grumble. I could feel the eye roll from here.
"Uh oh." Bulkhead spoke for all of us when he said that.
"Bulkhead, I need you back in the field to investigate an odd magnetic disturbance." Ratchet spoke in, paying no mind to the growing tension.
"I'll go with!" Miko chimed in, probably looking for a way out of this.
She made a mad sprint for it before Bulkhead stopped her with his servo, causing her to temporarily fly into the air and land back down.
"Woah woah, stay put Miko."
Miko groaned before pouting and stomping away. Fists clenched and everything. I was probably the only female in the room who wasn't ticked off right now.
"Why aren't you going with him?" June asked.
"Someone thinks it's not safe." Miko pouted, the word safe was a curse word to her.
"And she has a history." I added.
"But it's safe for Jack to go with Arcee?" June was using any info she could to fire it at 'Cee. Jeez lady, leave my sis alone.
"Mom, totally different." Jack quickly shutdown, walking to his mom again.
"Oh how?" June shot back.
"Mother knows best Jack." Arcee commented sarcastically and even more annoyed.
"Wait up Bulkhead." Arcee dropped the rope and joined up with Bulkhead. I saw Miko ready to run for it but I didn't stop her, could you blame her?
"Wh- Uh-" Jack sighed and gave a mean glare to June.
"Wh-? What'd I say?" June asked like this was something new.
I could safely say there were no longer happy females in the room. I made my leave and to my room to grab my stuff. When I got in, it was always a hit of nostalgia. It needed a whole makeover since I'm not exactly 7 anymore but it was cute. My backpack and sleeping bag were already ready to go. I didn't need a pillow for camping, I had my bag. That's right! I got to go camping with my squad! Thanks to Emma.
With a final check, I left the room and made my way back.
"All set Ratchet. Can't believe you guys are actually letting me do this." I called out to the medic.
"Agreed. You have everything?" He asked. I gave him a thumbs up.
"Cellphone? Clothes? Toiletries? Sleeping bag? First aid kit? Fire starter? Sunscreen and bug spray? Flashlight?"
"Raaaatcheeeeet. I got everything!" I complained out loud.
"I'm just making sure." He replied back.
"I got it Ratchet, just fire it up." I made my way to the groundbridge as it hummed to life.
"See you in 2 days Grumpy." I joked, waving my hand at him. He sighed, turning around like a grumpy old man.
"Love you too!" And with that, I ran out. I could faintly hear June asking Ratchet where I was going now. Have fun with her suckers!
Once I hopped out, I was surrounded by a bunch of trees. I could tell the soil I was on was Buffalo, New York. Gosh I missed this place!
I saw a trail ahead of me and made my way in to it. I got to one of those board, map things and searched for the spot. I double checked the text and found the camp site. Emma mentioned she wanted to give us all something and luckily, she found a way for all of us to meet before the summer. It was very last minute but good thing I had a groundbridge at my disposal.
I grabbed a map from the board and made my way over. I looked around, seeing kids and big families all hanging out. It all reminded me of the time I went on the RV trip with my foster parents. Ok, I really need to stop triggering emotions. But it's ok, I'm strong, I can hold it back. Maybe. Uh...think of something else, quick!
Luckily, the sight of Emma and Jordan caught my eye. They noticed me too and wow, did they ever change! I mean, I see them every summer but they keep changing! I ran over to them and we all got into a group hug.
"I missed you guys so much!" I exclaimed looking at the two.
"We missed ya too Ry'." Emma greeted.
"You're the second one! Congrats. The others should be here soon but knowing them, they might be late." Jordan joked.
"Pretty secluded spot you picked out." I looked around, the camp spot Emma chose was surrounded by trees and right next to a trail.
"Well, the more secluded, the creepier and more fun it is." Emma told us.
Just then, I got tackled from behind and got sent to the ground. I knew the person behind it as well.
"Nice to see you too Mei." I greeted as she got off and helped me up.
"Woah, what's up with your head? And your cheek!" Mei was getting very much in my face, like the hyper girl she was.
"Injury for head and fight for cheek." I replied as I got away from her grasp.
"You? In a fight? No way. Riley turned bad!" Mei sounded so proud of me, wrapping her arm around my shoulders.
"I was defending one of my friends." I told her but she still remained happy.
"And there comes smarties." Mei noticed the distinguishable girl coming our way.
"Smarties? Haven't heard that in a while." I chuckled. I thought she was talking about the pill looking candy or the chocolate version.
(Btw, smarties for Canadians is chocolate. American version of smarties is called Rockets for Canada.)
"Some days, we think she's an extremely intelligent alien who escaped from Area 51 to hangout with humans." Emma responded.
"That's certainly an interesting story." That's when Kissh and I had our hug. Unlike Mei, she and I made sure we are both ready for it.
"Now, the usual person who's late, is Bluejay." Jordan sighed amused.
My friends and I all had nicknames and gave Jordan one as soon as he became apart of our squad. I'm Jasper Girl since I live and are from Jasper, Mei is Dragon, Jay is Bluejay, Jordan is The Lonesome Boy, Emma is Tea Lady, and Rose was Flower. They were odd nicknames we brought up every so often but it's been a while since I've heard them.
"Why is she always late?" I asked as we all stood there, covering our eyes from the sun.
"It's Jay, we will never know." Mei sighed.
"Well, lets set up! I got one of those really big tents so there'll be more than enough room inside." Emma clapped her hands together and already got into doing it.
We all put our stuff down and began helping out. Mei was horrible at reading instructions so Kissh took over. It took maybe, 2 hours? When we finally stepped back, we were all sweating in the heat. I turned around and I see Jay sitting there with her and our stuff, smiling at the scene.
"You...little...bugger." I panted. Everyone else turned to see her as well. She just waved innocently and chuckled.
"How long have you been there?" Emma asked.
"Hour and a half." She replied, popping a piece of gum in her mouth.
"You enjoy this don't you?" Jordan gave a glare at her.
"Of course! My friends labouring as I sit back and watch."
"Well now you're going to have to pitch in a lot more Jay." Mei scolded.
I threw off my T-Shirt since I had a tank top underneath. I knew it was going to be hot outside so I was prepared. The girls had the same idea, changing into different clothes.
We all sat down on the logs surrounding the fire pit. We caught up with our lives, played some hands games, and overall relaxed until it was dark out.
"I'm going to get the firewood with Emma." Jordan got up from his spot but was pulled back down.
"What?" He asked, staring at the culprit, Mei.
"Let's not do a fire." Emma spoke up.
"Are you guys seriously still scared of fires?" He asked dumbfounded.
"Yes!" They all shouted in sync.
"You have to get over it eventually. Let's try it tonight at least, ok? The pit is in the ground and surrounded by rocks and dirt, it isn't going out of control." He reassured us.
Kissh just clung on to me, like she was 12 again, while Mei tried to counter him.
"What if it does?" She asked.
"We have a bucket, we'll fill it with water and put the fire out when it's time or if it does go crazy, which it won't." He replied.
"Come on guys, lets just give it a try." I chimed in.
"Thank you Riley." Jordan sighed relieved.
"You can't be serious!" Mei gave me a look of betrayal.
"Other people are having fires." I pointed out.
"Yeah, they know what their doing, they aren't surrounded by trees, and them even having a fire is already bad!" Kissh peeped.
"Come on you guys, please." I pleaded.
They all gave in as Jordan and Emma went to get the firewood. I went to my backpack and grabbed my fire starter kit, getting it ready.
"Let's talk about something. How about boys! That's what girls do right?" Mei spoke up.
"You are the least girliest here and you want to talk about boys?" Jay seemed pretty shocked but amused.
"Why not, we are all or almost 15, we are getting to that age."
"You remind me of my friend Miko, she constantly teases us about boyfriends and girlfriends with me and my other two friends." I laughed at the thought of her being here and meeting everyone. She would love them, even if she is a year older than all of us.
(Clarification, Miko is turning 15 turning 16, Jack is 16 turning 17, and Raf already turned 12.)
"Well in honour of your friend Miko, lets do it. So anyone got a crush?" Jay gave a flirty smirk at all of us.
"The boys soccer team does have one cute boy. One." Mei confessed.
"Wow, so unlike you Mei. We expected you to be the last one to have any sort of crush." Kissh admitted.
"Yeah well, sorry to shatter expectations." Mei crossed her arms and grinned at Kissh. "What about you KK?"
"Me? Um, there is a boy apart of the Spelling Bee that I got partnered with to practice." She sheepishly fixes her glasses, such a cute innocent cinnamon roll.
"What about the Bluejay?" Mei looked at Jay now, who shook her head.
"Got nothing. Used to like some guy but he's just meh now." Jay waved it off and stared at me now.
"What about our girl Riley? Surly there has to be some cute boys in Jasper." Jay made it seem like I had a selection!
"I Uh, actually don't understand the concept of crushes and love. Besides family love that is." It's true, I understood nothing about it! Very sad, I know.
"No way. Seriously?" The three just stared at me so I awkwardly nodded my head.
"Have you ever felt something for someone? Like they are more than just a person or friend?" Kissh asked.
"Isn't that just called caring for them?" I asked.
"Oh you poor innocent child." Mei cooed, side hugging me.
"If you care for someone a lot, and I mean a lot, you probably like them more than a friend. Have you ever imagined being with that person forever or even having a life with them?" Jay kept asking.
"Or like certain things about that person. Like their looks or personality that are just appealing to you?" Mei added.
I thought about it until I went all red. They knew I had a crush, judging how I reacted. And I did! Miko...
I cared a lot about Miko but I thought it was cause we were really close BFFs! The comments I made to myself, the butterflies and feelings of nervousness, admiring her, that's wasn't cause of friendship...I have a crush on my best friend! Oh gosh, I can ruin it in a second if I say anything! I hate emotions and feelings, so much.
"Sooo, who is it?" Mei teased, shaking me slightly.
"I have a crush on my best friend." I breathed out, shocked.
"Oh gosh, that can turn out incredibly good or bad." Said Kissh.
"What are we talking about guys?" Emma appeared, dropping the wood down as Jordan was close behind her.
"Riley has a crush on her bestie but she isn't saying who!" Jay taunted.
"Come on, leave her alone." Emma pried Mei away from me, thank Primus. I finally snapped out of my trance and back to the real world.
"Well if Riley ain't going to say it, and we will make her, what about you two?" Mei looked at Emma and Jordan while he set the wood down.
"Uh about that, guys, Jordan and I have something to say." Emma nervously looked at all of us.
"No way." Jay looked between the two. We all knew what she was about to say.
"Yeah, in secret for 2 years now." Jordan admitted.
"I see it, I can very much see it." I looked between the two as well, noticing them getting closer.
"Aww, you two look so cute together." Kissh put her hands underneath her face and swayed her body.
I got up and fixed up the wood logs so it created a tipi. I put the kindle underneath and got the fire starting using the kit. I put my hair up first, don't want that burning.
"Riley, you aren't off the hook." Mei reminded.
I scoffed as I kept grinding the flint and steel together until there was a spark. I carefully blew on the tiny flame until it finally started up.
"Fine, I have a crush on the girl I mentioned...Miko."
Nobody said anything and that made my heart drop. Thing is, same sex love was just getting recognized so the fact I openly admitted it was probably bad.
"Awww, I bet she's a sweet girl." Emma immediately hugged me.
"Far from that but she's nice." I laughed at the sight of Miko dressed all sweet and acting like the nicest person on Earth.
"We had no idea you liked girls." Mei laughed and we all joined in.
"Neither did I!" I laughed more.
After that, we all talked more about stuff, enjoyed the fire for once, and roasted marshmallows Jordan brought. It was pretty nice to hang out with them again, especially in this setting.
After a while, Kissh and Emma got tired so they went down early. We all setup our sleeping bags and stuff before going back out. Next was Jay then Mei. It left just me and Jordan.
"So, you and Emma. I kind of saw it." I told him.
"Yeah, one day we just kind of became a thing."
"I hope you're treating her like a queen."
"Of course, I'm not that guy anymore. Honestly, you set me straight. Especially from that beat down at the water park." He teased.
"I said I'm sorry." Then I remembered how he joked about my eyes going all robot when I was seeing red.
Scrap, forgot to mention that to Ratchet. And the part about me finding about my Cybertronian body thanks to Knockout's examination...well can't tell them now. Well I could but I want to say it in person and afterwards or else I'll get dragged back.
"I know I know, just making sure you never forget." Jordan picked up a stone and played around with it.
"Well, dont worry cause I won't forget."
There was a slight pause before Jordan spoke up again.
"So how's your parents?"
"Foster or real?" I asked.
"Foster but sure, both."
"Well, um. I'm back with my real dad cause my Foster parents...passed away." Hold it in, hold it in, hold it in.
"That uh...sucks. I'm sorry."
"It's fine. How about your mom? Has she been well?"
"Yeah, she's so much happier now. I swear I'm waking up to music and her dancing every morning! I haven't slept in for 3 years now."
"Well that's always good. As long as your both happy, right?"
"I guess. Well, imma hit the sack now. You gonna be all good?"
"Of course. I'll go to sleep soon."
Jordan gave a tired smile before opening the zipper and closing it quickly. Don't want mosquitos but they find a way, annoying bugs.
I sat and stared at the fire for a few moments, watching all the flames dance around and the wood falling apart. Then I reached into my backpack for the bug spray but found something else. That freaking necklace!
"How did that get in there?" I whispered to myself. I pulled it out and examined it before shrugging.
I decided to put it on before digging around my bag some more. Then I found the spray bottle and walked away to apply the stuff. I walked from the tree line and looked up at the more visible stars. Like, a lot more. Then I searched the sky for a particular star and there it was. Cybertron.
I wonder how many people looked at that star and not know it was a planet. Probably every single human, aside from me and the others. Then I decided to do something risky but I was the daredevil here.
I put the fire out and made sure it was fully out before putting my bag inside the tent, and walking away. I followed the trail next to our site and followed it for a bit. I didn't even bring a flashlight. I didn't even trip once, that's a win in my book. After a few mins, I found the part I was looking for.
It was a cliff that overlooked the forest below and gave a beautiful star gazing spot. If you looked hard enough, you could see distant city lights. The view was just, amazing. I backed up more into the forest, still keeping the view as I sat against a tree.
I could feel myself drifting to sleep but before I could even move to leave, I was already closing my eyes. I liked it here and I knew how to wake up early so it wasn't a problem.
But that wasn't going to be the problem, I soon found out.
When I opened my eyes, it felt...different. When I looked around, my view was higher up than before. But it was only till I looked down and saw, not my body, did I freak.
I screamed. Like, high pitched. Though my voice gave out halfway and I just resorted to freaking out silently. I got up from my spot and whacked my head against a tree branch. Note, these trees have pretty high branches and no low ones, so the fact I got hit by one, scared me more!
I fell back and began to look at my arms and legs. They weren't human, they were Cybertronian...oh heck no! How on Earth do I go back to a human!? Is this a dream? What is going on!
The sun was just nearing the end of its sunrise and I was currently sitting, in the woods, as a giant robotic person. What if people start coming? Scrap!
Should I contact base? Should I tell the others? Figure out how and why this happened? Maybe it was the Decepticons? Wait, that crystal. Son of a glitch. Where was it though?
I looked around frantically but it wasn't in sight. Then my chest opened up and revealed, my spark? And the crystal! The string was wrapped around my heart and just chilling there! How do I reverse it? How how how?!
Then I heard a Girl Scout group coming, happily singing some song. I ducked back more into the trees, hoping not to be seen. Luckily they kept walking and passed by after a few seconds. My chassis closed after that.
I shakily got up, balancing myself out. I was not used to have giant legs. I could tell my height though, maybe at Ratchet's shoulder? Yeah that seemed right. I walked away from the trail, trying to find a more secluded area. But there were a lot of trails and the day was just getting started. Who knows how many people will be walking up and down these paths.
I found a body of water, where I finally got a look at myself. I was Cybertronian, no doubt about that. My frame colour was mostly violet with touches of pink and red. My optics were still the same colour of cyan, plus I looked a lot like Optimus and that femme I saw in my dreams as a kid. But I recognized my own face, from my dreams. I saw my face a couple times there but right now, it looked older. This was getting more freaky.
My only concern now was to turn back into my old self and go back to my friends before they start to worry. But how!?
"Crystal, if you're still able to talk, how do I turn back into a human?" I asked, hopeful for an answer but nothing. My voice also changed, a tad deeper and way more robot.
I growled in frustration before leaving the water and back into the trees. I couldn't activate a holoform, you needed that installed. I don't even have a vehicle form so I can't disguise that way. There is no way to hide! Maybe if I thought about becoming a human?
I tried that tactic out but I was still big. I thought harder, letting everything around me disappear but nope. Instead I activated weapons I didn't even know I had. One sword, one blaster. The blaster looked like Optimus' but if it was 3 smaller barrels instead of one big and one small. The blade could also light up. Those were easy to transform away but me turning human wasn't. This was growing increasingly frustrating.
My vents let out air, in the form of a sigh, as I made my way back to the camp site. Ours was surrounded by trees so maybe I could hide out, reassure my friends I'm all good, then quickly find a way to reverse this all. But would they think my voice sounded different? Well I didn't think that through.
I kept going until I saw our tent in the grassy part, almost like a circle of trees surrounding it. I looked around to a nearby campsite and saw a vehicle. It was a pickup truck and my frame seemed to be compatible. So I somehow activated my scanner and the picture of the truck popped into my line of vision. I felt and heard gears shifting around for a few seconds. It was very weird and uncomfortable to hear but it felt fine.
Now I could at least hide but I still wanted to go back to my original form. Wait, if I ran on energon now, would I need to refuel. Oh come on, this is getting worse by the minute!
Then I saw Jordan come out of the tent, stretching and yawning. He looked around and before his eyes could meet mine, I ducked behind a bunch of trees. Given the silence after, I was worried he spotted me. But then I heard a zipper and the fears melted away. I heard the sticks underneath his shoes as he walked away, most likely getting ready for the day. Soon I heard the girls waking up, shifting around, the sleeping bag material rubbing together, and faint whispers of 'good morning'.
So I decided that it was now or never to tell them I would be right back, giving me time to fix all of this.
"Hey, wheres Riley?" Mei spoke up.
"Uh, I'll be back guys! Going to do something! Don't start any activities without me!" I quickly spoke, pitching my voice a bit higher and trying to sound less robot. If that was possible.
They seemed to buy it and I was given time to go. I went back into the woods and found a bigger trail until I realized it's the entrance to the campgrounds. I took in unnecessary air, let it out, and transformed. It was a bit sickening but it was done. Now first problem, I don't know how to drive. Not as a human at least so this would be interesting. Was it like walking? Just move the wheels forward or something?
Well it was pretty easy, driving on to the dirt road. Soon I got comfortable quick and high tailed it out of there. Then I was on actual road, speeding along the tree lines either side. This wasn't that bad but I still didn't like my situation.
Eventually I turned off the road and to a less popular trail. I transformed in the makeshift, dirt, parking lot and walked along the path for a bit. It was nice seeing things from a higher angle but scary to look down from. I veered off in the trees and began to concentrate. It can't be that hard right? If I could become this in my sleep than surly I can do it awake.
Still no, I felt nothing changing and it was annoying! But then I heard...a groundbridge? I peeked from the treeline and saw two figures come out. Bulkhead and Arcee. Optimus and Bumblebee were probably still up at Griffin Rock.
(According to tfwiki, the scouting mission Ratchet mentions might be when Optimus and Bee went to Griffin Rock. Aka, the place where the rescue bots are. The episode they deal with Dr Morroco and his Morbots. I thought I should just include it!)
"Is he sure?" Arcee suddenly spoke up.
"There is a pretty faint signal but it still says energon." Bulkhead replied, tapping at the energon tracker.
Why did they have to be here, right now?! Turning human would be great right about now. I ducked back and started breathing heavily. I don't really need to breath but I was scared. Wasn't sure why but I didn't want them spotting me yet! I could feel my spark pounding away as well.
I slightly peeked out again and they were looking around. Arcee's head then started panning so I had to duck back or she would have seen me. Luckily, I had a small frame. Not like Arcee's but small enough to blend in, if I stayed still.
I could hear their pedsteps, and they were getting closer. And that device was getting stronger. Wait, was it tracking me? That wasn't possible, it only tracks energon signatures not Cybertronians, unless.
I looked down at the ground and just saw a drop of energon falling to the ground. Hold on, am I leaking? I didn't feel any pain so what the heck?
Their pedsteps were growing more near and I just offlined my optics, wishing the world would disappear.
Then it stopped. The steps and beeping stopped.
"That's odd." Bulkhead was the first to speak, I heard him hitting the scanner some more.
"Very. Maybe it was faulty?" Arcee suggested.
"Maybe. Guess we'll tell Ratchet the energon tracking systems are a bit glitchy."
I opened my eyes and the world seemed, lower. Wait, yes! I was back! Oh thank the Primes!
Then I heard the familiar noise of the groundbridge opening then closing. When I looked out, they were gone. I looked around, just to make sure it wasn't a trick but nope, in the all clear. The necklace was back around my neck which made me take it off.
"Start speaking. What the heck was that?" I asked it angrily. Nothing, of course.
"Dude, I'm done playing around. What. Was. That?"
"Ugh, great." I wrapped the string around my hand and clenched on to it. I made my way back to the open road so I could go back to the camp grounds. At least my problem was solved.
"It would be easier if you transformed." It finally spoke up after I reached the end of the path.
"Oh, now you speak." I raised the thing to my eye level, staring it down.
"I have many sparks to watch over young one." It replied.
"You never told me who you are." I realized.
"Primus."
"Wait, the Primus? The Primus who gave life to the 13 Primes then became Cybertron?" I asked, thinking I didn't hear it correctly.
"Yes."
"Aren't you supposed to sound almighty and godly. You've talked to me like an actual person and not a high figure of wisdom." I slightly chuckled at the thought of a god looking all gangster.
"I differ my talking to best suit those I'm speaking to." Now that sounded like a guy who knew some things.
"Oh well, thanks I guess. But I don't understand why you're talking to a human like me. Or why you changed me into one of you guys."
"I did not mean to frighten you. Remember when I previously said you had forgotten both your identities?"
"Yeah..."
"What did you think I meant by that? Or why you had some Cybertronian parts right until now? Or when you had this crystal, you changed? You've seen your past life but you have yet to connect the pieces."
"Ok, look. I'm not up for riddles, sorry, but I'm not. I don't get any of this."
"Your dreams are memories. Your form right now was a disguise made 14 years ago to protect you. I saw the goodness in your father's spark eons ago and knew I couldn't let something close to him join me in the well of Allsparks. Not again."
I was just staring blankly at this thing. Supposedly Primus, was talking to me, and started telling me all this...and not again? Was he talking about the femme? I needed to find out her name, I swear some bot told me but I forgot.
"Now that you know how to switch from your human form to your original, don't you think it would be easier to switch now?" The words finally shook me from my dazed self.
"And risk not being able to switch again?" I couldn't go through any of that again.
"Don't worry, it'll be easier now that you know. Stay safe, child of Optimus." Then the crystal stopped glowing. Was I high? Was he high?
You've got to be kidding me! Don't leave me hanging Primus! Ugh, some guy he is. Well, I don't want to walk all the way back since it's miles by foot. Primus, if I can't switch back like you say I can, I'm coming after you.
I looked around before taking a deep breath and closing my eyes. Next thing I knew, I was back looking down at the world. Ok sweet, lets switch back just in case. Yep, I can do it so easily now! I don't even have to close my eyes or think about it! But I probably will have to keep the necklace close by now or else I'll be stuck in either form. Well, time to go back. Glad I got that situated though. What a rollercoaster.
I felt the wind whipping against my grill and side mirrors as I drove down the road. I used them to look around, which was pretty cool. They were like different pairs of eyes I could switch to. The whole thing was like controlling security cameras while also seeing your main one at all times.
Before I knew it, I was back. I had to drive in the forest line instead of the front or they would have seen a driverless truck whizzing by. I needed to get tinted windows like the other bots.
I transformed and switched forms, back to my human self, all while walking. One second I'm tall then the next, I'm not. So awesome.
"Hey guys, told you I would be back." I announced, revealing myself out of the shady woods to the sun covered camp ground.
"Where were you, it's been like, an hour." Emma laughed as she started handing out paper plates.
"Uh, wanted to take a walk on the trail to start the morning. Got a little lost but I'm back." I replied.
"Well, turns out it takes forever to start a fire without you and to cook food over it. We are not good campers are we?" Mei and the others started laughing.
"Nope. We are not. What is for breakfast?" I asked, sitting at the wooden picnic table.
"Cereal or Eggs with Bacon." Kissh pointed behind her at Jordan attempting to flip some bacon over. Key word, attempting.
"Do you need help?" Emma asked him, crouching down.
His cheeks went pink as she snatched the tongs and cooked the bacon with ease. Then the two stared at each other for a long time, both their faces going red. Ew, that's kinda disgusting but I do that to so who am I to judge.
After a few mins, Jordan and Emma joined us and we ate away. It was nice camping out with my friends, no parents, no threats, just fun and peace. My morning started off super hectic but now, I think it's all good.
We went hiking after, then swimming, then apparently we ran out of marshmallows so me, Emma, Mei, and Jay had to go to the store. We also had to call Emma's parents to pick us up. Let's just say, never bring us shopping again.
"Jay, stay focused. We are getting two things only. Smore kit and more marshmallows." Mei pulled Jay away from the candy aisle and had to drag her back to Emma and I.
"Please?" Jay pleaded.
"What are you, 5?" Emma chuckled.
"I have a child's heart and a sweet tooth. Fight me." Jay responded, pouting exactly like a 5-year-old.
"We're lucky your parents were due for a shopping trip themselves." I told Emma.
"Yeah, my sister keeps eating all the good stuff." She complained.
"Siblings are the worst, aren't they." Jay piped in.
"Riley and I can't relate. Hashtag only child." Then Mei and I gave each other a high five.
"Lucky yet lonely." Emma said poetically.
Then I saw Jay sneak away from us, and bolted through the store.
"Guys, we need a leash for her." I tapped my two friend's shoulders and pointed to the curly haired girl just turning into an aisle.
"Jesus...Jay! Come back!" Mei shouted.
Jay stuck her head out, gave a cheeky smirk, then ducked back. Mei quickly followed after her as Emma and I shrugged shoulders and laughed at the scene.
Jay weaved between people, carts, and aisles, avoiding her athletic friend who almost caught her several times.
"Hey at least you're getting training for soccer season." Jay looked behind her amused.
"Yeah, chasing your sorry butt!" She responded.
Then both girls bumped into a guy making Emma and I groan at their stupidity and blindness. We walked over with the basket and helped them up.
"That's why we don't run in stores you twats." Emma scolded the two.
"So sorry mister." I apologized before dragging the two girls away.
"You guys need to get it together or I swear-"
"What? What can you do Riley?" Jay taunted.
"I'm not falling for it, now let's just go." I dragged Jay forcefully and she continued to taunt.
Then I felt a tap on my shoulder.
"Miss, you dropped this." It was the man and he held out my cellphone.
"Thank y-" I looked up at him and I nearly dropped my phone again. "...You..." I finished.
"Hey you guys go ahead, I'll catch up." I pushed the three away as they went in a different aisle.
I turned back to the guy and gave him a confused look.
"What are you doing here?" I asked him.
"What? It's been nearly a week since we last saw you." He responded with his well known smile. Even in holoform you could see it.
"Is uh, Breakdown here too?" I asked, looking behind him with my eyebrow arched.
"Yeah except I lost him." Knockout sighed.
"How do you...never mind." Now I sighed.
"Come, lets chat a little." Knockout put his arm around me, guiding me away.
"How on Earth did you find me?" I asked.
"Wasn't hard finding you, freaking out in the woods from a simple form change."
"Y-You knew about that?!" I was shocked, getting out of his grip.
"Me, Breakdown, Soundwave, Megatron. Why do you think we did what we had to do?" He made it seem like it was just simple facts!
"All cause of this." Then he put his finger on the crystal that hung from my neck.
"You knew the crystal could do that?" I asked.
"Yep. Didn't the Autobots mention crystals and their myths from our planet?"
"Yeah, Bulkhead mentioned it once. Why? What does that have to do with anything?"
"Well, when you first arrived here on Earth, we had already been tracking the pod you came in. Right from the moment it left Cybertron. It was a long wait but Lord Megatron's plan was coming together until the bots found you first. He had to wait again but he finally had a chance, now you know and since I can tell you're yourself again, you need to talk to the others about this." He started getting a bit worried, putting his hands on my shoulders.
"This is very unlike you Knockout." I started getting worried for him.
"Because I know what they plan on doing with you, why they wanted you in the first place. If you haven't gotten through, the Autobots may have been defeated. Listen, just talk to the others but don't mention this conversation. Get them to tell you the answers I can't provide."
"Haha, very funny. Very late April Fools, seriously are you ok?" I eyed his expression till I felt myself being lifted in the air from a bear hug.
"Trying to hide from us?" I knew who asked that with such amusement.
"No, just haven't gotten a chance to see you two. I wasn't sure if I was." I got plopped on the ground as Breakdown's holoform stood behind me.
I turned and saw the eyepatch he had on his bipedal mode, now on his holoform.
"Did you know yesterday, I saw creepy crawly again?"
"Airarchnid?" I guessed. I never met her, only heard about her and she was described as a spider like being so, just put two and two together.
"Yep. And your two friends. I'm sure you heard about the magnetic poll."
"Yep. What about it?"
"It was a Decepticon thing, but I got my aft kicked and Airarchnid got magnetized to me."
"It took forever to un-magnetize them. They were, you could say, attracted to eachother~" Knockout teased.
"Not a living chance." "Ewww." Breakdown shut down the idea while I despised it. I kinda shipped Breakdown and Knockout, but no way as I going to tell them that!
"Well, it was nice seeing you two again but I gotta go back." I pointed behind me where my friends were lining up.
"Be careful alright kid?" Breakdown said. I nodded before turning and leaving the two.
They were my friends, I trusted them. Maybe I shouldn't but they never gave me a reason not to. Besides, now I could defend myself if something happened, which was awesome!
"So, who are those guys~" Jay started teasing.
"Just friends I haven't seen in a while." I replied, pushing her away playfully.
"Mhm, you sure?" Mei joined in.
"You guys are disgusting."
"Thank you." Jay smiled.
We got into Emma's parent's car after that and soon we got back. We found Kissh talking to Jordan about the different types of insects. I could tell we saved him from experiencing that any longer. But it was nice seeing a girl once afraid of Jordan, talking to him like an old friend.
"We're back! And we brought the good stuff!" Emma announced.
Jordan went up to Emma and mouthed 'Thank you' to her. The two giggled and he just held her hand after that. Yeah, that's enough.
We had another fire, more s'mores, I finally got to sleep in the tent and today was the day we all had to go. We didn't plan to leave until the evening but it was still sad. We all caught up with each other a final time, had one more hike, played the same version of hide and seek from 3 years back, and partied. Like music blasting and dancing. Miko would have loved it.
"Ok, remember when I told you guys I had something for you all?" Emma spoke up after we all sat down, tired from dancing around so much.
"Well, here you guys go. I saved up my money and got them all custom carved." Then she handed a small box to each of us.
When I opened it, a silver ring sat inside with my initials. And on the inside of the ring, it said 'for Rose'.
"Emma, this is beautiful." Kissh admired the small ring.
"'For Rose', Emmaaaa. You're gonna make me tear up and I'm not supposed to be the emotional one here!" Mei laughed while choking up a bit.
"If I got the cold hearted Mei to cry, then I did good." Emma chimed in victory.
"Thanks so much Emma, you didn't have to." I put it on, rubbing my finger against my carved initials. R A P.
"It's no problem guys, really. Group hug?" She stood up, spreading out her arms.
Us being the dorks we are, dove straight in. It felt so nice to be with them, and we all felt little again. The fun moments we all had and the moments we were there for each other, flashed through my mind. We all let go from the embrace and continued our mini party before we packed up.
"Everyone got everything?" Emma called out from inside the tent.
"Yep!" We shouted in sync.
"Are you sure?" Emma called out again, poking her head out.
"You're starting to sound like my uncle." I complained in a joking way.
"And my parents." Mei added.
"I think we're good Em'." Kissh smiled.
"Well, it is here we say farewell, and to our friend here who lives on the other side of the country. We shall miss thou." Jay made it all poetic, bowing and waving her hands around gracefully.
"I'll miss you guys." I looked at each of them as we all got into another hug.
"Oy! Wait for me!" I felt Emma join in. Jordan watched from afar, not wanting to get in with the girl stuff.
"We don't have cooties dude, get in here!" Jay waved her arm at him.
"Fine, just this once." He sighed. Mei grabbed his arm and dragged him in.
After a few seconds, we let go and we all started to help Emma with the tent. Then we all left, one by one, until it was Emma and I.
"See you soon?" I gave her a final look.
"Of course. Thanks for being my friend from the second we met." Emma had a bashful look.
"Always." I responded smiling.
Then I walked away from the site and back to the meeting spot for the groundbridge. I looked around before calling Ratchet. The bridge appeared moments after and I walked through with my stuff.
A blast of cold air hit me, making my body get covered with goosebumps. I was currently wearing shorts and a t-shirt but why was the base was so cold! I started rubbing my arms, trying to walk back to my room to get a sweater or something.
::Why are you shivering?::
"It's cold in here." I replied, continuing my stride to my room.
::Cold?! It's so out hot today!::
"Well it's cold inside base so be right back."
As I neared my room, I bumped into papa bear. He noticed my shivering and immediately switched to his parental mode. He scooped my tiny body up, making me drop my stuff, and held me close to his warm spark. Cupping his hands around me.
"Daaad, I'm not a little girl or sick. Just cold." I may seem like a teen wanting away right now but I felt much better being near warmth. Even after escaping it.
"You will always be my little girl." He cooed.
"Gosh you're so mushy when the others aren't around."
"Perhaps."
"I'm fine now, you can let me go." I slightly laughed, attempting to push myself away from his chassis.
He noticed and just set me down where my stuff laid. I couldn't blame him, I may have given him PTSD from the one time I was actually sick.
"Riley, it's not that funny." Optimus slightly grumbled.
I was snickering at the memory. I was pretty tired and beat, not feeling well at all that day. And Optimus was the worlds most freaked out parent. Worse than June!
"It...it kinda is. Come on, you have to admit it was pretty funny."
Optimus just shook his helm disapprovingly as he started walking away. "Don't forget, Ratchet wants to do that checkup."
"Do I have to?" I somewhat groaned out loud.
Optimus just turned around and gave me the 'yes, don't complain' look. I sighed and finally reached my room. I put my stuff to the side, planning on doing it later. I got a sweater and jeans, putting them on right away. I did one of those trembles as I finally got my hoodie over my head.
Now to see Ratchet. Remember when he said to worry about the Cybertronian stuff later? Yeah well later is now, and I've made some discoveries! But I didn't want him or any of them to find out, I wanted to show them myself. Dramatically, of course! Maybe play some Rick Astley as I stride out to show and tell. But not today, I wanted to see what I could do first.
Once I made it to the medbay, I just sat down on the berth and got ready for whatever Ratchet wanted to do.
"Just going to run a scan alright?" Ratchet said walking into the area before going to one of his monitors.
"Mmk." I replied.
His arm scanner came out as the blinding light scanned my whole body. I was just standing there, shutting my eyes.
"That doesn't make sense..." he mumbled to himself.
He went to the monitor and pulled up something, then looked back at the current results.
"How is that possible?" He asked himself, darting his optics from his arm to the screen.
"Uh, what doesn't make sense or is possible?" I asked, walking to the end of the berth, closest to Ratchet.
"Last time I ran a scan, your skeletal frame wasn't human. Neither were your main organs but now they are. The patch of metal didn't even show up this time." He told me, still looking over the scans.
I pulled my sweater and shirt down, seeing no metal. Just normal human skin. Now I knew why! The crystal, Primus, was changing my form but only got halfway before I freaked out. Hence half Cybertronian, half human. Then when it was finally complete, I could go back and forth with ease, and the two no longer mixed.
"Weird..." I lied, making it seem like I didn't know either. But as you all know, I'm a bad liar.
"What did you do?" Ratchet asked suspiciously, turning to me with servos on his hips.
"Nothing Ratchet! I don't know either." I replied annoyed.
"Why are you getting defensive? And I know your lying tone. It hasn't changed."
"I'm not getting defensive, I'm just grumpy. Didn't get enough sleep while camping. And you sure? It could mean something else now."
"Riley." He warned. I said nothing more, just giving him an annoyed look.
"Don't make me get Optimus to pry the truth from you."
"I'm not a little kid anymore! Jeez." Then I did the classic teenage eye roll. Now he was actually annoying me.
"I don't care if your little or old, if that's what will work then so be it." He wasn't backing down, but neither was I.
Now I didn't even want to show or tell them, just keep it secret. Well, to him at least. It was just one of those things. You plan on showing someone something but they get so annoying you don't want to anymore. But the thing is, both Ratchet and I are stubborn and don't easily give up. So this was going to end badly, 100%.
"Go ahead, it'll just show I've grown up and it won't work." I challenged him.
"You asked for it." He then called Optimus over who already knew the situation, just off our faces.
"Is she being stubborn again?" He asked Ratchet.
"Her scans show she has a normal human body where as last time, it showed she didn't. She knows why but refuses to tell me. For some unknown reason. It's not really benefitting her to not tell me." He explained annoyed.
"Riley, just tell Ratchet and I promise we can go get all the favourite foods you like." Optimus was trying to bargain with me? Like a child?
"You guys seemed to miss this statement so let me try again. I'm not a little kid. Ok? Not a little kid. Bargaining and bribing won't work. Nor will getting mad or annoyed." I told them.
"Don't talk back young lady. If you want to be treated as an older figure then you need to start acting like one." Optimus' tone wasn't harsh but I knew if I kept pushing, he would 180 real quick. He is so scary when he's mad, it makes you die in so many dimensions.
"Sorry, but Ratchet didn't have to interrogate me just because I agreed with him that it's weird the scan results showed up like that."
"You were lying. Then you denied it and got defensive, which a guilty person would do if they got caught." Ratchet pointed out. Optimus wasn't even defending me!
"Well, sorry if it seemed I was lying. But I don't know why the scans showed up like that." I think my rising anger hid my bad lying tone but nope. They both saw through the anger and straight at the lying.
"Riley, just tell him. It'll help him figure this whole situation out." Optimus went back to a calmer tone.
"If he apologizes."
"We both know I'm too stubborn to do that. We also know your too stubborn to be denied an apology. So we've come to a road block."
Ratchet was right, as usual. Why was he always right?
"This is getting out of hand." Optimus mumbled, face palming and shaking his helm.
"It wouldn't if she just cooperated for once." Ratchet scowled.
"Why are you always so grumpy!" I nearly shouted.
Well, now that got every bot's attention. The guardian trio started watching the scene unfold.
"Well, you try being the only medic for a team who is being reckless and noisy all the time. With immense pressure from the Decepticons and our survival!" He fired at me.
"Oh well I'm sorry Ratchet, that must be hard. It's too bad you can't try act any nicer, maybe to help relieve the team from this pressure." I told him sarcastically.
Just like the trio of bots, Optimus just stepped back and watched the scene. This wasn't the first time Ratchet and I started fighting. But this time, I was older and more determined.
"Why must you always get on my nerves?"
"Because you get on mine, ever heard of the golden rule. Treat others the way you want to be treated?"
"If you would stop acting like a child, maybe I would be nicer towards you."
"You should regardless!"
"Well, ever since you came back, you've acted like we didn't just risk and sacrifice our resources to find you. Just all 'I'm back'. Never even thanked us!"
"Well, thank you for helping me! I appreciate you guys never gave up on me, even when I gave up on you guys!"
"Oh really? What's that supposed to mean?"
"The whole 'I'm coming back for you' thing. After 4 years of nothing from you guys, I gave up. I already built a life and was afraid you'd take it all away. Well it didn't end up being you guys who did but what if my foster parents were around? Would you just take me away? How did I end up being with you guys anyway? I crash landed on Earth? Couldn't have given me a proper life full of no worry?"
Wow, I just, wow. I ranted almost everything I felt when I was 12...and it came up in the worst way possible.
"If that's how you feel, then why don't you go and leave. Live the life you want with no protection from us, the cons will get you again and you'll be running back."
Ok, we went from angry to hurting each other. Ouch. The others were even shocked to hear us both.
"Seems like you wanted to get that off your chassis for the longest time."
"You have no idea."
Yep, that just cut deeper. Words can hurt more than physical wounds. Actions also hurt deeper than words so it's all confusing there. But to hear Ratchet, someone I looked up to, admit he was better off without me, hurt.
"Maybe I should go back to the cons. They didn't pull any of this."
"So your a Decepticon now? You're too young to actually decide that. You don't even know what you're talking about!"
"They taught me all about your history, tech, fighting, slang, and much more. All you taught me was how to write and speak your language, which you barley even use anymore!"
"Well, if they truly are your family then go run along on your merry way. I hope you do well, I truly do!"
Even if he didn't mean that, it still seemed like he did. This conversation just got too far. Way too far. All cause I wanted to keep a surprise. Why didn't I just tell him that? This whole thing could've been avoided if I just told him that!
I looked at the others and they said nothing. They were still in shock from what Ratchet and I said. Wondering if either of our words were true. But they started staying silent for too long.
Were they all thinking the same thing? Did I accidentally convince them I was serious or that the cons were better than them? Cause I didn't think that at all! I loved the bots and would choose them any day! They raised me, loved me, every single bot cared in their own way. I actually had family rather than just friends with them.
I finally decided to leave, hopping off the berth and running to my room. I was shocked I wasn't crying but I could feel the water works coming. I quickly ran in, slammed the door behind me, and slid against it. I couldn't help it as his words played back in my head, the expressions of the others, what I had said.
I walked over to my bed and got into a fetus position before crying my heart out. This fight was so stupid and yet, both him and I provoked each other. And now I was here, crying in my outdated room, having learned Ratchet's opinion.
No one came by my room and it was awfully silent. They probably wanted to calm Ratchet down first, seeing as they were all closer to him. Yeah, bad thoughts were running through my head again. Just like old times. Same questions popping up.
Did they actually care? Was their plan to get rid of me but I just came back anyway? Were they trying to get rid of me now? Why didn't anyone step up to stop us before it got ugly? Were they thinking the same thing, maybe agreeing with him? Was I being serious?
I got up from my bed, the tears had already left me an hour ago, only left with the memories and questions. I went down the stairs and into the open space. I turned into my Cybertronian self, just to better release some anger of mine. It was building up and I wanted to let it go.
So I raised my hand, clenching my servo, and punching the back wall of my room. Leaving a nice, cracked, imprint. It was obviously loud so I quickly changed forms and just sat cross legged on the floor. I could hear the bits of cement hitting the ground.
Surprisingly, no one came. So I did my own investigation. I went out of my room and down the halls. I stopped and poked my head around the corner, just peering into the main area.
Ratchet was working away, seemingly calm. Optimus was no where to be seen. And the guardian trio were talking. I was starting to wonder if that whole argument even happened. Why were they all so calm?
Then I heard Arcee mention my name. Spoke too soon.
"What if she meant those things? What if the cons have been better to her?" She asked.
I did convince them, by accident. Scrap scrap scrap! I am so stupid!
"She didn't, it was just the heat of the moment 'Cee." Bulkhead reassured her.
::I hope so. Should we go check up on her now?::
"Let her blow off steam first." Bulkhead said.
"It's been 2 hours, someone should go. Just to make sure she's ok." Arcee said worryingly.
I started to frown, tears threatening to come back. They did care but they doubted me. They doubted themselves. I turned my head to Ratchet who already noticed me.
We just kinda, stared. For a few seconds, saying nothing. Till I did.
"Did you mean it?" I asked him softly.
"Did you?" He asked back.
I shook my head. "I didn't either." He sighed, looking away.
"I'm sorry. I just made it all worse instead of telling you the truth. I do know why but I was going to make it a surprise. I should've just said that at the beginning." I admitted to him.
"It definitely would have saved us time." He slightly chuckled. I joined in, soon going quiet.
"Come here." Ratchet waved his servo, crouching down.
I hesitantly walked over as I stepped on to his laid out servo. He looked at me, gave me a smile, then gave me a hug. Something I would have much rather instead of lessons. It was so nice though, rare and soothing. All was forgiven, because we were family. After we let each other go, I wiped my face with my hoodie sleeve, then stared at Ratchet.
"Do you wanna see my surprise early? You can't say anything to the others though."
"That would help and be nice Riley."
He put me down as I guided him to my room. Of course, he was met by the giant crater I made, and like any person would, questioned it. Then I told him to make sure no one was coming. He checked and nodded his helm. And with that, I showed him. My height estimate on point.
"Ta daaa" I brought my arms out, shaking my servos. I was very nervous and more so when his expression just changed. Did I give him a spark failure?
"Ratchet?" I waved a servo in front of his faceplates.
"You can't be. It would explain so much but..."
"But what?"
"You can't be her, it...it can't be possible."
"What is it Ratchet?" I raised my tone.
"Silverstar?"
—
Primus, this was a long chapter. I wasn't on planning to add angst but there it was. The original name for this chapter was 'Camping Out' but it just shifted away from that XD.
Also this might be the last time in a long time you'll see the Buffalo squad since things get hectic in TFP. But not to worry, in the future, way ahead, they'll be back! I've got a plan for that ;)
Also, I'm so sorry if this seemed cheesy at all. You all are probably tired of seeing the main character slowly turn into a Mary Sue or someone with all these special abilities. I tried sliding it in but just like my dms, it wasn't smooth. Don't worry! This is as far as she'll get to getting special abilities!
Also I have an announcement to make! This book will end after two more chapters! The book, not the series! I plan on splitting this story on to a second book since Riley isn't little anymore. It makes sense to make a book about the next chapter in her life than to continue a book that's name doesn't connect with the current events. There will be 3 books in total.
The Adventures of Little Riley!
Silverstar's Journey
Back On Earth with Bee Team
I might make a spoof book with little moments here and there that couldn't make it into the story or just for comedy. Maybe angst, fluff, comfort/hurt. That stuff. I already have some so maybe I'll start that soon!
Thank you for those who read this message and back with the story. Two more chapters till the new book! Enjoy them y'all!
Please leave a review so I can improve Riley's story!
IG: x_adventures . of . little . riley_x
Have a good day/morning/afternoon/evening/night!