39: The Adventures of Little Riley!
Chapter 39 - Silverstar
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Transformers Prime or the franchise. All characters (except Riley) belong to Hasbro.
::Hello:: - Bumblebee Talking
"Hello" - Normal Talking
'Hello' - Thoughts
*Hello* - Cybertronian Talking
=Hello= - Over the phone or Comm
—
"So, we tell Optimus and Bee that there's something in the hanger. They go in to find me and Arcee fighting and it escalates to a point we threaten to hurt each other. Then I change forms and we start actually fighting. After, we 'notice' them and act like it's all nothing?" I repeated after Miko explained her plan.
"Not bad right?" Miko asked, rocking herself with her feet.
"Do you just want to see fighting?" I asked her, already knowing the answer.
"Duh. Martial artist, Riley Pax! Vs the epic motorcycle, Arcee!"
Both Arcee and I sighed in disapproval.
"There won't certainly be any fighting allowed! Unless it's sparring or there's a Decepticon." Ratchet piped in.
"Party pooper." Miko stuck her tongue out at him, making him roll his optics.
"I wonder how they'll take the whole new, identity thing." Jack added.
"I mean, this whole time, you've been Silverstar. Aka, Optimus' kid! You already were but now it's official! Plus Arcee is your aunt, which is even cooler!" Miko exclaimed, waving her arms around like a madman.
"I get it, everything about Silverstar is cool. You've heard the dreams, you've seen the form, and Ratchet is yet to tell us the story." I recounted lazily.
You should have seen their reactions! They were amazing! Even the other kids were shocked! I, for sure, was shocked. I couldn't talk for the first few mins of everyone else talking. Plus after we all talked about it, there was a warm, mini, reunion.
Someone I consider my sister was actually my aunt. I've known Bee a lot longer and have been with him through his toughest moment. Ratchet can't get mad at me in my Cybertronian form anymore since, I was still seen as his well behaved child. His excuse was, he had a soft spot for sparklings, especially ones who are respectful, behaved, and responsible, and when they stay that way. Optimus, my adoptive father, is actually my biological father! Plus, now I know my real mom is dead and I'll never get to see her again, that was sad. And everything about what the Decepticons hinted at made sense now.
I suspect the next mini reunion will end up in more tears, hugs, explanations, and we finally get to hear the story! I've since remembered everything from my past. The longer I stayed as Silverstar, the more came back.
We also figured out that the cons knew this entire time, hence everything that had happened. It made so much sense, but now I hate them even more. Considering now I remember and have actual beef with them.
"I will tell you afterwards, be patient. I'm busy right now." Ratchet brushed us off.
"Too busy for me?" I taunted, changing forms and batting my optics at Ratchet.
He stared for a good minute, so I used the smile of doom to worsen it for him. I had never seen Ratchet look so conflicted, like he was holding so much back.
"Inform Optimus and Bumblebee first." He quickly went back to work. Scrap! So close!
"And don't do any plan Miko suggests." He added before going silent once more.
I heard Miko screaming an offended 'hey!' after that. Then something similar to Miko's idea popped into my processor. Just, no violence.
"What if we all act casual and I'll change into this, then strike up conversation. Bee and Optimus will listen, maybe even turn their helms to our direction. Then they see and we just keep acting like usual. While also watching their reactions." I suggested.
I liked the idea of acting like nothing is going on, while something huge is or had happened. Reactions are just priceless to see nowadays!
"Why not? Sounds good." Jack agreed. We all knew Miko and Raf were fine with it, so we looked to Arcee and Bulkhead. They were good as well.
We waited around for almost an hour. I was chilling in the human area as Miko and Jack virtually raced each other. Raf was doing something on his laptop, and I was chilling on the couch, watching out for my yellow friend and pops.
Once both were in the room, I looked over to Bulkhead and Arcee. They were chatting with Bee and noticed my look. I smiled before looking at my dad, who was doing whatever he usually did.
"Plan is a go." I whispered to the three kids. They all watched as I went down the stairs, walked towards the guardian trio, changed forms, and casually slid in.
"What are we talking about?" I asked, standing just beside Bee. Him and I were nearly the same height, but I was maybe a tiny bit taller.
"The latest patrol." Arcee responded back.
Bumblebee slowly turned his helm and I could've sworn his optics bulged out. He kept darting his helm back and forth between me and the other two. Not even saying a word, or should I say, beep.
"How was the patrol?" I asked, barley keeping my laughter in but smoothing it over.
"Boring, like always." Bulkhead responded this time.
That just sped up Bumblebee's helm turning. Suddenly he put his arms out in confusion, waving them around before placing his servos on his helm.
::What in the names of the 13 Primes...IS THIS?!:: He finally let out.
I heard Raf whispering the translation to Jack and Miko. Out of the corner of my optic, I saw Optimus slightly turning his own helm. Not enough to see but he was clearly listening.
I looked beside me at Bee, pretending to be confused. Then, like all of Cybertron fell on to him, his expression changed. Now he could get a good look at my actual face.
"You ok Bee?" Arcee asked, with a hint of amusement.
"You look like you might fry your processor there bud." Bulkhead placed a servo on Bee's shoulder, slightly shaking him.
::YOU'RE ALIVE!:: He let out so happy and excited, wrapping his arms around me.
So glad I didn't need to breath or I wasn't a fragile human right now.
::You're so much older now! Wait how are you here? Where have you been? How have you survived?-::
"Woah, slow down there Bumblebee. You're giving Raf a hard time of translating, you're beeping too fast." I giggled as he released me from my death grip.
::Do you know how worried I was every night!:: He shook me around like a doll, I was getting seriously scrambled here.
"And to think you've always been a great friend Bee. Whether that's to me or to other me, Riley." I chuckled.
He went silent, then mentally connected the dots.
::That explains...a lot.::
"Right?" Arcee agreed.
Now we had Optimus' full attention. Miko pulled her phone out and began recording. Ratchet even stopped working to watch the scene. Bulkhead pushed me forward slightly so Optimus and I stood a few meters apart.
His faceplates quickly changed, which was a sight for every single person in the room. He was so good at hiding emotions and feelings, even when he did it wasn't that quick of a transition!
We just awkwardly locked optics, staring for what felt like centuries. Then I finally broke the silence that fell upon the room.
"Hey dad...or would it be sire now? I'm not su-"
I felt him arms wrapped around me, but not as deathly as Bumblebee's was. But he held a strong grip, like he never wanted to let go. I couldn't help but shed a few tears, or leak some lubricant they would say.
I could hear Miko's 'Awww' and could tell everyone else was smiling.
"You ok there uh, I still don't know which term to use now." I slightly chuckled.
He finally pulled back, nodding his helm. Unlike Bee, he knew the second he looked at me. Plus Cybertronians have things called bonds. It can be for romance, friendship, and family. Optimus probably felt something through that bond once I changed forms, questioning it. That's why he didn't turn around instantly. But his suspicions were confirmed and here I stood.
"It has been a long time, I'm sorry for what I did but nonetheless, I'm glad your safe. I've missed you so much sweetspark, even though you were here the entire time." He spoke, smiling softly and warmly. I was melting with love under it, it was also kind of cute to see such a stoic mech like him, smile like a kid on Christmas Day.
"We all are." Arcee added, walking up to us.
"Who knew? I've got some many surprises and I'm not even done with remembering like we all thought." I joked, about to wipe my faceplates but Optimus beat me to it.
::You got any more we should know about?:: Bee added on with the joke.
"Not that I know of." I responded stiffly laughing as, still don't know which term to use, placed a servo on my shoulder.
"So uh, do I call you dad or sire?" I asked awkwardly.
"Whichever you want." He responded, still smiling.
"Oh! What if she calls you dad in human form and sire in this form?" Miko suggested, running to the railings, still recording.
"Why not?" I looked up at him, then I shook him a bit.
"Stop being mushy old mech, aren't you worried you'll make yourself too vulnerable?" I questioned sarcastically. In reality, I didn't want to breakdown anymore than this.
"He's gone soft." Ratchet added in, taunting.
"And it's too late, he's already shown his sweet and caring side." Arcee made things more spicy.
Optimus just glared at us, slowly going back to his emotionless look.
"Aww we're sorry sire. Don't be so...grouchy." I looked up at him (with this face :3).
::Wait...if you've been with us this entire time, then how did you get a chance to age?:: Bee asked.
"Yeah, considering you've been human the entire time, not giving this form a chance to grow as well." Arcee also mentioned.
"Maybe when the crystal turned you half Cybertronian, both sides were able to age. Now that you can switch between either, one will continue to grow as long as your in that form." Ratchet theorized.
"Sounds like it makes the most sense, to me at least." Bulkhead piped in.
"Ratchet, you aren't busy anymore." I smugly looked at him.
"And?" He asked, not finding a point to this, while also having a feeling.
"Your promised." Miko backed me up, knowing what I was referring to.
"Ugh fine." Ratchet gave in.
(~Story time with Ratchet!~) (Ratchet's POV)
One day upon Cybertron, Orion filled me in on a certain femme that caught his optic. He gushed about her to no end, which is why my tolerance runs thin these days. So one solar cycle, I told him to just try. He did and after that, the two grew close. Eventually performing a common bonding ritual to become sparkmates.
The war broke out not long after. They changed drastically and had to pretend the two weren't as close as they were. Ariel became Elita while Orion became Optimus. One solar cycle, the two had a happy little accident, you could say.
Silverstar/Riley: Happy little accident? They really hated being apart and got a little bored, didn't they?
(Optimus pinches her arm).
Miko: Oooo, you're in trouble :3
Silverstar/Riley: e-e
Ratchet: As I was saying...
The two, in my personal opinion, made a bit of a mistake but they carried on with it.
Optimus: Ratchet-
Silverstar/Riley: Dont interrupt him sire :3
(Pinches her again)
Ratchet: *Clears Throat*
Born in the middle of the civil war between Autobots and Decepticons. Her carrier and sire, Elita-1 and Optimus Prime. Silverstar came to be. A rare sighting for Cybertronians alike. A sparkling born amongst the ravages of war.
For the first 3 Cybertronian years, Elita had Silverstar by her side. She was with her constantly, never once out of Elita's sights. She was a well behaved child, never fussed or cried. Silverstar was innocent, extroverted, bubbly, and always smiling. Optimus and Elita agreed they wouldn't let everyone know about Silverstar being an offspring of Optimus. Which was difficult for him.
You can guess for many reasons as to why. The information being quite the thing it was. I never officially documented Silverstar's birth but both sides knew of her existence. What the Decepticons didn't know was that Optimus even had a sparkmate. Information like that can be used in the wrong ways, it being a very tactical advantage over him. Plus you can imagine how it would be used.
Silverstar grew into every bots heart, including mine. She truly had the best family and friends all around her. I was always in charge of medically checking the her, and never once was I not smiling. Her being in a room could light up any bot's day, she could melt the coldest of hearts some would tell. Even Ultra Magnus couldn't keep proper protocol and procedure with her around. But that was more later on, not her younger days but she never changed. And still hasn't.
Bulkhead: She stole your heart. Who knew you could be so warm and not so cold.
Ratchet: Bulkhead, I have my wrenches out right now. Might want to watch your mouth.
Bulkhead: *steps back*
Ratchet: *continues*
You could also tell from an early age that the she wanted to help everyone around her. She wanted to help, comfort, support, and fight for others.
Unfortunately Megatron was getting antsy, not having anything against Optimus or any advantage. So he got Soundwave to hack through files, to find anything on his enemy. Luckily, he found nothing but Megatron wasn't stopping at that. I could tell that he knew Optimus was hiding some things. So he sent in a Decepticon spy, presumably. It was never confirmed but the info had to reach Megatron's audio receptors somehow.
The spy could've managed to catch a rare moment between Elita, Optimus, and Silverstar. Where the 3 were alone and could reveal their little secret. A secret only a selected few, outside of the family, knew about. The three bots embraced those moments, moments where they were a family.
(Bee, Miko, and Riley go 'Awww')
The next thing we knew, the place was going under evacuation. The Decepticons were planning to bomb the entire base until it didn't stand. Most Autobots managed to escape, including the small family. However, Optimus' relationship and sparkling were now in danger. Every single bot knew about Elita and him. Silverstar being Optimus' child. So they did what was best, staging a death.
They planned to raise Silverstar in another part of Cybertron, one not ravaged by war. It was on the other side of the planet but it was a safe haven for her. They planned on switching since both Optimus and Elita were high ranking. One being a Prime and leader while the other was a high ranking officer and third in command. It was mostly Elita who stayed with Silverstar but Optimus still had his fair share of time. Sometimes, the two could both be there, other times, neither could. But even then, she had me, her aunts as you humans call them, and other close family friends.
But in order for that plan to have worked, they needed to make a story. They publicly announced two things after the base fell. First was that it was true himself and Elita were sparkmates. They couldn't deny or counter that. The second was Silverstar's "death". The two didn't want to take any chances since one amongst us was a con. Afterwards they did tell Elita's sisters and only those closest to them. Only those they've known and trusted since before the war, knew.
Those included were myself, Ironhide, Arcee, Chromia, and Jazz.
Silverstar/Riley: Sorry, but you staged my own death?
Jack: So you're supposed to be dead?
Miko: Awesome!
Ratchet: *sighs and continues story*
For 5 more Cybertronian years, Silverstar was shut out from our world's crisis. She grew up with a normal childhood. She never had any friends or a proper education but they made due. I helped provide lessons for everything but fighting. That was all Ironhide. Jazz was classified as 'the cool babysitter' when Optimus and Elita couldn't be home. Arcee was the cool aunt while Chromia was the fun aunt-
Arcee: Ratchet considers me a cool aunt, ha! Best thing I've heard all day.
Ratchet: Hey! Her words, not mine. *points at Riley*
As I was explaining, Silverstar had many role figures in her life. By human standards, at the age of 8, Silverstar witnessed first hand what everyone was hiding from her.
Megatron launched assaults for those 5 years, destroying and conquering many untouched parts of Cybertron. He finally hit the one where Silverstar was at. The attacks were very random so we weren't able to know which were next. They were also stronger than we imagined. But let's just say, the small sparkling witnessed things no child shouldn't have to ever see or experience.
The residence was hit pretty hard, Optimus only told me small parts with Silverstar filling in some of the blanks so the next part is a rough idea of what happened.
Optimus: I'll take over this part old friend.
Silverstar/Riley: *vietnam flashbacks*
(Optimus POV temporarily)
When our home started to crumble, Elita was trapped under some rubble. She was badly wounded. When I was able to reach the two, Elita was already dying, un-saveable. Silverstar was already traumatized from that and from her surroundings. I grabbed her, saying my final goodbye and tried to leave. I didn't get far as a missile hit us with you (servo on Silverstar/Riley's shoulder) in my arms.
(Back to Ratchet's POV)
Ratchet: *continues story*
The two were found by other Autobots and rushed back to base. Both were in critical condition, Optimus was physically while Silverstar was mentally. Optimus had luckily shielded her from most of the damage. Optimus sustained most of it, so she only faced the mental scars.
Could you begin to imagine living your best life as it all just comes down and crashes on you. Crushing the reality you've grown to love and accept. Losing a parent and a home, facing something new, it wasn't easy for her. After a while, she warmed up and went back to her old self. Deep down, I think she was pretending so we would stop worrying. But you could tell when she was truly happy.
Silverstar/Riley: Yeah, I was. I was supposed to be the happy one, not the depressed one. Already had enough of that in that base. *says jokingly*
Raf: You really haven't changed.
Silverstar/Riley: Thank you?
Ratchet: *continues the- I think you get it by now*
After that incident though, things were a bit different. She was back to living in base with the other Autobots, while Arcee distanced herself from the spunky child. I suppose it's because of the fact it was a reminder or perhaps frustration. Frustration that Silverstar couldn't have done anything to help her sister, making it all more frustrating. We never asked and it's been that way. Arcee had forgiven you somehow, not sure when.
Silverstar: Is that why you were always so angsty?
Arcee: I won't say anything.
Jack: Wow, that's dark. Even for you Arcee.
Arcee: Dark times, what can I say?
Silverstar/Riley: But I comforted you and we became close again. -^-
Ratchet:
Anyhow, the sparkling stayed for a while. She kept everyone from going insane and always brightened others moods. I'm sure she remembers that. It was like that for a while, almost a full year. But of course, the base got attacked. The Decepticons at that point during the war just started to bomb every base they saw, whenever they could. So this time was no different.
However, Optimus feared for his daughter's safety so in a last minute decision, he sent her off world. Through an escape pod that put her into stasis afterwards. We only found that out thanks to its tracker, which we paid close attention to after evac. But one solar cycle, without any warning, it disappeared. We could only assume it went out of range or it got damaged, it was hard not to think about the more likely outcome.
Optimus grew more saddened and distant, his behaviour now is heavily influenced from those times.
I tried to talk to him, make him feel better but he either avoided the conversation or ended it all together. It was not easy to get him to open up. I told him bottling it up won't work, that not talking about it and facing it isn't healthy. But he refused to listen, the stubborn mech he is. So it just stayed that way and I gave up on trying. Now you see where she gets it from.
Optimus: Your words were and still are appreciated old friend.
Ratchet: |:)
But now I have a clearer idea what happened with the pod. The Decepticons tracked it, knowing it's contents. While also disabling us from knowing.
This part, is fairly new since our discovery.
One day, that very pod came to Earth. It was too damaged to be recognized as Autobot or Decepticon. The tracker was missing and there were no occupants. Well, there was but not the one we'd expected. A human who would later be named Riley. I hate to say this but, the one I named Riley.
Miko: You did?!
Jack: Interesting ,':)
Ratchet: e-e *whispers* Primus help me...
Some days, she reminded me of Silverstar. Wanting to help and comfort those around her, supporting us, and helping in anyway she could. She was a real rascal and pain but I will admit she had a place in my spark. Of course, it was her.
Sometimes, in rare moments when the two were together, Riley and Optimus were the same person. Whether it was facial expressions, their laugh, body movement, talking. Slag, anything!
Those moments made me think...could Riley be her? Is Riley, Silverstar? The evidence matches up but the only thing is how would she go from Cybertronian to Human. The crystal has certainly been rumoured to be a gift from Primus, scattered across Cybertron to give it more beauty. Some also said he could control through them. Rumours and no proof yet that's the only explanation.
Turns out, I was on the right path.
Though, at the time, it could never be fully explored after Riley was sent away. I think it may have re-opened an old wound in Optimus. Sending his daughter away for safety only for her to suddenly disappear, never to be seen again for Primus knew how long.
(~End of Story~) (Riley/Silverstar's POV)
"But then I came back cause you can't get rid of me that easily!" I chimed.
"Like a cockroach." Ratchet slightly groaned.
"I'm shocked you know what that is." Jack sarcastically commented.
"Thank her for that." Ratchet gestured his servo at me.
"What did I do to make you aware of cockroaches?" I questioned.
"One night, you saw it before going to bed, wouldn't stop screaming." Arcee recalled.
"How old was I? Cause I don't remember that."
"6 but you were also super tired so you probably wouldn't remember anyway." Bulkhead responded.
"Huh, well, thanks for finally telling the story Ratchet."
"Yes yes, whatever." Ratchet waved me off, walking back to his work.
"Sooo, now that we got all of that out of the way, what are we going to call you?" Raf asked.
"Going off of Miko's idea, Silverstar in this form while Riley in human?" I suggested.
"Perfect. I can't believe my bestie is one of them! How cool is that!" Miko fan-girled.
"We get it Miko, it's all cool." I said once more.
After that, we spent the rest of the day as usual. Miko did make me take her out on a drive though. She also wanted me to be her new dune bashing buddy since Bulkhead was trying to avoid those. I left her on 'maybe'.
After they went home, I got alone time with my, this is very weird, sire. We hung in the hanger since he wanted to see my fighting skills. I had asked if I could finally join them on missions now and he said 'we'll see'. Then proceeded to test me and now, we were sitting down in the hanger, taking a break.
It had been mostly silence till I asked him some questions.
"What was Cybertron like? Before all the messy stuff?" I asked.
"Beautiful. Bustling all day and shining brightly at night. No matter where you were, you could experience everything it had to offer. Though the population was split by a class system, things were fairly peaceful and enjoyable for the most part."
"It's a shame what happened to it now. But Earth is our home, it's worth protecting, and it won't be another Cybertron."
"Your carrier once said something similar when talking about Cybertron. She also said those things, saying we would make it better than before. She always had a bright view but fought bravely and determined for it."
"I wish I could see her again, you know, since I've grown a new life without a mom or carrier." I started hanging my helm low.
"She'll always be here." He placed a servo over his spark and used the other to put it over mine.
"So cheesy but very true." I stifled out a laugh.
"You know, for someone who's learned about a whole other life for the second time, I don't feel any different. I still feel like the same person but with more knowledge and closer relationships."
"As long as you are comfortable with who you are, finding out new things won't change the way you choose to be." Why couldn't I be as wise as him? Maybe it came with old age.
"I heard that." He suddenly spoke with a smile.
"Wait, you heard my thoughts?"
(More like monologue)
"The bond." He reminded me.
"You can do that!" I asked shocked (her face :O).
"Most bonds can, if they are strong enough."
"Can I read your thoughts?" I asked, somewhat trying it at the same time. Now I gotta be careful about what I say AND think around him.
He smiled as soon as my thoughts ended, "you could, if I didn't block you from doing so. I know your trying, I can feel it."
"Dang, it was worth a try. If that's the case, how do I block you out?"
"I'll tell you when you're 18, in both forms."
"Sire! I'll ask someone else then." I teased.
"You know what else a bond can do?" He asked, drawing attention away from the thought reading. Most likely to make me forget to ask but I'll remember.
"What?" I asked.
Then he lifted up his arm and pinched his protoform. I cringed because I felt something on my own arm when he did.
"I can feel what you feel?" I breathed out in amazement.
"Bonds enable those with it, thought reading, feeling pain and emotions, even telepathy as humans call it. If a bond is strong enough that is. It can also break and weaken if the bond is strained."
I was liking this whole bond thing, sounded super cool! Then curiosity got me.
"You said bonds are used for romance and friendship as well, right?" I asked to confirm. He nodded his helm.
"Would a bonding ritual work on a human?" I asked hopefully.
"It has never been done before, nor does it seem impossible. But most likely not."
That just crushed some of my dreams. I'm sure you can guess why I asked that question. You could argue I was thinking it because friendship bonding with the humans would be cool! The other argument is because I was thinking about Miko and the possibility, of it were to happen.
"So, how does one create a bond?" I asked. It felt like 'the talk' a bit, considering bonding was very personal.
"Family ones are created automatically. While friendship and romantic ones are made. It is usually done by exposing your own spark to the other's spark. From Cybertronian experiences they've said it's like making a bridge, connecting two wires, snapping something into place, that general feeling. Romantic ones require more than just exposure, you must touch and feel one with the other Cybertronians spark. Emotions and feelings in sync."
This was all super interesting, learning about bonds. It was one of the few things the cons didn't teach me. I mean, why would you need to learn or know any of this? Wasn't necessary at the time.
"I believe we have talked long enough, you should get some rest now. It is getting late." Optimus got up, holding his servo out to help me up.
"Ok sire, goodnight then." I gave him a hug since I could now. You have no idea how long I've been waiting to properly hug him goodnight.
He kissed the top of my helm before we released and left the hanger. I said goodnight to the rest of the team and changed forms so I could get ready.
Today was one heck of a day, but I certainly knew I had plenty of adventures to go on.
I went from crash landing here, to being raised by titans, to being forced to leave, to living a normal life, memory wiped and brainwashed, returning back, and finding out about a whole life I had left behind. Now both my lives have gotten combined and there was more ahead.
The journey, had just begun.
—
Keep an eye out for the next book! It's called Silverstar's Journey. Thanks so much for reading this book and enjoy the next ;).
Please leave a review so I can improve Riley's story!
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Have a good day/morning/afternoon/evening/night!