I want to give you guys a little update. Things in my area are changing. For school, we are returning back to full time, five days a week, every class/period. With that, time for me to update this story may become out of wack. I'm a forgetful person, AKA as of why this chapter is coming this late in the day. I'm going to apologize ahead of time if I do forget to post a chapter on time. Please bear with me. Thank you and enjoy the chapter!
Morning rolled around earlier than I would like. The connection prevented me from having a good night's rest. It didn't help neither twin wasn't anywhere near me as that's the only time I can fall asleep or feel mostly secure. It's been not even twenty-four hours and I already want to fly back and hug them. Geez, what's happening to me?
The sunlight shining through the leaves warmed my scales. Below me, Ironhide rumbled when he awoke and shifted on his tires, rising on his axels. "G'morning," he greeted with a near grumble.
"Morning to you as well," I mumbled and stretched all of my limbs out.
Someone, most likely William, moved about inside the home, trying their best to stay quiet but failing; including running into the couch downstairs and cussing. I chuffed in a laughing like way and watched the figure appear on the porch.
William looked tired, as if someone rudely awoke him and told him to run thirty laps. His clothes had changed from yesterday, yet they weren't well put together. The captain held his arms high above his head and let out a whine like noise. Ha, the sound reminded me of a cat.
His eyes found my form high in the tree and surprise filled them. "What are you doing that far up?!" he sounded concerned and confused at the same time. I snorted while rolling onto my back gingerly with my wings hanging carelessly of the branch.
"I like heights," I simply answered before slipping off and expertly hopping from limb to limb. This only caused his stress level rise even more and he rushed over like a mad man. I landed quietly on the sharp pebbles that cover the driveway as the man stopped a few yard short.
He stood there, slightly dumbfounded. "I hate you," he stated then turned right around and marched back into the house. I tilted my head towards Ironhide, knowing he watched it all, with a raised eyebrow.
Ironhide only backed away a short distance. "Don't ask me." With that stated, the mech pulled away and headed down the driveway. I stayed put even though deep down, I wanted to follow, maybe for the fact I could get a little closer to the twins. Thankfully, the connection had yet to ache in a painful way. That didn't stop me from wanting to be back at the base.
With a sigh of unease, I stood and stared with longing in the direction I knew the base was. Only one more night and we'll be gone, and I back with the twins. How were they fairing? Were they the feeling the same? Or perfectly normal without worry? This was their thing to be honest. The bond and all was something they knew all about. I had next to no knowledge about this.
Even though in about a day we'll be leaving, it felt like an eternity. The bond making my mind go crazy at this time with the distance between the twins and I. I finally decided to move over to the house and sat down on the porch. The tablet William gave me was still inside Anna's room so to pass the time, I messed around with draining some of my fire energy. This was a normal thing I reverted back to after so much time out by myself with the lack of technology.
It was later in the morning when the whole family woke up. By the sounds inside, Sarah was the second to wake up then she went to her daughter. The two made their way down the stairs onto the first floor; their movements still sluggish. I guess none of the Lennox family were morning people; which I don't blame them. Sometimes, all I wanted to do was sleep for a few extra hours some days.
The door behind me squeaked when the older female opened it and caused a shiver to run down my spine. Its noise hurting my sensitive ears."Azar? What are you doing still outside? You're welcomed in at time," she offered and motioned for me to come in. A sweet, sugary smell was brought out with her, smelling like syrup.
My cheeks were dusted red with embarrassment. "Oh, I-I didn't think that-" I cut myself off before I made myself more of a fool and followed her silent command. It was thing of instinct: territory and possession. This house was hers and she had Anna, her child inside. Even if humans have evolved and lost their instincts, I know if she thought I meant harm, Sarah will protect Anna and her house.
"Sweetheart, mi casa, su casa." Sarah led me to the kitchen where she was in the middle of making breakfast. The scent wavered around and made my mouth water at the smell I tilted my head, confused on what that sentence meant. It didn't sound English. "It's a saying in Spanish. It means my house is your home." My mouth formed a 'o' at her explanation.
"Thanks, that very sweet of you. But you shouldn't be so accepting of a monster." She immediately dropped the utensils in her hands and whipped around to face me. The utensils crashed against the counter, creating a painful and disturbing noise. I reacted within reason and tensed my muscles, ready for action; wings flared slightly and tail twitching.
Her eyes bored into mine in a challenging way but I knew she didn't understand what that meant to me. The way she held herself told so: luckily because my instincts aren't able to understand that. They were part of me to protect me from danger. "You aren't a monster if that's what you're referring to. Yes, you're different but that doesn't classify you as a monster."
I scoffed with a roll of my eyes, not believing a word she said. Why do a lot of people that I have met so far say that I'm not? Right, they don't kn-wait that's not true. William knows, did judge correctly when he learned but then went back on his word. Here I am, still a free monster walking. Humans are so confusing. Always contradicting themselves. "That's part of it but you don't know what I've done in my past." The blood pooling around my feet, forever building. No matter how hard I try to stop, killing is in my nature. Something that a modern human doesn't understand.
It was her turn to tilt her head, like a lost puppy before getting back to the task at hand. Don't want the food to burn. "To say the truth, I've killed, a lot of people. A lot of good people. William knows and was going to lock me up as he should but then didn't. I don't get you humans." A part of regret telling her that from the looking washing over her features. Why do I run my mouth sometimes? It never ends out good for me.
A light wave of fear slinked into the air. My muscles tensing in reaction. I'm so stupid. "W-why did you kill them?" Her voice gave way to the terror she felt by learning of I've done.
My muscles froze again. "I don't know if you know about Jasper but I use to 'work' with them. They created me, mostly, and trained me to be a killer. I left but that doesn't get rid of the fact that I've killed a lot of people." This is what Jasper has done to me. People will never understand what I've been through; the pain, the torture, the suffering, and the agony Jasper put me through to create the thing I was today.
She relaxed a bit. What?! Why? "You left, that's all that matters." This woman was out of her goddamn mind! How was she not afraid of me? Let alone, now accepting the things I've done. Humans are so confusing.
At this time, William and Anna came back down the stairs. The latter holding the tablet in her small hands and held it up to me. "You left this in my room. What's it for?" My eyes glanced over to William who was greeting his wife with a kiss.
"Well-" my gaze returned to the girl- "I was doing some reading on the way over here. Flying can get boring if it's just traveling from point A to point B." Not the whole truth. It can get boring on longer trips but I didn't want to tell her about Jackie. She shouldn't and didn't need to worry about Jackie.
Anna scoffed in a very child like way. "Flying can't be boring! It's fun, even though I only experienced it once in a dangerous situation. It was fun nonetheless." I snort quietly and ruffled her hair which she got playfully angry at me "Leave my hair alone! I just brushed it."
The kid swatted at my hand. I released her from my torment and took the tablet. It was at thirty percent battery left and was in need of a charge. "Thanks, kid. And are you sure you brushed it? It looks bit messy," I teased and stepped away from her when she tried to slap me. Her fingers only brushing against my hip.
I didn't waste a second retreating to the outdoors where she followed me. Gods, when I'm back on base, I'm going to miss her and our fun times together. She got a few 'good' hits on me before her mother called for us to come back inside.
We padded back into the living room. Anna was breathing heavily after trying to take me down. I, on the other hand, was only taking a little extra oxygen into my lungs. Flight takes a lot of muscle movement, same with fighting, not nearly as much; but both made me athletic.
Breakfast's scent covered the entire downstairs area. My stomach growled and mouth watered in reaction, impatient for food. Ratchet made sure to keep me well fed and the lack of food during this trip was taking a toll on me. Anna giggled and led me to the dining room where our plates had been set with food on them. Everyone sat down in their respected spots and ate the food.
William was the last to finish up and placed his plate in the dishwasher. At this time, Sarah spoke up. "I know you guys have to go back to base tomorrow so why don't we have some fun down at the lake?" she offered and surprised her husband who glanced over at me. Lake? It was the middle of winter in Montana! Humans can't survive in freezing water for long before subcuming to hypothermia
A look of uncertainty washed over the only man in the house. "Honey, I don't think that's a good idea. Azar is kind of a government secret, even to the government," William argued. The major did have a point. No one outside of his team knows about me. Though, I have made a couple of guest appearances on the news at random; Zayden wasn't happy with that.
"It's fine. You guys go and have fun. I'm gunna go on a fly around for the time being," I stated and shrugged my shoulders nonchalantly. They shouldn't worry about me. I can handle myself quite fine, just don't ask Ratchet.
"Please, Azar. It's the least we can do, the least I can do while you're here. Please, come with us." Sarah's attention changed over to her husband who shrunk under her gaze. "I know a secret spot since that's what you're worried about Will. She may be different but that shouldn't stop her from having fun. Right, Annie?" My heart softened at her words. Sarah wasn't treating me like the monster I was but like an actual, normal human being. If only I was normal. Well, to be honest, I wouldn't be here.
Her daughter happily jumped in her spot. "Yep! Please, Daddy, let her come with us." She activated her puppy eyes that always works on me; a human cannot resist, it's impossible. Sideswipe taught her well.
The man froze in his spot, muscles tensing at the sight, and cursed under his breath; quiet enough that Anna didn't hear. Then for the sake of all of us, he gave in. "Alright, alright! We'll go and she can come with us. Child of mine, you hang around Sideswipe way too much." That was an understatement. He's rubbing off on her, luckily she hasn't picked up on his immature ways, sometimes.
At his defeat, both of the females shouted in victory. The mother called for her daughter to follow up the stairs but stopped only three steps. "Wait, Azar, come on. I might have something that'll fit." I politely shook my head to decline. In the first place, wearing clothes was a hinder. Second, Sarah was on the small side. I don't think her clothes would fit a six foot eight draconic with massive dragon wings on her back.
"There won't be any need for that. I don't wear clothes, they're too much of a bother when fighting," I explained and shifted the color of scales to provide proof. The man less than five feet away stood straighter than a board and his entire face changed to the color of Sides paint. What's his problem?
"Y-y-you're no-t weari-ng clothes!" he stuttered and slapped a hand over his eyes. Then it hit me. Right, humans are sensitive about nakedness. Totally forgot about that.
I gazed over at Sarah whose cheeks were turning the same color. "Yeah, I can shapeshift and control fire. Both damage clothes left and right. There's no point in wearing them if I just destroy them plus they get in the way." Even the special suit Jacob had designed for me, it got torn and sometimes destroyed. He always got pissed off at me for that, no matter whose fault it was.
"B-but wh-what about-" she motioned to her own chest and vagina. I couldn't help the laugh bubbling in the back of my throat. Humans were so weird with that. After the shift, it was pointless to wear clothes. As much as I tried, they would always get burned, ripped, or disintegrated. I gave up and went all natural as the humans call it.
"My teats are like those of mammals and only swell if I conceive a child. For my vagina, I'm talented enough with my ability to shift my scales." I winked at the embarrassed human with a smirk plastered on my face. Humans are feeble things, they worry over their reproductive parts being seen or uncovered. I slightly understand below the belt but both male and female have nipples. What's so wrong with one sex showing their nipples and the other is normal? "I'll wait outside until you are ready."
With that explained, I stepped outside to enjoy the sunshine and breathed cold, freezing air into my lungs. Ironhide had made it back during the time I was inside with ice balls form on his undercarriage and wheel wells. "Ratchet talked with me, more like threatened, but I will be keeping an optic on you." Ratchet worries too much. We only have one day left, he doesn't need to bother Ironhide about this problem.
"Hate to break it to you, slugger, but there hasn't been any pain." Yet. I cringed inward, it was only a matter of time. Internally, I knew it was going to start hurting if I continued to stay at this distance.
His engine growled deeply at the name calling but didn't do anything else. He couldn't do anything without transforming and possibly exposing himself. Couldn't let a government secret be exposed to the world.
A few long minutes passed and the family was ready. The two adults seemed like they still haven't gotten over the fact they learned. Though Sarah looked better than her husband but she wouldn't leave her gaze on me for long. William downright refused to allow me in his gaze. I would walk purposely into line of sight but the man suddenly had something to stare at off in the distance. It was hilarious to see. He was completely overacting about nakedness.
They packed their things inside Ironhide's form after asking if he'll come. William took the driver seat, Sarah took the passenger, and Anna sat in the back with a couple of her toys. Hide offered a spot for me, acting a little cheeky. Both of the adults stiffened but didn't say anything. I'm guessing he heard what went on inside the house. "No thank you. I've got my trusty wings with me."
He seemed to shrug in his own way being in his vehicle form before rolling out. I took off into the air and ignored the near painful pull in my chest. In less than twenty-four hours, we'll be heading back to Colville; and I couldn't wait to be back. That was a first.
My scales warmed with the now falling sun as the day turned from morning to evening. The four down below traveled along a dirt road, going slow as they navigated through Montana. Snow covered their path, making Ironhide's job of driving harder.
It didn't take long for us to arrive. The three hopped out of Ironhide's vehicle form, all bundled up for this colder weather that didn't bother me.
A small-ish lake laid out thirty feet from us, completely frozen over. Oh, this was going to be fun. I ran to the covered water and slid a few yards from the edge. My claws scrapped against the ice, creating long gashes along the cold surface. "Azar! Be careful!" Sarah shouted at me, concern filtered into her voice; sounding such like a mother, or in my terms, father. Zayden has always worried about me doing stupid things.
The ice cracked under my weight but didn't break, yet. Spider web cracks spread out from underneath me. Danger rattled softly in the back of mind. This wasn't going to do. As the family made their over to me, I drew power to my right foot and slammed it down. The ice lit up from the surge of energy and spread to thicken and strengthen the ice. Releasing that energy eased some of the stress on the inner barriers holding said power. Safety first.
Sarah's eyes brightened at the sight and she squealed while holding her hands up to her mouth. Excitement radiated off of her in thick waves. "Could you show us more?" I cocked my head, intrigued at her request but gave in.
By this time, Anna and William slipped on a pair of ice skates. The latter took his daughter's hand and lead her over to the ice. Sarah followed her family's lead and carefully stepped onto the ice. Her balance looked steady as she slowly moved on the ice. It didn't even crackle under her weight.
Energy surge to my fingertips, calling for me to use it. And that I did. I summoned a baseball size of water to float in the air and let it twirl around for a bit. This caught Sarah's attention as she timidly skated over with baby steps. Said woman reached out to boop the water and giggled when her hand touched it. The surface tension broke and allowed for a couple of droplets to leak from the ball.
I controlled it to swirl around her before sending it up and changing it to turn into snow. The now cold particles fluttered back down to the earth; melting when some touched my blazing scales. Everyone watched fascinated as it circled us. Pride swelled in my chest at the calm and serine state I've created with my powers. Instead of chaos and destruction.
Everyone, including Ironhide, had me show off some more until the kid grew tired and fussy. Her attitude told us it was time to head back home. Night was soon to begin as winter drudged on. The sooner we get to sleep, the sooner we can get back.
Exhaustion filled my being by the time we reached the Lennox's house. I didn't even want to head inside but Sarah was able to coax me in. William sat down heavily on the couch and turned on the T.V. it seems like the last station it was on was the news which droned on about the weather.
The mother forced me to eat and made me realize how hungry I became while out. For the first time in forever, Ratchet is making me hate missing a meal or snack. Damn robot.
While sitting at the dinner table and facing the T.V, the station moved onto a more pressing matter to them. A picture of me appeared on the screen, where I was at the rest area, minding my own business. It changed to another one of me controlling the snow to get off of my head and tablet. Every single muscle in my body froze at the picture. Well crap. That ain't good. "Yesterday, we've gotten multiple reports and pictures of this… strange creature spotted in Sandpoint, Idaho," the male news anchor announced.
William cussed under his breath and sent me death glare before focusing on the T.V. Another picture appeared on the screen. This time it was William and Anna 'scaring' me off. In the back, it showed a partial look of Ironhide. Only two letters of his license plate could be seen. "This brave man was seen shooing it away. It looked surprised by the sudden movement and flew off. We do not know what it is and advise anyone who sees it to not engage. Call nine-nine-one."
"I gotta say, Chester, its one ugly looking thing. It looks human but not. Hey, what if it's a government experiment that escaped?" the woman next to him spoke up to put her two cents in. She sounded like she was joking about her question but it still didn't settle well inside of me. I snarled lowly when she called me ugly. If she dared say that to my face, I would've shown her how ugly I could get.
Then suddenly, the screen changed from the two to a blue screen. "Shit, this isn't good." William whipped around to face me, anger clearly evident his face. A challenging look in his eyes. I felt the need to square up to him and return the challenge. "Why did you think it was a good idea to land there? It was in the middle of the rest place!" I didn't appreciate him raising his voice at me and bared my teeth at him.
The blue screen went away and commercials took its place. What happened? "They would've seen me if I was flying nonetheless."
"Then why not do your camouflage thing?!" Oh, right.
"Okay, yes, that's my fault. But what's the big deal?"
"There's a picture of me and Ironhide. If my superiors see that, they'll wonder and maybe put the pieces together." He paused to let the words set in. "You just let the entire world know of your presences." He stopped once more before a thought seemed to hit him. "Your father and Jasper knows the area you are in now." I did not think about.
"Alright, I'll be more careful when we head back." I didn't know what to really do in this situation… Shit! The news station! That must've been the government or something taking over and preventing them showing or telling more.
"You better be." Then he left to head up stairs after turning the T.V off. Sarah opened her mouth to say something but I wasn't in the mood and headed out the door without another word.
Ironhide had parked in his usual spot and flashed his lights at me in a greeting. I dipped my head to greet him back before climbing the tree to the branch I claimed. A growl rumbled my chest randomly, causing me to rub at my sternum. Gods, I wanted to be back with the twins.