3. The World Turned Upside Down

The teenage girl slowly crept towards the open door, drawing closer to her prey with every careful step she made. Her target was currently crouched in front of his bed, scanning each item before putting them in a bag, completely unaware of the hunter preparing to spring on him from behind.

Target locked.

She readied herself to pounce, planning to tackle him to the ground. He had other plans, however.

Miko squealed as she flew over Jack and landed directly on top of the bed instead of the boy, who had moved out of the way as she sprang forward. She sat up and glared at him, annoyed.

"Nice try, Miko," Jack said, grinning at her as he stood up. "You've been too predictable lately."

"Screw you," Miko snarled. "I will get back at you!" She stood up and brushed herself off of the dust. Jack just grinned and continued to put his books in his bag.

Years had quickly passed on by since Miko had become part of the family. On this day Jack wore a white t-shirt and a blue jacket with red highlights on the sleeves. Miko, contrary to her taste in rock music, wore a gray shirt with black sleeves that were inches past her elbows and capris with black converse. To them, it felt like an ordinary day at the farm just outside of Jasper.

"You could've pretended to at least not know I wasn't there," Miko pouted.

"I would not like to get tackled to the ground for a third time," Jack countered.

"Bulkhead's more fun than you are," Miko spat.

"Bulkhead is a hundred times bigger than I am," Jack shot back.

"I bet if he were here right now—"

"If I had Arcee in here right now—"

An air horn broke through their argument. Both of them jumped and spun around. Brains stood in the doorway, one hand holding the jamb as he held an air horn in one hand.

"Hey. You two asleep?"

Both of the teens scowled before Miko stomped forward. She had to lift her legs up higher, but not without her heel clipping him at the top of the head. Jack reached down and picked up his bag.

"Hey, study proves—"

"Shut. Up," Jack grounded out, already walked past him.

"Statistics," Brains sighed.

Jack grumbled underneath his breath. He marched right out of the house to the entryway of the Autobot safe house. He walked into the hanger-style entryway. "Morning Ar—" He stopped dead in his tracks.

Arcee wasn't there. He began to wonder where she was right as a familiar red Autobot entered.

"Hey, Jack!" he called.

"Morning, Cliff," Jack replied. "Where's Arcee?"

"She and Bulkhead went on patrol," Cliffjumper said. "So, ready for school?"

"Heck no! It's the first day of school; who gets excited over that?" Miko said, appearing right next to Jack.

"Jack! Miko!" Arcee's voice rang out throughout the small ranch. He looked up and saw the green Ford Escape Hybrid and the blue Kawasaki Ninja 250R motorcycle pull into the yard. "Ready for school?"

"Yep," Jack said as he grabbed his helmet

"Just remember to call us immediately if anything goes wrong," Bulkhead said.

"Yes, Bulkhead," Jack groaned.

"I mean it, kiddo."

"Easy, Bulk," Cliffjumper said. "It's good to see the kids so enthusiastic about school for once."

"I've got a few sores, I can barely bring out my weapons, if anything happens and the parents find out—"

"We're all here, don't forget," Arcee stated.

"Arcee, let's go!" Miko whined.

"Tighten your grip, kids," Arcee said. She shot out of the barn, eliciting a yell from Bulkhead as she drove off of the property, making the two riders yelp in surprise.

"Hey!"

Bulkhead and Cliffjumper cringed at the voice.

"Are you insane?" Steve shouted as he stopped at the entryway.

"Hey, Stevie Wonder," Cliffjumper spoke. "It's not going to hurt the kids to be a little extreme."

"You keep thinking like that and I might have to sell you for spare parts," Steve smirked.

"You wouldn't do that to even save a life," Cliffjumper gasped.

"I might," Steve said. "June and I have been worried about them enough all ready. Now I have to worry about what happens when they're riding one of you?"

"You got two teenagers that are almost of legal age," Cliffjumper argued. "They can't be under protection for the rest of their lives." He looked at Bulkhead for help.

"Um, I think what Cliff's trying to say," Bulkhead began, handpicking his words carefully, "is that the point being that they're getting old really fast, so even we have to be ready when they start to want to get independent. And…I say we just let them go free when they're at that age."

Cliffjumper gave him a look.

"I mean, what difference does it make who's after whom anymore?"

By the time school was finished, Jack seemed to have found himself in a pretty good mood. That was, until he got into an altercation with Trent DeMarco, the golden boy, star football player, and the town bully. Miko had to pull Jack away when she got the chance. It wasn't even fair. Usually it was her that got into fights and he had to get her away before the claws came out.

"He's not worth it," Miko said as she dragged him through the doors.

"That guy is just…" Jack growled, pulling his hair. "I just want to…"

"Yeah, I know," Miko said. "I've been there and I've done it, but you'll blow the cover if you use your strength on him."

"I just want to take out the one thing of his that never sees the sun," Jack huffed.

"I would have loved to see that," Miko smirked.

"Then why didn't you?"

"And get grounded on the first week of school? Totally not on my bucket list. I am not going to get into trouble with June and Steve again. Or the bots. Well, Ratchet would have let you do it…and Arcee…and Cliffjumper…Okay, maybe the majority would approve but the others wouldn't let us hear the end of it!"

Jack wanted to add an input on that, but he stopped in his tracks. He looked around the parking lot, trying to find one of the Autobots there to give them a ride home. However, the parking lot was empty.

"Hey, what gives?" Miko exclaimed. "They're usually here on time." She groaned loudly before she suddenly perked up.

"Oh, no," Jack grumbled.

"Let's call the Hatchet and see if he'll bridge us back."

"That's…not a bad idea," Jack agreed. He pulled out his cell and pressed a contact.

"Optimus?" Ratchet's voice answered.

"Uh, no, its Jack," Jack said. "Is something wrong, 'cause school's finished and no one's out here to pick us up."

"That is because the entire team is rather…indisposed at the moment," the medic huffed. "I suggest you obtain an alternate method of transport."

"Dude, what's he saying?" Miko asked.

Jack waved her off. "Nothing, just that they're busy."

"Then tell him to come get us!" she groaned. "It's not like he has anything else to do!"

"Just, stay at the school!" Ratchet snapped. "I will be in touch later!" With that, he hung up.

"What crawled up his tailpipe and died?" Miko asked.

"I don't know," Jack replied. "They seem to be keeping us in the dark a lot lately."

Miko had a devious grin on her face. "Well, since your folks are working until the evening and the bots are busy—"

"Miko, no," Jack cut her off. He knew what she was thinking, and he wasn't going to let her drag him along with it.

"Jack, come on," the girl whined. "No one's going to notice."

Oh, yeah, Jack thought. No one will notice two teenage kids sneaking into the excavation sight outside of town. But he didn't say that. He just kept his mouth shut.

"Please?" Miko implored. "Steve won't even notice we were there. I've been down in that place once before."

Jack stared at her. "You what?"

"You tell a soul, you'll be my first victim," the girl snarled.

"Miko, I…what—when?"

"When what?" the girl piped.

"When have you been down there before?" Jack inquired.

"Last Friday night," Miko answered.

Jack nearly stumbled. "You were down there last Friday?! Why exactly? Do you even know how much trouble you could've gotten into?"

"Yeah, well, I didn't," Miko stated before she started down the steps.

Jack watched her go, not wanting to get into trouble himself. He shook his head and followed her to the city limits.

"I am so going to be grounded for the rest of the summer," Jack told himself.

"Oh, don't be a sissy," Miko said. "And besides, we only have enough time before they realize something's out of place."

Jack studied the sight that laid out before them, not sure what he was supposed to expect. "This is it?" he asked, less impressed than he was when they starting their journey to the abandoned sight.

"Pretty much," Miko said. "Ready for an adventure?"

"How do we know it's abandoned?" Jack wondered.

"They leave before we come," Miko said as she started to climb down. "We'll be fine. Just as long as no one notices our stuff."

"That sounds relieving," Jack mumbled before he slid down the rocky slope and they entered one of the caverns.

By the time they had come into a small room, Jack was almost amazed as the structure. It looked as if someone had hollowed it out, shaped it into what resembled an auditorium of a theater. He didn't think for sure that it could be possible to see something so clean.

Miko got up on a rock and looked around. "This could be a cool place for a concert," she said.

"Yeah," Jack said with little interest. "I mean, who wouldn't want to listen to grunge music in probably an unstable cave?" When he didn't get a witty response, he turned to find Miko still on top of the boulder, frozen in her spot. "Um, Miko?"

"Jack, I think I heard I heard footsteps."

Jack tensed in his spot. Nervously he looked around to see where they could hide. Noticing a crevice in the wall, he grabbed Miko and they took off towards it. He fumbled around in his pack, shocking Miko as he pulled out one of June's Beretta pistols out. He had been carrying it around for almost a month since he found out MECH had actually come to town and was on the brink of reducing the town to rubble. He caught hell when Steve found out, but that didn't stop him. He pushed Miko behind him and held the pistol out in front of them, using his pack as a shield. A dark figure appeared in his sight, stopping with a pause.

"Who is it?" Miko whispered.

"I don't know," Jack hissed. He crept closer to the opening of their hideout, watching the man turn around in confusion. Whatever Jack had in mind, whatever he was willing to put up with, he was not expecting the shock that coursed through his body when he saw that man's face. He stood up straight, pack lowered and the arm holding the pistol hanging at his side.

"What?" Miko hissed.

"Bucky?" Jack spoke.

The man whipped around to see who had spoken his name. His tired blue eyes caught Jack's, and he froze in his spot. "Yeah?"

"Miko, get out here now!" Jack shouted excitedly, turning to his adopted sister. He hardly watched her crawl from their hiding spot as he threw his arms around the soldier. He was the first friend of his parents he was seeing now. He was the first Avenger he was hugging after all of those years. James Freakin' Buchanan Barnes!

"Um, I'm sorry," Bucky spoke. "Who are you?"

Jack pulled away, smiling and wiping away the tears that were leaking out of his eyes. "Sorry," he chuckled. "I'm just really giddy to see you here."

"Jack, don't mean to be rude," Miko spoke, "but who the heck is this?"

"Miko, this is James Barnes," Jack said. "He's the guy Mom and Dad never shut up about."

"Wait, what?" Bucky frowned.

"Yeah! I always hear the stories about you and the others while I was growing up," Jack replied. "You've got to come back to our house." He was grinning from ear to ear. "My folks would be happy to see you."

"Folks?" Bucky inquired.

Jack suddenly had an awkward look. He fidgeted in his spot, rubbing his head. "Yeah, about that…do you know when the last time it was since you've heard from Steve Rogers? Or June Darby?"

The former veteran frowned, and was silent until he said:

"This was years go. What's this about?" He studied Jack's face, making both teens very uncomfortable. They suddenly found this as an awkward mistake, Miko fidgeting in her place as Jack rubbed his arm. How would they explain this to a soldier traumatized by HYDRA?

"When was the last time you saw them exactly?" Jack whispered.

"Almost twelve years…" Bucky's eyes widened. "Rogers' son."

"Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner!"

Jack glared at Miko. Out of all the times she had to use her wits, it had to be now. He turned to Bucky again. "We're really glad to see you. You should come with us to our house. I know Dad will be really happy to see you."

"Jack, what about the Autobots?" Miko whispered.

The mirth on Jack's face vanished, and he groaned, covering his eyes with his hand. He forgot about the Autobots! How were they going to react when they bring a stranger to the farmyard? Did Bucky even know about them, and vice versa?

"Well, let's go!" Miko exclaimed, pulling at Bucky's arm and dragging him down towards the exit. "This could be as awesome as any Slash Monkey concert."

"Oh, no," Bucky groaned, covering his face with his metal hand. "Not another Monkey freak."

Jack bit his lip to prevent it from curving into a smile. He was just so focused on Bucky. Whatever did happen to him? What connection could he have possibly have made in the past with the Autobots and every other ally of theirs? Jack ran through every event he knew in history to match his current one. He would probably find out back at home.

You're home, Bucky. Those words brought some comfort to him. Welcome back.

A red First Generation Dodge Challenger with horns on the hood drove through the empty road. The cloud of dust was rising behind it, as it sped through the open country. The breeze hit its front window, and the tires were rotating even faster, carrying the vehicle across the road.

"So, I was cruising through the streets of Jasper, when I heard sirens blaring from behind," Cliffjumper's voice said from the car. "And then it hits me — I'm illegally parked."

"Let me guess," Arcee's voice replied through the radio. "Another parking ticket?"

"Better! The boot."

"I guess Steve knew you were in town," Arcee chuckled.

"Bingo!" Cliffjumper cheered. "So the local police do their thing, and I let them go all the way down the block. That's when I kick off my shiny new shoe and bang!"

"New York's finest are foiled again."

"You know me, Arcee. You mess with Cliffjumper…"

"And you get the horns," Arcee finished for her friend. Then something came up her mind as he laughed. "I'm not sure how that complies to rule number one — maintain a low profile at all times."

"What can I say? Scouting around for energon makes you feel lonesome. Almost makes me miss the Decepticons."

Arcee snorted. "Like Jasper's a party. We've been alone on this rock since we drove them off, Cliff."

Cliffjumper seemed ready to reply, when his detectors caught his attention. "I'm getting a signal," he reported.

"Need backup?"

"Do I ever need backup?" Cliffjumper answered with a cocky tone and shot off.

During their walk, Miko had been asking a lot of questions. Bucky was trying not to tear her a new one. So far, it was the typical ones like "How did you acquire that arm?" or "Did it hurt when you fell?" And there was the classic "Are you sure you're Bucky and not some decoy meant to look like him?" When she ran out of those queries, she went straight to the basics.

"What's your favorite color?" Miko finally inquired. "Is it blue? I bet it's blue because it reminds you of Steve."

"You know, kids don't usually ask this many questions when I'm around," Bucky finally said.

"That's probably because they look at you and think your the Terminator," Miko replied.

"Right now, you're making me wish I am," Bucky grumbled. He grinned at the look on her face.

"Okay, shutting up now," the girl said.

Jack's ears picked up a faint sound and kept his gaze up ahead. "Anyone else heard that?"

Bucky glanced over. "Whaddya mean?"

Jack stared at the tunnel they had come from previously before walking down it. Bucky and Miko looked at each other before following him.

As they went further the noise became more audible. They also noticed how the end of the tunnel was glowing a fiery light. Miko had fished her cell phone out, ready to take pictures. Jack hadn't notice Bucky's look of sudden horror until he grabbed the kids and threw them to the ground with him on top. Miko was ready to chew him out before the older man hushed her and looked up. Jack followed his gaze and he froze.

There were robots. A dozen of them. All identical in black and purple with a red visor. His eyes noticed one that overlooked them that didn't look like them. He was purple and black with violet optics. Two wheels were placed on his shoulder blades and lower arms. Headlights were resting on his chest with a strange symbol in the center. He had clawed fingers and sturdy feet.

"There seems to be nothing here," the being growled. "But a good scout shouldn't hurt. Start searching! Lord Megatron would want some Intel on the area."

"So cool," Miko mused.

This must be what Mom and Dad were talking about long ago, Jack thought to himself.

"You three!"

They all looked up to find one of the giant look alike drones storming over to them. "What do you think you're doing?"

"We're toast," Miko whined.

Just as the Cybertronian was about to get them, a familiar red Challenger rammed him into the nearest wall.

"Jack!" Miko pointed out.

"Quick! Get in!" Cliffjumper shouted, opening the doors.

"W-what?" Bucky said.

"Come one? Hurry up!"

The kids cooperated, seeing no alternative. They jumped and the car rushed out of there, as the separate robot transformed into a black and purple Mustang Convertible. Soon, they found themselves on the highway.

"Why is he shooting at us?" Bucky shouted.

"He's not one of us, sir," Cliffjumper corrected. "And he's a really bad guy."

"Hey, Cliff. Miss me?"

Cliffjumper adjusted his mirrors, just in time to see both a familiar motorcycle shoot out onto the interstate with two troopers tailing her. Optimus wouldn't be happy if he found out what kind of trouble they had gotten into.

"Friend of yours?" Bucky asked.

"Something like that," Cliffjumper said.

And before anyone knew it, there was the end of the road. The bridge was under construction, but Cliffjumper just kept speeding, eventually reaching the edge. They started to fall. Before the humans could hit the ground, he transformed, grabbed them, and landed safely, with no harm done to the humans.

Cliffjumper set the humans down. "Stay down," he told them. "Get out of here as fast as you can."

"Roger that," Jack nodded.

Miko groaned. "I wanna see the fight."

"Come on," Jack growled, dragging her to the ledge towards the pipe.

"You want the horns?" Cliffjumper snarled. "You got 'em."

Before long, Arcee appeared and transformed, landing next to him. Her blue violet optics glared up, as the two purple and black cars jumped after her, followed by the one they assumed was the leader. The three vehicles transformed into robots and landed before the Autobots.

"Barricade," she snarled.

"Well, well," Barricade returned the favor.

"You should have stayed away from this planet," Cliffjumper warned.

"Where are the Avengers?" Barricade demanded.

"You're not getting them today," Arcee said with hostile tone, ready for combat. She rushed forward as the troopers began to open fire. Cliffjumper immediately tackled Barricade.

"What are they?" Bucky asked.

"Talking cars that turn into robots," Miko guessed.

"It's the other way around," said Jack.

Bucky glared at him.

"It's hard to explain…"

Then everyone heard a loud engine, and a yellow and black Chevrolet Camaro GT appeared speeding at the Decepticons. Bumblebee transformed as the robot nearly hit Barricade, while his comrades hit the Vehicons.

"Bumblebee! Watch out for the—"

Bumblebee got attacked by the one of the troopers. He fell to the ground. All they could do was watch as the drone trained its blaster at the scout.

"Leave him alone!" Miko caught Barricade's attention, realizing how unwise it was. "Please?"

Barricade forgot about the Autobots and jumped at the humans. Bucky acted on instinct and pulled the kids out of the way. But Barricade just chased after them. He was about to get them, when one of the Vehicons flew into him, slamming them both into the concrete wall. The trio decided it was best to continue running away and not look back.

Meanwhile, Cliffjumper gestured victoriously. "Oh, yeah. Home run," he cheered.

"It's not over yet, pal," Arcee commented. The three Cons pulled themselves together, taking aim. As the Autobot trio was about to attack, they heard someone coming. They expected another Decepticon, but it wasn't. It was a familiar green car speeding up at them. In moments it turned into a hulking Autobot. Bulkhead stopped just a few feet away from his friends.

"Who's ready to rumble?" he said, aiming at the Decepticons. At that moment, all three Cons transformed and escaped.

Arcee turned to the Wrecker. "What took you?"

"Traffic," he shrugged.

They quickly went made their way to where Jack and his family resided in. He glanced up at Miko, watching her walk with a bit of annoyance in her eyes. He looked down at the ground, biting his lip. He wasn't sure what they would do once they got home, but hopefully they would find out eventually.

Bucky suddenly stopped.

"Come on, we gotta keep going," Jack said, trying to pull him.

"Just what was that all about?"

Miko cringed at the accusation in his voice. "Why are you so angry?" she asked.

"Is there something I should know about?"

Jack instantly averted his gave from the older man. "Did you and my dad talk much?" he questioned.

Bucky looked at him, suspicious. "This isn't a game, kid. What's going on here? Are those things something I should be worried about?"

Jack winced. "Still not going to drop this?"

Bucky shook his head and he sighed. "Fine," he said, "but you have to promise not to tell anyone, okay?"

"Whatever," Bucky said.

Jack took in a breath. "Okay," he began. "But you're going to have to come with us to fully know what's going on. They'll be able to tell you the entire story, because we don't know much either."

Bucky was silent for a moment. "Fine," he said. "But I don't think I'll like it."

"No one said you had to," Jack said as they continued on.

The trek had become silent. By the time they reached the farmyard, Jack motioned for them to stop before slipping into the hanger. Bucky stood back, leaning nervously against the light pole. This was it. He was going to have to face Steve again, now a father to this kid. Jack came out minutes later and motioned for them inside.

"Wow," Brains commented dryly as he stood next to Jack. "Someone's looking eager to meet aliens."

"You have no idea," Jack whispered.

"Bulkhead!" Miko exclaimed as she ran up to the green giant. "You'll never guessed what happened today…"

"I think I can guess," Bulkhead said, glancing at Bucky.

"So, who made you?" Bucky asked curiously.

"Ugh! Please..." Ratchet scoffed at the boy's silly question.

"Ah, Doc Bot," Cliffjumper started.

"Don't you dare call me that," Ratchet threatened.

A set of loud booming footsteps was heard and a scarlet and navy blue robot made his presence. He looked down at their newest occupants. His optics flickered when he saw Bucky. "James Barnes, I have heard a great deal about you," Optimus said. "I'm pleased to finally meet you."

Bucky faltered. "You know who I am?" he questioned.

"Steve and June would never shut up about you and the others," Arcee said.

"Like a non-stop soap opera," Miko added.

"Miko! Come on," Jack exclaimed.

Bucky kept his gaze on Optimus. "What are you exactly?"

"We are autonomous robotic organisms from the planet Cybertron, also known as Autobots," Optimus explained.

"Why are you here?" Bucky wanted to know.

"To protect your planet from the Decepticons."

"The jokers who just tried to bump you today," Wheelie added.

"Okay. Why are they here?" Bucky said.

"A fair question, James. In part, they were once here because our planet was uninhabitable, ravaged by centuries of civil war," the leader explained.

"You were fighting a civil war?" Bucky asked. "How come?"

"Foremost, over the control of our wold's supply of energon, the fuel and lifeblood of our race. The combat was fierce and endured for centuries. In the beginning, I fought alongside one whom I considered a brother. But in wars, ideals can be corrupted, and it was thus, that Megatron lost his way."

"Is there going to be a pop quiz on this?" Miko asked as she twirled a loose strand of hair.

Jack glared at her for being rude. "You guys kept making a big deal about the Decepticons being on Earth. How should this time be any different than the last encounters?"

"Megatron has not been seen nor head from for the last twelve years," Optimus informed him. "But if his return is at hand as I fear, it could be catastrophic."

Jack shuddered.

"But since he cannot be granted access to enter Earth's atmosphere with any warships," Optimus continued as he stood up, "it would be a relief to say how he would only send a handful of soldiers to the surface. However, I fear now that should your existence be known may be problematic."

"So, what are we going to do now?" Brains questioned.

"It may be best that we will have to keep watch over Earth until we determine our enemies intentions. And find out why Megatron has decided to return after all of these years."

"Optimus," Ratchet spoke. "With all due respect, the human children are in much danger around us as they are alone."

"Children?" Jack said, not impressed of being called that.

"Then it be best to watch them carefully," Optimus concluded.

"Jack, what the hell were you and Miko thinking?"

Jack froze up. It was Steve! He wasn't supposed to be home until later that night.

"Scrap," he said.

"Quick, play cool," Miko said.

Wheelie stood there with his chest forward and his hands on his sides. He looked up at the ceiling with his lips pulled tight.

"That's not playing cool," Brains growled.

"I don't even know what that means," Wheelie stated.

"It would be best if we behave appropriately," Optimus added. "And try nothing funny." He glared at Cliffjumper when he said that.

Cliffjumper just smiled. "Who, moi?"

"Yes, you," Optimus said with a stern tone.

"Jackson James Rogers!"

Jack winced as his full name was used. He wanted to just run and hide before everything became chaos. Too late as Steve suddenly stood in the doorway.

"What were you two doing on the interstate?" Steve demanded.

"It's just a scratch, Daddy," Miko whimpered. Then she added with a smirk, "You should've seen the other guys."

"I swear, your main goal in life is to get us both killed," Jack accused.

"What did you do?" Steve was fuming, storming over to them. "Do you two have any idea what could have happened out there? I swear I—" The super soldier gasped and stopped in his tracks. His mouth dropped open as he stared at Bucky in disbelief.

"Huh," Bucky hummed. "So, that's what you look like in an officer's uniform."

"Bucky?"

"No, it's one of the seven dwarfs," Miko mumbled under her breath.

"Can I have permission to kick her?" Jack pleaded. "Please, let me just punch her in the shoulder at least this one time—"

Steve was already moving, each footstep resonating in the hanger as he moved towards Bucky. He flung his arms around him and pulled him closer, hugging him tightly. The last time he had embraced him, it was just like they were about to die. Now he held Bucky for dear life, forgetting that the world and everything else surrounding them.

A choked sob echoed through the hanger, and Steve found that it was coming from him. He couldn't put the words on how relieved and happy he was to see his old friend again.

"I think you two need to go," Ratchet told the kids, ushering them to the entryway.

"Yeah," Jack whispered. "I'll see you in the morning. Maybe."

He and Miko made their way to the house. Jack winced when he saw June sitting on the steps of the porch, waiting for them. She became more alert when she saw them coming her way.

"Mom, I can explain," Jack started.

"Can you?" June said as she stood up. "I just got a call from a certain person. He got word that you two were near the mining area and then on the interstate with Cliffjumper. What were you two thinking? We've talked about this."

"I know, and—"

"You don't know," June said. "I worry about you two enough when you're both not around. Now I have to worry about what you'll get into?"

"But we're not children anymore," Miko whined

"And you're too young to be getting into that kind of trouble," June snapped.

"Really? When did you start?" Miko demanded.

"Mom, you know we're not dumb enough to even go on a massacre," Jack intervened. "Look, I know it was stupid with what we did. But it's not like we planned it."

"Although our timing could've been better," Miko remarked.

"Point is, you're always telling me to make wise choices and to trust our instincts. Well, we chose to protect to bring Bucky here. And we'll be careful. I promise."

"Um, did you just say Bucky?"

Jack cringed.

"And where is he?"

"He's in the barn," Miko squeaked.

June shook her head. "I didn't think you'd be bringing home guests yet."

"Don't think it like that," Miko teased. "It's more like he brought us home." Jack just pushed her away, forcing her to laugh.

"Just get in the house," June said, "We'll continue this discussion at dinner." As they walked inside the house, she suggested, "And you will let me know before you bring people here."

"We'll see," Jack answered. "Bucky's kind of temperamental."

Miko snorted, receiving an elbow from him.

June had made it to the doorway when Steve appeared. At first glance she saw trails of tears staining his cheeks and beard alike. She thought he was too happy to see his friend again, too mad at Jack and Miko for reckless behavior. However, looking into his eyes, she could see a hint of worry and fear in them.

"What's wrong?" she asked. Steve sighed.

"I think our cover is about to be blown," he confessed. "June, the Decepticons are back, which means they might know where we live."

June felt like the very life had been sucked out of her. She turned away, afraid to look at him. After all those years, thinking that she wouldn't have to confront her worst fears, they were coming back to her like a slap on the face. She didn't want this to happen, why now? Why couldn't it happen before the team fell apart?

"You don't think he's here to start another war, do you?"

"We don't know for sure. Not unless we have enough evidence to know why they're back."

June groaned. "Why is it happening now? How can they do this to us?"

"We were fooled about them leaving, just like we were fooled once upon a time." He gently cupped her face, rubbing a thumb against her cheekbone. "We'll figure it out. Besides, we've got two kids that need explaining."

"What about the kid they brought home?"

Steve had a grim look on his face, and she knew that there was something wrong. "We'll deal with that in the morning. Now's not the time for that."

"Steve…"

He pressed his fingertips to her lips, not wanting her to be worried any further. He pressed a kiss to her forehead and said, "Calm down. We'll figure it out. We have to remember what we promised. Okay?"

June couldn't help but smile. Of course she remembered that promise they made before going into hiding. It was the one thing that kept her moving through the years. She remembered coming here in a state of panic, but soon that fear lessened with each day that passed. No one had yet found their secret sanctuary. To her, it was a miracle that nobody had figured it out. Either no one cared or they were too dumb to point out who they were.

"Yes. Later, in the morning."

"Good. Now, we've got two rugrats to take of."

Run!

He could feel the ground beneath him tremble as he continued to run through the forest. He was supposed to be dead, but he cannot escape from the cruel reality that came raining down on him. This wasn't supposed to happen, and yet it was.

"Spread out! Push right!"

"Roll, roll, roll. Give me two. Give me two."

Something exploded near them, his son yelling and jumping to the side. He grabbed his wrist and they went into a different direction.

"Get them! Fire if you have to, but make sure they're not dead!"

"They're running! Move!"

His feet thudded hard down against the ground, not even breaking a sweat or losing sight of his son. They wove through the trees, not knowing where they were going. His only hope was to get his child to safety and lose the creeps.

"Come on!"

"I'm trying to run as fast as I can, old man."

Sam's legs ached, his heart pumping blood. His lungs were burning, but they still kept on running.

"Targets lost! Targets lost!"

And we'll keep it that way, Sam thought to himself.

"We gotta do something!"

"You just keep running," Sam told him. He looked up ahead and noticed a small burrow in the hills. He shouted to follow and made a mad dash towards it. He shoved his son inside.

"You stay down and don't come out until I come get you," Sam instructed. "Understand?"

"What about you?"

Sam gave him a dejected look. "I'm going to try and lose those suckers. Don't leave." With that, Sam left.

He laid low in his hideout and he waited. He waited for his father to come back, waited for him to return and they can continue their journey to safety. He listened for his old man, stayed in his spot, and he waited for the moment to hear footsteps and Sam giving him the okay to come out.

But he had fallen asleep. Morning came and Wade knew the enemy had his father.