Chapter 13: Worries End
Jasper Medical Center (Friday):
Normally I would dislike going to the hospital for many reasons, but this time is different. Today I'm finally getting my boot off of foot and I can finally walk normal again. So here I am waiting for the doctor to come in and examine my foot by myself. My mom would be here, but she has gone out of town for some sort training for ER nurses in California and will be gone until next Wednesday. She wanted to stay and be here with me, but I convinced her otherwise that I'll be alright and she immediately set up this appointment. I am happy that I'll no longer have to wear this boot anymore and Miko would stop making fun of me. Jack and Arcee will be so happy when they see me with my boot off and most likely will tell me never to do a stunt like that again. Speaking of those two, they both are on a routine mission right now somewhere and I couldn't go because I was here and that I'm still on an Autobot grounding. I'm on my last week of the grounding so I couldn't go on this mission and just like my mother, naturally I become worried. My thoughts are then interrupted as I here the doctor come in.
"Hello Jordyn how are you doing?" The doctor asked politely looking down at my charts.
"I'm fine thank you." I said calmly with a smile waiting patiently for what he has to say.
The doctor then flipped through the charts for a moment before speaking again, "Okay Jordyn from what I can tell your ready to take off your boot. So if you please would take off your boot." He said as I removed the straps and removed my boot and took off the wrap I had on it and the doctor got a weird look on his face.
"Sorry my mom can be a little obsessive when it comes to injuries. I think being an ER nurse can make her a little overly cautious on injuries." I said with a laugh after putting my boot and wrap down.
"It's alright Jordyn." The doctor said with a smile as he started to examine my ankle and toes. "Well from the looks of things, your ankle and toes healed up quite nicely. All I recommend is that you don't do any strenuous to your foot for the next week and you'll be fine." He said while letting go of my foot and I put on my shoe I had in my bag. "Your free to go Jordyn and try to be more careful please." He said while helping me down from the counter.
"I will! Thank you!" I said as I exited the room and went through the main lobby out the doors outside only to see someone I wasn't expecting.
Riding through Jasper:
"Optimus?" I asked a little confused as I see him in truck form in the hospital parking lot. I then open the doors to get in, "Hey Optimus I didn't expect to see you here." I said still a little surprised.
"Hello Jordyn. Since Arcee is away and Bulkhead and Bumblebee are on patrol, I took the liberty of coming to get you." Optimus explained to clear my confusion.
I just smiled, "Oh thank you Optimus! I appreciate it, but quick question…how did you know that I was going to be at the hospital?" I asked in curiously while looking at the console.
"Jack and Pemberly both informed me before they both went their separate ways on their trips." Optimus quickly informed me and now it makes since to me.
I just laughed, "Those two are always looking after me even when they are away." Pem was away on school trip for the weekend and Jack well I know where he is, sort of. "Optimus do you know where exactly Jack and Arcee went for recon?" I asked curiously with worry creeping up again.
"Arcee and Jack went to investigate a sub terrain Energon pulse in Colorado I believe. They should be back within a few hours." Optimus said most likely to calm my nerves and it did a little.
I just sighed, "Oh okay I was just curious since they never got to tell me before they left. I'm sure they'll be okay." I said trying to keep the worry out of my voice, but failed when Optimus took notice.
"Is something troubling you Jordyn?" Optimus asked in concern to my current mood change.
"Nothing necessarily is troubling me, I just worry too much for my own good sometimes. A habit I picked up from my mother over the years." I said with a sad sigh and turned to look out the window.
Optimus just sighed, "It is natural to worry over some things in excess at points in time." He said in tone that sounded old and wise. "Jordyn are you worried for Jack and Arcee?" He asked curiously and it surprised me as if he could read my mind.
"I've always been worried about Jack since day one, a twin thing I guess and Arcee since the day I met her officially. Even though she was a bit hostile at first, I was still worried about her for some reason. Mom said I could always tell when something was wrong or something was wrong with someone. Naturally I deny it saying its just myself overly worrying so she just drops it. I'll be alright Optimus don't worry." I finished explaining with a smile as we pulled into base thus ending our conversation.
Autobot Base:
Once we arrived at base Optimus dropped me off and I again thanked him for the ride before heading up to where Miko and Raf were. They were putting a video game in, but stopped when I came up no doubt noticing that I no longer have the boot on anymore.
"Hey Jordyn you got your boot off! Awesome!" Miko said in excitement as she pointed at my foot.
Raf then came up beside me, "Does it feel weird now that you can walk normally now?" He asked curiously fidgeting with his glasses.
"It does a little, but I'll get used to walking normal again so don't worry!" I said in reassurance as I made my way to sit down on the couch.
Miko then came to sit beside me, "Just wait until Arcee and Jack see you without the boot! They're going to be so stoked!" She said happily while throwing her hands in the air to add emphasis. "Oh and by the way they wanted me to tell you that they'll be back soon and they can't wait to see you!" She said while turning on the TV.
"Oh thanks Miko! I appreciate it!" I said smiling at Miko's hyper activity forgetting my worry over Jack and Arcee for a moment.
"No prob! Hey Raf game on!" Miko said as she tossed Raf the controller and he immediately jumped on the couch between us. "Your going down Raf!" She said with determination in her eyes.
I just laughed, "You forget who your talking to Miko! Raf's like the champ at this game!" I said with a smile as Miko rolled her eyes.
"Aww I'm not that good! I just like to play!" Raf said humbly with a shrug of his shoulders. "Hey Miko how about a racing tournament?" He asked excitedly and Miko got the biggest smile on her face.
"Your on!" Miko said excitedly as they turned on the game console and raced with intense focus.
I then got up out of my seat to stay out of their way, "Let the tournament commence!" I said with a laugh while moving over to the recliner to write in my journal. Then I heard the rumble of engines echoing the base indicating Bulkhead and Bumblebee's return. They then gave their report to Optimus and Ratchet near the monitors and then came over to where we were. Raf and Miko, so absorbed by their game, they didn't notice their guardians greeting them.
"Whoa what's going on?" Bulkhead asked confused as to why Miko looked so focused and Bumblebee beeped in the same questioning tone.
"Oh they're in the middle of a racing tournament to see who is the best!" I said with a laugh only to hear the racecar crash on the screen.
Miko just groaned in frustration, "Aw hey no fair! Again!" She said as they started another race and then added. "Oh hey Bulk!" She said finally taking notice of his presence.
"Oh hey 'Bee!" Raf said half distractedly as he finally noticed 'Bee's presence as well. It's amazing how we hang out with giant robots from another planet, but they find a game more interesting.
"Intense game!" Bulkhead said with a laugh as he and 'Bee went behind them to get a better look.
I just laughed, "Yeah they're just like sponges! So absorbed in this game they don't know or hear anything going on around them!" I said with a smile earning a laugh from Bulkhead.
"Are not!" Miko and Raf both shouted eyes still focused on the screen in front of them, hoping one or the other will crash their car.
"So they hear that!" I said with a laugh and continued to write in my journal while the tournament continued. Several games and a couple of hours later the tournament was over with Miko and Raf tying.
Miko just sighed in annoyance, "Ugh that didn't settle anything! I almost won though!" She said while falling back into the sofa setting down the controller.
"I guess were are equally matched! It was fun though!" Raf said with a smile as he put down his controller.
"Yeah I guess so! Hey Bulk what should we do now?" Miko asked in her normal excitement for adventure.
Bulkhead just sighed, "Sorry Miko, but its getting late and I need to take you home." He said as Miko sighed in annoyance.
"Yeah its time for me to go to! I don't want to get grounded for being late." Raf said while packing up his backpack.
I then looked at my watch it was almost nine and Arcee and Jack still haven't called back yet. Maybe they're having communication problems right now and can't get a signal. Making my worry subside for a moment, I watched as Miko and Raf walk down the steps to leave.
Before they left, Bulkhead spoke up, "Hey Jordyn do you need a ride home since Arcee isn't back yet?" He asked curiously as Miko climbed in.
"No I think I'll stay here and wait for them. Thanks anyways Bulk!" I said with a smile even though I'm worried like crazy for Arcee and Jack.
Miko then poked her head out the window, "See you tomorrow Jordyn!" She said while waving and I waved back at her as 'Bee and Bulk took off out of base.
I then went over to the monitors to ask something that's been on my mind, "Shouldn't they be back already?" I asked Optimus and Ratchet with worry evident in my voice.
"Not necessarily. They could be in an area where there isn't a good signal so they might be delayed for awhile. There's nothing to worry about." Ratchet said not even taking his eyes off the monitor.
I just sighed, "Oh okay just curious." I said while making my way back to the couch, but was stopped mid track by another voice.
"I am sure Arcee and Jack are fine Jordyn there is no need to worry. Are you sure you want to stay? I could take you home." Optimus politely offered, knowing I could go home if I wanted to.
"Oh no it's fine Optimus I'll just stay here and wait for them. It's no problem at all. Besides my mom and sister aren't here so I mine as well stay, but thank you anyways." I said with a smile and Optimus nodded his head in understanding. I then grabbed a bag I kept here with some clothes and snacks just in case I had to stay the night and headed to the shower. They had bathrooms built after Jack, Raf, Miko and I started come here so that we would be more comfortable and right now I need one, hopefully to calm my nerves.
Later On…
The shower did help me a little, but not enough as I came back to sit down on the couch in my pjs. I got my journal out to keep myself occupied until Arcee and Jack returned. Why haven't they contacted us yet? It's already ten! Shouldn't they have found a signal yet? These questions were going through my mind and kept getting a feeling that something was terribly wrong. I tried contacting Jack in hopes to find out what was going on, but it kept going straight to voicemail each time. I stopped trying to call after a few times and set my phone down to charge. Maybe Ratchet was right and they couldn't get a signal, but there was this nagging feeling that Jack and Arcee were in trouble. I tried to stay awake in hopes that they would contact us soon, but the stress and worry built up in me over the course of the day lulled me to sleep. A nightmare following and knowing me it was a bad one. I was running and running from something I couldn't see. Then I could see Arcee and Jack screaming for me to run as they were tied up and when I tried to reach them they disappeared. I screamed their names, but receiving a hiss in response before I was swallowed up by darkness.
I then woke up with a gasp only to find the lights of the base were dim indicating everyone retired for the night and that I was covered with a blanket. Optimus must have draped one over me after I fell asleep earlier. I then looked at my watch only to find it was five in the morning and no signs of Arcee and Jack have returned. Now I was starting to worry and I tried to contact Jack again still with no answer. I was trying my best not to panic and calm myself down, naturally it didn't work. No matter what the others think this is a serious situation because those two wouldn't be out this long and I had the strangest feeling that a con was involved. No 'ifs' there is a con involved and I just know it because if there wasn't, they wouldn't be back already. I then hopped over to the computers to try and see if I can contact them since the others strongly believe that-my thoughts were then interrupted by a familiar voice over the monitor.
"Ratchet requesting Groundbridge!" Arcee said over the comm. and let's just say I was overjoyed to hear her voice again.
I then let out a sigh of relief, "Well I'm not Ratchet, but I can get you guys a bridge!" I said happily despite being sleepy. I then pinpointed their signal and locked onto their coordinates like Raf showed me how to do one time. The bridge fired up and I watched Arcee and Jack come through the bridge, they looked rugged and their was some emotion on their face that I couldn't put into words. I'll figure that out later, but now I ran down to Jack and gave him the biggest hug while the Groundbridge closed behind them. Surprisingly, nobody in the base woke up.
"Hey whoa Jordyn! It's nice to see you too! Were okay so don't worry!" Jack said as I loosened my grip and eventually let go, but then I went over to hug Arcee, well her leg.
"Hey there kiddo! It's okay were fine! Did you wait for us all night?" Arcee asked curiously as she bent over placing a hand over me, a way to indicate she was hugging back, as I continued to hug her leg.
I then let go of her leg to compose myself, "Yeah I did, but I fell asleep a while back waiting! What happened anyways? You guys were gone for hours!" I said as I watched a strange look come across their faces as if I said something wrong.
"We lost signal up near the mountains while looking for Energon. Only to get sidetracked and we tried to find a signal for hours. We're sorry if we worried you Jordyn!" Arcee said sympathetically trying to calm me down, but there was something else they're not telling me. I could tell by the sound of voice that something major happened out there, but I could question them later as they looked extremely tired.
"Oh okay well Ratchet figured as much! I guess I worried for nothing." I said with a smile that seem to make Arcee and Jack relax a little. That was a good indication that they just lied to me. "Well by the looks of you two, you guys need to rest for awhile." I said taking notice of their worn out postures, not only do they look like that physically, but mentally as well.
Jack just yawned, "Yeah your right Jordyn. I think its time that we both went home." He said looking sleepier by the minute.
"I got it. Just roll me over to the exit so we don't wake anyone up." Arcee said quietly while transforming and I quickly ran over to get my bag and we then rolled Arcee to the exit.
While walking to the exit, Jack took notice of my foot, "Hey Jordyn it's nice to see your boot is off." He said with a smile, but then yawned again.
"I'm glad to see you back to normal Jordyn. Are you happy now that it's gone?" Arcee asked tiredly yet she sounded a little more happier than usual.
"Oh yeah I'm happy its gone, but the doctor told me nothing strenuous for the next week, just to be careful." I said trying to stifle a yawn, but failing miserably. The nightmare took more out of me than I thought.
Jack just laughed slightly, "Well the doctor has his reasons, but I'm still happy to see you walking normal again." He said with a tired smile and I just smiled in response as we reached the exit.
We then took off towards home and I was glad to go back to get some rest finally. Although there was something that was plaguing my mind about Arcee and Jack's behavior when they exited the Groundbridge. Before they even talked to me their facial expressions were a sight. Arcee had a haunted expression on her face and Jack had an expression that had a look of fear and exhaustion. Then whenever I came to greet them, their expressions changed and their whole attitude change. It's like they're hiding something from me for some reason I don't know what, but I'm going to find out.
Time Cut to two days later (Autobot Base) Monday:
Unbelievable! Arcee and Jack haven't talked to me hardly at all for the past two days! I tried to get them to talk about what happened out there, but all they do is either change the subject or tell me the same story. I feel like they don't trust me at all right now! At first I thought maybe nothing happened out there and I'm just being paranoid or something, but that changed whenever I saw them talking secretly to each other and when I noticed the cut on the side of Arcee's face. It's like they've been avoiding for the past two days as if they don't want me to know something. Even at times when I would come around to talk to them about a completely different topic, they go silent like crickets. So I just gave up for awhile, thinking that maybe they're keeping it to themselves and nobody else knows. Maybe with time Jack and Arcee will be back to normal and we can move on. These thoughts were going through my mind as I was walking around the base and coming back around to where Raf and Miko were. They were whispering about something I couldn't quite make out so I walked up to the couch and the whispering stopped.
"Hey guys! What are you two whispering about?" I asked with an innocent smile and all I got was weird looks from the both of them.
Miko then became a little stiff, "We're not talking about anything! No secrets here!" She said a little nervously and Raf kept his head down like he was hiding something.
"Hey come on guys! You can tell me!" I said with a smile to make them relax a little bit because their behavior was making me feel uncomfortable. "Come on what's the big secret? Is it Miko trying to hide her grades from Bulkhead again?" I asked with a laugh and Miko's behavior shifted from nervous to a little more relaxed.
Miko just rolled her eyes, "No! My grades are awesome!" She said in her usual demeanor and crossed her arms.
"Solid C's?" I asked jokingly raising an eyebrow and that seemed to make Miko smile. If I can get them to relax more maybe they'll tell me.
"Damn straight!" Miko said with confidence that made me laugh because her lack of care for school makes is hilarious sometimes.
After laughing for a moment I became serious again, "Seriously guys what's up?" I asked but received nothing in response. "Come on guys its okay to tell me! I mean I can keep a secret about the bots so what your too scared to tell me shouldn't be a big deal. Besides no one is here! Arcee and Jack went to go get Pem, Optimus, Bulk, and 'Bee are on patrol, and Ratchet is in the back doing inventory. Nobody will know!" I said convincingly, but they wouldn't budge in the least. Although I noticed that Raf didn't speak not once since I got up here. "Raf? I haven't heard you talk in awhile? What's wrong?" I asked a little concern at his silence.
"Nothing's wrong." Raf said so low, that I almost missed it and I knew he was lying, but I couldn't get mad at him.
Very carefully I knelt down in front of him, "Raf are you sure nothing's wrong?" I asked in a motherly tone to be more gentle with him. He then nodded his head to confirm he was sure. "Hmm okay. Just checking." I said as I stood back up and gave Miko a look while turning to leave the couch when all of a sudden I hear Raf's voice again.
"Jordyn wait!" Raf said while grabbing my arm and I then turned around to give him my full attention. "Jack and Arcee ran into a con named Airachnid back in the woods. Both of them told us not to tell you! I'm sorry!" He said sympathetically and there was a measure of guilt in his voice as well.
"Raf?!" Miko said in shock at what just happened and Raf then bowed his head like when a dog did something wrong. "You weren't suppose to tell!" She said as she smacked her forehead and looked like she was about to panic. At that moment it took every fiber in my being not to explode with anger, but I held it in as I needed to calm these two down.
I then took a deep breath to compose myself, "Hey whoa guys! Cool it!" I said sternly as they both then stopped their panic attacks to look at me. "First of all I'm not mad at you two so stop freaking out please and second you mean to tell me that everyone knows about this except me?" I asked a little bit angry and hurt at the same time as they both nodded their heads. "Unbelievable!" I said, really angry right now, but trying not to show in front of Miko and Raf. Then I heard the rumble of a familiar engine echoing through tunnel leading to the base. I must've had a look on my face because Miko put a hand on my shoulder.
"Jordyn. Dude relax! Don't go all crazy!" Miko said, her voice pleading at this point in time.
I just sighed, "I'm not Miko. Trust me I'm gonna handle this as calmly and maturely as I can." I said in reassurance as Miko then sighed in relief. "But right now I need to go home and calm down." I said as Miko nodded her head in understanding as Arcee, Jack, and Pem finally rolled in.
"That was awesome! I need to come for rides more often! Oh hey Jordyn!" Pem said as she ran over to me and gave me a hug. I returned it to her as Jack and Arcee approached me and it took me most of my control not to yell.
"Hey Jordyn!" Jack and Arcee said happily as I just stood there silent, not even opening my mouth to greet them.
Jack then got a look of concern on his face, "Jordyn are you alright?" He asked worriedly, but I continued to be silent.
"Something wrong kiddo?" Arcee asked a little bit confused, but mostly concerned at my behavior.
I just took a deep breath before saying, "Raf can you please bridge me home." It wasn't a question, more like a plea to get me out of here before I explode.
Jack and Arcee were most definitely confused, "Wait why? What's wrong?" They both said in unison as Raf went over to the controls.
I then turned and walked down the steps past them to the bridge, but not before Jack grabbed my shoulder, "Jordyn talk to us! What did we do? Why do you want to leave?" He demanded as I tried to shrug off his hand, but failing.
"Tell us now Jordyn or your not leaving!" Arcee demanded and that's all it took for me to lose my patience.
"Because I don't want to be in the same place with people who don't trust me!" I said angrily, but I wasn't yelling because it's not my nature to. Jack and Arcee got a look of confusion so I elaborated. "You two kept a big secret from me and worst of all you told everyone else, but me and Pem and that pisses me off. Why? Why didn't you guys tell me about the con you came face to face with a couple days ago?" I said with anger in my voice, but then it turned into a desperate plea.
Pem then got a look of shock on her face, "Wait! You guys didn't tell her?! I thought she knew!" She said angrily she faced Jack and Arcee.
I was stunned at the recent news, "She knows?" I asked, stunned on the outside yet hurt on the inside. "Of course she knows. Everyone knows, but me." I said with a defeated sigh.
"Jordyn we-!" Jack tried to say to me, but I held up me hand to stop him because I didn't want to hear anything else.
"No Jack you don't have to. I understand. Apparently this is none of my business." I said, defeated as I turned my back away from to look at Raf. "Raf please." I asked as calmly as I could, the anger fading away to hurt as the Groundbridge opened.
I then started to walk towards as I heard Arcee speak, "Jordyn wait!" She said to me sadly as I turned around to face.
"Arcee don't. I just need time to myself please." I said to her as I turned back around to walk through the bridge home. Well I thought I was going home, instead I ended up in a place I've never seen before.
Unknown location:
I have no idea where I was except for the fact that this wasn't my house. It was some dark wooded area near some mountains and to me it seems like I'm in the middle of some horror movie. It surely was creepy and dark enough for it! Either Raf typed in the wrong coordinates or the Groundbridge malfunctioned, probably the second choice. I then got out my phone and attached my bluetooth to my ear so I could contact base to tell them.
"Uh hey Raf not to doubt your technical skills or anything, but this isn't my house." I said a little frustrated yet I kept watching all around me because I got this weird feeling like I was being watched.
"Yeah I know Jordyn! The Groundbridge must've glitched! We're getting Ratchet right now to fix it. I'm sorry!" Raf said through the other side of then comm. a little worried if you ask me.
"Hey easy it's alright! I trust you guys to fix it. And Raf? Why do you sound so worried?" I asked curiously at his strange behavior, but it wasn't Raf that answered.
"Jordyn are you okay? Can you describe where you're at?" Arcee asked sounding very uncharacteristically scared at the moment.
I was starting to get concerned yet confused, " Yes I'm fine. Umm I'm in what looks like woods with tall trees and mountains in the distance. Oh and it looks like some trees got mowed down by something and I'm standing next to a giant hole. Why?" I asked still a little bit confused at her question and at my surroundings.
"Oh no!" I heard Jack say over the comm. in a grave tone that worried me a lot.
I was now starting to freak out a little, "What's wrong?" I asked but received silence as my answer. "Guys? Hello?! Can't read your minds! What's wrong?" I asked now yelling a little to get their attention. I then heard another voice belonging to none other than Ratchet.
"What's going on here?" Ratchet asked, no doubt to Raf, as I heard him running into the main room.
"The Groundbridge glitched while I was trying to send Jordyn home! It sent her here instead!" Raf said and I have no doubt he's point to my coordinates right now.
"By the Allspark! We need to get the Groundbridge fixed and get Jordyn out of there now!" Ratchet said in a panic and I'm starting to panic myself.
"Jordyn you need to stay right where you are! Don't go wandering off!" Arcee demanded in that scared tone again.
I was just plain confused now, "Why would I wander off? Arcee what's going on?" I asked a little terrified now, but then it hit me like a ton of bricks. "I'm in the same place that you guys were in two days ago huh? Arcee, Jack am I right?" I asked now looking all around me, the feeling I had before now doubling.
"Yes Jordyn you are!" Pem answered for Jack and Arcee, she sounded like she was about to panic.
"Which is why you are to stay where you are! Don't move!" Arcee said trying to stay calm, but a part of her voice sounded terrified.
"I'm not going anywhere Arcee! Besides if Airachnid was going to show up wouldn't she already?" I asked now a bit curiously, but before anyone could answer me I heard a voice to my right.
"Normally I would, but listening to all of you panic is quite entertaining." The voice said with a laugh and came out of the shadows. The figure standing a few yards away from me looked like a giant black and purple metal spider with purple eyes and a malicious smile. The con none other than Airachnid spoke again, "It seems like Arcee lost another one of her pets. Tsk tsk she really needs to consider working alone it's so much easier." She said while staring at me like I was some sort of prize to her.
"Like hell I would Airachnid!" Arcee said with venom in her voice, I forgot that I still had the comm. on.
"Arcee should really watch her language! Well if she's listening there's something I would like to tell her…I have another head to add to my collection." Airachnid said sadistically as she then started to advance towards me slowly. Collection? What the hell?
"Jordyn RUN!" Arcee and Jack screamed in unison and lets just say they didn't need to tell me twice.
I then took off my left at the fastest speed I've ever ran. I turned to look behind me and she was trailing me with a sadistic smile on her face. Now I fully understand why Jack and Arcee looked so freaked out when they came home the other day. She is scary as hell! Not to mention she is chasing me like I'm prey! Is this what happened to them the other day? Most likely since it looks like Jack had been running for his life and here I am doing the same thing. She probably thinks it's going to be easy to catch me…I going make it anything but that. She is going to learn that you don't go and mess with my family and get away with it by making myself the hardest thing she will ever have to chase. So bring it on bitch! Wow I'm starting to sound like Miko, but at this time I didn't care. I had to focus where I was running because this forest is like a maze. Not to mention the mosquitoes were biting me everywhere! Great now I have two different bugs after me! My thoughts are then interrupted by Airachnid speaking.
"Oh Jordyn watch out for that hole coming up in front of you!" Airachnid said in a voice that makes me want to willingly listen to Sierra's chatter. A hole? What does she mean? Then I saw what she meant…literally a giant hole.
"Oh thanks for the tip Airachnid your sweet! Did you give my brother the same warning?" I asked sarcastically as I started to climb down the large hole.
I heard her laugh as I made my way back up and running again, "Oh you mean Jack? No, but it was quite entertaining to watch him almost fall in." Airachnid said as I heard her jump over.
"I hate that hole! Jordyn just hang in there a little bit longer! The bridge is almost fixed!" Jack said in a voice that sounded terrified to me, but he was cheering me on anyways.
With that said I kept running faster and faster hoping to lose her soon, but I knew that was an impossibility. I just have to keep delaying her until help arrives and I have no doubt that Arcee will be the first one through that bridge. Airachnid did something to traumatize her and I'm bound'n determined to find out what! Until then I have to keep running and running in different directions to hopefully confuse her or even better lose her. I turned my head around only to see something flying at me. I duck just in time to avoid what it looks like some spider web looking stuff. She shoots spider webs? Which doesn't surprise me, but still is really creepy! She then shoots another and I have to do a mid air split to avoid it. Thank goodness for all the years I've been in gymnastics! I kept dodging her webs as best I could and I've had a couple close calls. Will this ever end? All of my bravado is nearly gone and its been too quiet for my liking. I turn my head to see if she was back there, she wasn't. Did I lose her? Although there was a slight chance I could lose her, I didn't take the chance in stopping any longer. As I turned my head forward to run again, my face smacked into something hard and I fell flat on my back, my nose throbbing and bleeding. I then looked up to see what I hit, it was a giant black branch. Wait branches aren't black! I then tried to get up, but then four more legs pinned me down cutting my left leg and right arm. Now I'm in some serious pain, but never showed it as I saw Airachnid's face come close to mine.
"Oh I bet that hurt didn't it?" Airachnid said with a smile as she looked at my nose and my arm and leg.
"Jordyn! What is going on?" I heard everyone shout over the comm. and that's when I shut it off by banging my ear against the ground. If she was going to, well you know, I didn't want anyone else having a front row seat.
"I'm actually surprised! You humans are a lot tougher than you look! You haven't cried out in pain once!" Airachnid said a little bit intrigued and that pissed me off.
I just gave her a glare, "I would never give you that satisfaction!" I said with venom in my voice that matched Arcee's earlier.
"Oh look what I have here! A miniature Arcee!" Airachnid laughed slightly, but then her sadistic look came back. "Although she learned the hard way for her uncooperativeness." She said and I was about to question what she meant, but it was too late as I felt something drag across the bottom of my left eye, her so called clawed fingers. "How does that feel Jordyn?" She asked curiously, knowing full well that it hurt me.
I wanted to lash out in pain as I felt the sting coming from the bottom of my eye, but I never did. I'm really starting to regret ever yelling at Arcee and Jack. They were only protecting me and I didn't see it. How could have been so stupid? Well I'm human and that's not exactly a good thing right now, but that doesn't stop me from fighting back in anyway that I can even if I can't move.
Airachnid then got an irritated look on her face, "Well this is getting boring. Hmm its no fun when there's no reaction." She then sounded a little bored, but sharpened her finger like claws. "Oh it would've been nice for Arcee to witnesses this. Oh well can't get everything you want." She said with a sigh, but the smile returned as I knew what was coming next and braced for it. Although everything changed when the sound of a blaster firing up filled my ears.
"Do it Airachnid and you will deeply regret it!" A voice came out that belonged to none other than Arcee. I couldn't be more happy to see her, but I wasn't out of the ball park yet.
"Oh Arcee you decided to show up! Good I didn't want you to miss the show!" Airachnid said with a malicious smile, no doubt trying to get a rise out of her.
By the upside down angle I was looking at, Arcee looked really pissed now, "If you so much as-!" Her threat was then interrupted by Airachnid's laugh and I clawed into the ground grabbing a handful of dirt in anger.
"Hurt her? Tell me Arcee doesn't this look familiar?" Airachnid asked while grabbing me leaving one of my arms free and held me up to face Arcee. What does she mean by familiar?
Arcee's face then dropped, "Jordyn? WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER!?" She then yelled in shock as Airachnid smiled, knowing she broke Arcee in that one moment.
"Arcee I'm fine! Don't let her get to you!" I begged even though I ached all over from head to toe and Airachnid having me in her grasp didn't help any. Arcee stood there stunned despite my words trying to reassure her.
Airachnid just laughed, "It amazes me how you humans don't give up even when it's pointless!" She said while shooting a web at the stunned Arcee, pinning her arms to a nearby boulder.
"Arcee!" I shouted and tried to reach her, but I was grasped to tight to even move a muscle.
Airachnid then got up close to Arcee's face, "Hmm aren't you in a familiar position? Your human is defenseless while your pinned to a rock again!" She said while Arcee was struggling to free her arms. "Although Jack did have a chance to run, Jordyn here doesn't!" She said enjoying watching Arcee struggle more and more at her words.
Arcee the turned to look at me with fear in her eyes and that just set me off. Airachnid then looked bored at watching Arcee struggle, she then turned to face me. Big mistake! As soon as she turned, I threw the dirt I had picked up earlier directly into her eyes. Airachnid screeched in pain, dropping me to rub her now dirt covered eyes. Surprisingly I landed without injuring myself further and got to my feet as quickly as I could.
"Wanna bet!" I said remembering the last words she said before I threw the dirt and I can tell now she was pissed.
Airachnid hissed in anger, "I'll kill you for that vermin!" She said while continuing to rub her eyes in pain and annoyance.
"Your not going to do anything!" Arcee shouted as she kicked Airachnid across the forest floor.
The only time I've ever seen Arcee fight this way was when I first saw her. She was fighting out of anger like when she lost Cliffjumper, only this time her judgment was a lot less clouded. I kept hearing more clashes going deeper into the forest and I followed at a safe distance just to make sure she was okay. Arcee was getting all the hits in while Airachnid kept stumbling back each time. While watching the fight I noticed that they were getting closer and closer to that huge hole I had to climb down earlier. If they don't watch it, both of them will go into that hole. I was about to go warn Arcee when I stepped on something sticky that almost made me fall again. I looked down to see what it was…Airachnid's webbing.
"Ugh sticky piece of crap!" I said to myself in annoyance because this crap was hard to get off my shoe. "Get off! How does Arcee even get this stuff off? It could stop a tornado in it's tracks." I said finally peeling it off my shoe, when an idea popped in my head. "Maybe not a tornado, but how about a giant spider!" I said to myself in excitement, but then I kept think how in the world I would lure her into. "Ugh there's no way I could ever trick her into it!" I said in frustration as I forgot how far I was walking when I almost fell into the giant hole again. "Damn hole! Wait the hole! That's it!" I said finally figuring out a way to trick her.
I stuck the webbing on the ground next to the hole and covered it with dirt to disguise it and if I'm lucky, she'll trip and fall in the hole! Now all I need is bait! A loud bang in the distance caught my attention as I saw Airachnid got the upper hand. I then put my plan in motion as I ran over to them to get Airachnid's attention. Unfortunately I have to be the bait in order for my plan to have a shot. Airachnid had Arcee pinned down about to finish her and that's when I made my move.
"Hey leave her alone! If you want me come get me!" I shouted convincingly and surprisingly it worked as Airachnid towards me to follow.
"Jordyn don't!" Arcee yelled trying to get up and help me, but she needed to stay back if my plan was to work.
I then raced forward towards the hole as Airachnid wasted no time chasing. She was definitely still pissed from me throwing dirt in her eyes. As soon as I got close to the trap, I jumped over the webbing and in no time Airachnid caught up with me. I just stood pretending to be confused and miraculously she bought it.
"No where to run! Good you'll be easier to catch!" Airachnid said with a malicious smile as she advanced, stepping onto the webbing. I then jumped to the side to move out of her reach and she tried to move to but couldn't as she was stuck. "What the?" She said in confusion as she tried to move and I just smiled because my plan worked…well partially.
"Hmm and I thought duct tape was sticky!" I said with a laugh as I was literally watching a spider stuck in it's own web.
Airachnid then glared at me in rage, "Why you little!" Just as she said that, Arcee came running and with one powerful kick, knocked Airachnid in the hole.
"Nice kick!" I said while looking at Arcee, but before she could respond, there was a drilling noise. Airachnid was tunneling her way out of here while Arcee shot at her, but she got away.
Arcee then sighed in annoyance, "Not again!" She said as if she knew this would happen again.
"We'll find her again! Don't worry she can't go far!" I said in reassurance as I tried to wipe away the blood from my nose and under my eye.
Arcee then took one good look at my action and immediately put her fingers to the side of her head, "Ratchet I need an immediate Groundbridge." She said with urgency as she picked me very gently despite my protests.
"Arcee I can walk! There's no need to carry me!" I said convincingly, but as usual Arcee didn't listen and ignored me as she carried me right through the Groundbridge back to base.
Autobot Base:
We didn't even have a chance to make it two feet into the base before everyone swarmed us. Optimus, Bulk, and Bee made it back to base during my little adventure in the forest. Arcee finally put me down after she considered it safe to and when everyone took one look at me, well let's just say they freaked out a little.
"Jordyn are you okay?" Jack asked in concern as he ran right over to me giving me a hug and letting me go as I groaned a little bit.
Raf then ran over to me with tears in his eyes, "Jordyn I'm so sorry! It's all my fault!" He said on the verge of a brake down.
I just bent down, despite the pain, to give him a hug, "Hey Raf calm down! You don't have to apologize! It's my fault not yours! Besides I'm fine. Its nothing serious!" I said in reassurance as I released him and stood up.
"Nothing serious? I beg to differ Jordyn!" Pem disagreed as she came over next to me with a worried look on her face.
"Pem's right! Dude have you even taken a look at yourself lately?" Miko asked giving me a look as she pointed at me.
I then gave her a strange look, "Umm no." I said flat out as I recalled that I didn't have time to exactly as I was being chased by a giant, sadistic spider. Although I didn't say that out loud.
"Then allow me to show you." Ratchet said as he brought out his blade and put it in front of me like a mirror.
I have to say, I'm definitely a sight! I had dried blood all over my face from the cut under my eye and from hitting my nose. The cut under my eye looked about an inch and a half long and my nose was swollen. Then I saw a hole ripped on my left pant leg with blood covering it and another hole on my right sleeve with dried blood that dripped all the way down to my hand. Okay now I could see why everyone was concerned because it looked like I got ran over by a truck.
I just turned away, "Okay I can see why it's serious, but trust me I look worse than I feel." I said hopefully to calm them down and it did a little well except for Arcee.
"It would still be wise if you were looked over Jordyn." Optimus advised his facial expression calm, but his eyes had a mixture of emotions I couldn't even begin to name.
"Of course." I said while nodding my head as I made my way to med bay to be looked over with Jack, Pem, Miko, Raf and Arcee in tow.
I spent the next few hours in med bay with Ratchet and Pem checking over my injuries. First they made me go clean up the blood off me and change into different clothes. Then Ratchet took a scan of me to make sure that my injuries weren't life threatening and like I predicted they weren't. My nose was only bruised not broken thank goodness and the cuts I had weren't too deep, but the cut below my eye would most likely leave a scar. During this time period, from a distance, Arcee watched me with concern every time I would wince and noting all the injuries I had. Never in my life have I felt this self conscious until now when Arcee kept watching me as I was being taken care of and I was grateful when I was all bandaged up. After I everything was calm, everyone was sent home except for me because they wanted me to stay the night for observation and keep me from school the next day. Once Arcee came back from dropping Jack and Pem off, she told me that I would be staying in her room and I could tell there would be no arguments. Arcee hasn't spoken a word to me since we left the forest and the silence became too much for me.
"Arcee please talk to me. You haven't since we left the forest and your watching me like a hawk." I said once I got comfortable on the makeshift bed, awaiting her response.
Arcee just sighed, "Sorry I'm just thinking is all." She said sympathetically and I could tell she was still upset about what happened.
"Arcee I know your upset about what happened out there and I'm sorry you had to see me that way. If I wouldn't have let my teenage emotions get the best of me, none of this would've happened." I said while looking down at my feet, ashamed at letting this happened.
Arcee just shook her head, "No you don't need to apologize. I'm the one that should've told you! I don't blame you for not trusting me and if I would have told you in the first place you wouldn't be hurt right now! I let Airachnid get to you and I will never forgive myself for that! You were so brave out there like Jack was earlier and Jordyn I'm sorry I wasn't! I'm sorry I didn't protect you this time." Arcee said as she hung her head in shame, sadness, and anger. I've never seen her like this and frankly I don't like seeing her this way.
I then got up and sat next to her, "Hey Arcee it's alright! Quit kicking yourself about it! Yes Airachnid hurt me and yes I will be sore for awhile, but I'm still here! You did protect me and you are brave Arcee! I saw how you faced Airachnid with fear in your eyes, but fought her anyways! To me that's brave and that will never change." I said with a smile, while rubbing Arcee's forearm in comfort. "Besides I've been known to be a minature version of you so by calling me brave your calling yourself that too!" I said while Arcee looked at me and smiled.
Arcee then gave me a hug, "Good point Jordyn! Thank you!" She said gratefully, but released me when she heard me yawn. "I think it's time for you to go to sleep." She said while pickinng me up and placing me back on the makeshift bed.
"Goodnight Arcee." I said sleepily as she pulled the covers over me, the weight of today lulling me to sleep.
"Goodnight partner…junior partner. "Arcee said as I saw her go into recharge and I was in shock at what she just called me.
She just called me her junior partner! Something I though she would never call me ever since what happened with Cliffjumper. Now I definitely was wrong earlier when I thought she didn't trust me because if she didn't, she wouldn't consider me her partner.
Well there you go another chapter down! I added a lot of things to this chapter because well I sometimes get a little too excited when writing. Anyways I hope you enjoyed this chapter and I'm gonna update Side Stories next so check that out please! In the next chapter of this story, the Autobots have to deal with a deadly disease from the past that has infected Optimus. What lengths will they go in order to find a cure? Thank you everyone for the views, favs, and follows! You guys are awesome! So until next chapter…see you later!