The lack of Condolence for the perfect Armament

Chapter 3: A vigilant Learner

It's been exactly three weeks since Arcee and I crossed paths in the parking lot at Jack's job. The days went fast than usual, and I spent most of my time in an empty broken down warehouse at the edge of town. I've told June that I remembered where I lived, and that I'd be returning to my home that day. I haven't spoken to the Darby's, MECH or even any transformer. It was peaceful for the most part. And yet that winter was just around the corner, the climate in Jasper changed a little but wasn't affective to me.

Broken windows, bricks and rocks were strewed across the top floors warehouse as plastic covered few windows. There were pillars in certain areas. Some had chunks missing from them and some were perfectly stable. Even though this place wasn't Immaculate like June's home, it was at least tolerable. I've seen late night street races on the weekends. Mainly on Friday nights. Their pimped out vehicles speeding around the alley's and back roads, only to impress their female friends in which the boys hope to obtain a title "boyfriend".

My eyes watched over them like a night owl that scans the terrain for its prey, but the mischievous teens were not prey in my eyes. They were more like mere children acting as 'adults' and enjoying their lives while it lasts. As they wear smiles and laugh in sheer delight, I could only wish to be a part of them. At least once. But then again, I'm built to live for a specific reason, and 'playing' isn't one of them.

The sky was always beautiful out in the desert. From where I stand now, the moons light shines down on me as if I'm on stage to perform an act and amuse the audience. My hands tucked into the pockets of my grey, black and red sweatshirt and my stance was casual. Soft breeze coming from my left side, making my black hair dance with rhythm. I took the time to think how I'm going to feed myself and live a durable life without being taken into confinement.

"Jack…"

~Next day~

The streets were busy and the sidewalks were pathways too Franklin High School for its students. The day was hot but I didn't mind it. I knew for a fact Jack goes to this school, since it's the only high school in Jasper County. My eyes searched for any signs of the boy.

"Hey, watch it buddy!"

A female voice spoke as I accidently bumped into her. Her appearance was strange, but then again, I was probably stranger than her. She wore what appeared to be short overall's, a pink shirt underneath and a yellow belt strapped around her waist with two toys strapped at the right side. Pink and blue socks that covered her legs and nearly knee length boots. Her hair was black and pink, pulled into two short pigtails and a ponytail in the back.

"Sorry." I muttered as I gazed down upon her. She only responded with a glare and her hands on her hips. Slowly, I started to turn away until I stopped with a sudden yell of greeting from the girl.

"Jack!" The girl yelled and ran past me, towards a teenage male whom was Jack Darby.

"Hey Miko, what's up and who was that guy? He looked familiar." The boy asked, looking up at me as we met each other's eyes. There was silence between us both and Miko looked back and forth at us.

"Export… You're still here?" Jack was surprised to see me in physical form again.

"Indeed, I am."

I replied with a smile and slowly came closer.

"You?!" Miko returned another glare at me. My eyes shifted over to her and ignored her.

"You're Export no Index!?"

Though I and Miko haven't seen each other in person, she didn't know what I looked like until now. The girl knew who I was. All of team prime does. After Silas told Jack and Arcee of my existence, they lived in fear and awaited for me to make an appearance. My lips parted and started up a short convo with Jack.

"Three weeks and you don't seem to have changed one bit. I expected you'd be taller."

"Sorry to disappoint you."

"No disappointment, just surprised."

"What are you doing here exactly?"

I paused once I've reached about a yard away from the two high schoolers. "Just wanted to see that face of yours again." Answering truthfully. "Besides that, is this your friend?" My eyes turned to Miko.

The sound of the school bell rung, causing Jack and Miko to look at each other.

"Sorry, got to go!" Miko said and ran off with Jack. Jack waved and ran off to school. I sighed and glanced at the high school building, seeing kids walk in. I started to head towards the school as well. In order to blend in nicely, I would have to be equipped with a backpack and supplies. Looking around, I noticed a backpack that was sitting next to a couple as they sat on a bench wasting their time.

Cautiously moving towards the item, I snatched it and took off into the school, swinging it over my back. Teenagers of opposite genders were scattered in the corridors. Leaning against the lockers too standing in the halls chatting away. I moved forward to find the classroom Jack was in. Successfully, I spotted him sitting and reading a text book. Sneaking in there, my vigilant eyes watched him as I made my way to the back of the room, finding an empty seat.

"Take your seats and take out your text books, turn to page 102 while I take attendance." Announced the teacher as she walks in.

Calmly, I reach in for the bag and pulled out the first book I could find and flipped to a random page and hoped she wouldn't noticed me.

"Good. Everyone is here. And uh, excuse me. Are you new here? I don't remember being informed of a new student attending to my classroom."

The women and everyone looked back at me, including Jack. Gulping, I was rather hesitate to answer her.

"Uh… My name is E-"

I opened my mouth to speak my name but Jack interrupted.

"His name is Ethan... Ethan porter. He's from Indiana."

Blinking, I looked at Jack with a confused look before looking back to the teacher and nodded. "Yup!"

Jack sighed in relief when the teacher greeted me and had me stand in front of the class as everyone said their names.

The school day went by rather fast actually. Following and observing the lessons while keeping an eye on Jack, I managed to learn so much. I'm growing very fond of school, you see. It's fun and better to learn as much as you can before your time runs out. There's so much in the world that needs to be studied, watched and understood.

Glass jars were sitting on shelves that hung around the room. Dead animals, plants and fungi were in the jars as liquid Sustained them from decomposing. The floor was tilted and the atmosphere felt cold than usual. Black tables sat in the middle of the classroom, separated and adjacent from each other, divided into 5 rows. Three chairs too each table, facing the chalk board with words written on. No sign of the teacher nor kids. Strange since it was passing period. One foot in front of the other, I made my way towards the shelves to examine the jars closely. Dead fetuses of animals. Rats, frogs and baby birds and many more. None of this phased me. My emotions kept calm, showing no sympathy for these creatures they couldn't make it to old age nor serve their purpose of life.

"Muerte en frascos!"

A Spanish accent was spoken in the room. Turning, I saw a student male. His appearance made me estimate his age to be around 16 or 17. A green sweatshirt that was half way zipped. A black belt cock-eyed from the right side of his waist and dark jeans. His black hair nearly come down passed his eyes, but was swayed out of his sight. Taking a closer look, he had brown eyes, mixed with green. Not much of a masculine build, but he was fit.

"Huh?"

I was unaware of what he said.

"Death in jars." His voice was smoothe and calm for the most part. His posture was stylish and confident as he leaned against the door frame and his leg crossed over the other, along with his arms crossed.

"Alexander Lee Kennedy," The boy smiled and pushed himself off the door frame, sticking his hands in his pockets and walking towards me. "And you are?"

"Ethan Porter..."

I replied, shaking his sweaty hand in greeting. Alexander's smile was comforting, and he seems to pose no threat. Though, he scent was metallic like. Something familiar. It wasn't nothing compared to the other male students in the school who drench themselves in a product called 'Axe'. Alexander's was different.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, newbie. Where did you originate from?"

My mind wanted me to say I came from M.E.C.H, but he'd most likely think I'm crazy. I had to keep a low profile, especially since I'm being hunted down.

"Indiana. In a small town just in the north."

Turning my back, I took the time to sit in a seat. The sound of the bell ring went off, but there was still no kids in the room. Just me and Alexander.

"Will anymore students be attending this class?" I asked, looking at the clock just above the door.

"Not this hour. Which brings me to ask you this; why aren't you in class?" Crossing his arms over his chest, he sat on the desk unwillingly.

"I could ask you the same thing." My tone seemed a little aggressive, but it wasn't on purpose or anything. A soft amusing chuckle came from the boy.

"I got nothing. I guess you could say you got lost, since it's your first day here."

"What about you? How long have you attended the school?"

"I've been in the school cooperation for as long as I can remember." A sigh slipped from his vocal cords. "I can't remember much… I got amnesia when I was young, about when I was eight years old. Anything before that, I can't remember."

I slightly nod, "Sorry to hear." Rubbing the back of my neck and looked away, avoiding eye contact. I didn't know how to deal with showing sympathy emotions… I don't think I was ever created to express such emotions.

Alexander only laughed, "Ahaha! Don't feel so sorry for me 'lad! I did this to myself. It is I who should be apologizing to me."

There was silence in the air. Looking down, I noticed his shoes and how dirty they were. I assume he liked to get down and dirty. Was he a fighter? Looked like he can handle himself.

"Want to see something cool?" Alexander smiled and before I could reply, he took off his sweat shirt and shirt, showing me this giant plus sign on his back. It couldn't be a birth mark nor tattoo.

"Whoa... How did you… get that?" My eyes widen a little, seeing its color of neutral… Black.

"You question is as good as mine. I really don't know. But my parents said I got it since birth. Doesn't look like a birth mark, but it is. My amigo's call me 'Signo Mas', stands for plus in spanish." He grinned widely. Putting his top clothes on, I looked away, letting him have his privacy.

"Jack Darby. You know him?"

He nodded, "Yup. Why?"

"Just wondering is all…"

The sound of students running down the hall made me turn my attention away from the floor and too the door. Seeing a ginger haired male that went past his green eyes and covered his left eye, we exchanged eye contact for a moment.

"Hey guys look! Two losers all alone in a classroom." The boy teased with a smirk while he posture was rather threatening as he walked in with two other boys behind him. "It would be a shame if the janitor found you two locked in the lockers."

My eyes narrowed slightly, watching his movements carefully. He turned his attention away from me and too Alexander with his hands clenching at Alex's collar of his shirt.

"You got an issue with me boy?" Vince asked, getting close too Alex's face. There was tension in the air. It made me grit my teeth in anger but I kept silent. I didn't know Alexander long, this was even my first day here. How bad would it be if you get in a fight on your first day.

"You have no business with us here. Return to your classes and let's call it a day."

Alexander said with a nervous chuckle.

"Just because you're student council president doesn't mean you have authority over me!"

Vince had shoved the boy back against the desk, causing screeching like sounds. One of the boys went back and shut the door. His aura was dark and violent as he then locked it. It felt like I was in confinement again. Like a scared animal caged in, I felt my insides burn up with aggression.

Vince drew his hand back with a smirk, forming his hand into a fist and aimed straight for Alex's face.

"This may hurt."

As he went to punch his victims face, I quickly pushed myself out of my seat and stopped it. My hand clenched down on Vince's fist, as the look on his face was surprise and shock. The two henchmen of Vince's were also surprised. Their mouths dropped down into perfect 'O's.

"Please… Leave us in peace."

My words spoken to him directly. But I could tell he tossed them to the side. His mind was wrapped around with hurting others, bringing pain to those who oppose weaker than him. Jerking his hand back, releasing it from my grip, the boy scoffed and turned away.

"This isn't over, newbie."

Vince's word rung in my head, having a feeling he meant it. As the three exited the room, 'defeat' mixed with 'getting even', was written all over the boy's face.

After that, I left without saying a word to Alexander and stood outside the school building for the remanding of the day. Awaiting for Jack's arrival, my body was leaned against a street light pole, gazing up into the blue sky with no clouds to be seen. Glancing over, there was a boy who appeared to be younger. Too young to even be in high school, or was it his size? Brown hair spiked up, square glasses and a yellow dress shirt.

He appeared to be on his laptop, typing away as if he was in a hurry. The bell rung and out came the students. Various colors of clothes and hair. Jack and the girl, Miko came out and went towards the short boy with the laptop.

They talked, but I could hardly understand them due to the fact I was at a certain distance from where they stand. I didn't bother to make an appearance, I didn't want to cause a scene. Especially in a public area like this. Suddenly, a sense of three spark signals made me look around. Arcee, but she wasn't alone.

A black and yellow camero pulled up. Followed behind a green jeep. The girl and short boy waved good bye to jack and got in their vehicles.

"No doubt about it. There's more of them besides Jack's guardian." I whispered and vigilantly watched.

Jack went off and got on his motorcycle, whom was his guardian and drove off. Within just a few seconds, all three disappeared from my sight. Later that night, I strolled the neighborhood out of sheer boredom. The air was cold at this time yet it was nothing to me. The street lights illuminated the sidewalks and partial parts of the asphalt. I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings, but a car was coming up the road. The headlights were too bright for me to pay any attention to its color scheme. It pulled up into a drive way and dropped a boy off. Looking closer, it was the same boy from school. The short one with the square glasses and spikey hair. Standing still as my heart raced. Eventually, the black and yellow car drove away and I made my way up to the house and peered in the windows. But it was useless since they blocked my vision from seeing in by the curtains. Walking around the home, I found a window that was open and decided to go in without second thoughts. Clearly, this was a reckless idea.

Looking around, the room appeared nice and clean. The sound of footsteps grew louder and louder and a shadow was casted underneath the door, giving me the impression someone was behind it. I froze when the door opened and the lights were turned on.

". . ."

We exchanged each other eye contact and silence. It was Rafael.

Author's note: "Eh, I hope you'd enjoy this chapter, even though it may seem like a few parts of it appeared to be rushed in a way. If it did, I'm sorry about that x3"