A/N: thank you guys so much for the reviews, favs, and alerts! :D I love you all 3

Lololreview: Ah, I'll try to improve ^^

Archer of the Eclipse: Sure thing! :D

Jgoss: Thank you ^^

DarkshadowXsunny-sides: Yeah she is… everyone would if they have Frenzy in their pocket xD

Lightening-strike-prime: XD thank you so much!

AkatsukiKittenGirl: Sure

Transformeranimefan: Yeah she is that kind of person

ShiftFrame: XD

Answerthecall: Lol love ya Lennox!

Alice Gone Madd: yeah…

AllSpark Princess: They now have something in common xD

Shadestriker27: Thank you so much :3

Dark Cat Food Lover: Sure thing XD

Dragon of Yin and Yang: Of course :D

Galem: Yeah…

I own nothing except the plot and my OCs!

I apologize if there are any errors! I'll to fix them when I find them!

Chapter 5
First Meeting

Optimus kneeled down on one knee, moving his helm closer to the girl as his electric blue optics were locked on the small girl. He saw her move a little closer to Lennox. Though her face remains apathetic, the Autobot commander could tell that the small girl was feeling uneasy. He moved back, giving some space for the girl. He raised his servo, motioning for his comrades to move back a little.

"You are Adella Zoey Campbell, correct?" His deep baritone voice broke Zoe from her thoughts. She blinked and her eyes were more focused on the large mech. The small brunette nodded her head mutely. Optimus smiled a little, "I am Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots." He introduced.

"You have already met my lieutenant and scout, Jazz and Bumblebee." He directed his servo to the silver and yellow mech. Lennox and Zoe turned to the two Autobots.

Jazz gave a two digit salute, "What's kickin', lil' lady?"

"Hi, darling!" Bumblebee chirped happily from his radio, waving his servo at the girl.

Zoe raised an eyebrow at Bumblebee's voice. "He's a guy, but he sounds like a girl." She said quietly, but the Autobots and Lennox heard it. Her head turn to face the large black mech when he snickered. She moved her gaze back to Bumblebee, staring at the yellow mech.

Bumblebee's door-wings dropped, feeling slightly offended.

Lennox opened his mouth to speak, but closed it again as he tried to think. Finally, he started to explain, "Uh… His voice box is damaged during the war. He uses selected playbacks of radios or TV signals to communicate with us… So um… that explains his voice." He averted his eyes from Bumblebee to Zoe.

"Oh…"

"Well, let's continue shall we? That's Ratchet, the Autobots' CMO." Lennox pointed his finger at the neon-colored mech. "That's Chief Medical Officer." He added.

"I know what it stands for." Zoe said, staring at the medic.

Ratchet raised an optic ridge. "You seemed to have some problems—,"

"Moving on," Zoe cuts him off, turning to face the black mech.

"What? You do not interrupt someone from talking. It is considered rude." The CMO grunted, scolding the sharp-tongued girl who in return ignored the Autobot. Optimus place his servo on Ratchet's shoulder, calming the medic down before the Hatchet side comes out. The neon-colored Autobot simply scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest plates, sending a quick glare to Zoe. "Honestly, sparklings these days…"

The NEST field commander could only smile awkwardly. "And last but not the least, Ironhide. He's the Weapon Specialist." He lastly introduced his guardian.

"How about it, girlie?" The black mech smirked as the back of his servo began to twist and turn into a fusion cannon.

Lennox chuckled when Zoe moved another step closer to him. "There's no need to be afraid of him, Zoe. I can assure you that the Autobots are the nice guys. Ironhide's just trying to show off. It's not every day he gets to show off his cannons." He gave a reassuring smile when Zoe glanced at him.

"Damn right," The trigger happy mech laughed, his fusion cannon turning back into his servo. Ironhide suddenly began to sniff the air and his servo once again turned to a cannon. Due to his behavior, the others began to follow him. Glancing around the suburban house for any Decepticons. Whenever Ironhide starts to sniff, it only means a Decepticon was around. "I can smell one, but I can't actually pin point his location." He grunted.

Zoe placed a hand on her sling bag, glancing at it before looking up at Optimus. "Who exactly?"

Optimus turned his helm to the small girl, "The Decepticons. To be more specific, their scout, Barricade and his partner, Frenzy. They have been spotted around Tranquility for the past few days and we are uncertain of what they are looking for."

"Decepticons?" Zoe asked, her hand still over the sling bag.

"They are a malevolent race, brutal and merciless, led by Megatron. Have you heard of the terrorist attack in Mission City?" The mighty Autobot Leader began, asking the brunette. She gave him a skeptical look, but nodded. He raised his servo up to the side of his helm, pressing the temple of his helm. A small projection of Mission City appeared in front of Lennox and Zoe. The brunette crouched down to get a better view as Lennox knelt down beside her. "It was never a terrorist attack. The Decepticons invaded the city to get their servos on the AllSpark. Major Lennox and his men had fought bravely against the Decepticons and have gain our trust."

Zoe watched the projection of the fight in Mission City. It was showing the part when the Autobots and the humans were waiting for the air forces. She leaned her head back from the projection when there was an explosion. After that, the scene changed to the part when Optimus was fighting Megatron, but it was from Optimus' point of view. She got a clear view of Megatron's face and her eyebrows furrowed down. He has the same eyes as Barricade. Finally, the scene was skipped to Sam when he fuse Megatron's spark with the AllSpark.

"Sam had risked his life to save ours. We are in his depth." Optimus pressed the temple of his helm, ending the projection. Both Lennox and Zoe stood back up, staring at the tall mech. "NEST is formed under Major Lennox to protect Earth and its people. Now it is our duty to hunt down the remains of the Decepticons across the globe… and Barricade along with Frenzy are one of them."

Zoe opened her mouth to speak.

"Zoe! It's time to go home now!" Her brother's voice stopped her.

The glass door opened. "No, no, no, no need, Aiden. I'll go and tell her." The African American man let out a short laugh to Aiden before popping his head out of the opened door. His expression changed, a troubled look on his face. "I can't keep this up, man! Hurry it up!" He hissed quietly before going back inside, closing the curtains.

"Our time is cut short," Optimus announced. "Adella—,"

"Zoe…" Zoe murmured before looking up. "I don't like being called Adella."

Optimus gave a nod. "Zoe, it is crucial if you kept this as a secret. Not all humans react the same as you when they see us."

Zoe nodded and lowered her head down, a frown on her lips. She began to think again about the picture of the robo—Jazz and Bumblebee. The story their told her seemed like the truth. They weren't lying to her and they were right. If that picture gets into her classmates' hands, it might cause some big trouble, both for her and for the Autobots. She slipped her hand into her hidden pocket, pulling out a 6x6 picture.

Lennox stared at Zoe confusedly when she extended her hand to him, holding a picture. "Uh… what's this?" he asked, taking the picture anyway.

"A picture, isn't it obvious?"

The Caucasian man flipped the picture over and his eyes widened. "This… How did you?" he asked before taking out the negative from his pocket. "When? Where did you go to print this out?" he asked seriously.

"Earlier today… at school. I did it on my own. I don't like other people touching my films." Zoe admitted quietly.

Lennox sighed in relief. "That's good…" he ruffled Zoe's hair with a grin on his face. "Thanks for being honest with us, Zoe."

Zoe glared as she combed her hair with her fingers.

"Anything else?" Ironhide grunted.

"Actually, there is—," Zoe paused when she felt a jab to her hip. She quickly shut her mouth and glanced around, looking for something to lie about. Ironhide raised an optic ridge when the girl suddenly became quiet. "—you have something on your foot." She finished before turning around on her heels, walking straight back into the house.

"My foot—? Pesky rodent!" Ironhide hissed as he lifted his pede up to see a Chihuahua with one of its leg lifted up. "I hate Chihuahuas." He grumbles.

Optimus chuckled, "If there is anything else, do not be afraid to come and tell us what is on your mind." he lastly said to Zoe before she stepped inside the house. He stood back up to his full height and motioned his servo for the Autobots to move out.

"Autobots, transform and roll out."

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
—(Monday)—

Zoe sat quietly behind her desk. It was in the corner of the room near the window. She wasn't always the one who would pay attention to the teacher. She found the topic boring and a waste of time. Everybody already knows who the first president of the United States was. The freshman pulled out her phone when she felt it buzzed. She flipped it open under her desk, reading the text.

"Barricade wishes to see you after…school." Frenzy texted.

The brunette narrowed her eyes. Apparently, Barricade was out of town yesterday for unknown reasons. Though, Zoe had suspected that he was too chickened out at the amount of Autobots around town. After the party, Zoe gave the negative to Frenzy, but the cassette refused to take it, saying that he wanted to test her loyalty to Barricade. The answer was obvious. She trust the Autobots more than Barricade, but she was afraid that Barricade would get to her brother first before the Autobots can.

"I can't. The Witch is picking me up after school." Zoe texted back, glancing around to see if anyone saw her using her phone during class. Her thumb hoover over the keys, staring at the screen. As quietly as she can, she typed another message. "Tell your master that he can talk to me through texts…" She pressed send, closing her phone soon after before the teacher passes her table. She opened her phone again when the coast was clear. "…as long as he's paying for the bills." She added.

"Barricade is not happy."

"So am I." Zoe sighed, closing her phone. She turned her attention to the teacher before her eyes stared out the window. A silver Pontiac Solstice slowly drove down the road. Her eyes followed the sports car until it disappears from view. The Autobots were around, keeping an eye on her. Perhaps they were afraid that she might spill everything out to her friends, but the thing is, she didn't like anyone from her class or any other class. She found them too boring for the taste.

Her head perked up when the bell rang. The teacher dismissed the class, saying that there will be a test next week. Groans were heard across the room and the teacher ignored his students' displease. Zoe quickly packed her things, stuffing them inside her bag. She stood up, the chair behind her screeched against the floor. Her precious camera was around her neck, held by the leather strap. She never goes anywhere without it.

"Hey Adella! Have you seen the latest issue in TeenPop? Your sister looks so pretty!" A girl from Zoe's class giggled. Her classmate stopped her from going out of the class. The magazine was shoved to Zoe's face, making the brunette scrunch her nose in disgust at her sister's image. "I was wondering if you could—hey! Where are you going? Adella~!" her classmate whined when Zoe walked pass by, ignoring her request.

She flipped open her phone, "You're ignoring your friend? I thought humans stick together." Frenzy asked.

Zoe scoffed. "Friend? She's not my friend. She's annoying. They're all annoying. They just want to use me to get closer to the Hag." She typed while walking down the hall.

The brunette stood on the curb waiting for her mother to pick her up. Students lined up to get inside the school bus as many other went by foot, bicycles, or by their own car. Her eyes narrowed when a pair of friends started to talk about the latest issue in TeenPop magazine. She did her best ignoring the giggles, but failed not to cringe. She glared at them at the corner of her eyes when they let out another ear-aching squeal. She silently hoped that her mother would just hurry it up.

A yellow Camaro stopped right in front of her, the black tinted window rolled down. It was Sam with his girlfriend sitting on the passenger seat. The Witwicky leaned his head out with an awkward smile. "Need a lift home?" he offered.

"This is not a drive by…who's gonna drive you home?" The radio turned on, switching from one station to another.

Zoe declined the offer, shaking her head slowly.

Mikaela smiled, "Are you waiting for someone, Adella?" She asked nicely. Zoe could only stare at the black-haired beauty. Her phone buzzed and she opened the message, ignoring Mikaela's question. The black-haired teen tilted her head to get a better view. "Texting your friend?" she asked again.

This time, Zoe answered. "No."

Sam averted his eyes from Zoe's cellphone to Zoe. "But you're texting now." He said confusedly.

"Yes." Zoe said.

"So are you texting your friend?" Sam tried to clarify.

"No."

Sam blinked, a hopeless smile on his lips.

"Baby! You're confusing me." Bumblebee whined.

"I think what she's trying to say is… she's texting, but not to her friend." Mikaela turned her head to the brunette, smiling. "Isn't that right, Adella?"

Zoe nodded her head. Her head perked at the sound of brakes screeching. A familiar black car was parked right in front of the Camaro. "I have to go now." She waved her hand goodbye, walking towards the black car.

"Hey, Zo." Her brother greeted as soon as Zoe opened the door. The brunette blinked in surprise. She expected her mother's cold greeting, not her brother's cheerful grin. She got inside the car, closing the door. Aiden put the gear on D and drove away from school. "Seatbelt on, please." He glanced over to his little sister.

"Where's Hag and the Witch?" Zoe bluntly asked as she buckled her seatbelt.

"Jade got called for another modeling job. She had to leave school early." Aiden explained as he drove into the city. Zoe's eyes sparkled. If her mother and sister is at work, that means no violin class for her! Her brother's laugh broke her from her thoughts. "Sorry, Zo… but I'm still driving you to Angel Ears. Mom would kill me if I don't."

That broke her spirits.

Zoe slumped on the leather seat, arms crossed and a frown on her lips. The car pulled to a stop in front of a classic building. Aiden took off his seatbelt and reached to the back, taking a violin case, placing it on Zoe's lap. Even with the violin on her lap, the youngest Campbell refused to get out of the car. Aiden smiled, ruffling Zoe's hair.

"C'mon, Zo… Do it for your big brother Aiden, 'kay?" Aiden soothed, a kind smile on his face. "How about when I pick you up, we'll stop by your favorite ice cream shop and buy a double-scooped ice cream. How does that sound?" he bribed.

"…with sprinkles?"

Aiden nodded, "With sprinkles."

Zoe let out a soft sigh, finally exiting the car.

The window was rolled down. "I'll see you later Zoe."

Zoe watched Aiden's car drive away until it disappeared from her sight. The brunette sighed again before walking up the steps of Angel Ears' building. Her phone buzzed again, stopping her from walking inside. It was from Frenzy, again. But this time it wasn't a text, it was a phone call.

"Ba-Barricade wi-wishes to-to see you. Fo-Follow the di-directions I'm go-going to give to you. The-There's an Autobot nearby. He's a block a-away. I su-suggest you get moving, human." Frenzy stuttered. The brunette scoffed, but on the other hand Zoe mentally thanked both Barricade and Frenzy for saving her from the old and cranky violin teacher. She quickly walked down the steps, going inside an alley to hide. She followed Frenzy's directions, avoiding the main street and the Autobot. "The meeting po-point is in th-the abandoned warehouse 13. All yo-you have to do is g-go straight."

Zoe hung up on the cassette, thinking that it wasn't necessary anymore to hear his stuttering. She shifted the violin case in her right hand to a better position. It was a quiet place. No one was around the warehouse, except for a few mice digging in the trash cans. The rusted door of the warehouse made it hard for Zoe to push it open. With all her might, she managed to push the door open just enough for her to slip inside. She closed the door with a thud, echoing in the spacious warehouse.

In the middle, a ford mustang was parked. As Zoe walked closer, the mustang began to break apart. It shifted and gears began to whirl into place. The red-eyed robot stared at Zoe with glare. "Took you long enough, Human. You do not keep me waiting." He snarled, walking towards the stacked up crates. The Decepticon sat on the crates, still keeping his optics locked on the girl in front of hm. "I'm not a patient mech." He growled.

Zoe didn't answer. She just placed her violin case beside her and opened her sling bag, letting Frenzy out. Her green eyes stared at the cassette transformation before taking out the negative film from inside her pocket. She extended her hand for the cassette to take it. He snatched it away, skittering over to Barricade. They both spoke in another language, making Zoe frown. Her eyes narrowed when Frenzy ripped the negative to shreds. What a waste of film…

"…is that all you need?" Zoe broke the silence, lifting the violin case beside her.

Barricade lifted his helm up when Zoe turned around on her heels, walking away. "Who told you to leave?" The scout inquired, his red optics glowing in the dark. Zoe stopped and stood sideways, waiting for the Decepticon to continue. "You're not leaving yet, Fleshy."

"T-There's a-an Autobot scouting." Frenzy told, his bright blue optics shuttering every second. Zoe sighed before placing the violin case down. Frenzy tilted his helm and skittered towards the girl. He poked the case with his digit and looked up at Zoe. "W-What's in th-the case?"

Zoe glanced at Frenzy before her eyes landed on the violin case. She bends down, opening the case.

"Y-You p-play th-this in-instrument?" Frenzy asked.

"What do you think?" Zoe spat, glaring at the cassette beside her.

Barricade chuckled darkly. "Why don't you play it and entertain me, Human?"

Zoe refused.

"Well?"

The brunette let out a sigh before taking the bow, applying rosin it. She took the violin out, tuning it first and placed it between her jaw and her left shoulder. Her small fingers were arch over the fingerboard. She placed the bow on the strings and began to play. The pitched melody echoed in the warehouse. She started out slow, but when it gets into the middle of the song, her fingers started to move a little faster and the sound was higher and power than the beginning.

Barricade stopped the violinist. "Theme from Schindler's List. That's a depressing song." He grunted.

Zoe stared at him before shifting the violin to the right position. The position of her fingers changed and she began to play again. The song of 'Happy Birthday to You' was played.

Frenzy dropped down to the floor, laughing. "Ha-ahaha-HAHAHA!" He began to spasm.

The Decepticon scout growled. "Are you toying with me, human?" he glowered, his servo balled up into a fist.

Zoe glared at him. "You're the one who wanted a happier song. I can't think of another one than Happy Birthday." She retorted. "Be grateful that I'm not playing random notes." She murmured quietly.

Frenzy pulled himself up. "h-ahahaha…" His laughter dies down after a minute. "Yo-You do-don't seem t-to like p-playing the violin a-and yet you played it well."

"I don't. I hate it." Zoe answered, positioning her fingers on the fingerboard to play another song. Adagio for Strings was next.

"T-Then why are you playing?"

Zoe ignored the cassette.

Barricade scoffed. This is why he hate humans.

A/N: Barricade is acting like the boss xD. I just love writing Optimus' character! He's just so fun to write! When would the Autobots come to rescue the heroine of the story?!

I've read that Freshmen is the 9th grade, right? Cause where from I'm from, 9th grade is middle school. So if I get something wrong, please notify me ^^

Special thanks to: 1nconceivable, CarsCars2Fanatic, CastielLunaWinchester, Dragon of Yin and Yang, JoySalvatore1, Shadesriker27, ShiftFrame, Transformeranimefan, x-utalicious, Shannon the chameleon, jgoss, lizziecats, DisneyFreak-Lover
for adding this story to their favs!

Special thanks to: 1nconceivable, CarsCars2Fanatic, CastielLunaWinchester, Catgoddess92, DisneyFreak-Lover, JCDisme, JoySalvatore1, Nessamir, ShiftFrame, StarLight837, ninja-of-twilight, x-utalicious, Nakka, Superlils, jgoss, lizziecats, Counting Sinful Stars, MahoganyShadow, Patches9812
for adding this story to their alerts!

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