Note: Once again acknowledgements to Tyroth Darkstorm for the dialogue in the last part of this chapter as this was an RP we did together when I was bouncing ideas with him.

Chapter Fifty-Six

Adventures in Mutant-Sitting

A couple of days past after the escapade at the museum and the Autobots and Fowler meeting Hugh, Tyroth and Sephie, and the Autobots were once again ready to begin their next scouting mission for energon.

At the same time, the Hamato Clan were planning to either join them or work back at the base.

Donatello decided to stay with Ratchet and learn more about the Cybertronian language and programs they used, and Michelangelo strangely decided he wanted to learn as well.

That surprised everyone as Michelangelo had no clue about science and maths and was more at home with comic books and video games with unlimited snacks, yet it pleased them that the youngest turtle was taking an interest.

Splinter had requested that he and Leonardo do some one-to-one training in preparation for Leonardo's role as sensei when he passed which Leonardo agreed, much to the chagrin of Kemeko but she knew how important it was to her father.

Arcee was going on a scouting mission in the Sierra National Forest in California, and she asked Raphael and Monalisa if they wanted to come along which they agreed.

"You know babe." Raphael said as he looked at the photos of the forest that came up on Ratchet's screen, "We could have a little picnic together whilst Arcee's scouting?"

Monalisa's eyes lit up.

"Oh that would be wonderful Raph!" she gushed "Thank you!"

"Anything for you!" Raphael winked and kissed his mate tenderly.

Pandora rolled her eyes when she saw that and looked away.

"I'll put in the co-ordinates." Ratchet said as Raphael put together some food and drinks in a cooler as well as a blanket to sit on.

Pandora and Kemeko looked at each other wondering what they were going to do to pass the time.

Bulkhead and Bumblebee had been sent to look for Energon in the cold mountains of Alaska and the girls knew it wasn't safe for them to be in such cold conditions.

Also to make matters worse, they wouldn't be able to play any games in the main silo because Ratchet wanted some peace and quiet and the girls had already finished their homework and their chores, and they didn't feel like just sitting in the silo doing nothing.

"Looks like it's gonna be a little dull for us this morning." Pandora grumbled resting her chin on her hands.

"Yeah..." Kemeko agreed and sighed.

Optimus looked down at the girls as he was looking at the screens on where Ratchet was to station him for an energon scout.

As Ratchet brought up an image, the Prime saw it was a wide land of forests well as a large deep lake which gave him an idea as he looked at the two disappointed girls.

"Lake Eacham." Ratchet reported "Located in Queensland Australia."

Prime mused as he looked at it then at Pandora and Kemeko.

"Girls?" he asked making them look up.

"If you do wish to remain at the base whilst your parents are elsewhere, would you like to join me?"

Pandora's eyes lit up.

"Really?" she asked.

"You sure Prime?" Kemeko asked.

Optimus nodded and held out his large hand to the girls and they climbed into it before holding them up to the screen.

"I have reason to believe that whilst I scout for Energon, you girls might have some fun here?"

The Girls looked at the image of Lake Eacham and looked at each other with grins on their faces.

"I think so yes!" Pandora said, "And I vote we get our swimming gear as well as put some snacks together!"

"Good idea!" Kemeko agreed to which they high fived and Optimus placed them back on the platform so they could go and get their things.

"You sure about this Optimus?" Raphael asked as he walked over with his cooler and blanket so he could join Monalisa and Arcee.

"I am quite sure Raphael." Optimus reassured the red masked turtle "Your daughter and Kemeko will be safe with me."

"It's not you I'm worried about Prime." Raphael said, "It's Pandora, she can be quite the handful when she gets overexcited."

"That's true!" Michelangelo agreed "Even I'm not afraid to admit it, she gets it from me!" he added with a proud grin.

Raphael groaned and rolled his eyes before looking up at Prime.

"I'm just giving a pre-warning Prime." He said, "But if she's with Kemeko, hopefully she'll keep her in line."

"She always does Raph." Leonardo said as he and Splinter walked over "If the two girls are together, I'm reassured they'll be alright."

"And darn tootin' they'll be alright with Prime looking after them!" Ironhide joined in then looked at Optimus "Good luck with babysitting!" he chuckled.

Optimus gave a small smile at Ironhide as well as a cocked eyebrow then turned to Leonardo and Raphael.

"I assure you both." He said, "Your daughters will be in safe hands."

"I trust you Optimus." Monalisa called up from the ground "You did save them when we first met, so I feel no fear."

Optimus nodded at the lizard lady.

"I am inclined to agree as well." Splinter spoke up "After what you have done, I put my full trust in you to keep my granddaughters safe Prime."

Optimus smiled softly then he saw Pandora and Kemeko running over wearing loose tops and shorts.

Pandora wore a red loose tee-shirt and blue shorts whilst Kemeko wore a blue one with grey shorts and were carrying a couple of bags with towels and snacks.

"Okay!" Pandora called happily "We're ready!"

As the girls made their appearance, the two sets of parents walked over to them to have a chat.

"Okay girls." Leonardo said, "If you're going to be with Prime whilst he scouts for energon, you both need to listen to him and be on your best behaviour alright?"

"Yes Dad." Kemeko agreed.

"Yes Uncle Leo." Pandora followed up.

"And the same rules apply like back in New York and Chicago when you're in the open." Raphael spoke "Make sure the humans don't see you."

"We know." Kemeko and Pandora said in unison.

"Might be a little tricky for you Prime." Monalisa chuckled.

"I can assure you; I have had plenty of practice in making sure I am not seen." Optimus reminded the Lizard lady as he looked back at Leonardo and Raphael who were still talking to their daughters.

Leonardo seemed happy enough when he heard Kemeko promise she would listen to Prime as well as keep an eye on Pandora.

Meanwhile Raphael gave his daughter the look warning her to be good and to listen to Optimus and not be impulsive.

"I will dad!" she said.

"I mean it Geisha." Raphael growled softly to which Pandora bit her lip.

"Don't worry Uncle Raph." Kemeko promised "I'll keep an eye on her."

"You both look after each other!" Donatello called over.

"Yeah!" Michelangelo agreed.

"We will!" the girls called out together.

Arcee coughed slightly.

"Whenever you're ready?" she asked showing a little impatience making Raphael look over.

"Sure thing!" Raphael called over then hugged Pandora close before going to join Arcee, Monalisa also hugged her daughter and kissed her before going to join her mate.

"Be good!" she called back.

"Stay safe my children." Splinter called down to Raphael and Monalisa who climbed onto Arcee's back as she transformed into her vehicle mode and got ready to drive off into the ground-bridge as Ratchet activated it.

"We will!" Monalisa said waving to everyone and blowing a couple of kisses as Arcee speeded off into the Ground Bridge and disappeared.

After seeing them leave, Ratchet then looked to Optimus.

"Whenever you're ready?" he asked.

Optimus nodded and transformed into his truck form and the girls clambered inside then the Prime drove through the Ground-Bridge as Ratchet fired it up.

As they drove through the Groundbridge, Pandora danced around in her seat excitedly.

"Cool! We're off on another adventure!"

"Calm down, Pandora!" Kemeko said "We still need to be careful! Remember what Dad said!"

"Kemeko is correct." Optimus joined in "Though, in this case, there should not be any humans around."

Pandora rolled her eyes.

"Okay alright I get it, gotta be careful, but still!" she relaxed back in the seat, and she placed her feet on the dashboard "Gonna have some fun today!" she grinned putting her arms behind her head.

As she did that, Kemeko bit her lip.

"Um, I'm not sure you should do that." She said looking to where Pandora had placed her feet "It is a part of Prime after all!"

Pandora frowned then she remembered and quickly took her feet off of Prime's Dashboard.

"Oh right!' she realsied before whipping the space with her arm "Sorry Prime!"

"It is alright." Optimus's voice came from the dashboard "I understand that it might be difficult for you to see my vehicle mode as anything but an ordinary vehicle at times."

"Again sorry Prime," Pandora grovelled then decided to change the subject as she looked at the radio.

"...So...you got any good tunes on here?" she started to fiddle with the controls.

Kemeko facepalmed as she watched.

"You really can't sit still, can you?" she demanded.

"what's the fun in sitting still?!" Pandora argued.

"The peace and quiet that follows?" Kemeko replied dryly.

"Boring!" Pandora replied rolling her eyes again as she continued to fiddle with the radio then a rock music song came on and she grinned.

"Oh yeah! That's more like it!" she sat up straight and began to play some air guitar yet Kemeko frowned.

"Could you at least turn down the volume a bit? It is quite loud."

Pandora frowned looking at her cousin then did as she asked.

"Aww alright!" she said before muttering 'Spoilsport' under her breath.

"I don't mind rock music," Kemeko reminded the hybrid "But I'd like us both to keep our hearing. It is important to a ninja, after all."

"I know, I get it!" Pandora laughed then got back to dancing and laughing and singing along to the song on the radio.

Kemeko shook her head and sighed before patting Optimus's steering wheel.

"Sorry about her Prime." She whispered to which she felt her seatbelt get tugged and she smiled realising that it was Prime giving what one would call a reassuring pat on the shoulder saying he understood.

Before long they reached their destination and after checking to make sure there was no-one around Optimus opened his doors and the girls jumped out.

Both girls looked at the woodlands around them then at the Crystal blue Lake before them which was deserted in the slowly fading sunlight as they had arrived in the late afternoon.

"Oh, wow Prime!" Pandora cried out as she took in her surroundings "This place is awesome!"

"Yes indeed!" Kemeko agreed "Thanks Prime!"

Optimus then transformed into his bipedal form.

"You are welcome, girls." He said with a small smile "While I search for energon, you can spend the time as you wish, as long as you stay safe."

"No worries, Optimus!" Pandora called up "This is a great place to have some fun!"

She then turned to Kemeko as she peeled off her tee-shirt and shorts to reveal that she had an orange and red tie dye swimsuit underneath.

"Come on Kemeko! You up for a swim?"

"Sure thing!" Kemeko agreed peeling off her own clothes to reveal a blue and purple bikini underneath.

"Sweet!" Pandora cheered then took off towards the Lake "Race you!"

Kemeko was caught by surprise as the hybrid raced ahead and she dropped her bags before running after her.

"H-hey! Wait up! Cheater!"

Pandora in response put out her tongue at her cousin as she ran ahead.

"Slow coach!" she called then made it to the lake before diving in with a splash then resurfaced just as Kemeko made it to the edge.

"Catch me if you can!" she called then dove back in like a fish.

Kemeko glowered a Pandora's cockiness, yet she laughed as she was used to it, even if it did drive her mad.

"I will! Just you wait!" she dived in after the hybrid who resurfaced and started to splash around happily.

"Oh yeah! This is great!" she cheered as she enjoyed the cool water as the air was so hot.

She then looked over to Optimus who was walking along the bank watching them but also scanning for energon and she grinned mischievously.

"Hey Prime!" she called over "Come and join us!"

As long as she had known Optimus, she had observed he was very focused and she had never seen him relax, not even laugh.

Yes, he did smile, yet he never laughed or showed a vulnerable side, and she was curious to see if he would show he had such a side.

Yet she was disappointed when he looked over to her and spoke.

"I am sorry, Pandora," he replied, "But I do not believe that would be a good idea."

"Aww man!" Pandora said, "Oh well, you're missing out!" she called as she dived back under the water.

Kemeko shook her head then looked over at Optimus as she treaded water.

"Is it because you would rust, Prime?" she asked.

Optimus shook his head.

"No, Kemeko." He answered, "It takes much more than water to cause rust on a Cybertronian."

As he said that, Pandora had popped up again and heard him.

"Really?" she asked floating on her back for a moment "Well if you change your mind, we're right here!"

She dived back under the water then after a few seconds launched herself up like dolphin and flipped in the air before diving back in.

Kemeko rolled her eyes as she saw that.

"Show off!" she muttered.

Optimus watched them for a moment.

As much as he knew his mission was to scout for energon, he couldn't help but observe the girls and his spark lit up seeing how happy they were and he felt a sense of want to join in their fun, even though he couldn't given his size and his duty, but he did get an idea to liven up their experience in the water.

After about ten minutes where he saw the girls weren't watching him, he knelt by the water and dipped his servo into the water before making a sweeping motion and a large wave was created from it which washed over the girls who cried out in joy as that happened.

"Whoa!" Pandora cried as she felt herself getting lifted then turned to see Optimus kneeling by the water with his servo in it.

"Wow! Cool!" she exclaimed.

"That was a big wave! And fun! Thanks, Prime!" Kemeko called over.

Optimus smiled and nodded and was about to stand up and continue his search before Pandora called out to him.

"Yeah thanks! Please, do it again!" she pleaded.

Optimus cocked his head, but he nodded as he saw how excited Pandora looked.

"Very well." He replied, "But only once more." He splashed another wave at the girls, this time it was bigger than the last one and Kemeko and Pandora lmost felt themselves get thrown into the air!

"Oh yeah dude!" Pandora shouted "Who hoo! Thanks big guy!" she saluted to Optimus before diving back under the water.

Kemeko waved at Optimus before diving after her cousin/honoured sister.

"You are most welcome." Optimus smiled before standing up and continuing what he was here to do.

Yet as he did, he couldn't stop the smile that curled on his lips, despite his duty to the Autobots and as Prime, the one to lead those to fight the Decepticons and restore their home Planet, he couldn't help but feel a soft spot for the two girls he rescued only a few weeks ago and he felt a sense of protective paternal instinct towards them.

Yet not just to them, but their family and he felt a want to make sure they would remain safe and free to live their lives with those they loved, as his feelings for any living being, even those he fought, all deserved freedom to live.

"Freedom is the right of all sentient beings..." he whispered under his breath as he watched the girls playing in the water then looked up at the skies towards where his home planet resided beyond the stars.

"That was my vison." He whispered softly "Yet I wished you agreed with me...Megatron." he breathed "If only...then maybe things might have been different..."

Optimus has taken charge of Pandora and Kemeko whilst the others are busy.

I've been excited to write this chapter for a while, Hope ou enjoyed this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it!

Also, I'm sure a lot of you can guess what's going to happen next given where Arcee, Raphael and Monalisa have driven off to!

Again I give thanks to Tyroth Darkstorm for his help!