Lost & Found

Bots Reunited

Chapter 118: Bots Reunited
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With a shaky breath, I allowed myself to descend to the ground as my father came to a slow stop near an abandoned gas station.

With grief-stricken expressions, the humans slowly climbed out of my father's cab as my feet touched the dry ground below. "Dad?"

He transformed and slammed an angry fist into the ground, earning a startled yelp from the humans. "My deepest sympathies for the loss of your friend." His head lowered in respect for a brief moment before he transformed back into his alt mode.

"Stay here till I'm sure we weren't followed. We are all targets now."

As he began to roll away, I called out to him in a desperate whisper. "Dad?"

"Stay here with the humans." He ordered softly, as he settled back onto the road. "I'll be back."

My gaze lingered on his retreating form until I couldn't see the trail of dust left behind.

"You better make it back safe," I whispered before turning to face the miserable humans below. "Tess," Kneeling, I reached out towards her to offer comfort but she waved me off, using a hand to muffle her sobs as she rushed into the gas station.

The other human followed her, calling her name softly as he wrapped his arms around her.

I stared at them in sorrow, glancing at Cade who returned the expression as he set his hands on his hips. "Tess?"

He began to approach the duo but halted in his steps, turning to glance at me. "You ok?"

I shakily nodded as I slowly settled my weight onto the ground, being careful where I stretched my legs. "I'm fine."

He reached forward and patted my knee with a weak smile pulling on his lips. "Hey, you're gonna be okay."

Am I?

Silently, I nodded and watched as the man turned and headed inside with the other humans. I turned and quickly swiped the tears that had built up.

Don't cry. Don't cry. Don't cry.

There is no room for tears in war.

Stilling my features, I raised my head and set my optics on the empty road that led to the dim horizon ahead.

He'll be back. He said he would.
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Optimus

When Optimus returned, he found a small figure curled into a fetal position on the ground. Slowly, he rolled towards the station, rocks cracking under his weight as he slowly transformed to not awaken the being in front of him.

As his rusty parts slowly clicked into place, he did a quick scan of the small building to find the humans huddled together, quietly chatting with each other. They didn't even notice his presence looming over the small building.

"Mm...uhm." A small mumble brought his attention back to the dozing femme on the ground.

"Sweetspark," Optimus leaned down and tapped her knee. "Wake up."

She mumbled a protest and curled into herself more. He allowed a small smile to tug on his lips before he reached down and slip his hands under her arms, setting her against his chest as he stepped away from curious human eyes.

"Liza," She shifted from her new position and curled against him, her hands coming to rest against his biceps.

"But daddy I don't wanna go to school." She mumbled and rested her cheek against his chest.