Transformers Prime One-shots

Shifter AU

The domineering species on earth, commonly referred to as humans, have a reason for holding the position: they have a secondary form they can turn into. It's as much them as the stereotypical "standard" human appearance they commonly utilize.

Humans can turn into everything of Earth, each with their own Shift. A shift grants them their Other's strengths, but also weaknesses. A Shift was necessary in times when predators thrived above them and they traveled in clans or lived in small villages. Yet, as humans evolved the ability became less and less utilized. Frankly, most to 87% of the current population don't need their gift on a day to day basis;
domesticating themselves.

Even then, Shifters aren't hereditary -- sure, depending on the lineage, a family can be inclined to produce within a certain range: avian, mammal, feline, amphibian-- but, above all, the animal they adapt reflects them, their traits and habits.

Humans are born with the ability to Shift, but often lack the control to effectively use it to their full expectation.  Nowadays they aren't faced with a threat that forces them to undergo strenuous training to do so either.

It is due to this lack that the younger generation even fears their own lack of control, especially if they have a predatory Other. They fear losing their mind to instincts they cannot understand. Which often leads them to suppress a shift, even if their instinct dictates it is to their advantage.
It's a risk to one's own health to do so, however. A risk they must be willing to take, as they are not born to go against themselves-- to self-destruct.

-----

Miko admits, she's tired of the old lesson.

Honestly, she heard most of this stuff back home in Japan and pre-school, why do they repeat this like an old anti-bullying campaign? Actually, that might just be even less effective, considering Vince uses his form to terrorize others. The teachers shoul leash him, honestly. Well, at least she doesn't have a class with him today.

The young wrecker draws her gaze to the clock by the wall, just above the way to freedom, and reads 14:58. Nearly 3pm. Sweet release is just a few minutes away.
She turns her head to the right, away from the clock, door, teacher and head board, to peer out the window in hopes of spotting a familiar automobile. She searches the parking lot for either a dark green armored assault vehicle or yellow sports car with black stripes.

A glaring flash reflects in her eyes as two lights meet her gaze, flickering on and off for a few seconds, almost as if signaling a greeting, drawing her attention.
Her eyes focus on the vehicle it belongs to, a smile drawing itself from her. Bingo!

The universe was seemingly in agreement with her as not even a moment later the bell rang, signaling the end of class.
A yip of happiness left her as she immediately hopped off her desk, grabbed her stuff and bolted to the exit before it could stop. She barely caught the edge of her teacher's frown, but she was out before they were able to reprimand her, or worse, send her off to detention again.

Hah! Jokes on them, she's getting enough exercise to escape a situation at their 'club'!

Surprisingly she wasn't the first out of school despite her hurry. Though, seeing who it was that waited for her, she wasn't shocked to find it to be Jack and Raf. She might be a chaotic trickster, but they had strategic thinking she still ripped off of sometimes.

"Hi, you done?" Jack asked, smoothly looking at the door behind her. Something tells her he's looking out for redheads, guy or girl.

Shrugging loosely, she jogged to join up with the two boys, Raf easily picking up on speed to reach their rides faster.
He likely missed his guardian.