Setting Sun (Transformers Prime Fan-fic)

Darkness Rising Pt. 2

"And since you now know of our existence, I fear that as of last night, the Decepticons know of yours." Optimus finishes his speech on that slightly creepy note, and Jack is the first to speak up. "Got it. If we spot any strange vehicles, call nine-one-one." His tone quickly switches to slightly irritated, and I resist the urge to laugh off of Ratchet's shoulder and slap some sense into him. "Can we go now?"

Miko snaps at him first though. "Are you insane?! I'm living a dream here in bots-wana! And I will not allow you or anyone else to shatter it." I tap on Ratchet's shoulder, and he nods before offering me his servo. I lower myself onto it, and he sets me down on the metal platform near his hip. He then turns towards the Prime as Optimus speaks once more. "It is best for you three to remain under our watch, at least until we can determine our enemy's intentions." He turns towards me, and I make myself known for the first time by speaking up. "Besides, it's a little nice to have people of similar size around for once... No offense." I see Ratchet scoff mockingly, but he hides a smirk. Optimus only nods, but I see that ever so slight tilt of his lips.

Raf's eyes widen as he sees me and I smile. "Ms. Aurum?" I make my way towards the stairs and to the kids. "Hey, Rafael. Nice to see you again." I gaze up, starting to remember Miko a bit more now. She was barely ever really 'in-class' if you know what I mean. Pretty sure she wanders the halls or just sits in the bathroom all day doodling. Raf was the genius kid. Acing all of his classes and always listening. Jack is the one I meet eye to eye with. He's pretty tall for his age, but thank goodness I was still taller. "Jack. Miko. I guess I don't need to point out we keep this hush-hush between us?" Each nods their heads, but I see Miko's eyes betraying her. She had a lot of questions, but I hold up my hand. "Questions later, alright?" She huffs, but I turn away already as a sensor goes off.

A green light flashes around, and Jack instantly pipes up, slightly startled. "W-What's that?!" Bee buzzes back in reply, and both Raf and I speak up at the same time. "Proximity sensor." I smile at the young boy, and he returns it before continuing and pointing towards the roof. "Someone's up top." I turn towards the bots again, who were all still standing nearby, and I feel my blood slightly go cold at the familiar chopper on the screen before Ratchet.

"It's Agent Fowler."

I sigh and cross my arms. No doubt has to do with the high-speed chase that led the bots to Raf. I overheard the full story from Raf and Jack when they were talking to Optimus before, and I knew it was only a matter of time. Agent Fowler didn't like having to do this, but it was the only way he thought he could...

Well...

Do something.

He only feared for his planet. However, I will not argue that he could be just a touch nicer about it for once.

Jack snaps my mind back to the present with an odd question. "I-I thought we were the only humans who knew about you?" Optimus turns from facing towards Ratchet to gaze back down at the children. "Special Agent Fowler is our designated liaison to the outside world, as he tends to visit only when there are.... issues." He gazes down at me, and I turn away. My hand slides to my arm, the one I shattered all those years ago, and I rub it. Even after all these years...

It still hurt to think about.

"It is best if you do not meet him at this time." I quickly motion for the children to follow me and I lead them behind a wall. "Stay here, alright? Fowler can be.... uptight." Miko looks at me, and I point at her. "I mean it. Stay low and quiet until he leaves." She pouts but doesn't move or speak. Raf and Jack simply nod, and I take that as my chance to head back out just as the lift opens up and the man himself walks out.

"7 wrecks, 34 fender benders, a three-hour traffic jam, and a particular note of numerous reports of a speeding motorcycle of unknown make. And a black and yellow custom muscle car." He turns to look at the two culprits, who simply look away. Arcee still had her arms crossed, and I spot Jack peaking around the corner. I swiftly motion for him to hide, and he slips back around again. I sigh as I make my way over to Ratchet, who once again offers me a servo to lift me instead of using the stairs.