Chapter Six: The Secret

                                    

                                          
Erika and Miko had met up in the hallway between periods, conversing with one another off to the side. Erika had been feeling pretty good about herself throughout the day so far; she had finally grown comfortable enough to wear her blue denim shorts, along with her favorite dark brown jacket with her blue shirt and necklace underneath. And other than a few stares from a couple of curious onlookers, no one had bothered her.
But then, while talking to Miko about their plans for that afternoon, she was suddenly pushed aside from someone behind her, making her grab for the wall to stop herself from falling to the floor. "Move it, newbie." She heard an annoyingly familiar voice sneer, and she looked up to see Vince stride past her, giving her a smug look as he did so. 
Miko stared after him, her eyes narrowed dangerously. "Is that the guy you and Jack were talking about?"
Ellie sighed, righting herself and brushing herself off. "Yeah, but don't worry ab—"
"HEY YOU! C'MERE!"
Erika's head shot up in time to see Miko already in mid-sprint directly towards the now wide-eyed Vince, her eyes alight in a blaze like a girl on a mission.
"MIKO NO!" Erika shrieked in a panic, but it was too little too late, Miko laving launched herself at the redheaded teen, her fist pulled back in a non-stop course right for his mouth.
Two Hours Later 
They were about to go into even more idle chatter, but the sound of a loud engine closing in interrupted them. They all looked up in time to see a familiar, flame-painted muscle car drive slowly by, with Vince driving behind the wheel. As he passed them, he turned his head towards them, and if looks could kill, Erika was sure they'd all be dead.
But what really got her and the other three's attention was the busted-up lip Vince was currently sporting. None of them said anything as they eyed one another. However, Miko did glare right back, pointing two fingers at her own eyes and then pointing them at him in the universal gesture, I've got my eye on you, punk. Vince bared his teeth, then stepped on the gas and sped right out of the school grounds.
"So, the rumors were true," Raf muttered.
Erika shook her head tiredly. "I still can't believe you did that."
"I can," Jack countered.
Miko scoffed, unfazed. "What, like I was just gonna let him walk away after that nonsense he pulled? Please."
"Talk about direct action," Jack remarked.
"I'm surprised you didn't even get in trouble. I figured Vince would've at least told someone about it," Raf said. 
"Pfft! You think that was my first scrap? I made sure no teachers were around," Miko bragged.
"And honestly? I think Vince would rather die than admit to anyone he got jumped by a girl," Erika added dryly. 
"Yeah, that does sound like him," Raf agreed.
"So is that a win for feminism, or...?" Jack asked Erika and Miko with puzzlement.
The two looked at each other and shrugged.
"Eh, who really knows?" Miko said dismissively.
"Even for us, that line's kinda blurry," Erika admitted.
"Either way, I'd like to see him try messing with any of us again. Bet he won't," Miko said proudly.
Jack, Erika, and Raf simply rolled their eyes in an exasperated, yet fond manner at Miko's antics, which they had grown only slightly used to.
The loud honking of a car horn pulled their attention away from one another, and they instantly perked up at the sight of a dark blue motorcycle, a dark green USV, and the familiar yellow and black muscle car pulling up towards the curve, the blue motorcycle taking up the front. 
"Erika?" She shook away from her thoughts and glanced at Jack curiously, she could practically feel the hidden, but knowing mischief in his tone that made her smiled at him playfully. "Are you ready to go?"
Erika smirked at him knowingly and crossed her arms over her chest. "You bet I am." 
Jack chuckled softly with a warm smile, clearly knowing that Erika was somewhat involved with more Cybertronians during her time in either Texas or Nevada. She doesn't blame them for what happened to either of her parents and grandparents. She's curious and empathetic as Smokescreen is, but she's tough and determined as Arcee during risky situations. 
"You can ride with us!" Raf said eagerly, tugging her gently. "Right 'Bee?" 
The familiar yellow and black car seemed hesitant at first glance, but he opened his passenger door for her. She allowed Raf to pull her along and climbed into the backseat of the car after him before she could change her mind. The next thing she knew, they were speeding away from school, the car's powerful engine making her tremble, and they were off onto the main road. 
She looked warily around at the interior, taking in the smooth, black leather seating she was sitting on that had a yellow stripe running down it. It certainly felt like she was just riding in a regular car, just without a human driver. Up front, the steering wheel turned all on its own as they weaved their way through traffic, the meters outlined with a fluorescent blue, and above the radio system was a small screen that had a strange emblem on it — it almost looked like a face. There was a similar emblem that glowed at the center of the steering wheel.
They fell into silence for some time, driving down the abandoned road. Erika let out a weary sigh and leaned into the seat. Erika leaned back in the seat and propped her elbow on the side of the door, staring out of the window as trees and houses passed by and lightly dozed on the seat.
Absentmindedly, Erika begin to mess with the door, stroking her finger up and down the latch. A shudder had passed through the car and her hand retracted quickly and Raf giggled, like she'd been burned. Erika folded her hands on her lap, mumbling a quick apology.
"It's okay," said Bumblebee warmly. Erika's expression softened and continued watching as they drove out of the town. 
Sure enough, they passed a green sign marking the end of the city limits. 
"Umm, not to be rude or anything, but where are you taking us?" Erika asked, wondering how much farther the drive will be.
"It's not too far from here," said Bumblebee. "Speaking of bases, we're here."
Erika looked around excitedly, but all she saw were spikey green cacti with pink and yellow blossoms scattered along a dusty, sprawling landscape. The towering mesas have casted shadows that stretched across the sandy desert. Erika looked through Bumblebee's window and see that the road they have been driving on ended up ahead into a huge mesa. A stop sign marked the end of the road, but Bumblebee flew past it, heading straight for a huge mesa that loomed ahead.
Bumblebee showed no signs of slowing down even as he ran out of road to drive on. In fact, his speed seemed to increase as they headed straight for the plateau.
A surge of panic ran through Erika. She clutched onto the strap of her bag tightly. "Um, Bumblebee?"
But before they could collide with the rock wall in front of them, it shifted down and revealed a metal door, which also split open for them.
"Oh..." Her grip lessened as she let out a breath that she'd been holding. She leaned forward in her seat as they entered a secret passageway, the light of day instantly replaced with the dim of the tunnel. They winded through the corridor until Erika could see light coming up fast. She leaned closer to the window, Raf smiled at her amazed curiosity. Bumblebee must've sensed her curiosity, because he rolled down his window and slowed to a crawl as they finally reached the end of the tunnel.
Erika gave him a small smile, but her eyes widened as her brain struggled to comprehend what she was seeing. The tunnel had opened up into an enormous, chamber-like room enclosed by a blend of metal and rock, filled with things that Erika would've been inclined to notice if she wasn't too busy gawking at the two new robots already there, waiting for them.
She watched as Jack took off his helmet and dismounted Arcee, letting her transform. Arcee and Jack were both seen, speaking to a young mech that had a distinctive race car alt-mode, with a white and red paint scheme that had a few red highlights around his helm and a deep blue chassis with a red Autobot insignia on it. His wide bright blue optics were shining with curiosity and warmth. Nearby, there was a large bot who is forest green while parts of him were black and his head was silver except for a faded green part on the top of his head that looked like a helmet and was carrying Miko on his left shoulder, which means he's a big softie. Erika had spotted Raf eagerly speaking to a familiar yellow and black highlighted bot when she saw them. The yellow bot stopped speaking when he suddenly spotted Erika and he looked away from her.
When she looked around again warily, she fixed her gaze on the bots. "Where am I?"
"A very good question, Erika." Erika winced, but only briefly, at the new voice that reverberated from behind her. It was a voice that was, to put it bluntly, shockingly deep and resounding. At the same time, though, it wasn't exactly intimidating. It was difficult to explain; like, as powerful as it was, there was a certain warmth and reassurance to it. 
Just then the ground began to shake, and Erika turned to see a bot towering over her. He's taller than the other bots and yet he seems to be the leader, which made Erika feel safe and felt a wave of familiarity as she gazed at him with wary curiosity. Standing directly in front of the stood a tall robot. A strange symbol adorns the bot's bright red arms, and Erika recognized it as the same symbol from the middle of Bumblebee's steering wheel. The robot has long silver and blue legs, with four large wheels mounted to the back of his feet. His dark blue head stared at her with his piercing blue optics, and she was getting the feeling that he was analyzing her. He has three antenna-like rods on each side of his head which are attached to his audio receptors. He has an air of quiet leadership surrounding him, though Erika could feel selfless compassion and strong courage, but she sensed that he has hidden regret for something.
"How do you know my name?" Erika asked him, her voice hushed and stepped forward boldly.
Optimus smiled at how bold and calm she was, even though she does not remember them, she subconsciously remembers that they will not hurt her. "I will tell you all you need to know Erika. I am Optimus Prime; the Leader of the Autobots." He extended a hand to Arcee, who stood next to Jack. "You have already met our warrior, Arcee. She acts as the leader when I or Ratchet is not present." He turned to the green bot. "Bulkhead is one of our Wreckers. The other is Wheeljack, who you have yet to meet." He turned to the orange and white bot. "This is our medic, Ratchet." Erika received a gentle look from the bot. Optimus turned to look at the familiar yellow and black bot who still seemed in shock at the sight of her. "This is Bumblebee, our young scout." He turned to look at the young white and red bot who watched her with a bright smile. "And this is Smokescreen, our young warrior." Erika smiled at the members of the team, feeling familiar with the situation. "The five of us have met you before. Back in our old base in D.C when you were little, do you remember any of it?" 
"Not too much," admitted Erika. "But I do remember some things that happened in the base." She glanced at Ratchet uncertainly. "Like flying wrenches?" When she said that Ratchet laughed lightly, figures she remembered that. She was there pretty much every time he tossed one at the youngsters when they were bugging him when he was both working and watching Erika. "A yellow muscle car my dad would talk to, and me following the other Autobots. Don't really remember all their names though, it's pretty fuzzy." 
After a while, the Autobots of Team Prime started to explain why they were there, about the war that consumed Cybertron, and what their goal was.
"Okay, so let me get straight." Erika suddenly spoke after the bots' explanations. "The Autobots and the Decepticons are at war, to control the energon supply and how to rule Cybertron. I understand that's understandable. But how do I fit in to all of this? So, my dad was a military agent that worked with you guys. So, why are the 'Cons on the hunt for me?"
"Erika, it all started with a relative of yours," stated Optimus calmly with a smile, as if expecting she would ask that question. "With your great-great-great-great grandfather, when he found Megaton frozen in the Arctic."
"Wait, what?!" Erika exclaimed, stunned. "Are you saying that Archibald Witwicky, the very one who went insane after seeing weird symbols had actually discovered Megatron?! He found the Decepticon Leader and lost his mind?!" 
"Yes, and you, Erika, were supposed to be the very first human have grown up with us," explained Ratchet. "When your mother lost trust in us, she took you away. We decided to go as well, but we left to keep you safe. That is why Bumblebee went to your house to tell Carly that we were leaving for Jasper, in case she was tired of moving around."
"That would explain alot." Erika after ten minutes of silence for the past two hours the Autobots had told her all about her dad, and her great-great-great-great grandfather. It also explained why she had seen her mother yelling at an equally grieving disguised young scout when she was younger. 
Thinking about the mentioned scout, Erika turned to look at Bumblebee who was quietly standing next to the human section. But when she did, she felt her heart break at the sight of him. She saw coolant tears running down from his optics and shaking with every breath he took. But when he looked back at her, Erika could see that the young Autobot scout's optics have clear pain and grief from the past, two emotions that didn't set well with him, at least not in the teenager's eyes. The bright blue of his optics, so bright and bold were filled with such a sorrow Erika doubted her own youth could truly grasp a hold of the guilt her late dad's partner, her uncle, felt. His door-wings have been lowered behind him, clearly revealing how heartbroken and guilty for what happened ten years ago. 
"Bumblebee." The young scout looked down and clenched his optics tightly, fearing that the young girl had grew up with her mother's angered grief towards him and the team over the years. "I forgive you and all of Team Prime for what happened." The young scout looked up so quickly he probably given himself a near whiplash (if he was a human) when he heard those words. He looked at Erika with wide, but amazed optics. Erika smiled softly at Bumblebee, but her eyes glimmered with empathy and grief. She may be young when it happened, but she understood that they're living beings too and she shares his pain in a different way. To her surprise, Erika felt herself being gently pressed against his golden chest, his two hands wrapped around her back. It was then that she realized he was hugging her. She was surprised, but she let herself clutch onto Bumblebee's plating as she curled into the warm metal chest, his spark beating away beneath several layers of armor. He gently placed her onto the ground with a hint of a sad smile underneath his battle-mask. 
Erika gazed at the other Autobots with wary curiosity once her feet were placed onto the ground. Optimus turned to look at her. "Since you remember of our existence, your life is in danger. They will not hesitate to try and capture you, no matter the cost. The only way to prevent this is by assigning you a guardian." Erika nodded her head, clearly understanding the situation. Optimus looked at the rest of the Autobots, as if searching for the right bot for the job of being a guardian. "Smokescreen will be her guardian."
"Yes! A human partner," Smokescreen said excitedly the last bit a little more quietly. "I won't let you down Optimus." He took a step forward, but was stopped.
"Optimus, you can't be serious," said Arcee in disbelief.
"I believe that a partner will help Smokescreen to better understand the need to protect the human race," Optimus said firmly, making her looked at him, dumbfounded and sighed.
"Hi Erika, I'm Smokescreen," said Smokescreen, kneeling down in front of her. He has a kind and welcoming voice that seemed to invite her in, like a brother. 
"But one thing doesn't add up." Miko spoke up, glancing between Jack and Erika. "How do you two know each other?"
That was a good question, which had caused everyone to look at the two kids curiously. Jack seemed protective of her like an older brother... or something more. Erika stood by his side with fierce loyalty and friendship towards her childhood best friend. As the duo stood together, Arcee felt as if she was seeing Tailgate and her younger self standing together.
"My Dad's name was Owen Darby," explained Jack. "He was part of the military as an engineer, but he retired and became part of the local police." He smiled softly, but his eyes glimmered with something sad and Arcee's spark ached as she remembered Jack's heartbroken story of his late father. "But all of that changed when he gotten caught in the crossfire by accident as he rescued some of his comrades. Due to the incident, he met Sam Witwicky and his comrades through the battle. They made a team of humans in case the 'Cons come back again." 
"And why didn't you tell anyone?" Miko asked, a bit of hurt in her eyes. 
"It was a long time ago." Jack sighed wearily. "My Mom told me my Dad's story after I told her that Erika and her family had moved to the outskirts of town." 
Erika smiled softly at Bumblebee, but her eyes glimmered with empathy and grief. She may be young when it happened, but she understood that they're living beings too and she shares his pain in a different way. To her surprise, Erika felt herself being gently pressed against his golden chest, his two hands wrapped around her back. It was then that she realized he was hugging her. She was surprised, but she let herself clutch onto Bumblebee's plating as she curled into the warm metal chest, his spark beating away beneath several layers of armor. He had a hint of a sad smile underneath his battle-mask and fresh coolant was streaming down his faceplate as he gently lowered her down to the ground. 
Raf was as excited as the others to have Erika part of their team. The two of them chatted, soon Jack and Miko joined in their conversation. Enjoying the time with laughs and making terrible jokes. The rest of the Autobots appeared beside them and greeted Erika with open arms. Bumblebee, who was Raf's guardian had spoken to Erika softly. The rest of the group was shocked that she understood the young scout.
Two hours had passed by, the rest of the group left with their three humans out to head home. Erika was a little shy and timid towards her newly appointed guardian, but she understood she has to take off soon with her guardian. 
She walked over to where Smokescreen was standing. "So, um... You wanna go for a drive? Get to know each other a little." He smiled at her before transforming and opening the passenger door. Erika hopped in the seat and is about to close the door. Smokescreen shut the door and then buckled her seatbelt and she feels the material pulled snugly around her. He drove out of the base and down the tunnel that leads outside. As Smokescreen reached the road, he slowed down to a stop.
"Is something wrong?" Erika asked him.
Erika felt the seatbelt tightened slightly, and then felt her body sink into the seat as Smokescreen slammed on the gas. Erika whooped and laughed in delight and felt her heart race. Erika heard Smokescreen's laughter, and felt her lips curve into a wide smile. "I thought you might enjoy a bit of speed." Erika and Smokescreen coast down the road, laughing as they drove through the Nevada desert. 
"That was so much fun!" Erika exclaimed, laughing. 
"Slag yeah!" Smokescreen made a turn and started to make his way into town. "So, what's your favorite color? Hobbies? Music? Give me a description of yourself."
Erika blinked. "Um. Okay? I really like listening to music from Disney and Dreamworks. I'm from the countryside of Texas." She paused before she continued. "I like reading and writing stories. I enjoy exploring, hiking, and sightseeing. I like the color blue. Alright, your turn."
"Well, I'm an alien aka a Cybertronian," said Smokescreen with sarcasm lacing his voice, although he was completely serious. "I'm a warrior, or the assist, as I dubbed myself. I trained at the finest academy back on Cybertron and had joined the Elite Guard."
She soon started gazing out on the horizon far ahead, where the sun has set. All around it the sky was painted with beautiful color colors, the clouds turning a bluish purple and stars sparkling in the night sky in contrast, the moon shone brightly in the night sky. Not taking her eyes off the breathtaking sight, she raised herself into a sitting position, getting comfortable in the passenger seat. She sighed softly, letting a wave of calm wash over her, as well as getting herself lost in her thoughts while absentmindedly humming to herself. She leaned back into the seat, relaxing and gently rubbing the armrests of the seat. Erika smiled when she heard a purr of the engine, she doesn't think much of it. Erika stare out the large windshield up at the stars and can't help, but imagine herself flying among them.
"You know this is a beautiful planet. Not that I've been to that many, but your planet is certainly unique," Smokescreen hummed.
"What did Cybertron look like?" asked Erika curiously.
"It was beautiful too. There were tall metal buildings that shined when the sun rose. There were two moons that illuminated the sky at night. Our planet had a natural glow to it that was a beacon to travelers." Smokescreen sighed longingly. "But then the war happened. I was very young when it happened. Only a mechling. That's when I was put through training for war. They wanted the young to grow up strong to fight in the war. The war killed our planet." His face hardened with grief and anger. "I fight because I want the Decepticons to pay for what they did to our home and to protect my family."
Erika looked at him curiously. "Your family?" It snapped Smokescreen out of his daze. "What's their names?" 
Erika could feel Smokescreen have started to smile. "Prowl and Bluestreak." 
Encouraged by Smokescreen's shift in demeanor, Erika nodded. "Are they like you?"
"The three of us were pretty different," admitted Smokescreen sadly. 
"Tell me about Prowl," Erika said.
Smokescreen hummed for a moment. "Prowl is... Prowl." Then he laughed. "I know that doesn't tell you anything. He's... really dedicated to his work. Like, all the time. When the war started he became one of the Autobots' chief military strategists. And before the war, he was a cop."
"Really?" Erika gazed at him curiously. But it seemed simultaneously weird and totally normal that they would have regular things like file clerks and cops. "What else?" 
"He always looks out for us. Me and Bluestreak, I mean. And he's tough. You don't dare make a mistake around him... Although, I think he's a bit softer on me, Blue, and Jazz than he is on other bots." Smokescreen thought for another moment. "It was his actually idea for me to join the Elite Guard. I didn't want to at first, but he convinced me to do it. And..." Smokescreen vented a gust of air that whistled through his air vents. "Prowl was right. It was the right decision for me to reach my destiny." 
Erika nodded, trying to encourage Smokescreen. "And what about your other brother... Blue?" 
"Bluestreak," Smokescreen said affectionately. "He talks. A lot. Even more than Miko. I know his talking annoyed some bots, but not us – me and Prowl were used to it." Smokescreen thought for another minute. "Bluestreak never liked fighting, but he still wanted to help the war effort. So, instead of joining the Autobots as a warrior, he studied to become an engineer. And he ended up becoming a really great one. He can fix anything! I mean, if he was here on Earth, him and Ratchet could probably cobble together a working space bridge in a week!"
"A week? Really?" Erika asked amazed. 
Smokescreen thought for a moment before shrugging. "Okay, maybe it would take them two weeks. But I'm sure they could do it. Bluestreak's a genius when it comes to stuff like that. Me and him would prank Prowl so bad... The best was when we got three – uh, I guess you'd call them chickens? Robo-chickens? Anyway, Bluestreak got the idea to get three chickens, and we numbered them one, two, and four... And then we let them go in Prowl's office." A touch of playful gleefulness entered his voice. "Prowl spent days looking for chicken number three!"
Erika laughed. "That's amazing! What a great idea for a prank! And Bluestreak came up with that?" When Smokescreen confirmed it with a snicker, she shook her head. "Did Prowl ever figure out what happened?"
"Bluestreak couldn't keep the secret after a week or so," Smokescreen said. "He finally told Prowl what we'd done. And Prowl..." He laughed again, quietly this time. "I think he was just glad that he didn't have to worry about chicken number three anymore."
Encouraged by how Smokescreen seemed to think of them in present tense, rather than past tense, Erika took a deep breath and asked, "So... Where are they now?"
Smokescreen fell silent again, and for a moment Erika had a horrible feeling that she'd guessed wrong. But Smokescreen sighed and seemed to be looking up at the stars longingly. "Out there, somewhere, I guess." He turned his headlights slightly, seeming to scan the stars as if he could pick out his brothers from the points of light. 
"We'll find them. I promise." At that, she started petting his dashboard and smiled when she heard a purr from the engine. 
They passed the sign marking the beginning of Jasper's city limits, and Erika pointed in the direction of the junkyard. Relieved, Erika placed her hand on Smokescreen's hood, remembering what happened. Was it only a week ago when she saw those Decepticons had attacked her after recognizing her? It feels like it happened so long ago.
"In the morning, I'll taking you back to base." She smiled at him as he let her stroked his hood, causing him to purr softly quietly as he enjoyed her gentle touch. 
"Well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow then," Erika said, relief washing over her.
"Hang on partner." Smokescreen's voice made Erika come to a sudden stop. "Program my comm number into your phone. That way if you need me, I'll be there." 
"Thanks Smokescreen." She smiled at the curious and adventurous Elite Guard, then proceeded to tell him her number. "Good night Smokescreen." Erika gave him a sidelong hug and lifted her hand from his hood. 
"Night Erika," said Smokescreen, his voice quiet.
Erika smiled again and walked into the house, heading towards her room. She looked out her window and see the dark outline of Smokescreen waiting by the curb. As she laid down on her bed, glad that she has a new guardian by her side.