TFP| The Gifted Chapter Four

.".".".". Three Days Later .".".".".

    Bulkhead drove down the streets, it was early in the morning. He was taking Miko to school. The young girl sat there with her earphones on, humming her favorite song. Her guardian remained silent as he now neared the school. Though, Miko was too caught up in her song and with her thoughts.



Miko had a blast this weekend. Jack and herself were pranking each other nonstop, then again, Ratchet wasn't all too pleased about the game taking place in their base. Soon enough, two new members joined their little joke festival, which was Bulkhead and Bumblebee. Their pranks were harmless, although things began to escalate rather quickly. 



From whoopee cushions to injecting mayo into Miko's favorite donuts. While the first 'bot to make a move was Bumblebee, spilling oil around the base for those who are unfortunate enough to slip. His first victim was Arcee. The femme wasn't too happy about getting her armor dirty and had to clean herself from the oil. Bumblebee was doing his victory dance, however, Ratchet fell victim to the scout's prank and sadly fell face first onto the concrete floor. Everyone in the room fell deadly silent. Lucy must have been the only person concerned enough to aid at his side.



The girls' tiny hands touched his helmet, and in response, a low groan escaped his lips. Ratchet's eyes flickered open in a daze, staring at Lucy before him. As soon as the medic was up on his pedes things went down hill fast. Ratchet was fuming. Poor bumblebee had to dodge the old medics wrenches while the others scrambled to hide from his wrath. Lucy was the only human who didn't hide from Ratchet. Optimus arrived at the base only to find an angry medic covered in oil. The prime turned his attention to Lucy, who was the only human present, explained the ordeal to the prime.



The following day was something they all could never forget. Lucy was their next victim and she had been avoiding every possible trap there was. It was almost frustrating at how quick the girl was to her surroundings. She had been in the main room with Ratchet and Optimus, silently reading a book in hand. The three humans and their guardians had been setting up their trap, yet they were completely unaware that Lucy had been peeking from behind her book when they weren't looking. She smiled at their futile attempt to prank her. When Miko tried to coax the girl to come to the med bay, in response, Lucy took out a can of silly string spray, shooting it at Miko, it's green strings covering the girls face making her fall. 



The room was filled with laughter. Lucy had won the prank war, but it wasn't over. She held out a remote control with a red button in the center, pressing it. Colorful silly strings appeared around her victims, which were: Arcee, Bulkhead, Bumblebee, Jack, and Raf. They were shocked and we're confused as to how she managed to plan this. Lucy happily disclosed the information. Optimus and Ratchet helped her plan to come to fruition. Their mouths were agape, and their faces were in utter shock. Lucy laughed following a soft chuckle from Ratchet and a smile from Optimus. In the end, everyone began to laugh.



Miko was snapped out of her flashback and was now being shaken by the seat. She yelped as the earphones flew out of her ears. When the seat stopped shaking, she glared at the wheel. “What was that for?”, the girl raised her brow questionably, “You're late for school Miko.”. She groaned, in response.



Miko exited the vehicle with her stuff in hand. Closing the door with her elbow. “Bye Bulk!”, she waved. Watching him drive off around the corner. As she was walking up the steps, a sudden realization hit her and groaned loudly. “Great. I forgot to do my homework, again.”



A sly smirk appeared on her lips. She made her way down the steps and began to stroll away from the school. “Teach' won't mind if I cut for a little bit.”

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    Lucy stood next to a cart filled with math-related books, which she now organized them and placed them in their rightful place. Finally, placing the last book upon the shelve as she then stretched her arms forward. The library opened a few minutes ago and not one person had entered. It was early so not many people would stop by at this hour. She hummed softly walking out of the Math section. 



“Helloo?”. A girl's voice echoed throughout the air. Lucy turned her head towards the sound and saw a familiar individual standing next to the front desk. “Miko?”. The Japanese girl perked up before running next to Lucy's side. “Hiya!”, Lucy tilted her head slightly, “Aren't you suppose to be in school?”



Miko huffed out a nervous laugh, as a tiny sweat drop trailed down her cheek. “Um… yeah, but I have a good reason!”. Lucy had both her hands on her hips with her eyes narrowed, raising a brow questionably. “Well…. I forgot to do my homework and it's due today…”, she trailed off. Smiling awkwardly at Lucy, who had an unchanged look on her face.



“You should be more responsible with your school work.”. The girls' pigtails lowered shamefully, “However, I will help you.”. Miko's hair perked up, a wide smile spread across her lips. Lucy held up a single finger in the air, “But you will be doing it on your own. I will simply be there if you have any questions.”



Miko only nodded, the smile never leaving her face. Lucy smiled before guiding Miko to a rounded table, “What subject is the homework for?”, she asked. While Miko pondered for a moment before snapping her fingers. “History!”. Lucy nodded. Leaving Miko to search for the book.



The Japanese girl sat down on the chair, pulling out her pink colored cell phone. A new message appeared on her screen before she opened it, it read: ‘Miko, where are you? The class already started.’. It was from Jack Darby. She instantly began to text him and started a small conversation.

‘Sorry, but I'm at the library. Forgot to do my homework. You know, the usual.’  -Miko

‘How surprising. You never miss a beat when it comes to doing homework. Let me guess, history wasn't it?’  -Jack

‘Dude, you know I don't like History! Well, except for that one time when I got caught by that security guard. 

(￣︿￣)  ’  -Miko

‘Yeah, but that was different. You were pressured into using your mind to say stuff you never thought were useful.  >.>  ’  -Jack

‘Hey, what's that suppose to mean?! Hmp! Anyways, what about you? Did you do the homework?’  -Miko

‘Oh, I did. Unlike somebody here, I am responsible and I never forget.’  -Jack

‘What. You did your homework… Why didn't you tell me!? I could've copied yours. ✧ ヘ ✧ ╬  ’  -Miko

‘Geez, the teacher would definitely give us a zero for copying each other's work. Either way, I wasn't going to let you copy my homework that I did. ￢_￢   ’  -Jack

    Miko huffed out loudly with her arms crossed. Jack never allowed her to once get away with homework. The girl pouted silently until she saw Lucy coming her way, and her pouty face had quickly vanished. Lucy placed a medium sized History book onto the table, as she then took a seat in front of Miko. The Japanese girl took out her notebook as she flipped the pages one by one. Before opening the book and quietly began to read. Lucy took out her phone, as she silently scrolled down the touch screen and watched a video with subtitles on. 



A few minutes had gone by. Lucy was scrolling down her galaxy note four after finishing the video. Suddenly she heard Miko mumbling under her breath. She curiously glanced towards the girl in front her. Miko was chewing her pencil while she glared down at the book before her. It was quite amusing to watch her fret over the book. Lucy smiled. “Do you need help?”



She jumped at the sound of her eccentric voice. Her eyes landed onto Lucy. Miko shifted embarrassingly from her seat. “Uh… I can't find it.”, “What are you looking for?”. She simply slid her notebook towards Lucy, who was reading the question. A soft hum emanated from her vocal cords. Lucy grabbed the book and swiftly began to turn the pages before she came to a halt. “The question is in the fourth paragraph.”. She stated. Handing over the notebook and the book.



Miko soon read the paragraph, and her head shot up with wide eyes. “Now way. How did you-”, “I read in my spare time.”. Miko was speechless, her mouth was wide open. Lucy smiled, “I am what you call me a bookworm. I take no offense over that.”



“Heh, heh, sorry.”. Miko rubbed her cheek with an apologetic smile. Lucy simply shook her head. “Don't be.” Miko stood up from her seat and swung her backpack onto her shoulder. “You're not bad. Oh, and thank you for helping me.” , “I'm always here to help.” Miko took a quick note of the answer before closing her notebook. Lucy stood up and held the book in her arms. As both girls walked over to the front desk, Lucy was kind enough to write a valid excuse for Miko to hand over to the teacher.



“Make sure to hand this over to the teacher. I'm sure she will understand.” Lucy stated, smiling reassuringly. Miko nodded before literally sprinting out the door. 



Lucy shook her head and a soft laugh escaped her lips. What she did not know is that Rikona was standing behind her as she softly spoke to her. “I see you made a new friend.”. Instantly, she yelled out with fright, dropping the book from her grasp. Lucy turned around and exhaled with relief. “Oh! Miss Shuzuka, you scared me.”, she placed a single hand on her chest. Rikona chuckled softly, “Sorry if I scared you, dear. I'm delighted to see that you are making new friends.”



The young worker bends down, picking up the book before fully regaining her full height. Smiling at the middle-aged woman, “Although, you will always be one of my closest friends.”. Rikona reached out towards her and cupped Lucy's cheek gently. “Who would want to friends with an old woman like me?”, “I would.”. Lucy said, truthfully. Hugging her in response. The woman was caught by surprise and happily accepted her warm embrace.

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    The clock struck at three forty. It was time to close the library, and Lucy was the only one in the building. She rolled down a cart filled with different books and moved them to the study room. Placing the cart inside as she locked the door. Walking past the large bookshelves. Lucy stifled a yawn, yet it escaped anyway.



A loud bang echoed throughout the place which made her jump. She swiftly turned her head to the right and noticed one of the chairs had fallen over. Strange, a chair wouldn't just fall over unless… she wasn't alone. The sound of hurried footsteps was heard, yet the echoes that the building was created made it difficult to tell if the person was even near or far. Then out of nowhere, someone grabbed her from behind, muffling their hand onto her mouth. She instantly bit down the persons' hand as they yelped in pain, and she took advantage of the moment by grabbing them by the arm. Flipping them over with force. Lucy stared down at a young ginger-haired boy, she knew all too well who it was.



“Vince.”. She breathed. Staring at the fallen teen as he groaned. Lucy took a step back with her arms in defensively as he slowly stood up. His green eyes landing on her. “You got strength, cutie.”. She internally rolled her eyes by the filthy nickname. It made her uncomfortable. “Why are you here?”, the boy chuckled and proceeded to walk towards her. She backed away in response.



“You're so stiff. Can't I see you?”. He acted as if he was hurt. Lucy's back was introduced by the wall and he now invaded her personal space. The difference between her height and him was shocking. She stood tall while he only reached her shoulders. The question was, how in the world could he cover her mouth? Such a question will remain unanswered. “After your little assault, everyone's been mocking me. The girls won't even notice me! And all they do now is laugh at me.”



She felt sorry for him, but what he did to Raf was simply unacceptable. And she couldn't just stand there and let her friend get harmed. The girl silently gazes at Vince as he continued to rant. “Because of you, my reputation is ruined! You…”, he hissed angrily, while she remained silent. Staring blankly at the angry boy in front of her. “You'll pay.”. Vince raised his hand in the air ready to strike her. She squinted her eyes shut and waited for the pain to arrive. But it never did.



“What the?!”. Vince mumbled in confusion. His arm was held back by a man's firm grip. The boy turned his head around and faced the stranger behind him whose gaze was quite intimidating. Lucy opened her eyes, landing onto the man who held Vince's arm. Her eyes widen in shock with her mouth slightly open.



The stranger wore a red jacket, which had a white line on the inside of the out-spread collar, his jacket fully open. He wore a black colored buttoned up polo shirt. The man wore navy blue, classic style khakis, along with a pair of black leather shoes. Her eyes were entranced by the man's attractive looking face, which was oval shaped. His blue hair was a slicked back, yet some small strands of hair were poking out. He had straight cut sideburns and an odd chin hair pattern, the same goes with his eyebrows. But what had her mesmerized were his bright sapphire eyes. Did I mention he was in his mid-forties? Now you know.



“Who hell do you think you are?!” Vince questioned the man as he tried to break free from his grasp, but failed. The strangers feature hardened, looking more pissed. He forcefully dragged Vince away from Lucy. Finally releasing his grip from the teen, who stumbled to stay on his feet. “Leave.” The man's deep voice sent shivers down her spine. Where had she heard that voice before?



Vince scurried out of the library to be as far away from the scary man. Lucy was now alone with the stranger in front of her whose gaze landed onto her. His features had softened, and his eyes showed concern. Realization struck her, and the size of her pupils had shrunken as she uttered his name. “Optimus?!”



He simply nodded in response. The girl stepped forward as she now stood in front of him. How was this possible? Surely he couldn't be human, yet here he was standing right in front of her. Lucy's mind was nothing but complete mush. Her wide eyes hadn't disappeared and were now arguing herself within her swirling mind. While Optimus stood there, confusion was written across his face. Not long, the girl stuttered softly. “But…how did…wha…”. She was completely glitched.



“You're questioning yourself on how I am able to be human, as I am now.”. The young femme nodded. “Ratchet has been modifying the function of our holoform. Which allows us to naturally blend in with your society.” He explained. Lucy's features relaxed as she politely interrupted him, “I have a question. Are you able to use the five senses? I know, it's a silly thing to ask, but can you?” She shyly fiddled with her fingers.



“It's not a silly question, Lucy. And yes, we are capable of using a humans multitude of senses.” He gently placed both his hands onto the femmes shoulders, whose eyes landed onto his worried ones. “Might I ask, who was that boy?”, the prime asked with a hint of curiosity. “His name is Vince, and to put it shortly. He was the one who attempted to hurt Raf.”. She said in a soft-spoken tone. Noticing his eyes had hardened ever so slightly.



“If I hadn't intervened…he would have harmed you.”, “But he didn't.”. She reassured him with a smile. Optimus quirked a smile. His eyes filled with astonishment as he escorted her out of the building.



The girl locked the doors and made sure they were properly closed. Once they were, she followed behind Optimus towards the semi she was all too familiar with. He kindly opened the passenger door for her. She blushed in response before shyly entering the cab and buckling her seatbelt, while the prime had already taken his seat as the engine roared to life. As he drove outside of Jasper, Lucy had been staring off from her window, enjoying the mesmerizing colors of the skies that were accompanied by the desert rocks, mountains and more. A shadow of a smile spread across her lips, closing her eyes and allowed her body's tensions to loosen. Optimus glanced over to Lucy, who was slumped back in her seat, who was relaxing in his seat. 



“Lucy.” His deep voice softly called out her name. The girl responded with a soft hum. “You seem to be in rather tense. Is there something bothering you?”. Lucy opened her eyes, glancing over to Optimus. “Hmm…I've been preoccupied with my studies, and it's mentally exhausting.”. She spoke softly. Optimus raised a curious brow. “Studies?”, “I'm studying to be a doctor.”



The primes holoform stared at her with wide eyes. “You want to become a doctor? Why?”. He asked, curiously. She nodded in response before looking out the window once more. “I want to help the sick and injured.”, the gentleness of her smile deepened. “Life is too precious to be taken away.”



The atmosphere inside the truck had suddenly emanated a kind of warmth that Optimus simply could not describe it with words, yet the feeling it generated was soothing and reassuring. He could sense it, her positive outlook upon the world had left him speechless. Her views on life, its people, were all too familiar. She shares the same views as he does. This femme truly is something else. A genuine smile appeared on his lips. As they finally arrive at the Autobot headquarters. She glanced over to Optimus, who was smiling at her before he fizzled away. Lucy exited the truck leaving space for him to transform.



While Lucy walked up the stairs, she was greeted by the three young teens, as well as, their guardians. She happily greeted them as she plopped herself onto the sofa. A few minutes had gone by as the children conversed amongst themselves. Lucy's gaze drifted away towards the med bay, where a certain old medic was. She stood from the sofa and walked over to the railing, which was in front of the monitor he was using. Ratchet hadn't acknowledged her presence and was too occupied with his work.



Lucy smiled before announcing her presence with a soft tone, “Evening Ratchet.”. The medic flinched, raising his helmet only to sigh silently in relief. It was just Lucy. His optics studied her small figure as her elbows were resting on the railing while her arms dangled freely. “I see that you were quite focused there now. Mind if I ask, what were you working on?” She tilted her head curiously. “Well, since you asked. I am currently studying the stability of the Synthetic energon from which we obtained a week ago.”



“Synthetic energon?”, Lucy tilted her head to the side, “It is an alternative version of energon. Sadly, the formula is incomplete and it needs further testing to be able to use it for fuel or ammunition.”, Ratchet slumped his shoulders, a tired expression was written across his faceplates. 



Ratchet clearly, haves a lack of sleep or recharge...whatever you may call it. He was so fixated on completing the formula that he hadn't had enough time to fully rest. She furrowed her brows together with concern. Softly-speaking to the 'bot. “You haven't gotten enough sleep haven't you?” She watched him tense up. Not daring to look her in the eye. It would seem that her assumption has been corrected. He was caught red handed.



A loud sigh escaped his lips, allowing his eyes to close shut. “I have not. I'm always preoccupied with so many things that I have yet to fully get some needed recharge.”. The medic rubbed his temples, his optics growing dim as they landed on the girl, whose gaze soften. “You need rest, Ratchet. If you keep resisting the need for sleep I will tell Optimus of this.”, Lucy stated. Her face furrows with worry, while her eyes told him otherwise, pleading for him to rest. 



His optics widen slightly before he groaned, admitting defeat. “Fine, fine.”, he waved his servo at her before walking away from his workstation and into the deep halls of the base. 



A smiled graced upon her lips as she watched the old 'bot disappear inside the corridors. Not long after Ratchets departure, her name was called upon by Miko. The rest of the group had a confusing stare directly at her. Her face began to flush from the attention as she made her way back onto the sofa. She could feel their stares penetrating through her very being and began to fiddle with her fingers. Lowering her head slightly, as her bangs covered her eyes.



“Hey, what's up with you and Ratchet?”, Miko blurted out. Though Lucy wasn't too focused on the girls' question, when her eyes landed towards Miko, she stuttered in confusion. “P-pardon?” 



“You and Ratchet seem pretty close, don't you think?”. Arcee asked with her arms crossed. Lucy's face began to burn uncontrollably and was unable to speak. 



Optimus was observing them from the main control panels. Noticing the young femmes distress. He made his way over to her, standing behind the railing where the sofa was. “Lucy.” She jumped from the closeness of his voice that emanated from behind her and turned her head around. The girl was greeted by the primes concern looking gaze. “Is everything alright?”



She shyly smiled. “Quite.”, the prime raised his brow-ridge, seemingly unconvinced by her words. Raising his gaze towards the others, who were shifting nervously from their leaders' presence. “I suppose my presence here is not a bother to you all. Surely you aren't making fun of Lucy because she is friends with Ratchet.”, Optimus glanced down at Lucy, whose face was increasing its redness. This confused him deeply.



The young scout beeped in defense, stating that there was no serious damage in teasing her a little, which earned him a nudge from the two-wheeler. Lucy giggled softly at the sight and the rest of the group began to converse with one another once again. 



Feeling a gentle tap on her shoulder as she glanced down and saw a familiar metal finger that belonged to the prime. A smile spread across her lips, looking up at the leader whose gaze soften, a soft smile on his face. Her smile widens. She gently grasped his right index finger onto her tiny human hands. The scene was simply heartwarming, and it was a moment that could last an eon. No worries. No troubles. Just enjoying the moment she shared with them.