Transformers: Prime: The New Beginning

Chapter 3: First Encounter

After a satisfying lunch, Jonathan Dave Carter and his stepson embarked on a short drive to a cozy mini-hotel, their temporary sanctuary before their return to Idaho. As the day wore on, Anthony felt the urge to reach out to his mother, Katherine Carter. He stepped outside, phone in hand, hoping for her voice on the other end. But alas, the call went unanswered, leaving Anthony no choice but to leave a heartfelt voicemail.

"Hey, Mom, it's Anthony. Just wanted to check in and see how you're doing. You'll be happy to know that Jonathan and I are starting to get along. I'm really trying my best to make you proud. Love you, Mom." Anthony sighed, ending his message before tucking away his phone.

With a mix of emotions swirling inside him, the seventeen-year-old settled onto a plush couch as his stepfather returned, bearing a delightful assortment of snacks procured from a nearby vending machine. Among them, Jonathan had thoughtfully grabbed Anthony's favorite drink, a bubbly orange soda. The gesture did not go unnoticed.

"Thanks, John. I was starting to get parched," Anthony expressed his gratitude with a smile, accepting the refreshing beverage offered to him. Jonathan neatly arranged the snacks in the cupboard, then joined Anthony on the couch, bringing them closer together.

As the TV flickered to life, Jonathan held the remote, seeking his stepson's preference for a channel. "What shall we watch, Anthony?" he inquired, genuinely interested. Anthony pondered for a moment before making his choice.

"A nature show, please," he requested, intrigued by the wonders of the natural world. Jonathan nodded, acknowledging the request, and with a few deft button presses, a mesmerizing program on wildlife unfolded before them. Side by side, they indulged in a bag of chips and sipped on their preferred beverages, the room filled with the vibrant colors of nature and the sounds of animal adventures.

Among the array of channels, Anthony had always held a fondness for programs featuring animals, sports, and captivating space documentaries. Aware of his stepson's enjoyment, Jonathan munched on his chips with impeccable manners, ensuring that his chewing wouldn't disturb Anthony's viewing experience.

As the evening drew near, their television marathon came to a close. Anthony and his stepfather exchanged contented glances before deciding to embrace a well-deserved rest. Nestled within the comforting confines of the mini-hotel, they settled down for a peaceful nap, their bond gradually deepening as they embarked on this unexpected journey of family and connection.

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Meanwhile, deep within the enchanting forests of Idaho, Orion Eclipse ventured into the unknown, his adventurous spirit leading him through the dense foliage. Unbeknownst to the bustling human world, he stumbled upon an unexpected treasure—a hidden junkyard, a graveyard of discarded automobiles and twisted metal. Ensuring he was alone, Orion's keen optics scanned the surroundings, assuring his solitude, before he embarked on a scavenging mission. With nimble hands, he collected various spare parts, salvaging them for potential use in times of dire need, his resourcefulness a testament to his survival instincts. Satisfied with his findings, he vanished from the junkyard, a phantom amidst the forgotten remnants of human civilization.

Returning to his secluded cave nestled within the majestic mountains of Idaho, Orion's hunger stirred, demanding attention. Deep within the cavern's recesses, he discovered a cache of bright blue crystals—an energy source unknown to him, but instinctively recognized as Energon. In his early days on Earth, Orion had stumbled upon these captivating crystals, a fortuitous discovery that would sustain and heal him. Yet, his curiosity would not rest. In his quest for sustenance, he encountered a volcanic region, where mysterious purple crystals, known as Dark Energon, lay in abundance.