Chapter Text
A radio was singing the latest pop song on the windowsill of an ice cream shop, serenading the customers and workers inside. But then the distinct sound of the weather alert interrupted the tunes, grabbing everyone's attention.
Then the weather report began.
"The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center has announced that there will be moderate risk of severe thunderstorms in the area until 5:00 pm. At 2:48 p.m. severe thunderstorms with 60 miles per hour winds and plum size hail about 10 miles west of Sweetwater City. It is currently moving eastward towards the area. There is still a tornado watch in effect until 6:30 p.m., stay alert for any weather changes. Please stay tuned to NOAA weather radio, commercial radio, televisions, and internet sources for latest in severe weather sources."
The weather alert finished with the final three beeps before the radio resumed its usual peppy tune.
As customers and workers exchanged worried looks with one another, multiple vehicles passed by the ice cream shop bearing the Autobot symbols.
Optimus Prime was leading the Autobots to where the last reported sighting of the Decepticons. Bumblebee drove up to Optimus's side and honked his horn.
"Hey Optimus, what do you think Megatron is scheming this time?" asked Bumblebee.
"Whatever it is, it cannot be good." said Optimus.
A grumble escaped Ratchet.
"Honestly, couldn't they reschedule for another day? We're missing the latest episode of 'Of boats and love'!" said Ratchet. "I want to know if Maddison will take Sierra as her boat."
A chuckle escaped Optimus.
"I know how you feel my old friend, but I'm sure we'll be back before the day is over." said Optimus.
"Yeah." said Ratchet.
As the group made their way down the road, Ratchet noticed how some of the humans were behaving.
Anxious, agitated, restless, and looking around as if to find some monster hiding in the area.
But everywhere they went, it was like picture of a perfect day. The sun was shining, a few clouds in the area, and gentle breezes. This did nothing to quell the ever growing fear that the humans were showing.
"Is it just me, or are the humans acting strange?" asked Ratchet.
"Strange, how?" asked Bumblebee.
"They're scared of something, but there doesn't seem to be anything I can see that is causing that." He said.
"Hm, maybe they heard the news of the Decepticons being near?" He asked.
"Maybe you're right, but-" Ratchet watched as the humans closed up shops frantically. "I don't know, something about this seems more than just 'Cons."
Optimus hummed.
"Don't worry old friend. Once we stop the Decepticons, we'll look into what is scaring the humans." said Optimus. "It could just be the Decepticons' antics agitating them."
Ratchet takes one last look at the humans before grumbling.
"Yeah, it could be it." said Ratchet.
As they took their exit into the highway, back in the ice cream shop the last worker slammed their key into the lock and locked the door. The worker sprinted to where the last car was and dove inside. With a Click! the car drove off the parking lot, the tires screeching from the high speeds.
Inside of the ice cream shop the old analog clock struck 2:39 p.m. and the ticking echoed throughout the silent shop.
Time began to march towards disaster.