In the state of Washington D.C., the day was busy but pretty peaceful. Cars and people were running around on the streets.

In the neighborhood, an eighteen year old girl was getting ready for school. She had porcelain skin dotted with dusty brown freckles and bright blonde hair. She had light sky blue eyes. She was wearing a short-sleeved blue and red shirt, light grey jeans and dark red shoes. She put on her glasses and tied her hair into a bun, humming softly.

Her name was Esmeralda Schrader. She lived with her three cousins, April, Samuel and Orion Worthington. She had a good relationship with them. They were her family after all.

"Esme! Come on! We're gonna be late!" A voice called from downstairs.

"Coming, April!" Esmeralda called out. She grabbed her bag and hurried down the stairs.

"Morning, sleepyhead," a seventeen year old boy smiled as he sat at the kitchen counter, eating cereal. He had porcelain skin, dark blue hair and light grey eyes. He was wearing a yellow and red short-sleeved shirt, light grey shorts and dark brown boots.

"Shush up," Esmeralda chuckled, rolling her eyes.

"Leave her alone, Orion. Your cousin enjoys being timely," a nineteen year old boy smirked. He had pale ivory skin, dirty brown hair and light brown eyes. He wore a white and blue short-sleeved shirt, light brown pants and deep grey and white shoes. Orion playfully rolled his eyes.

"Mom's in the laundry room and Dad's at work," April said as she tied her shoes. She wore a red and grayish-black short-sleeved shirt, deep lavender pants and magenta shoes. A German Shepherd barked softly, padding over to Esmeralda. She laughed, "hey, Sterling," she rubbed the dog's head. Sterling wagged his tail and he padded over to his bowl.

"How many minutes do we have until we get to school?" Samuel asked as he put his bowl in the sink.

"Twenty minutes," April answered, stealing a glance at the clock. Esmeralda made herself some toast and she took a piece of bacon that had already been cooked.

"Goodness, aren't you four the early birds," a woman chuckled as she dusted her hands. She had strawberry blonde hair and light brown eyes. She wore a brown shirt, white jeans and had her hair tied in a bun.

"You know us, Ma," Orion smiled. Mrs. Worthington chuckled softly, "well you all better head to school before that bell rings."

"Okay, okay, Auntie," Esmeralda giggled and she squeaked as her aunt kissed her forehead. She did the same with Samuel, April and Orion.

The teens waved goodbye to her as they hurried outside. A seventeen year old girl ran over to them. She had porcelain skin, dark brown hair and deep blue eyes. She wore a violet short-sleeved shirt, purple pants and white shoes.

"Hey, Cass!" Esmeralda giggled.

"Hey, early birds," Cassidy grinned. Cassidy Eckstein was Esmeralda and the Worthington siblings's best friend since childhood. Some could say that they were attached at the hip, they always hung out everywhere they went.

The group made it to the bus stop just as the bus came to a pause. "Morning," the driver greeted.

"Hey, Mister Comber," Samuel greeted with a salute as they boarded the bus. There were a couple of teens chatting and laughing together. Samuel, Orion, Esmeralda, April and Cassidy sat in the far back where the seat had more room.

"Yay! Our reserved seat!" April giggled and Orion barked a laugh.

"Since when did this become our reserved seat?" He asked, eyebrow raised. April crossed her arms in a haughty way, "since we first claimed it! Duh!"

The group laughed. Esmeralda smiled and she looked out the window. Cassidy looked at her, "you okay?"

"Yeah," she sighed, "just... I wish that something would exciting would happen."

"Like what?" Samuel asked curiously. Esmeralda shrugged. She had been wanting something big to happen since she was a kid. Every night, she'd stare up at the starlit sky and for a moment, she thought that something would be staring back. Her heart fluttered at the thought.

"Well, let's try and wait for this so-called excitement that you're so excited for," Orion said. Esmeralda gave him a blank look and he smiled innocently. He yelped as Samuel ruffled his hair and his brother swatted his hand away with a growl.

"I just for this brushed, jerk," he huffed.

"Oh I know," Samuel smiled, "I just wanted to mess it up." "Why you-!" Orion growled and before he could glomp his brother, the bus stopped at the school.

Everyone got up and started getting off the bus.

Samuel playfully shoved Orion and he jumped out of the seat and hurried off the bus. Orion chased after him.

"Boys," April sighed with a smile and Cassidy and Esmeralda snickered as they followed them. The five teens walked into the school.

"What classes do you guys have?" Samuel asked.

"I've got science," Esmeralda piped up. "I've got Language Arts," April said.

"Me and Cassidy have art class," Orion said. Samuel gave him an amused look.

"You? An artist?" He teased. Orion swatted at him in response and they laughed. The bell rang and they hurried to their respective classes.

Esmeralda walked into science class and she took a seat by the window. She sighed softly as other students filled the room.

She looked outside and she saw a police car driving away. The blonde girl tilted her head before she looked back at the other students, deciding not to think too much about it.

In Egypt, a silver claw slammed against the side of the pyramid and a low growl sounded through the air as a silver and black titan rose to its feet. It was Megatron.

The sound of screeching tires echoed through the desert air. Barricade, disguised as a sleek, black police car, emerged from the dust cloud.

He transformed into his robot form. "My Lord Megatron, I've arrived with news of the relic."

"Speak, Barricade," Megatron replied in a low voice, "what have you discovered?"

"It has been located in Washington DC," Barricade said, "it's... almost distant but it's strong nonetheless."

"Washington DC, you say? The humans' stronghold. This relic must be significant if its energy signature reaches across the globe. Tell me, Barricade, what do we know of its nature?" Megatron questioned, intrigued.

Barricade looked at him cautiously. "Our scouts suggest it's linked to the Primes, possibly a artifact from the time of the Thirteen. Its power could amplify our own, granting us the upper hand against the Autobots."

Megatron's optics glowed brighter, "the Thirteen... Those legendary Primes held the secrets of Cybertron's creation. If this relic holds even a fraction of their power... We must acquire it, no matter the cost."

Barricade nodded. "Agreed, my Lord. But we should be cautious. The humans are not to be underestimated, and the Autobots may already be aware of the relic's presence."

"The Autobots are scattered and weak. Optimus Prime's leadership is divided, and their human allies are no match for our might," Megatron said, "we will proceed with caution, but we will not be deterred."

"I shall gather reinforcements, my lord," Barricade offered.

"See to it, Barricade," Megatron nodded, "Starscream, Soundwave, and Shockwave. We will need their expertise to secure the relic and neutralize any potential threats."

Barricade bowed. "As you command, my Lord. I will also prepare a contingent of Decepticon troops to ensure our presence remains undetected."

Megatron narrowed his optics. "Remember, Barricade, stealth is crucial. We cannot risk alerting the Autobots or humans to our plans. Washington DC will be a delicate operation."

"Yes, my lord," Barricade nodded.