Chapter 53: Affectionate Wanda! Show Transformers!
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Lorien turned on his cell phone and pressed a few buttons. In a VIP parking space in the underground garage of the North Building, a Ferrari roared to life with a "whoosh!" It then drove out of the parking space and made its way toward Lorien's location.
A few minutes later, the rain had stopped in New York. Wanda and Lorien stood outside, watching as the brand new Ferrari pulled up. It halted smoothly in front of them.
"Wow!" Wanda exclaimed, reaching out to touch the car's sleek exterior. "It's newer and better looking than before. This red is so beautiful, it's intoxicating. I think it's the best-looking red ever!"
As she praised the car, gold-plated letters appeared on its surface, spelling out, "Thanks."
Wanda was delighted. "Wow," she said again, clearly even more taken with the Ferrari.
Lorien smiled at her reaction. "Do you want to see what it looks like when it transforms?"
"Yes!" Wanda replied eagerly.
"Let's go," Lorien said, leading her into the car. The doors closed automatically behind them. Inside, Wanda noticed that every part of the Ferrari seemed alive, intelligent, and capable of change.
"So this is what you mean by a mechanical lifeform with a soul," Wanda marveled. "Earth's technology could never do this."
Lorien drove the Ferrari, named Skyfire, toward a deserted beach. "There is technology on Earth that can achieve something close," he explained. "Tony Stark is developing nanotechnology that can create mechs. But even then, they would be controlled by artificial intelligence, not a being like Skyfire that has its own soul and intelligence."
Wanda nodded, understanding the distinction. Skyfire displayed a smiley face emoticon on the windshield, making Wanda laugh.
Soon, Lorien stopped the car in a secluded spot. Without getting out, he spoke to Skyfire. "You can transform now."
"Ah?" Wanda was surprised. "But we haven't left the car yet."
Before she could say more, Skyfire began to transform. The front of the car lifted, and with a series of mechanical sounds, Lorien and Wanda found themselves gently placed on the ground. They watched as Skyfire continued to morph.
Wanda realized something crucial as she observed the transformation. Transformers didn't have to follow a rigid sequence; they could adapt and change as needed. They were not confined to a single mold but were entirely flexible and autonomous.
When the transformation was complete, a towering figure over 9 meters tall knelt on one knee before Lorien. Bowing its head, it placed its right hand on its chest and said respectfully, "BOSS."
Lorien nodded in acknowledgment. Wanda was mesmerized, circling around Skyfire's enormous form. She noticed her name, "Skyfire," written in gold on the Transformer's body, signifying its bond and allegiance to Lorien.
"It's really impressive," she said with satisfaction. "Now I get why boys love cars. And especially Autobots!"
Lorien smiled at her enthusiasm. Reflecting on his own childhood fascination with machinery, he agreed. "Yeah, there's something captivating about them."
He looked from Skyfire to Wanda and then spoke to Skyfire. "From now on, Wanda and Gwen will have secondary command authority. They can direct you when I'm not around."
Skyfire nodded. "Yes, Boss."
Wanda looked puzzled. "We?"
Lorien nodded and smiled at her. "Yes. When you and Gwen choose the cars you like, I'll transform them into Transformers for you. Each of you will have one. They can protect you in your daily life."
As the bearer of the AllSpark, Lorien found it easy to convert cars into sentient beings. For him, it was as simple as a breath. The cars he transformed would still belong to him, but they would be entrusted to Wanda and Gwen.
Wanda was overjoyed. She leapt into Lorien's arms, hugging him tightly. "That's amazing! Thank you, Lorien!"
"Wait, I'm not done yet..." Lorien began, but Wanda covered his mouth with a kiss. They stayed close, playing and enjoying their moment in the deserted place.
Skyfire, sensing the intimate moment, transformed back into its car form.
After a long embrace, Wanda pulled away slightly, holding Lorien's face. "I don't want you to just keep giving me things. I may not know if I get paid in the Avengers, but I promise to save up and give you a gift too. Although, I don't know if I can find anything as special as what you've given me..."
Lorien gently held Wanda's hands, sensing her concern about their unequal exchange of gifts. Looking into her eyes, he spoke with love and reassurance. "No, Wanda. You always give me the best gifts."
"Huh?" Wanda looked confused.
Lorien kissed her forehead and whispered softly, "Because you are the best gift the world has given me."
Wanda's heart swelled with emotion. Overwhelmed, she embraced Lorien again, losing herself in the moment.
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Power stones