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Miko had darted off and disappeared into the swirling portal before anyone could react. “Here we go again.” Jack groans tiredly, already heading towards the groundbridge. Ratchet doesn't even look down at them, having already expected this. Raf glances back and forth between their acting guardian and one of his only friends before following Jack down into what's probably the usual dangerous battle.
The groundbridge closes behind the two boys. They have to assume that their other guardians were already informed… unless Miko found them first.
The sound of metal clashing against can be heard above them as Jack attempts to safely lead Raf to Miko, who's maneuvering between the bots to get pictures. Raf resists the urge to roll his eyes but can tell Jack gives in based on the sigh he lets out. He sounds annoyed and Raf winces minutely. Jack grabs Miko and quickly pulls her behind a large chuck of rock, ignoring Miko’s protests, Raf follows closely behind. “Miko, what were you thinking?” Jack demands, “Oh wait, you weren’t! You never do!”
“Come on! It’s cool! Where else am I going to get up close pictures of robots fighting?” Miko shoots back instantly. “This isn't all fun and games, Miko! This is their literal war!” Jack grounds out. Raf looks between them nervously, holding his backpack to his chest tightly. “Um, guys..”
“Well duh, I know that!” Miko huffs, speaking over Raf. They’re too engaged in their argument to be listening to anything else.
“Guys-” Raf tries again.
“Then why don’t you act more mature about this?” Jack scolds. Miko appears more than offended by this particular remark, glaring at Jack openly now. “Mature? I am so mature!” She gasps. “Really? Because you’re acting like a child!” Jack replies, exasperated. “You’re always running off and getting into trouble.”
“I help them!”
“You get in their way. You’re going to get us kicked out of the base, or worse, killed!”
“GUYS!” Raf finally snaps. “Stop it! Stop fighting!” He pleads, sounding closer to his actual age than his intelligence marks him for. The older teens are stunned, wide eyed as they look down at him, as if they had forgotten he was there.