Chapter 1: Eight Years Later
Just take calm breathes, clear your mind, and feel the Allsparks groove.
Although she had been training at the Ninja Academy for her entire life, Pantherine still had trouble with basic meditation. Jazz had taken her in when her mother died and mentored her in the art of circuit-su. Everyday they practiced the basics. Yet, so far her only problem was meditation.
Still, Pantherine did not give up. She took slow, relaxing breaths and tried to clear her thoughts. Of course yesterday when she went to visit Uncle Bee at his shop she accidentally showered him in hot pink paint. The crazy moment was still fresh in her mind and couldnt help but giggle. Jazz gave her a quick glance and the femme quickly recovered.
Come on Teri, focus
Again she cleared her thoughts and surprisingly it worked. Somehow, though, it didnt seem Pantherine was the one pulling herself into this trance. She felt another being; he (and she could tell it was a mech) was becoming one with her thoughts. She started to worry a bit since there was a few things she did that would drive Ratchet and Jazz up the wall. However, the mech didnt give off ominous vibes. In fact, he seemedfriendly. Against her better judgment Pantherine allowed this connection to strengthen.
Prowl was sitting on the floor of his quarters, doing his occasional meditation. Through years of experience and practice he managed to dwell peacefully in a few nano-clicks. Strangely, he felt a connection coming on: a processor bond. With caution he explored it and found that it was that of a sparkling, a femme to be exact. The ninja felt as she dwelled deeper into his feelings with curiosity. From what Prowl knew this was something completely alien to her. He went through this once before with his old master Yokitron. He could understand the young bots urge to intrude farther than needed.
Before he could cut her out, he had a sudden flash of visions. One of a redheaded woman screaming, than a young girl with the same hair, but longer and in a ponytail.
Then the bond broke. Prowl snapped his optics open and found that he was shaking a bit. Whoever it was shared the same vision, and probably was about as clueless as he was. Then he remembered something.
Only two kinds of people could hold processor bonds: powerful ninjas, andoddly enoughfamily members. And the femme he shared a bond with seemed too young and inexperienced to force a bond to form.
Pantherine jumped with a start. She realized that whatever just happened wasnt regular and it left her sweating a bit. She turned her head, seeing that Jazz was still meditating. Frankly, she did not feel comfortable talking about the experience. From what she saw a screaming woman was not something she could explain. Instead of bothering Jazz Pantherine continued her efforts to meditate. And this time, she seemed to find peace.
Ratchet was shuffling through a drawer when he heard someone enter. Turning his head he saw Pantherine trying to sneak in unnoticed but tripped over her own foot. The old mech chuckled as he grabbed a small scanner and went to the berth.
Youre not a ninja yet kiddo, said Ratchet, Now get up here and let me take a look.
Grumbling a bit Pantherine got a running start, jumped onto a tool tray, somersaulted through the air and landed on the berth. She faltered a tiny bit on her landing but managed to give a radiant smile and throwing her arms into the air.
Tah-Dah! she exclaimed.
Yeah yeah, sit down Teri.
With a small humph! the little girl sat down, her legs dangling off the side. Once a month Pantherine had to get a check up with Ratchet. It didnt matter if she had one the day before, whether it be with Red Alert or even Perceptor. I dont care, I wont believe your stable until I see it with my own optics! the bot would rant. So, without question, the girl came and humored him.
Ratchet gave her a basic scan and seemed satisfied. Pantherine sighed in relief, happy that she wouldnt get another lecture
Wait, since when did you have an extra lift on your shoulder gear? The medibot was examining a small screen on the scanner and just noticed the minor upgrade. Pantherine gulped. Yesterday at Uncle Bees she managed to persuade him to give her that small touch up. With the extra lift she had better punching and arm strength. Deep down she thought that it would be to out of the way for her doctor to notice. That was foolish since the mech had soon become familiar with every square inch of her circuitry since he started these check ups stellar cycles ago.
WEEEeeeelll
Good primus, Bumblebee didnt do this did he?! demanded Ratchet.
Uhh
Ratchet growled and Pantherine knew what was coming.
WHAT HAVE I TOLD YOU ABOUT UPGRADES? ONE STEP AT A TIME, ESPECIALLY FOR YOU! IF BUMBLEBEE DID SOMETHING WRONG OR HURT YOUR ORGANIC SIDE-
Hes not stupid, he wouldnt hurt me! Pantherine said defensively.
It doesnt matter! Hes not a medibot and I doubt he has a backround in human anatomy. When this appointment is over Im having a talk with Jazz and that moronic yellow mecheven your mother was easier to deal with
Suddenly Pantherine remembered the vision she had that morning. She knew her mother had red hair like her and was often compared with her attitude, but she knew little else. Ratchet might of known about something she wanted to find out.
Well, maybe you could tell me what she did so I wouldnt be such a pain in the af-
Watch it kid, snapped Ratchet. For the rest of the day Pantherine would have to go through another lecture with both Jazz and Ratchet. And for the entire evening she would have to balance herself on one foot atop a tower on the Academy while keeping a stack of holobooks on her head.
This sucks, Pantherine muttered to herself.
It would be a very long time before she would dare get another upgrade.
