A Land and Love Forgotten

by TheHuntress21

I had tried so hard...but it hadn't been enough. The Autobots could have helped but...they were gone. Dad, Fanzone,they were all gone. It was only me Sari or like I call myself now...Huntress. For the machines...have become the monsters... Rated T for Safty. Full Summary Inside.

10. X

Back again! : ) Also NO the "Plan" wont be discussed in full here. Its kind of a building up theme and....I just love messing with you all. Haha. Anyway Ok now your story is waiting.....

Ps. Alright I KNOW I said I would have this up WAY earlier but this week was not my best. First I got a cold...still not over it yet. : ( THEN I had to help one of my friends go through a break up JUST when one couple had started back together again from the LAST week! If that isn't bad enough....I fought of writers block ALL week! I started a paragraph then get stuck and the cycle just won't stop! Ahh.... Thank you that this week is OVER!! *Falls down collapsing on chair*

X.

*Sumdac Medical Room*

"She did WHAT!" Huntress shouted parent like. After cornering Huntress and berating her with medical worries of infection, Eric had finally pushed her into getting her hands bandaged. Now she was fighting him incessantly toward the sink where the dreaded Antiseptic loomed dangerously near. While Eric had that "lovely" situation going on Riana had decided to tell Huntress of her daughter's disobedience.

"Great...thanks for the help Riana." Eric sarcastically thought while pulling harder on Huntress left upper arm.

Riana only nodded to Huntress hiding the smirk that kept strangely wanting to billow outward. Huntress saw the opportunity to delay the inevitable slipped out of Eric's grasp saying

"I think I need to talk with my daughter. This can wait...."

"Oh no! You are going to that sink!" Eric said sternly. Then with one wincing look Huntress closed her eyes, placed her hands out, and Eric forced them under the running water. He tried to be as tender as he could but the moment the Antiseptic touched her skin, Huntress let out a short tense wail. Eric bit his lip to keep from laughing seeing the all might "Hunter" turn into a blubbering eight year old as Eric finished wrapping up her hands with a tight gauze. Then giving a nice pat on her shoulders Eric said

"There you go. Now you can talk to Abigail."

Huntress muttered a sarcastic "Thanks" and went storming out of the Medic Bay to go towards the Main Lobby. Eric glanced at Riana who seemed confused. He shrug his shoulders in a *I don't know* gesture and turned back to his Lab equipment. Riana seemed to hesitate saying unsure

"Do you think I should follow her?"

Eric smirked but let his face remain humourless as he glanced over his shoulder. He looked Riana right in the eyes saying

"It's Huntress. What do you think?"

"Right." Riana answered back and jumped off the bench. Eric kept from bursting out laughing as Riana chased down Huntress her hands stretched out in a *Wait for Me!* gesture and headed out the door. Eric could feel times were beginning to change around here. He just didn't know if they were for good or bad yet.

*Main Lobby*

"What are you going to do?" Riana asked concerned. She was next to Huntress and could see the sparkle of controlled anger in her eyes. Huntress took a quick look at her saying

"You'll see."

Then with her hand going over her mouth in a way to throw her voice Huntress shouted tensely

"Abigail! You better get over here now!"

The tone in her voice meant she was not playing any games and Abby must have read this in her voice because she came bounding out from the training room. Her face held a look of innocence but Huntress knew better. Slowly Riana looked on stun as Huntress went into the legendary "Mommy" stance, her legs spread apart, hands on hips. Abigail came slowly up saying

"You called for me."

"I want to ask you something." Huntress stated with no emotion. She pointed a finger at Riana then quickly jerked it at Abby's face. While Abby stared at the finger directly between her eyes Huntress said sternly

"Is it true what Riana said that you Disobeyed her and walked out of the Base, alone?"

Abigail sensing it was not the time to lie stated sheepishly "Uh-huh"

Huntress let out a tense sigh before asking slowly "After she had just taken you to our room?"

Abigail nodded and Huntress leaned in closer to her face, the finger still dangling close to Abby's forehead. Huntress thinned her lips saying with barley controlled anger

"After you had just decided to act like a two year old and throw a tantrum right in this lobby?"

Abigail nodded again but put on a slight sarcasm attitude. She put her hands on her hips, rolling her eyes, saying

"Duh."

It took all Huntress had to not grab the child and spank her bottom. She knew of course she was in too much anger to do such punishment mainly because it would hurt the child. Also Huntress had never "spanked" anyone before and Abigail sadly looked too old for that now. However there was still one punishment that had been used since the beginning of time.

"Your grounded." Huntress stated. She let down her finger and leaned back up, crossing her arms. Riana stared mouth partly agape at her while Abby's eyes flickered an emotional cross between anger and hurt. Then giving a puppy dog look Abby whined

"How long?"

"Two. Weeks." Huntress stated coldly. Abigail for the first time glared at Huntress saying loudly

"That's not fair!"

"Want to make it three?" Huntress threatened her left eyebrow raised. Abigail didn't answer right away seemingly shocked at her mother's new strange behaviour. Although after a minute passed, Abby stomped her foot losing her temper, gave a loud screech, shouting

"I'm going to my room!"

"Good. Be sure to get comfortable because that and the kitchen, besides training, are the only places you'll get to go." Huntress stated coolly. Abigail huffed in more anger and started to march up the stairs to at a time.

"That's Right! You march up those stairs right now!" Huntress stated pointing her finger upward to their shared bedroom. Abigail made a pout but followed her orders and dragged her feet up step by step. She stopped two steps before turning back muttering sheepishly

"Was what I did really that bad?"

"What do you think?" Huntress said with a serious tone her eyebrow raised. Abigail put on her most puppy dog look but Huntress wasn't buying it again. She shook her head saying

"Go up to your room...now."

Abigial waited for a moment but when Huntress didn't budge, she rolled her eyes again and began to march up the stairs. When Abigail slammed the bedroom door, Huntress ran up half way the stairs but stopped. Now was not the time to face Abigail again and explain her actions. Plus it could be the child testing her. So Huntress bit her bottom lip to hold her mixed emotions in check saying with correction

"Now don't you dare pull anything! Remember, I'm not finished and I'll be up in a minute to talk to you."

No response came and Huntress turned away, satisfied of the child's safety for the moment. Riana started to hide a smile while Huntress ranted in a low tone

"Roll her eyes at me! I am her mother, what I say goes! I'll roll her eyes out of her head...."

Riana choked on her giggle hiding it well. However she could feel her cheeks growing hot from holding it all in. If Huntress kept it up, Riana didn't know if she could take it. She was about to find out.

"I helped bring you into this world and I can take you right back out! Roll your eyes at me, unbelievable!" Huntress muttered marching back and forth allowing her anger to flow.

A chiming laughter filled the air behind Huntress and she turned coldly to face the person. She waved a little in her anger seeing Riana the one laughing, her face red and her hands up over her mouth trying to stop herself.

"What's so funny?" Huntress said low, darkly.

"You." Riana giggled barley out. Huntress squinted her nose up in confusion saying

"Why?"

"Do you just realize what you did just then?" Riana choked out.

"I punished my child...." Huntress stated with a hint of pride. Riana started to laugh harder while saying

"No, you acted like...."

"Don't you dare say it!" Huntress interrupted suddenly her eyes wide from what Riana was meaning. She put her hands over her ears saying

"I'm not listening."

"A..." Riana said but Huntress shook her head hard.

"No. I can't hear you!" Huntress said loudly.

"Mother!" Riana giggled out falling flat on the floor. Then started blubbering out

"Old Heartless Huntress just went into mommy mode!"

"I did not!" Huntress barked out in defence.

"Yes you did!" Riana said part accusingly pointing her finger at Huntress. She managed to finally stop the incessant giggling and peel herself of the floor. Then coughing away the ending chuckles, Riana dusted herself off adding calmly "But that's not such a bad thing."

"How do you figure?" Huntress said guarded not sure if her friend was through. Riana seemed to have regained all her composer because she smiled softly at Huntress.

"It just means your becoming gentle again...." Riana answered changing the word "loving" to "gentle" have way through the sentence. She knew that Huntress was still touchy about the word "love" but gently could still mean the same thing if used properly. Huntress looked at her then let out a half hearted scoff crossing her arms again, but loosely. Then glancing nervously at Riana, leaning back on the wall, stated with less force

"You mean I'm becoming soft right?"

Riana turned from gentle to a little firm saying

"What's so bad about that?"

Huntress for once didn't have an answer and only looked blankly at Riana. Sure thought of "How can a mommy fight monsters" or "Soft means weak" tired to form on her lips but all fell flat. Now those words seemed so much more harsh and cruel. Riana must have sensed her uncertainly because she came up slowly to Huntress. She laid a comforting hand on Huntress shoulders saying

"Soft doesn't mean you're weak and caring for someone isn't just a privilege of the past. All those things actually can make you stronger...."

"How?" Huntress said. It was suppose to sound harsh but it came out only as a wispy mutter. Riana's eyes glistened a little as she said softly

"It gives you something to fight for, a reason to live..." Then Riana slipped her hands off Huntress' shoulders and headed to the training room leaving Huntress to rethink her old tall tale thoughts. Before she left, however, Riana stopped mid walk and gave a tired sigh. Then glancing back at a deflated Huntress, she added softly

"And right now....we need every single reason we can find."

*High Council Office*

Optimus didn't have time for this. He needed be going back to find Sari on Earth! Not waiting around for a "trial" from some other old bots to decide his decisions for him. They had never step foot on Earth, exception of Ultra Magnus short visit, and they wanted to decide if saving the planet was worth all the trouble?

"Easy Prime." Prowl's cool collective voice came from behind. He must have sensed Optimus anger. Prowl should because of right now Optimus felt like if anyone told him off he'd kick their skidplates all over the room. Those kinds of thoughts made him even more on edge simply because of this. Optimus never really "lost" temper and even then on a few occasions. But the moment he had seen Sari again, the cute innocent face he use to lovingly protect turned into a confused and angry like animal, it took all Optimus had not to bust a wall in. Maybe he was furious at himself for ever leaving her alone, or never answering her calls. Or he could be ate up with guilt over never making absolute sure Sari was ok by calling her once and in a while. But that didn't matter now. Those....things were hurting her and Optimus would not allow that to continue any longer.

"I know....I know" Optimus replied tensely but followed the Ninja's advice, taking in easy soft breathes. Isaac below him gave an irritated huff saying

"How long are we supposed to wait?"

The back doors opened wide and all the mouths shut with optics glancing of the new bots arrival. They all looked upon a more humbled and battered up Sentinal Prime. He walked with a noticeable limp but managed to save what little dignity he had and walk up to the opposing side's desk. Ultra Magnus stood in the balcony above and called the court to order. Quickly a hush settled over the room. He looked over at Sentinal saying

"How are you feeling Solider?"

"Fine Sir." Sentinal answered with confidence. Ultra Magnus nodded satisfied from the answer and faced the whole court room. His mouth formed a tight fine line before he stated

"Optimus has asked to go back to the organic planet called Earth. He has evidence that the people there are in grave danger..."

"That's the understatement of the year." Sentinal whispered part sarcastically. Ultra Magnus did not hear him but Optimus sure did. He looked crossly at Sentinal who quickly shrugged hiding what he had said. Optimus glanced suspiciously over at his old friend, who refused to look at him, as Ultra Magnus continued

"In closing we need to make a decision of the future of this planet and it's people."

"It's simple," The Judge on Ultra Magnus' right stated. He leaned in closer on his chair saying "Do we let them live or die?"

A few gasps of surprise went quietly thought the room and Bulkhead made low wince from the harshness of the words. Optimus felt his servos tighten at the emotionless statement and Ratchet literally had to keep a hand on his shoulder to keep him grounded. Prowl and Jazz had quickly subdued Bumblebee from unleashing his stingers on the heartless judge. Ultra Magnus nodded solemnly from the cold words and looked down at the opposing side's desk. With one eyebrow raised he glanced at Sentinal asking

"Do you have anything to say Sentinal?"

"No....not anymore." Sentinal muttered quietly. Then becoming more confidant he looked Ultra Magnus dead in the optics stating "I move to drop this court proceeding and allow Optimus and team to go to Earth ASAP."

Optimus and the others looked stunned while Sentinal held on with determined optics up at the Judges. Even Ultra Magnus seemed shocked as he stated

"Are you sure?"

Sentinal nodded sullenly, then began to fiddle around with his paper work and Ultra Magnus stiffened in his chair. A few awkward coughs were the only sound in the stifling air. The other Council men grouped together to "discuss" the newly opened options as Ratchet glanced at the Academy bot. He crossed his arms saying sarcastically

"So may I ask why your had such a sudden change of heart?"

"It's none of your concern!" Sentinal snapped irritably. He did a quick glare at Ratchet but secluded to being quiet and dormant. Optimus didn't know how to act with this "new" Sentinal. Something was not right and he could feel it deep within his spark. Sentinal may be a lot of things but his outright disgust for organics would have not gone away in a whim. Unless something he saw or did caused the change....

"He asked you a question Sentinal." Optimus said sternly stepping forward. Sentinal seemed hesitant fuelling Optimus suspicion he was hiding something more and more. Slowly Optimus passed Ratchet and closed into Sentinal. He put on his aggressive face while up close and personal to Sentinal. Optimus stared him down as the hush tones of the Council went on in the background. If any of the Autobots could sweat like organics than Sentinal would have beads of liquid forming on his face. Optimus saw him wavering and took the chance to cross his arms glaring at him. After a five more agonizing minutes, Sentinal finally broke squeaking

"Ok I faked your deaths on the screen so the organic would believe that you were all dead!"

"You did WHAT!" Bumblebee screamed in fury, his face going a tint red. Ratchet held his wrench he had brought along dangerously high and Bulkhead gritted his mouth shaking hard in anger. Prowl became very still giving Sentinal a dark, cold look his visor sharp in rage. Jazz simply looked disgusted at his old teammate. However the others didn't compare to the enraged mech before him.

Optimus changed right in front of Sentinel's optics. At first his optics had glazed over, giving Sentinal a glimmer of hope that he would go into shock. Suddenly Optimus' body tensed all over and his eyes glowed a bright blue. A glare of pure rage and hate overcame the once hesitant hero. Then he did something no one had ever expected.

Optimus punched Sentinal right in the face.

Sentinal staggered back howling in pain from the surprising muscle to back up the move. Optimus however was so enraged that he went to step forward and pound more on the whimpering Autobot. All those times he made fun of Optimus came to a head but the one thing that fuelled his anger the most was image of the once crying little girl back on Earth. All the team however that would not be the right answer, no matter how much Sentinel was a jerk, and reached out then to hold Optimus back. He struggled with incredible strength under his friend's holds while he shouted

"You stupid afthole! Why? Why did you do it?"

"I thought I was helping keep the planet clean! I swear I didn't know this would happen!" Sentinal blubbered in fear. He was terrified and had never seen this side of Optimus before.

"No wonder she hates us! You gave her the incentive!" Optimus shouted more in rage. He had stopped struggling from the teams hold. However he had to be held back as Optimus stepped forward hissing "Your one son of a glitch!"

"That is ENOUGH!" Ultra Magnus shouted slamming his hammer down. The electrical charge shot through the sky and fizzled in the air above them. Ultra Magnus looked sternly at Optimus hiding his surprise well from the young bots outburst. Optimus seemed to become a little sheepish and turned away from Ultra Magnus's gaze. Ultra Magnus shook his head saying tiredly

"Sentinal, do you want to press charges against Optimus Prime for his outright assault?"

"No Sir." Sentinal stated shakily. He peeled himself off the floor and steadied himself on the table. Ultra Magnus gave a tired sigh from the petty bickering of young bots. When the room had cooled down a little he glanced at Sentinal asking

"Do you have anything else to add?"

"No sir." Sentinal replied quietly. Ultra Magnus looked a few more minutes at the Academy bot then glanced over the room. Some of the teammates with Optimus still looked upset but not enrage like before. It was the perfect time to add the unsettling news he had to give. Ultra Magnus sat up straighter stating

"Very Well then. We will come back from recess tomorrow."

"Can't we make a decision now?" Optimus pleaded. Ultra Magnus turned on him saying curtly

"After what you just pulled you're lucky we didn't deny your request!"

Optimus didn't add a comment all his rage deflating out of his system. He hunched his shoulders in submission but the burning frustration inside his spark still remained. Ultra Magnus' voice came from above saying sternly

"Meeting adjourned."

Then he slammed the hammer down and Optimus felt the pulse go through his body. It felt like a laser weapon going straight into his spark chamber and slice his spark in two. While the others stood around no really knowing what to do Optimus had a fleeting thought wisp by his processor.

"Wonder what Sari is doing right now...."

*In Sari's Old Room*

Huntress sighed heavily upon facing her bedroom door. What stood on the other side of that wooden barrier was a certain little girl who must hate her right now. She didn't know why but that made Huntress want to forget the whole "grounding" thing all together. However that little nagging reality that Abby had disobeyed and had acted so badly during Huntress absence pushed the tough love decision onward. Didn't mean she couldn't talk to the girl and make her understand the gravity of the situation.

Huntress built up her defences and entered her bedroom door with a blank expression. She saw Abigail sitting straight back on the edge of the bed and staring out the large windows outside. The red streaks all the way down her cheeks indicating hot angry tears sent Huntress resolve crumbling down around her.

"What do you want?" Abby asked flatly. She wiped her sleeve across her nose and crossed her arms. Huntress entered into the room walking close to the bed saying softly

"I just wanted to talk to you."

"About what?" Abigail replied coolly still not looking Huntress' way.

"To ask if you knew why I grounded you..." Huntress said getting closer to the bed. She stepped in front of Abby to face her but Abby turned to the right in a quick jerk.

"Because I snuck out of the base when Riana told me I couldn't go." Abby stated coldly. However Huntress could see a glimmer of guilt pass between those big brown eyes of hers. Huntress slipped onto the bed and looked at the backside of Abby. She leaned over and gently slipped her left hand under her daughters chin and guided Abby's face whispering

"Look at me please..."

Abigail allowed her mother's hand to guide her face and met soft blue eyes gazing in hers. Huntress saw Abby's eyes glisten over as she moved closer to her. All the anger died away from the girl's body language as she leaned her head upon Huntress' left shoulder. Huntress placed her matching hand over Abby's head and held on to it tenderly. A few soft tears later Abby slipped back up whispering

"I knew it was wrong and I'd get in trouble but..."

"So if you know why your being punished and you knew it was wrong...." Huntress corrected but surprisingly with no sternness in her voice. Then shaking her head confused she asked "Then why did you do it?"

Abby's eyes suddenly glistened with fresh tears as she choked "I wanted to help find you because..."

"Because what?" Huntress interrupted. Abby looked down at the ground for a while then back at her, face looking partly scared. Then she put her head down then glanced upward whispering "I found out about....you...being my mother."

Huntress felt the world spin around once in a crazy fashion from the outright shock. Then it settled into stillness again as Huntress faced her daughter. Abby must have seen the confusion and shock in her body and facial features because she added hurriedly

"I was going to find you and Riana when I overheard her talking to Eric. She was mad at him about losing me saying she had enough problems dealing with the situation of telling you about me being your daughter..."

"Then the rest you figured out on your own." Huntress finished for her. Now all of it made sense of why Abby had clung to her the last couple of days after she had arrived back from Cybertron. She looked away from Abby and stared out of the windows blankly. Huntress never noticed how the action made her a spitting image of an older version of her daughter. Abby remained quiet for a long time, studying her mother. Then making the last plunge she asked timidly

"So are you mad I'm your daughter?"

Huntress eyes widen and she looked up quickly at Abby. Straightening fast she quickly grabbed the child in a hard embrace saying soothing

"No no no, Abby. Don't ever think that way."

"Good. Cause I never had a mother before..." Abigail's muffled reply came from behind Huntress' shoulder. Huntress felt her eyes grow hot as she revealed a hidden pain she had never told anyone.

"I never had a mother either Abby." Huntress whispered showing a brief vocals of hurt. Abigail didn't respond but seemed to feel her mother's hurt because she wrapped tighter around her waist. Huntress felt the long ago aches of when she was eight and watched other girls with their mothers. Even after the Autobots came that same feeling never really went away. She had felt like Abby had, alone, unloved and yearning for a womanly person to touch her heart like only a mother could. Now Huntress was on the other end of the stick, aiding a child with the connection that had been denied to Huntress her whole life. But instead of being angry, or jealous, the now small connection that was starting to grow somehow began to fill up the space in her heart that had gone empty for far too long. They stayed like that, holding each other in a tight embrace rocking faintly, locked away in their room. For a few sweet moments they forgot about the world for a while and only focused on being mother and daughter.

*Cybertron, Optimus' Apartment*

Optimus slammed the door behind him and stomped into the makeshift living room. He had surprisingly held his composure during the whole way home but now that he was alone, with no other imprint able bots like Bumblebee and Bulkhead to watch his every actions, Optimus could allow his anger to run free.

The little worm called Sentinal had not even stuck around to answer any questions. He had slipped out the door before anyone had time to catch up. Optimus knew in the back of his processor that confronting him right then would have only caused more trouble than what their already was. It was better for everybody if they just went their separate ways and allow things to cool down.

Optimus, during his mild tantrum, had banged on the end table next to his berth. This action caused a good sized picture frame from back on earth to fall forward on its glass side then topple over to smack the concrete floor below. With quick reflexes that only a trained Academy bot could have, Optimus caught the frame in mid fall and kept a very prized possession from shattering to a million pieces. He brought the picture upward but stopped before placing it back on the end table. Optimus' optics softened and his whole tone changed to sentimental as he chuckled saying

"Oh I remember this picture."

It was of just him and Sari when she had only been eight years old. Back then Sari had still had that "awe" over him being the leader, before Megatron attacked and he had made that horrible mistake he regretted every since the second he did it. This moment had been at a time of what humans called innocence. Sari had her child like arms wrapped around his neck, her head resting on his cheek and giving her cute smile. Optimus, not really knowing what was going on, had just given a smirk. Later she had told him what "pictures" were and convinced the others to do one also.

Optimus gazed downward at the end table and placed the picture down delicately. He looked up along his side berth room walls and saw the other pictures he had brought back from Sari's home planet. There were two more total and Optimus took plenty of time to study each and every one.

The first one was when Sari was still little and had come to move in with them. Optimus felt a twinge of melancholy knowing that had been the end of her "awe" and child like crush of him. The looks of wonderment of Optimus being the "leader" by then slowly began to die off. This photo was sacred to him because the last of those looks had been captured in a hurried moment in time. It showed Optimus holding up a human bar bell of well over Ten tons by his two main fingers and grinning. Sari was on the left side, dangling over the couch side and gazing with large eyes up at him. A flash of Sari's new face went across Optimus processor and he felt his face plate grow hot with anger. Who had dared to smear off the innocent face of his youngest teammate and replaced it with cold hatred?

The Second picture was after her upgrade and her physical age had started to catch up with her mental age. Sari was sixteen then and during that time the sweet little girl had began to dress more "high school" like, many times not wearing her favourite color yellow and reading magazines like a maniac. She had caught on around that time about a "Sweet Heart" dance, mainly for Fathers and Daughters, being held in the Detroit Park that Saturday night. Sari had been crushed when her father had told her he couldn't go but had hid it well from him. So seeing her spark breaking, Optimus jumped on the preverbal bandwagon and asked her is he could take her. Sari had accepted in a happy rush and insisted on pictures. This photo was after Optimus borrowed Sound waves hologram of himself and Sari had a stunning yellow sequined dress on, her hair put down in delicate waves and swirls. He had his arms wrapped around Sari's waist and she had her hands up over her head, holding on to his neck and leaning her face in a cute side position. Sari had an elegant look on her face and Optimus had grinned in a mature fashion. Chills raked his metal body as Optimus still felt her warm human skin press against his as they had danced a slow song later that night. The child who had had a soft spot for had suddenly turned into a stunning, elegant and graceful young woman in front of his very optics.

Optimus set his optics on each picture, questions clouding his thoughts. Where was the little girl who had giggled at every joke he told? Was she still in there somewhere, admits the blackness? If anyone saw the first two pictures of Sari then and what she looked like now, any bot would have accused it being staged pictures. What about the Dance pictures? Sari looked like an elegant woman, what had changed her to a animal? Those questions and the answers the followed sent a hot, searing, anger flow in his energon veins. Now he had a moment to act and the stiffs on high wanted to keep him hold back? Keep him from rescuing the girl who had captured his spark in every single way? Optimus gazing again at the picture for a long moment, letting each thought pass in his processor and did something unusual of his personality. He angrily slapped the wall with his hands, disturbing the pictures, muttering

"Ah Slag Ultra Magnus! I'm going to Earth! He and the others can kiss my aft."

"Become violent in the past solar cycles now have we?" Prowl's voice came from the shadows. Optimus didn't look already knowing Prowl had a big smirk plastered all over his face.

"Do I even have to ask how you got in?" Optimus replied sarcastically. Prowl came out of the shadows his arms crossed replying

"Told you to keep your windows locked."

Optimus faced him putting on his best poker face, stating calmly

"I'll remember that next time."

Prowl smirked bigger almost to a grin but his demeanour changed slightly. He glanced back at the wall filled with memories of days gone by, then back at Optimus saying with slight concern

"I haven't seen you this angry since...."

"What? Since when you told me the Dinobots were alive on an Island?" Optimus slyly replied back. Prowl actually wavered in his state of calm, flickering shock, but gained it all back with a short, quick, chuckle.

"No...Since we were forced to leave Sari behind." Prowl replied but more solemnly. His face turned cold and Optimus knew exactly why. The same face of a furious Sari was on both of their processors. A hush fell over the room as both bots looked away from each other and stared into nothingness. Wind picked up from outside and blew gently around the room as both bots remembered days gone by. Both held memories only they and a certain young girl knew each different from each other.

Optimus shifted uncomfortably on his feet, then sighed heavily, saying tiredly

"Ahh Prowl look at her! You saw her!" Optimus pointed to the most recent picture of Sari adding "What could have possible happened that changed sweet little Sari into....that."

Prowl didn't answer in words but the stare he gave was more than enough. Sadly it was the answer Optimus had also, I don't know. A small smirk played on Prowls mouth as he muttered quietly

"I'm guessing you're going to find that out?"

"No not me....we." Optimus replied back his face never wavering. He switched from worry and concern to straight back determined.

"Come again?" Prowl teased with mock shock. Optimus saw right through it. He knew very well he was more anxious to get on Earth than any of the others. Optimus nodded his head saying leader like

"Yes Prowl, WE are all going back to Earth. Now I need you to round up the old team."

"Already taken care of." Prowl replied smirking once more. Optimus looked at him funny until four more figures stepped forward. He watched curiously as Prowl stepped up heard a loud ripping noise and a shout of

"I could of have kept quiet!" from Bumblebee who sounded extremely annoyed. Optimus couldn't help but smile as a loud "thunk" and another yelp sounded in the dark as Ratchet gave Bumblebee is legendary back slap saying grouchily

"Then why aren't you now?"

"Cause its Bumblebee." Prowl replied. He walked out of the shadows with a large smirk on his face and was followed by an irritated scowling Bumblebee. Bulkhead came sheepishly out of the shadows but looked like he was ready for anything. He also kept glancing at Bumblebee, his mouth quivering from not laughing at Bumblebee being finally held quiet longer than five minutes. Ratchet had his arms crossed stalking forward saying

"Were like you Prime. The old fogies up in Council aren't going to hold us back!"

Optimus smirked in humour from the bots cranky, blunt way he had of talking. Some things never change. Bulkhead decided to pip up then saying quietly

"We all want to help find Sari...."

Optimus came up to his tallest team member and put a comforting hand on his shoulder. He gave a small smile to Bulkhead whispering

"Ok, Bulkhead we'll bring her back."

Bulkhead gave a small smile back to Optimus and nodded his head. Then he looked back at each bots face saying "Lets make this clear, we are going to Earth and talking to Sari. It might take a few hours, or a few days. Just to set things straight don't get any hopes up of staying there for good."

"Understood." They all said in unison. Optimus nodded in satisfaction then put his fist up high saying "Transform and Roll out!"

The team followed Optimus outside his apartment and obeyed Optimus command. A loud sound of metal compressing and soon four familiar Earth Vehicles drove out of the shadows. All of them speed out into the high way roads heading for Isaac's Apartment. From there Optimus knew they would go straight to the Space Bridge far from the city and go back to the planet they all had yearned to return to the moment they came back home.

While Optimus drove hiding his frustration of restraining himself at the normal speed limit. Prowl in his smaller vehicle mode came driving up to him, keeping in line with the flow of traffic and Optimus studied him curiously. Prowl suddenly cocked his right mirror up at him saying

"Why are you staring at me?"

"Just....How on Cybertron did you keep Bumblebee so quiet?" Optimus asked in part awe and pride for Prowl accomplishing what use to be thought as the impossible. Prowl actually chuckled a little but stated calmly

"An old Earth technique called...duct tape."

*Back On Earth, Sari's Old Room*

Abby stared up at the ceiling, her mind clouded with boredom. She sighed heavily wiggling on the bed and mental kicked herself for the umpteenth time for ever sneaking out. Sure she got to see Huntress, her mother, sooner but now that didn't seem worth the trouble of what she was in now. Abby already had her fighting lesson for that day, nunchucks with Huntress which went better than last time where she only hit herself five times. She smiled at the memory though because it was the first time Abby had gone through a whole punch sequence perfectly and the first time she had ever seen Huntress grin and look at her so proudly. Abby knew not to point it out but the warm feeling that had embraced her still came over when she thought of the last few hours ago. The rest of the day was pretty normal, lunch with Eric who teased her and made her laugh, and taking a bath with what Huntress called "bubbles". Those had been fun and Abby didn't hate taking a bath anymore since Huntress promised to allow her to use them again. Then the bad part came, just before dinner and right after lunch, where the punishment began and Abby had to stay in her room. She had tried reading a book to pass the time but only looked up with dread to see only ten minutes passed by. Now everything that could be done in the room was already done, so now Abby lied on the bed, bored.

Abby sat up on the bed and looked out the windows, desperate for something new to look at. Luckily her wish was about to be granted. She looked up when a familiar sound of Huntress' footsteps came near the door. Abby turned to see Huntress open the door and looking in the room with her eyes partly shining.

"Want to go on a mission?" Huntress asked grinning. Abby's eyes light up replying excitedly "Really?"

"Since youve taken your punishment this week without whining..." Huntress said easily walking into the room with her hands behind her back. Abby watched her smirk and look at her saying "I guess you deserve to get out of the Base for a little while...."

"Cool!" Abby squeaked happy and jumped off the bed. Huntress smirked bigger and followed the child who was more than ready to go.

*Cybertron Outskirts, Space Bridge*

The team had picked up Isaac Sumdac in a hurried rush after their little "meeting" at Optimus place. Then they had all went literally flying down the city streets, many times close to getting a ticket, and had come to the Space Bridge in record time. Jazz had chosen to stay behind and keep things "cool" where the High Council was involved. He did though ask Prowl to give Sari his "regards" for the last weeks incident. Now all were waiting, Optimus and Isaac Pacing opposite directions, Prowl sitting in Meditation, Bumblebee messing with his stingers and Ratchet sitting cross armed in deep thought as all waited for Bulkhead to finish up what he had left off before the last Council meeting.

"I think I've got it..." Bulkhead said excitedly. All the others looked up from their pacing as Bulkhead stood back proudly. The machine came to life, sputtering and then giving off a soft hum. Bumblebee gave Bulkhead a hard hit on the back saying proudly "You got it to work!"

"Yea it was simply really..." Bulkhead began and started to ramble about Space Bridge equations. Optimus in a haze of joy went to step up on the platform ready to find Sari. A quick sudden jerk of a hand from Prowl stopped him short as he stated calmly "Not yet."

"Prowl's right Boss Bot, the Bridge needs to have at least twenty minutes to load up." Bulkhead explained. Optimus shoulders dropped slightly, luckily none of his teammates saw, as he nodded in understanding. However the dread thought of "Another twenty minutes of waiting and Ill goes as nuts as Wasp..." filtered through the young leaders processor.

*Earth, Sumdac Tower, Main Lobby*

"Are you sure about this?" Riana asked Huntress unsure. Huntress fought of the laugh seeing Riana turn into a worrying motherly type.

"Don't worry Mother Hen." Huntress teased. Riana put her hands on her hips giving a look. Huntress' face went slightly more mature as she glanced at Abigail, who was talking million miles a minute to Eric, then looked back at Riana.

"I'll take care of her, promise." Huntress stated earnestly. Riana relaxed from the sincerity of her words and gave a understanding look. Then seeing the moment was turning a little to mushy Huntress smirked teasing "Do you really think Id let anything happen to my own child?"

Riana rolled her eyes at the remark saying "Never could take too much sentiment could you?"

"Were not a Hallmark Card, Riana." Huntress replied. However Riana heard a hidden vocal cord in Huntress words, meaning she was not kidding fully around.

"Are we going yet?' Abby asked Huntress impatiently. Eric grinned at her then at Huntress giving the look many friends did when your child acts just like you. Huntress gave Eric a teasing glare but replied to Abigail "Soon Abby, just one more minute."

Before Abby could retort Huntress leaned her head back and made a couple of bird noises. Abigail looked at her funny but Eric's face paled in an instant. Stepping back nervously he muttered "I think I should go...."

Swoop entered at that time causing Eric to shout in surprise and Abigail to give a short girly cry. Riana went from teasing to disbelief saying "You're joking...."

"Nope" Huntress answered her eyes sparkling with mischief. Abby looked at Swoop cautiously while stepping one foot daringly forward. Huntress sent Swoop a hard stare whispering in his ear area "Be nice to her. Got it?"

Swoop must have "got it" because he bend his head down lower for Abigail to touch. She laid a attentive hand on his beak and nervously began to stroke it. Huntress watched with guarded eyes while Abby's body relaxed and took the remaining steps forward towards Swoop. She looked surprised as Swoop not only let the girl pet him but nudged his face closer to her. Abby finally grabbed his whole face in a light hug and looked in his big eyes sweetly.

"You're not mean like Eric says..." Abby whispered smiling at him. Swoop non chalantly shot a mean look at Eric who crossed his arms huffing loudly. Abigail stroked his head softly adding "You're really nice. I like you."

Swoop breathed out like a large horse and Abby giggled letting go of his face. Huntress patted his head proudly whispering so no one heard "Thanks. She needs that." And readied up on his back. Abby stepped back but Huntress looked down at her saying

"We'll aren't you coming?"

"Like I said....you're kidding right?" Riana spook from behind in disbelief.

"And like I said....nope." Huntress replied smirking. Abigail's eyes got big as saucers as she said timidly

"Get...ON Swoop?"

Huntress nodded and leaned down with her right hand stretched outward. She waited patiently as Abigail overcame her timid emotions and looked up at her. Huntress looked at her daughter encouragingly and waited for her to grab her hand. A small, soft, child like hand wrapped around Huntress' and gripped on tightly. Abigail felt weightless for a few seconds as Huntress hoisted her up with ease. She landed in front of Huntress and her mother's right hand wrapped around her tiny waist protectively. Riana stepped in at that moment saying angrily hoarse

"This was only suppose to be a mild outing! Where the pitare you going that you have to take Swoop?"

"This is a small mission Riana! All were doing is checking the Space Bridge to see if it's not...." Huntress responded back half ticked but stopped mid sentence. She almost let out the secret of the Space Bridge. If Riana knew about the Autobots, the full truth, well let's just say they'd be reminded of where Riana originally came from, curse words and all.

"If it's still working....correctly." Huntress managed to salvage the dropped sentence with minimum stuttering. Riana was to flustered to pick up on the sentence saying

"I still don't see why you need Swoop!"

"Do you think I want to walk the whole way?" Huntress asked rhetorically. Riana glared at the sarcasm but bought it huffing and backing off. Eric smirked at Riana's direction but looked at Huntress sternly saying

"Remember your hands are still bruised...."

"When did this become a hen house again?" Huntress teased lightly. Eric crossed his arms at the remark saying curtly "Just don't do anything stupid!"

"This coming from the man who thought 2+2= chicken?" Huntress hackled more. Abigail giggled covering her mouth as Eric retorted defensively

"That was a joke!"

"Uh- huh." Huntress replied, eyes dancing with mischief. She saw thought Eric was not amused and knew when to "Cut and Run" as the Comedians of old use to say. Making a few clicking noises with her mouth, Huntress, sent Swoop skyward and grinned from Abigail's surprised but exhilarated scream. A quiet hush settled over the room as Swoop left Eric and Riana in his wake. Eric looked over at a still aggravated Riana asking

"You know that was a joke...right?"

"Yea....right." Riana replied easily. However the look she gave him said the opposite of what she had replied.

*Cybertron, Space Bridge*

"It's ready Boss bot!" Bulkhead shouted above a wind that had picked up. It had begun to blow because of the growing blue orb of transport energy that had appeared in the middle of the Space Bridge. Optimus smirked saying "I can see that!"

Bulkhead grinned back but was focusing now on last minute details. However Optimus let impatience get the better of him and ran right to the Space Bridge. Prowl watched him go while a smirk played on his face while he looked at Ratchet muttering "A little anxious is he?"

Suddenly Bumblebee loud engine came roaring above the wind as the young bot went racing into the blue glow right behind Optimus. Ratchet played a smirk on his own motioning towards the vacant spot where Bumblebee had last stood saying "Optimus isn't the only one..."

"Hey guys! Be better go or were going to be left behind!" Bulkheads slightly worried voice carried above the gusting wind. Prowl smirked bigger, almost to a grin, as he shouted "Can't have that now can we?"

"Oh slag no!" Ratchet replied getting into the game of teasing. All left bots gave one last look at each other before jumping into the Space Bridge behind their buds.

*Few Feet in the Air From the Space Bridge*

Huntress grinned upon seeing Abigail give another shriek of laughter from Swoop doing another nose dive and then flying upward at the last second. He did this a couple of times, swirling clouds of dust and debris in the air each time. Huntress felt Abigail's body shake from giggling as the girl shouted "That was cool!"

"You thought that was cool? Then watch this." Huntress shouted back to Abigail, her eyes gleaming with mischief. She pushed her legs harder between Swoop's body and guided him upward. Holding tighter around Abigail with her right hand, Huntress guided Swoop with her other hand and made the animal do a Loop de loop! Right in the air!

Abigail sent a fun filled scream of "wee!" and laughed hard as Huntress got the bird to go straight. Huntress couldn't help but let out a quick chuckle from the girls happy antics.

"That was fun! Let's do it again!" Abigail said giggling. Huntress didn't let the girl see but a down casted look came over her face. She had said the same exact things to Bumblebee once...

"I can't let them keep bothering me like this! Can I have just one day with just and my daughter without a cloud of pain masking everything?" Huntress thought slightly angry. A small girlish gasp pull her out of her thoughts as Abigail pointed below and shouted "Why is the blue thingy back?"

Huntress felt fear billow and churn in her stomach as she looked where her daughter pointed. Abigail wasn't lying; the Space Bridge was working again! "How in the Pit did they get it to work?!" Huntress thought with growing anger and venom. She gripped harder on Swoop, indicating he need to land, as another vindictive thought of "I didnt even think Bulkhead was that smart!" passed her brain waves.

Swoop hit the ground with a less than graceful thud near the front entrance and Huntress picked up Abigail off him like a little doll. Huntress ran to the back of the Base leaving a very flustered Swoop to his own devices. She set her daughter down surprisingly gently as Abigail watched forward fascinated by the spectacle that was going on in front of her. Huntress moved in front of her, to protect her from any danger that may be lurked just behind that blue light. She stepped forward a little but could see from the side of her eyesight that Abigail was trying to follow her. Huntress turn back saying sternly "Stay there." And pointed where Swoop could be seen from the front, crouched, and nervously flapping his wings. Abby looked at her like she would object but a reminder of her still enforced grounded shut her mouth and made her back up. Huntress looked on pleased at her daughter then focused her attention on the Space Bridge.

Suddenly her eyes grew bigger as the Space Bridge began to shake violently. The thing was malfunctioning! Huntress stepped back guarded and watched the machine come to life. As the machine sent shots of blue energy ricocheting to the air and on the ground, Huntress could see the machine was about to blow. Huntress turned and ran over to Abigail, knocking her to the ground shouting

"Hit the deck!"

Then Huntress covered her daughter, using her own metal body as a shield, and gripped Abigail in a hug protectively as white noise filled their ears. A sonic boom came from behind and knocked Huntress of her kneeling stance and placing her sideways on the ground. She never let go of Abigail though and still held on to her as the noises stopped. Huntress only barely loosened her grip as the smoke cleared but Abigail took the chance and managed to wiggle out of her arms. Abby looked up with question in her eyes whispering "What was that?"

"I...don't know." Huntress said slowly, clearly dazed. Then she quickly looked over Abigail, feeling her cheeks for fever, checking her arms for scratches, all the things mother did while saying in a motherly tone "Are you alright?"

"Yes." Abigail responded secretly liking the attention she was getting. Huntress looked her in the eyes suspiciously while asking "No broken bones? No torn skin? No brain damage?"

"I'm ok......Huntress." Abigail responded with a huff but stopped midway changing her tone to respect. Huntress didn't know why but a twinge of hurt poked at her spark as she realized Abby was still uncomfortable calling her mother. A soft, familiar, chuckle came from behind as Huntress tensed remembering the voice from anywhere.

"When did you become the mature one?" Optimus Prime teased, smirking. Huntress shot an angry look, filled with daggers, and got up slowly. She put Abigail behind her, hissing venomously "What are you doing here?"

Optimus frown slightly at her animal like look asking calmly

"Still mad at me aren't you?"

"We'll no sla...." Huntress went to say sarcastically but stopped. She did a quick glance at Abigail then back at Optimus. He gave her a raised eyebrow and it took all Huntress had not to cuss him out. Cybertron AND Earth language both. However certain little ears could pick up and try to imitate her behaviour. So in the end Huntress was stuck between a rock and a hard place. Optimus waited for her to finish. Huntress sent him another dagger look but giving a low irritated snort she hissed "No...Crap."

Meanwhile Abby stood wide eyed at the metal robot before her and waited for him to attack. How should she know he was a Autobot? That he'd never hurt her? Any metal thing she'd ever seen always wanted to kill you. So her fears were rightly justified.

Slowly though she came from behind Huntress' back and stepped forward a little to take another look at the strange metal man. Optimus grinned tenderly down to her and Abigail waved shyly back. Huntress watched the whole scene guardedly, almost like a new mother cat with kittens. She didn't say a word however, fear that it would cause more damage to the already traumatized girl before her. Abigail curiously looked at him, cocking her head to the side which Huntress secretly thought the cutest look she had and Abigail asked the bot "Who are you?"

"Optimus Prime." Optimus replied back saying it low enough to not frighten the girl. She smiled at him and went to ask her mother something when a yellow blur passed by.

"Boss bot! Are we there yet?" Bumblebee said quickly, looking around at his surroundings.

Abigail gave a short, frightened, squeal from Bumblebee's sudden arrival and ran for protective cover behind Huntress. She gripped her mother's skirt like a five year old while stuttering wildly "W—wh-who are y-you?"

Bumblebee looked down at the slightly shaking girl, and a very irritated Huntress who wrapped a right arm Abigail. Bumblebee's face light up from how easy they had found Sari but looked at the little girl, pointing to himself, saying proudly

"Names Bumblebee."

Bumblebee yelp a little from Optimus slapping him alongside the head lightly. He looked at the boss bot angry but knew the slap was probably deserved. Bumblebee had scared he girl after all. While this went on Abby giggled slightly watching with intensity at the metal men before her Abigail ventured out a little behind her mother's protection, looking up at the Yellow bot sweetly, whispering "I'm Abigail."

Optimus grinned some and caught Huntress stealing a soft look at the young girl. Suspicion rose slightly in his spark while question of why this girl was unnanouncably Sari's favourite. It could be she reminding Sari of what she was as at little girl. That made sense because Abigail, minus different color hair and eyes, was a spitting image of what Sari looked like at eight years old. The cute little girl motioned for Huntress to kneel and she obeyed. Abigail cuffed her hands over Huntress' right ear and began to whisper something.

"Can we keep them?" Abigail asked her mother, whispering in her ear, giving her best puppy dog look. The child didn't realize that the Autobots had incredible hearing and would never know their sparks melted from her child like request. Optimus watched Sari had a long thoughtful look on her face, then giving a soft nod to Abigail and grin partly seeing the girl's eyes dance with wonder. Sari leaned into the girl's eye whispering "Why don't you call Eric and tell him the news....Riana too."

Abigail nodded happily and Optimus caught Huntress steal a quick kiss on the cheek from Abigail before running into the old Base. However whatever tenderness she felt left as soon as the child was gone. Huntress looked up with cold eyes at them and stared at them a long time. Suddenly she said curtly

"You're all persistent son of a glitches...."

"What can we say? Were Autobots." Optimus replied smirking and hide his shock to her that kind of language come out of Sari's mouth. Bumblebee didn't however and his mouth literally hit the floor. Sari's eyes actually sparkled in humour from his reaction but shook her head. A frustrated growl came from her vocals as she looked like she was thinking all this through.

"We'll I'm officially screwed!" Huntress thought frustrated. Looking back with slight daggers at the two Autobots she kept thinking "For years I wanted them to come home and the moment I don't anymore, they won't leave! Now they certainly won't after meeting Abby. The glitches probably became attached to her the moment they met. Just like with me...."

Optimus could read Sari like a book after years of being with her and could tell her defences were wilting. Bumblebee however was growing impatient and tapping his foot looking around at the scenery. Sari looked away from them and kicked up dirt in anger.

"What a mess this is! I DONT WANT them here! But Abigail did give me the puppy look....and she did look so cute when Optimus talked to her....What am I thinking?! Am I ACTUALLY going to let them stay?..."

Sari looked back up at the two silent, one patient, Autobots before her and stared at them for a long time. Then sighing a defeated sigh she muttered "What the Pit? May as well..."

Optimus watched Sari look at him up and down. She did the same to Bumblebee and studied their features. Sari crossed her arms and before giving one last dagger filled look she replied curtly

"Since you all seem to have a death wish....you can stay."

Bumblebee grew slightly red from her comment and was about to shot something back but Optimus stopped him. When the rest of the team got her he would have them be quiet about the matter also. Who cared if she made an excuse it was them who wanted to stay. Optimus knew the truth, that sweet little Abigail had pulled on whatever heart strings Sari had left and convinced her to allow them to stay. If her pride was not going to allow her to admit that just yet, then ok. Optimus could deal with it, he was a big bot. He gave a quick nod and tryed to smile at her. Huntress rolled her eyes at Optimus just as Ratchet, Prowl, her father and Bulkhead decided to show up to the party.

"What we miss?" Ratchet replied urgently. Huntress gave a sarcastic snort and leaned on a broken wall. Optimus frown unapprovingly at her but Huntress sent a snobby look and haughty shake of her head. He gripped his fist in annoyance form her silent sarcasm but stated calmly "Sari, has decided to let us stay..."

"More like Abi...ouch!" Bumblebee muttered but Optimus kicked his foot to shut him up. Prowl's gaze went over to Huntress and she smirked at him.

"Came for round two?" Huntress asked sarcastically. She almost grinned seeing Prowl actually scowl at her and that's when she noticed the small healing scrap on his lower lip. Huntress actually held in a choked laugh and succeeded to where none of them heard it. It took her long enough to actually leave a mark on Prowl! Looks like the student had finally surpassed the teacher. However something inside Huntress ached for Prowl when he saw what the Earth had become. The Base "backyard" hid most of the changed world outside so Prowl and the others were in for one rude awakening.

Huntress looked at Isaac and suddenly felt a wave of shyness envelope her. She rubbed her hand behind her neck saying sheepishly "Hey dad."

Isaac looked even more uncomfortable and nodded in her direction. He crossed the gap between them and gave her a hug. Huntress tensed up from the human interaction but tried to make the hug less cold as possible. Isaac must have been satisfied as he backed away from her but he still looked at Huntress with mix emotions.

"So since we're here...." Optimus started off wanting to break the awkward silence. He became all business stating "We probably should look things over on the Base computers..."

"Oh those?" Sari replied almost grinning. She actually started to choke chuckle as Ratchet glared at her.

"What's so funny?" He replied grumpily. Sari looked back at him smugly saying "The computers are broken....dumb afts."

Bulkhead eyes bulged slightly hearing Sari curse and what felt like shame crossed over Huntress heart. The big guy probably didn't hear those kind of words, which meant she'd have to watch her mouth around him AND Abigail. Luckily the others were here, she could smart off to them as much as she wanted too.

Optimus for the first time Sari had seen him, looked completly caught off guard. Puzzlement crossed his face plate and Optimus assumed her had heard Sari wrong. He was about to say something when Abigail came out all out of breath and excited. Bulkhead looked at Optimus with a questionable look on his face and Optimus mouth "Yea I know. She looks just like Sari." Ratchet agreed with a nod and studied the girl below him. Abigail bounded up to Huntress like a puppy saying between giggles said "Oh!! Riana is so MAD! When I told her she used her New York Accent you called it and used a word called Shi...."

Huntress covered her mouth and said quickly "I don't think you need to repeat that Abigail. It's a...not so nice word."

"Oh...Ok." Abigail agreed then changed the subject saying "And Eric didn't say a word...."

Then giggling again she whispered "I think he fainted."

Prowl smirked a little seeing the giggling cute girl and said "Who's this?"

"I'm Abigail!" she replied proudly, the fear of the new giant robots beginning to disappear. Bulkhead waved shyly at Abigail and she returned the wave. Ratchet looked gruffly at the girl but Huntress read his eyes, he liked her. Isaac grinned softly at the girl who grinned big at his direction. He did once look at Abigail and then at Huntress with one eyebrow raised. Huntress shrugged her shoulders like she didn't care but tensed in defence as the others came nearer to Abby. Optimus remembered what they had talked about and said confused "What do you mean the computers are broken?"

"I meant that this is no longer the Base we use to strategise anymore." Huntress explained in a surprisingly calm voice. Then shaking her head she added "The only place we have that kind of technology anymore is at the new Base."

"And that is where? Exactually?" Bumblebee asked suspicious. Huntress looked at him stating "Sumdac Towers."

"Sumdac Towers?" Isaac breathed in amazement. Huntress nodded and explained "It was the largest, and sanitary, place we could find to help people who were attacked."

Then shrugging her shoulders she added "It started out as just the hospital but eventually we just moved all the operations there. It was easier to keep track of everyone that way. Also it helped with keeping our defences organized."

Huntress walked away while the Autobots and her father stared at each other from Sari's new mature, strategic, mind. Abigail followed behind her but looked back worried the new "friends" were not going to come. Huntress looked back at like her daughter but impatiently said curtly

"We'll are you all just going to stand there? If you're wanting to go, let's go!"

The old team went into action from her words and quickly followed behind her. Huntress rolled her eyes at them but continued forward. They had just excited out of the side gate of the backyard when Huntress stopped. This was the part she had dreaded. The Autobots were about to see what their precious little planet had become. Huntress drooped her shoulders seeing all of them stop in their tracks. She didn't know why but a part of her felt like she had failed. Huntress, or Sari, had been given the position of protecting Earth. But now look at it, dusty, brown and death stained in its hillsides. A simple task and she had allowed monsters to take over.

Optimus wanted to drop to his knees from the sheer horrific blow. Guilt churned all through him as he kept thinking "I left her and Earth alone....without any protection...and look what happened."

Prowl literally felt his spark tear in too. No lush green could be found as far as his optic could see. The nature he had loved, had protected while he was there, had been torn apart by monsters. No wonder Sari was always so anger, if he had only death and dust to look at, no beauty, he would be just as bitter.

Ratchet felt like he had failed the organics on Earth, every single one. Like when he had told Sari as a child about Ratchet didn't know what he would do if anything happened to this planet...we'll the feeling was still the same. He stood in shock silence.

Bumblebee and Bulkhead just stared blankly at the world. All Bumblebee could think was if any games were left. Also he did feel regret for ever leaving the beings who had created the wonderful idea called "Video games" or "Speed racing" to be left to die. Bulkhead didn't know what to think. The entire grim and dark looking world literally left his processor in a blank. Isaac Sumdac felt like Bulkhead...mentally and physically drained.

A loud shrill bird call from the right and shook the team out of their thoughts. Prowl looked caught off guard as he breathed "Swoop?"

Swoop growled and hissed in the team's direction. Optimus narrowed his optics remembering past situations with Dinobots and readied to fight. The others did the same. Huntress wanted to double over laughing when the Autobots went into attack mode upon seeing Swoop. She stalked over calmly to him and heard Optimus hiss sternly "What are you doing Sari?! Come back here..."

But he stopped mid speech as Swoop affectionately nudged Huntress' side shoulder. She petted him across the top of his head, the way that always calmed him down and smirked to see Prowl's jar wide open. Huntress patted Swoop on the side neck, who was beginning to purr now that his partner was safe, and looked back at the Autobots. Smirking wider Huntress said easily "Oh I forgot. There's not any transportation left on Earth so..."

Patting Swoop again, who nuzzled her back, she added "I fly him."

"Fly him?!" Bumblebee exclaimed flabbergasted. Prowl shook his head breathing "How...did you..."

"Train him?" Huntress finished for him. Prowl nodded but she darkened in her features.

"I didn't." She replied low. Huntress looked in his direction adding "We just have a understanding."

Prowl remained speechless and the others stared blankly at the duo. Abigail came up fearlessly to Swoop and giggled when he ruffled her hair. Optimus did though come out of his shock when Huntress climbed right on Swoops back. He grew stern saying

"What are you doing?"

"Duh. I'm riding him back to the Base." Huntress smarted back. Optimus crossed his arms saying

"Why can't you just ride with us?"

Huntress actually snorted in arrogance at his comment and looked at him like he was below her. She turned Swoop slightly with her hands, which he obeyed gracefully flapping his wings once, while stated sarcastically "If I wanted to take a whole mega cycle to get there."

Optimus actually glared at her from the rude comment but a high pitch squeal of excitement came from the side. Abigail, who had backed off waiting for Huntress to help her on Swoop, was jumping up and down excitedly, holding her hand up in the air.

"I want to ride in a...." Abigail started to exclaim excitedly then stopped puzzled. Then looking up at Optimus asked innocently "What's it called again?"

"A fire truck." Optimus answered grinning from Abigail's question. Breaking into a smile again Abigail exclaimed "Oh yea! I want to ride in a fire truck!"

She bounded over to Huntress and Swoop and began to beg saying "Please! Please! Please!"

"I thought you wanted to ride on Swoop." Huntress replied hiding her jealousy. However the jealously flew away as Abigail replied sweetly "But I never rode in a fire truck!"

Abigail saw Huntress was weakening from the look on her face. Then she pleaded holding her hands together upon her face asking sweetly

"Can I go?"

Huntress gazed at each of the Autobots for a moment before looking down at her daughter. She hesitated for a moment then nodded slowly. Abigail pumped the air excitedly and bounded over where Optimus was. Crossing her arms impatiently she looked at him saying

"We'll? Do that fire truck thingy!"

Optimus held in the urge to laugh at Abigail's pure cuteness and began to transform. Abby backed up amazed while the others did what he was doing as well. When they were done, Optimus opened his passenger door, and waited for Abigail to climb in. Her eyes double in size as she breathed "Cool." And ran up to the passenger side. Abby smiled to see Isaac had climbed in on the driver's side. She watched im curiously as he bulked his seat belt and Abby slowly did the same. Optimus shut the doors quietly and glanced to see Huntress gazing at Abigail. She didn't think he could see as Huntress grinned partly at her daughters excitement. Optimus watched her features turn lovingly and soft while watching Abigail begin to chatter away with Isaac inside. She suddenly made a clicking noise and Swoop took off in the air. Optimus quickly moved his wheels and followed behind.

*Sumdac Tower*

"That was fun!" Abigail shouted and giggled. Isaac grinned at the girls silly antics as she bounded out of Optimus vehicle mode. He stepped out also and Optimus quickly transformed. The others came driving up and followed suit. Isaac gave a small gasp seeing his once proud empire, broken down partly.

Only a few minutes passed before a large shadow came and Swoop landed a few feet before them. Huntress leaped off him gracefully and patted him to leave. Swoop obeyed and with one loud screech, flew off into the afternoon sky. She turned solemnly at them and walked to where they stood. Bumblebee gave her a sarcastic look saying "I thought you said we were slower?"

"Shut up." Huntress said back but with less force. She looked where the main entrance was and back at them.

"Alright, I'm gonna talk to the others..." Huntress began. However Optimus interrupted her saying

"Maybe we should."

"No!" Huntress answered quickly. Then giving a nervous cough she said "Just...stay here."

She jogged back quickly into the Sumdac Tower before Optimus or the others could answer of ask any more questions.

*Main Lobby*

"Oh no, no, no, no!" Riana shouted loudly, her face distorted in anger. Huntress shushed her hoarsely whispering "They can hear you even this far away!"

"Slag no, pit no, oh no no no!" Riana continued to rant but in a whisper. Eric went pale from Huntress remark squeaking "Hear us? How?"

Huntress ignored Eric, who looked like he was beginning to have a panic attack, as she turned to Riana saying

"It's no use Riana! No matter what you say.....they are here. And the big guy said their staying...period."

"Oh and you expect me to say ok and be all cheery about it?!" Riana hissed. Huntress looked at her angrily saying "Don't you think I want them gone was much as you do? But their adamant and we can't do anything!"

"We could send the Pack on them...it is a option...." Eric replied solemnly. Huntress suddenly turned on him and glared up close and personal into his face. She gritted her teeth hissing "Don't ever say that again! About anyone! Understand?"

Eric gulped and nodded quickly. Huntress calmed down and backed off his personal area. Then giving a deep sigh she said quietly "Were not animals Eric, even if we fight like ones."

Riana stated shocked at Huntress and couldn't believe her ears. Huntress shifted uncomfortably in her gaze and said curtly "So are you ok with this or what?!"

"Do we have a choice?" Riana replied, her mind clouded in a disbelief haze. Huntress smirked at her saying "Not really."

She waited for Riana and Eric to give anymore retorts before motioning the Autobots in. When no other words came forth Huntress turned and walked out to the front entrance. She cupped her hands and said "You guys can come in now!"

Riana held in a scream, barely, as ten foot robots come walking casually into the Main lobby. Eric backed up quickly and looked extremely guarded, ready to strike at any moment. Abigail came walking quickly in front and pointed with her right hand saying "See! Told you!"

"Yea, you did." Eric replied staring up at the five Autobots before him. Huntress tried to put some normality into the situation and went to introduce each Autobot. She crossed her arms saying part in a irritated mood "We'll better tell you their names. Makes it easier than calling them, Hey Robot."

She pointed to each Autobot with her left hand, while her right hand was still crossed around her body.

"That's Prowl" Huntress introduced. Prowl nodded to the two humans and Riana nodded back. Eric just paled more seeing the Autobot move.

"Ratchet" She continued tonelessly. Ratchet crossed his arms and grunted in reply. Eric actually part grinned at the old medic. He reminded Eric of his grandpa, kind of. Riana just gave him a frown seeing this one was going to be hard to handle already. She disliked grumpy people, which made her friendship with Huntress more confusing.

"Bumblebee" Huntress introduced again. Bumblebee waved really fast and smiled big. Riana looked him over suspiciously and noticed his fast wheels. She dreaded keeping tabs on this one, Riana liked quiet and stillness, not loud and fast. Eric waved back at the young bot and instantly had a good feeling about him. Probably he was a little "rambunctious" but Eric missed having a guy friend to tease and joke around with.

"And Bulkhead...." Huntress continued more emotionlessly. Bulkhead shyly grinned and waved sheepishly. Riana body language went from guarded to soft as she grinned sweetly at the big lug. Eric waved a short one swoop at Bulkhead and grinned.

"And that's Optimus!" Abigail finished with more excitement. Huntress quickly glanced her way but actually smirked from her daughter bubbling attitude. Abby smiled at each of them and looked up at Optimus smiling saying "He can transform into a fire truck!"

"That's cool Abby." Riana replied quietly and looked softly at the excited child. Prowl smirked at the young woman but Riana didn't catch him. Huntress did though and gave a warning look to Prowl.

"So there. My jobs done." Huntress stated and began to walk up to her room. Abigail hesitated following her mother and chose to stay down stairs with the Autobots. Optimus gave her a disapproving look saying

"So that's it? Introduce us and you're done?"

"No." Huntress replied easily and stopped walking to her room. Coming back in a steady pace she added "I forgot to tell you the rules...."

"Rules? You kidding me?" Bumblebee asked flabbergasted. Riana gave her a surprised look and Eric matched it. Huntress mouthed "Trust me. This is important" and gave them a serious look. Both shut their yaps and nodded in unison. Huntress looked back sternly at Bumblebee saying

"Yes."

"What if we don't follow these rules?" Ratchet challenged giving her a daring look. Huntress shrugged her shoulders saying simply "I won't make you follow them. I wont spoon feed you and treat you like sparklings. Just know if you don't follow them.....I'll give it to you straight. You'll die."

"You would kill us over rules?!" Bulkhead exclaimed. Huntress shook her head saying "No! No! No! Not me!"

She pointed out into the land beyond muttering low "The living monsters out there."

The Autobots quieted down any other complaints but Huntress could see many were not happy about it. Optimus the most. She bit off a snappish comment to him and instead focused on the pleasure of the being the one in charge.

"First rule...." Huntress started and pointed flatly to Ratchet and Isaac. "They have to stay on Base at all times. No exceptions."

Before any of them could add anything Huntress continued "Second, you'll have to upgrade you weapons to Adamantium plated. Your Cybertron metals don't work here."

A few of the Autobots gave her confused looks and Huntress huffed in annoyance. She tried to explain as gently as she could stating "The Pack..."

"Is that what you call those crazy wild animals?!" Bumblebee interrupted. Huntress went from calm to tense nodded quickly. Optimus watched her features again change to part sorrow and get a lost look in her eyes. Huntress after a few moments came back to reality saying

"As I was explaining, the Pack are immune to your metals. Your upgrades, like my own, are almost completely harmless to them."

Optimus and the others gave a look for her to go on and Huntress did.

"Third rule, no technology. Com links are alright but other than that, nothing." Huntress explained. Bumblebee made a dreaded face and whined "Does that mean video games too?"

"Yes, Bumblebee." Huntress said in a surprisingly soothing tone. She turned to him adding "The games only cause distraction and the noise draws the Pack here. Ok?"

Bumblebee nodded sadly but didn't say anything more. Optimus looked at him and felt a twinge of sorrow for his youngest teammate. Bumblebee had always liked videogames. That was one of the reasons he was so excited to get here.

Huntress watched her old best friend and thought of an idea. She put in the back of her mind for later and continued on with the rules. Slowly her demeanour changed to aggression. Her face darkened and fist clenched part way.

"Finally... I am the leader now, not anyone else." Huntress hissed low then giving a daring look at Optimus. He didn't object, his face in an unreadable look but Riana and Eric both shot her a glare. She ignored them and refused to look them in the eye. Huntress put her hands on her hips added with force "So those are the rules. Simple and easy to follow. If you chose to do so you'll be doing yourself a big favor."

Then Huntress went past them and headed out to the training room to think over her thoughts. Riana watched her go but decided to drop the idea of following her and demanding why she had said she was the only leader. Huntress had never really said that before, maybe on one occasion, so the Autobots must have set her one edge. Especially the red and blue one called Optimus. Eric checked over the Autobots one more time until finally settling on Ratchet. Seeing the red and white symbol on his chest Eric pointed to it stating "You're a medic."

"Yea, so." Ratchet replied gruffly. Eric smirked and said "Ever worked on humans?"

*On the Stair Well*

Over the next two weeks the Autobots tried to settle in the best they could. Ratchet worked alongside Eric and between the two of them got more humans patched up than Eric could do in months. Ratchet seemed to like Eric, even though his vast knowledge of medicine and the fact he talked about it a lot, got on Ratchets nerves sometimes. Eric, Bumblebee, and Bulkhead became fast friends the moment Bumblebee had mentioned videogames. Eric and Bumblebee would talk for hours about past consoles, which was the best, how had the best graphics and so on. Eric liked talking to Bulkhead simply because the big lug was so smart when it came to Space Bridges. He also used to like to look at paintings in a museum and Bulkheads passion for art helped Eric taste some of the past life he had lost. Together they had planned on opening a museum the moment the Pack was defeated for good. With Bumblebee Eric planned to find all the games they could find and fix them up to their former glory. Eric and Prowl pretty much stayed away from each other, not out of annoyance you see but Eric just didn't click with him. Optimus was just like any other big brother figure to Eric.

Riana remained distant and only talked with the Autobots when need be. She still had her doubts of allowing them to stay, fearing it would cause a frenzy of Pack Dogs. However as weeks passed Riana came more open to them being there and actually liked the change of atmosphere. Bumblebee annoyed her greatly, Ratchet made her nervous, Bulkhead was sweet as he could be and Riana couldn't help but love him, Optimus was always good for a comforting smile and encouragement but Prowl was just.....Prowl. Riana didn't know how else to explain it. She did however study Prowl much more often than the others and was curious of how this metal robot could be so passionate about nature. The other robots she could read like a book but this one....this one was interesting. Huntress had talked about him once or twice and Riana couldn't help but be intrigued by the mech's strong and silent demeanour. She refused to let him see she was interested.

Abigail was the cutest, asking them the simplest of questions. She had become slightly shyer after the first week and had begun to watch them at a distance. Abby first opened up to Isaac Sumdac after he made something called a "milkshake" for her. She had drank it right up and during that had talked to the older man, growing to like his gently demeanour. Abigail was a little frightened around Bumblebee, especially when he raced around the Base, but after talking with Sweet Bulkhead, she had grown to like him. Bumblebee had actually once let her ride in him and went really fast! Abby liked him completely after that. Ratchet was as of right now just distant but Abby liked watching him, Isaac and Eric do medicine. She always smiled at him every day and could see a grin showing up bigger and bigger each time. Abby loved seeing Prowl meditate and remained quiet as a mouse when he did so. She tried to do it once but had accidently scooted too far on the stair edge and had begun to topple over, only to be "rescued" by the large blue hand of Optimus. He was the one she was most intrigued with, constantly sitting as close as her shyness would let her and watching him constantly. After the end of the second week she overcame her shyness and had decided to just sit on his large metal lap and talk to him. He had welcomed her with open arms and now Abigail liked to sit and talk with him when the sun set at night. She had decided to not mention to any of them she was Huntress daughter, the idea was still to new for even her to fathom just then.

Huntress had remained extremely distant, much to Optimus frustration. She refused to talk to them, constantly going to her room. Isaac was the only one she talked too, then just in few short conversations. Riana tried desperately to get her to talk to them but Huntress flat out refused. Eric made jokes and tried to tease her like old times, but Huntress never was in the mood. However she remained extremely protective of Abigail and wherever Abby was, Huntress was not too far behind. Optimus was grew more and more suspicious each passing day about the relationship, knowing there had to be more than just "emotional attachment" going on here. Sure Abby looked like her but not enough for Huntress to exhibit such strong feelings towards her. Optimus figured if he got close to the child, who he couldn't help but be drawn too, maybe Sari would open herself up to him. So far...the idea wasn't working.

*Main Lobby*

Now it was the end of the two weeks and Riana was struggling to think of things to talk with the Autobots too. She had tried training them, which went not as expected. They had all done great but the more "dirtier" fighting they were having a problem with. Always said it was not "Autobot" like and Riana eventually gave up on reasoning with them. She gave them the knowledge so they had a choice wither to use it or not. Next Riana and Eric both had tried to use them for fighting practice. Now Riana's right side below her shoulders was bruised and Eric had a strained knee cap. Who knew such large machines could be so stealthy?

Finally Riana was at her wits end on what to do with them. Huntress had refused to give any advice sneering "Let them tell you." and always walking where the Autobots wouldn't find her. After that Riana just let them be and hoped no uncertain Pack came knocking on their door. Guess again.

"What's that outside?" Bumblebee asked curiously. Abigail, who was on Optimus knee for the umpteenth time that day, jumped down and ran over to where him and Bulkhead were standing. Prowl, who as trying to meditate, opened one optic lense as she passed by and chuckled. Abigail reminded him so much of Sari at that age. Fearless, stubborn and slightly amusing.

A small gasp from Abigail alerted Optimus to stand up and walk over to her quickly. Abby looked up at him and then simply pointed outside. His optics sharpened seeing three Pack dogs circling around the front Base, growling menacingly. Bumblebee backed up and then shouted behind

"Hey uh....is that normal?"

Riana came out from his call, her hair slightly ruffled. Prowl smirked seeing the obvious signs from her body that she had been training. Riana rolled her eyes at him again but quickly walked over to the entrance. Her face instantly turned tense and she slowly frowned. Shaking her head, placing a hand on her face, she muttered "Not again."

Prowl watched her as Riana quickly walked by the Autobots and went back to the locked weapons boxes. Riana, along with Eric, had worked in private upgrading the Autobots weapons to Adamantium plating. Now they were ready, suiting for the situation at hand. She unlocked the box with ease and pulled out their weapons.

A few minutes later Riana walked in carrying the large weapons with very little strain. She tossed Optimus his axe, now a darker tint around the blades, which he grabbed quickly. Riana tossed Bulkheads cannon ball to Ratchet and he began to quickly hook it up. Prowl looked at her and Riana frowned, throwing his pack of stars forcefully in his direction. He grabbed them with a huff and felt the added weight in his hands. Prowl gave her a look but Riana turned away shouting in the upper room direction

"Huntress!"

Optimus reacted to the name and looked up to watch Huntress come out of her room. She literally flew out of the room and barely kept from toppling over the from gripping the rails. Huntress regained her balance easily and jogged down the stairs two at a time. Racing past Optimus and the others she suddenly stopped and hit the floor on one knee. Looking outside Huntress tensed up slowly and reached for her weapons. Optimus watched in awe as a new, hunter, like gaze come over her features as she hissed

"Guess they didn't learn their lesson..."

No wonder they chose the name Huntress. She sure looked and acted just like one.

Huntress got up and turned to the new "recruits" namely the Autobots. She rolled her eyes up at them, ready to make a sarcastic remark of staying behind, but Riana looked at her sternly saying "Don't even..."

Huntress shot her a daring look but Riana crossed her arms in defiance. Optimus stood shocked as Huntress gripped her weapons harder but instead of arguing, replied curtly "Fine" and gazed outside again.

Huntress realized that Bulkhead was finally fixed up but she looked straight on to Ratchet. Narrowing her eyes she said "Remember our deal."

"I know. Don't get your gears in a wad." Ratchet replied grumpily and stomped out of the Main Lobby to the Medic Room. Prowl shot Huntress back a glare but she didn't care. Ratchet was safe now, that's all that mattered. Even she, cold and unloving as she was, couldn't let herself put the old bot in danger. Call it her Sari side acting up. Huntress came back off the ground and began to stretch.

"We'll back to the old grind as they use to say." Huntress muttered stretching her right arms over her shoulders. Optimus gave her a raised eyebrow look but Huntress shoved it off as naive. "He'll Learn soon enough..." Huntress thought with a hint of sadness. Just as they were ready to leave a child like voice came from the other side of Optimus and sent chills of fear down Huntress spine.

"Alright let's go!" Abby shouted trying to act tough. She put up her hands in the cutest fashion of fist and looked ready to fight. Huntress turned and opened her mouth too...

"No way." Optimus replied for her. Huntress glared coldly at him, her chin set in a hard knot. Abby looked up at Optimus shocked then whined "Why?"

"It's too dangerous!" Optimus answered firmly. Abigail readied to get angry but something clicked in her mind. She put her hands on her hips and pointed over to Huntress triumphantly.

"I only have listen to her!"

Optimus looked at her and so did Abby. She put on her best face asking "Can I go?"

Huntress was about to agree with Optimus when she suddenly stopped cold. His look, that same old look, was what stopped her on a dime. It was a look of certainly that Huntress HAD to agree with him, had no other choice, set her on edge. How dare he think he could discipline her daughter! Then act like he was the big shot hero and make Huntress out to be the bad guy! So with all her motherly instincts screaming at her that Optimus was right, she did the complete opposite of what was right.

"You can go..." Huntress replied in what was barely an octave above a whisper. Riana paled instantly and was too shocked to speak. Optimus face grew a pale shade of red as he asked defiantly

"What?"

"You heard what I said." Huntress said a little louder. Abigail instantly brightened up and ran to her mother. Optimus grew very stiff and replied curtly

"No."

"Excuse me?" Huntress breathed in disbelief. Optimus crossed his arms saying

"I won't let you do this."

"What are you gonna do?" Huntress hissed defiantly. Then made the killing blow she shouted angrily "You're not my father!"

"But I am." Isaac's determined voice came from up the stairs. He walked coldly down them and came up to Huntress in a parent like motion. Isaac eyes grew soft as he said "Sari, don't do this because you angry..."

"I'm not!" Huntress defended but knew it was a lie. Of course she was, who in her right motherly mind would let her daughter out into that chaos? All this was just Huntress wanting to prove Optimus wrong. She paced a little from the unexpected situation but her nerves harden.

"She is GOING!" Huntress argued with them both. Then before any of them could say another word she ran outside to the fight and Abigail quickly followed after her. Optimus went from stern to painfully worried as he ran after them shouting

"Stop! Sari just stop!"

*Outside the Base*

Huntress tuned out whatever Optimus was saying and headed straight for the biggest Pack Dog. She ploughed into it head first and reared back to fight the other one as it went tumbling. Huntress turned to see the Pack dog growling and snapping at her. She hissed at him, hunkering doing into a defensive pose. Then it ran up to her and Huntress slid out her blade to attack. Blood and energon splattered everywhere as Huntress fought of the Pack dog bravely. As this was going on a frantic Optimus was trying to get to her.

Meanwhile Riana ran outside and threw one of the nunchucks at the Pack Dog behind Optimus. It clunked down hard on its head and the Pack dog shook from the pain. Riana watched it look her direction and readied for an attack. A soft whirring sound went through the air as black throwing stars zoomed and pieced into the animals back side. The Pack dog went into a fight of howls and screaming pain as it threw itself violently on the ground to get the sharp objects out of its back.

"Need any help?" Prowl replied and Riana turned back to see him slightly smirking. She actually returned it saying "That kind? Slag yea."

Prowl nodded and raced behind her as Riana went to Huntress aid. Bumblebee and Bulkhead stood behind under Primes orders and became like a living shield for the front entrance of the Base. Nothing could get in or out if they did their jobs right.

Now Abigail had thought this was supposed to be fun and exciting. Run in, beat on the Pack and she would be like her mother. Then Huntress would be proud of her. She was sadly wrong, oh so wrong. Abigail flinched back from the Pack dog, which kept circling her and watching her with its deadly eyes. She wanted to scream seeing the Pack dog bare its sharp white teeth and let out a low growl. Now all Abby wanted was her mother. Her mother and Optimus to come save her.

Huntress didn't even realize this was going on, she was that wrapped up in the big Pack dog's manoeuvres. Somehow during a regular pounce and slice move the slagging thing had turned too quickly. Now the Pack dog was on top of her and snapping its jaws franticly to get to her face. Huntress barely had it away from her, holding its bulk up strenuously. For on fleeting second she thought to scream for help but swallowed it down. Huntress could not depend on them, not anymore. She had learned to survive on her own, now she just needed to act on it.

Suddenly Optimus came wheeling in a flash, sliding on his right knee and held his axe with two hands. He made a stiff grunt as he welded down and struck the animal on its side. What was left of the Pack dog was a large, gushing, eight inch wide wound and excruciating pain. It screamed out a pained filled and electronic cry as it tumbled backwards on the ground, unable to move from the sudden losing of blood.

Huntress looked up at him, still leaning on her elbows and for the first time grinned at him. Optimus grinned back as she replied part sarcastic "A little much?"

"Coming from the person who ripped their jaws off?" Optimus replied standing up straighter. Huntress got up but stopped to put a mock hand on her heart saying

"Oh touché."

They were about to say something more, when a shrill scream sky rocketed to the atmosphere. Huntress froze recognizing that voice from anywhere. Except, this wasn't her. Couldn't be her. This scream was so much more terrified, horrific pain filled, and less childlike than the sweet girl she knew. Huntress went into a daze and suddenly felt her legs moving for her in a steady run. No words or screams of Abby's name came from her vocals as she felt the wind help carry her to her daughter. No that wasn't Abigail's voice, or her body in the distance all covered in blood, or her pitiful cries of pain, or the one sparking exposed and bleeding metal part from her robot side......

Yes it was.

Huntress couldn't breath, couldn't think. There was Abby, but not. She walked up to her damaged and broken daughter as the lone Pack Dog growled, impatient to finish the job. Optimus came walking up behind her but Huntress only saw the monster. The thing that had cause her so much pain, so much fear, so much taken away for all these years and now.....it was trying to take her daughter. Hot tears of anger spilled down her cheeks as she screamed in rage

"This is all your fault!"

Huntress ran to kill the thing when a firm and steady grip on her lower arms stopped her. She didn't even look back to see it was the one and only Optimus Prime in his Hologram keeping her restrained. Huntress fought the person and tried to pull them to the Pack dog. Optimus gripped her tighter and then wrapped his whole arms steadily around her waist. The Pack dog became unsure and restless seeing the hysterical mother in front of him. Backing away slowly it turn and ran into the darkening evening. Huntress let out a rage filled scream shouting

"Let me go! It's getting away! Let me kill it!"

"No!" Optimus replied firmly. In her haze of rage Huntress didn't even think to recognize the voice. She tried pulling harder but the person would not budge. Huntress then fell back on the person in defeat and felt the grip loosen on her arms. Huntress looked over at her daughter and slowly collapsed on her knees next to her. Then Optimus watched Huntress features changed instantly. No more anger, no more hate, just sorrow. Complete and utter sorrow. In a tender movement Sari grabbed Abigail tightly in a protective embrace and started to rock her gently. No wailing or weeping occurred, only steady hot tears and rocking. .

"Abigail!" Huntress screamed hysterically gripping the child tightly. More tears could be seen on her face. Other than that one outburst, nothing else was said. Optimus stood behind Huntress in his hologram form, the one he borrowed from Soundwave's data bank but with darker less whiter hair, and felt clueless of what he needed to do. In the end Optimus reached out and brushed her hair which Huntress grabbed his hand, holding it like it was her only life preserver.

Prowl and Riana soon came over but stopped upon seeing Huntress in such a state. Riana leaned down on one knee and tried to touch her friend comfortingly on the shoulder. However Ratchet and Eric came running out quickly in a mad rush to ask what had happened before her hand could reach all the way. Eric went from worry to angst seeing his "little Buddy" in such a bleeding and mangled mess. Ratchet if could have, would have paled from the child's features. He fought back tears seeing Huntress in such hysteria for this one certain girl. She must have noticed someone was watching her because Huntress looked up in Eric's direction. Huntress tear stained face showed a glimmer of hope as she looked Eric dead in the eyes.

"Help her...please!" Huntress begged to Eric and Ratchet in a hushed strained tone, tears streaming fluidly again. Eric came to her saying choked up "We'll try"

Huntress seemed satisfied with the answer as she let go of Abby some leaving Riana able to reach down and try to pull her completely off. Huntress was numb enough that her hands easily slipped from the bleeding girl. Eric instantly swooped in and grabbed the child bridal style. While Huntress cover her face, weeping, and Riana held her, Eric nodded to Ratchet and both ran into the Medic Room.

"Sari..." Optimus said slowly from behind. She seemed to ignore him but Riana stepped back away slightly, so he could get in. Optimus knelt completely down to her level and tried to brush her hair from her face. Huntress in a flash reached up and grabbed his holograms collar. It looked like she was going to slap him with the rage in her eyes. Quickly her rage left and all was left looking at Optimus was Sari, scared and alone. Wrapping her arm around his shoulders, Huntress cried "Why was I so stupid! Now she'll die!!"

Optimus instinctively wrapped her around in protective embrace and shushed her quietly. While brushing her hair lightly he soothed "We won't let her die Sari, its ok. It's ok."

She continued to cry on his shoulder and Optimus kept her in whatever safe and protection he could give her.

*Medic Room*

"So, what's the damage?" Riana asked quietly, looking at Abigail. It had been three hours now and all felt they were losing the battle. Ratchet and Eric had to revive Abigail once, much to Huntress dismay. It had worked thought but now things weren't looking so good.

After her time with Optimus, Huntress had suddenly unlocked from his embrace and ran fearfully to the Base. She had remained distant from them all but refused to leave the Medic Room. Now Huntress stayed clear on the other side of the room and didn't look Optimus in the eye. Eric gave Riana a tired look saying

"We gave her the antidote for the Pack saliva, monitored her vitals, ran blood work and..."

"Laments terms please." Riana interrupted part snappish. Eric didn't respond by frowning or making any comments back. His shoulders dropped as he stared at Abigail once again. Seeing Eric was struggling for words Ratchet replied

"If she doesn't wake up by tonight...then there's nothing we can do for her."

Meanwhile Huntress had little by little had walked towards Abigail's table she was lying on. She didnt understand much of what was being said, all her attention focused on her daughter. Huntress hoisted herself up on the table and stroked Abigail's fingers softly.

"Sari?" Ratchet said her name quietly. Huntress didn't hear his calls only staring right at her daughter. Coming closer to her Ratchet said more urgently "Sari."

Huntress leaned closer to her daughter and tried to see beyond the scars. Trying to see Abigail like she was before Huntress had made such a selfish mistake....

"Sari!" Ratchet shouted and Huntress quickly snapped out of it. She looked up surprised at Ratchet and stared at him blankly. Then giving of a sarcastic look Huntress replied curtly "What?"

"Do you have any clue why this girl is part Cybertronian?" Ratchet questioned suspiciously. Huntress felt a wave of panic come over her as she tried not to stutter "No...I don't.....Who should I know!?"

"Do you really expect me to believe that?" Ratchet said sarcastically back. Huntress didn't respond to the comment and only looked back down at Abigail. Ratchet looked at Riana for details but her eyes darted to the window. He then tried Eric but he too refused to give him answers and down casted his eyes to the floor. Huntress still won't look up and Ratchet finally had enough. Forcefully he put his finger on under her chin and made her look him in the optics. Narrowing his eyes sternly Ratchet barked

"I've had enough! Tell me why she is Techno organic! Or why you have become so attached to her...."

"She's my daughter!" Huntress seemed to finally scream out looking with anger up at Ratchet.

Optimus froze.

He stared blankly at Sari while she forcefully pushed Ratchets finger away. Ratchet looked at her disbelief and backing away. Bumblebee and Bulkhead's mouths were wide open and Prowl wavered in his calming looks and stared baffled. Riana and Eric just looked sadly at Huntress who turned back to her daughter. Optimus kept thinking over and over of "How is this possible? She was never what the humans called pregnant! How?" Then he noticed Huntress softly stroke the child's hair finally saying "My daughter..."

Optimus and the others could here the unevenness of voice as she started to tear up leaning to kiss the child muttering "My innocent baby..."

A quiet hush fell on the room as no one had anything else to say. Huntress had out said them all.

*Medic Room*

It was eleven o clock and Abigail wasn't waking up. Everyone else had left the room, the Autobots speechless over the news that Huntress had shouted to the heavens. What could they really say? Their once innocent teammate was now over the protection of another life. The Autobots, each and every one of them, had to, need to, have time to think over this. So now she was alone.

Huntress gazed over her daughter, the feeling of absolute helplessness, enveloping throughout her body. She was beginning to feel it come alive in her, threatening to strangle away her very life force.

"How could this have happened..." Huntress muttered to herself. Inside she kept replaying the image over, and over and over again. The Pack dog, the way Abigail looked, bleeding on the ground, her scream....

Huntress shut her eyes, cringing, over Abigail's terrified, pain filled and child like scream echoed in her thoughts. She opened her eyes again, one tear slipping unnoticeably down her cheek while she looked down back at the berth. The Abigail that lied before her was not the energetic, rambunctious, and sometimes strong headed little girl that had stolen her iced over heart and everyone else's. The girl who lied hooked up by an I.V, sensor monitors covering most of her under skin, and bandages soaked with clogged over blood, was a stranger to Huntress. However the image and the reality that came slamming at Huntress time and time again, made her want to buckle down on her knees and weep. Instead she tried to justify her actions with filling with hate and anger at her former family. Huntress gripped her hands in a tight fist allowing anger a chance to play out.

"If they hadn't gotten in the way...I.." Huntress hissed but let the sentence drop flat. She knew it was a lie even before it crossed her lips. Huntress' fists let loose and her hands fell limp against her thighs. Suddenly in a blind rage She slammed her hands down hard on the nearby table. A felling of metal vibrating under her hands eased across her body as Huntress breathed in hard through her nostrils. However the anger left as soon as it appeared and her shoulders dropped in defeat.

"This is my fault...." Huntress squeaked out no anger auditable anywhere in her voice. She quickly side stepped over to Abigail's unconscious body whispering "I should have never let my anger get in the way...."

No sounds of reassurance came from Abigail at all. She just lied there, the only sounds of her heart monitor alerting anyone that she was still alive. Huntress pulled over a metal chair closer to the bed and sat down softly. She covered her face with her arms, lieing her head down on the bed and looked down at the floor. She felt a wave of tears billow up and felt so weak to fight it off. Huntress tried biting her lip, which seemed to be working, but the innocent but bubbly smile of Abigail came to mind once more. Her face looked upward, covered in hot tears while she choked

"I was just so angry.....they tried to come back like nothing had happened and Optimus the tried to...."

Huntress choked on her own words and buried her head deeper into the covers. If anyone would look into the scene playing out they would identify Huntress' heart beginning to melt away its icy cold barrier. She didn't even realize it was happening, that was how much she was beginning to love her child.

"I should have protected you! I didn't mean it!

Huntress looked up again, her face red and stained with streaks of tears as she said determined

"I won't let this happen again. Your my daughter and..I..."

She hesitated on the words that wanted to form on her tongue that felt strange and frightening all at once. Huntress took in a cleansing breath to wave off her crashing emotions while looking back at Abigail. She leaned in closer to the motionless child whispering

"I...I Love You."

Then her whole emotions broke free while Huntress' face enveloped in tears. She reached her hand out over Abigail while sobbing

"Oh my sweet little baby....I Love you so much. I'm so sorry...I'm so, so, sorry...."

She cried in a way she had not done in years. A type of cleansing of all the feelings she had kept locked away inside. It felt strange, unnerving and quite frightening. Even in her most pain filled moments Huntress had never actually wept like she was now. She was truly worried and terrified for her daughter. Huntress felt at that moment a felling of ones, a bond, between her and her child begin to grow. Slowly she felt Abigail' begin to stir moaning. Huntress' tears and sobbing turned off at that moment while the world around her began disappear. That one little movement and Huntress went from angst to determined. She looked pleadingly at Abigail whispering

"Come on baby...fight..."

Another round of moaning and movement sent Huntress sitting straighter in her chair. She had heard Huntress! The daughter had heard the mother's call of pleading. Suddenly all the anger, hate, and hurt dissolved away in a moment while Huntress focused all her being on her daughter.

"That's right honey, awake up....awake up.." Huntress called to her daughter. After a few long, ticking minutes Abigail batted her eyelids a few times before looking up and grinning weakly up at Huntress.

Huntress felt elated at the blue eyes that weakly gazed up at her and leaned in closer to her daughters face. She made a playful smile through her tears while muttering

"Hey baby..."

"Mama" Abigail whispered. That sent a whole new wave of emotions crashing in around Huntress and tears rimmed around her eyes again. Abigail seeing her mother in what looked like distress slowly, with strain, reached her right hand across the blanket holding it out. Huntress welcomed the hand and gripped it with tenderness but firmly.

Huntress could feel her mind glaze over with maternal instincts. Without fully realizing her actions, she eased upward on the bed until her whole body was up on the side. Huntress quickly tensed from the closeness but remembered to breath. How long had it been since she had ever, once, held someone like this? Two, three years? She hadn't even touched any other human being since the one hug Abigail had placed on her over a month ago. This was like learning how to love all over again. However Huntress was ready, she needed to be, for her daughter.

She placed her right arm over her daughters head in a protective fashion while leaving her left arm on her side. Huntress eased her right arm just above her elbow downward under Abigail's head and pulled it closer. She tenderly eased her left hand close to her daughters face and after a moment of allowing it to hang, Huntress finally stroked Abigail's hair out of her face. Abigail looked worried up at her saying weakly

"Why are you crying?"

"Because I'm so happy baby..." Huntress said lovingly. She placed her nose and rubbed it playfully on Abigail's saying "I'm just so happy your ok."

*In the Hallway*

Isaac gulped down another glass of water from the bathroom sink as he kept his heart rate normal. After the news Sari had broadcast he had a hard time keeping it at a steady beat. Naturally anyone would if they just learned of a grandchild they never even knew they had.

Isaac exited the bathroom and went to walk down the hallway to the Medic room. He wanted to check on Abigail again, more like see her and try to imagine her as his granddaughter. Isaac expected for no one else to be there. He expected the girl to be like she was earlier, still as a rock and flat as a board.

Isaac Sumdac never expected the scene that was before him.

He stepped into the room and gasped in a hush tone. There was Abigail...being held like a infant by Sari. Now the angry sarcastic Huntress was dormant and a peaceful, loving, Sari was showing through. She was older of course, holding her child like any protective mother would, but the dimple face and sweet temperament was shining all over her face. Isaac walked closer to see Sari....grinning. She was content and he had not seen her like that since he had arrived. His eyes clouded with tears as he whispered

"Ah Sari...so much time has passed. How much you've changed...."

Isaac placed the blanket over Sari and delicately placed a kiss on her cheek. His heart felt a swell of emotions as Sari actually smiled, not in a sarcastic, or vindictive way but sweetly and like the way she use to be. Isaac stared longingly at her and felt a rising determination rise up. If Sari was like this asleep, then she was there, hidden and buried beneath the pain. Isaac knew if Abigail would just continue her child like ways with Sari, then her cold black heart had a chance of melting away.

"If only you could see how much she loves you...like I love you..." Isaac whispered gently touching Sari's cheek in one tender sweep.

Then he tenderly touched his new granddaughter on her hair and watched her sigh contently. She was like an angel, so peaceful and kind. Sari was just like that when she use to sleep when she was eight years old. Abigail stirred slightly from sensing someone there but only snuggled up closer to her mother. Isaac retracted his hand away from them and stared long and hard over them. Then he began to walk away.

Isaac left them that way, sleeping content holding each other and walked slowly to the door. He looked one last time tenderly at his daughter, then his granddaughter. His eyes pooled slightly with tears as he left the room in silence. He never noticed Sari's eyes flutter open as he was leaving. She looked around herself at the new blanket and then glanced where he father had stood in the door way. Sari had remained still after she had felt the warmness surround her but now she wanted nothing more than to comfort her father.

Slowly placing her hands on the bed Sari looked harder at her disappearing father. Tears began to pool at her eyes as she choked

"Daddy. I'm here..."

Then looking down at Abigail she grinned tenderly. Then looking and yearning for her father to come back Sari whispered

"Please....don't give up on me."

Abigail stirred and Sari fell back down on the bed and comforted her daughter.

I know T_T moment with Abigail. Then another T_T moment between Isaac and Huntress. I was feeling a little sentimental that day. : ) Since Huntress never got to hold Abigial as a cute little baby I thought this could be the "pivotal" moment in their relationship. Also I wanted to build the bridges with Isaac and Sari so I got extra tear jerky and did a double whammy. Plus I had her defences down so it was a good time to add that scene in too. Ok....Don't review!

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Haha didn't see that coming. Na the old thing gets borrowing so I thought I'd mess with you some more. Seriously REVIEW!! : )