Chapter twelve.
I'm sure your all aware Predatory was centred around Jack and Arcee, well I decided this chapter to add Ratchet because I felt bad I didn't add the medic last chapter, only the last part of it so...Yeah...I guess it's centred around Ratchet and Karen.
Anyway. Karen is eighteen this chapter, they grow up so fast. *Sobs*
XII
Special Day.
I opened my eyes as I looked around the room. I sat up and rubbed my eyes. I blinked as my vision was blurred. I lied back down and sat up immediately as I suddenly remembered, it was my birthday! Holy crap! I grinned and kicked the covers off as I stretched. I stood up and stretched more. I heard my door open and I looked.
"Morning birthday girl." Jack teased.
I smirked and was handed a present.
"From mom, she wanted to watch you open it but she's working and told me to open your presents when you were ready."
I nodded as Jack left. I unwrapped my present and smiled to see a dark blue sleeveless jacket, a grey thin jumper and a denim skirt with black leggings, the clothing I saw and wanted.
I smiled and went off to shower like I normally do, once I did that I got changed into my new clothing. I put on my blue converse shoes and walked out my room and down the stairs. I reached the bottom.
"Nice." Jack commented.
I smiled. "Thanks."
"I wonder how Ratchet will react." Jack teased.
I blushed, what is with everyone and teasing about me and Ratchet? I bet Miko gave a hint, I will get her back big time. I spotted another present and opened it, once I did I squealed.
"An iPhone!" I squealed again.
Jack grinned. "That's from both me and Mom, she said that is also one of your Christmas presents."
"Fair enough." I said and nodded.
I placed it on the table and stretched once again.
"Hmm...Odd."
"I kinda called Ratchet and told him about your birthday." Jack told me.
"Alright." I said and shrugged.
I opened another present to see a box and I lifted a box, inside was a heart necklace with a blue stone in the middle.
"Whoa." I managed to get out.
"Miko and Raf pitched in to help me." Jack told me.
I frowned. "You three didn't have to."
"Your my cousin Karen, and your like a sister to Raf and Miko."
I said nothing as I unhooked the necklace and placed it around my neck. I hooked it up and turned it around until the heart was on my chest. Jack got up from his chair as we both walked into the garage.
"You look nice." Arcee told me.
I smiled and ran my fingers through my fringe, we both got on Arcee and left home, luckily the front door was locked. We got to base quickly the way Arcee sped through the desert. I got off followed by Jack and I adjusted my ponytail.
"Whoa."
I glanced to Jazz who was looking at me, he inspected me and then grinned.
"Looking good." He told me.
I smiled. "Thanks."
"for your age." He then teased.
I blushed and gave a small scowl. I spotted Ratchet as he entered, he spotted me and we both stared at each other, I couldn't read his expression.
"Yes Ratchet, this is Karen." Jack spoke up.
"I think he's surprised to see me in a skirt." I muttered to Jack.
The computer started to beep and my guardian walked up to it as he typed.
"I'm picking up a signal." Ratchet told us.
"We'll go." Arcee volunteered.
Ratchet glanced at the femme and activated the ground bridge as she and Jack went through. The ground bridge closed and I adjusted my ponytail just in time for Optimus, Prowl and Ironhide enter the room.
"I thought I heard Arcee." Ironhide said.
Ratchet glanced at him. "Her and Jack went to investigate a signal."
"Wow."
I frowned and glanced to the others as they were looking at me, I think they're surprised to see me in a skirt.
"You look different kiddo." Ironhide told me.
I scowled. "I'm eighteen, I'm not a kid anymore."
"When did you turn that age?" Jazz asked.
I looked at him. "Today."
"That does explain the curves." Jazz joked.
I blushed a deep shade of red as he mentioned my body, I hate it when people talk about my body, I really do, but I guess he has a point, I mean, it is hinting that I'm becoming a woman, but still...
I gave a small scowl as the computer beeped again. Ratchet went to investigate as I crossed my arms.
"An Energon deposit." Ratchet muttered.
"Jazz, your in charge of the controls." Optimus told the silver mech.
"You got it." Jazz replied and nodded.
He typed in the coordinates and activated the ground bridge. I was offered a hand and I climbed onto it. I was placed on my guardian's shoulder as we walked through the ground bridge.
We exited on the other side and I looked around, it was a forest with a cave not far. I scowled slightly, as I spotted another cave.
"Investigate and proceed with caution." Optimus told us.
We split up. Ironhide went with Optimus and Prowl came with Ratchet and I. We entered one cave and I looked around, good thing I'm not walking.
"I'm surprised the Deceptions have not even come here." Prowl noted.
I tilted my head, he has a point, we walked into the main room and was met by a few cons. They looked at us and aimed their weapons.
"You were saying?" I said as Ratchet formed his blades.
I was placed on the ground and went to hide behind a big boulder. I peeked as the cons fired and the two bots went to charge head on. I hid and looked to the roof as I frowned. I remained where I was and continued to listen, until it died down. I peeked to see the cons were taking down so easily. I was picked up and placed back on my guardian's shoulder.
"Are you hurt?" He asked me.
I shook my head. "I'm fine."
We continued forward and I heard a commotion. I was placed on the ground once again and we got nearer and nearer. I glanced and spotted a femme which was a more darker blue than Arcee.
"By the allspark." Ratchet breathed.
"Who is that?" I whispered.
"Chromia."
My eyes widened. "As in, Arcee's sister and Ironhide's mate."
Ratchet looked at me and nodded. I frowned and then tapped my chin. I scowled as I spotted Starscream enter the area, we're so screwed. I hid behind a rock.
"Should I call Ironhide?" I asked.
Ratchet looked at me and I smirked, he got the idea and I swear a glint escaped his optic as he gave a small nod.
:Ironhide, you there?:
:What is it Karen?: Ironhide asked.
:Well...We found a Autobot who is prisoner of the cons.:
:Who is it?:
:Does Chromia ring a bell?:
I grinned as I heard Ironhide swear and I covered my mouth, the cons are so screwed. I looked at my guardian.
"Distract them." I muttered.
He looked at me as if I was crazy. I pulled a pin from my hair and pointed to the shackles. I watched them take the femme to another part as she kept on swearing at them and even kicked one. I covered my mouth and spotted a path on the other side where Prowl is. I snuck over and gave a small nod as the two came from their hiding position and attacked the cons. I went down the path and reached the bottom. I hid behind a rock.
Now that Starscream is distracted I went in the area and pulled one wire on the Vehicon, causing him to fall with a bang. I snickered and rushed over to a surprised femme.
"Oh, oh Primus." She breathed.
I got to work on the shackles. I did the hands first so she could use her weapons.
"What are you?" She asked, almost in a squeal.
"Oh, just a friend of Ironhide." I answered.
I saw her optics lit up and I smiled. I got them off in the end. I blinked as I was snatched up quickly.
"Why, if it isn't dear Karen." Starscream hissed.
My eyes widened, how does he know my name? I never told him...Unless...Soundwave recorded some of the conversation last night.
"How do you-"
"Why. Soundwave got all of the action of last night recorded."
I growled and squirmed. Chromia formed her weapon and shot him,. He yelped and dropped me, luckily she caught me before I even met the ground. I sighed in relief as she got the other shackles of her feet off. She stood up and I shook my head.
"Are you alright?" She asked me.
I nodded. "I'm fine." I assured her.
We entered the main room and I was handed to Ratchet. Chromia gasped and Ironhide turned around. I grinned as the femme tackled the weapon specialist into a hug. My work here is done, the cons fled and I shook my head.
-Autobot Base-
Once Ratchet was done inspecting Chromia for any injuries. Ironhide immediately took her away and said they needed 'alone' time together. I knew what they were up to as Ratchet had a disturbed look. I shuddered, I don't want to know. I sat on the steps as I stretched.
"Karen."
I glanced to Ratchet and tilted my head.
"Anything wrong?" I asked him.
He said nothing and transformed. I walked down the steps and climbed in as we left, we got some energon from the caves, which is good news for the bots as they were getting low on Energon. We left base and out to the desert. I looked out the window.
"That was a reckless thing to do." He scolded me lightly.
I smirked. "At least I reunited them."
"I suppose."
I couldn't help but giggle and I felt the vehicle tense, I shook that off as I looked out the window once again.
"Why was I given the silent treatment earlier?" I asked.
"You surprised me, that is all."
"What, about me wearing a skirt." I teased.
He said nothing and mumbled. I tilted my head and smiled and then shook my head.
"This male."
"Hm?"
"What is he like?"
"Well...He can get grumpy towards others, but is very friendly with Miko, Jack and Raf, well, has a funny way of being friendly to them." I explained.
"Hmm."
I bit my bottom lip, I hope he buys it.
"Why do you ask?"
"I'm just concerned for your safety, that's all."
I smiled, that's why he buts in my personal life, to make sure I'm safe and try not to date someone abusive and dangerous. I jumped slightly as a compartment opened with a box in it and I took the box from the compartment then it closed.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Open it."
it wasn't wrapped so I lifted the box, it was a silver bracelet with a plaque on the plaque was my name carved in it, it had a small clip like my necklace.
"Wow..." I muttered as I blushed.
"I...Um."
I smiled. "So...Um...How much?"
"It wasn't brought Karen, I made it."
My eyes widened slightly, made? Oh gosh. I glanced at it once again and then I smiled.
"I...Just hope you like it."
I smiled. "Like? I love it."
I placed the lid on the box and then placed the box into my jacket and closed the zip. I looked out the window and smiled, I wonder how Jack is doing, I just hope he's alright, I feel guilty for not going with them, but I'm glad I went with Ratchet and the others, if I didn't. I don't think we would of found Chromia. And I don't plan to tell anyone that Starscream learned my name. Damn cons and sticking their faces into other people's business. I twirled my hair with my fingers as I looked out the window. I crossed my arms and leaned back.
I guess Ratchet wanted to go for a drive and have a small break from working on the computers, I don't blame him at all. I stretched and sat up.
-One Hour Later-
We returned to base after an hour of driving. I got out as Ratchet transformed behind me. Spotted Jack and walked over.
"Hey, so."
Jack looked at me and smiled. "What did you do?" He asked me.
I smiled back. "Oh, went on a small mission, got some energon and a new recruit."
"Who's the new recruit?" Jack asked me.
I was about to say but got my answer when Chromia entered the room with Ironhide. I smirked as his eyes widened.
"Whoa...Is that?"
I nodded. "Yup."
"What about you?" I asked.
Jack shifted. "Well...We came across a rouge con."
I frowned. "Another con?"
Jack nodded. "Yup...She's...A collector."
"Whoa! You mean the con was a femme?!" I said in disbelief.
"Her name is Airachnid."
I looked to Arcee who was sitting on a crate as she looked at me.
"She's the Decepticons interrogator." She told me.
I stiffened.
"You were lucky she wasn't there when the cons captured you." Arcee said.
"Why did you say she was a collector?" I asked Jack.
"Well...She captured me."
My eyes widened. "What!"
Jack nodded. "Yeah."
"I should of offlined her!" Arcee hissed.
I looked to Ratchet who had a small frown. I tilted my head and looked to Arcee.
"I take it you have a hatred towards her?"
Arcee nodded. "Before Cliff. I had another partner."
I said nothing and waited for her to continue.
"She tortured us for a few breems...Then she offlined him."
I tensed and then hugged myself.
"When Jack was captured, I thought history would of repeated itself."
I frowned and glanced to Jack who was giving me an assuring look that he was fine. I said nothing and began to think.
-Later-
After another two hours we left for home. Arcee told me all about Airachnid and showed me of what she looks like so I would be able to avoid her and not be fooled by her appearance. I looked out the window as the sun was beginning to set and I crossed my arms. I smiled and the looked ahead of me as we came to my street. I hopped out as soon as the vehicle came to a stop.
"Ratchet." I said softly.
I turned to face him and then smiled.
"Thanks for the bracelet." I murmured.
I took it out of my pocket and smiled. If Ratchet was not in his alt form I think he would be smiling. I waved and went up the path and into the house. I opened the door and closed it behind me.
"Karen."
I looked to Jack.
"Arcee wants to speak to you." He told me.
I nodded and headed to the garage. I closed the door behind me.
"You wanted to talk." I said.
"Yes I do."
I sat on a crate nearby and crossed my legs.
"Prowl told me what you did in the cave."
I tilted my head and smiled, I knew where this was going.
"It was kinda stupid."
I chuckled. "Ratchet said that."
"But...Thank you."
I smiled and nodded. "Of course."
I got off the crate and dusted myself off then headed back into the house.
And we're done :3, hope it was alright ^.^.
XD Ratchet asking about that dude who does not exist, he really doesn't. Miko made up a quick excuse, :3 shows that Ratchet cares really, but doesn't show it often XD.
Oh yeah! The outfit Karen was wearing this chapter, she is wearing it for the rest of the season and the jewellery too.
Review please, thanks.
