TA: Along Came a Spider
Alright, I need some help. I'm trying to decide who I want Shadowmist to be with and I have it narrowed down to two choices...Optimus or Prowl. What do you guys think? Let me know because I'm stuck on who to pick.
ENJOY!
...
Sari has been doing a good job of teaching us about Earth's customs, which includes holidays. The one occurring now is called Halloween. Strange holiday but it sounds like it would be interesting to observe.
Sari is coming to take Bee and Bulk out for what she calls trick or treating and told them to pick out costumes. Bee went with something called a vampire and Bulk a ghost and is covered with a giant sheet. Although, it has a strange odor. I'm in the main room chuckling at the sight. "I am count dracu-bot. I want to suck your motor oil."
"Hey guys! I finally found something big enough for my ghost costume." Bulk says.
"Bulkhead, where'd you get that sheet?" Sari asks.
"It was just draped over some house. Weird place for a bedsheet huh?" Bulk says.
"That's not a bedsheet. It's a fumigation tent." Sari explains.
"Really? What's that?" He asks.
His answer comes in the form of organic insects falling to the ground. Gross.
"Are you not wearing a costume Sari?" I ask.
She grins. "Of course, but its a surprise. In fact, I have a lot of surprises planned." She runs over to a monitor station and uses her key to turn a crane. It has a fake spider that she drops in front of Optimus' face, startling him and making him chop it with his axe. "Take it easy big guy. It's just a little Halloween fun." Sari tells him.
"Somehow I think when the Allspark powered your key it had something more in mind than Halloween fun." Optimus says sternly. "You really shouldn't use it unless it's absolutely necessary."
"Hello, how necessary was it to use your axe on a fake spider?" She huffs before walking off.
Optimus seems to be lost in thought, and I have a good idea of what he's thinking about.
~FLASHBACK~
Optimus, Elita-One, and myself are on Archa Seven, an organic planet that was rumored to have a Decepticon war ship with energon inside. The three of us are currently admiring a strange netting of some sort. It glistens from the moisture on it, but I have no clue what it is. "Beautiful isn't it?" Elita comments.
"Yeah, but what is it?" Optimus asks.
"I have no idea...do you Shadow?" She asks.
"Not a clue." I reply.
"Hey, you three. Get your fan belts in gear!" Sentinel tells us after driving over.
"Sentinel, do you ever stop to think that organic planets are off limits to Autobots?" Optimus questions him.
"Your not getting cold landing pads now are ya, Optimus old buddy?" Sentinel asks.
"Well he does have a point. I mean there's obviously a reason behind this rule." I add.
"Come on. Aren't you two just the least bit curious to see a real Decepticon ship. Think of the history." Elita says.
"Forget history. Think of the energon. Those bots hoarded this stuff. We find that ship and we are set for the rest of our lives." Sentinel says before throwing his arms around Elita and myself, pulling us along.
"Which we could all spend in the Cyber stockades if we're caught." Optimus warns.
"Alright, fine. We get it if your too scared." Sentinel teases.
"Come on Optimus. Don't leave me alone with these two." I urge playfully.
Optimus sighs before complying. "Well someone has to help you keep those two walking malfunctions from getting in over their heads."
"We never get in over our heads." Sentinel replies smugly.
All of the sudden the ground we're standing on caves and we all fall into an underground cave of some sorts. I groan at the impact on my back before sitting up.
"What?" Sentinel asks Optimus when he sees him staring at him.
Suddenly I hear a strange noise. "You hear that?" Elita asks.
"Yeah, and I'm not so sure I want to find out what it is." I reply.
"It sounds like it came from down that tunnel." Optimus says activating his lights.
"We're not going that way are we?" I ask.
"Well seeing as how we can't fly out our choices are limited." Optimus says.
"That's what I was afraid you'd say." I reply before the rest of us activate our lights and head down the tunnel.
After a little while Sentinel says, "I've got a good feeling about this. Any minute now we're gonna be overflowing with rich Allspark infused energony goodness."
"Did you really just say energonie goodness?" Elita asks him.
Optimus shushes them. "I think I hear something."
He's right. I hear a scuttling noise coming from different directions. Suddenly a giant creature lands behind us. "Look out!" Optimus tells us. The creature spits our that substance we say earlier and it wraps around Elita, pinning her arms to her sides.
I rush over and pull out a dagger and cut away at the material, freeing her. "I take it back. This stuffs not so beautiful after all." She says. "Behind you!"
Suddenly another jumps down and uses its pincher things to bite Sentinel, causing him to fall to the ground.
I take out my staff and elongate it and swing at it when I see Elita going to use her downloading abilities. I dodge his bites and spits after I have its attention. Optimus then uses his grappling hooks to wrap around its body to keep it from chasing me. "Don't bother Elita. Your power won't work on an organic!"
She ponders that a moment before looking over at Sentinel. She rushes over and touches his arm before uses his ability to use his shield. She then swings it at the ceiling hitting it loose and it lands on the creature, killing it.
"I think we've just officially been outclassed Sentinel." Optimus says.
"I knew there was a good reason organic planets were off limits." I comment.
"Yeah, I'm definitely starting to see that now." Elita says.
"No amount of history or energon is worth this. Let's go." Optimus says.
"Come on guys. We've come this far. Give me one good reason why we should leave." Sentinel says.
Suddenly more of those creatures jump down around us. Sentinel activates his shield keeping the creatures back. "Go, I'll cover your retreat!"
The three of us reluctantly head down the tunnel.
~END FLASHBACK~
I place my hand on his arm and ask, "Are you okay?"
He comes back to reality. "Yeah, I'm fine. I just-it remind me of-"
I give a reassuring smile before hugging his arm. "I know, but its okay. Try not to dwell on it."
He gives my servo a squeeze before his attention is drawn to Sari calling his name. I look up down and see Sari dressed like Optimus. I can't help but fine it adorable. "Check out my costume! Look at me I'm Optimus Prime. I'm scared of spiders."
Optimus huffs. "That's not what I sound like...is it?"
Sari just smiles cutely. "Shadow, how do you like my costume?"
"I love it. You look so adorable." I gush.
"Thank you! Are you sure you don't wanna come with us?" She asks.
"I'm sure. I may just sight see, but you guys have fun." I say.
"We will. Do you think people will like my costume?" She asks.
"They would be crazy not too. After all, you had such a great model to go by." I reassure while sending a smile to Optimus.
He gives a flustered smile in return.
"Transform and roll out." Sari imitates. Optimus gives her a look who which she shrugs, "I couldn't resist."
The trio leaves to enjoy the holiday. "Try to relax Optimus. You could really use it."
"I know. It's just-"
"I understand. If you need to talk about anything I'm here." I say.
"I appreciate it, but I'll be fine. You can go out and enjoy the sights if you'd like." He suggests.
"Are you sure?" I ask.
"I'm sure. No need to miss out on my account." He says.
"Well, you try to relax okay? That's an order." I say with mock seriousness.
He chuckles. "Yes ma'am."
I give a goodbye before heading out into the city. The sights are very interesting and the humans are dressed so uniquely. I spend the next hour or so just taking in the sights and activities.
"Taking in the sights I see." I hear Prowl says.
I turn and greet him. "Hi Prowl. We're you curious too?" "I was. Earth has interesting customs doesn't it?" He comments.
"It sure does. I can't say I understand this holiday, but I find it interesting none the less." I reply.
"Supposedly the park has been decorated as well. Would you like to join me?" He asks.
"I'd love to." I say.
We drive to the park and once there walk around looking at the decorations, while enjoying small talk. Prowl and I have gotten to enjoying our talks since arriving on Earth. He makes for good company. As we talk the plant life seems to change, and almost looks as if its-dying. But as soon as it starts its over, and things go back to normal. "What was that?"
"I don't know. Perhaps we should return to base and see if anything has gone on." He suggests.
"Yeah, that would be a good idea." I say as we head to base.
Optimus, Bee, and Bulk are the only ones in the living area when we arrive. "Hey guys. Did any of you happen to notice anything strange tonight?" I ask.
"Did you see the spider lady too?" Bee asks.
"Spider lady? What are you talking about?" I ask.
"She's a Decepticon, but her alt mode looks like a spider." Bee says.
"Yeah, and she said her name is Blackarachnia." Bulk adds.
I turn to Optimus. "Why didn't you all say anything? We could have helped."
"It happened so fast, but thankfully we were able to handle it." Optimus replies, rather stiffly.
"So what happened to the Decepticon?" Prowl asks.
"She got away, but we'll keep our optics open." Optimus says.
Everyone goes to their rooms but I stop Optimus before he can leave. "Okay, spill."
"What do you mean?" He asks.
"Don't give me that. There's something wrong and you aren't saying, so what's going on? I know you too well." I ask.
He ponders a moment. "The Decepticon Just brought back bad memories is all. "
My gaze softens. "I understand. Are you sure that's all? I'll help with whatever it is. You know I will."
He smiles. "I know you would, but that's all."
I keep my stare on him. "I really feel there's more to it than that but I won't pry. When your ready to talk just know that I'm here."
He places a hand on my cheek. "I can always count on you can't I?"
I place a servo on his That's on my face. "Do you even have to ask?"I pull his servo away after a moment. "I think about it too you know."
"Think about what?" He asks.
"Elita." I reply softly.
He sighs and releases my servo. "I know. I do too."
"That's what's had you so upset today. I can tell." I say.
"Yeah. It happened so long ago, and I know I shouldn't still let it get to me, but-"
"It doesn't matter how long or recent ago it was. She was our friend...I still get sad when I think about it." I say.
"I do too..Shadow, I'm so sorry that I couldn't save her." He says looking down at the ground, and his voice shaking.
I throw my arms around his neck and pul him into a tight hug. "Stop that Optimus. Please stop blaming yourself."
He wraps his arms around my waist and holds onto me. I can feel him lightly shaking as if trying to prevent himself from getting emotional. "How can I not. She was right there and I didn't help her. I'm so sorry."
I pull back enough to look him in the optics. "You listen to me Optimus Prime; you can't blame yourself for that. It was awful what happened and I hate what happened to our friend, but it wasn't your fault, so you have to stop doing this to yourself. Please, Optimus. I worry about you enough as it is."
"I'm sorry Shadow...Its hard to think any differently, especially knowing that I dragged you down with me." He replies.
"Optimus Prime, no you didn't. Do you honestly believe that I would just let you take the punishment by yourself? Not a chance, and I don't regret it. So don't you dare keep that line of thought. You hear me?" I say sternly.
He gives a light chuckle at my tone. "Yes ma'am."
"Good, and you better not forget it." I then pull him into another hug. "I'm here for you. That won't change."
He hugs me back. "Thank you Shadow. I don't know what I would do without you."
I stick with Optimus for a while offering what comfort I can. I completely understand how he feels regarding what happened, and I miss Elita everyday...but I can't let Optimus feel like its all his fault...but he's so noble that way.