TA: Survival of the Fittest
Another one for you!
...
Due to the cons making a sudden appearance and Sari being the key's keeper, it was decided that she would need to learn some self defense tactics, which Prowl is currently showing her. She attempts a flying kick at Prowl but she just bounces off and lands on the floor. "Sari, you need to concentrate."
"Give her a break Prowl. Humans don't have turbo balance bumpers." Bulk says helping her up.
"Or padded bumpers." Sari says rubbing her bottom.
"I'm afraid Prowls right. As keeper of the key Sari is a potential target for the Decepticons, which means she must learn to defend herself." Optimus says.
"We won't always be there to protect you, so try again and remember to thrust your leg like this." He demonstrates what to do again.
"Got it. No problem this time." She then attempts another but bounces off Bulks foot instead. She rubs her bottom again.
"Oh, the pain! What a kick!" Bulk says dramatically before hopping on one ped and falling to the floor. "Too much?"
Sari sighs. "I'll never get it."
I kneel beside her and rub her head. It's alright Sari. A good, and smart, warrior knows their limits. It's not like we expect you to fight cons anyway. If there's a chance for you to hide or run you take it."
She nods. "That I know I can do, and not only that but I know you'll protect me too."
I nod. "Absolutely."
"Sari, remember what I said about us not always being around." Prowl reminds.
"Shadow will always be around when I need her." Sari argues.
Prowl sighs. "Sari-"
"Prowls right Sari. We'll be here for you, but just in case we aren't available you need to know what to do." I say.
She nods in understanding before turning to Prowl. "What next?" She continues practicing with Prowl while I offer tips and words of encouragement. Once it gets to be dark Bee drives her home.
"You make for a good teacher." I compliment Prowl.
"Oh, thank you." He replies humbly.
"And at least when she falls it doesn't cause damage to you." I jab playfully at when he tried teaching Bulk.
He looks embarrassed. "Don't remind me."
Later that night everyone is woken up by Optimus. "Professor Sumdac just called. Sari is missing."
"What?! What happened?" I ask worriedly.
"That's what we're gonna find out. Let's roll out!" Everyone quickly makes their way to Sumac tower. The sun is up by the time we get there and Fanzones team is already at work. We arrive in enough time to hear him complain about machines again. "No need to be such a technophobe Captain." Prowl says.
"A technophobe is someone who fears technology. Does this look like fear to you!" He replies while smashing his phone onto the ground, breaking it.
"Um, my mistake." Prowl responds.
"Any news on Sari, Captain?" I ask worriedly.
"Sumdac says she spent the day with you guys yesterday. Anything out of the ordinary happen?" He asks.
"Just the usual stuff: hanging out, teaching her ninja nerve blows, watching cartoons-"
Fanzone interrupts Bulk. "Woah, back up. What was that? You mean to tell me that your teaching an eight year old ninja nerve blows?"
"You want her to pick it up on the streets?!" Ratchet grumbles.
"I promise its conducted under supervision." I reassure.
"Yeah. I mean its not like we're having her fight Decepticons." Bulk says.
"Has it occurred to you that hanging out with Autobots is maybe I don't know, dangerous for a little girl." Fanzone comments.
"We take care of her." I say crossing my arms, not liking his accusation.
"Easy. That's not what he meant." Optimus says gently to calm me down. His attention then goes back to the monitors. "Wait a minute, roll that back." Optimus says noticing the security feed.
"Sure thing doll face." The robot says before rewinding.
The shape of the figure is familiar. "Is that one of the Dinobots?"
"We never did figure out where they ended up at." I comment. "Do you think they kidnapped her? I mean, who else could it be. Oh, poor Sari. She must be so scared."
Optimus puts a hand on my shoulder. "Don't worry shadow. We'll find her."
"I'm going to scope out the city to see if I can't spot her." I say.
Optimus nods. "I'll send someone to go with you."
"No. We can cover more ground if we spread out." I argue.
"Well-"
"I'm going to scout for her. You hear me?" I ask sternly.
"Alright, just please be careful and keep us updated." Optimus says knowing I would go regardless.
"I will." I say before speeding out of the building. I drive everywhere I can think of that she might be. I check in with Optimus every now every hour but its only to tell him I haven't found her. This goes on all day and although Optimus tries to get me to take a break, but I don't.
The suns going down when I get a com from Optimus. "Shadow, Prowl and Bulkhead Found Sari. Everyone's back at Sumdac tower."
"I'll be there right away." I push the speed limit to get there. Once I do I immediately rush over to Sari. "Sari!" I scoop her up and nuzzle my face on her head. "I'm so glad your alright."
She giggles. "I can tell."
I pull back. "Now don't you scare me like that again."
She giggles. "Yes ma'am."
"So what exactly happened?" I ask.
"Meltdown kidnapped her to get back at Professor Sumdac." Prowl replies.
"Meltdown? Then what was with that Dinobot"? I ask.
"Meltdown used it to kidnap Sari, but there's been no more sighting of it." Prowl replies.
I feel like there's some information missing but I don't bother to worry about it right now. "Well, the most important thing is that Sari's back."
"I'm sorry I made you worry. If it makes you feel better I was able to take care of his goon." Sari says.
I smile. "I'm proud of you Sari." I then give the top of her head a kiss. "But lets still not make this a habit."
"Deal." She replies.