When All Lights Go Out I (TFP)

Chapter 8

"How did you have food?" Optimus asked curiously.

Azura smiled. "Well...on the weekends, Miss Honey often made us go into the forest behind the orphanage since it was somewhat out of town. Mostly because she invited men over, and she wasn't allowed by law...but she did it anyway." Optimus did not like the sound of this, though he was intrigued and glanced up briefly as he got closer to the lobby. "And I actually silently thank Miss Honey doing that. I learned how to identify edible plants in the forest. And I began to teach that to the others. We actually began to forage food for ourselves, and we were able to hide a stash very well. We found edible mushrooms, berries, roots, flowers and sometimes we came across wild honey and there was a stream not far either. It had perches in the water that we would sometimes catch and cook."

Optimus smiled as he listened to her. "So you have turned out to be resilient. And not just with being able to create work for yourself." She nodded her head proudly as she was happy that she was able to be self sufficient enough. "I guess you weren't always able to do it."

She shook head. "Nah...Miss Honey didn't always make us go into the forest. And when she noticed we would return to the orphanage in good moods, she actually stopped us from going out all together. That was about three years ago, just after I turned eleven."

"And you were practically forced to use the money you earned for additional food when you felt you needed it." She nodded at Optimus's comment and sighed, bringing up her knees to hug. "At least you will never have to go hungry again, Azura. I imagine you are still even adjusting to that."

"Yeah, I am actually. Not being hungry...it is weird to me." Azura felt her stomach growling, though she did not pay much attention to it. "And having choices of what I can eat, instead of the same thing everyday...that is not something I am used to. I feel like I am living in luxury at the moment. I am sure I will take it for granted, but I hope I don't. Because I want to appreciate what I did not have before."

"And a good mindset to have, Azura. I do believe learning to appreciate what we have is one of the most important things in our lives. I know that my autobots and I have needed to do that. Especially after needing to flee Cybertron for safety." Optimus walked into the lobby and paused when the large, round lob was thrown across the room. Cliff caught it and threw it towards Bulkhead. "Ah, and I see that Bulkhead, Cliff and Bee have decided to lob right now."

"Lob?"

"It is a pass time for Cybertronians," Optimus explained quickly. "Though...probably not the safest for you to be around. Sometimes they don't always catch." Azura did not say anything as she watched the round, metal object being thrown around. "Do you three mind stopping your lobbing for the time being? I do not wish Azura to be harmed."

Bulkhead caught the lob, his feet skid across the ground from the impact and looked at Optimus with a smile. "She is safe with you is she not?" Optimus gave him a stern expression without saying anything. "Alright, boss. I won't throw it until you say it is safe." Prime was pleased and walked by him and Bulkhead glanced at Azura. "I hope you had a good sleep last night, Azura."

"It was fine," She said quickly before smiling at Arcee. "I would like some pancakes for breakfast! I can help you make them, I am actually rather good at making pancakes. I never really had them at the orphanage, but I did have some really nice ones once."

Arcee was a bit surprised by the request. "Hmm, I didn't think you would want something sweet...if I remember reading correctly about pancakes." Azura giggled softly as the femme thought about it. "Why not something like eggs?"

"I walked into Azura's room and discovered she was crying," Optimus explained, Arcee widened her optics as she listened quietly. "And I believe a little sugar will not hurt her. The chocolate chip vanilla pancake recipe that Fowler gave us might do. Though she would like to add banana to that recipe." Ratchet looked up from where he was working at his desk with a surprised expression. "And I guess that is why she wants to help."