When All Lights Go Out I (TFP)

Hey readers! I'm currently on a Royal Caribbean cruise. I will put out some chapters while I'm at sea, but it won't be frequent until I get back to reality. Happy reading!

Azura’s Dream

Standing in front of familiar mirrors that she has not seen in over three years, Azura was staring at the same celestial dragon she had seen so many times. Her bright, blue eyes were looking back at her as she looked over her dark blue scales with hints of red in the lines. She had not expected to find herself here again after all this time. However, the fact she was back here after putting the crystal around her neck again was curious to her. She did not know if that meant there was a distinct connection between the crystal and Primus, because that it what it seemed like. She saw her golden mane seemed longer and her body was larger, which was interesting. She guessed her dragon form would grow with her.

But she did not care. She wanted to find Primus. Turning away from the mirrors, she appraoched the golden door she had gone through before and expected to find herself in the same place. However, as she pushed it open, Azura gasped in surprise when she saw it was not the same place. In fact, the Japanese palace had been replaced with a fortified castle. Statues standing in front of the draw bridge were of autobot warriors. Azura looked at them curiously as she wondered why this place at changed.

She walked towards the entrance and noticed the torches between the doorway were burning a blue and purple flame, something she thought was interesting. But she knew red, purple and blue flame was hotter than yellow and orange. She guessed this was a sign that she had grown, or maybe that she’s returned to the autobots. She really was not sure. The grey bridges of the castle were covered in overgrown ferns and pink, wisteria flowers hung from above the doorway as she walked into it, not knowing where she would find Primus.

“Be welcome friend, I have long been expecting you.” Azura froze as the voice she heard did not belong to Primus. “It is a great honor to finally meet the one and only daughter of my apprentice, Optimus Prime.” That immediately made Azura intrigued and began walking again, this time a lot quicker as she was eager to see who it was. “I suspect you have no idea who I am, do you, youngling?”

Azura walked into a large room featuring a massive statue with a celestial dragon curled around a rocky foundation in a proud stature. She gazed at it curiously and looked around. “No…uh, I only just returned to…him.”

“I am fully aware that you and Optimus have had a lot of time apart, and I dare hope it will not happen again.” She was not able to promise that, but she did not say it out loud. “I have no doubt you have many questions burning in your young mind. I assure you, you will receive those answer.”

Azura walked around the statue, gazing at it curiously. This statue appeared to be of a different celestial dragon. One who seemed bigger and had a different appearance, and the horns on its head looked similar to the wings of the Matrix. That was curious to her, and she felt like she also knew this dragon, but she didn’t know how or why. This person was right about her having a lot of questions that need answering.

She walked through the archway on the other side and found herself in another large room. However, there were different pools of water of different colour and there were different beds on the pool floors. Standing in front of these pools was a large autobot. He appeared to be glowing a bright, silver blue and Azura could see this autobot was a very old, wise bot. He looked like he had a beard, a proud crest on his head and sharp shoulder pads. She did not recognize him at all, but she did not feel like she was in danger.

“Who are you?”

The bot smiled kindly at her. “I am Alpha Trion, young sparkling. I welcome you with open arms.” He spread his arms as Azura stood watching him and he saw she was uncertain of him, even if she was safe. “I was Optimus’s mentor many years ago. When Orion Pax, that is Optimus’s previous name, came to the Hall of Records, I immediately saw someone who I could take under my wing and teach. I was hand picked by Primus a long time ago, and I knew he was important, and he became my best student.”

Azura was surprised that Optimus was not always called Optimus. “Wait…he wasn’t always a Prime?” Alpha Trion shook his head and Azura was surprised. “So…he earned the title?” He nodded and a smile grew on her face. “Wow…I…never thought I would hear that. But that makes me happy…”

“He was once a clerk under me in the Iacon Hall of Records,” Alpha Trion explained gently as the girl listened to him. “He became a Prime because Primus bestowed the Matrix of Leadership onto him. The reasons for that…I believe is a story you should hear from him.” She nodded a little as she listened to him. “And you might be wondering why you even look like, what did you call it? A dragon.”

She looked down at her paws and looked back at him with a nod. “I suspect you have another name for dragon.”

Alpha Trion nodded affirmatively. “We do. But it matters not in this case. Dragons might be considered mythical on Earth, but in this case, they are not. Because it was a dragon who came to Primus to assist him against the evil he was facing from his brother, Unicron.” Azura shuddered at the name. She didn't know who that was, but the name didn't sound good to her. “You are right to be fearful of Unicron, Azura. However, the story is that during the battle between Primus and Unicron, Primus created the thirteen original Primes to defeat Unicron. However, not many Cybertronians are aware that the thirteen were not even enough to defeat Unicron. His treachery spread across worlds and one powerful dragon had been stirred by this evil. And the dragon travelled to Cybertron and met Primus and the thirteen Primes.”

“Is the statue the dragon you speak of?” Alpha Trion nodded affirmatively. “Indeed. And true to size.” Azura shuddered at the realization of the size of the dragon. “Seeing plight of Cybertron and the danger the universe would face, the dragon offered up her power to assist the Prime. And it was this, both the Star Saber and the Matrix of Leadership were born. The Matrix was once the hilt of the saber, and both are infused with the breath and heart of the dragon, and the power of Primus.. Prima, one of the original Primes, rode on top of the dragon with the other twelve and they faced Unicron together. And in doing so, the dragon sacrificed herself as a shield to protect Cyberton, and poured the last shards of her soul onto the Matrix itself. She was never asked to do this, she never had to. But the dragon was the reason why Unicron banished many eons ago, and she is remembered by Primus for her courage and sacrifice.”

Azura listened quietly and she widened her eyes. “If that is...true...would that not make me her daughter too?”

“I suppose if you look at it from that perspective, yes.” Alpha Trion saw the girl tense and get worried. “I don't think any of us predicted that you would have been created the way you were, Azura. While you were an accident, it was a good accident.” Azura frowned and shook her head in disagreement. “You may not believe that based on how your life was in the first fourteen years of your life, but you well and truly are something that we never thought was possible. You are both dragon and Cybertronian, and you are learning your abilities very well.”

Azura guessed that was why she could survive on human food and why she had to use the bathroom as well. “At least...that explains a few things...” Azura rubbed the back of her head and gazed at Alpha Trion curiously. “Are you here to help me?”

“Yes, but it is not for what you might think. I understand you are having a very hard time accepting who you are, and who your father is. I want you to find it in yourself to accept that.” She groaned and looked away from him. “Azura, I am not expecting you to accept it now. But you won't access your full potential. From what I understand, while you are already strong, to be able to be stronger and train to be stronger, you must accept who you are.” Azura groaned again and looked down. “Your story may not have such a happy beginning, but that doesn't make you who you are. It is the rest of your story. Who you choose to be. It isn't about being human, dragon or Cybertronian, it's about being yourself while also being able to accept your identity and the new story that lies ahead of you.”

Azura looked at Alpha Trion as he spoke to her and she felt a sense of encouragement, but she was also still very scared. “That might be true...but how are you going to help me? If you know you can't force me to accept myself and Optimus, how are you going to help me?”

Alpha Trion gestures to the pools behind him. “The water behind me is infused with a special energon, courtesy of Primus. You may wish to take a look into the pool with pearls in it first. Water itself reflects the past, present and future, making it the perfect element for you to understand.”

Azura hesitated as she stared at the pool, feeling afraid all of a sudden. “Um...I’m not sure if I can do this...” She backed away from him nervously. “This is all too much...I’m just getting settled back in, and I’ve lost a friend...”

“And by accepting these things, you may very well be able to help your other friends from dying and being hurt. There are many trials ahead of you, Azura. Some good, some really bad. I don't know what they are, but Primus has given indication to me that is what will happen.” Azura grimaced and looked away fearfully. Alpha Trion approached her and placed a hand on her shoulder. “I will not force you to look into the pools. When you are ready, we will proceed. You have had a lot of information given to you and...”

“Azura.”

Azura jumped when she heard Optimus's voice echo and looked around in confusion. “Ah, I see. It is time for you to wake up.”

Azura looked at him in shock. “Already?” He smiled at her and nodded. “Oh...sleep can go by quickly. But it is nice to meet you...can I call you grandpa?”

Alpha Trion chuckled gently. “I’d actually prefer pop, grandpa doesn't suit me much. It does for Ratchet though.”

Azura chuckled softly. “Azura.” She looked around as the world began to blur.

“Don't fight it. I will see you again when you sleep later.”

End of Dream.

Azura grumbled as she slowly came out of sleep. She did not know how long she had slept, but as she woke up and stretched her arms, her hands pump into something soft. She looked around and noticed slightly raised walls around her. They were made of soft material, and she also had pumped a white teddy bear. She saw she was in the berth, but she almost could call it a crib.

I really need to get used to being dependent...I’ve been independent for almost my whole life.

Azura looked up to see Optimus looking down at her with a warm smile. “I am sorry if you were having a good dream...” She nodded with a slight frown. “But it is almost ten in the morning.” She widened her eyes and looked at him in disbelief. “I guess you were more tired than you thought. But I didn't want you to sleep all day. Time to get up and have something to eat, or you can have low-grade energon again.”

Azura sat up straight, realizing she had overslept, but the sudden movement sent stabbing pain through her back and she placed her hand on her back. “Ow...my back still hurts...”

“As I had suspected.” Optimus's expression softened as he watched her quietly. “You might be able to try and walk. You will be safe to try in the berth.”

Azura thought about it as she didn't really want to be carried around all day, especially when the bots bring Jack and Raf into the base. “I guess I should try...”

Azura grimaced as she lifts the blankets and moved her legs out. It was easier than the day before, so it was an improvement . She grabbed the side of the berth and carefully put weight onto her feet and attempted to use her back muscles to get herself up. But she whimpered and almost fell back, so she settled using her leg muscles primarily and it was easier. Once she was standing  she wasn't very steady, mostly due to the mattress.

“Well...that was definitely easier than yesterday...” Azura looked up at Optimus. “If you don't have any food, I’ll settle for the energon for now. Though...boiled eggs and chicken salad sound nice at the moment.”

“I will see if we can get that for you.” He gently picked her up and held her in his hand. He opened the panel and pulled out the fuel line for her. “And you are right, we do not have food for you.” He gave her the end of the line and she waited for the line to fill to drink. “I will bring you to Ratchet to see if he can give you something now to dull the pain since there's already sign of healing.”

Azura realized he was walking to the door. “Wait, wait...” He stopped and looked at her in surprise. “Uh...you want to leave the room?”

Optimus looked at her in surprise. “Is that going to be a problem?” Azura did not know what to say and simply began to drink from the line. “Oh, you are uncomfortable with them seeing you feed from me. I understand, but you should not be concerned. Ratchet and the others won't tease you. This is perfectly normal for a sparkling.”

Azura knew that was likely true, but that did not mean she wasn't uncomfortable. She did not say anything more as Optimus left the room anyway. She did not want to make a big fuss over this though, so she kept this to herself. It was better to do that than force Optimus to stay in the room until she was finished. She knew this was a part of getting used to being a sparkling. It really was something she had to get used to.

Optimus walked into the lobby and the first to greet them was Bumblebee. “Nice to see you up and out of bed, Azura. I see you are enjoying some low-grade energon.” Azura frowned and rolled so her back was facing him and Optimus smirked a little. Bumblebee was surprised. “Feeling shy?”

“She was worried about me bringing out here while she's feeding,” Optimus explained and Bumblebee chuckled softly. “I assured her that nothing will be said and done to make her feel less adequate of herself, but I think she did not believe me.”

“I know sparklings can be shy about feeding around others,” Bumblebee said happily. “Azura might just be one of those. But she has no worries, we are definitely not going to make fun of her.”

“At least she is having low-grade energon.” Ratchet walked over to Optimus with a smile. “How was she this morning? Does she seem better? I would hope that the amount of sleep she had last night would have given her a lot of time for sleep.”

Optimus rubbed Azura's back with his thumb gently and looked at Ratchet. “She has improved to the point she can stand, Ratchet. But she is still in pain. I was wondering if you had anything for her to ease some of that pain. I have no doubt Azura does not want to be held when Arcee snd Bee bring Jack and Rafael to the base in the afternoon.”

Ratchet hummed thoughtfully. “There might be. I just don't know if I should. The pain relief is designed for older bots, and is much stronger. I will need to calibrate the right dosage to give to Azura, or I risk overdosing her and she will be incoherent for the rest of the day.”

“I would suggest figuring it out soon, Ratchet,” Optimus said gently. “I also would prefer if she was not in pain. I am pleased she already shows sign of healing and that us definitely a good thing.” He looked down at her with a smile. “And she's had no trouble ingesting the energon. I was worried how she would enjoy it, but it seems my worries were invalid.”

“They weren't invalid.” Ratchet smiled at him and turned to walk away. “I will make the necessary calibrations now. I won't waste any further time.”

“Maybe you can tell us how the decepticons even found you,” Arcee said to Azura directly, making the girl tense at the question. “I am definitely concerned that they were able to find her and we weren't.”

“I think that is a reasonable question to wanted answered. But Azura just woke up from recharge, and it would best if we did not make her tell us straight away, I believe that it would be better for her to wake up more, fill her stomach with energon and make use of the bathroom. I will have no doubt she will want it.”

Optimus wasn't wrong. She also would need to brush her hair and get changed, so there were a few other things she would do. And she knew she would use them as excuses, which was another reason why she would have preferred to remain in the bedroom drinking the low-grade energon. But she could see none of the autobots really minded seeing her feeding from Optimus, but she still felt shy about it regardless.

“Maybe when the doc gets her something to ease the pain, we can do something fun together,” Bulkhead suggests excitedly. “Just like we did before.”

Azura grimaced when mentioned doing things like before. Cliffjumper was not with them, and she knew there was no way they could do things like before, as much as one would like to believe. In fact, the comment made her emotional suddenly and she let out some silent tears until she pats Optimus's chassis to let him know she didn't want any more energon. Optimus shut off the flow, but he also noticed her tears.

He was worried. “Is everything okay, Azura?” Azura just covered her face with her hand and she stopped drinking as the line emptied and let out a soft sob. “Oh, you were thinking of Cliffjumper, right?” She nodded and sniffled loudly, looking up at him with teary eyes. “I see...” He hugged her against his shoulder as she cried softly. “I know Cliff will want you to make new memories, Azura. I am sure you know that too.”

She did not respond and simply continued to cry. “I’m sorry...that was my fault,” Bulkhead said in a guilty tone. “Eh...I am not always the smartest, sorry Azura.” She turned her head and looked at him. “If I had a lob light enough to give you, you can throw it at my head any time I am being dumb.” The girl smirked slightly as she listened to him. “And here's a story for you, you should have seen what happened when I first arrived on Earth. I accidentally walked into some power lines and discovered I could dance like I never could before.”

Azura smirk widened and she giggled softly. “That makes sense...”

“I remember seeing that,” Arcee chuckled softly. “It was so sudden and hilarious, Optimus almost laughed too. We could see it in his optics.” Optimus smirked as he too remembered that incident. “Maybe you should recreate it.”

“No thanks, once was more than enough,” Bulkhead responded with a light chuckle. “But I saved Optimus from that kind of embarrassment because he nearly walked into them as well. And we would have forever had that engraved into our processors.”

Azura began to laugh lightly as she tried to imagine how the bots would dance from walking into power lines. However, as she laughed, she realized she would wet herself if she kept laughing. “Uh, I need to use the bathroom. If I keep laughing, I’ll...uh...have an accident.”

“Understood.”

Optimus made his way out of the lobby back to the room. He had no doubt she needed to go and she would need help again. It was totally fine though. Azura kept giggling on the way back, which was much better than tears. Bulkhead was able to turn it around rather nicely and he was happy that she didn't fall into grieving for too long. It was definitely the better outcome and he would gladly assist Azura using the bathroom like he had before.

Azura was happy to get away from the lobby. She looked up at Optimus, wondering if she should ask about his past and Alpha Trion. But she knew asking specific questions would also get questions from him. She didn't particularly want to do that, but she also knew that Optimus might tell her about his past. He did say he was happy to tell her stories before falling asleep. It was something she thought about accepting.

“I hope it was not that awkward feeding from me in front of the other autobots.” She blinked and looked at Optimus when he spoke to her. “I told you that you had nothing to worry about. I know you are shy about it, but you have no reason to be worried about what they think. They think it's perfectly normal.”

“I know...I guess I am...still getting used to it. After all I will need to keep having the low-grade energon now, and I am...well...” Azura hesitated for a moment before she spoke. “Optimus, I am also not used to anyone looking after me. You might consider me an infant...” He looked down as he listened to her quietly. “I had to grow up fast after I placed in that awful orphanage at the age of five. No one else was going to look out for me.”

“I know...and I can tell that you want to remain independent...” She nodded in agreement. “And I am inclined to allow it for some things. But I hope you will allow us to care for you as a sparkling deserves to be cared for. It is your right, after all.”

“I will...but, when I’m healed some more, just don't force it all on me at once.” Azura smiled at him as he nodded. “But I do need to think about what we are going to do before Jack and Rafael get brought here. And I hope Fowler can write something for my school absence for today. There is definitely no use in being upset missing it now.”

“You are definitely correct.” He entered the room and approached the bathroom. “Did you want my help making use of the bathroom or shall I grab you a dress?” Azura gave him a surprised expression. “I kept the dresses you left behind. I know you have grown, but you aren't too much bigger than you were, so I would hope that you will be able to still fit in them.”

Azura was happy about that and thought about it. “I guess the blue rose dress would be nice...I never got to wear it before.” Optimus nodded affirmatively. “I will let you know if I have problems with using the toilet.”
Optimus completely understood as he entered the bathroom and lowered her to the toilet. He helped her to stand, and once she seemed fine, he turned away and she slid her pants down without complaining and sat on the toilet. Sitting on it felt more like torment than it should be. Optimus went back into her room to get out a dress.

He did not pressure her to his help when she finished using it, and he was happy to hear her flushing it when she was done. He did have to help her change though, and he was more than happy to do that. They both were really happy when they found the dress did indeed still fit her. All the while Azura thought of what she wanted to do before checking and feeding her fish. And she finally decided to brush her hair which allowed her to think some more on what she wanted to do.

“I know!” Azura exclaimed suddenly with a smile. “Do you have anything that is used to make something? Like a toy or statue or something?” She didn't want to ask if they had something like Lego as she doubted he would know what that is.

“Hmmm, we do. It is something that should be fine for you to use. If you want to do that, I can see if Bulkead and Bumblebee want to build something with you. I know I do.” Azura didn't think he would, but she was happy to know that. He picked her up and held her, walking out of the room. “I hope Ratchet can tolerate the mess it could make.”

Azura giggled softly, knowing she did not have an answer for that. When they arrived back in the lobby and Optimus told the other autobots what Azura wanted to do, Arcee, Bulkhead and Bumblebee were all keen to join in, and Azura was very happy about that. Ratchet wasn't too happy, but he was still calibrating the right pain relief dose for her, so he was distracted while the bots took Azura into an empty, work room where they would build things, and Azura was excited to use the different metal pieces and make something while talking and bonding with the autobots. And her father.