When All Lights Go Out I (TFP)

Chapter 75

"I don't either. Though I would be willing for her to learn what he was like before he became a decepticon. I think she will really like that, and she would see that he wasn't always evil. He had good intentions once, before he became twisted." Optimus knew that it would be good for Azura to know what her sire was like before, as it would make her less ashamed about that part about her. "If only the cure for her infection worked as fast as the cure for the Cybonic plague."

Ratchet chuckled lightly at Optimus as he nodded in agreement. "I can't help but agree with your words, Optimus. Though Azura's weakened system is a big part as to why she has taken a week before her body has started to respond to the medicine. I believe it will at least be another week or two before she is back to her old self. And we can finally start making preparations."

Optimus smiled as he knew exactly what Ratchet meant. "Good. I guess you want the procedure to go ahead a week or two after she's recovered, right?"

"I am hoping for that to be the case, as waiting is not an option. At least, not once she is recovered. I cannot use the excuse of waiting for her system to get stronger anymore. If anything...it seems to be going to the other way slowly, and I don't want to lose the opportunity. Especially since the weaker she will be, the longer the procedure will take and the more taxing it will be to your body." Ratchet was pleased with this, which meant they didn't have much time. "As long as nothing else prevents us from going ahead with the procedure, we should be on time."

"Good. That is very good." Optimus was really thrilled about that, as he wanted nothing more to ensure Azura would have a very long, and happy life. He kissed the sparkling's forehead, and she grumbled as she shifted in recharge, though she did not wake up. "I know the time you are giving also gives my body time to recover to be strong to go through with it. I still do not know the full extent of the procedure, but I trust you, Ratchet."

The medic smiled at him. "I know. But now you should rest, Optimus. The formula might be working, but your body is still exhausted from fighting the virus. You should be able to get onto your feet tomorrow, but I don't expect you to leave the base without my full clearance. After all, the orders from a medic overrides yours when it comes to these matters."

Optimus smirked in amusement at Ratchet's comment as he fully understood. "I am aware, Ratchet. I will not leave until I am well. And I know Azura is unlikely to want me to leave with the worry that I'll come back sick again. Even though that is extremely unlikely to happen." Optimus gently shifted Azura as he opened his chassis to place her inside. "I am just grateful that the both of us will...I hope she has a long life, Ratchet. The way her life started was not fair."

"I know. The only one out of all the habloids sparks to survive." Optimus grimaced as it pained him to know that all of Azura's half siblings never made it like her. He knew that Azura might not think of that, but he did, and as did everyone else. "But this will be the best thing we can do to ensure that, Optimus. It is clear that she has an important destiny ahead of her. And if we don't guide her, help her to achieve that, we be failures to her."

Optimus closed his chassis once he made sure Azura was comfortable and laid his head back to look up at the ceiling. "I can't help but worry what her future holds, Ratchet. Not only does she possess the power of the Matrix within her, which almost makes her a Prime to an extent, she also has the power of the dragon within her...I can't help but worry."

"But I believe in my spark you will be there to help her, Optimus. She will need your guidance. And when the procedure is done, you and her will be properly bonded as well." Optimus smiled as he really wanted that. "I am not sure what lies ahead for you and her, but now that we know Megatron is still around, unless Arcee was successful in destroying him, the war clearly will continue until we deal with him."