When All Lights Go Out I (TFP)

Chapter 88

Optimus watched Ratchet curiously as he knew that Ratchet would say if she should continue or not. "Well, Ratchet? Is she okay to continue after a short break? She was able to do something, but it drained her quite quickly. I worry that she has already spent a lot of her energy."

"I'm not seeing anything alarming, other that her energy levels have dropped substantially." Ratchet looked back at Azura before looking at Optimus with a smile. "With a break, I am sure she will be fine. But I advise that you insulate her while she rests. She can't recover properly if she is cold, and my instruments have detected that a snowstorm might be brewing, but I think we have time before that happens."

Azura glanced up at the sky as she could sense it as well. She took deep intakes and she smiled as she felt like she was achieving something. Optimus closed his chassis to keep the warmth within the space so she could stay warm. Azura appreciated it as she did enjoy the warmth around it. And it certainly allowed to relax even more knowing that she was safe and warm within Optimus's chassis. It was super comforting to her.

"I will say, I am not sure what you have done so far, but we could hear the movement of the ice and snow underneath the surface," Optimus began to speak to her as she relaxed against the seats. "I am sure that what you have done already has been good. I am curious if you are able to say what you managed to do. But if not, you don't have to."

"Um...it is hard to explain, if I am honest, daddy..." Azura did not know if she should tell Optimus about her ability to change lenses on her optics. "I connected with the nature and ice in such a way that...I could visualize what is needed underneath. I'm hoping to do a bit more before opening a tunnel down to the crystals."

"It sounds like you might actually be able to achieve it, but give yourself plenty of time to relax before proceeding. I don't want you to pass out from exhaustion." Azura smiled as she listened to Optimus. "But if the storm beats us before you feel well enough to try again, we will return to base and come back tomorrow."

Azura did not want to go back yet. She knew that the storm was coming, and she probably could stop it too, but she would need to save her energy to keep doing what she wanted to do. She knew she could succeed today. She just had to take time to relax and recover a little bit. She didn't know how long it would take, especially as she felt quite tired. She decided to try to just rest for thirty minutes to see how much of a difference that would make.

Optimus did take the time to speak with her during those thirty minutes to give her many words of love and encouragement, as he knew that his daughter needed to hear them. He was already proud of what she has achieved so far, and he wanted her to know that. Azura did know that, but she still wanted to try and achieve what she wanted to achieve. It already felt amazing to know she was already part way there, and she just wanted to finish what she has started, that is all she wanted to do.

After thirty minutes past, Azura still felt quite exhausted. But she did regain some strength, and she felt she could try again. "Okay...I think I want to try again, daddy." She placed her hand on the inside of the chassis, waiting for him to open it for her. "That storm is getting closer. I can feel it. But there is still time before it hits, and I want to try and finish this before it reaches up."

"I am aware, Azura. Ratchet has been monitoring the weather as well." Optimus opened his chassis partially, and Azura saw that the wind had picked up. "We might be heading towards dangerous conditions as well, so do what you think you can. After that, we will head back to the base, and you can have the rest of the day relaxing and recharging. I am sure you are still tired, even after that short break."

"Okay, and I feel fine, daddy." Azura took deep intakes, shivering as the cooler air from the outside filtered into the chassis. She wasn't about to let it stop her from completing her task. She really wanted to finish it.