When All Lights Go Out II (TFP)

Chapter 1

"I am afraid I have no answer for you, Azura. Aside from you. I think Megatron is giving us this time for you." Optimus doubted Azura would believe that, given she doesn't really remember what happened that day, but it was the only answer he really had. "He did try to help that day. But I am afraid I am not sure if that is correct. They could easily be doing something that we have not detected."

"I am still shocked about you telling me that Megatron tried to help. And he was angry at Starscream for throwing that dark energon shard at my crystal. I know he is my sire, but...I am still not sure if I believe he cares for me because of me."

"I feel the same, Azura. However, only time will tell." Optimus frowned as his tank alerted him that he needed to ingest energon again. Now that it was settled from purging, he was hungry again. He sighed, knowing he would need to raid the energon stocks again. "But I doubt that Megatron will stop the war because of you, Azura. Even if he cares for you genuinely, he will still likely fight me. I wish that was not the case, because that puts you in between. And I know that will mean, you will pick me over him."

"You are my carrier, daddy. I mean, technically, I should be referring to you as mom." Optimus rolled his optics in amusement, even though Azura was right on that. "But of course, I will pick you over Megatron all the time. Because...because you put the effort in. I am not sure if he will put in the effort to get to know me. I kind of hope he will, but I am expecting it won't happen anyway. I don't need a sire, as I have you, daddy."

Optimus's spark felt warm as she said that to him. It made him feel a little emotional too, because knowing she would pick him all the time, and that she felt she didn't need a sire was just sweet. Though he did wish things were different, and that there was no war. Unfortunately, life just did not happen that way. "It makes me happy to know you are happy with just me as your parent. I am not sure how long it has taken for you to feel that way, Azura, given your early years. However, I promise that I will do my best to not let you down."

"I know you will, daddy. You might have let me down before, but you have made the effort to fix it. I love you."

"I love you too, Azura." He caressed his abdomen gently, feeling extremely happy at this time. "And I believe Ratchet will want another check up today."

"Seems he has been doing them once a week. But that is okay. I know he just wants to keep an eye on me. I have felt that I am getting stronger. Though I will say, when parts get delivered to me, it feels weird. I didn't think I would feel it, but...I don't like the feeling at all, daddy. It feels like tiny, little, insects crawling within me and it freaks me each time. I don't feel the new systems forming though...just...the feeling of the parts being delivered."

"That explains why you get startled every now and then. Unfortunately, I am unable to stop that, Azura. It is the only way for your systems to be whole. And I do believe that your current systems would be reinforced as well." Optimus was certain that Azura's current systems will be stronger when she is reborn. And he also believes she will have an easier time with her abilities as well. "I am sure you will get used to the feeling."

"Maybe. But it has been four weeks, and it still freaks me out. It is because the parts don't get delivered all the time. Though I know it is more uncomfortable for you than me. Doesn't it hurt you because parts get taken from you to be delivered to me?"

"Yes, it does hurt. A lot of the parts have been taken from within systems in my chassis, and it has been uncomfortable. However, my body heals and replenishes quickly, so it is just an unfortunate effect while carrying." Optimus didn't want her to feel bad for it, as he knew Azura would likely feel bad for it. But it was an inevitable part of carrying. "Once I refill my tank, I am going to go check on your fish. They have been thriving quite well."