When All Lights Go Out II (TFP)

Chapter 24

"And she is far from that." Optimus did not mind as he loved caring for Azura, but that did not stop his concern and worry about it. "I know it has only been a couple days, and hopefully, when her spark is stronger and she doesn't need a heap of medication, she might relax some more."

"That might be for a couple weeks at this stage, Optimus. I am just glad that there was no permanent damage to her system, as it would make feel terrible since I was the one who even suggested that procedure. But I am glad it worked, and she will be okay." Ratchet looked at Azura as the sparkling looked at him with a smile. "As much as I know you will be a chatterbox as soon as you can talk, I look forward to having conversations with you again."

Azura giggled at him as she continued to ingest the low-grade energon. "I guess I am lucky that I am able to converse with Azura through our bond. Having a proper paternal bond with her has really made me happy."

"I am sure it made the carrying a lot better to Azura too, since she wouldn't be forced to just stay inside your gestational chamber and listen to everything that's happening. We would never have known about the dream otherwise. But at least her system is improving slowly each day." Optimus nodded because it definitely did. Ratchet smiled as he walked over to check Azura's spark monitor out of curiosity and looked at Optimus. "I haven't gotten to ask you. But ever since Azura was able to make that storm..." Optimus looked at Ratchet with a raised eyebrow. "Do you think her abilities are stronger?"

Optimus pondered on the question for a moment and shook his head. "No. I think she has a stronger connection with her abilities now, but as for the strength of her abilities, I don't think so. I might be wrong, and it is too early to say. But as I do not want Azura to use any of her abilities, even her breath abilities, for a long time, it will definitely be something we will just have to wait and see."

"I feel the same, honestly. At least Mech wouldn't know it was her." That might be true, but Mech did suspect that something was strange about the storm, so they might still put two and two together. "Also, Fowler has said that Mech have not been seen around the energon deposit we haven't collected yet. With Arcee, Bumblebee and Bulkhead recovered from their injuries, we might be able to collect it."

Optimus had not given the go ahead to collect the energon yet as he was still unsure about whether it would be safe or not. "I think we should give it more time, Ratchet. If we go back too soon, we will certainly be caught up in another fight against Mech. And while we are unlikely to find ourselves in the same position as before, I do not want to risk our lives for energon at this time."

Ratchet nodded as he understood. "I understand. I am still searching for other deposits when not dealing with taking care of Azura. I might actually get to recharge soon."

"As I have said, Ratchet, you should take time to rest. You have done a lot for us in the past couple days I know Azura needs your attention, but you don't want to burn yourself out either." Ratchet knew that, but he knew where his responsibilities were. "Not having a medic around would be bad. Especially at this time."

"I know. But I will be okay, Optimus. As Azura is the only bot here who needs my attention, it isn't too stressful. She is improving each day, and I am not concerned like I was. I do not need to be concerned about my own recharge as much as I would be if I had to deal with something more stressful. You do not need to worry about me, Optimus. Thank you, for your concern." Ratchet glanced down at Azura as the sparkling shifted and curled against Optimus's chassis, placing the base of her feet against the surface and Ratchet chuckled a little. "By the way, since it's early in the morning, how many times has she fed already?"

"Twice. Only due to the reason that Azura was fussy for at least two and a half hours while refusing to recharge." That didn't surprise Ratchet, since he was well aware that Azura exhausts herself, but still doesn't recharge. "I think she might get some rest soon, but I have no guarantee."