So Violetwind is back with a sequel! Yay!
We are picking up pretty much where The Voice Within left off, which was after the episode of TF Prime, Rebellion.

And as such it contains major spoilers for the previous story. This is a sequel so the first one's pretty important to it! So seriously, go read it already if you haven't done so. Like right now. Go, go on! Read it!

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Right so everyone still here's read the first one? Good. What? You haven't? Well fine, it's only spoilers, it'll still make sense I suppose. Let us proceed. Enjoy guys!

Chapter 1

It was an ordinary day at the military base for the personnel. Or as ordinary as it was going to get after some giant alien robots had moved into one of the hangers. The men and women went about their usual business, but most still curiously glanced in the robots' direction, more so when they were within sight, like the two sitting outside the hanger at that very moment. One was a white mech sporting blue armour on his front as well as blue trim along his arms and red framing his helm and on the lower tips of his shoulder plating. The other was a femme with dark purple armour and bright blue accents like on her centre helm spike and at her wrists.

"I'm thankful Agent Fowler allowed us to use this hanger for our new base."

The mech chuckled, "I'm sure Fowler's happy to be able to keep a closer eye on us."

Laughing lightly, the femme shook her head. "Fowler's not that bad and you know it, Smoke."

"Haha, perhaps but I wouldn't put it past him."

The pair grew silent, a calm air about them. It was nice just to relax after everything they had been through recently. It was amazing to think that barely a week had passed since they went to Cybertron and confronted Megatron. The tyrant had tried to use the Omega Lock to cyberform Earth. The drama afterwards had seemingly spiralled out of control as Autobot Outpost Omega One was destroyed and they were forced to go on the run. Optimus and Smokescreen had been presumed dead and the Autobots had faced Darkmout alone, almost not making it out alive. The tides turned, however, when Optimus arrived with an upgraded body and took down Megatron and Darkmount's fusion cannons. With the Decepticon's threat over Earth abolished, Agent Fowler brought in the air force to destroyed the citadel.

Since then Fowler gave them a hanger on the military base to use. He also provided a vehicle for Optimus to scan, to better suit his new body. It was based on a new experimental all terrain fighting vehicle that human engineers had developed.

On top of all that had transpired with the Decepticons, Violetwind had been dealing with her own struggles. The voice she had heard in her head had not been the results of mental illness but instead was the voice of the actual femme Violetwind. The femme conversing with Smokescreen, used to be a human before her mind was transferred into her current shared body. Nothing could be done to separate them, and so they were stuck in the the one body; the original owner, now referred to Windy as the human woman took on the identity of Violetwind. The Autobots all knew of course but the sensitive information had to be kept from the Decepticons lest they try to exploit the knowledge of how she came to be this way.

"Hey, so, Vi?" Smokescreen was pondering her mental situation.

"Yeah?"

"How weird is it know Windy is able to listen in on your thoughts? Like, you can't keep anything private? No thoughts to yourself?"

The ex-human, considered it for a moment but ultimately shook her head. "Not really. She just sort of is, you know."

You're just saying I exist, is that it? Windy's tone became a mock whine, Don't I mean anything to you any more?

She smirked, ignoring her inner companion for the moment. "I haven't really needed to nor would I really want to keep anything from her. There's be nothing to gain by hiding anything."

Slag, yeah. You'd better believe it.

Turning to her, the mech leaned against the building with his elbow, "What's she like then? Not too boring is she?"

Boring? What?! How dare the young fragger call me that!

Violetwind chuckled, "No, boring would not be something to describe her, at all. I have to say though, she is very different to me." Tapping her chin with her finger she tried to come up with a way to describe her friend, "Windy is... Well, she swears a lot. And, is very opinionated and she's certainly got a strong personality. Uh, more like Miko, I guess, but without the constant questions."

"Haha, oh boy," he laughed, "I can't imagine what it might be like having a Miko in my head."

Laughing along with him she replied, "At least it would be easier to keep track of her. No more running off into danger."

Hey, I'm not that bad!

The mech laughed harder, "She would! But only if you could handle her being constantly in your ear!"

Their laughter continued for a short while before a sharp growl broke in, causing immediate silence between them. "Violetwind! I want you to help me with with setting up our equipment."

The femme looked up at the medic, the sun glinting off his orange and white armour. "Ok, Ratchet."

Nodding he grunted and headed off back inside.

"I guess duty calls," she told her companion with an apologetic smile.

Smokescreen nodded, glancing after the mech, "Wish he'd lighten up a bit though."

"I think we're lucky to have gotten this much time off," she replied rising to her pedes.

"True," the mech got up as well, grinning, "Just don't let him get your mood down."

"No worries, if he starts to do that, I'm sure Windy will give me a little something to smile at," she waved at him before heading inside.

I'm not sure I will. You deserve the silent treatment for saying I'm like Miko.

Aww come on, don't be such a sourpuss.

Humph.

You can't not talk to me, you know. You've got to help with the tech stuff too. You know more than I do.

Perhaps you should have thought of that before you insulted me.

Entering the hanger, the femme scoffed lightly. It's not that bad.

Windy did not reply again, deciding to remain silent, earning a good natured roll of the femme's optics.

"Hey, Vi, come check out our new place! Isn't it great?" Miko called over.

The young humans had set up an area for themselves on a raised platform much like at the old base. This one was larger though, sporting a two seater and a three seater couch, a TV plus a table where Rafael currently sat with his laptop. Jack was just inserting the last plug into the TV, while Miko was staked out on a couch.

"So whadya think?" The girl asked as the purple femme stood next to the platform looking it over.

"I think I'm a little jealous," she admitted earning smiles from the humans.

Jack stepped away from the TV and turned to her. "It's our home away from home and looking better than the old base."

"Violetwind!" snapped Ratchet growing impatient with her dawdling.

"Um, I guess, I'm needed. Later, guys," she quickly excused herself and made her way over to the medic's side. "Sorry, Ratchet."

He merely grunted and began talking about the job at hand, "Since you're going to be remaining at the base with me during missions I want you to be familiar with everything. You should know how it all works so that you'll be able to repair it if need be. I could also use a medical assistant, if you're up for learning that too."

It felt a little overwhelming but she nodded, "Ok, Ratchet. I don't know how useful I'll be but I'll try."

"Let's get started." The mech explained each part they worked on as they started assembling a new ground bridge using parts retrieved from the Decepticion warship the Harbinger.

While they worked, Ratchet glanced over at the femme, his gaze the softest it had been since starting on their project. "Violetwind, I would like to keep checking your processor. To continue monitoring your condition."

No.

Not taking her optics off her task she replied, "I don't think that's necessary, Ratchet. I mean, we know what was odd now. So there's no need to keep that up, right?."

Putting down his tools, the medic turned his full attention to her. "I am still concerned for your health. We don't know what this sort of thing is like. We don't know the full extent of the trauma it might cause."

No. Be firm. It's a no. It's untested and shall stay that way.

With a sigh, the femme stopped working, letting her arms lower. "Look, Ratchet. I'd rather not have too much of it documented either. You know how devastating it could be if anyone got their hands on this kind of stuff. Besides, I'm fine. Windy's fine. Everything's working." She smiled pleasantly up at him. "And I'll be sure to let you know if something goes amiss."

As she went back to her work, Ratchet frowned, still not convinced. "But just let me do at least one."

"No," she replied firmly. "The answer is still no."

The medic did not press any further, knowing it was not currently getting him anywhere. Though, he was not about to give up on the matter entirely. He knew that it would be best to keep an optic on things. Hopefully, with time, she would relent and allow him to perform a scan, barring that he considered finding another way.

They did not speak of it further as they worked, exchanging words only when necessary. The building process took the rest of the day and well into he night but by morning they had created a – hopefully working – ground bridge; set up on the far side of the hanger, close to Ratchet's workstation.

It was here, with tools still in her hands, Violetwind sat slumped against the bench in recharge. The medic had decided to leave her be, after noticing that she had nodded off in the early hours of the morning just before the sun tried to peek out from behind the horizon.

Optimus wandered over to the medic, speaking quietly, "How soon before our ground bridge is fully operational?"

Ratchet looked up at him, "Not long. Once Rafael is ready we shall prepare for a test run."

"And?" The leader turned his gaze to the sleeping femme.

Following the mech's optics, he let out a small vent of air, a slight smile slipping onto his face. "She's learning quickly. It wore her out working so long, I think. Figured I'd let her rest and finish myself."

"A wise decision. Something perhaps you should consider for yourself," Prime suggested, showing concern over the old medic.

Quickly brushing him off, Ratchet replied, "I'll be fine, Optimus. Wouldn't still be around if I couldn't handle going without a bit of recharge."

"Just make certain you do not over exert yourself, old friend."

The mech did not reply, remaining silent in thought. When he did speak, his voice was laced with worry. "Optimus, she won't let me check her processor. It's such an untested science. I fear it may end up doing them harm."

Letting out a deep groan, he knew Ratchet was concerned about Violetwind's double mind but he also knew not much could be done if it went against her will. "If she does not wish it, I do not believe you could force it upon her. Perhaps, just give her some time. She may come around."

"And if she doesn't?"

"We hope that nothing develops..."

The pair fell into silence hoping that no harm would come the purple femme who had found herself a part of their team and a part of their sparks.

However the quiet moment was interrupted by a small voice calling out from behind the pair. "Hey, Ratchet! I'm ready to test out the ground bridge when you are."

"Ah, Raf, good. Let's get stated then, shall we?"

The boy stood on the raised platform, looking up expectantly at the bots, a remote control car in his hands. He hoped their test would end in success. Getting the ground bridge up and running was necessary if they were to effectively combat any trouble the Decepticons might cause.

Reaching out his hand, Optimus offered it to Rafael for the boy to climb on. He quickly did so, planting himself carefully so as to not fall over. Walking over to the ground bridge, the mech made slow deliberate movements so as to not jostle the boy too much. Slowly he lowered him and the remote controlled car down so they could test the device.

Placing the car down so that it was facing the right direction, the boy readjusted his glasses before calling out to the medic. "Alright, Ratchet. Let's do it."

With a nod in reply, he set the coordinates and opened the vortex. Just as they had hoped the familiar glowing green and blue tunnel appeared but they were only half done. Next they had to make sure it was safe for travel.

Driving the small car forward, Raf aimed for the new ground bridge. If the small vehicle made it through they would be able to detect it using the global positioning system they installed accompanying the long range control.

They waited with baited breath, attentions focused on the small vehicle as it drove into the vortex and disappeared into the tunnel without fault.

After a few moments of tense silence Ratchet declared, "Sensors have successfully picked it up on the other side of the globe! It works! Bring it back, Raf!"

"Yes!" The boy cheered with a fist pump. Happily he put the remote controlled car into reverse and it soon re-emerged from the ground bridge, undamaged.

The slight commotion had roused Violetwind from her nap. Blinking open her optics, she groaned as she slowly sat up, "What's going on?"

"I believe congratulations are in order. You have performed admirably, Ratchet, Violetwind and also Rafael, for assisting," Optimus praised warmly.

The femme perked up, grinning happily. "The ground bridge works?"

"It does," the mech confirmed.

"Ratchet, the ground bridge works! I helped build a ground bridge!"

Amused by her excitement, the medic smiled. "I noticed. You did well for your first time."

While the others went about packing up Windy spoke, Hey, now that we've got a ground bridge perhaps we could use Ultra Magnus' ship.

What for? she absent-mindedly questioned, still focused on how she had helped build something.

Well, I was thinking that we could go and fetch Elite One and the other femmes from the planet I left them on. We could do with some extra fighters and they're some of the best. I'm sure it would be great to add to our numbers.

Hey, that would be good.

So how about it? You gonna speak to Optimus?

Sure, why not, I guess? Couldn't hurt right?

Optimus had already walked off and was currently talking with Ultra Magnus and Wheeljack. "With the ground bridge currently functional I would like you to scour the remains of our previous base. Be mindful of anything that may prove useful."

"Yes, Optimus," the officer replied respectfully.

"We'll make sure we don't leave any stone unturned," added the Wrecker with a smirk.

"Good. Ratchet," turning to the medic Prime called out, "please set the ground bridge coordinates."

With a nod, he entered the desired numbers into the console and started up the swirling tunnel.

The pair left and Violetwind took her chance to talk with their leader. Approaching him, she called out softly, "Uh, Optimus?"

Turning to her, he acknowledged the femme. "Yes, Violetwind? Was there something you desired to discuss with me?"

"Actually there was. You see, well, Windy brought up the idea of using Ultra Magnus' ship to go and fetch Elita One and the rest of the team. Since, you know, we have the ground bridge to quickly get around Earth now."

Watching his reaction she saw something happen behind his optics. She noticed spark clenching fear, not something the femme ever thought she would see from the Prime. It was hidden well but it was there nonetheless and it confused her. Surely a trip across space was not that hazardous, after all, Ultra Magnus and Windy had done it to get there.

"No." Optimus responded simply, not offering any kind of explanation.

"But-"

"No," he repeated firmly, turning away from her and walking off, leaving her in a state of confusion.

Why fragging not?!

Letting out a gasp of shock, Violetwind gathered up her senses and followed after him. "Optimus, I don't understand. Wouldn't it be beneficial if we had more Bots? I know it would probably get a little crowded in here but I'm sure we could manage."

Heaving a deep sigh the mech paused, his shoulders slumped ever so slightly. "I... I do not believe our energon supplies would support an increase to our numbers."

Slag that, tell him that we could fill the ship with whatever the team has collected. That planet had energon deposits and the gals would have collected plenty!

"But Optimus that wouldn't be a problem. Windy says there was energon there too and we could bring it back with us. Might even help our energon supply if we could bring a lot back."

Sighing again, he looked over at the femme. He had not wished to divulge the real reason behind the lack of action to fetch the others but Violetwind was proving persistent. Then again he supposed he was up against two stubborn femmes when it came to her. Glancing over at the other Bots, he made sure none were within hearing distance before speaking, "I do not wish to bring them here and get them involved in more fighting. You have said before they are safe where they reside and I desire for it to remain that way."

Ah, I see.

"I don't."

The mech looked at her curiously as she responded verbally to Windy. "You do not what?"

"I apparently don't see what Windy does. And I don't get why you wouldn't want more help fighting the Cons."

Optimus closed his optics, taking in a deep vent of air. Letting it out slowly, he looked down at her once again. "There are simply moments when a leader must make... certain... decisions."

Her face scrunched up in confusion. "But what has that got to do with adding to our ranks?"

Vi, drop it.

"But-," she whined softly, "humph." The femme clenched her fists in slight frustration but did not press the matter further.

The mech gazed upon her with sad optics. "Please, Violetwind. Let the questions rest, do not speak of them again. I ask that you do not mention this to the others."

Although she did not like it, she nodded. "Yes, Optimus."

As their conversation came to a close, Agent Fowler exited his office. Standing on the raised walkway he yelled out, "We've gotten reports of possible Decepticon activity."

Optimus was quick to step up and claim the job for himself. "I shall investigate."

"I'll come with you," Bulkhead offered as he walked over to join him.

"No, I shall go alone."

The green mech was surprised by the flat out refusal, trying again "You sure? It's not like it'll be any trouble."

"I am certain. I shall be able to search the area effectively on my own with the use of flight."

"Ok then," the mech nodded, not about to ask again if Optimus did not want him there.

Gathering the coordinates from Agent Fowler, the Autobot leader left the base in search of his quarry.

Staring after the mech, Arcee wondered out loud, "What's up with him?"

"I donno." Bulkhead glanced over at Violetwind, "What where you guys talking about anyway? Did something upset him?"

The femme looked in the green mech's direction before glancing after Optimus briefly and then returning her gaze to the mech. He had asked her not to talk about it so she would respect him in that. "Uh, nothing much." She pointed over at Ratchet's work bench, "Well, if you excuse me, I've got stuff to do."

With that the femme quickly scurried off, delving into her work and leaving the Bots to themselves.

Arcee folded her arms, muttering sarcastically, "Well they're not hiding anything."

Approaching them Bumblebee beeped, 'If it was something we needed to know they would have told us. Probably best just to leave it alone.'

"You're right, Bee. No point going after it. Let's see if the kids wanna play some games," Bulkhead waved a hand and started to wander over to the human youth, the scout behind trailing him chirping excitedly able being able to beat anyone who tried to come up against him.

The blue femme remained silent not following her companions. Instead she pondered what might have set the usually calm leader off.

Having dodged the questions directed at her conversation with Optimus, Violetwind pretended to vigorously work on fixing a small piece of machinery. It was not until she was sure they were no longer paying any attention to her that she breathed a sigh of relief and slowed down to actually pay attention to what she was doing. As she started to properly work on fixing the small device, which happened to be a spare component for the ground bridge, the femme silently questioned her inner self.

So, you noticed something there that I didn't, right? What ws it?a

It's not that complicated. Gossip about it went round during the war but it wasn't really something that I paid much to at the time. Wasn't interested in that sort of thing.

What?

Oh right. Well the rumour was that Optimus and Elita One had feelings for one other. That perhaps they might even become sparkmates.

What's a sparkmate? she asked, confused by the term.

Ah right. You wouldn't know about this. Well you see, it's sort of like human marriages. Only it's much deeper than just getting paired up. Sparkmates are joined for life through the bonding of their very sparks. It's like the merging of two souls. It's said to be a wonderful thing to find your life partner. They can practically read each other's emotions even when they're not in the same place.

Wow. That does sound great. So... so Optimus and Elita were dating then?

I don't believe it was anything official, but yeah.

Why doesn't he want to just bring her back here then? I would have thought he would love to see her again if he does have feelings for her.

Perhaps if he were anyone else, maybe, but he's Optimus Prime. This war rests on his shoulders. He can't let feelings get in the way of his judgement. And I don't think he wants to risk her getting hurt. If it's true that he does care for that much, he couldn't risk it.

Violetwind let out a small whine of sadness for the mech. It would suck to have to be like that.

Yeah, it would...

~oOo~

Soaring high above the land, floating in the skies, Optimus headed for the coordinates of the possible Decepticon activity. It was suspected to be drilling activity, hopefully an energon deposit they could claim from their enemies. However, his current goal was not what plagued the leader's mind.

His thoughts revolved around the conversation he had with Violetwind. The femme had meant well and he knew that but... It had affected him more than he would have thought possible. Just the mention of her name had brought back memories and stirred up long forgotten feelings. Their last goodbye had been so brief, cut short by the necessity to flee their dying planet amongst the battle. His spark had been torn at the time, only wanting to hold her close forever and yet knowing he had to lead his troops in the escape.

Even now, the ache in his spark would not let up. However, Optimus knew he could not bring her here. To him, loving her meant more than just wanting to be with her. It meant wanting to do anything he could to protect her. He would give his life to know that she was safe.

"Elita One..." he murmured to himself, despite no one being around to hear him, "Forgive me for waiting and not coming to find you. But I could not drag you back into this war. And I will never again allow Megatron to use you in order to get to me."

Hope you enjoyed it!
I've added a link in my profile to a picture I did of when Vi fell asleep while she was working if you wanted to check that out. I had to do something for it, the scene amused me.