Procedure

Amputation.

I was going to need my leg amputated.

Bloody amputated.

I turned my phone on finally after being given the semi-all-clear by Ratchet because well, my leg had gone to shit—my foot, creeping up ankle was black and swelling. Thank Primus Ratchet had me on some strong morphine because it looked painful and even Ratchet poking it sent pins and needles across my skin.

As soon as my phone loaded, it buzzed three times, and I noted all three texts were from Soundwave. Oh Jesus, the 'Cons woulda felt it all too. Fuck, shit, Jesus Christ, oh my God.

I hastily and shakily unlocked my phone to open my messages.

'Zelda?' Monday 4:50 pm.

'Please answer.'Tuesday 10:25 am.

'Please response.'Today 12:45 pm.

I wanted to cry. My eyes stung as my spark clenched painfully.

'I'm sorry for not answering sooner. I'm gonna be okay,' I sent, having to repeatedly delete and make corrections because my hands were shaking so much.

'What happened? Why didn't you answer?' was the almost instantaneous reply.

'I was unconscious. A trip to the Arctic went wrong,' I sent and wrote out the next message before Soundwave could respond, 'I've got sevre frostbite on my left leg. We're gettign some stuff cleare to transport me to a hospital. My legs not savable, it's gonna have to be amupated.'

I didn't bother making corrections this time, my hands were shaking too much.

I glanced up as the Ground Bridge was opened and the others returned. Bee immediately came over to me.

"Zelda, how are you feeling?" He buzzed, happy to see me awake but worried all the same. All the bots likely knew my current state of being.

I smiled, "I'm good, Bee."

He buzzed wordlessly for a moment, his optics said he knew the truth but we both knew that bringing it up would do no good, "I know, Zel."

Bumblebee returned to the others as the guardians had to see their charges home before it got too late in the evening, and so they went on their way.

'What!?' My phone buzzed, normally I would've found the out-of-character response funny but—I sighed, 'Explain.'

'Earlier in the day, Bee and Bulk found a stasis pod in the arctic. I went back out with OP and C but there were Scraplets inside the pod. They got to the ground bridge controls and so we were stuck out there as a blizzard came in.'

'But you are otherwise okay? Nothing other than the frostbite?'

'No, just exhausted and quite doped up on morph.'

'I am glad, your lack of response severely worried me, Sunbird.'

The nickname successfully brought a stupid smile to my face. I loved it when he called me Sunbird.

"Zelda," I glanced up at my name to see Ratchet's holoform approaching, my bag slung over his shoulder, "Ready?"

I exhaled deeply but nodded. He dumped my bag in the back of his alt-mode before coming over to me. He slipped an arm under my legs and supported my back as he lifted me. I clutched my phone tightly as he stepped into the back of his form and set me on the red bench.

While I strapped myself in, Ratchet set a pillow under my foot. He closed the doors and blinked his holoform into the driver's seat. I fiddled with my phone as Optimus activated the ground bridge and Ratchet went through.

'When are you leaving?'

'Now, actually. Not sure when I'll be going into surgery, not too bothered as long as it gets sorted, y'know?'

'I'm glad, good luck.'

':)'

I turned my phone off and shoved it in my bag, knowing the conversation was over and that I wouldn't be needing it anytime soon. All I really knew currently was that I would be getting a below-the-knee amputation since the frostbite thankfully only reached just under mid-shin, but despite that, it was daunting. When I'd had my arm amputated, I wasn't conscious when the decision had been made so I hadn't had to worry about it.

I let out a breath in some vain attempt to ease that nervousness inside me.

Ratchet was only driving for a breem before he pulled up. If I had heard correctly, I was being taken to a private hospital that dealt in confidential-related injuries.

I would say over the top, but I wasn't exactly normal, and it could be dangerous if the wrong ears heard it. While it's likely overdone, it was a precaution in the likelihood something did happen.

The doors opened a nano-kilk after Ratchet pulled to a stop. There were two nurses, a male and female, and they stood with a wheelchair. The guy climbed in the back as I unpopped to allow him to lift me up. I made sure not to leave behind my bag.

I was gently set into the wheelchair and names were swapped as the female nurse, Lucy, began wheeling me inside. She started explaining what was going to happen, how long these surgeries typically last and some post-surgery stuff. I mostly listened with half an ear and asked questions when I deemed it necessary.

I was taken up three levels by the lift and then into the room that I would be using during my stay here. Another female nurse replaced Charlie (the male nurse) to help me set into the hospital gown. My hair was tied up and out of the way.

As I waited for the okay to take me to the operating room, Ratchet appeared at the door. The nurses smiled and stepped out of the room to give some privacy.

"Are you staying or heading back?" I asked.

"Staying. Your operation is planned to take two joors, it would be redundant to return to base," He answered, then vented softly. He crossed his arms, "I shoved your sketchpad into the bag and noted down some measurements because I know you would want them."

I grinned, laughing, "You know me too well."

He smiled weakly.

"Hey Ratchet," He raised a brow. I tilted my head, grinning, "Smile for me, would ya? They're not putting me down."

He gave an over-exaggerated eye roll. I would call that success.

My grin softened into a smile, "Seriously Ratchet—I'm gonna be fine. Not like I haven't been through this before. Besides, I've caused enough worrying over my life for those I care for that I know."

Ratchet stared for a moment, emotions swirly, making me unable to determine what they were. He sighed, "But sometimes it's necessary to let those who do care know everything isn't alright."

I smiled sardonically, "Touché."

He'd finally heard back from Zelda, and it wasn't the news he wanted—he wanted her to be in perfect health but realistically he knew that her four days of silence wouldn't result in good news.

But he hadn't expected that.

Had not expected the fact she was losing her leg to something so organic in nature. Soundwave could openly, and a bit sheepishly, admit that sometimes he forgot that Zelda was only a techno-organic—she could still be affected by certain organic things—frostbite being one of them—but she did not get ill or suffer from aliments that a human would. It made her superior to them—and what she had become, meant she rightfully so was.

He vented softly, allowing his tense frame to loosen from its wound-up state he'd found himself getting into more and more the last few earth cycles. The response had left him at ease, either way, just knowing she was recovering was enough to lift the heavy feeling in his spark.

Lazerbeak sent him a quick pulse, drawing his attention to the condor, who gave a mental gesture towards the commlink they'd managed to pick up. He tilted his helm as he hacked into it and caught the end tail of the conversation.

He turned, approaching Starscream, who in turn faced him.

"WheelJack?! What are you doing all the way out here?"

"Bulkhead? That you? What's with all the security?"

"The rock we're on is crawling with 'Cons."

"A War Hero? We haven't much time," Starscream hummed thoughtfully, he turned to the Drone that was approaching them, "Soundwave."

He understood what was being asked, he too faced the Drone, releasing one of his tendrils and linked up with the Drone, downloading WheelJack's frame and vocal patterns to allow the Drone to shift.

"We'll make sure you get a proper welcome!"

"I, too, know how to prepare a proper welcome," Starscream smirked.

Now that was done, he was free to find where Zelda was currently.

He ignored the quiet snickers of Lazerbeak

She dreamt like she'd never done so before—she remembers soaring through the clouds, feeling the way the wind ruffled her feathers. It brought this… exhilaration flooding through her veins. It was like nothing she'd ever felt before, it made her desire a pair of her own.

Sure, she had her jetpack, but it was nothing like this!

For one of the few times in her life, Zelda allowed herself to truly want something like nothing before.

She awoke all groggy and tired, had a hard time wanting to keep her eyes open and instead wanted to return to her dream of flying through the clouds. But alas, it wasn't to be as she turned her attention to the three holoforms that stood in her room, Optimus, Ratchet, and her little brother.

"Hey guys."

"Zel-da!" Bee grinned, shuffling forward and hugging her—being mindful of her current state.

Zelda laughed, it was a bit croak from its lack of use, and her mouth felt dry, but it didn't stop her from returning his hug. After several long moments, Bee pulled back, the slightly worried tug at his brows had vanished.

"How are you feeling?" Optimus questioned.

"Uh, tired?"

Bee snickered, Optimus's lips curled upwards, and Ratchet snorted.

"Only you," Ratchet grumbled but shook his helm.

"What did you expect me to say?" She squawked slightly, "I'm on pain meds and only just woke up, you grumpy mech."

Bumblebee burst into laughter, desperately trying to stop and hide his grin. He mimicked: "Only you Zelda."

"Anyway," She started once Bee's giggling died down, "Anything happen while I've been out?"

"Surprisingly yes," Ratchet offered; Zelda blinked.

"A mech designated Wheeljack will be arriving tomorrow," Optimus answered with a dip of his helm.

"Wheeljack?" Zelda quickly racked her brain to find where she'd heard the designation before, "Bulkhead's friend, right?"

"Indeed."

She then pouted, "I'm gonna miss the first meeting, awe man!"

"That's what you're worried about?" Ratchet raised a brow.

"Pit yeah! Bulkhead said Wheeljack was an awesome mech! Made mention of his scientist background too!"

"Scientist?" Ratchet inquired.

She nodded with a grin, "Yeah, Bulk used to always tell me stories of when Wheeljack would blow himself up and everything!"

The CMO groaned, silently praying to Primus that no such things occurred.

It was pitifully easy finding her, but not that he was surprised—what he was glad about was that she had been admitted to a private but well-received hospital. At least he knew she was in good servos—or would hands be the more approach term since they were humans?

But either way, now that he had her location, her current status of being in surgery still with all positive outlooks, with little chance of anything going wrong, he could shrug off that remaining bit of worry that gnawed on his spark.

Thankfully after seeing to the drone that would be taking WheelJack's place, he used that chance to leave the Nemesis and pop down to see Zelda. Once he'd landed, shifting back to his bi-pedal form, he allowed his secondary alt to activate, leaving him in his ground form, not one that he used very often as his flight frame was of far more use to him.

He followed the dirt road to find the main one, where he made for the hospital. Entering the lot, he activated his holoform—a dark-haired, pale-skinned male. He wore tinted glasses to hide his red-hued eyes, the holoform had originally generated with a styled suit which he had traded for a looser, more casual set. He never understood human fashion, but Zelda had given both a thumbs up.

He stepped out, rolling his shoulders to get a feel for the holoform as it had been quite some time since he'd activated. Entering the hospital was simple, but he ran into a bit of a problem since he, well, didn't speak. Thankfully the woman had a notepad that he could write in, so that problem was solved easily. He used the lift to reach her floor and then another few steps before finally reaching her door.

He knocked gently twice before opening it. Ginger hair moved as familiar golden eyes met his own covered ones.

"Hey," She croaked. Soundwave nodded, closing the door behind him. He smiled as he approached, taking Zelda's hand as she reached out, allowing her to touch his holo's cheek.

"You too far?" she asked, he nodded. Zelda pouted and he gave a silent chuckle with a shake on his helm.

He sent over a gently questioning pulse, asking how she was.

"I'm good, thanks," She answered, "You?"

The corner of Soundwave's lips twitched upwards, but he nodded, giving a thumbs up.

"Glad," then she smiled as if she just remembered something, so Soundwave blinked, "I'm a bit annoyed since 'nother bots' arrived on earth though, bet you've seen him!"

Zelda missed the slight grimace in Soundwave expression, he did feel a bit guiltily but knowing of Wheeljack's reputation helped ease it some. It would be likely the Wrecker would break out and Bulkhead would recognise that the fake-Wheeljack was just that, a fake.

He gave a non-confirming hum to which Zelda continued to pout at.

Goodness, sometimes Zelda's actions were nothing but adorable, especially when tired.

Soundwave shook his helm, pushing those thoughts aside, and as he did so, noticed the sketchbook on the bedside table. He reached over to get a better look.

Ah, he realised by the notes and doodles of a leg that it was Zelda planning for her new one.

"You think it looks okay?" She asked. He hummed as he finished scanning the piece. He nodded, then made a so-so gesture to which Zelda pouted, again, "How rude."

He chuckled as he plucked the book up and set it on her bed, he grabbed the pencil and, never once releasing Zelda's servo, began to add notes and his own pieces onto the page. He might not call himself an artist, but that didn't mean he was unable to, it had been a pastime for him during his gladiator stellar cycles. He also had the technical knowledge to help build her leg too which helped.

(He noted she'd added the silicone for muscle definition much like her arm had—it made sense; it felt more real that way.)

He continued to the sketch and add notes for a while, just listening to Zelda's breathing as it evened out as she fell back into recharge.

~Soundwave, Prime has entered the hospital,~Lazerbeak informed him. In a subconscious gesture, Soundwave looked over his holoform's shoulder to the door. He had at least two earth minutes; it would be likely the woman at the desk would inform the Prime that Zelda already had a visitor.

Soundwave turned back to Zelda, he raised their linked servos and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. He released her servo and picked the sketchbook up, placing it in her lap, then did the same with her pencil, only with her right servo.

~Boss, you have ten seconds,~ Lazerbeak murmured, ~Nine. Eight. Seven,~ Soundwave lent forward, brushing Zelda's fringe from her forehead and kissed it, ~Four. Three. Two. One—~

Soundwave dispersed his holoform and the door opened.

Optimus would never openly admit it, but the base had gotten a bit more crowd than he'd like this evening—not that he had anything against Wheeljack, far from it, it's just he'd always been a bit of an introvert when it came to lively social gatherings.

Primus even Megatron could tell you that.

So, he used the chance to leave the base until this so-called party ended, it also allowed him to visit Zelda. None of them had been able to return for a visit since her post-surgery yesterday afternoon.

Since his alt would not fit within the parking lot of the hospital, he was forced to parking on the side of the road, where he activated his holoform and stepped out.

For a brief unknown reason, he stared up at the large building before him. He shook the odd feeling off and began for the doors. The entrance hallway was a lot quieter than it had been yesterday and Optimus approached the front reception.

The lady smiled up at him, "Hi, how can I help you?"

"I'm here to see Zelda Larsson," He offered, and the woman smiled again.

"Of course, name please?"

"Orion Colin." He offered; each bot had been given a human name upon the holoforms creation to help better their blending in. He can remember, quite fondly, how Zelda had laughed when he'd read his name—even Ratchet had snorted.

Of course, those two were the only ones to know that Orion had been part of his original name, but it was ironic all the same.

"Alright then, Mr Colin, it says you've already been here, so I'll save you the time of having to listen to the requirements again," The lady continued cheerfully in amusement. She blinked as a look of remembrance flickered onto her face, "I'm unsure if you already know, but Zelda's currently already got a visitor in her room? A Mr Mikael Waven."

Optimus frowned—he did not know of any humans by the name, especially that Zelda associated herself with. She didn't have much of a human friend group unfortunately, she was quite anti-social when it came down to it.

"I'm guessing you don't," She laughed softly. "Well, he's been here for about half an hour, anyway."

"Alright, thank you," He answered with a dip of his helm as he moved to approach the lift but thought better of it and went for the stairs instead because if it wasn't a human, then…

He skipped two steps at a time as he rushed up the three flights of stairs in an attempt to reach the room quicker. The name wasn't one that sounded very human, sure Mikael was but Waven? So that left it with only the Decepticons; it made him curious, the only bot on earth with 'wave' in the name was Soundwave, and while he might not be the last 'Con he'd thought would come to see her, he certainly wasn't the first.

He stepped up out of the way as a nurse wheeled a patient down the hall, and he received a smile in return. He nodded but he continued towards Zelda's room, three-oh-three, where he opened the blue door only to see if vacant bar a sleeping Zelda.

He frowned, either he just missed them, or it was a Decepticon, and he'd switched off his holoform at his arrival.

He's betting on the latter.

"And where have you been?" Starscream sneered at Soundwave as he stepped onto the main deck, the Seeker had soot covering pieces of his form.

Knockout snickered, "He probably went to visit Zelda."

Breakdown let out a gruff chuckle, crossing his arms as he smirked.

Primus above, was he that obvious?

Lazerbeak sniggered.

Starscream just rolled his optics.

"Well?" Knockout continued; Soundwave turned to him, "What happened? How's our favourite fleshy?"

No Makeshift, there's a long reason for that, but just know it has to do with the plot.

But yeah, Soundwave doesn't verbally speak

Not yet anyway.

I've read a few where he had spoken to the character (I've done the same for my Fem!SW story) but I've always thought that even if he'd found someone, he still won't speak. So when Zelda said, "You too far?" she's asking if his body is too far away for a telepathic connection. Zelda's also pretty good at guessing what he's trying to say via both their bond and his gestures.

Another reason I chose to do this was because I liked the idea of playing around with his telepathic nature and as a way to show the type of relationship Zelda and Soundwave share. She doesn't force him to speak, SW having even managed to manipulate the bond to be able to send a rough idea of what's he's asking when he's not in range.

It doesn't sound anymore outlandish than other authors making him speak, right?