Setsuna the Dragon - Yeah, ultimately it should be a Ratchet/Nexia fic but I don't really know. I should be able to tell in a few more chapters.

Elita One - lol Ratch-man is a bot who was built for worrying about people.

Thanks for reviewing guys! Other reviews are muchly appreciated and will ultimately help me in the future.

This chapter has been revised!!

Chapter 4

A Healing Component?

An excruciating ear shattering shriek echoed throughout the Autobot base, alerting the bots to Nexia's presence. They were on edge but were alerted that the Autobot medic wanted to run some tests on the winged female. Most of them tensed, shutting off their optics and fighting the urge to run to the Medical Bay in order to find out what had caused the scream.

The Phoenix girl was supposed to get her wing joint checked by Ratchet's holoform; a tricky business when she at first refused to set foot into the Medical Bay. The other Autobots remembered her story but the CMO just threw another miniature temper tantrum and managed to persuade her to cooperate. It has been several days after Ratchet had taken her casts off, enjoying the almost constant praises of happiness from the girl.

Muffled crashes and a couple of colorful curses in Cybertronian could be heard after the long high pitched shriek ended. The other Autobots still had to physically hold each other in their respective rooms in order to not interfere with the Hatchet's plan.

Nexia had been sitting on an extra berth in the Med bay, allowing the holoform to prod at her damaged appendage. Everything had been going excellent until Ratchet needed to obtain a blood sample - something that he thought was a good idea at the time. There was no way the medic could have known that the situation would have turned so catastrophic.

Ratchet had pulled out a rather large needle, not noticing how Nexia's eyes widened at the sight of it. She bit her lip, trying to block out the harsh laughter that was echoing throughout her mind. She blinked hard, trying to will the bad memories to cease their taunting but she was weak.

As he inched toward her carefully he slowly moved the needle towards her arm, intent on taking a blood sample. She tensed, however, and screamed, taking Ratchet by surprise as she started to squirm away.

"Get away from me! Don't touch me with that-that thing!!" she shouted, jumping away from the skilled medic's hand. She shook her head violently, trying to rid herself of Sector Seven nightmares. Simmons' cruel laughter echoed throughout her skull as she backed herself in the corner of the room. The winged girl clutched at her head, digging her nails into her head as she ground her teeth.

Confused, Ratchet watched as the winged girl's eyes locked onto the needle. The medic looked back and forth between his charge and the needle, finally making the connection. His optics widened as he threw the needle as far away from her as he could, turning back towards her as she started to shake. He noticed that she was almost hyperventilating - something that could lead to hysterics.

"Frag it all! Not now! Not when she's making so much progress!" the medic cursed, lunging for the almost hysterical girl as he hoped to calm her down. She avoided his outstretched hands, causing him to the side and crash into a rack of tools. He grit his teeth from the pain his holoform received. He couldn't wait, however, as the winged girl was making a mad dash for the Medical Bay's sliding doors.

He struggled uselessly before deactivating his holoform in a rush, catching the briefest glimpse of the hysterical winged girl before she disappeared out the door. He turned around and sighed, picking up the various human sized medical instruments. He knew that he couldn't catch up to her when she was in this state, instead deciding to contact Wheeljack and Hound.

Ratchet to Wheeljack and Hound Ratchet said, activating the link between their communicational units. The medic mentally berated himself as he awaited for the replies to his summons. He should have remembered that she was absolutely terrified of needles but with so much going on at the base it slipped his processor.

Wheeljack here, Ratch-man! Whatcha need? Did something happen between you and little Nexia? the scientist responded cheerily. He knew that something was developing between the medic and the winged girl and he, for one, hoped that it would blossom into a full blown romance. Ratchet desperately needed to get over…his other love. It tore Ratchet to bit inside, the knowledge of what transpired…but he knew he shouldn't bring it up. At least not yet.

We have a few problems. Nexia went berserk. She escaped the med-bay and I believe that she went toward he residential units… It's my entire fault. Ratchet replied sadly. The tired old mech picked up the cabinet that held his tools and righted them, making sure that nothing was damaged. He rubbed his tired optics; he had been up for countless hours making sure that Nexia's file had been completed. All of the humans had files in the battle-worn medic's database just in case they were injured.

Hound replying. What did you do, Ratchet? Has something happened in the Medical Bay? The scout accused. He knew that the old medic wouldn't call him if he didn't need something or something had happened. Ratchet sighed in dismay, optics flickering slightly from sadness; they were not the normal bright blue that signified an Autobot…but more of a deep royal blue. The sigh did not go unnoticed by either of the other two mechs and they exchanged a private communication of worry.

I was going to draw some blood but I did not realize that she would react the way she did. Her eyes are dilated and she might be disoriented. She was hysterical when she exited so she might not respond well to a conversation instigator. the medic replied wearily. He made sure the Medical Bay was clean before he exited, intent on finding his charge.

I understand. I'll keep a watch for her. Hound out. Don't do anything else to upset her, please? Hound said, exiting the link.

Me too. I'll keep my optics open as well. Lets hope we find her before something drastic happens. Wheeljack out. the white scientist said, voice seeming to deflate. Ratchet shook his head and took off in search for his lost charge once again.

Two years she had been locked away in the padded white cell, a shock collar connected to the fatigued winged girl's skin. She was so very tired; her wings drooped to the side an didn't hold their previous glowing sheen.

She was vulnerable to the scientists with their needles…the very ones who captured her after they offered to be her friend. A man named Simmons entered the room with a sadistic smirk on his face; a needle was glinting in his hand. She tried to move away - she really did - but she was too tired to even lift her head from the cold concrete corner she had been deposited in.

"What more do you want of me?" Nexia asked, blinking tiredly. Her voice held no ill emotions, just despair and acceptance. She despaired for her life but she accepted the fact that she was going to be subjected to the experiments until she found a way to escape.

"We want your secrets. Tell us!" the man named Simmons exclaimed, injecting the serum into her veins. It didn't work. The serum had no effect on her whatsoever. The one called Simmons became angry, slapping her face to the side. He gave the order and she was hefted up, tied to the metallic table in the other room where they would inject some sort of acidic mixture into her very veins. It would be painful…but she would heal. She always would.

The winged girl growled at herself for being weak but soon stopped as memories of being poked and prodded with needles became too much as they assaulted her mind. She leaned against the wall to catch her breath, closing her eyes and letting a lone tear fall from her face. What a time for her not to be able to fly; Ratchet numbed the junction of her wing so that it would heal faster.

"Where can I hide? Where can I stay hidden?" she questioned softly to herself; it had been hours since she ran from the Medical Bay in terror. She was a sneaky little thing, creeping past Hound and Wheeljack several times and they never noticed a thing. Nexia finally spotted an air vent down the hallway. It was almost twice her size but still small enough that she could hide in; the Autobots, who were probably looking for her, wouldn't be able to fit inside.

"That will work pretty well." she commented to herself in relief; she could stop running and hide out in the air vent for a while. She rushed over, prying off the grate while keeping an ear and eye out for the medic with Satan's death needle. She shuddered; even thinking about that tiny piece of metal made her skin crawl.

As she made her way toward the bend she subconsciously touched the spot on her neck that had small circular scars adorning it. It was an ugly reminder that Sector Seven controlled her life at one point. She turned around as she heard a creak, nervously gulping as she saw a pair of white armored feet. She silently cursed to himself, backing away as far as she could before the vent shrunk to a size that she couldn't enter.

"Huh? What's this? Why is the grate off the vent?" questioned the unusual scientist as he kneeled down to look at the covering in question. He shook his head, seemingly thinking of something, and peered inside. He saw Nexia, who was huddled with her knees to her chest in the corner; he was unable to do anything as his hands were to large to fit inside.

"What are you doing in there, little one? You don't have to hide from me." the white mech asked, the twin fins on either side of his helm flashing. Nexia trembled, scooting back even further inside the vent. He bent down on one knee and stared sadly at the hunched figure of Nexia. He watched helplessly as the tears welled in her eyes; spark aching at the thought of her tears. She was so innocent.

Silent tears streaked down her face as the thought of being poked with another needle entered her mind. It brought up another memory as she slumped against the wall. She curled into a ball at the very back of the vent, curling her wings around her shaking frame the best she could.

She had been living on Earth for a long time, ragged clothes adorning her frame. The poor winged female had to resort to stealing clothing and food; she was hunted for being who she was. She was currently living in a small forest in Washington…and the coldness of winter was starting to seep in.

She was beyond freezing; she had to wrap her wings around her body and raise her core temperature in order to keep her body functioning. Nexia had her head bowed, waiting for the end to come when she would run out of energy…and then she would die.

Suddenly, a twig snapped behind her. She was beyond caring but turned her head to discern who it was that disturbed her. It turned out to be a human male - one who had a gun hidden in his jacket pocket. Nexia tensed, eyes narrowing as her feathers fluffed - warning the man that he was unwelcome.

"Hey, now. No need to get angry. You can call me Agent Simmons." the man said, holding his hand out in peace. She didn't notice the smirk that was adorning his face and she was too innocent to recognize the evil gleam that was forming in his eyes.

"Why are you here?" Nexia asked with disdain, mistrust in her eyes. The one called Simmons raised his hands in a non threatening gesture, then reaching out for her with one of them.

"I'm here to offer you a chance to live. We provide you protection and all you have to do is complete some tests." he smirked, hand twitching in anticipation. The winged girl looked at him in surprise, not expecting his answer. She thought about his offer for a few minutes before sighing and taking his hand. How hard could a couple of tests be, anyway?

Wheeljack looked on as she was reliving her nightmarish memory, a sad hue in his bright baby blue optics. He shifted away somewhat and turned on his Communicational unit, calling the Autobot medic.

Wheeljack to Ratchet. he said, waiting patiently for the medic to respond. He snuck a glance back to the winged girl, spark twanging as he saw the shimmering tears on her cheeks.

Ratchet here, Wheeljack. Have you found her? Please tell me you found her. Ratchet asked desperately. He was slightly preoccupied with his thoughts; he was continuing to blame himself for his disappearance.

Affirmative, Ratchet. She's in the vent next to my lab…and she's not in the best condition. Wheeljack said, glancing back to the vent.

What do you mean?! Ratchet asked, panicked. If something bad had happened to her in the base…especially near Wheeljack's lab…then he would never forgive himself.

Well…she's crying…and huddled up in the farthest reaches of the vent. I can't reach her. he explained, waiting for the inevitable explosion from the Autobot's medic. That would not be the case, however, as Ratchet's answer shocked the white scientist.

Thanks 'Jack. I'll be there soon. Just…keep her there, alright? Ratchet out. the dejected medic replied. Moments later Ratchet was barreling down the hallway, skidding to a stop in front of the vents. He was disheveled and Wheeljack could see the dim of his optics.

Meanwhile, in the vent, Nexia heard hushed voices at the entrance to her hideaway, sensing Ratchet's dejected blue optics scanning her hunched form. She lifted her head, watching the medic wince as he saw her blotched face and bloodshot eyes. The winged girl bit her lips, knowing that she looked like a mess.

"Little one. I am so sorry about earlier. I didn't mean to forget but I just had so much on my processor." he said bowing his head, optics dimming even further in sadness. He didn't expect for her to forgive him but winced at the ferocity of her response.

"How could you forget in the first place!? I told you what Sector Seven did to me! They experimented on me! They injected me with human blood cells while I was strapped to a table. I was helpless! I was in agony every single second of my existence there and I wanted to die!" she exclaimed, fresh tears running down her cheeks.

Ratchet and Wheeljack winced at the sharp tone of her voice, both lowering their heads in shame. They retreated away from the vent and conversed a bit before deciding to bring out the big guns. Ratchet went to Wheeljack's lab while the inventor tried to convince Nexia to crawl out of the vent.

"Nexia…come on out. I'm sure that Ratchet meant no harm. We have something to give you and I think you'll enjoy it if you come out of that vent." Wheeljack said soothingly, poking a finger into the vent. It was frustrating since he couldn't very well shrink to her size in order to fit into the vent.

They couldn't risk their holoforms lest she burn them with her Phoenix Fire. Even though their holoforms were not technically real they were still solid and could still register pain. It could burn the skin of the holoforms but only caused a minor irritation to their metal armor.

"Why? So you can poke me with needles? I don't want to relive my memories over again." she asked, curling into an even tighter ball. Wheeljack visibly deflated, drawing back as Ratchet reappeared, holding a very small bundle of fur in his massive hand. Wheeljack activated his holoform, accepting the tiny ball into his own hand. Ratchet hoped to Primus that this idea would work…or he didn't know what else he could do except to beg for forgiveness.

"Go to her. We need her to come out…for her own safety." Wheeljack whispered, setting the sentient fluff ball on the ground, and watched as it poked its head in the vent. It mewled softly, walking up to Nexia's lap, and pawed at the material of her shorts. She jumped, still aware that both mechs were watching her. The kitten rubbed against Nexia's knees, causing her to chuckle softly.

"Hey there, little guy. What are you doing here?" she said softly, uncurling somewhat, and stroking the kitten's back. In the background Nexia could faintly hear Ratchet and Wheeljack congratulating each other. She chortled, deciding that she would give Ratchet a chance. She was about to get up when something attached to the kitten's collar caught her attention.

A small note could be seen attached to the collar of the kitten, barely seen against the kitten's charcoal fur. She sighed, calming enough to dry her tears. She took the note from the Kitten's collar and flexed her wings, the numbness of Ratchet's medicine finally wearing off, and arranging them in a more comfortable position.

"Please forgive me. I didn't mean to upset you so. I will admit that I am a slagging fragger at times but I didn't mean any harm." the note read, making her chuckle slightly. She sighed in defeat and shook her head, standing and scooping the kitten up in her arms.

She flexed her extremely stiff wings and crept toward the opening, peering through the opening towards the two large mechs. The action immediately alerted the two mechs as they kneeled in front of the vent, cautiously looking back at her. She cautiously stared up into their optics, trying to find any trace of a lie. Finding none she smiled at the two, causing their optics to brighten.

"Alright. I forgive you, Ratchet. I'm also sorry that I overreacted…the needle brought back some bad memories. Just…let me get used to the needle on my own time - especially if we will be testing often." Nexia said, apologizing. She cradled the kitten in her arms, giggling as the fluffy one licked her face. Ratchet's worried one relaxed when he saw her giggling; a small smile settling upon his faceplates.

"I'm glad you like the kitten because the little guy is for you. He is supposed to keep you company when you stay with Will and Sarah. He is sentient so he will understand what you tell him." Wheeljack said, bright blue optics crinkling with amusement. The girl's head snapped up to the mech, excitement evident in her eyes. A grin formed on her pale lips, exposing her pearly white teeth.

"Thanks, 'Jack! But…why? I don't deserve such a present as this." she questioned, looking up at the two mechs. Ratchet scooped the Phoenix into his large hands, careful so she wouldn't fall. The three made their way back toward the Autobot Medical Bay- the scientist conviently making her forget the question she had asked. Really, there was no need for her to ask such a question in the first place.

Ratchet set Nexia down upon the berth, going to retrieve the needle again. She steeled herself, closing her eyes as she imagined herself in a happy place.

"Its going to be alright. Ratchet wouldn't hurt me on purpose." Nexia told herself as she lightly stroked the black kitten's fur. Wheeljack watched, alert, for any signs of hysteria from either girl or cat…since he didn't really like the blasted needles either. Soon Ratchet returned and activated his holoform, quickly cleaning a spot on her arm, deftly inserting the needle into the spot, and drawing a certain amount of blood.

"OUCH!" she gasped, taken unawares. The kitten shrank back in her arms a bit, hissing at the offending medic. Soon, Ratchet had all the blood he needed and slid the needle from her arm, putting a sparkly bandage over the bloody little hole. Nexia laughed at the sparkling bandage, snickering as the Autobot medic only pointed to Wheeljack.

"What? I think they're pretty." the scientist defended himself, a blush rising on his cheek plates.

"Wait here while I scan the contents. It won't take very long." Ratchet chided, poking the girl in the forehead. She giggled, swatting at the holoforms hand playfully as he laughed softly. Wheeljack smiled happily; it was the first time in a long while he had seen his best friend act in this manner. Nexia sighed as Ratchet took the contents to his desk and put the kitten on the ground. She stood, flexing her wings, and walking over to the now silent inventor.

"Thanks for the kitten. He's really cute. His fur is especially soft." she said, looking up at the white scientist. The fins on either side of his head flushed a light pink as he looked down at the girl. You could tell he was smiling because of the way his optics crinkled in amusement.

"You're welcome, little one. What are you going to name him?" he asked, optics shining in delight. She shrugged as they both turned to watch the little fluff ball chase his tail. Suddenly, she had an idea; she turned back to Wheeljack with a sad smile on her face.

"I'll call him Asuma. After my papa. He had black hair and great obsidian wings. This little furry one reminds me of him." she said at last, closing her eyes in memory of her beloved father. Just as Wheeljack was about to reply Ratchet hurried back towards them.

"Nexia, do you have any other abilities besides your Phoenix Fire? I found a strange compound in your blood and when tested on damaged metal it restores it back to its original quality." he exclaimed, showing her the test results. Wheeljack and Ratchet looked on, excitement evident in their optics. She brought a finger up to her chin, deep in thought.

"Well…I can create illusions with my voice when I sing…and the Phoenix race studied the art of Alchemical Science…oh! We can also cry tears of healing and incorporate the element of fire into any weapon we wish!" she counted, ticking off her fingers as she counted.

Ratchet grinned at the discovery, clapping Wheeljack on the shoulder and turning back to the girl. This discovery would help the Autobots tremendously with their war against the Decepticons. She smiled, gathering the fluffy black kitten in her arms, and jumping onto the medic's outstretched hand.

"Close your eyes, little one. We've got a surprise for you." Ratchet said, watching her with a close optic, and gathering her in his hand. She complied, closing her eyes tight and grabbing onto his thumb for dear life. She could tell that they were hading toward the command center because of the muffled voices. Her lips twitched into a smile, happy that she had so many new friends.

"Welcome home, Nexia!" multiple voices shouted at her, causing the girl to squeak in surprise and pop her eyes open. All the Autobot mechs were there along with the humans; Sam and Mikaela were grinning broadly, laughing slightly when they saw the look on the winged girl's face.

Nexia looked around, too shocked to say anything. Eventually a small smile spread across her face as tears gathered in her eyes. They were different from before, however, as they were tears of joy instead of tears of distraught. Bumblebee stepped forward, missing the large glare Ratchet sent to the yellow scout as he gathered her bewildered body into his hands.

"What? What is this for?" Nexia asked, breaking out of her stupor. She looked up at Ratchet and Wheeljack, a questioning look in her silver irises. The white scientist's fins flashed happily as he explained the situation to her.

"This is our new home since Cybertron was destroyed. You lived on Cybertron so you can call Earth your new home, too. We are family." he said, optics crinkling with kindness. She looked around at the other mechs, finding nothing but kindness in their optics. She giggled slightly as Bumblebee crooned happily behind her.

"Yeah, Nex. You're home now. We're all family." Mikaela said, throwing a wink at the winged girl. Nexia smiled, looking around the room. Balloons and streamers covered every surface and she spotted a pile of brightly colored boxes in he corner. Wheeljack set her down next to the pile as Ratchet took Optimus to the side.

"Yes, Ratchet? What is it?" his leader asked him, a curious glint in his optics.

"Optimus, I finished running tests on Nexia's blood. I found something very fascinating. It would help the Autobots tremendously." he said, Optics brightening with each word.

"What did you find?" the big blue and red mech asked, becoming more interested by the minute.

"A healing factor. When applied to singed and broken armor it almost automatically heals. It is the same for the internal wiring structure." Ratchet explained, a smile on his face plates. Optimus' optics shone brightly with happiness as he turned to watch the young humans and Nexia.

"Then maybe Jazz has a chance. Maybe we can bring him back." Optimus murmured.

"Yes. Then we'd be comrades once again." Ratchet replied, content in watching his friends. A warm tingling feeling filled up his spark as he watched the winged girl converse with the humans. For once he was glad that he could hide his feelings from the others.