Consider ths chapter revised!!

Anyway thanks to:

Stesuna the Dragon - I know! I'd go all bitchy on her titanium aft and get all up in her face! I decided to make her evil since its kind of a twist (and since I killed off Frenzy early I needed another character and didn't want to bring in another Decepticon.) I'm making it a happy ending especially for you because I was kind of torn between the two sides. ^_^ Thanks for reviewing so much - you're one of my inspirational muses because you actually read my authoress' notes.

Chapter 22

Am I Worth Your Protection??

Ratchet hardly left the winged girl's side all through the night, worried that she would somehow disappear. He was at her every call and catered to her every whim, not giving Nexia any time to argue even though she said she was fine. It somewhat annoyed her but she knew that the Autobot medic was only worried about her health.

She could hardly sleep through the night, the warm embrace of the medic ceasing to pacify her wandering thoughts. The heat from his body was trying to entice her into a sweet sleep but Moonracer's words kept replaying through her head. The harshness of them made her wince but she had to wonder. The winged girl sighed, needing someone to talk to in order to rid herself of the negative thoughts.

"I'm sorry, love, but I need some time to think." Nexia whispered, kissing Ratchet's serene face. She brushed the holoform's blonde hair away from his eyes, watching as he smiled softly in his slumber. She was glad that he was able to keep his holoform on during recharge.

She gently slipped the glasses from his face; he had activated them again for some reason, as the medic quietly slumbered on, unaware of her actions due to his exhaustion. She, for one, thought the glasses were cute.

She felt guilty for leaving him again so soon after she escaped the Decepticon base…but maybe Ratchet would be better off with another Autobot as a lover. She had heard that he bonded with another femme their bond would be broken.

Nexia sighed softly, slipping from the medic's arms and placing a soft pillow in her place. She jumped from the berth, careful of her still painful wounds, and into the hall.

The winged girl stole one last look at the sleeping mech before taking off for the entrance of the base, mindful of the sleeping Autobots. She was smart enough to take the katana for protection, however, she kept communications headset off. The winged girl settled herself upon a rock outside the base as it was warm enough for her not to change from her nightly wear.

"What are you doing up, little one? You should be resting." Optimus' great voice reverberated through the clearing outside the base. The winged girl jumped in surprise, obviously deep in thought for the great mech to have snuck up on her so easily. She turned looking up at her father figure's bulking frame. He was one of the dearest mechs to her.

"Oh, Optimus. You startled me." she said, smiling softly as the battle hardened mech lowered himself upon the Earth. He brought a hand down next to the smaller figure, optics twinkling as she climbed onto the offered appendage. It was like old times; when their minds weren't clouded with the impending attack.

"I apologize, little one, but I am curious. What are you doing out here so early? I would have thought that you would be spending time with Ratchet." the mech leader asked, looking down upon the winged girl. She sighed, debating if she should have her talk with the battle hardened mech. Finally, Optimus' gentle and patient stare wore down at Nexia's resolve. She couldn't help but tell him.

"Optimus? Why do you protect me? Am I worth the Autobots' protection? I…don't think I am." she asked, clinging onto the large mech's thumb. Optimus was shocked speechless before his optics narrowed. She meant a great deal to the Autobots.

"Did the Decepticons say that you were worthless?" the great leader growled in anger, venom lacing his voice. He was usually no one to anger so quickly but the Autobots had suffered enough by the hands of those evil creeps. The winged girl had no need to suffer as well. Optimus' anger melted slightly when the winged girl shook her head. She didn't want to tell the culprit but Optimus' silent stare prompted her to do so.

"No. It was Moonracer. I heard her ask Ratchet why he protected me when the Deceptcons would kill me eventually…and I must have blacked out before he answered. It makes me doubt my worth…" she said sadly.

The winged girl lowered her eyes and curling into a ball once again within the large mech's palm. The Autobot leader's optics softened at the sight of the girl in his palm, spark nearly breaking at the sight of helplessness upon her face. It didn't suit her.

"Nexia." Optimus' gentle voice broke through the winged girl's train of thought. She turned to look at the significantly larger being's soft optics as he spoke to her.

"We, as Autobots, have vowed to protect all life, be it organic or inorganic. Freedom is the right of all sentient beings. We, as individuals however, have vowed to protect you as we love you. I, personally, think of you as a daughter and you are a part of our family." he said, gently rubbing her bandaged wings with a finger from his other hand. She looked like a small child clinging to their parent as she looked up at him, watery eyes filled with hope. She wondered if he was telling her the truth.

"Go talk to Ratchet and he will give you his reasoning for your protection. Trust me…it is something you might like to hear." the Autobot leader encouraged, smiling down at his young charge. She smiled up at him, somewhat assured by the great mech's answer.

"Thanks, Optimus, but I still need some time to think. If Ratchet asks…tell him not to worry and that I'm visiting Sarah." she said, sending him a hidden message: she would be at the lake and she would go to Sarah's afterwards…if it wasn't dark yet.

Optimus nodded in understanding as he lowered her back down to the ground. Nexia summoned FlameSpark as her wings were all bandaged. With the amount of bandages she wouldn't be able to fly for the time being. The winged girl mounted him, patting the Black Flamed Unicorn's neck as he snorted in happiness. With one last glance back at the Autobot base she was off, galloping in the direction of Tranquility Lake.

Once the sun had fully risen Optimus rose, turning back to go back into the base. He intended to alert Ratchet of what Nexia had overheard. There was a storm brewing in the Autobot headquarters and Optimus dreaded what would happen when the medic finally exploded. Nobody would want to face the wrath of Ratchet the Hatchet.

The Autobot leader was halfway to the Medical Bay when he coincidentally encountered the medic he was searching for. The medic looked exhausted, but the taller mech couldn't blame Ratchet, as he made his way down the hall. He stopped in front of Optimus as his optics flickered, showing how he was devoid of energy.

Ratchet's optics made a sweep of the hallway, obviously searching for the winged girl. His lip components were pursed together; another sign of his anxiousness. When he found no trace of Nexia he moved on, however, the large blue and red hand of the Autobot leader prevented him from going far. Instead Optimus directed he weary medic towards the leader's office, letting him sit in the oversized chair opposite the desk.

"Ratchet." the big mech said, catching the medic's attention. The Autobot medic's optics flashed a little brighter in acknowledgement as his chin lifted up, indicating that he was listening.

"Nexia is spending the day with Sara, however, she has her communicator and will contact us if she needs us." the Autobot leader explained much to the relief of the mech he was talking to. Ratchet thanked his leader for the information and went to rise but Optimus held him down with a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"That was only one of the things that I wished to speak with you about, my friend." he said, stalling a bit. He didn't wish to tell the Autobot medic, lest he do something rash, but he knew that Ratchet deserved to know. Ratchet looked at Optimus with a questioning look in his gaze as he waited for his leader to continue.

"Were you aware that Nexia overheard the first part of your conversation with Moonracer last night? She lost consciousness before you could give your response to Moonracer's comment." Optimus questioned the medic. Ratchet's optics widened before they narrowed in deep thought. He wasn't aware that the winged girl could hear them.

"Come to think of it Nexia was acting somewhat distant last night…" the mech in question said, stroking his chin with two of his fingers. Now, Optimus was not one for conflict between his own troops but he believed that Moonracer had pushed the situation too far. Ratchet froze, finally realizing what his leader was hinting at.

"She's questioning her worth?! How could she? She's everything to me!" Ratchet sputtered, surprised and horrified at the same time. Optimus nodded his head and continued to push the medic in the right direction. The medic was tired and the Autobot leader didn't know if he could properly guess the one responsible with his level of fatigue.

"I believe that Moonracer was the one to speak to her last before you two had your private moment. Maybe you should question her." the leader said, hinting that Moonracer had something to do with it. He may not have known directly but he was an observant mech, one who took in the details of small things.

Ratchet's optics suddenly brightened, changing from the soft blue glow to bright white flaming pieces of glass. The medic was beyond pissed - he was murderous. He thanked the Autobot leader and jumped from his chair, striding from the room with the intent to find his once beloved friend. There was going to be hell to pay.

The winged girl sighed happily as she felt the wind fly through her tousled hair once again. She smiled widely as she rode upon the back of the Black Flamed Unicorn. Even though FlameSpark could have very well broken the speed of sound he restrained himself, wanting to look out for his mistress's injuries.

Nexia gasped softly as the behemoth horned figure jostled her wounds. He nickered in apology as they came upon the choppy water of the lake. She was cautious, however, as the last time she was at the lake she was captured by the Decepticons. By all means she should have stayed away from the place but she was drawn to it like fireflies were drawn to light. The two beings approached the water as the clouds lazily rolled through the sky.

"It feels nice here; it makes me feel so calmed." she whispered. She dismounted from the Black Flamed Unicorn, who almost instantly dropped to his knees and made himself comfortable. She leaned against his ebony flank and sighed as the exhaustion from past events finally caught up with her. Her eyes fought to stay open but the deep, protective voice of FlameSpark echoed throughout her skull. His voice also made her feel protected.

"Rest, little one. Primus knows you need it." the deep voice chuckled. She started to protest but FlameSpark would hear none of it. She finally gave in, knowing that it was a loosing battle, and closed her eyes. The lazy breeze and FlameSpark's warm body heat helped to lull the winged girl into a comfortable sleep. There she dreamt of her grandfather, which she hadn't done in several years.

The winged girl looked around the silver and black metallic landscape. She was confused - wasn't Earth full of vibrant and wonderful colors? Wasn't Earth filled with outstanding animals and lively plants?

Nexia continued to walk; the world becoming clearer and more familiar with every step. Finally, she stumbled upon a very familiar place - an old and dark metallic warehouse. This was the first place her grandfather had taken her in order to teach her how to fly. She flapped her wings, surprised that there was no pain and that there was a suspicious lack of bandages. She sighed, happily laughing and twirling like a little girl once again.

Nexia opened the large double doors and was confronted with a figure that made her want to burst into tears.

"My dear, you've grown so much. You are now a beautiful woman." an elderly but still melodious voice danced through the air. Suddenly, the world became a burst of color and Nexia became a Phoenix nestling once again. It was like she was a child but with her current mind suck in the tiny body as she raced forward.

"Grandpa!! You're alive!" her high pitched voice exclaimed as she rocketed forward, embracing one of her most cherished loved ones. She pulled back and looked at him - an image of the man when he was still young and healthy. His hair was vibrantly colored with Nexia's streaks; the only indicator to his true age was the fact that the color in his wings had started to fade.

"No, my dear. I am not alive…but it is wonderful to see you too, young one. We have much to discuss." the elderly Phoenix said, motioning towards the familiar pile of crates and boxes that lined the walls. Nexia nodded, wanting to tell him of her adventure with the Autobots thus far. The elderly Phoenix listened to the young girl, nodding and placing an arm around the much younger figure's shoulders.

"My dearest one. This Ratchet that you speak of seems to love you more than life itself. If you feel that you would give your life for his than it is only natural that he would feel the same for you." he said, gently stroking the girl's hair. She sighed, still somewhat unconvinced by her grandfather's words. The elderly Phoenix continued on, however, determined to make the younger winged figure to see reason.

"Think about all the kind actions that he has shown towards you. He is an Autobot and has sworn to protect you as your lover, not just as an Autobot. He has protected your spark, has he not?" the wise one said, knowing what her next question would be. It was predictable. She was always picked on as a child so she would sometimes question the worth of her life.

"Yes, but am I worth it? Am I worth him risking his life for me?" she asked, tears welling up in her eyes.

"If you weren't worth it, my dear, would he have saved you in the first place? Danger is always lurking but it takes the ones who are truly brave to face it." he said softly, stroking the top of her head lovingly. She thought about it for a moment before smiling fondly at the thought of her sparkmate.

They reminisced for a little more before the elderly Phoenix's face grew grim. Nexia looked at him in surprise as she rarely had seen that particular look on his face before.

"Beware, little one. There is a spy in your midst. It is unclear who it is but be careful. I don't want anymore harm to befall you." he said, smiling sadly before fading away.

"Remember: I will always love you." his voice whispered as the winged girl felt something wet on her forehead.

Suddenly, the winged girl was thrown back into the real world. FlameSpark neighed as the torrent of rain splattered down around them. He nickered in pain as the water started to sizzleout the fire on his back. If the fire on his back and tail went out then he would, unfortunately, die.

Nexia reacted quickly, dismissing the Black Flamed Unicorn and muttering a string of apologies into the air. The winged girl didn't mind; if she hadn't dismissed him he could have very well succumbed to death. She sighed, for the thousandth time that day, cursing the weather as she started the long trek to the Lennox household on foot.

The angry medic quickly ingested some energon to help him on his rampage; he probably would need it. His optics were hardened, still glowing the eerie white that was never normal in a calm, collected Autobot.

Ratchet growled, clenching his fist when he finally found the glossy blue-green femme. She was lounging in the recreational area and he was glad that all the other mechs were in recharge. He stalked up behind Moonracer and clamped a hand onto her shoulder, effectively scaring the femme. She screamed, whirling around as she placed a hand over her spark.

"Oh! Ratchet! You startled me." she said, fluttering the shutters on her optics. She was determined to get Ratchet to bond with her now that Nexia was out of the base. If he bonded with another femme then the first bond would be broken and the first femme would be killed. She smiled coyly, trying to flirt with the medic, but Ratchet saw through her guise. He caught the wrist that was inching towards his face, twisting it. It was not painful but it was enough to tell her to cease.

"How dare you imply that she is worthless! Nexia means more to me than you ever will!" the enraged medic hissed at the femme. Her optics widened slightly but she decided to play it off like it was nothing. She was determined to make the medic hers.

"I thought we had this conversation last night. I was just wondering…I mean she WILL die eventually. What's the point on protecting her?" she said nonchalantly. Moonracer shrugged her shoulders, picking some imaginary dust from her shoulder armor. Suddenly the glossy blue-green femme was shoved into the wall with Ratchet's face shoved into hers.

"You shouldn't have even uttered those words. They could cause your offlining. Nexia heard our conversation. She heard YOU!" Ratchet yelled at the femme, causing her to flinch. The Hatchet's temper was rising and there was nothing he could do to stop it.

"Why do you even care about her anyway? She's just a stupid little organic…" Moonracer started to say, but she was cut off when Ratchet slammed his other fist into the wall next to her head. His knuckles grazed her cheek, slicing open the sensitive plating. She squeaked, trembling in slight fear. She knew she shouldn't egg the medic off when he was this angry but she couldn't help herself.

"Don't you dare! We are sparkmates and when you insult her you also insult me. I don't think you want to make me angry." he hissed into her face, white optics blazing. Suddenly her optics bled from blue to red as she snapped, grasping the hand holding her shoulder and digging her finger's into Ratchet's armor. She was weaker than the Autobot medic, however, and didn't do much damage.

"Why her!? Why that little flesh bag?! I've known you longer! I've loved you longer! So why?!" she screamed hysterically, shaking as her optics bled back into blue. Ratchet stepped away from her, optics also bleeding back into blue as well. His anger was quelled when he realized that the glossy blue-green femme was jealous.

"Can't you understand that I love her? If you can't be happy for me then you are no longer a part of my life." the medic whispered harshly, turning and leaving the sobbing femme in the recreational room. He, however, didn't hear her suddenly stop and didn't see her optics suddenly snap back to red.

"Stupid, moronic old fool. I'll find a way to kill your little lover. Then you'll come crawling to me, begging to be mine." she cackled, smirking to herself. She stood, exiting the room to meander towards her own in order to give Lord Starscream her report.