Don't give up on me now guys, remember, this is a two-part story :D

Much, much more to come-

Enjoy!

Of The Spark And Heart

Part 1

Chapter 23

"Yeah. I get it. I'll go." Fera shrugged and leaned back on her hands, letting her head sink into her shoulders. Bumblebee shifted beside her, his hands in his lap and his legs hanging over the side of the berth to mimic Fera. He had a stiff and slightly uncomfortable aura to him that Fera found disconcerting and she wondered what was really on the little 'Bot's mind.

He had brought her here to his quarters after Ratchet had ordered him to 'tell her' and they just looked at each other for a few seconds. Then Bee had just whipped around and walked to his room. When they had gotten here, it was a short and fairly simple conversation.

Optimus thought it was best that Fera be brought to Washington as soon as possible, just to relocate her to a safer place. She agreed with him, but it was the fact that Bee had told her that she was, quote: 'Not safe with those mean, vile, evil, viscous, and full-of-rust aliens.' -which had been quite a long broadcast search- that disturbed her. Even then, that didn't even seem like what was truly on the mech's thoughts. He shimmied for a second before giving a low buzz.

"What's wrong?" she knitted her eyebrows and watched the nerved Autobot from below, watching as he jerked at her question and turned to look at the floor. "Bee, I can tell that isn't all you wanted to talk about." she moved herself so one leg was hanging off the edge of the giant bed while the other folded before her, allowing her to face the yellow Guardian while sitting seemingly carelessly on the edge. "Bee, come on."

He glanced down at her, and then away. "I'm...fine." he answered, clicking a few times. Fera narrowed her eyes and studied him. By no doubt he was lying. He was hiding something.

"Then why are you so nervous?"

"Nervous?"

"Nevermind."

She sighed in defeat and relaxed her shoulders. It really was a pain in the rear to try getting answers around here. Bee fiddled with his fingers and Fera grabbed her ankle, peering up at him for a moment. How was she to go at this? He looked like a guilty child that was being scolded for stealing a cookie. Which, by some degree, if what he was holding back was as bad as it seemed, then he was going to be. The room was quiet except for Fera's thoughts and the workings of Bee's body.

There couldn't be anything really that bad that he would try to hide telling her for as long as possible. He would never intentionally anger her or make her sad. In fact, she felt he would rather leave that to someone else. Just the look on his face whenever he told her bad news...

"I'm not going to be mad at you, whatever it is." she promised, leaning forward to see his face. His expression softened and he lifted his head, seeing her with her concerned mask.

What if what he had to tell her really was bad? If he was so worried about it, then it couldn't be pleasant. It had to be. Fera's heart dropped and she clamped her jaw shut, fearing the worst. Had something happened? And if so, to who?

She felt the cold terror and grief filling her faster than she could cope, leaving her to sit back and shift her own gaze down. What had they done now? Her chest felt tight and her throat hurt with the unknown. Decepticons...definitely Decepticons. Anything else would have been told to her by her mother or one of the officials. Her eyes searched the plating of Bee's leg aimlessly as her mind raced. Her lungs felt tight and the air stalled by her nose. Closing her eyes for a minute to calm herself, she forced breath into her aching lungs and she swallowed.

"What did they do?" she nearly whispered.

She sensed Bee shifting and she opened her eyes to see what he was doing. It was his turn to look down at her in confusion. He no longer seemed nerved, but confused. "What did they do Bee? The Decepticons." she explained, clamping her fingers tighter around her leg. Her nails bit into her skin and caused fiery complaints to the rest of her leg. Bumblebee had turned to face her now, but Fera didn't look at him.

"They...didn't do anything." he said, catching her attention. Hope probed at her mood and tried curling over her heart, and she went to assure it that she was at ease. It settled back without further approaching. "Then what is it?" she loosened her grip on her leg and she sucked in a sharp breath with the raw, pink crescents there.

Bee paused again and Fera looked up. Again with the secrets? Fera let go of a long line of air and she got to her feet. If he didn't feel comfortable yet with telling her what he needed to, she wouldn't force him. There wasn't a point to doing so, even if she was curious. "Can you promise me something?" If it really was that important that he not tell her right away, she would make sure to be prepared for it. The thought that something could befall someone else on behalf of this war or maybe her was enough to make her scream. No one deserved to go through a war they had no part in creating. Bee still had his innocence.

"Anything." he promised.

Fera wiped off her knees and she stood straighter, locking hard, blue eyes with baby-blue ones. "Promise me you won't die. That you'll keep living and being who you are." she couldn't help the sadness bubbling inside of her. What had caused her to ask such an impossible thing of a warrior? She just wanted him safe and away from the danger. She wanted him to live his youth and to experience life and what there was to offer. She didn't want to see him like Solas; still and cold and...lifeless.

Bumblebee didn't seem surprised at this question and he didn't seem to want to tease her about it. Instead, he looked concerned. Fera again forced the saliva through her throat and she ducked her eyes, unable to stand a steady contact with him.

Before she noticed, Bumblebee moved his hand to cup around her, curling his fingers over her. She glanced up and looked around her as he closed his hand and took her in his careful grip. He then shift her close, holding her to his chest. Fera instinctively clutched to the hard frame and pressed her cheek to the warm metal. A soft drone echoed from him and with it, a small set of oddly comforting vibrations of his chest. Fera sniffed and tucked her legs close, refusing to let go.

When she seemed to settle, he spoke. "I...I can't...promise that." it was such a sad sentence with such unfitting strings of songs and newscasts. Fera smirked bitterly against him and she tucked her arms closer to her, reattaching her fingers. She could have guessed so, and she had. But it just would have been nice to hear it. "I figured." she responded, facing him again. "But it was worth a try, right?" she plastered a fake smile on her face and Bee just watched her with increasing worry.

"It is good...to have...hope." the mech put in, getting a short, ironic laugh from the teen. She saw the bewildered look he gave her and she shook her head. Hope was something she didn't really need as often as it offered. "Hope is meant to help people cope with things that they know is worthless of trying to attempt. What is it worth when it can't be enjoyed?" she reluctantly let go of him and twisted around in his hand, sitting instead with her back pressed to him and her chin in her arms. "I...don't know." he admitted softly.

Fera tipped her head back and carefully studied what he maybe thinking. If there was one thing these Autobots were good at, it was hiding what exactly they thought or felt. Bumblebee was a little easier to read, but he was still challenging. "You were always taught to hope, right?" she asked, getting a nod from the mech. "I thought so. It's good you see everything that way. I don't want you to ever change that." she brought up and arm and awkwardly patted his chest behind her, "Never change who you are. Ever."

"I...can promise that." he agreed. Fera smiled and felt her heart lift. There was still the issue that he was hiding something from her, but the fact that this young soldier saw so much more to life than what was returned...it was almost enough to make her feel like the teen she was again. "So are you ready to tell me what's bothering you?" she let her head sit back against Bee and she crossed her arms over her knees.

The moment after she had asked the question, he turned quiet again. Yes, he usually was quiet anyway. But this was different. This was...hesitant.

Fera just sat there, waiting, and hoping that he would find the courage to tell her. The silence stretched on and she grew worried. Was it really as bad as she had feared? All the emotions of being captured and letting her mind flee with the possibilities and events that could happen while in their hands returned. She was really scared. Scared for the Autobots and scared for Rethalia's baby. She was scared for her own self -selfishly enough-, and she was scared for Solas Kaon.

By now, she was sure she could expect anything. Giant aliens who could turn into cars were nothing compared to what they could possibly still have in them. Solas and Rethalia had told her things that she had asked, yes, but there was more she wished to know. What secrets did they hold? Ratchet had seemed far too serious to order just a normal informations session for them. What possibly could they be hiding that could upset Bee like this?

"We're...leaving." he said. Fera nodded and rolled her hand in the air, urging him on. I know that, she bit back silently. Sarcasm was for those who deserved it. As of now, Bumblebee wasn't one of them.

"Soul...as...isn't coming with us."

Well that was unexpected.

Fera's hand dropped and she felt her throat cramp. She couldn't say anything in her shock, neither did she wish to say anything. Her fear returned and she snapped her jaw shut. Her hand fell and she bit back the shout of surprise she wanted to blurt out. Solas...wasn't coming? What would he do here? He was in danger if he was alone! He couldn't stay here! Who would be here to keep him safe- to make sure he got the help he needed to recover?

Why was she so worked up over this?

Hope flooded her immediately after feeling her dread and dark fright, calling for her and trying desperately to comfort her. In her hyped and anxious state, she pushed it away harsher than she meant to. Her very body tensed like she was electrocuted, her chest feeling like something was squeezing everything together. Her heart beat faster and harder while the blood roared in her ears. She fell forward and gave a sharp cry, quickly grinding her teeth and pressing her hands to her chest.

"Fair...ah, are you...ok?" Bee asked, startled with her suddenly curled form. Fera held her tongue as the breath refused to return to her and her head began to pulse painfully. What the hell? she thought in both confusion and irritation. What is wrong with me? She forced the muscles in her jaw to slack enough for her to sit gasping for air in Bee's palm. "No Bee." she finally said, gulping the precious air around her.

"No I'm not."

Solas paced the room with the same anxiety he held while ever in wait. He had both servos swinging roughly beside him, his faceplates aimed for the floor. His demeanor was somewhat tensed and seemingly way too pumped than what was necessary, but that had become a normal scene with the mech over the past two months of having him on Earth. He seemed too ready for battle at any time, focusing on keeping his attention up and his focus clear. Eventually, he could leave tracks in the floor. He never paused for even a nanoclick to see who was at the door.

Ratchet was by the bench that Rethalia now sat at, standing with his arms crossed over his chassis while he watched the younger mech pace nonstop. Rethalia did the same, not saying a word as she patiently waited for the one they were supposed to meet.

Finally, he stepped into the room, each of the cranial units turning towards him as he did. Solas finally quit his striding and he trained his optics on the taller mech who calmly moved towards his desk and shifted the different compads there. There really wasn't anything he was looking for, but that didn't make a difference as he lamely organized a few of the assembled pads. This was surely far better than what he would have to discuss with the appointed guests of the room. Especially a certain Guardian who more-than-not had become some form of protective figure to a specific young female human.

"Optimus, what is it you wanted me for?" Solas spoke up, causing his digits to hover. Optimus vented a soft release of air from his systems and he left the mess at the table to turn around. He'd wanted to avoid the main conflict for as long as possible, maybe put in some good conversation and basic reports before they came to the main point. There were a few things on the processor of the Prime that he'd rather have left to the one later to deal with the mech anyway. "It has come to my attention that this location is of lesser defense than I'd originally considered." he stated simply.

Solas snorted loudly and Optimus watched the warrior as he rolled his optics. "That fact is quite obvious as of late." he noted sarcastically. It wasn't really a tone Optimus would usually approve of, but right now, he was too caught in his own CPU to even notice the comment.

"The Decepticons have come to know of our base of operation by means of which I have no knowing of. But what I am clear of is their unsettling amount of interest in Fera Lennox." he let his voice grow thick with the seriousness of the situation and Solas instantly grew cold with him. He dropped the skeptical look and gained a newer one of what appeared to be unease. It seemed he was no longer able to control his innermost fears. No matter what he said of the human, Optimus knew he was as loyal to his duty of protecting her as he was his Autobot affiliation.

"They haven't gotten anything about her yet. They just know she's connected to us. They just want her because she is with us." he nearly growled. Optimus looked to his sparkmate, who in turn returned a concerned gaze. "That is not known yet, Solas Kaon." Optimus responded, lifting his helm again. "They feel she has a purpose, and therefore, a value." he lifted a reasoning servo, "Until she is in their possession, they will not understand what true significance she has to us."

The mech before him snapped his optics away and he stalked in pacing once again. "That is why we have decided to send her to Washington D.C to be kept under close watch by both human and Cybertronian security." Rethalia stood and Optimus watched her approach the near seething Guardian in the middle of the room. "My life wasn't even enough to keep her safe! What makes you think that keeping her locked up somewhere will keep her any safer?" he demanded angrily, stopping to fix her with a hot glare.

Rethalia remained a good distance from him in case he let his frustrations get the better of him, but she was still close enough to give off a clear sense of assurance. "We have her best intentions in process Solas, remember that." Solas barked a short laugh and he waved an accusing servo to the door. "Putting her deep underground won't stop them from coming after her, or that Pit-ridden necklace at her jugular! When they finally come to realize just what she has in her, they will stop at nothing, nothing to get her." he leaned towards the fembot, but then turned his angered optics to his leader. "She is only safe with one of us around at all times, and that is impossible to do." his voice had softened, but the solid concern was still there.

Optimus took a step forward and quickly glanced at his CMO. Ratchet was quietly assessing the conversation with an expression that clearly demanded answers. He yet did not know of the Stone, or just who was carrying it. He never even questioned Fera's importance. It just went to show how much he trusted his peers. But when he looked to Optimus with an expression of pointed discontent, the Prime turned back to Sol. "Then what is it you suggest?" he demanded firmly. This mech wanted so much that only so little could be offered for. Yes, he was fully aware that Fera was in constant danger. And yes, he realized that with the Stone's secret still in the shadows of the Decepticons, she was even more valuable to the Autobots. He knew just why she had the Stone, but he could barely believe it himself to tell anyone.

Solas dropped his optic contact and he searched the floor. With his armor gone, he was so much thinner and vulnerable. His silver protoform was like that of many normal Cybertronian citizens that had roamed the streets of the once great planet. But this view was also unnerving because of the many vorns upon vorns Optimus had grown used to the images of armored soldiers in the midst of battle. It was so unusual now to see the 'base' form of a Cybertronian.

"I don't know." he murmured. His digits curled and shook with the force he held them with. "Then you must trust us. You're time as Guardian is not over, but it must be put aside so you may heal and return to protecting her." Rethalia said reassuringly. Solas just snarled and jerked away from her, hunched by the far wall as he vented his anger. Optimus knew helplessness when he saw it. And this mech was drowning in it. It wasn't his fault for what had happened to Fera, or what could happen that was out of his control. However, it was getting past that regret and finding the strength to carry on from your mistakes that made a good warrior great.

"I don't understand." Ratchet spoke up. Optimus looked to his friend as he continued, "What has Fera's necklace to do with anything concerning the Decepticons?" the medic switched his optics between the two Primes before him, but neither of them quickly spoke up. "Nothing Ratchet. It's something best left unsaid." Solas snapped from his position behind Rethalia. Optimus sighed again and left his sparkmate to answer. "It's the Stone of Primus Ratchet." she explained plainly.

When the CMO's faceplates turned to a shocked stupor and his mandible opened, Optimus jumped in before he could speak. "Her family acquired the Stone from Ironhide shortly before he deadsparked. Major William Lennox thus handed it down to his daughter Fera briefly before his own demise." Ratchet turned his helm to Optimus and his optic ridges came down. "Then we must take it from her. If she is in any danger because of it, then we simply could retain it and let her stay under strict human-only protection." he was so sure of his solution, but he couldn't be more wrong.

"Even if that were true, she already has had contact with us. They will see this as an attempt to keep her away from them, and they will more than not try harder at gaining her. It is not just the Stone she possesses that is of importance, but the abilities she carries with it." he turned his attention to his sparkmate before the medic could go on, "You have told her?" he asked. Rethalia shook her cranial unit and held her arms, glancing back at Solas. "No, I have not."

"Bumblebee is telling her." Ratchet cut in, regaining his leader's recognition. "Telling her what? What is there to tell her that I do not know?" Solas inquired quite irritably. From the way he searched each set of faceplates, it seemed the mech thought everyone was against him as of late. Optimus respectfully took up the mech's optic contact and said, "That she will be leaving for Washington in only a short amount of time." a brief hesitation, "You will not be joining us however."

First, Solas was confused, then the information seemed to settle with him and he became shocked. And that finally turned to anger. His prior form of aggravation returned and he demanded why he was unable to travel with his charge and peers when they relocated. "It is best," Rethalia piped in, "that you stay here, where there is far less chance that the Decepticons will attack because of an abandoned base. Hawktail and Thunderflare also need to finish their work on your armoring while Greenlight and Wheeljack work to find the reasoning behind the Decepticons' attack on the main communications grid on the state border and around the country."

Solas suddenly placed a servo over his chassis, his anger dimming dramatically. Optimus grew concerned at the sudden change before the mech winced and jerked his digits away. Before any of them could react, his gushing ire came again and his body emited a low sound of deep displeasure. "I hate feeling so helpless!" he bellowed, swinging around to land a swift and powerful punch to the sleek metal wall. The loud clang of the strike rang throughout the room and faded to a dull ringing. Solas drew back to reveal an impressive impression in the wall and a set of new scrapes to his fist. The silver bowed under the impact and the inside was left with imprinted traces of who had struck it.

No one spoke out at the mech's sudden and violent action; not even the Primes murmured a mere sliver of shock. The movement made by Solas surprised Optimus, but he would have expected nothing less. He himself felt frustrated and full of tension. He didn't know what was to happen before the mech's apparent demise, or before Fera was kidnaped, and he didn't know what was to come. It could make any sensible being lose their sanity.

Optimus crossed his arms and calmly watched Sol as he slowly released his anger through already-overworked vents. His optics were a threatening shade of turquoise and Optimus would even go to expect a haze of vapor coming off his frame. No one would blame this Guardian; not if they wanted their glossa tied and a short time in the brig. Although, whether that would be Solas or the persecutor, Optimus was unsure.

"You are not alone in that Solas, we are all in the dark." Ratchet said quite pointedly from his spot by the wall. The medic and his leader locked gazes and a certain feeling of suspicion passed from the lesser-informed side of the contact. "You really want to know Ratchet?" Solas demanded hotly. Optimus dropped his arms and both he and his sparkmate turned to the younger warrior. If anyone was to tell the CMO of what was happening, Optimus would have wanted it to be himself. Otherwise, it would have to of appeared that he'd been hiding information from his long time, trusted friend. Which, by some degree, he had. "Solas-"

"Fera has the Stone, but not only that, but it looks like she's the only one that can activate it. The Decepticons want her, and if they get her, we will, without a shadow of a doubt, lose this war." his warning unheeded, Optimus curled his digits while he switched his gaze from Solas to Ratchet. The medic was walking from the wall, his expression unreadable. For a few moments, he just seemed lost for words, which was understandable.

Millions of questions that needed answering must have filed through the mech's processor, and Optimus frowned deeply at just what his old comrade must be thinking of not only him, but the situation in itself. Ratchet stopped before Rethalia and then peered at Optimus. "Whatever is wrong with her, I will know. If by some way she does have the capabilities you suggest she does-" he raised a digit as Solas tried cutting in, "then her body must be reacting to it. Foreign material in the human body is not generally taken well if it is not an adaptable substance."

Solas sat heavily on one of the ledges protruding from the wall, leaning over his arms as he set them over his legs. "You're saying she could possibly be affected by the Stone?" he inquired, his anger seeming to finally be dying into defeat. Rethalia moved to come stand by Optimus' side and her arm lightly brushed his. Ratchet shuttered his optics and gathered his thoughts. "Maybe. It is possible that it could stay in one solitary form, thus allowing no adaptations to the piece to be made. However, the Stone has not been studied as in-depth as I would have preferred, and I assume the necklace is not internally consumed?" he looked around, getting a shake of the cranial unit from Optimus.

"The only way she could be effected is if the Stone is emitting a sort of energy to her body. Which, if she is the key to activating it, then I can confidently predict that it does." as the medic paused, Optimus caught Solas once again placing a servo over his chassis. "I'll have to attain a proper diagnostic of her to decide just what condition she's in." there was a queer expression of anxiety and worry over Solas' faceplates before he looked up at Ratchet.

What could be concerning the warrior so? Was he thinking of Fera? She would be safe in Washington; or at least safer than she was here, even with Solas and the Autobots' protection. Removing his confused attentions from him, Optimus studied Ratchet's words. If something was affecting her health, then a human doctor such as Doctor Shelby would have a much easier time examining her. Hopefully, there wasn't anything afflicting her. But one couldn't expect the best when the worst was a possibility. "If she is in no visible discomfort at the moment, then I suggest you begin with Solas. You wished to do so earlier, correct?" Optimus questioned.

Ratchet didn't look at the Prime as he nodded, glancing at the mech of the conversation though that very 'Bot seemed caught in his own world. "Yes. Solas' spark needs examining at as well. That, I'll have to do prior to our departure. Now that I know what has been left secret, it should aid me in future examinations of these two." he again seemed to be directing his words at Optimus, but the Prime decided to ignore it. By a certain amount, the medic had right to his grudge towards his leader. Optimus didn't blame him for it, nor would he ever.

"When I'm back in my armoring, I'm claiming whatever 'Con was glitched enough to take her." Solas threatened darkly. All three of the other Cybertronians in the room looked to him in confusion. That was a sudden and unexpected comment, but the mask he wore was even more surprising.

He still had his servo over his spark, but his faceplates were both focused and on-edge of pure rage Rethalia pressed herself ever so lightly against Optimus and he took a step forward so he was at least in front of his sparkmate if Solas abruptly took out his anger on the room and beings around him. Ratchet dropped his crossed arms and he turned completely to Solas. "That should not be your concern right now Solas. You should be worried about your own health and that of your guarded's." he reminded.

Solas seemed to completely ignore Ratchet's comment, instead jerking his cranial unit away so the medic was no longer in his sight. Just a moment ago, Solas had seemed on his way to calming down. It was such an unforseen change that Optimus grew troubled into as to why Solas had snapped back to such intense lividness. Was Fera truly that important to him already? After such short time of knowing her, Optimus could see the kindness and buried wisdom inside of her. But he'd also seen her temper and short patience for thought-before-action. The two he could see were going to grow into some kind of acquaintance, but Solas exhibited some form of new protectiveness and fondness of the human female that none of them had seen before.

Had his revival by the Stone caused him to form a type of respect and light friendship with Fera? Or was it his undoubtable pride-forged thoughts of vengeance towards the Decepticons for severing the success of his duty that had him so infuriated?

Solas leapt to his peds and everyone tensed. "Not my concern? Listen to yourself Ratchet, you're telling a Guardian to not worry about what may happen to his charge." Solas spat, narrowing his optics. Ratchet was about to say something back, but Optimus could feel the rising temper of the situation and he interrupted. "The Decepticons will not be able to locate her while in our care. There is nothing for you to worry yourself for before you may return to your task."

"You're saying I'm unfit for duty?" Solas demanded, turning on the taller Prime.

"He is saying he feels the Decepticons cannot complete the impossible. They can't pull off what may not happen. Fera in this concept is unattainable as long as she is with those in Washington." Rethalia put in before Optimus could speak. He wanted to pipe up before his sparkmate took matters into her own matter, but she seemed to do so without his knowing, nor approval.

Solas took one step forward and both Optimus and Ratchet prepared themselves to stop him. They knew he would never harm a fembot on purpose, but he was in a place none but he himself could come from. It was a hazy and muddled place that obscured any other emotion or feeling but that of that specific thought or concern. Optimus himself had been in this place once. "What makes you think they'll care? The Decepticons will do anything to get her, no matter what it sacrificed. they care neither for life nor good, just greed and power." Solas shot back.

Now it was Optimus' turn to become bewildered. Was this what he truly felt? He couldn't be in his right processor at the moment, but it was hard to keep up that belief when Solas showed such passionate body language and convincing woos.

Rethalia suddenly moved in Optimus' peripheral and he carefully switched his attention between the two before him just in-case there was to be conflict above that of verbal extent.

"They are mechs and fembots just as we are Solas, just with different views." he huffed loudly at this, "They have creators and family units and maybe even sparklings waiting for them. It is no different who is on what faction, or what they think is right. We have been taught completely separate ways." she tried her hardest to convince the mech's opinion, but he seemed defiant.

Optimus loved his sparkmate dearly for her sturdy views that she had gained over her obtainment of the Matrix of Leadership. She was much wiser now than she had been, and far more patient. She was still herself however, with her fiery performance in battle and her sharp tongue never moved. She showed her disappointment however whenever Solas shifted his dark gaze towards her.

"They are monsters." he seethed.

"If that is how you see it, then you are blind."

Her tone was so chilling, yet placid. But it seemed to effect Solas deeper than what Optimus would have expected. The mech's emotions took a noticeable change when he paused and his features stalled. "Enough." Optimus commanded sternly, finally placing a servo on Rethalia's shoulderbolt to break up the tension. "Rethalia is right Solas. The Decepticons are the same in basic spark." the Guardian ripped his optics away, "They are Cybertronians as we are, and creations of Primus. Just as we are. Their morals maybe distinct from our own, but that is how they view this war, and Primus forbid, I have tried time and time again to have our beliefs coincide."

"And where has that gotten us Optimus?" Solas demanded, snapping back around. "In a war with our own race that has both destroyed our own world and carried on to another." his curled fist lifted to press over his chassis. "I will not put Fera through what I have suffered, for I now understand just what innocence she has. They haven't the right to include those who have no place in war. Therefore, under my power, they will not involve her."

Rethalia tensed under Optimus' grip, but he held her more firmly, stopping her from whatever she was about to say. "I admit our actions resulted in less than what we would have wanted. They came to a failed and dark end, but what prediction were we to possess?" he looked back to Ratchet as the medic started forward, "What power do you bear that may prevent anything from harming Fera? Note that we are all in concern for her better health, Solas. We are all allies in this."

Optimus caught Ratchet's gaze for only a mere sparkbeat, but even in that time, they were able to understand; to know. They had a clear connection that only dear friends shared, allowing them to attain a similar knowledge with only a single look. "After Ratchet has assessed your spark as he wished to do, you may speak with her. Say what needs to be said and leave it be. You will see her again soon enough." Optimus assured, catching the suddenly silent mech's attention. Solas nodded, not looking to him. Was that pain in his expression? Or was it regret? Or maybe more frustration?

He was unable to decide as the door to the office hissed open without warning. A scolding reprimand settled over his vocal processor as he turned to the noise, preparing to chastise any being who entered without his verbal permissions. This wasn't the time to be freely wandering the premises.

But his mandible fell open for a different reason as he beheld the youngest of his warriors standing in the doorway, hovering over a form in his hands. The very look on his faceplates was both worry and horror, causing a small ping to cramp in the Prime's chassis. The body he held was small and looked in intense pain, sounds of low moaning coming from them.

After a moment's studying, Optimus found that it was Fera- curled into a tight position, clutching her chest, and squeezing her eyes tightly shut in obvious affliction.

Bee was clicking nervously and his baby-blue optics were knitted with concern. Before he even stepped into the room, Ratchet was there, quickly asking questions and scanning the smaller female.

The moment the first scan reached her, Fera's twisted body released a piercing and energon-curdling scream. Her body held itself tighter and she could be seen to visibly shake as if she was put through the cold. Ratchet immediately stopped his scans as the cry hit the air, becoming both confused and additionally worried. Optimus had jerked at the sudden shriek and he had to place both servos on his sparkmate so she wouldn't run forward. Ratchet needed his room to observe, and a worried fembot looking over his shoulderbolt wouldn't help him in the least.

The other problem with Fera's call of agony was her already stressed Guardian, who had originally been standing in the far corner when Bee had entered. But now he was rushing forward, his faceplates set in cold worry and his frame hurried. Optimus strode forward and lightly restrained the form before he could reach the pair at the door. Sol didn't appreciate this at all, swiftly coming to try yanking away from his leader's grip.

"Fera!" he called concernedly.

Optimus could see the fear in his optics and the tight anxiety that just bubbled from his shell. He again attempted to get away from Optimus' grasp, but the Prime was also quick, dodging from side to side to keep the mech at a safe distance. Ratchet must have tried scanning her again, for Fera's voice ran high and shrill once more.

Solas nearly got away that time, shoving his leader's arms away and leaping towards the medic. Optimus grabbed the warrior's arms, holding him back. Solas dug his toelinks into the ground as he tried propelling himself forward, his hands clenched. "Let me go!" he snarled. "What is wrong with her?!"

Ratchet ignored the trapped mech's frustrated demands, instead questioning the very being who had brought in the ailing human.

Optimus grunted as Solas jerked his arms, trying once again to free himself. "Ratchet, get Fera out of here!" Optimus boomed, causing the CMO to in turn push Bumblebee out the door and out of sight. Solas snarled and threw his cranial unit back with their action. There was no doubting the mech was desperately trying to escape, using every slick maneuver he could to gain the freedom he sought for.

If he wasn't only chassis-high to Optimus, then the mech very well could have succeeded in chasing after his charge. Why was he acting so violently? Solas roared and kicked out behind him, catching Optimus in the interface panel.

"Solas! For Primus sake, calm yourself!" he commanded, trying hide the fact that that move had been very painful and well-placed.

As if a switch had been turned, the Guardian abruptly quit kicking. His thrashing ceased and his strikes dimmed. His vicious growls turned to silence and his frame settled to an overwhelmed shiver.

Cautiously, Optimus let him go, slowly standing tall again as the Guardian before him just stood. As if he were made of stone. He just stared at the door.

Rethalia and Optimus shared a confused and concerned look before Rethalia herself walked forward and carefully tipped her cranial unit to the side to look at his faceplates. "Solas?" she murmured softly.

Before either of them could react, Solas simply overlooked the fembot's tone and he walked away. Calmly. Quietly... Disturbingly.

The pain had taken over every inch of her body, drowning her in a silent, raging sea that continued to grip her with breathless intensity. The suffocating blankets of tensity clamped over her and refused release. A cramping lash throbbed in her chest and caused another bout of constricting pressure to take hold of her breath and restrict any relieving amount of air. And when that horrible energy crossed over her body, her muscles clenched harshly and flew into a fit of fiery affliction. Her throat would burn and she was unable to hold back her cries of both terror and agony, letting her calls ring around her.

Her mind was caught in a messy tangle that confused her to no end. The frustration with her endless pain caught up and she threw out her limbs in an attempt to break the invisible hold on her. But, her body wouldn't cooperate, instead falling back into a tight ball of whimpering pity.

She didn't know where the hurt was coming from or why, but she just wanted it gone. Gone and far away. Hope was all over her, in places she never knew it could reach, and delving deeper into her thoughts and feelings as she struggled. It pried further into her and cause her heart to jump with the attention, only worsening her current position. Again, her body drew taunt and she screamed, digging her nails deep into the cloth of her shirt. Hope was flashing so brightly inside her mind, filling it with nothing but its light and the pain it caused her.

"Go away!" she shrieked both physically and mentally. "Leave me alone! Just leave me alone!"

Her please went unheard as that wave circled back over her and she twitched and shook violently. There was a moment that she had to hold back the bile building in her throat before she nearly vomited. Her jaw snapped shut and she was unable to open it as seeming electricity arched over her and threaded deeply into her very core. Rolling onto her back, she took note of the hard, yet warm surface she was laying on. And the swaying that came with it. Where was she? Did it even matter?

A few times, she had heard what she assumed to be her name, but she wasn't really sure. Her body shifted and she gasped, desperately continuing to take the precious, yet unattainable, air from around her. It was just there, and she couldn't take it!

Something proceeded to grab her limbs and hold her down, but she was soon thrashing against it -whoever it, or they, were- and savagely trying to rip her arms and legs closer. Her name came up again a few times before she would even open her eyes.

The brightness blinded her, the edges fuzzy and blurred. Her chest heaved and every intake of air was wheezed, coming into a trembling and tightly strung body. Her limbs contracted and her eyes snapped closed again, her head bowing back to let her back arch. This time, the pain was in her back, drawing her shoulder blades as close as possibly able. Her spine jerked and seized, once again squeezing her lungs.

"Fera!"

Suddenly, her ribs fell slack. Her muscles fell to putty. The air was clearer and suddenly reachable.

Her lips pulled back and she fell limp to whatever she was laying on. Her breath was but desperate gulps like a fish dying on the wood of a river dock. But the relief that came from those fantastic grasps of oxygen was enough for her. The horrible pain was now ebbed, shutting off as if it had been flipped over. It was so shocking and sudden that she had to lay absolutely still for a few heartbeats.

"Fera?" That voice was so different from the other one, but it was also gentle and full of concern.

Fera let her eyelids fall back and she stared above her into the vivid whiteness until it slowly began to dim. A black blot in the middle of the light grew and grew into a dark and oddly familiar shape. The surrounding silhouette of the thing was still fuzzy and it at first difficult to understand anything happening at that moment. The roaring in her ears was no more, and this allowed her mind to finally settle and come to terms with the enormous form hovering above her.

"Ratchet?" she mumbled hoarsely.

The 'Bot visibly relaxed, his frame loosening and a soft sigh escaping his vents. Fera blinked at the rush of warm air and she knitted her brow. She cleared her parched throat and tried to roll to her size, only getting a sore and sensitive response from her stomach. Wincing, she instead forced her aching arms to try pushing herself to some kind of inclined position.

Her attempts were in vain however as Ratchet went to softly push her back down onto her back -which wasn't fairly hard in that instance-. "No, no, no. Don't try moving." he instructed with hushed tones. His quiet voice was lulling to Fera's oncoming headache, but it was also confusing. He seemed worried about something and Fera squirmed on the hard surface she laid on. "Are you ok?" she questioned. He seemed surprised at this and then he grinned, leaning back. The light grew abruptly brighter and Fera squinted her eyes, turning her head to the side so she wouldn't have to look at it. The light was turned off and Fera was able to comfortably look around.

She was in one of the many rooms made for the Cybertronians as their medical wing. The silver-grey walls stood sleek against the concrete of the floor and ceiling, lined around the entire perimeter with both machines and random toolcarts. She didn't see anything hooked up to her, and that was a relief. What she did find was the artificial soothing sensation of meds in her system. He drugged me, she thought sluggishly. Now that she was calmer, they were able to fully take effect and she got a slightly drowsy urge from the freedom of her pain. "The question is if you are Fera. You had a fit severe enough to permanently damage your internal and mental function." he shifted around in something for a moment, his back to her.

"Seizure? I had a seizure?" she drawled, her lips also affected by the hold of the medication. Ratchet turned around, holding a small tool in his hand. He approached the giant berth she was set on and he looked to her. "No. It was more of bodily contraction than sporadic seizing." he lowered the device in his hand and held it there for a few seconds. Silence befell them both as Fera's dull mind tried understanding what it was he was using. It was of a box shape, a round, black bubble hanging off the bottom.

A small pinch of pain echoed in Fera's heart and she drew in a sharp suck of air through her teeth. Her hand came up and she rubbed the spot, trying to ease it. Ratchet noticed her reaction to the machine and he drew it away, studying her before a small ping sounded from the box. "Then what happened to me?" she asked, watching the medic as he looked over the tool in his hand. He had an expression of total concentration on his metallic face, which soon turned to confusion. "I..." he began, only to fall short.

Fera grew perplexed herself, coming to sit on her elbows despite the bodily complaint it caused her. "What is it?" at the moment, she had little to no memory of what had happened after her chest started hurting while she was talking to Bumblebee. She remembered being lifted into the air and then everything had been spotty after that. Now she was here.

Ratchet again halted and frowned deeply at the thing in his hand, as if it displeased him greatly. "Nothing. Absolutely nothing." he reported flatly. Fera switched her eyes from between the mech and machine, completely blank. What does that mean? she wondered. Will I have another episode? Is there something wrong with my heart? Is it my brain? Am I...dying? This last thought caused uneasiness to build inside of her and she swallowed hard, tentatively rubbing the spot over her heart with an expression of worry over her face.

The CMO beside her moved and she jerked as she became startled. "Nothing showed up on the x-ray scan, and the cardiac examinations showed up with only minor fluctuations. Your heart is fine." but he didn't seem convinced of this, gaining a look of dissatisfaction. Fera shifted herself on her elbows and she let her eyes flick around in disbelief. "But...that doesn't explain my 'fit'." she insisted, leaning towards the 'Bot. Ratchet again sighed and he set the scanner aside. "Yes, I know. However, without basic availabilities, I am unable to fully understand your current situation. I can't get a proper scan of your body." he explained, burrowing his own eyebrows in equal concern.

Those distant waves that had rocked Fera's body returned to memory and she pressed her lips together. It had been so overwhelming and agonizing... Was something so simple truly the cause of all that pain? No. It couldn't be. Something else must be wrong.

"Have these symptoms appeared regularly with you?" he questioned, snapping Fera back to reality. Numbly, she shook her head and Ratchet softly grunted. He seemed to be thinking deeply about this, but could he figure out what was wrong with her? "This is the first time this has happened. I mean, I've felt something similar to it, but nothing this bad..." she let her gaze swivel to the wall standing before her and then her ruined shoes.

"Similar as in what, Fera?" Ratchet pressed, coming closer. Fera paused and went on to think about it herself. There were some different things she had felt from the time she had been stabbed on. They had gotten deeper and more intense as the weeks had gone by, but they seemed particularly bad now that Solas had been revived. These seizes in her chest only had started up since his awakening.

She could vaguely remember the tugging of her heart and the odd presence that had grown inside of her briefly before Sol had somehow woken up... But even before then, all she had felt was a few confusing tugs on her heart or feelings she couldn't explain.

"As in...I...don't know." she admitted. Ratchet sighed and Fera looked back to him guiltily. Really, truthfully, if she could explain it, she would. She hated feeling like she was useless and she especially hated standing aside if she was physically able to do something for the better.

Ratchet walked over to the berth and sat down on some unseen object, laying his arms over the table and holding his forehead with his index finger and thumb. "You haven't been experiencing any aches or unexplained sicknesses? Maybe you suddenly have started going through some mental delirium or encountered an intense or disorienting session of dreams?" he glanced up between his fingers to see Fera shake her head. "No...not that I know of."

The medic let his aqua blue eyes shift away and a soft humming came from his chest. He looked exhausted and close to falling asleep right before her. The small noises his body made in the silence creaked and sputtered in a way that didn't sound normal. Worried, Fera withheld a groan as she twisted around on her side and slowly slid her legs underneath her. Her heavy arms drug across the berth and helped her to stand.

When she had awkwardly come to a doubled-over position with her butt high in the air, Fera was able to push herself up straighter. For a second, she swayed and then swung her arms around so that she wouldn't fall over backwards. Stumbling back, Fera wavered a moment before turning around.

Ratchet hadn't yet noticed her, which just went to show just how fatigued he was. How long had it been since he had slept? Fera knitted her eyebrows and took an unsteady step forward.

Then another.

And another.

And another.

Finally, she was only a few feet away from the mech and he suddenly jerked as if he'd been startled. His eyes were wide and his hand snapped from his face. "What are you doing?" he demanded. It was more a question of worry than anger. He seemed confused and yet intrigued by her instinct to move so soon after she was put through a possibly life-altering attack. Fera ignored this however, focusing on moving one foot after the other. She drug one shoe forward and shuffled the other after, making sure to keep her eyes trained on them as she did.

"Fera, what are-"

"Shutup, I'm concentrating."

She continued on until she was near enough to jump the rest of the way. But that was impossible; something she wouldn't even try. Taking a few more shuffles on, Fera reached the arm that Ratchet had set across the top of the berth. She came to it and bent over at an angle to use it as a sort of support, allowing her to come closer to fully sit against one of the plates there. Ratchet didn't move an inch, actually seeming tense at her contact. He was watching her as she settled against him, blanketing her arm beside her and holding her wrist.

"You really should be resting..." Ratchet insisted gently, causing Fera to raise a single brow. "And so should you." she shot back.

The CMO lowered his other arm and gave her a weird look. "My rest is no business of yours." he noted. Fera shifted and began to rub her sore midsection. "Punish me for being concerned."

Ratchet sat straighter, accidently jolting the human on his arm. Fera gasped and clutched onto his armoring, her muscles snapping tight again. Ratchet immediately fell still and Fera slowly doubled over, wrapping a hand around her abdomen. "Fera, I'm sorry." he apologized, coming as closely as he could without moving her again. Fera waved him off and he backed up a small distance to allow her room. "Just...give me a minute." she managed through gritted teeth.

Seconds ticked by and Fera was finally able to breath properly again. "Are you alright?" he inquired. Fera was almost completely sure he had waited literally sixty seconds.

"Yeah." she breathed, carefully rising to sit again. "Don't move." she looked back at the mech and he nodded.

She knew Ratchet only had her best in mind -or whatever made up their consciousness-. And he would have all of the Autobots' wellbeing to think of as well. He would need to be able to have a clear mind in the state of battle or when a major emergency were to take place. So why wouldn't he make the time to take a freaking nap?

"What happened to me? I can't remember anything." she asked, twisting around in her spot. Ratchet turned away his face to look at the berth before he spoke, "I hadn't the time to ask Bumblebee. All I understand is that you were in conversation with him when your episode started. He came to find me and when he did, I took you here." the mech still held his gaze away, but Fera watched him with every intention of keeping the contact. "Where is he now?" she pursued, leaning forward.

Ratchet flicked his eyes back to her and their gazes met. "Waiting to speak with Optimus. However, Prime is trying to restrain your Guardian at the moment, so that won't happen for some time." his last words actually made Fera squirm, a discomfort settling over her mind. Would he be mad about the part that he wasn't moving with his team to Washington? she wondered. Or was it that he wasn't going to be able to protect me? she hoped it was the first because she wasn't sure she could handle the second.

The medic before her sensed her disease and he set his hand down closer to her as a form of reassurance. "He was upset over pride and vigilant tendencies. Not Bumblebee or any other affiliations with the Autobot faction." well he obviously misunderstood a female's body language. Fera tucked in her lips and looked to the ground. Maybe it was best he didn't understand.

"Aside from Solas Kaon," he went on, catching her attention again, "it is of my knowledge that you feel something is wrong with you?" he inquired, seeming to study her. Fera reared her head at this, pretending to be surprised. "Wrong? With me? Please, I'm as healthy as a horse." she blew the issue off and went on to attempt to stand. This failed however, and she was left to fall back onto Ratchet's arm with a small contraction in her stomach. "Ok, maybe healthy as a Chihuahua." she admitted.

Peering back, she could see the discontent and lack of humor on the mech's features. He was stone cold and serious, not even cracking a smirk at her comment. Her forced smile fell and she sighed. "Bumblebee informed me that you said to him that you were 'not ok', meaning these seizes in your muscular system are worse than you or I had originally predicted?" Ratchet assumed, pressing Fera's limit. She wanted to hold off the matter of her chest pains and the fact that she had a new little buddy in her head she felt was in her heart. As well as her coming to name it Hope after it had miraculously saved her from the hands of Death.

Fera set her chin on her arms and kept her eyes away. No longer did she feel the confidence as she had before. She had previously decided to come to him after she had begun to experience the symptoms she had. Now that she was here though...

"I feel like there is...well..." she tucked her chin deeper into her arms and kept up her wandering gaze, "I feel like there is someone trying to get inside my mind." she stated simply.

Her eyes came up just as Ratchet opened his mouth to say something. Obviously, he was surprised. On-edge of down right flabbergasted more like it. She could see him fight for something to say, to utter even a remotely intelligent diagnosis. But all he did was become confused and repeatedly open and closed his lips while the knowledge fought inside of him. Fera wouldn't have been shocked if he just brushed off her words just to keep his own sanity.

It was then that the door opened and they were both pulled quickly from their conversation. Fera's eyes located who was at the entrance and she stood, despite the discomfort it caused her to do so. Ratchet moved to stand as well, placing himself between her and the mech who held his ground.

"Fera." he greeted softly.

It was such a relieved and honestly genuine sound, and Fera could barely hold a smile back. He had been concerned about her. Meaning he actually cared for her wellbeing. Well of course he does, you dummy, she mentally scolded. He's your Guardian, right? Somehow, this knowledge allowed her to forget about everything else but Hope. For some reason, it suddenly decided to brighten and envelop her in a strong embrace of overwhelming familiarity. It was so comforting to feel, yet disconcerting as well. Why was it when she was experiencing the highest of her emotions did she feel such a presence?

The moment he moved to enter, Ratchet was striding across the space and causing Solas to stall. He finally seemed to notice the medic and he fixed him with a hard stare. "Solas, I'm going to have to ask you to leave." Ratchet informed him blandly. There was a hint of warning in his tone, but the warrior seemed to notice nothing but that hidden threat.

Fera felt the fear building in her heart and she lifted a hand to tenderly rub her chest. Solas abruptly glanced up at her and then back to Ratchet as the CMO went on, "Fera is in no condition for company. And you haven't gotten your examination yet." the yellowish-green mech raised his hands, and the moment he did so, Solas was on the defensive.

"Well I'm going to have to refuse that request Ratchet. I have a few words for my charge and I would think it best if you stepped aside." he noted darkly. Fera's eyebrows came down and she looked between the two tensed and ready figures by the door. Ratchet was prepared to do what was necessary, but Sol had no intention of being any less equipped.

"Leave Solas." Ratchet ordered.

"No." the Guardian snapped.

"Don't do this."

"Do what?"

"Cause any more damage than need be done. Leave."

"I said no. I won't leave."

This time, Ratchet took a step forward, which, by Sol's standards must have been some sort of threatening intent. Fera herself came closer to the edge of the berth as she worriedly watched the exchange happening. This wasn't suppose to happen. Solas needed to leave, but instead he was going to just start a pointless and unnecessary argument. This was just like him, but right now, Fera just wished he was a little less stubborn.

"Don't touch me." he growled lowly. It was a tone that even Fera felt her blood run cold from. Would Solas strike at a fellow Autobot?

Ratchet paused, but remained ready. "I will if it means you heeding my words." he snapped back, equally as impressive. Solas' body went rigid as Ratchet came closer and he planted his feet firmly at the entrance. "Fera needs time to recover, and your being here will do nothing but stress her already fragile condition!" Ratchet went on, again stepping forward. Solas snarled and lifted an arm.

"Any time I leave her, bad things happen. It is my duty to protect her as Guardian, with nothing less to be given than that of my life. Upholding my deal is law." the Guardian went on. Ratchet finally reached the mech and he was able to shift his hand by his side. Solas didn't seem to notice the move as he was too caught up in Ratchet's initial body language. But Fera noticed. She immediately grew horrified and she thought about calling out in warning. But who would that help for the better- an angered and possibly dangerous mech, or a medic who wished for nothing but the better health of his fellow comrades?

Again, Ratchet and Solas locked in a brittle standoff. The first mech to make a move to brake this however was Ratchet, voicing his orders once more, "Solas, I'm warning you-"

"And I'm warning you Ratchet." Solas interrupted.

Fera silently pled with Ratchet to have patience with Solas and to not use whatever it was that was in that syringe. Either it was going to make his job easier, and possibly cause a grouchy grudge to be formed between him and his patient; or the drugs in that tool wouldn't be strong enough and he would end up dealing with a very irritated peer. Fera's lips parted and she craned her neck to get a good look at both of them.

Without warning, Ratchet took a step forward and placed a hand on Solas' shoulder. This caused the mech to startle and jerk away, which Ratchet figured to be an attack, and he grabbed the arm. Solas must have felt the restrain and he tried yanking away as his medic attempted to calm him. Fera could see the tool in Ratchet's arm as it swung around mere inches from Sol. She fought with herself that for now she would be on Ratchet's side. Just until Solas was where he needed to be and wasn't acting like an overly-protecting piece of-

"Solas Kaon, I don't want to have to sedate you!" Ratchet yelled over the struggles he had found himself in with the mech. Sol snapped at the word 'sedate', trying to instead grab any limb of Ratchet's he could and pin down. "I dare you!" he challenged.

Fera's eyes widened and she picked up her necklace. The charm bit into her skin, but she ignored the feeling as she held tighter and tighter onto it. The two Cybertronians before her fought for dominance while Ratchet's sedatives flew around recklessly. Fera flinched when Solas caught Ratchet with his elbow, and again when Ratchet hit Solas in the leg.

When Solas suddenly gained the upper hand, he rushed Ratchet and they crashed into a nearby wall, Ratchet's form pinned against the surface by Sol. The arm with the sedatives was also held useless. Solas seemed to forget all about why he was there as he glared at Ratchet with a darker shade to his optics than what Fera would consider usual. She grew frightened and her heart skipped a beat when Solas raised his arm.

Hope was no where to be found, the essence nothing more than a blocked entity in her mind. Fera's eyes widened and anxiety washed over her from both the fight before her and the loss of her Hope. Solas wound back his arm and curled his fist. Every intent of harm was plastered over his face in a way Fera knew could not be him. Before she knew it, he was throwing that punch straight for Ratchet's face...

"Stop!"

Fera fell to her knees, unable to take the frightening thought that a respectable mech would try to cause harm to another. Solas' arm halted as if it had frozen solid. Hope flared to life as her emotions peaked again.

The Guardian's eyes grew lighter and his stance dropped back to normal, both his hands releasing. Ratchet fell back to his feet and he was able to force his way away from Sol.

Solas had a look of both confusion and shock; an expression Fera grew even more concerned from. She now held her necklace with both hands as if she would somehow be able to squeeze the comfort from the object. It was warm in her grasp, vibrating ever so softly as it appeared to do nowadays.

The two mechs split up to opposite sides of the room to cool off. Solas refused to look back at him while the CMO wouldn't stop swapping his gazes between the mech and Fera. She felt her body settling from the effects of Hope's bubble and the event's emotional pull that came with it. It was all just so there and alive, yet so artificial and fake. Fera pushed it away and came to predict the nearly winded feeling she gained. It was either this or the debt she would come to owe whatever sit inside her. Why gain something that is undeserved? She didn't do anything worth being assured for- so why try?

What she didn't see was a stripped and injured 'Bot raising his hand to lay over his spark as he acquired a look of both hurt and bewilderment.