One Week Later…

Ever since Azura had been diagnosed with a possible infection, Ratchet has worked around the clock to ensure that Azura will recover from it as quickly as possible. He hasn't managed to isolate what is causing her to be sick, as he energon sample had not shown anything he was familiar with. But Ratchet was working on medicine for Azura to help her. But Azura did not feel terribly sick. She found herself more tired than weak, and the itchiness around her crystal seemed to be growing too.

But as she hasn't had terrible symptoms, Optimus has seemed to have relaxed some, but Azura could see the concern in his optics. She still had not mentioned the itchiness, but Ratchet did say that he assumed it might be itchy for Azura due to how inflamed the veins were around the crystal. At least she knew why it was itchy, even though it was annoying to wake up with that feeling each day.

Azura has enjoyed the additional pampering from the autobots. Optimus has made her recharge within his chassis whenever she needed to recharge. He absolutely refused to let her recharge in her room, which Azura enjoyed as being this close to him, and hearing the pulse of his spark was extremely calming for her. Though she did pretend a few times to get upset about not recharging in her own berth.

Aside from that, she has been given bubble baths everyday, Bumblebee bought her two massive stuffed toys of Stitch and Angel, which were bigger than her and she has fallen in love with the two toys, and the kids have also made an effort in spending time with Azura. Especially Jack. They included her in playing video games, painting and so on. Azura liked that the most as it was great to get her mind off things.

Though when she woke up this morning, she did feel a little strange. She felt like a gurgling within her body, but it wasn't like nausea or anything. She thought it was strange, and it was uncomfortable as well, but it wasn't enough for her to feel alarmed about. At least that is what Azura was thinking. Though the autobots may disagree if they were to find out this was happening.

Azura did not want to make it obvious as she gazed around at the inside of Optimus's chassis. She was holding onto her Angel plush as she had taken to sleeping with one of the two toys. It brought her a lot of comfort, and none of the autobots were unhappy about that. They have actually found it cute. Azura has carried one of them around everywhere with her since Bumblebee brought them home. Raf and Jack paid for the toys though, so it was a gift from both of them.

Azura scratched her chassis, keeping her toy pressed against her to hide that fact while she waited for the gurgling to settle. It did settle after sometime, but she still did not know if it was a sign of anything bad. The other thing she noticed that she felt like she had a little more energy today, which was a very good thing. She smiled a little as she hoped she could do something today.

"Good morning." Azura jumped as she heard Optimus's voice and watched his chassis open, making her grimace and cover her face with the toy. "You seemed to be over recharging a lot." She shrugged as she looked up from hiding her face behind the toy. "Don't worry. I much rather you rest a lot than get sicker."

Azura smiled and shrugged a little. "I guess." He reached into the chassis to gently pick her up. She grumbled a little as he cradled her and closed his chassis. "I kind of want to run around today."

Optimus smirked slightly at her, even though that made him happy to hear that. "I would advise against it. You already know we don't want you to be exerting your energy too much, Azura. I am pleased you feel energetic today, but you are not going to run around. Ratchet would have a fit."

Azura chuckled a little as she could already picture that. "I guess you're right." She rubbed her optics and yawned a little. "What did I miss? Anything interesting? Like Arcee and Bumblebee racing again?" Optimus frowned slightly and Azura grimaced. "Oh, sorry. I know you're still mad about it."

A few days ago, for whatever reason, Jack and Arcee raced against Vince after the bully insulted both Jack and Arcee. It was supposed to be a one off thing, but then Jack agreed to a proper street race and took Bumblebee, which resulted in Knockout being present coincidentally and another human was almost added to the team. Azura was glad, as she didn't have good memories of Vince either. He was a nuisance even when she was going to the school. And Optimus has not been pleased with the poor choices that were made. Especially when Miko and Raf tried to lie to Optimus.

Optimus softened his expression and smiled at her. "I apologize for my reaction, Azura. You weren't the one who broke protocol. While I am still unhappy about what had occurred at the time, I know that they have all learned their lesson through the consequences of their choices." He rubbed her back gently as he opened the panel on his chassis. It was at this point, Azura noticed that Optimus was in the lobby. "As for what is happening, Ratchet has detected a potential subterranean energon deposit. He picked it up early this morning."

"Oh, really?" Azura took a hold of the fuel line, keeping her arm locked around the Angel toy so it would not fall. Optimus had a hold of the large toy, so that Azura would not need to be worried about losing it. "Hmm…is it in a place that might be dangerous?"

Optimus did not respond for a moment as he processed her question, and she placed her mouth on the fuel line to start drinking. "It could present danger, but the location is set within a pine forest far from human towns. But there is always the potential of decepticons showing up, even though they have their own much larger mines." Azura listened to him while she drank the low-grade thoughtfully. "You wish to go?"

"I think it might be okay, Optimus," Arcee said as she walked over to Optimus with a smile. "Jack has already decided he wants to come with me on this trek to check it out. Plus, he claims he will be fine with his little survival kit."

"Survival kit?" Optimus glanced down at Jack who was standing near Arcee, and the boy nodded to him. "You have come prepared for something like this?" Jack nodded again and Optimus was not sure, but given that this might be reconnaissance, it should be okay. "I see. Since it will just be recon, I believe that will be fine."

Arcee nodded. "And I know that we have been keeping a close eye on Azura for a while. But I don't think it will hurt to take her out for a little bit. I promise that I will bring her straight back if she happens to show signs of weariness or any other symptoms that might be of concern. We're just lucky she's only tired most of the time."

Optimus pondered on this as he was unsure. But Azura did say she felt like she could go running, so this might be good. But Optimus also wanted to keep an eye on her. He trusted Arcee, and Jack was a mature, responsible young human, so they both would likely do fine keeping as eye on her. But he was protective of Azura, so he was feeling hesitant to allow her to go. "I will consider the request while Azura feeds. Once she has finished feeling, I will have an answer for you."

"I understand." Arcee looked at Azura with a smile. "I guess you must be feeling a little better if you want to go out exploring." The sparkling nodded and Arcee chuckled. "Understandable. But I am sure you will find something fun to do here if Optimus decides to keep you here. Maybe Bulkhead can spend time building something with you again."

Azura could not help but grumble a little as she did want to go. She knew that Optimus had the final say, so she couldn't really complain. But she still wanted to go, and she would be upset if she could not. She wouldn't get so mad over it though, as it would not be worth getting trouble over a tantrum like that. She would figure out something to do if she could not go. But she did hope that Optimus would allow it. Even if she was out of the base for just an hour, she would enjoy the fresh air.

Optimus also could see that Azura wanted to go. He was unsure if he should allow it or not. If she was truly feeling better today, it could be a good sign. But it also may just be a moment of brief relief. He was conflicted. He wanted her to be happy, and maybe some fresh air and sunlight would be good for her. Optimus did believe that Arcee would bring Azura back if something were to happen, so he did not doubt that for one moment.

Arcee and Jack did not put any pressure on Optimus either. Jack was showing off his survival kit, which was making the autobots amused, while Miko was annoyed and Raf was intrigued by the kit itself. It was good that Jack had decided to get something to keep on him in case he needed to use it, but it was not going to help him against decepticons. But as Ratchet had shown him earlier, the signal wasn't terribly strong, so that decepticons may not even be interested in the potential deposit.

Ratchet looked at Optimus as he could tell that Optimus was indecisive. "Maybe you want me to say something so that you might decide on a course of action?" Optimus looked at Ratchet and nodded as he would appreciate the medic's advise. "I believe that it will be okay to allow the sparkling to leave the base for a short time. If Azura feels like she has the energy, I think it is fine. And Arcee is responsible, Optimus."

"I am aware. I just…" Optimus glanced down at Azura for a moment and he sighed deeply. "I haven't stopped worrying this whole week, Ratchet. I am sure you fully understand."

"I do. And no one here is disputing that is perfectly understandable and reasonable that you feel that way. I honestly haven't stopped worrying either. But I am almost finished with a medicine that Azura will be able to ingest to help combat the infection." Azura frowned a little as she knew that medicine can taste horrible. She hoped it would not, but it was most likely to happen. "While the infection she seems to have is different to what I am used to, it wasn't impossible to create the right medicine for her."

Optimus was pleased to hear that from the medic as that meant that Azura could be given stuff to help her. "I am extremely happy to hear that, old friend. Knowing that Azura could have the right medicine for her illness sooner than later brings relief to my spark. Thank you for your work." Ratchet nodded with a smile, appreciating the thanks that Optimus was giving to him. Optimus pondered more on whether to allow Azura to go with Jack and Arcee on the recon mission. "I need a little more time to think on allowing her to go though."

"I know, and that is okay, Optimus. A sick sparkling is no laughing matter. Azura hasn't shown other symptoms all week, but we still need to keep an eye on her. But, given she is part dragon, sunlight and fresh air might also help her." Optimus had not considered that. He knew he could easily take Azura to the top of the silo for the very same thing, but it would not be the same. "For the moment, I am not detecting any decepticon signal traveling to that location. I think Azura will be fine. Arcee will bring Azura straight back if something were to happen."

Optimus felt a little more convinced. He glanced down at Azura and saw her optics looking up at him, pleading silently for him to allow her to go. The silent pleading was rather adorable, and yet, Optimus was reluctant. But as he thought more about it, he realized that it might not hurt to give her that time. He was afraid of something happening to her. He could not help but fear that, but he trusted Arcee.

He intakes heavily and exhaled loudly. He was still intent on waiting for Azura to finish feeding before he would answer whether she should go or not. But he knew she would need to use the toilet before, so that was another bit of time that he could waste and keep her from going, even if it would not take long at all. But he was glad no one was actually pressuring him, as he would be more likely to reject the request.

Azura was a little amused that Optimus was waiting for her to finish. She figured he had already made up his mind, so it was just a matter of him making a response. She was also not in a hurry to fill her tank either, so she took time to enjoy it. Plus, she knew she would need the bathroom anyway, so she wasn't hurrying. At least Jack and Arcee did not seem like that they were in a hurry, nor was Ratchet trying to rush them into investigating the energon signal.

Azura finished feeding after five minutes, feeling satisfied with a full tank. She looked at Optimus with a smile. "Well? Can I go? Or should I use the bathroom first?"

Arcee was grinning as she was amused by the sparkling's question. Optimus smiled a little at her before the smile faded. "I won't lie, Azura, I am reluctant to allow you to leave. I know you feel more energy today, and that is good. But that does mean I am not worried." Azura guessed that meant Optimus would not allow her to go, so she simply sighed and looked down. "However, I do know that sunlight and fresh air might do you some good as well, Azura. So I am going to allow you to travel with Arcee, under the condition that Arcee will ensure you return straight away if something happens."

Azura looked at Optimus in surprise before a big smile spread across her face. She hugged him happily as she was thrilled she would be able to go. "Thank you, daddy. I promise that I will listen to Arcee when she gives instructions as well."

"Good." Optimus turned to Arcee and Jack who were smiling. "I will bring Azura back shortly. We don't need her unintentionally relieving herself while she is with you."

Jack let out a light chuckle. "We don't. But if it happens, we can deal with it."

Azura definitely did not want that to happen, as that would be extremely embarrassing. Optimus walked out of the lobby with the sparkling to take her to the nursery. She did wonder why he did not stay in there, but she wasn't complaining. She was happy that Optimus was going to allow it. She knew that she may not necessarily get over the illness, but she at least would be out in the fresh air and sunlight.

Azura looked at Optimus and she could see the concern on his face. "You could come with us, daddy. That would put your mind at ease, you know. I would like it if you came."

Optimus looked at her and smiled gently. "I want to, but I have to speak with Ratchet about something. Aside from seeing the medicine that you will be able to ingest, there is another subject I must discuss with him. I know you probably want me to come, but I might join later."

Azura was a bit upset by that, but she understood. There was always something Optimus had to attend to. But she knew there was no reason to complain. It was also a way for Optimus to allow her to spend time with Arcee and Jack, even though he could just say that. She was getting used to how he says things. "I understand, daddy. I am glad that you are getting other important things done. Arcee will take care of me well."

Optimus kissed her cheek gently and the sparkling giggled softly. "I know. But worrying about you is also part of my job, Azura. You probably already know that. But I know that when you beat the infection, we all can relax, and you can have ice cream by the end of it too."

"Can I have ice cream even while I'm unwell?" Azura asked him curiously. "I'd also love jelly, I haven't had that in a long time. Jelly and yogurt is yummy."

Optimus hummed in amusement at Azura's questions. "As long as your system can handle human food, I believe that will okay. I doubt it will cause any detrimental pause on your illness, or make it worse, so if you wish to have those, I will ask the children regarding those. I believe you are a little low on ice cream currently, so we need to get more."

Azura was happy to hear that. It made her giggle as she would certainly enjoy these treats. They wouldn't cure her, but it would make her feel happy for a short time. "Good. And maybe, if the medicine tastes bad, I could have that as a way to ingest it."

"I am not sure if Ratchet would agree with that. But I will bring that up to him if it gets you to take it. The only issue is, those things don't do much for your system anymore. I feel it wouldn't be ideal, but Ratchet will be the one to conclude whether it would be a good idea or not." Optimus did know that it would make it easier, but if the human food somehow disrupts the viability of the medicine, Ratchet will refuse to allow her to ingest it. Water might be fine though. "Though while I understand medicine can have an unpleasant taste, Azura, I do believe limiting you on ingesting the human food is wise. So perhaps you should stick with water."

Azura grumbled a little as she would prefer that, but she understood. "I understand. I'll go with whatever you and Ratchet think is best for me." She intakes heavily and wiggled a little. "But…do you mind running? I am starting to really feel like I'm busting, and I don't know how long I can hang on."

They were not far from Azura's room when she informed him of this, but that did not stop Optimus from walking faster into her room to take her to the bathroom so she could use the toilet. Azura was happy that he got her there in time, and while she sat on the toilet, she did notice the gurgling within her happened again. She did not know if that was just her tank, or something connected to it, but she doubted it as it felt like it was on the right of her chassis. At least it wasn't making her nauseous, and she didn't make any sign that this was happening.

Once she was finished, Azura ran over to the tanks to check on her fish to make sure none of them were dead. She had been checking her fish with scrutiny every day now, taking extra time to look after the tanks and keeping an eye on the health of each fish. She knew there were were old fish in one tank that might die too, and she just wanted to take extra care so that if they were to die of old age, she wouldn't feel as sad. She was doing this, even while sick.

And Optimus had also been helping Azura with the fish as he wanted to ensure that she did not feel like she didn't do enough. But as she had been more tired for the past week, Optimus did not mind spending the extra time in looking after the tanks. Azura enjoyed it, as it was a way of spending time with him, even though he was helping to ensure she did not get too worked up about looking after them. For the moment, she has zero intention of replacing the fish that have died.

Once Azura was satisfied that the fish were fine and fed, she backed away from the tanks and turned to Optimus. "They seem good." She glanced at the Angel toy in her hand, and she held it up to Optimus. "I can't this with me, daddy. Do you mind put that with both Stitch toys?" Azura still carried around the metal Stitch toy Wheeljack had given her. She swapped between the three toys, depending on which one she felt like carrying around and hugging. Optimus smiled as he picked her up and took the toy from her. "A pine forest. I think I might be lucky finding some pinecones. I could bring them back and make something from them."

Optimus did not know what a pinecone was, nor did he know if that would be a good idea. But he was unsurprised that Azura would find something creative out of this venture. "I am not sure if you should. But you can being one or two back to show before we might consider allowing you to make something from them. I am unsure if they would create a huge mess that might upset Ratchet."

Azura smirked at him, watching Optimus place the stuffed toy into her berth with the other stuffed toys while he walked towards the door. "They probably would, since I would want to paint them. But I will bring just one to show you. I did have a collection of pinecones when I was at the orphanage. I kept them buried in one spot, and I managed to find spray paint to paint each other. It was nice, but I stopped collecting them when I was ten, as I got busy doing other things."

That made sense as to why Azura would want to find and collect pinecones. If it was something she had done before and enjoyed, she would have no trouble enjoying the activity now. "I see. I still believe you should bring one back so that we know what they look like, and you can show us what you intend to do with them, before we allow such a large collection of them."

"I understand. Thanks, daddy." Azura giggled a little. Even though she couldn't bring a whole bunch back, she was glad Optimus would allow one or two. "Pinecones come from pine trees, just in case you were wondering. Pinecones are something the trees grow, and it's to help with the seeds…I think. It's been a while since I've learned about them."

"Then shouldn't the pinecones remain in the forest?" Optimus asked her curiously. "Even if they have fallen off the tree?"

"It is fine, daddy. They drop so many pinecones, they aren't going to die out if I take just one or two pinecones. There are too many more often than not." Optimus still seemed unconvinced, and Azura chuckled at him. "It is fine, daddy. There will always be another new tree somewhere. It takes years for them to grow, and not every seed will germinate anyway. So it will be fine."

Optimus was still not sure, but his daughter did know more than him about this planet. If she was sure it was fine, it would be okay. "Very well. I think it should be fine. I imagine the desert here wouldn't be ideal for a pine tree due to the different climate."

"You are right. It's too dry here. Every plant has a need as well on this planet." Optimus did not say anything, nor did he disagree. It had not really occurred to him that the plants they have seen on this planet had different needs like the different animals of this planet. But it was something the autobots weren't terribly interested in learning. Azura was amused as she could tell he did not know. "You might not have known, but that is okay. There are so many plants put there anyway. Too many to count on one hand."

Optimus smiled at her as he was amused and happy to learn a bit more about the planet they now lived on. He knew that he and the other autobots were not necessarily interested in learning everything about this planet, but it was still good to learn about it. Even if it was a small part. And Azura knew a lot, so hearing it from her was very nice and endearing in his mind.

Optimus carried Azura into the lobby over to Arcee and Jack. He gave Arcee a stern expression. "I trust that you will keep my daughter safe, Arcee."

"You can count on me, Optimus." Arcee was very confident and she looked at Azura as Optimus lowered her to the ground by Jack. "Are you ready to go, Azura?"

She nodded affirmatively. "We can roll out now."

Optimus raised an eyebrow when she said his line, but he was more amused by it. Ratchet put the coordinates into the ground bridge and opened it for Jack, Arcee and Azura. Jack was smiling and he looked at Azura. "Come on. At least we can stretch our legs in the outdoors."

Azura giggled and watched Arcee walk towards the vortex. "I know. Come on!" She grabbed Jack's hand and ran with him to the vortex. "And you might get to trust out that survival kit that you have."

Jack laughed as he ran with her into the vortex. Optimus watched with a slight smile as seeing her happy made him happy. But when the bridge closed after Arcee, Jack and Azura went through, his smile faded as his expression was replaced with worry. He trusted Arcee wholeheartedly, he simply could not shake the worry he had for her. He knew he will be happy once they returned, and he would be able to relax. And Azura would likely have a fun adventure to tell when they get back. That is what he was hoping in his spark for.