The next few days went by and Azura was extremely uncomfortable. Even though Ratchet had treated her wound, it hurt for a long time. He reassured her that the pain would go away, but her burn was bad enough that it would take over a week to heal properly. She wouldn't be too upset about it if the pain was not so bad. She had trouble falling asleep, and Optimus had to give her sponge baths to clean her as Ratchet insisted that no water touch her back. She actually had Fowler write up an absence note for her as the pain was bad enough for her to want to stay home. And she ended up just trying to sleep most of the time.

Optimus himself did his best to comfort her. She refused to go to the aquarium now, and she just focused on her schoolwork, which seemed to be one of the few distractions she had at the moment. Jack, Miko and Raf noticed a change in her behavior, and she did her best to not make it seem so obvious that she was in pain and discomfort, though it wasn't easy. She actually found herself being distracted the most with making a 3D model of the Amazon rainforest. She had started that the day after Optimus destroyed the space bridge.

The only place she did not feel any kind of pain and discomfort was in her dreams with Alpha Trion. Since her mistake, she had become more determined to control her abilities without them going haywire like they did with Soundwave. She learned that while she had been focused, she lost it when Soundwave grabbed her, and she needed to learn to use her powers like she would use her arms, and that was harder to learn than she had hoped.

It was Saturday now, and Azura was laying in her berth holding one of her stuffed toys against her. She woke up to the familiar feeling of pain in her back and she hated it. She had been told last night that the burn was healing well, and she should feel less pain soon. But she really did not know when. The pain did seem a little less today, but she couldn't tell the difference. Azura felt like doing nothing at all today.

But she heard the door of her room open and Optimus walking in. She groaned and grabbed her pillow, placing it over her head. "Azura." She did not respond as she held the pillow over her head. "I know you are awake, Azura. I know you are in pain. But we have a plan for today. Don't you want to go out?"

She just groaned into the berth. "If I wasn't in pain, I would want to go to an island, Optimus. I don't feel like going, and I don't feel like practicing. The pain makes me want to sleep."

"I know." Optimus leaned down slightly. He could see her back was uncovered and he saw that the burn had healed enough that she probably could have a proper bath, but would need approval from Ratchet. "I really wish I could do something to ease your pain, Azura. Unfortunately, the pain relief meant for internal pain cannot help with external pain."

"And yet, humans are able to do that," Azura responded bluntly. She really did not feel like going out. "I know I asked to spend some time with you, Optimus, but I really do not feel like it today. Can't I just sleep the entire day like I did Thursday?"

Optimus smiled at her reluctance to get up because of the pain. He knew sparklings were very receptive to pain, so Azura was feeling pain more than what would feel like for an adult autobot. "You know as much as I do that would be extremely unproductive, Azura. I understand you are in pain, and I don't expect you to want to do much. But we should get out of the base. We don't have to go to an island today. Salty water probably would not be ideal to be around."

"No, it would not…even though I am not sure if my body would react to salt like humans do." She sighed loudly before she pulled her head from under the pillow, looking up at Optimus. "What would we even do, Optimus? Just sitting hurts, and so does walking. Laying on my stomach is the only way I even feel comfortable." She rests her head on her pillow and just looked at Optimus with a frustrated expression. "It really makes me feel restricted on what I want to do."

"If I told you, it would ruin the surprise." Her frown simply deepened and she buried her face into her pillow some more. "You might feel sore and frustrated right now, but I hope to distract that today." She did not respond and Optimus reached into the berth to gently pick her up, making her grumble something under her breath. "And you should probably have your breakfast before Jack, Miko and Raf arrive at the base today."

Optimus carefully adjusted Azura in his hands, even though she grimaced throughout the movement. As gentle as he was, her back still hurt and she watched the panel open on his chassis and drew out the fuel line. "I guess you are right about that…I don't know what surprise you have in store, but I really don't want to go anywhere today, Optimus."

Optimus simply smiled at her as she took a hold of the line and he walked over to the wardrobe. "Do you wish to put on a dress today?" She rolled her eyes and folded her arms, not feeling like replying. "I know something easy will be good." He reached in and grabbed a green, one shoulder, sun dress with pink flowers at the bottom from the hangar. "I have to admit, I am going to miss being able to dress you. You will eventually be too big for human clothes…but you'll get your own set of coverings."

Azura still can't imagine herself looking anything but a human. It was really hard to imagine. She knew eventually she will eventually look in a mirror and see herself as a Cybertronian, but it still was something to get her head around. "Would that mean I could…uh…change out of coverings and put something else on? Or is it mostly permanent?"

Optimus's grin widened in amusement. "I know you are used to that, Azura. Unfortunately, the coverings are generally permanent. There will be some that need to be removed and replaced as you get bigger, but majority of your coverings will be permanent. Ratchet and I will definitely run by designs and color for you."

"Color?" Azura was surprised as she assumed she would get coverings that look similar to Optimus. "I would have thought…I would look like you…" She glanced down at the fuel line as it filled with low-grade. "Or…is that mostly the protoform?"

"Your protoform will carry many of my characteristics, but our coverings are generally based on our decision," Optimus explained as Azura began to drink the low-grade. "If you wish to wear some coverings that resemble my color, I would be very honoured. But I hold no disappointment should you choose pink or green or…yellow, like Bumblebee."

Azura thought on that for a moment. She knew she liked the shade of blue he had. She figured she would tell him and Ratchet later when she was big enough. "I'll have to think on that."

He nodded in understanding as he could see her processors working as she thought about it. Seeing her struggle with living a Cybertronian life after living a human life was hard for him to see. He knew she was easing into it slowly, and it was a good thing since she didn't grow too much more before she met them. It has only been a short time, so he definitely was not going to expect her to just embrace this life so quickly.

He was looking forward to spending time with his daughter today. He and Azura really needed a proper bonding time after he failed her three years ago. He would do his best to make her as comfortable as possible with her injury. He had thought about where to take her after her injury, and he found a place she should love.

Azura did hope that they would be out all day. She knew she wouldn't want to be out of the base for the entire day. But she was interested in whatever surprise Optimus had planned for her. If it wasn't a tropical island, it certainly was going to be interesting to see what else he had planned. She silently promised to do her best to enjoy herself. She didn't know if Optimus would try and have her train a bit with her powers today too.

She soon filled up on the low-grade energon and Optimus cut off the glow of the energon when she had enough. She looked at the dress and looked up at him. "I guess I can wear it."

He smiled at her as he closed the panel. "I can help you, Azura. I know it hurts, but I will be gentle."

Azura did not doubt that he would be gentle. She just knew that it will hurt regardless of how gentle he would be. And she grimaced as he took her pyjama shirt off first before moving to her pants. Once they were off, she was relaxed as best as she could as he slipped her dress on. She smiled as she brushed down her dress and looked up to thank him, only to be surprised as he held her brush to her.

"I am afraid this tool is too small for me to use," Optimus said softly and she giggled at him. "I can tell your hair does not need this, but I do believe you would want to make sure of it."

"It is true my hair doesn't need to be brushed, but I do enjoy it." She began to brush the bristles through her hair happily. "Will we head out of the base once we are done here?"

"Do you wish to leave that soon, or wait a bit and spend time with Jack, Miko and Rafael?"

She was surprised he asked her a question in response to her question. She thought about it for a moment. "I guess I can say hi to the others...it would be kind of rude to just be gone when they get here."

Optimus kissed her forehead gently, making her smile at him as he turned to walk out of the room. "You will be fine, Azura. I think you will be distracted enough that you won't notice the pain today." She hoped so. "And are you certain you don't want to go to the aquarium tomorrow? Your tanks will likely be ready for new fish this week."

"They will, but I'll go when I'm not walking around like an old woman," Azura responded while she watched Optimus's optics fill with amusement. "It isn't funny, Optimus. I worry that I am going to hurt myself again the next time I try and defend myself."

"I do believe that will not happen. I intend on helping you for a short time today, as I know you aren't in the right mind to concentrate for too long. It is actually going to involve the surprise." Now that got Azura very curious about what exactly Optimus had planned for her. She was starting to feel excited. "I think you will find it easier than you believe."

Alpha Trion said the same. And I have lost control a few times in my dream already, even though I'm getting better.

"I hope it will be...I've had to learn on my own, and I definitely will appreciate being able to control elements and the weather without hurting myself." Azura continued brushing her hair as she thought about it. "I wouldn't mind if we sit on top of the silo occasionally to practice."

"I think that would be wise. The rock will prevent any mistake from causing damage to the silo. You won't need to worry." Optimus looked ahead as he entered the lobby. "Azura's burn is much better today, Ratchet." The medic looked up from what he was working on and smiled. "We will be heading pit sometime after the children arrive."

Ratchet looked at Azura. "I am glad to hear that. I am sure you probably would say otherwise if you're still feeling pain." She nodded and made a face that she was still in pain. "However...I know you don't yet want to inform the others of your abilities, but they do need to know soon. Arcee, Bumblebee and Bulkhead aren't going to tell the humans."

Azura grimaced a little with a groan. "I know...especially if I happen to hurt myself again with my abilities...but...what would they say or do if they do know?"

"What makes you think they will hate you or be jealous of you?" Ratchet asked in a surprised tone as he listened to her. "They would be rather understanding. We all had known you might have abilities due to the power of the Matrix in your system, and admitting it would make them happy." Azura wasn't so sure as she looked away from him. "I know, it is another thing for you to deal with, and it's unfair. But it is something that should happen sooner than later. They're going to find put eventually."

Azura frowned in frustration. "Can't I have a day without being pressured to move ahead with something I'm not comfortable with yet? It's really getting old."

Ratchet softened his expression. "I am sorry you are frustrated about this, Azura, and I know we might seem pushy. We aren't doing it because we want things to move fast. But Arcee, Bulkhead and Bumblebee are not your enemy."

"I know that. I guess...I don't want to be treated differently if they do know about my abilities."

"What makes you think you would be treated differently?" Optimus asked her in surprise.

"Were you treated differently when you became a Prime?" Azura asked bluntly. "And I know in stories, when people find out someone is extraordinary, that person gets treated differently."

Optimus smiled as he understood where she was coming from. "I suppose treatment had changed for me. But being a Prime means leadership and responsibility, Azura. I wasn't used to having so much respect, but when I was bestowed the Matrix, how I was treated did not matter. I had a lot of respect from those around me during my time as Orion. But when you become a leader, things do change a little bit."

She listened to him quietly. "That makes sense...but..."

"And you having special abilities won't make them treat you differently," Optimus continues gently as he interrupts her. "They might be a bit more protective, as the decepticons will abuse such power if they got a hold of you, but that would be the only change you'll feel."

Azura still was hesitant about telling them, even though they made a good point. "Ugggghhh! Why did you make a good point?" She rubbed her face with her hands. "I guess we can tell them...but not when the kids are here. I kind of want to tell them myself...even though I don't know how."

"Just tell them, Azura. You don't need to show them. You can if you wish, but you don't need to." Optimus rubbed her back gently, and he noticed she didn't flinch away. Azura noticed that his massage on her back felt rather nice instead of pain this time. That was actually a good sign. "Ratchet and I can be there if you don't want to tell them on your own."

"I think I'll definitely like that," Azura said with a smile. "Although..." She cupped her hands together for a moment and focused. "I do kind of want to show off a little." She threw up her hands and snowflakes burst from her hands in a light glitter. Optimus smiled and Ratchet himself was happy to see this ability for the first time. "But I do need better control."

"All in due time." Ratchet smiled at her and turned his head slightly. "At least you won't get spotted doing that. The others are just about to arrive."

Azura sighed softly and Optimus placed her onto the platform. Azura was kind of unhappy about that as she found herself wanting to be held. It brought her a great deal of comfort. But she was still not comfortable with being held around the humans. She leaned on the railing, watching the three autobots drive into the lobby.

Jack got off the bike and pulled off his helmet. "Morning, Azura. You seem to be looking better today." She blinked in surprise as she didn't realize she had been looking ill. "Have you done some more on your science project?"

Azura nodded with a smile. "I have finally put the pieces together properly to actually build the rainforest parts. I always have fun with the science fair. I made that model of a coral reef to show the life cycle of the coral."

"I remember that. It almost looked like a real tank with how well you made it." Jack walked over to the platform and grabbed out his phone. "I actually still have the photo."

"You do?" Azura chuckled at him in amusement. "I don't think it was a necessary moment for a picture. But it's nice you still have the photo."

Jack scrolled through the photos before bringing up the image and showing Azura. Optimus leaned down to look at it. He saw it was an image of Azura standing beside the model of a coral reef. The model she made appeared to be a 3D model as well. Azura used recycled material to make these with paint. He smiled as Optimus could see she was very talented and creative.

"That is very impressive, Azura. I have no doubt you will do a fantastic job for your science project this year." Optimus had a very proud tone to his voice, and Azura felt happy to hear him say that. "What did you make for your project, Jack?"

He immediately became embarrassed. "Uh...that...um...it didn't go so well. I tried to make a remote, control, solar plane...that didn't go to plan."

Rafael chuckled softly. "He didn't have me helping him, that is why." He walked up the stairs. "I'm still working on my project, but I left it at home today to just relax."

"Won't your mother be mad about you skipping a day of working on your assignment?" Miko asked curiously with a raised eyebrow.

"Not really. She thinks it's a waste of time, but it gets me a good grade so she knows I have to do it. If it was a math assignment, that would be different." Raf looked at Azura with a smile. "How about a round of video games?"

"I'd love to, but Optimus and I have plans to go for a drive somewhere," Azura responded with a smile.

Jack looked at her in surprise. "Where are you heading to?"

"Not sure. He didn't tell me." Azura shrugged a little and noticed Arcee was giving Optimus a curious frown. "I asked him to go somewhere today anyway and he's going to keep that promise."

"Can I come along?" Jack asked curiously.

"I am afraid I only request Azura to come with me," Optimus responded gently to Jack. He was immediately confused. "It is something Azura has requested. Maybe you can come next time."

"But Azura hasn't been well," Bulkhead states with a frown. "Is it even wise?" He glanced at Ratchet who was not protesting it. "You seem fine with it."

"Azura is well enough to go ahead with the plan she and Optimus had already made," Ratchet responded to Bulkhead calmly. "You need not worry."

Bumblebee was listening and observing quietly before he spoke. "Something is telling me there is more to the story than Azura being sick." He placed his hands on his hips as he gazed at Azura curiously. "You did manage to get out of the base three years ago, after all."

Azura did not know if Bee was implying he had suspicions about her, but it did seem that way to her. Raf had a confused expression on his face as he listened on Bee's words, but he said nothing. Optimus looked at Azura and saw she was tense and getting upset. "I know everyone is concerned, but Azura and I will be fine. She simply wanted to spend time with me since she enjoys my friendship." He held his hand out to her and she was quick to jump into his palm. "We will return before the day's end so she can spend time with you and the others, Jack."

Jack seemed to think for a moment before shrugging and smiling at him. "I think it is not my place to really protest."

Miko looked at Jack in surprise. "Really? I would have thought you'd want to go."

"I do…but…" He paused as he gave Optimus a knowing look, giving Optimus an idea that Jack knew that Azura was his daughter. "I am afraid it is their time. Just like when you and Bulkhead go off road."

"Hmm, I guess so." She shrugged as she walked towards the other side of the platform where the TV, gaming console and couch had been set up by the children. She gasped suddenly as she realized something. "I totally forgot about something! It is almost time, Bulkhead!"

Bulkhead watched Miko run over to the TV and he walked over curiously. Optimus put coordinates into the ground bridge and Arcee walked over to him curiously. "I really feel like you haven't been telling us truths. I am going to assume this is some kind of request from Azura."

Optimus frowned a little at Arcee. "Arcee, when you know the reason, you will understand." The femme looked at Azura before she softened her expression. "Your concern is warranted, but do not be angry at her."

Arcee did not respond straight away as she thought about it. She intakes heavily and looked at Optimus. "Very well, I understand. I don't mean to sound like…well…whatever the reason is, I am sure it is a good reason."

Optimus nodded as he accepted the femme's words and activated the ground bridge. "It is. You will be able to relax knowing it was because Azura needed time. Though she would have liked more time." Arcee raised an eyebrow curiously as Optimus walked towards the bridge. He looked down at her with a smile. "I trust you will close your eyes until we get to our destination."

Azura grinned at him. "Do I really need to?" He simply smirked at her and she rolled her eyes. "Alright, fine!" She giggled at him. "I'll close my eyes when you transform."

"I'll be watching closely." He transformed and she couldn't help but yelp as she had not expected him to transform while holding her. And being moved around in such a jerky motion was extremely unsettling to her. However, once she was in the passenger seat, she looked around in surprise and took deep breaths. "I know you weren't expecting that, but you'll get used to it." She glanced at the dash before she smiled and covered her eyes with her hands. "If you peak, I will turn around."

She giggled softly at his amused, stern tone. "I got it, Optimus. I won't open my eyes until you tell me to. I really am very curious about where you are taking me."

"I had to visit this place myself before I knew I could bring you," Optimus explained as she felt him drive forward into the vortex. "I would not pick a random place on the map without visiting first. While you were in recharge, I had decided to make sure it was a good place."

"Ahh, I see." Azura really felt tempted to peak now, even though she knew that she could not. She doubted Optimus would actually return to the base if she peaked, but she would keep her promise to him regardless. "Well…I can guess. If it is not a beach or a tropical island…then it must be a forest."

"Partially right." Okay, close, but not enough. "You will know it when you see it, Azura be patient.

Azura heard the sound of rock and dirt under Optimus's tyres as he left the vortex. She frowned a little as she listened. She knew she didn't want to go anywhere too rocky, but she knew this wouldn't be a desert. Maybe it was a dry woodland. She was trying to picture exactly what Optimus might have brought her too. She did not ask too many more questions as she really did wish to be surprised.

He soon slowed to a halt and she almost removed her hands from her eyes. "You may uncover your eyes, Azura. I believe this is one of the places you would have wanted to visit."

She opened her eyes to the light of the sun. She blinked and gasped loudly, shifting closer to the window in disbelief. She looked around and saw that Optimus was sat on a hill, surrounded by snowy mountains and pine forests. She opened the door and peered outside, looking around and it took her a moment. She knew this was not Wyoming, as the place looked different to this place. She stepped down and looked around some more and she spotted the ocean in the distance.

"Is this…Alaska?" Azura asked as she looked around in disbelief. "Am I in Alaska?!"

"Indeed, we are." Optimus transformed and smiled down as Azura gazed around in awe. "I know you were living in a place that was very cold, but I know you wanted to come here." She nodded in agreement as she looked around. "Thankfully, we are in a location humans will not find us."

"I can't believe it…but…" Her smile fades a little and she looked up at him curiously. "Alaska is toured around a lot, Optimus. I am not sure what we will end up doing here."

"I already have that planned out." She wasn't sure what he meant, but Azura trusted Optimus. "But first, we should get some training out of the way.

She groaned a little. "Do I have to?"

"It will not take long, Azura. I don't want you to push yourself."

She frowned and she just shook her head in frustration. She knew that Optimus wanted her to practice with her abilities, but she had hoped to spend a bit of time with him first. But it seemed like he intended to do that after. She walked over to a boulder to sit on it, she did not attempt to cross her legs due to her back. "I guess we should get it over with." She gazed around at the land and took a deep breath. "This would be good to practice with water."

"I do believe what you have taught yourself so far has been good, Azura. However, when it comes to situations, you lack control. Close your eyes." She listened to Optimus and closed her eyes. "Try and clear your mind. Your mind is clearly full of many things, and when it is full, you cannot fully concentrate." She took a deep breath and tried to clear her mind. She noticed she could hear the wind blowing through the leaves of the trees easier as they sounded clearer. She smiled a little. "You are already connected to this world in a way I can't. But I believe when you stop and listen, nature already shows you what to do."

Alpha Trion and Primus told her the same thing. Azura still did not understand it. But she wanted to. She always lost control, even in her dreams, whenever she got frustrated or scared. And she didn't know why. But Optimus was telling her the same thing. Nature is already showing her what to do, but she didn't know if that was a metaphor or not. As the wind blew through her hair, she felt drops of water on her skin. A light shower began to fall, but she frowned and lifts her hand, and she stopped feeling water on her, but she could still hear it.

She opened her eyes and looked up at Optimus, widening her eyes to see the rain was falling on him. "Oh, uh…"

"Don't get distracted, Azura," Optimus interrupts gently. "The rain is falling as it should be." She looked up at the sky with a frown. "The flow of water is natural. The only time it stops flowing, is when it is blocked. I believe there is a wall you have up, and you do not even realize it."

She was still confused. She felt as though him referring to a wall as like she was closed off to him. Azura wondered if it had something to do with her yet to accept who she is. She doubted it. She watched the rain, wanting to study it. She understood that Optimus did not want her to actually physically practice with her abilities, but rather understand them better. And she did not yet know how to do that. She was already feeling frustrated, but she cleared her mind again to try and follow the guidance from Optimus and Alpha Trion. She had to, or she may cause death to someone she cares for next time.