Azura's mind was spinning as she paced on the platform nervously. She was waiting to hear back from Ratchet and Optimus, but as Ratchet had only left five minutes ago she doubted she would hear from him too quickly. She was thinking over so many things at the moment, as she was extremely worried about what might happen in the future. Not only has Megatron met her, sort of, he has also seen some of her abilities, and he might know of her relation to the dragon from the past. She didn't know how much Megatron knew, but it didn't really matter, since things could get messy.

I am not sure how I will feel for a while. I've kind of had an interest in meeting Megatron, but I don't think I would actively want to seek him out. I don't know if he will try to get to me or not.

Megatron would likely know that Azura still relied upon Optimus for low-grade energon, but he also may not care. She didn't know his full personality yet, so she could really only wait to see what will happen. Even if she was afraid of the future. She tried not to think of so many scenarios, as that would only make her feel worse, so she tried clearing her mind so she could keep herself as calm as possible.

She looked at the tunnel of the ground bridge with a light groan, wondering what was happening on the other side. She was certain that it would feel weird for Ratchet, as he wouldn't want to hurt Bumblebee, despite Megatron was harboring in his body. And then Rafael was there to witness it. It would have to be horrible, and Azura could only imagine all the feelings that would be felt about it right now. She was glad she was not there.

But she looked at the screen as she could still the signals of the other autobots in the Arctic as well. She didn't see anything that indicated that someone might be injured, which was good as Azura didn't want to worry about someone needing the medical bay. Bumblebee might, and Optimus might for check-ups, but that would be it. At least it would make her relax after this already trying day.

Azura did wonder how the decepticons even knew about the lens and what they could use it for. That was something that she was definitely curious about knowing, as she doubted that it was something listed about the lens. It could be any lens, but they chose that one. Azura didn't know Starscream, only by her short interaction when he and Soundwave toppled the bus years ago and by what she has heard from the autobots, so she didn't know or understand his thought pattern.

And she also didn't know how the decepticons were using the lens to melt the ice down to the energon deposits. Though they must have found a way, so it was not good. Azura didn't know if they needed to melt a lot to reach the energon though. They would only need to reach down enough to dig out a cavern, and the ice should hold up for them. But there was always a chance of it caving in, so it was understandable. Still…knowing there was a huge energon deposit in the Arctic made Azura curious. She herself could help the autobots access it without causing destruction to the planet.

They can't reach the mine because the crystals are covered in ice…but…what if I could create a sturdy cavern that the autobots could access without destroying the glacier? They wouldn't freeze, because the ice will block out the chill and wind…and they would have a huge deposit for a long time…

Azura looked at her hands thinking that she could do that. She would need to do it before the procedure Ratchet wanted her and Optimus to go through. It would mean travelling to the Arctic again, and she would need to be kept warm, but to access the energon that the decepticons could not get would be beneficial. And Azura knew that. But she didn't know if she should try, as she could easily hurt herself. And then it would make things worse, and delay her need for the procedure again.

Actually…I think waiting would be good. I want to help them. That way they could have as much energon as they need, and they wouldn't starve. Ugh…I guess I have to wait…I am not a warrior like daddy is. I am not even like the dragon who helped the Primes before him. I am just an infant sparkling, so…heroics should be left for the adults…

Azura took a deep intake, staring at the screen as she waited and hoped for the autobots to send a message to her soon. She honestly wanted to have a bath and recharge, but she also needed to use the bathroom. She was holding it, but she didn't know how long she could, as she did not know how long she would need to hold it. She was not desperate yet though, so that was something, and she would do her best to wait as long as possible. She only hoped the autobots would not be mad if she took too long to respond when they find out the reason she couldn't bridge them back sooner than later.

Azura continued to pace while trying to not think of needing the bathroom. She tried not to think of the terrible things that could be happening right now as well. But it was hard. She couldn't think of anything positive right now, and she could really only try to think of nothing. But her mind was racing through many emotions right now, so in a way, the need to use the bathroom was kind of a welcome feeling. And she knew she could just use the toilet above the lobby by the catwalks, that was no problem. And that was what she did. She raced up the stairs to get to the bathroom to use. She kept an ear out in case Ratchet or Optimus tried to reach the base, but thankfully, she did not hear any of them.

She was happy as she could relieve her need to use the bathroom without worry. Once she finished and left the bathroom, she was less anxious. She walked back to the bridge controls and continued to wait. She was glad that she did not feel like she would fall into recharge at the moment, though she was thinking about so many other things, that it was keeping her awake.

Though she was starting to get bored. She didn't know how long they would take, so she figured she could entertain herself. Though she didn't know how she would do that yet. She looked at her toy while she thought about how she would entertain herself before an idea popped into her mind. Only because she had suddenly thought of a movie, and she smiled to herself with a light chuckle

I could skate around by creating a layer of ice over the ground…or I could make a mound of snow and build a snowman with it. Maybe I should build a snowman, that way the autobots won't slip accidentally when they come back into the base. But…skating sounds fun.

Azura was hesitant, however, the boredom got a little too hard to ignore, so she placed her toy on a chair before running down the stairs. She knew she couldn't overwork herself with using her abilities, due to the fact she was still recovering, but she doubted she needed to do much. She placed her hands on the floor once she reached the bottom stair and gasped as soon as she began to focus on creating and spreading ice over the ground. She loved how effortless it felt now that she could use her abilities with ease.

She stood up and refocused to see if she could do the same with her feet, and she yelped and giggled when she felt the chill under her feet. She watched the ice spread slowly through the lobby and she began to move herself forward, skating along the thin, but strong ice in the lobby. She quickly began to have fun as she skated around the room as she skates around the room happily. She was still listening out for Ratchet or Optimus, so she would be able to get back to the console quickly, but she wanted to have fun.

She began to imagine herself playing hockey, as that was something she had wanted to do. She only knew how to skate, since she had lived in Wyoming, and there was always ice somewhere that she could skate on. She may not need skates, but she was managing to skate around on the ice just fine. She giggled happily, knowing that she could create snow in the lobby. But she didn't want to leave evidence of this, so it will be easier to melt and evaporate the water like this.

Ratchet would be so mad if he saw this right now. I think daddy would be too. Oh well, what they won't know, won't hurt them. So they will not notice anything different when they get home. Hopefully…

Azura hummed softly to herself as she skated around before creating a small snowflake in her hand to follow her around as she continued to skate. She stopped the ice spreading through the whole lobby, as she mostly covered the space in front of the platforms, and she was skating around that area. It allowed her to relax and enjoy a bit of time, and forget some of the stress and emotions she had been feeling earlier, which was nice.

"Ratchet…" Azura yelped and almost fell backwards when she heard her carrier's voice through the com link and she quickly skated over to the stairs to run up them while trying to melt the ice in the lobby at the same time. "We need a bridge."

Azura didn't know if Ratchet would be able to meet up with Optimus or not as she scrambled up the stairs. She yelped when she slipped and fell onto the stairs, though it wasn't enough to hurt her as she pushed herself back up and ran over to the console. She was relieved that she managed to reach it on time and she looked at the screen first to locate their signals, and she could see that she would need to lock on their position.

Azura typed on the console before she responded to Optimus. "Daddy, I am the only one at the base right now. Ratchet, uh…I am not sure if he is with you…"

"He is, Azura." She widened her optics and sighed in relief. "You can bring us home, Azura. Rafael needs to come home before he freezes. We are fine, but the temperatures are far too low for him." Azura giggled as she activated the bridge. She turned to look at the vortex, smiling as she saw Optimus walking through first and she ran down the stairs. Optimus smiled at her and leaned down with his hands open so she could run over to him. "I am very proud of you."

Azura was surprised as she ran over to him. "Proud? What for?" She threw herself at him, and Bulkhead chuckled as he saw the sparkling leaping at Optimus, and watched his leader catch her and stand up while hugging her. "I didn't do anything that good, daddy." She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. "I just wanted to ensure you get home safe. And you are…I hope you'll listen to Ratchet this time and take it easy."

Optimus kissed her forehead gently, amused by her concern for his wellbeing. "I am proud of you, because you seem to be handling this well. Ratchet briefly told me why he, Bumblebee and Rafael were there. And that Bumblebee had Megatron occupying his mind." Azura looked away with a light shudder, knowing that Optimus would know that Megatron knew more about her than they would want to. "None of us had any idea this would happen, Azura. Ratchet did not know Megatron would try to flee into Bee's mind when he disconnected from the patch, so we did not see it. But you sensed him." Azura looked at Optimus with a slightly guilty expression. "You don't need to feel guilty, Azura. You shouldn't The only reason you felt Megatron's aura…well…he did create you." Optimus's optics soften as he was still saddened by the reason of her creation. "So you sensed him, because he is your original parent. I am your carrier, not the sire who created you."

"But…I don't love Megatron, I barely know him…sensing him…"

"It was more of an instinct, I know. If things were different, and Megatron had changed his ways…I can imagine things being a lot better." Optimus walked towards the platforms as Ratchet walked over to shut the bridge down. "But this war is still raging, as the decepticons are not interested in putting their weapons down. Not even after losing our planet." He kissed her forehead gently and grabbed her toy that was still seated on the chair. "Just because Megatron is your original parent, doesn't mean you know and love him. And you may never. It's just natural that you noticed the aura, because of the genetic and sealed bond you have."

Azura didn't like that, but she knew she could not do anything about it. She let a few tears fall from her optics and smiled at Optimus. "Honestly…I don't know what I feel about the fact that…Megatron was here. He…I think he did want to spend time with me though. That is why Bumblebee was acting differently, though he never hurt me."

Bumblebee walked over to Optimus with a sad expression. Rafael was currently perched on his shoulder, as the boy was extremely happy to have his friend back. "I…I am sorry, Azura. I do remember a lot of what Megatron had said. He's intrigued by you, and he did want to try and spend time with you, while also seeing how we look after you." Optimus looked at Bee with a curious expression and Bee just shrugged. "Yeah. It might seem odd, but Megatron genuinely wanted to see how Azura was being cared for. He even…made me watch over her when she was in recharge…"

"That explains why you were standing over my berth this morning." Azura still hated that, even though Bee meant no harm to her at all. She smiled at him as the bot looked at her. "And don't worry, I am not afraid of you, Bee. It was his aura, not you." Bumblebee was pleased to know that, but he still felt guilty. "If daddy and Ratchet allows…do you want to take me to an unreachable beach and we can build sandcastles and play in the waves?"

Ratchet looked at Azura with a surprised expression before glancing at Optimus who seemed okay with it. Bumblebee immediately got excited at her suggestion and nodded. "That sounds like a marvellous idea! I think Optimus will be okay. But we should wait until you are not sneezing smoke and fire." Azura giggled as she nodded in agreement. Bumblebee sighed as he rubbed the bridge between his optics. "I need to recharge myself. Having Megatron in my mind stopped me from wanting to recharge. That power down was real nice, but he wanted to get to his body so bad."

"Welp, you are going to get another one just to make sure." Ratchet walked over to Bee and placed his arm around the bot's shoulders, carefully avoiding Rafael who was smiling. "After all that mess, I order you to get to the med bay." Bumblebee nodded and took a step forward. "But it is time for Rafael to go home, Bumblebee."

"Aw." Raf looked at his watch and realized the time. Bumblebee looked at the boy, and Raf looked back at him with a smile. "He's right. It is getting really late. My mother will be wondering where I am." He looked at Ratchet. "I think I'll take the offer you had before and get the bridge home. That way no one has to drive thirty minutes into town and another thirty minutes back."

Arcee walked over to the controls with a smile. "I'll send you home, Rafael. I am sure you are able to sleep easier knowing that Bumblebee is okay." The boy nodded affirmatively as the scout lowered Rafael to the ground. "I think all of us can relax a little. Even though it resulted in Megatron's return, but at the very least, Bumblebee will be okay."

Rafael was definitely in agreement. He stepped off Bumblebee's hand and yelped as he felt his foot slipping, and Bumblebee quickly caught him. "Thanks, Bee. That was close." Azura frowned as she realized there was ice there, and Raf looked down to see the glimmer of the ice on the ground. "There's ice on the ground."

Optimus looked at Azura immediately, and the sparkling whimpered as she knew they knew she had done it. Optimus said nothing to her as he looked back at Rafael. "We will deal with that, Rafael. You are lucky that Bumblebee was right there. I imagine you could have easily hurt yourself if you fell." The boy nodded, though he glanced at Azura sympathetically as he doubted she had done that intentionally, and Bumblebee moved Raf closer to the bridge so he wouldn't be at risk of slipping. "We will see you tomorrow."

Rafael smiled at Optimus. "You certainly will." He glanced at Azura for a moment before turning to Bee. "And we certainly have to catch up on some game time, Bee. Especially since we missed a whole day of it."

Bumblebee nodded in agreement. "I know. And I will make sure to leave you in the dust too." Raf giggled before turning to walk through the portal. "And I will definitely pick you up tomorrow, Rafael. I feel terrible you were late for school today, but that is not going to happen again. Unless you have to carpool with Miko."

The boy shrugged. "It wasn't your fault, Bee. I just hope you will be okay. You're the one who was infiltrated with Megatron's mind, and forced to do what he wanted." He turned back for a quick wave to the autobots. "Goodnight."

Azura watched the bridge close and she stared at it, while not knowing what to say. Optimus himself looked down where Raf had slipped and he took notice there seemed to be small patches of ice on the floor. He hummed softly and looked at the sparkling. "Azura." She flinched and looked at him with worried optics. "I assume you did not do that on purpose. But you would be the only reason why there are little patches of ice over the floor."

"There's more than one?!" Azura looked down in surprise, before gasping as she realized she had said that out loud. She looked at Optimus as her carrier was looking at her with a calm expression. He did not seem angry or disappointed in her, so she felt a bit more comfortable. "Okay…um…I got bored…" Ratchet scoffed before signalling Bee to follow him to the med bay as the medic decided not be involved with this. "And I was getting anxious, and wanting to just not think about how I felt. So…you guys took a while, and I decided to skate."

"Skate?" Arcee raised an eyebrow at the sparkling curiously. "Like ice skating?"

Azura smiled and nodded. "I remember finding random roads with ice, and I would skate on them in Wyoming. It is a lot of fun." The femme did not seem to agree with her curious expression. "Anyway…um…well…I covered the ground in a small sheet of ice to just skate and have fun while waiting. I thought I had melted and evaporated all of it…I guess I got distracted." Azura rubbed the back of her neck and looked at Optimus. "Are you mad or disappointed? I won't do it again. I didn't mean for Raf to almost get hurt because of it."

Optimus looked at the floor again. Most of the small patches of ice was mostly melted now, so there was little need for concern of anyone else slipping in the room. He looked back at Azura and kissed her forehead and gave her the Stitch plush back. "While I am of the belief, using your abilities for play is not all bad, it should be kept outside of the base to lower the risk of harm to others. It also shows how far you have come with your abilities, Azura. Even while still sick, you have good control." She was surprised as she didn't expect him to praise her. Azura stared for a moment before she began to yawn suddenly. "And it is time for your recharge, Azura." Azura was happy he was not mad at her. She was just glad that things turned out well.

"I can imagine that Miko will want to have a snowball fight, courtesy of Azura, at some point," Bulkhead commented with a light chuckle. "I know it won't happen here, but I can imagine that." Arcee nodded in agreement. Bulkhead watched as Optimus walked towards the hallway. "Hope you recharge well tonight, Azura. At least you will recharge knowing that we are all safe and sound. And I hope you don't mind if I come with you and Bee when you go to a beach. Building sandcastles sounds like fun to me."

The sparkling was really happy that Bulkhead would want to join in on the fun with her and Bumblebee. She would certainly take that offer up. She was certain that after a couple more days, she would be better. And hopefully, she would not need the medicine anymore. But she knew she would still need to take it easy for a bit longer, and she was okay with doing that. Especially as she wanted to be well enough for the procedure.

Optimus walked into the sparkling's room, looking around with a smile before looking at Azura. She had curled in his arm and she was hugging her toy tightly. He enjoyed it a lot when she put herself in this position. She was having a hard time keeping her optics open, and he knew she had been awake for longer than she should have. It wasn't her fault, of course, as a lot had happened. But she was definitely tired and needing recharge.

"Do you need to use the bathroom?" She shook her head immediately with a smile. "I am going to guess you already used it." She nodded. "Good." He looked towards the bathroom as he considered giving her a bath, but it was late. "I will give you a bath in the morning, as it is a little too late for you to have one now." Azura did not mind as she shifted, nuzzling against Optimus's chassis as she listened to the pulse of his spark. "Tomorrow should be a quiet day, Azura. Hopefully, we will be given one day."

Azura could tell Optimus was thinking of Megatron, though she did not say. "Daddy, that energon in the Arctic…" He was surprised she began to speak about the energon, though he was interested in hearing what she had to say. "I was thinking earlier…maybe I could make it accessible for you and the others." Optimus hummed as the idea intrigued him, though he made no comment. "It is only because…my abilities…I could create a way down to the deposit, and then create a cavern that is safe for you and the others. It will be insulated from the weather outside, so you won't risk freezing."

"I had not thought of that. That does sound like an intriguing idea. But…" Optimus thought more on it before shaking his head. "That would require you being there to do it. And you are far too young to even be able to withstand the temperatures in the Arctic. At the right time of the year, the temperature of the Arctic won't affect us as much, but for a sparkling, that won't make a difference." Azura figured that would be the case, and she sighed softly, feeling sad she may not be able to do it. "However, it could be possible if you are within my chassis." She looked at Optimus and smiled at him. "I would need to ensure you remain warm, while being able to use your abilities. So I think it could be possible."

Azura was really happy he was considering the idea and she hoped that they could do it. "If we are successful, you won't have to worry about energon for a long time. And the decepticons won't have it." Optimus nodded in agreement. Azura yawned and looked towards her berth as she thought about if she wanted to sleep there. But as Optimus approached her berth, she whimpered and looked up at him. "Um, actually, I want to sleep in your chassis, daddy." Optimus frowned a little, as he did want her to recharge in her own room. "Please?"

Azura stared at Optimus with pleading optics as Optimus thought over whether he would allow it. However, he couldn't be mad at her, so he smiled and he nodded. "Very well." She pumped her fist happily before Optimus looked at her berth. "And which toy will you want to keep? The one you have currently, or a different toy?" Azura hugged her toy tighter, which was the only answer he needed and he opened his chassis. "Very well. I hope you rest well, Azura. I'm going to head to the med bay shortly for a check up, so I hope you can remain in recharge through it, though I will let Ratchet know to be quiet."

Azura did not mind. "I'll be fine." He placed her on the seat in his chassis and wrapped a blanket around her, making her giggle softly. "I love you, daddy. I am glad you are here, and you are safe. I am glad everyone is safe."

"I love you too, Azura." She got herself comfortable on the chair and yawned loudly. "I will see you in the morning. Dream well."

Azura watched the chassis close and she was left in the familiar darkness of her carrier's chassis. She intakes heavily, enjoying the sound of her carrier's spark pulse. She curled on the chair and closed her optics. She was glad everyone was safe, but her mind was still on Megatron. She knew she should not be, but she was worried about the future. She had no idea what he might do. But…she did hope that if he did want to meet her, it would be out of genuine interest and not because of her abilities. She did have an interest in getting to know him. After all, he is her sire. And if that did happen, she would hope that it wouldn't go bad.