Optimus was moving as quickly as he possibly could as he limped through the vortex back into the lobby. He saw Ratchet was not waiting in the lobby, but Optimus knew exactly where Ratchet was, so he turned to make his way into the hallway to make his way to the med bay. Jack, Miko and Raf could not see Azura in Optimus's arms, as he kept her covered as he cradled her against his chassis. All three were worried about her, as they could tell that Optimus was extremely worried, and they were concerned about what has happened to her. They did not know what happened yet, but they would find out eventually.

Arcee, Bulkhead and Bumblebee do not follow Optimus as he limped quickly down the hallway. There wasn't anything that they could do, as none of them were experienced medics, like Ratchet was. They really could only be a moral support for Optimus. Being in the med bay could lead to distractions, which might cost Azura her life. And none of them want to cause that tragedy, as there has been enough of it today already.

"What happened?" Jack asked as he stared at the bots. Arcee turned to face the boy with a worried expression. Jack was extremely worried about his best friend. "Why did the decepticons show up? Did they detect Optimus or something?"

"I think it was just…a case of unexpected. I don't think Megatron knew they were there. But it does not matter." Arcee frowned and shook her head. "Azura…because of Starscream, she…she is critical now. I pray to Primus that Ratchet can help her." She looked towards the hallway, knowing that it could be many hours before they see Optimus and Azura. "I hope that she will be okay. Having Azura here has been wonderful."

"Yeah…she has brought a light here that we've been missing." Bulkhead placed his hand on Arcee's shoulder, knowing that the femme was starting to get emotional. "And Optimus was able to find closure, in a sense, knowing that the decision he made still saved her life. I don't want that taken from him either."

Bumblebee sat down by the platform with deep sadness in his optics. "And she does not deserve this. This is not what she should have gone through. It is not fair."

"None of this is fair." Raf climbed over the railing and carefully climbed down to Bee's shoulder as the bot was leaning against the platform. Bumblebee appreciated the boy's closeness as Raf sat down. "Azura thought she was an orphan once. She thought she had been abandoned for dead. Then she learned she was not a human, and had to learn to accept she was Cybertronian, and an infant at the same time. I can't imagine how difficult that would be for someone that age."

"Yeah…I can't imagine at all." Miko gripped the railing tightly and looked at the bots curiously. "Do you think she will survive?" None of the bots look at her with confidence, and Miko definitely felt more worried as well. "Oh…I guess you won't tell us what happened will you?" All three shook their heads, as they didn't want to tell them yet. "Okay…is there anything we can do to help?"

Bulkhead smiled at the teenager, appreciating that the girl was trying to be sympathetic. "Thanks, Miko. But I am afraid just being here and talking to us is all we need. Though we do need to take you home in a few hours…I personally would rather not, but it is our duty to keep you safe. I know Optimus would want us to do that, even while an emergency, medical procedure is likely taking place as we speak."

"I wish I didn't have to go home." Jack did really want to stay, but his mother would be back at a certain time, and he needed to be there. "I want to stay and find out what happens. I don't know if I can even sleep tonight."

"I don't think anyone is getting much rest, Jack." Arcee smiled at the boy sympathetically. "How about I send you a message to your phone when we know any news when you go home?" Jack did not respond, even though it was the only thing Arcee could do. "It might not be what you want, but we still have to ensure you are safe with your mother." Jack nodded as he fully understood. "Let's just wait for Ratchet. No news is good or bad news, so…we can only just wait."

None of them were going to argue with Arcee at all. However, the air in the lobby was full of worry and sadness for Optimus and Azura. None of them knew what was going to happen to Azura. The autobots only knew what happened to her by the sea, and how much danger she was in now. One thing was for certain though, it seemed that Megatron showed a side to him that surprised them. Arcee was thinking about it, and she realized that Megatron probably did care for Azura. He wouldn't have stayed and helped otherwise. And he wouldn't have been cautious when blocking her attacks either. Maybe he did want to be her sire. But it was hard to know.

Meanwhile…

Limping quickly through the hallway, Optimus knew he could not waste much time. Especially as Azura had closed her eyes just after returning to the base, and Optimus knew he did not have much time. She was still intaking and exhaling, but she was struggling. Her chassis was rising and falling very quickly, and seemed to be shallow with each intake and exhale. Her spark pulse was weak, and he did not know if there was any internal damage done to her system.

While Optimus was injured himself, he was not in the same condition as Azura. His injuries could be fixed and he would not need to rest. But Azura needed intensive treatment. He did doubt the procedure could be something that could happen now, as she was far too weak. And he felt horrible knowing she might have to wait months before she could be fully recovered from this incident. Regardless, she was home, and Optimus trusted that Ratchet will be able to save her life. And she would be able to recover quickly. That is what he was hoping for.

As Optimus entered the med bay, he was surprised when he was med with what looked like a tray with specialized medical equipment by a berth, with an energon drip ready, multiple monitoring systems and other tools that he did not recognize. He didn't see a sparking tube that was normally used when sparklings were in a critical condition like Azura is, so he was confused. However, he figured Ratchet had it worked out, as he prepared it during this time.

Ratchet was shocked to see the injuries Optimus had endured due to Azura as Prime limped towards him. He gestured to a berth beside the berth with all the equipment set up. "Place her down there carefully, Optimus. I'll see if I can do anything if anything needs to be done…"

"Please do it." Optimus lowered Azura's small, fragile body onto the berth and Ratchet gasped as he saw the energon running down her cheeks and chin from her lips. He brought a machine over the top of her to scan her internals, while Ratchet scanned her as well. "She…she had such a bad reaction to the dark energon, like something was controlling her. She transformed, and flew around for the first time. But…Starscream…"

"I hear you, Optimus, Arcee gave me a little detail of what happened, and I am sorry this has happened." Ratchet hummed as he checked the result of his scan. "Her system is overloading, which will result in system failure." Optimus widened his optics and shook his head. "I am afraid, aside from stopping the internal bleeding from the damage to her throat and element system, I will only be able to do so much. Her system is struggling to recover."

"So…she…" Optimus looked down at Azura for a moment and looked at Ratchet. "You aren't going to tell me that there is nothing you can, are you?" Ratchet looked at him and softened his expression. "Azura and I have not had much time together, Ratchet." Ratchet blinked as he noticed tears forming in Optimus's optics, something Optimus has not down. "You can save her, can't you?"

Ratchet nodded. "I can. Don't worry." Optimus relaxed as Ratchet checked the machine's scans for proper detail. "Okay…" He rolled the machine back and grabbed a syringe to fill with liquid and walked over before pushing the needle into the side of Azura's neck to inject. "This will assist Azura's body to clog the internal bleeding. Unfortunately, she has tiny abrasions inside her body that cannot be closed by surgery. I'd make them worse, so this will help to naturally clog them and stop the bleeding of the energon." Optimus nodded as he listened. "Now, this is going to be a surprise, but I am going to have to insist we do the procedure now."

Optimus was baffled at the suggestion. "Ratchet, you yourself have said that Azura and I need to be fit for the procedure to work well. I do not understand."

"I know that is what I said, but that is because the procedure won't last as long as it will now." Optimus frowned a little as he did not understand. "Look, Optimus, I have told you a brief description of what needs to happen with the procedure. You already know how we are formed within our carrier. Parts are brought to the sparkling from areas of our bodies into the gestational chamber by amniotic lines." Optimus nodded slowly as he understood. "And I suspect you assumed that it would require you and Azura to be connected, which is true. But…for this particular procedure, you must carry her for a short time."

"Carry?" Optimus looked down at Azura and looked back at Ratchet. "Ratchet, I don't even have a gestational chamber. I never was meant to even be a carrier to a sparkling. How can I carry Azura within me? And she's also big. I…I will be…blooming, as Megatron briefly described what I could have been years ago."

Ratchet raised an eyebrow briefly as he did not know what conversations were said. "That might be true, however, I can assure you that it is possible. You do have the space to carry Azura within you…" Ratchet gestured to the base of his chassis. "Some things might need to be moved to accommodate her, but a pseudo gestational chamber can and will be formed. I have all the equipment to ensure that will happen."

Optimus placed his hand on his stomach, thinking about how that would work. He knew that he would be blooming as Megatron said, but he also knew that a pseudo gestational chamber may not be as strong. "Won't…won't the chamber be weak?"

Ratchet shook his head. "No. I promise you, that your body will protect her. Thick lines will form around her, and parts will shift to protect the chamber from harm. This has been done many times before, Optimus. I promise you, that it will work. Azura needs this. It is now or never at this point." He placed his hand on Optimus's shoulder, knowing it wasn't an easy decision. Optimus was thinking on the procedure at the moment, considering his options. "I am so sorry that your day was ruined by the decepticons. And something far more terrible happened to Azura. But she needs you. More than she ever has."

Optimus looked down at Azura. His mind was filled with everything that he could have done to prevent what has happened to her. He was replaying the moment Starscream threw that dark energon shard into Azura's crystal, and he wished he would have been able to stop him. He would have shot Starscream if he knew that it would happen. But he was not close enough, and this was the result of that. But the idea of carrying her within him for a short time, he was happy, but he was not happy because of this.

"How long will she be inside me?"

Ratchet shrugged, making Optimus narrow his optics at him. "I am afraid, because of how weak her system is right now, I am not sure. Once she is connected to your body and within you, I will be able to determine the time frame. It will be a short time. Maybe a few months, but I don't know yet. But this needs to happen now, Optimus. You cannot delay. She will be one with the All Spark if we do nothing."

Optimus guessed that it didn't matter how long Azura needed to be within him. He knew that a full term carrying was far longer than humans, so he didn't have to endure the full term. But he would likely experience what it is like to carry a sparkling within him, which will include purging, aches, mood swings and the increased hunger for energon. He did wish Azura was awake to know this was going to happen, but she may realize it if she wakes within him.

Optimus intakes heavily and looked at Ratchet. "Very well. I will do it. I do not want her to perish like this. It is not fair."

Ratchet understood and gestured to the berth he had set up. "Please lay down on that berth, Optimus. I'll have to induce stasis for the procedure. When you wake, she will be within you, and I'll deal with your other injuries as well." Optimus frowned as he limped around to the berth, knowing Azura needed the help more than him. "I have no other information, I am afraid. Just expect to experience the usual symptoms of carrying."

Optimus smiled slightly as he sat on the berth, looking at Azura. He sighed deeply, trusting that Ratchet would be able to ensure that Azura would be okay. He shifted to lay on the berth and Ratchet walked over to him. Optimus was anxious to know if this will work. He knew that is all he was going to think about. He looked at Azura as he felt Ratchet connect a line to his arm to induce stasis. Optimus could feel the affects spreading through his body, and he tried to fight falling unconscious. But as Ratchet connected the energon drip to him, his optics close as the last sight he had was of Azura's unconscious, frail body.

Ratchet quickly connected other machines to Optimus's body so that he would be able to keep a close eye on Optimus's system, and Azura's at the same time. He had to work fast though. He opened Optimus's chassis, and he opened the layer within his chassis that would move the seats and wall panel aside, to reveal Optimus's spark and the Matrix of Leadership. With that open, Ratchet could open Optimus's abdomen as well to see what he needed to work with.

He saw that Optimus did have the space to house Azura within him for a while, which was good. But Ratchet had to move some of Optimus's systems. The systems that needed to be moved wouldn't be impact negatively, but it might contribute to the inevitable discomfort that will likely come from carrying Azura. And Ratchet had no idea how Optimus's system would cope with carrying, especially a sparkling that was well beyond the new born stage. But Azura needed it.

With the systems moved without harm, Ratchet connected an external system to begin instructing Optimus's body to begin creating the pseudo chamber. It would take a while, as Azura was not within Optimus's body, so it would not recognize the reason to do this. And other parts around the chamber will likely get pushed aside, which will be what will give Optimus a bulge at the base of chassis due to this reason. If Optimus had more room in his chassis itself, it would actually be better, but he didn't.

Ratchet sighed and walked back over to Azura to scan her body, and he was relieved that her internal wounds have stopped bleeding. However, she was weakening quickly. So he gave her another injection that would give her some more strength, which would be enough to allow her the time before she is connected to Optimus. He cleaned her face and body gently, as she was covered in sand, salt and energon. Ratchet was a little concerned about her crystal, and the internal temperature of her body, but he knew that Optimus's cooling system would assist keeping Azura's internal temperature cool. And Azura will get her own from this.

He picked up the frail sparkling with care and brought her over to Optimus. He knew that her spark pulse was weak. She would not make it if this did not happen now. Ratchet lowered her carefully into the area where the chamber will be formed with one hand, and it took a moment before Optimus's body responded. Ratchet smiled as amniotic lines began to form quickly, connecting to Optimus's system and veins as they begin to form.

Ratchet carefully guides the lines to Azura, and they would connect to the sides of her neck, chassis and abdomen. Ratchet glanced at a screen as it was scanning continuously, and he could see that the connected lines were spreading deep within Azura's system as Optimus's body prepared to begin delivering the parts that the sparkling needed. Many of this lines will connect to Azura's body, and they began to curl around her.

And when Ratchet saw internal parts of Optimus's protoform begin to shift, he carefully withdrew his hand as the parts shift around Azura's body, encasing her gently within the parts, while allowing the lines room to connect to Azura and transport the parts she need. Weak, clear, low-grade energon will fill the space naturally as well, but Ratchet could no longer help, other than keep a close eye on Optimus and Azura to ensure it will go well. And he knew, through this procedure, Azura and Optimus will finally be bonded properly.

With the sparkling now encased in the gestational chamber, Ratchet looked at her status now that her system was being scanned by the scanners. He frowned in concern, as he saw how low her spark beats were, and the flow of her energon was bad too. It might take a bit before he would see improvements, but it was not good. Ratchet did not want this to fail. It could fail. And he knew Optimus will be devastated if he were to wake up, and learn that Azura passed. Ratchet could only help by giving Optimus's body boosts that would be transferred to Azura to strength her body.

And that is what Ratchet did to ensure that Azura would have the best possible outcome. He was not about to give up on the sparkling at all. He made sure that Optimus had the highest grade energon feeding into his system via the drip, which will ensure that his body could cope with the new need within his system to ensure that the sparkling was safe, comfortable and to get the right parts delivered to her. Ratchet did wonder how his system will handle Azura's waste system, but he was not really concerned by that at this point.

Ratchet kept a close eye on all the readings as he monitored both Optimus and Azura intently. He kept Optimus's chassis open, just in case he might have to remove Azura for her safety. Sometimes it was necessary, but most times it was not. Ratchet couldn't tend to Optimus's injuries until he knew Azura would be okay. Optimus's injuries were not severe enough to need his attention at this time. And he remained focused on the readings.

And it would take a whole two hours before the readings for Azura's system began to improve. Ratchet thought he was seeing things at first, but he was so happy when he saw that Azura's system was starting to cool internally, and her pulse was getting stronger. Ratchet sighed in relief, as that meant she would be okay. Optimus's body has ensured that she would be okay. He smiled and intakes heavily before closing Optimus's abdomen and chassis, knowing that there was nothing more he needed to do for her. When he had closed Optimus's chassis and abdomen, Ratchet noticed straight away that Optimus would not be able to hide that he was carrying. And Ratchet realized that Optimus's panels were protruding more than he first thought. It will make transforming awkward.

Ratchet moved onto the other injuries that Optimus had sustained and treated them. The one that needed the most treatment was Optimus's leg, hips and abdomen, but it didn't take him long to repair those injuries. He kept Optimus in stasis during this, as he felt Optimus should be in stasis for a few hours just to allow his body to adjust to Azura's presence within him. He would allow his mind to wake up soon, he just needed to ensure that Optimus would be fine.

After about four hours, he took Optimus out of the induced stasis, and he knew that Optimus may remain in recharge for a bit longer. Azura was still improving well. But she still had a bit to go before she would be healthy. Ratchet was already working on what to instruct Optimus to do during the first week of the carrying, as he knew that Optimus couldn't do anything strenuous for some time. He knew Optimus would do it, as he was willing to put his daughter first.

Ratchet had not informed the other autobots or teenagers of any updates, as he felt this would be something that they would need to learn after Optimus was awake. Especially as Optimus would need to remain in the med bay for another twenty-four hours to keep an eye on him and Azura. Ratchet did know that the autobots had taken the children home, and he also knew that Jack would have wanted to know something. He was sad he couldn't tell the boy, but he wanted to wait.

When Optimus finally regarded consciousness, he opened his optics slowly. His vision was blurry at first as he blinked several times. His head was still facing the berth beside him, and it was now empty. Azura was not on it anymore. Optimus intakes heavily as he lifts his hand to his forehead, noticing that the injuries he had sustained had been dealt with. He was grateful, but his mind was on Azura. He glanced around for Ratchet when he glanced down in surprise.

It took a moment for Optimus to remember what Ratchet had told him. Optimus stared in shook for a moment before lifting his hand to place on the protruding bulge that was housing his daughter within him. Optimus felt a wave of emotion as this meant that the procedure was successful. He was carrying. Even though he would have wanted this to be a good time, and not because of danger, he was happy. He caressed the bulge gently, noting that it was just below his chassis, and closed his optics as feeling her within him was a good feeling.

He heard footsteps approaching his side, and he reopened his optics, smiling as he saw Ratchet. "Thank you, Ratchet." His voice was full of emotion, which was not something Ratchet often heard. "I fell into stasis with so much fear, but it is washed away. Thank you. I know now she will be safe, and be able to be whole."

"I can't tell you how much I am pleased with the result as well, Optimus. Azura is strong. And your body is ensuring that she remains strong." Optimus smiled as he nodded, caressing the bulge gently. "Your system responded very well to the gestational chamber. Do you feel any discomfort in the area? Your body did move some things on its own, so I just want to know. It may, or may not be something that I can help with."

Optimus thought about it for a moment and shook his head. "No. I don't feel any discomfort yet. I am aware that is inevitable, as carrying has never been the most comfortable experience for any carrier. I don't envy them at all." Optimus shifted a little to get a bit more comfortable on the berth, and he did not feel any discomfort. "It would seem the job will be a bit easier for you, Ratchet. I hope that things will go smoothly."

"Well, you haven't exactly carried any sparkling before. Usually the first time is the hardest. Especially as your daughter is already past new born age, technically, but still young enough to go through this procedure." Optimus had not comment to that as he did not wish to think about. "I have calculated just how long you might be carrying for, Optimus." Optimus kind of didn't want to know, as he wanted to enjoy it. "You are looking at about three months, depending on the status of Azura's body. I'll be monitoring that every couple weeks. But to be honest, you will know when it is time."

"I assume body will know when Azura's ready for birth…" Optimus grimaced as he thought about it. "Which brings me to the question about it. I do not have the means to…"

Ratchet chuckled suddenly, making Optimus raise an eyebrow as the medic practically interrupted him. "Optimus, you won't be needing to go through a natural birth. You will feel pain of it, that is unavoidable. But no, I'll simply need to open your chassis to get her. And there is another step in that, but there is no actual natural birth involved."

"Oh, I see." Optimus was relieved to know that, which made him feel a little at ease. "I imagine you need me to take it easy."

"Just for this week, unless I say otherwise. But I do need you stay here for another day." Optimus nodded as he understood. "While Azura is going to be okay, I need to monitor the both of you. Especially since your system is also adjusting to this." Ratchet stood up to remove the energon drip that was still attached to Optimus. "Oh, and Azura will likely regain consciousness at some point. But you should feel a bond with her. That should allow you to communicate."

Optimus took a moment to realize that he did sense something new within him. It was a familiar feeling that felt like he had lost a long time ago. It was a feeling all carriers and sires feel in the first connection of their sparkling. Optimus has heard others speak about it, and what it feels like. And it felt like a cloud, which was an interesting term. But it was like a cloud, a type of cloud with deep feelings and connections that he has not felt before. And he could sort of sense Azura's thoughts. They were not coherent, as she was likely dreaming, but he could hear them.

"You are right." Optimus smiled as he realized they were finally bonded. "I know the bond with the carrier starts in the gestational chamber. It must have happened once my body connected to her. And the Matrix feels a little different too, so maybe…maybe it helped." He did not know, but he was happy. "I am so happy, Ratchet. I wish it was under better circumstances, but…I am happy."

"I must admit, we probably put this off for a bit too long." Optimus nodded in agreement. "But it is done now. You have the next three months to enjoy what it is like to carry, Optimus." Optimus just smiled as he was still focused on his stomach, and Ratchet was amused a little. "So…what happened exactly?" Optimus flinched and frowned as Ratchet asked about the incident. "You said it was Starscream that threw the dark energon shard at Azura. How did Megatron react?"

Optimus pondered for a moment as he to think about how Megatron reacted. If he was honest, the whole incident felt like a blur to him ever since the decepticons began to attack him and prevent him from getting to Azura to get her from the pine forest. It was a very painful memory he had already, and he had to really think about how Megatron reacted to the situation. And thinking back, he could not help but wonder about a few things.

"He was furious with Starscream. And he told me that it wasn't even his plan, even though I am not a hundred percent sure. But…" Optimus hummed as he thought about it some more. "When she rose from the water, emerging with this black, ghostly blanket around her body and acting like someone was controlling her, Megatron actually did not hurt her. He was gentle. I am not even sure why. I would have expected him to be thrilled."

Ratchet rubbed his chin as he listened to Optimus thoughtfully. "Hmm…maybe…Megatron might actually have genuine intentions for once." That might be true, but Optimus was not so confident. "I was not there, so maybe the others can confirm as well. But if Megatron didn't act…like Megatron, something must have been going through his mind. He might actually feel guilty for what he did with those new sparks."

"That could be an explanation."

"Yes, it could. But I think it is best to not ponder too much. I only wanted to know." Ratchet turned to walked over to one of his desks. "I haven't informed the others of this yet. The kids will be here in a couple hours, so I figured I could wait until then. If you want to stretch your legs for a little, you can. But do not leave the room."

Optimus was glad that he would be given time before the other autobots would be told what has happened. He knew that they would have wanted to know, but it was good that they would hear good news. "Thank you again, Ratchet. You have done right by me and Azura. And I hope that because of this procedure, she will live a long, happy life. And, hopefully, she will get to live on Cybertron."

That was the hope and dream for all of them. But Optimus did not know what was going to happen now. Especially as it seemed that Megatron may have had a change of heart. It was hard to tell, given that Megatron was known to plot things, and work with autobots for his own gain. But this was different. Azura was his daughter, and Optimus could not deny that. And maybe Ratchet was right. He could be feeling guilty, and he wanted to know Azura because of that.

There will always be that fear and worry Megatron only wanted her for her power. But Optimus knew that he won't have time to think about Megatron for some time. He was due to endure what it was like to carry. And Optimus was looking forward to it, even though it could also be a very hard experience. But it was for Azura. For her sake. And knowing she will be okay, and would re-emerge in a few months, it made Optimus's spark warm. He expected her to be regressed mentally as well, which would be okay, considering none of this was her fault. But aside from that, he was looking forward to the next few months. He only hoped that Megatron would give the courtesy of giving the time, though Optimus doubted it. For now, he could only think of his daughter, and ensuring that he would give her a bright future. One where she will never be abandoned or alone ever again.

Hi readers! Thank you so much for enjoying the first book of this series. I can't wait to write the second story to this series in the near future this year, and expand further on the story that I am writing. I hope you've enjoyed it as much as I have enjoyed writing it.

Be on the look out for When All Lights Go Out II

If you haven't already, there are many other stories that I have completed that you may enjoy.

Transformers Bayverse:

Heart of a Prime (Completed)

A Prime Destiny Fulfilled (To be Completed)

Rise of the Beasts:

Through Ash and Dust (To be completed)

Transformers Prime:

Hidden Spark on Earth (Completed)

Hidden Spark on Earth II (Completed)

I am Broken (To be completed)

Five Nights at Freddy's:

Sparkle Like a Superstar (Completed)

Why Me? (To be completed)

Guardian (To be completed)

Transformers Bayverse/Marvel Universe Crossover:

Initiative (To be Completed)

Bakugan:

Your Choice (To be completed)