When All Lights Go Out I (TFP)

Chapter 30

A few days pass by and Azura was really happy with how her science project has progressed. She knew she would get a high grade for it this year, and should ensure she had a high grade by the time. While her school grades probably wouldn't matter much in the grand scheme of things regarding the fact she is Cybertronian, but she wanted to feel like she has accomplished something. Sure, she has accomplished a lot in terms of being able to use her abilities, but she really has not felt like she's managed to accomplish anything in her life. Even if it was just human school, she would definitely be happy about accomplishing a graduation.

And as Ratchet had predicted, the stinging faded after the weekend, and Azura was much more comfortable. She no longer complained about it, and now the burn would just fade away over time. This allowed her to sleep much easier, and she was much happier to be around. Optimus was relieved she was no longer in pain. And she was much more relaxed around the other autobots now that they all knew of her abilities. Bumblebee actually had her practicing in a fun way. Azura got to create snowballs and throw them at Bumblebee. Ratchet was less than pleased with the activity, but Optimus allowed it because it allowed her to have fun while practicing. He intended her to practice with other elements eventually, but being confident with water will make it easier for her to use wind, earth, electricity and fire.

Today, Azura was in the lobby making a few final touches to her project, as were Jack, Miko and Raf with Arcee, Bulkhead and Bumblebee. She had thought about making a few other pieces for her project, but it was a bit late at the moment. She was mostly adding small pieces of cardboard to her project to create images of animals. She hummed to herself and glanced up, noticing Optimus was standing to the side of the room. She knew he has been not himself over the last few days. Azura has been able to keep him distracted, which has been nice, but she knew the other autobots has taken notice of it.

Azura glanced up as Ratchet walked by over to Optimus and looked back down at her project while she listened in on what Ratchet was saying to Optimus. "Optimus, why so glum?" He asked curiously with slight concern on his face. "This planet, all planets, are finally free from from Megatron's tyranny."

"I do not disagree, Ratchet," Optimus responded in a low, glum tone. "It's just, a small part of me hoped to change Megatron's mind, not extinguish his spark." Azura smiled slightly as Optimus's desire for peace definitely outweighed the desire for war, and she understood why.

Ratchet though seemed to disagree a bit. "Optimus, his vileness was not slain by your hand, but by his own twisted arrogance." Optimus did not respond, he only hummed softly as he looked back at the wall he had been staring at. Ratchet softened his expression when he realized that Optimus was somewhat grieving over Megatron. "I'm sorry, I know the two of you had quite a history." He glanced over at Azura for a moment and looked back at Optimus. "Especially since if it were not for Megatron, she wouldn't be here."

Optimus did not disagree with him on that subject. "But the Megatron whom I once fought beside perished eons ago. The day he chose to become a decepticon." He turned to face Ratchet. "The decepticons may be in disarray, but they aren't without leadership. And while Starscream is no Megatron, he is far from predictable." He glanced at Azura as he noticed she was listening to them. "We already saw what he has done trying to get what he wants as leverage against us."

"I am aware of that, Optimus. I guess I was just..." Ratchet did not get to say anything further when there was a sudden sound of an explosion. The noise startled Azura and made her yelp in fright, covering her head briefly and looking over the side of the platform as a cloud of smoke rose from the ground. "Decepticons! We're under attack!"

Azura saw what was happening and she began to laugh. Optimus and Ratchet run over to investigate, only to realize it was not an attack. "It's no attack, Ratchet," Raf said as he waved his hands while he coughed from the smoke. "It's my volcano." He coughed a few more times as he watched his volcano sink on the box it was sitting on. "Was."