When All Lights Go Out I (TFP)

Chapter 66

"Now that you have created the fire, control it. Don't allow it to burn the trees around us. Keep the flame cool." Optimus smiled as he watched his daughter. They had left the base thirty minutes ago to do some training, and it would definitely stand to reason that the crystal has given Azura the aid needed to use her abilities easier. But now he was ensuring she could focus and control it even better. Right now, she had a stream of fire hovering from the ground and she was controlling it and keeping it from the trees. "That's it, Azura. You are doing a marvellous job."

Azura was smiling as she listened to him. She kept her optics on the fire that as she moved the flame around the trees, keeping control over it so the flame would not spread onto the wood and create a fire. She was happy she had an easier time with her abilities, but Optimus was also right that she still needed to learn to control them. Having an easier aid didn't make her an instant expert. She would be foolish to think that, and it could get her into big trouble if she did not listen to Optimus's wisdom. He knew more about having power than her.

Azura managed to get the flame around the trees without burning anything and smouldered it on a boulder with a sigh. "I managed to do it." She looked at Optimus with a smile. "Do you think I did it?"

Optimus nodded. "It would have been good if you kept going to longer than you were just doing, Azura. You only managed to control it for a short time. Short victories are good, but you must keep working to get better, Azura. Do it again."

Azura nodded and concentrated, holding her hands out and created another low heat flame in her hands. She moved her hands to begin moving the fire around like she did before. She was very happy with what she was achieving already. Azura just didn't want to admit that she actually was feeling tired. It seems that using her abilities was draining her energy more, and Azura did not know if that was due to the crystal or it was just her.

Regardless, she didn't want to disappoint Optimus either. She wanted to work as much as she could, but she also knew she might not be able to do another hour of it. She didn't want to blame her grief of losing some fish on wanting to finish sooner than anticipated, especially as it would be a lie if she did say that. But if she did get more tired, Optimus would certainly take notice. Especially when she might start having trouble keeping her optics open.

It's silly since I've only been awake for a short time too. It must be the crystal.

Azura huffed and concentrated moving the flame around without causing an uncontrolled burn among the trees. It did feel good that she was able to control the fire this way though, as it meant she wouldn't hurt anyone. She did wonder what would happen in a stressful situation though. She knew she would panic, but she hoped it wouldn't be too bad. For the moment, she moved the flame between the trees and smiling as she watched the flame move between the trees.

Once she returned it to the rock however, Azura sighed as the flame disappeared in a puff and she placed her hands on her thighs while she took deep intakes. Optimus was immediately concerned, and he stepped closer to her. "Azura, are you okay?" She shrugged a little as she took deep intakes. "Were you feeling your energy draining faster than normal?"

She nodded. "Yeah...I wanted to say that before..."

"You should have said something, Azura." She knew that, and she turned to face him, only to stumble over her own feet and almost fell back onto the boulder. Optimus caught her and picked her up gently. "Hmm...I guess it might be due to your system getting used to the crystal engaging directly with your body. It could be the reason why you are feeling more tired than you had before."

Azura placed her hand on her crystal, and she shrugged. "It could be. Sorry, daddy." She looked at him with a guilty expression. "I feel bad that I couldn't train for more than thirty minutes. I wanted to, and I am going to do well..."