Chapter 6: I need a hero
Plasma's Pov:
Ever since I've left the ship i couldn't help but thinking about my sister and how she's coping up there with our father and Starscream as i knew for a fact that Megatron wouldn't see her due to the order of giving his second in command consent to punish her whenever she gets out of line but i doubt that he'll just stick to just little scratches as he is a selfish jet who wants nothing but his own gain and try to overthrown his Lord as that would never happen. I wasn't expecting to catch Optimus' attention during my dazed state as he came over catching me off guard knowing that i was panicking about something. "I know you're worried Plasma Storm but we will get her back, cause I've got a plan" he said which put me at ease a little bit but he doesn't know what's the real problem here as i hope that my father hasn't over done it once again.
"I-i know but…" i stopped unsure of what to say as fear instantly came back to my mind wondering if leaving her all alone was such a great idea as it could cost her life if he had made the wrong decision.
"Is there something else you want to tell me?" He asked as I quickly snapped myself together not sure if i should tell him or not. "If you don't feel comfortable then don't force yourself to say it" he was so kind too but i need to tell him, no i have to! If not something will happen and it'll be all my fault.
"I need to tell you, but i am unsure if you're ready for it though" i said not looking at him in the eye anymore allowing him to catch onto what i was trying to say.
"Is it about Aquarius?" He asked getting it spot on as i began to prepare myself to possibly tell him to horrible truth that happens behind the palace's walls.
"I am unsure if you now this but our father Paradox has tried several times to possibly kill my sisters but ever since she was found and brought onto the ship it had only gotten worser as she had almost died in his own hands but Knockout was luckily able to save her in time other than to try an force her to repopulate with Megatron" i wanted to add more stuff on but i think he would know the rest as he did have a little chat with our mother before the war or gained the Matrix of leadership, i saw his expression change as he seemed concerned and angered by my words of truth and worry about the safety of my dear sister Aquarius Peace.
"Thank you for your honesty old friend, i assure you that when the time comes we will take our lead and rescue her from the corrupted hands of our King or what's left of him of course" he replied before quickly making his leave somewhere in the base probably to collect his thoughts as i did lay a lot on the guy and he too had been through a lot during the war seeing allies die before his every eyes but Aquarius? He would most definitely be a changed mech if anything extremely bad had happened to her during the huge gap they had be separated for during the war.
No one's Pov:
Optimus shuts himself off in a empty room locking it behind him as he leaned against the wall looking at the roof feeling the guilt of sending her far away from Cybertron for a reason to keep her safe and alive but somehow she was in the hands of the Deceptacons. "What have i done to you? I lead you straight into danger and into the hands of the one mech you hated the most out of everything in the galaxy and could possibly be dead by now because of my careless actions, but i refuse to make the same mistake twice as i will do whatever is necessary to keep you safe during our stay on this planet or anywhere in the galaxy" he thought to himself not realising that he was crying but tears aren't a weakness it's a sign that you care and have a heart like this big guy here. He wiped his eyes as he could feel them travelling down his face remembering the one time or two times he had possibly seen Aquarius cry. "I will set you free my love" he mumbled to himself refusing to give up on the one mech he had loved for the past thousands of millennia's no matter how long they were separated the love was still strong but he could feel her hope fading thin the more precious time he and the others waste just standing around doing nothing.
All of a sudden yelling could be hear coming from the min area of the base where the space bridge is located making the Prime get himself back together and made his way to check on the others as they probably had seen Plasma Storm when they arrived back with the humans they were assigned to a little while back. "What are you doing here?!" Bulkhead asked in a angers tone as he hates cons especially the evil kind like Megatron and the King especially so it made it clear that he doesn't trust the ex-prince either.
"Wow, calm down, I'm only here so i can help get Aquarius back and after I'll leave" Plasma Storm said looking don at the wrecker who wasn't keen on having him here in their base due to their last encounter with the King himself. Optimus entered the room as everything went silent seeing that Aquarius' scout or medic hasn't returned back to base yet still busy scavenging for more energon.
"I assure you Bulkhead that Plasma Storm is only here to help us to retrieve back what the Deceptacon have stollen from us as he knows her whereabouts and the ship she is being held on" Optimus spoke up saving Plasma's aft once again owing it to the prime no matter what it was as it was obvious that they must bring back the Queen-in-waiting where she truly belongs. Bulkhead sighed knowing that he was right but hated the thought with working with a con or so he thinks is one as Plasma Storm had no mark on the middle of his chest plate anymore which was rather suspicious in their case.
"But where is the symbol that shows he's a con, Autobot or Royal?" He asked as Plasma sighed knowing the reason and was ready to tell them since he was the one who found the hidden rule the King kept closed away even since the crowning on Cybertron when he sparked and married the Queen who held the Matrix Of Royalty instantly making him and only she can dethrone him especially after death.
"About that, before i fled the ship in search of you guys i, um, i found a hidden rule as only the one who wields the Royal Matrix can remove any royal of their total and so i begged Aquarius to..remove it as i am unworthy to be called one due to my past bad decisions" he spoke as Optimus felt bad for the mech but knew that the decision was him to make alone taking a lot of courage to tell anyone.
"That sounds like something he would do so I'm not surprised" Arcee said as the King was a rather mean and strict ruler while the Queen who wielded the Matrix however was the complete opposite and loved her people just like Aquarius the soon to be Queen of Cybertron. During the discussion Athena and Snowdrift had just arrived back with a load of energon as the location wasn't far from the base but it took a while to transport it as they got into some Deceptacon trouble.
"Sorry we're late, we got ourselves in some trouble with some cons" Athena said transforming back to normal as her and Snowdrift began to take the energon they had collected to the energon safe where they keep all of the energon safe and from being over used.
"So what's the plan?" Bulkhead asked Optimus who yet still hasn't spoken on what they had planned but they were running out of time.
"As we know it Paradox and Megatron could be aboard that ship so extra caution is recommend when rescuing Aquarius" Optimus spoke as he began to speak about the plan they would be proceeding through with at late night when most of the mech has shut down for recharge making it the best possible way to sneak on board. Bulkhead, Arcee and Bumblebee would be the distractions if they get spotted by any Deceptacon guard who would be roaming the halls, while Optimus, Rachet, Snowdrift and Plasma Storm will be heading to the containment cell Aquarius would be held stuck in and retreat her back to base for any internal or external injuries.
As the night time came the plan as set in action as they managed to set a perfect set of coordinates on the Deceptacon ship Optimus has been keeping track on ever since Plasma Storm arrived in the base refusing to lose her once again like before. "I recommend that we go first or we'll all get muddled up and forget our possessions as well as the plan" Plasma added not wanting anything to go wrong as Optimus looked around before agreeing with the idea and lead his little team inside first before the others could follow after. when getting to the coordinate of war ship Plasma Storm stepped forward and rushed in the direction of where his sister was being held as Optimus and the others kept close to him and not get separated. The ship was dangerous and filled with soldiers putting the Autobots at risk of being seen was the main party wanted for the others to create the distraction so Optimus and his team can go in and retrieve Aquarius.
"How long? We haven't got all day" Plasma mumbled as he too wasn't the only one in a rush while a concerned prime stood there waiting for the perfect opportunity to get to his love without anything bad coming from it.
"We might have a problem guys" Arcee called through as her group had seem to be in quite a situation by the kind of it like of they're hiding from something.
"What seems to be the problem Arcee?" Optimus answered back to maybe give them a second chance to get put of whenever it is that they're stuck in.
"There's no problem but we seemed to have come across Megatron and Paradox fighting with most of the Deceptacons inside watching them, so you're safe to go in" she replied which was rather strange but Optimus and the team knew that they could possibly be the only time they could possible rescue Aquarius without getting into an fights with the cons especially the most dangerous ones.
"Great, now lets go" Plasma said taking no second chances as he took off to the containment cell he was ordered to take her as the others almost lost him but when they caught up the door was opened seeing Plasma stood there frozen in place not angry but breath-taken at what he was looking at as Optimus walked over to him not looking to his left yet but when he did he too was left taken at the horrific scene he was presented with as energon leaked from her body in places that had been sliced as she danger from those same chains Plasma had put her in before.
"No, no, no, no, no" Optimus muttered as he rushed over instantly ripping the chains off from her arms that kept her lifted from the ground catching her as she fell picking her up into his arms as she leaked energon from her opened wounds on many parts of her body that need to be closed Immediately. "Calling back to base i demand an urgent space bridge and fast" he order sounding very serious and concerned as others at the base especially Athena knew that something wasn't right and opens the space drive no matter the risks allowing them to go through as energon continued to leak all over and into the Autobot base putting her in the urgent help of the only two skilled medic they have left.
"The table is ready so place her for me please" Athen said as Optimus laid her down on the medics table putting her in the safe professional hands of these two medics as they use everything in their power to ensure that Aquarius lives on for the sake of their future and for Cybertron. When everyone returned to the base unharmed they left the main area to give the medics some space as they need to concentrate in order to save the Queen's life as she in losing too much energon, however Snowdrift is present as she would be Athena's and Rachet's assistant passing them the equipment they need for his and green energon if they run out for the transplant that's keeping her alive so far.
Plasma Storm is currently in another room talking to Optimus about the possible outcome of this and what impact it would have on Aquairus if she becomes agitated or stressed in the new safe environment. "You don't have to leave the base, and besides i might need your help as this would put a lot on her shoulders as she would need our support as she is known for hiding her emotions from others" Optimus said not wanting to lose another of Aquarius' family as her mother was sadly taken down by Plasma's own two hands but by force, he could see the nervousness on the mech's face unsure if he would stay since their last encounter on the Deceptacon war ship that almost lead to Aquarius' timely demise.
"You don't get it, she hates me and you know it! She'll never forgive me no matter how many times i tell her that it wasn't my fault..it was his he made me do it" Plasma Storm was upset or guilty for not doing this sooner as well as not speaking to Optimus about this as it could've been resolved in a way that could've ended more nicely. Optimus placed a hand on his shoulder knowing how difficult she can be but even your eyes can deserve you in a way that can change everything you've worked so hard for.
"I know Aquirus and she doesn't normally take stress like we do but if you were in her situation and saw your supposed relative murder your own mother, what would you do? and what impact would it have on the way you live today?" He asked being that big good guy but even the most kindest hearts do suffer a lot and seeing her like this does bring a lot of stress and worry for why effect it would have on her future. Plasma stopped to think understanding what he was trying to imply on what Aquarius might actually be thinking when the war began or possibly before it all happened.
"I would be sad, scared, alone, misguided, angry and heart broken… I can't believe that my own actions could cause my sister so much pain, she must hate me for taking the one parent that actually loved her, why have i done" he said before rambling on taking what was on his head out an into the open for him to hear understanding that the twins could've been through during the war as plenty of things could be the result of ones anger or stubbornness to work together or accept the truth as it is.
"You're not the enemy nor the victim as you were brainwashed and forced to do the things you hated most and kill on of your own as well as gained hatred by the one who used to looked up to you for love, protection and guidance when she wasn't round to give it" Optimus said as he was there as he dragged away Aquarius who would've possibly make the same mistake as he too would have killed him for taking away the one who raised her when the other pushed her away for being 'unpure' and not a possible fit to be a great Queen for Cybertron.
"I know but it was either refuse and kill us both or kill my mother so she can live, but he lied and look at where it got her?! This is all my fault if i hadn't followed my father's orders none of this would've happened i should've let him rip out my spark instead" Plasma was refusing to listen as he was instantly pulled into a brotherly hug by the big man despite being an inc smaller than Plasma Storm but he didn't care as long as they were on the same side and wish to keep the one thing they value safe from the evil hands of the Deceptacons.
"I know it must be hard but don't push yourself, use the past to better yourself and make wise decisions as well as become the mech you want to be than drown yourself deeper than you have fallen or you'll never find peace and forgiveness" he said that weren't his words but Aquarius' words herself that moved even the evilest of mech's on Cybertron which motivated Optimus to do better too as a data clerk to create a better future for himself.
"Wait..those are Aquarius' words, you remembered them?" He asked pulling away from Optimus who smiled gently as he too liked up to Aquarius and her wise words and warm heart but that all could've changed during the war.
"She was an idol to everyone on Cybertron or at least to some for her motivational speeches" the atmosphere turned more happy and friendly as they spoke about the great wonders of how much she could possibly change Cybertron if she was ever crowd Queen a war could've been avoided because of it. "She is one of a kind and cannot be replaced" he added no which was true as no one can be as kind and as understanding like Aquarius without judging anyone without a reason.
Meanwhile in the main area Rachet and Athena had just closed up possible bad wounds that could lead to bleeding out killing her in the process. The next step was to check for any internal leakages as they began to scan Aquarius' body but nothing seemed to be coming up so they carefully beat to clean the patient up with great care and look brand new even though some scars were visible from the last encounter she had with the King but they can only be seen visibly up close than far away. "Everything seems to be going smoothly but I prepare that we do hourly checkups just incase anything changes" Athena said looking at Rachet fro a second as he nodded not wanting to get distracted while doing his job like his spark-mate.
"Does that mean I'm good to go then?" Snowdrift asked not wanting to be in the way of anything as she thought that she had enough trauma to look at today and see her potential mother figure almost die in her presence made things so much worser.
"Sure kid, but could you keep an eye on Cascade for me if you can?" Athena responded just finishing buffing up the forearm as it looked shiny and unscathed making her feel proud knowing that she still has it in her. Snowdrift rushed off away from the medics to find Cascade who would most likely be in the care of Bumblebee until she comes into the room taking the responsibility off his hands.
"You seem to be pretty good at this, wanna tell your secret on how you do?" Rachet asked seeing how surprisingly good and concentrated she was as he was taking quite a while to do his side not wanting to mess up on such an important mech.
"To be honest, i only got better because Sunburst keeps begging for me to buff him after every mission as we travel throughout several solar systems but i wasn't bothered because it helped me improve and concentrate…even if he was fragging annoying me 24/7" Athena wasn't lying s she hated the thought of thanking Sunburst who was probably one of the most winiest mechs she has ever met within her lifetime in space. Rachet chuckled thanking the allspark that he wasn't stuck with the kid teasing her for being so unlucky. "Buttt…he was being mean to Cascade once so being the good mother i am hit him" Rachet wasn't surprised by the thought of her hitting Sunburst but he knows it wasn't by her hand either.
"You used a wrench didn't you?" He asked not surprised as she went silent which answered his question before she was onto the chest place one of the delicate places that needs to be buffed professionally, for Athena being a little smaller than Rachet and Aquarius being way bigger than her she has to climb onto the table in order to buff her properly. "What are you doing?! Get down front there you'll hurt yourself!" He said seeing how ridiculously risky she was being right now but somehow it was working like she had done this before. Athena wasn't in the mood to argue with him and continued doing her work keeping herself perfectly stable and completely concentrated persuading Rachet to continue doing his skin as well.
"We'll do the back when she wakes up as i prefer to not open up those wounds we had just closed up" she said being reasonable and a actual medic thinking about her patients wellbeing than her own license as lives matter more than anything else she's working for.
"I am fully aware of the risks" he replied even though he doesn't plan to do so without further authority anyway as he doesn't want to be responsible of killing the last possible Royal in Cybertronian history. It took over an hour to carefully buff the unconscious Queen-in-waiting way better than the con's medic Knockout as he didn't have a lot of time to professionally make her look good for his leader. However, Optimus had came into the main area when he saw the medics who seemed to have finished patching and buffing her up making it safe enough for him to walk over and look at Aquarius.
"Do you know when she'll regain consciousness?" He asked looking at Rachet who seemed to be researching about something while Athen kept a close eye on the Aquarius' health for any signs of a drop or at least a sign.
"That is completely out of my control I'm afraid as she did take a-lot of damage and lost a huge amount of energon so i guess it's just a waiting game and put her into a medical recharge and see if she'll wake up" he responded knowing his stuff but not about serious stuff like this as it is risky and doesn't have the right equipment to do it. Optimus understood accepting the only possible choice he has to ever seeing her again let alone smile or laugh like they once did back on Cybertron, he sighed hating the thought of seeing her in such a catastrophic state back on the war ship not believing that se could've made it but some how these two incredible medics turned things around when things were coming close to an end.
"I seriously do not want to do that again, but yet it is my job to save lives" Athena said to herself not liking the thought of seeing her leader in such a state and almost lost her during it.
"I assure you that from now on everyone will be taking it easy to prevent any further casualties" Optimus said knowing by a fact that she will no longer be seeing anyone in such conditions again but not everything goes as accordingly to plan. Optimus helped carry Aquarius into her new assigned room that had a bed for her to lay on and rest in her medical recharge that they hope will wake her up and save energon as they check up on her hourly for any changes in her health.