Transformers Prime AU (Book 1) (Wattys 2017)

Chapter Nine

Optimus ran down the hall of the hospital. He didn't know where exactly to go but he knew where to start. He felt his heart beat faster as he searched for something, anything. He slowed to a stop when he reached the emergency rooms desk. He wasn't sure what to ask as his mind raced. He looked around wildly and spotted his friend walking towards him.

"Ratchet..." He said trying to remain calm, tears threatening to form. The doctor put a hand up to stop him as he approached. "Wha-" he stopped suddenly as he tried to figure out what to say.

"They were hit by a truck." Ratchet said quietly. Optimus clenched his fists as he listened. "The vehicle forced theirs into the dividers.... and rammed them again." The father narrowed his eyes as his anger boiled inside of him. "Witnesses said when the truck couldn't move anymore. Megatron got out and walked away." He muttered. The other mans eyes widened. Ratchet looked at the floor and bit his lip. He was quiet for a moment.

"Elita...... didn't make it...." Ratchet said quietly. Optimus took a step back as he shook his head in disbelief. He stepped back a few more times as his back met the wall. He felt as though he couldn't breath, he gasped quietly as tears blurred his vision. She couldn't be gone.

"No...." he muttered as he shook his head again. He bit his lip and stared at the floor as a few tears fell. He choked back a sob as he tried to remain strong. He felt broken. More tears of grief fell as the lose of a loved one settled over him. He inhaled shakily as he tried to fight the sobs that wanted to escape.

"Optimus....." Ratchet whispered quietly. His friend looked up again afraid of what else the doctor had to say. "Bumblebees alive, but in critical condition."

Optimus sat down and buried his head in his hands as he cried silently. Ratchet bit his lip and blinked back tears as he looked at the ceiling. His friend had lost the love of his life and would possibly lose his son. He hated to be the one that had to tell him. The doctor didn't know how to comfort him, and hesitantly set a hand on his shoulder. He wanted to say something, and normally he knew what to tell people. But he just stood there quietly as his friend shook with grief.

~

Later the father remained in the chair as the doctor went to preform surgery on his son. He buried his head in his hands as his mind raced. Ultra Magnus and Ironhide heard about what happened and sat with him for a moment. They weren't able to stay long, but he was grateful for the company.

The father found out that his other three children were alright and still at the house with a neighbor. He wept with relief and sadness knowing he'd have to tell them. Ultra Magnus offered to inform the other children so he could remain with his son. The father simply nodded, unsure what else to do. They left a little later and he continued to wait.

The doctor came back and led him to his sons room. He didn't say anything which worried the father, but he remained quiet. When they entered Optimus stopped at the door and stared. Little Bumblebee was laying on the bed all bandaged up. He had cuts and bruises all over his little body. It pained his father to see him this way. The man slowly walked over and sat by his little boy. He rubbed his head and wanted to cry again. But he had no tears left.

"Be strong little one." He whispered as he choked back a sob, and rubbed his forehead with his thumb. The room was quiet except for the heart monitor.

Ratchet came in a few minutes later to check on them. He quietly listened to the boys breathing and checked other things. Optimus stood a few feet away as he watched. He wanted to ask about his sons condition but decided to wait.

Ratchet hesitantly told him that the boys larynx had been cut during the crash. He said they had managed to save him from bleeding out, but he might not be able to speak again. The father simply nodded slowly as he listened. The room fell silent shortly after.