Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Okay, Boulder, Blades, Chase, I just got word that Optimus's Medic will be coming to inspect our medical bay later on today. We need to make sure everything is sterilized and is put where it belongs. Blades you can sterilize, and Chase will make sure you do it correctly. Right, Chase?" Heatwave told his team as all four members of Sigma 17 walked into the Training Center's medbay.

"Affirmative Heatwave," Chase told his leader, serious as ever.

"Are you kidding? I can-" Blades started to whine when an emergency call came through, the Burns family rushing down to the garage.

Chief Burns got on the coms and started relaying the information he was told. "A hiker is stranded on top of the mountain, and a minor rock slide happened that covered part of the road."

"But what about our inspection?" Boulder asked.

"We need Blades with us. can you clean up and sterilize the medbay by yourself, Chase?" Heatwave asked, already knowing the answer to his question.

"Yes, I will sterilize the medbay so Blades won't get in trouble," Chase answered, giving them a rare smile as he watched them all rush out of the medbay.

After the mission was over, Heatwave, Boulder, Blades, and all of the Burns family got called to the waiting room of the medbay by Optimus Prime himself.

Kade walked in front, turning around and smirking as he teased his siblings. “Bet this is another one of those lectures about keeping our gear clean. My guess? They’re gonna say I’m setting a bad example.”

Dani rolled her eyes. “You are always setting a bad example, no matter what you're doing.”

Cody laughed. “Maybe Optimus has a special mission for us. That would be awesome.”

Chief Burns gave a faint chuckle at his children’s chatter, though he stood with his usual strict posture. “Whatever this is, we’ll hear it soon enough.”

"Let's just hope Chase got the medbay cleaned and sterilized in time. That way it doesn't come down on you blades." Boulder told his friend.

“Hey, it's not my fault we all got called away on a mission this morning.” Blades cut in.

Heatwave gave a snort, arms folded. “Whatever it is, we’ll find out hopefully, before you get any more dumb ideas.”

The atmosphere was light.

Then they walked through the medbay waiting room doors.

Optimus Prime stood there as they all entered, filling the space. At once, the chatter died. The room seemed to shrink around them. His optics were dimmer than usual, his steps slower, heavier. Everyone could tell something was wrong.

He came to the front and looked over them all, his silence stretching until the tension was unbearable. Finally, his voice came, deep, steady, but carrying sorrow like a weight none of them had ever heard before.

“I hate to inform your team this way... but..”

Heatwave straightened, optics narrowing, his voice hard. “But what? Tell us?”

Optimus lowered his helm slightly. “Chase is dead.”

The words slammed into them like a physical blow.

No one moved. No one spoke.

The silence was crushing, suffocating. Their brains refused to process the meaning. Seconds felt like they lasted hours.

Heatwave’s vents rasped, his fists trembling.

“WHAT!” He yelled, his voice cracking. “HOW?! HE WAS FINE 3 HOURS AGO!”

Optimus held his gaze, voice low. “Chase’s spark was unstable. Fragile. However, it was undetectable; Chase himself was unaware. This morning, he suffered a massive spark attack. High Tide found him when he went to check on the progress of the medbay, but it was too late.”

Silence fell again, heavier, thicker.

Blades let out a strangled sound, covering his face with his servos as silent sobs shook his frame. Boulder wrapped both arms around him, pulling him close, his own optics leaking tears that streaked down his face. They clung to each other like lifelines.

The Burns family sat stricken.

Chief Burns pressed a hand over his eyes, his strong shoulders trembling as tears escaped despite his effort to contain them. He glanced over at his children. Dani bent forward, elbows on her knees, tears slipping freely down her face as she shook her head in disbelief. Graham stared blankly at the floor, glasses dangling from one hand, his vision blurred with tears he couldn’t fight. Cody curled into himself, small hands gripping his knees, his chest heaving as quiet sobs wracked his body. Kade slid down the wall and buried his face in his hands, his broad shoulders shaking.

They didn’t yell. They didn’t scream.

They cried in silence, the kind of silence that said more than words ever could.

Heatwave stood rigid, every line of him trembling, before he turned suddenly and stormed from the room. His footsteps pounded down the hall, and moments later, his scream echoed through the building, a raw, deep howl of anguish that made everyone flinch, made Boulder and Blades hold each other tighter, made Cody cling to Graham as if he’d disappear too.

Optimus bowed his head, the sound tearing through even his ancient spark. “I will attend to Heatwave,” he said softly to no one in particular and turned, leaving them to their grief.

The door hissed shut, and the silence returned.

For a long while, no one moved. Only tears fell.

Finally, Dani whispered through her sobs, “I don’t understand. How could something like that… stay hidden? He didn’t even know.”

Chief Burns lowered his hand from his face, his voice rough but steady. “Chase was dedicated beyond measure. He gave his all to this team, to this island, never holding back, never complaining. He kept us steady, grounded. He was… family.”

Kade let out a broken laugh that turned into a sob. “I just don't understand. He was fine this morning. I guess it all happened so fast.”

Cody looked up, his tear-streaked face crumpling. “When he first came, he promised he’d always stay, that he would never leave. He-he wouldn’t break a promise.”

The family fell silent again, their quiet grief joining the soft sounds of Boulder and Blades sobbing into each other across the room.

Chief Burns finally spoke, voice low and firm, though it trembled. “We’ll never forget him. Chase will always be part of this team.”

"This Family?" Cody asked, turning to his dad. Getting a nod from his father.

They leaned into one another, for support, for comfort, humans and Bots alike.

And outside the room, Heatwave’s cries still echoed faintly, a reminder of the teammate they would never have standing by their side again.

Chapter Text

Heatwave’s screams echoed down the training facility’s corridors, fading into ragged sobs that shook the steel walls. By the time Optimus followed the sound to the training room. he found Heatwave leaning on the control panel, both hands propping himself up.

Heatwave’s armor was heaving, vents stuttering. His fists slammed the panel once, twice, until the buttons started activating random things around the room. Elma asked him what simulation she should bring up. "Shut the frag up, Elma!" He turned around to yell at the hologram, spotting Optimus walking up to him. “It’s not fair!” His voice cracked, echoing hollow through the vast space. “He was supposed to be here! He was supposed to stay with us!”

Optimus took a step towards Heatwave, his massive frame towering over him. “Heatwave.”

Heatwave started getting closer and closer to Optimus, optics burning bright with grief and rage. “Don’t—don’t tell me to calm down!” he shouted, voice raw. “Don’t stand there and talk like it’s just another mission report, just another soldier that dies too young. He’s—he’s gone! And there is no reason for it, he didn't die protecting someone, he didn't die because he got attacked, he didn't die because of something going wrong! He just died for no reason, so don't tell me to make sense of something...of something completely unpredictable!”

Optimus didn’t move away, even when Heatwave was yelling right in his face. His voice remained low, steady. “I do not wish to silence your grief. It is real.”

Heatwave’s fists trembled as he turned around and started pacing. His voice cracked, words tumbling out between sobs. “He—he was the smart, the steady one, the one I… I yelled at the most, but—” His voice broke, and his head dropped. “Primus, I loved him. I cared about him so much. I didn’t even tell him. Not once.”

Optimus finally stepped forward, stopping Heatwave in the middle of his pacing. His optics softened as he put a hand on Heatwave's shoulder. “Chase knew, Heatwave. He may not have spoken of it, but he felt your bond. He knew he was valued. He knew he was family.”

Heatwave shook his head violently. “He didn’t even know his spark was failing! He didn’t know—he thought he had all the time in the world. And now—” His voice cracked into a whisper. “Now he’s just... gone... forever. It doesn't even make sense.”

Optimus placed a massive servo gently on Heatwave’s shoulder. The weight was grounding, steady. “Sometimes… even the strongest spark is not destined for a long life. That does not lessen the impact he made. Chase’s time may have been short, but the order, loyalty, and respect he had for you and you team will endure. His presence will not fade.”

Heatwave’s vents stuttered again. He buried his face in his hands, shaking. “I can’t do this without him.”

“You will not be without him,” Optimus said firmly. “He lives on in the lessons he gave you, in the bond you shared, in the team he helped shape. The grief you feel is proof of how deeply he mattered. And how deeply you cared for him.”

For a long moment, the only sound was Heatwave’s sobs echoing in the big empty space. Slowly, he leaned against Optimus’s arm, letting the larger bot’s presence hold him upright.

“I… I don’t know how to lead them through this,” Heatwave admitted quietly.

“You do not need to know today,” Optimus replied gently. “Today, you only need to grieve. Tomorrow, you will, with his memory guiding you.”

Heatwave’s optics dimmed, tears still slipping free, but the furious shaking eased just slightly. He leaned heavier into Optimus, letting the Prime’s calm strength hold him steady as the storm of anger finally broke into quiet sobs.

Chapter Text

Heatwave hadn’t moved from the training room. The lights overhead buzzed faintly. His optics were fixed on the floor, staring at nothing. His earlier scream still echoed in his mind, but now there was only a hollow ache, like his spark had been ripped apart.

Optimus stood nearby, silent, giving him space. When Heatwave finally let out a low vent, Optimus placed a steady hand on his shoulder.

“Would you like to see Chase one last time and say goodbye?” Optimus said gently.

“Y-ye......Yeah.” Heatwave managed to choke out.

Together they walked back to the prep room, where Boulder and Blades still waited with the Burns family. The humans had gathered close together, their faces pale, eyes red and weary. The air was heavy with sorrow.

Optimus addressed the Boulder and Blades First. "Would you two like to say goodbye to Chase?" His voice was soft, respectful.

Boulder looked at Blades and got a nod in return.

Then Optimus turned to the Burns Family. “You have all shown great strength today. But now, you should return home.”

Chief Burns swallowed hard, his voice thick. “Are you sure?” Hopeful that he would get to say goodbye to Chase face-to-face one last time.

Optimus inclined his helm. “Yes, Heatwave, Blades, and Boulder should have this time to themselves.”

Reluctantly, Chief turned to his children. Dani took Cody’s hand, and Graham rose beside them, pushing his glasses back with a trembling hand. Cody glanced at the three Bots; none looked back down at him, his lip quivering. Dani guided him toward the door. Kade got up from where he was sitting and went over to Heatwave, putting a hand on his leg, looking up at his partner. Heatwave looked down, and they gave each other a nod of understanding, then he left with his family.

“We’ll see you back on Griffin Rock,” Chief said quietly.

The door hissed closed behind them, and the room fell silent.

Optimus looked to the three remaining rescue bots standing in front of him: Heatwave, Boulder, and Blades. His optics dimmed with sorrow. “Come with me.”

They followed him into the main room of the medbay. The room was dimly lit, cleaner than it had ever been before. In the center stood the table, a white cover draped over the still frame beneath.

Optimus stepped forward. His movements were careful, reverent. He drew back the cover, revealing Chase’s peaceful form. His armor gleamed faintly under the lights. His faceplate was calm, serene-like he was simply in recharge.

Optimus’ voice rumbled, low but steady. “Take as long as you need.”

He placed a final hand on Heatwave’s shoulder before quietly leaving the room, the door sliding shut behind him.

The three Bots stood frozen, staring at their fallen teammate.

Heatwave’s vents hitched. “He...he looks like he’s just sleeping.”

Blades shifted closer, his voice breaking. “They say with spark failure… you don’t feel it. You just… go... Peacefully.” He rubbed his optics, wings trembling. “At least... at least it was quick.”

Boulder rested one massive hand on the table’s edge, his other resting on Chase's arm. “Peaceful,” he whispered. “That’s what he deserved.”

Silence lingered, broken only by the hum of their systems. Finally, Boulder straightened. “This is the last time we will all be together.”

They gathered around the table, shoulders nearly touching, and bowed their helms, all placing a hand on Chase.

They all spoke in unison. “May your spark return to the Well, carried on eternal light. Until all sparks are one again.” An old Cybertronian prayer to bless a loved one.

They stood like that, the last three members of Sigma-17 united in grief, before stepping back.

After a long moment, Heatwave exhaled. “You two… go first. Have your time.”

Boulder nodded. Heatwave and Blades stepped toward the door. When the door closed, Boulder turned back around, standing beside Chase again, his optics burning with tears.

“You always believed in me,” he whispered. “Even when I doubted myself, you reminded me that I was stronger than I thought. I remember when we went back to capture that energon eater, how we both almost got eaten. Our conversation on the way there and back. The old times in the academy when we ended up sharing a room because Blades was too messy for me, and Heatwave snored too loudly for you to sleep. I’m going to miss that. I’m going to miss you. I love you, buddy. Till I meet you again in the Well of All-Sparks, my brother.”

His hand lingered on the table, then he stepped back, his helm bowed low. “Goodbye, Chase.”

He turned and left, passing Blades with a silent nod.

Blades walked in next, his rotors trembling as he approached the table. His voice cracked. “You… you were my rock. You never panicked, even when I did. You kept me steady when I felt like falling apart. I don’t know how to do this without you, Chase. I-I love you so much, more than you could ever know. I loved you when you told me off for breaking the rules. I loved you when you read over my TV shows, and I kept having to turn them up. But most of all, I loved the way you were passionate about helping people, dedicated beyond everyone else I have ever met.”

He choked back a sob, lowering his helm until it nearly touched Chase’s. “I’m scared without you. But I’ll try to be braver. For you. Goodbye, Chase. Till I meet you again in the Well of All-Sparks, my brother.”

He lingered a moment longer, then turned and walked out, wiping at his optics.

Heatwave was last.

He walked in slowly, his armor heavy, his spark aching. He stopped at the table, staring down at Chase’s peaceful face. For a long time, he couldn’t speak.

Finally, his voice broke free, rough and raw. “I should’ve seen it. I should’ve known something was wrong. You were my partner, and I didn’t see it.” His fists clenched, trembling. “But you… you never let me down. You never once stopped fighting for this team. You were the best partner, the best friend I’ve ever had. You kept me in check, now who's going to do that now that you're gone?”

His vents hitched, optics burning. “I’ll carry you with me. Always. Till I meet you again in the Well of All-Sparks, my brother.”

Reaching forward with careful hands, Heatwave drew the cover back over Chase’s frame. He let his palm rest there one last time, then slowly stepped away.

When he walked back into the prep room, Boulder and Blades were waiting. No words were spoken-they simply joined together, arms over each other's shoulders, side by side, and walked out into the night.

Four members of Sigma 17 walked into that Medbay that morning.

That evening, only three walked out.

Till All are One.