It has been nearly a month since Pitch decided to give me a heart attack and force Jack to spend most of his nights outside my house keeping watch. The nightmares, with Sandy's help, finally stopped and even Cas has shown up every once in a while to make sure I'm okay. However...

Nothing will be okay for a long, long time.

He had shown me everyone, everything I had worked for, anyone I ever cared for, liked, or loved, lying dead at my feet...

And my hands covered in their blood...

I quickly blink my eyes and shake my head, focusing on the quiz before me. 

It was my final, and I was nearly finished with it. I continue, reaching out and grabbing my small chai tea. I take a quick sip and set it back down and continue with my typing. This particular question was an essay one, requiring at least four paragraphs describing the difference and the need for RNA and DNA in the human body. My body forces out a yawn and I reach for my sweet, sweet drink once more. Taking a sip of it, I gaze down at the cup...

And let it fall from my grasp with a gasp.

The cup crashes against the ground and crimson red spills from its inside. I launch backward, sending my chair crashing to the ground. Stumbling back, I trip over the chair and fall flat on my rear, my gaze fixed on the spilled cup of red. I blink rapidly, and the red suddenly changes to brown, steaming on the carpet. I hold the center of my chest as I try to even my breathing, as it was becoming difficult to breathe.

"Avia?"

I glance up, my eyes still wide, and spot a tall man with brown hair and dazzling blue eyes standing in my doorway. Optimus Prime's holoform, sporting a worried look as he kneels next to me. I try to take a deep breath, and he lays a gentle hand on my back. This lets me close my eyes, and sharply inhale, steadying my breath. When I open them again, I gaze up at Optimus, who tilts his head.

"Why are you crying?"

I feel my eyes widen, but before I can reach up to wipe them off, I feel the cool of Optimus' holoform press against my cheek and remove the stream. I wipe off the other side and gaze down, bringing my legs to my chest. "It... It was just a bad dream.... a false vision if you will...." I gaze over at the cup, and I feel him do the same. He looks at me again, but I don't meet his gaze. I feel a hand on my shoulder, then, "Would you like some company until you feel better?" This time I gaze up and offer a soft smile. "Yeah... That would be nice."

Optimus stands first, then offers a hand to me. I take it and carefully stand, slightly wincing as one leg throbs in minor pain. "Ow...." I gaze down to see slight discoloration already on the back of my leg. Most likely from falling on the chair. The Prime seems to notice this and picks up the chair for me. "Here." He says, and I nod my thanks before taking a seat. I scoot forward, shaking my hands and preparing myself to get back into schoolwork. I hear Optimus start to move towards the door, and I slightly turn towards him.

"I am going to get towels to clean that up. You continue working, I can handle it." 

I smirk as he leaves and turn back to the computer. My eyes fall to my hands, which are splattered with blood for a split second. Once I blink, it vanishes and I sigh. It was going to be a long finals week.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*back at base*

Bumblebee: *buzzes*

Ratchet: He left to check on Avia. North told us she had a scare with Pitch.

Bumblebee: *confused buzzes*

Ratchet: *exasperated sigh* Yes, THAT Pitch. Apparently, he's back, and he knows where she lives now. Optimus is most likely just worried.

Arcee: Well, what about Decepticon activity? They have been unusually quiet, and that's even an understatement.

Ratchet: *types* Nothing new so far. No energon spikes or Agent Fowler calls. It is rather... peculiar...

Bulkhead: What is?

Ratchet: *turns to the others* Every Fandom's villains are very silent as of right now.... except the Guardians... Pitch made a move and the others seem to be... nonexistent.

Arcee: You're not suggesting...?

Bulkhead: That they're teaming up?

Ratchet: *rubs his chin and gazes down* I do not know... Though I get a grave feeling that I may be right..... We need to prepare for the worst...