Hidden Spark on Earth (TFP)

Chapter 40

She screamed as she fell, she managed to catch herself as her hands grabbed a ledge. She grimaced as the edge was sharp and dug into her hands. She looked up and saw the truck rumbling at the edge before reversing and driving away. The person seemed satisfied with what they had done. Saphira sobbed, she was exhausted and in pain, she wanted it all to end. And where were the autobots? She glanced down to see how far she had.

If I push myself off, I'll feel nothing when my body impacts on the ground.

Saphira felt how much more at peace she would be if she did. She glanced up when she heard another engine, it took a moment as it got closer and she realized it was Optimus's engine. She smiled a little, only to shriek as the ledge she was gripping onto crumbled slightly, making her tense and hold tightly. She was hoping Optimus will look over the edge and climb down to get her before she falls, or let's go on her own.

Optimus turned sharply under the archway and his spark almost went cold as he realized there was a ledge at the end of this path. He could still read the signal from the watch as he sped towards the ledge, and he saw the tire tracks on the ground. He realized this driver had pushed her off, or...threw her body off. He transforms and ran to the ledge, peering down in despair at what he might see.

His took a sharp intake of surprise when he saw Saphira hanging onto a ledge off the cliff. "Saphira!" He shifted his legs over to begin climbing down. "Hold on! I'm coming to get you."

Saphira didn't respond, she only watched as Prime moved his feet and hands down carefully to reach her. She was glad he was able to climb down the side of the cliff...and yet, she was upset that he didn't get to her sooner. She glanced down again, pondering if it was worth going back to the base. She sobbed and pressed her knees to the cliff, thinking about pushing off.

"Do NOT let go!" She looked up at Optimus as she startled by the fear in his voice. Optimus had seen Saphira thinking about letting go, and he wasn't about to let her. "I'm almost there, just hang on."

Saphira took a deep breath and waited, but her grip on the ledge was weakening. Her hands stung, her shoulder throbbed and she was sure she had many new bruises on her body. Saphira whimpered, closing her eyes as she hoped Optimus would reach her in time. She didn't know if she had the strength to hang on for much longer.

She gasped when she felt his warm hand wrap around her and she opened her eyes, looking at him, his face was full of relief, fear and sadness. "I've got you. Let go of the ledge and I will take you back to the base."

Saphira nervously let the ledge go, yelping as she slipped into his hand and felt it curl around her protectively. She looked up at him as he gazed back at her before he suddenly braced himself and jumped up. She screamed, grabbing his fingers in surprise as she didn't expect him to jump. He reached the top, landing heavily and looking back down at the terrified girl.

"I am so sorry for not reaching you sooner, Saphira," Optimus purred sadly, pulling her to his shoulder to hug her gently. She trembled and sobbed, she buried her face into his shoulder as she let out the tears. Optimus looked at her back, right shoulder would worry. The wound was deep and still bleeding, it was possible she wouldn't be able to move it properly for sometime. He connects his com link to the base. "Ratchet, I request a ground bridge. I have Saphira, she is safe. But she needs your help."

Optimus wanted to kiss Saphira to comfort her, but he worried there were injuries that he could not see. He looked up when he saw the vortex of the ground bridge open and he ran into it. As he entered the base, everyone in the lobby were relieved, however, Optimus did not stop. He ran past them towards the med bay. Ratchet followed him quickly as he could see the injuries on her body.