Hidden Spark on Earth (TFP)

Chapter 51

"When I did find a suitable place where there were no prying eyes, I had you get out." His optics change to sadness as he spoke. "I had thought that you would be safe...there was a pit filled with bodies that terrified you...you ran away and I was confident that Ronan would come to me...I thought he did. Five minutes after you ran off, the RAM showed up and teased me before speeding away...and I chased it down until I rammed the truck into a stone wall. Only...it was not your father in the driver's seat...it was your stepsister..." Saphira widened her eyes upon hearing that. She realized Optimus killed her stepsister, which was shocking to hear. "I realized I had been fooled and raced back to save you...but Ronan must have grabbed you first. I found there had been a scuffle, and followed the tracks back to the road...where I didn't know where to find you..."

Optimus looked down with a deep sadness and Ratchet placed a hand on his shoulder. "You could not have known, Optimus. It wasn't your fault."

"I know..." Optimus did seem like he was going to cry, but he was keeping himself together. Saphira didn't have anymore memories come back, but she didn't like what she was hearing either. And she definitely disliked that her former family had tricked him. "It took several hours to find you, Saphira. I do not know what he and your stepmother had done to you, but you managed to signal me with the watch. And when I found you...your back had been torn...you had new bruises over your body, your throat had a hand print on it and...your shoulder was dislocated."

Saphira shuddered as she listened. "Your ribs managed to puncture your lung this time," Ratchet said softly. "I was forced to operate when Optimus brought you back. Thankfully, I was able to prevent air escaping your lung and filling with blood. I made sure your ribs were set back into place. That's probably why you feel sore. And, while the wounds on your back were substantial, you are not paralyzed." Saphira was very relieved to hear that. "But you will be in bed for sometime. You need go heal enough from the surgery before I'll let you leave."

Saphira nodded as she underwent before she wondered something. "What about...what about my mother's..." She didn't yet to finish the sentence as tears fill her eyes.

Optimus leaned down closer with a sad expression. "I'm sorry...you've been asleep for a week." Saphira gasped in surprise and she tried sitting up. He gently placed his hand over her to stop her. "Stop, Saphira...you are not in any condition to do that. You heard Ratchet."

Saphira frowned at them as tears fall from her eyes. "But...but my mother..."

"Would understand and want you to be safe and healed," Ratchet interrupts gently. "And I am afraid you will miss out on the graduation ceremony, but Fowler was able to give the school the medical certificate to say you can't go in. So, you have been sent your graduation certificate early."

Saphira didn't know if she was happy about that or not. She was more upset that she missed her mother's death anniversary, and it was her father's fault. She let out a soft sob, tears fill her eyes and she didn't hold them back. Optimus shifted his hand over her gently to stroke her cheek gently to wipe off the tears. She didn't try to stop him. She was glad he was here with her. She wanted to kiss him, but she couldn't take the mask off at the moment. She knew she needed it to keep her breathing well due to her lungs.

"We are sorry, Saphira," Optimus said, his voice purring gently as he tried to soothe her. "I know it might not be the same...but you can still pay tribute to your mother when Ratchet gives you the clear. It might be a little while, but you will be okay."

Saphira sniffled and looked up at him, smiling slightly. "I-I know..." She took a deep breath and pressed her cheek into his finger gently. "Thank you for being here..." She closed her eyes as she felt tired all of a sudden. "I at least know that my former family will not bother me anymore."