Of This Life and the Next

Chapter 16 : Forgiveness and Acceptance

‘-that’s what Sentinel Prime thought would be best for his family.’

Those words replayed over and over in Optimus’ mind, leading him to come to only one conclusion in what that sentence could possibly mean…

“Whatever it is you’re thinking…you’re probably right.” Elita continued nervously. “A long time ago, Sentinel sired a sparkling, a little femme- a Prime…and that Prime femme grew up and met a mech, and together, they created a femmeling Prime of their own…” Elita looked at Sam as if for strength before continuing, “Eventually, that femmeling grew into a femme, and one solar-cycle, she met a mech Prime, and after a while…they welcomed a little Prime as well.” Elita’s optics rose to meet her mate’s stunned expression.

With wide optics, Optimus looked back and forth between his mate and son as it finally clicked in what his mate was saying, “Elita…y-…you…you’re a-”

“Elita Prime would be my appropriate title, yes.” Elita tried to give the smallest of smiles, but due to her nerves, it came out more as a grimace. When Optimus made no attempt to return the grin, she deflated, “You’re upset…I understand.” She cast her gaze down to the berth, “You have every right to be, and…I wouldn’t blame you for being angry at me, regardless at the amount of time.” She closed her optics in shame.

Sam whined at his mother’s distraught state before casting his own sorrowful optics up at his father.

Optimus regarded his son- the creation of not one but two Primes!

True, Optimus never really believed that he was thee last Prime in existence, but at the same time, it never would have occurred to him that maybe his own mate was one as well…but looking back on it now, it made sense.

For as long as Optimus knew Elita, she had always had this…aura about her, strong and commanding and just…a natural leader. And now, he was finding out that it was all partially because she was the direct descendant of some of the most powerful beings of their species.

Talk about astronomical chances! But none the less, Elita was his mate, and long held secrets or not, Optimus still loved her with all his spark, and right now, she needed his comfort and reassurance.

He inched closer and took his love’s hand into a reassuring hold, “Elita…light of my universe…” Elita sent him a hopeful glance, “I am not angry at your silence. Upset? I…I’ll admit I am upset that you didn’t trust me with your secret, but…I do understand your reasons for remaining hidden, and knowing what I do now, I’m glad you did.” Optimus brought Elita’s hand to his lips and gave it a soft kiss.

Elita sighed through her vents, “I still feel like I allowed you and all our comrades to put yourself in danger, when I myself knew there was a threat to our kind.”

“A threat that you didn’t have many details to.” Optimus reasoned.

“But we could have figured out something together!” Elita insisted, “We could have looked deeper into our heritage and discovered that there was some vengeful bot out there that was looking to kill us, and-”

“And go out and risk both our lives in an attempt to destroy him?” Optimus finished.

“Yes!” Elita nodded urgently.

Optimus exhaled, “Had it not been for the guidance and assistance of Jetfire, who knew The Fallen personally, I wouldn’t have been able to defeat The Fallen on my own…even if I had you fighting beside me. I feel we would have just made it easier for him to eliminate two Primes if we tried to attack him at the same time.”