Hidden Spark on Earth (TFP)

Chapter 82

Saphira and Optimus kiss and hug for a few minutes before he rose to his feet again and moved her to his shoulder. Saphira happily slid onto his shoulder and leaned on his cheek, keeping her arms around his neck. She wanted to be as close as possible to him right now, she knew that they were in danger, but that didn't stop her from wanting to be close to him right now.

All eyes and optics were on them, however. Ratchet placed his hands on his hips, frowning at Optimus. "Are you seriously going to allow Megatron to walk in?" Optimus nodded affirmatively. Ratchet shakes his head at him. "Optimus, I know that desperate times call for desperate measures, bringing Megatron here?!" He just could not believe it at all.

"How can you even think about letting that monster near these children after what he did to Raf?" June questioned angrily, her eyes narrow at the leader as she felt this was just ridiculous.

"He will be closely monitored," Optimus responded to the woman reassuringly. "And only allowed to linger long enough to send us on our journey. Not one moment more."

"What's gonna stop the con from calling in an airstrike if he knows where you live?" Fowler asked bluntly, gesturing around at the base around them with concern. Especially with the town nearby.

"By ground bridging Megatron here, he will be unable to get a fix on our coordinates." Optimus knew the concern of an attack was on everyone's minds, and he wanted to reassure them it would be okay.

"And what about Saphira?" Fowler gestured to the girl on Optimus's shoulder. "What is going to stop Megatron from just snatching her again?"

Saphira tensed, that thought had been on her mind as well. "While I do not intend on hiding Megatron in case he tries to walk through the base to find her, she will be kept away from him." Optimus looked at Saphira. "While you might feel safe there, Megatron can grab you from my shoulder. It isn't as safe as you believe it will be."

Saphira frowned a little at him before her expression softened. "I guess you're right...I still would rather be close to you..."

"I know." Optimus smiled at her with a small smile, knowing she did not want to be in Megatron's presence. "However, for a short time, we cannot be together, Saphira. You will be fine as long as you stay far from Megatron's reach. He would need to fly to grab you."

She nodded, understanding what he was saying. "Well...I'll stay here until you let him come in."

Optimus did not expect anything left from Saphira. He wasn't going to make her get off his shoulder now, especially as using the Matrix could be something he can't come back from. Optimus felt a pain in his spark knowing this...but he did not know how to tell her.

"Optimus..." He turned his head to Jack when the boy spoke to him directly. "What's going to happen to you when all your Matrix energy is released?"

Optimus saw that question coming, and responded accordingly. "The power within the Matrix has not previously been utilized in this particular manner." He had turned to face away from Jack as he spoke.

Saphira frowned, looking at him, wondering if he had any idea. "But...you have an idea, don't you?" Jack asked bluntly.

There was no response to Jack's question, the feeling of dread in Saphira only grew. She placed her hand on his cheek gently. "Please tell me you'll at least come back...won't you?"

'Of course, Saphira.' He responded gently through the bond. 'I simply do not know what exactly will happen once the power is gone...so I may no return with the same strength as I did.'

'I don't care about that, as long as you are alive and well.' She kissed his cheek and stroked it gently.

Optimus smiled slightly before he spoke. "Autobots, if humankind is to be saved..." He turned to face the others with a serious expression on his face. "I have no choice but to proceed. But you do."