Through Ash and Dust (ROTB)

Chapter 36

It took a week before the physically injuries Saphira had received from Arthur to heal enough that they were not of much concern. Saphira had worried they would get infected, but they did not. So Saphira was able to heal from them quite quickly. Her concussion was definitely evident the day after the incident, and she took the time to rest and recover, giving her brain time to heal. She didn't even paint or write in her diary. She knew she could if she wanted to, but chose not to. And it allowed her brain to recover quickly, and she was no longer dizzy or stumbling, and she was happy that she would be fine.

But Saphira found herself having nightmares every night. Every night she would dream that she was being chased by Arthur and her family through the city. And it would always end in them torturing and killing her with none of the autobots present. She would always hear them shouting for her, but it was like they could not hear her in her nightmare. And Saphira hated these dreams. She would always wake in Optimus's arms, but it seemed that it wasn't enough to keep the nightmares away. It made her tired everyday, but she did her best to keep a happy personality.

It also took two days before Optimus and Saphira revealed to the other autobots that they have finally confessed. Mirage and Bumblebee were absolutely thrilled. They both wanted to have a party, but as Saphira had still been recovering, they decided that could wait. Arcee was surprised, but she was supportive. She had not been sure if the relationship would even happen, so when it was finally verbalized, she was happy for them. The femme showed no signs of anger and resentment, so Saphira was relieved. Especially as Arcee mentioned she hoped she would be able to find that kind of relationship too.

They did find another place to take refuge, and they made sure to travel far from the previous location, and it was another old factory on the other side of the city. It was closer to the museum though, so that was good. But this factory was abandoned a long time ago, and people often kept away from it anyway. There were some old shipping containers here that were still in good condition, and Saphira felt that they could be used for storage. But she has yet to do that.

And now that Saphira knew which museum to bring the items to, she really did want to take them back. But it took longer than she would have liked to heal from the injuries, and as winter was coming to an end, there have been some days where the snow would melt and give them a sense of spring. Only for it to snow again. Saphira enjoyed the days when the snow would melt, because she enjoyed the fresh scent that came with it, and it just felt warmer too.

Optimus looked down at Saphira with a worried expression. She was flinching, whimpering and muttering words that he could not understand, but she was reacting as though she was being attacked by someone. He already knew what it was, and he held her against his chassis and rubbed the back of her head. "Saphira, you're having the nightmare again." She whimpered and tensed, letting out light sobs and began to say no in her sleep. "I'm right here, Saphira. Please, wake up." She shifted some more before she let out a scream and sat up abruptly, though found herself in Optimus's arms as she glanced around fearfully and looked at him with wide, fearful eyes. "I'm right here, Saphira."

She pouted before she burst into tears and hugged Optimus, placing her cheek on his shoulder gently as she sobbed. She hated the nightmare she was having every night, and she could not get a break. She has considered getting sleeping pills, but felt that would only make the nightmares worse. At least she had comfort knowing that Optimus would be there when she would wake up, as having him there when she opened her eyes made her relax a lot quicker. But that didn't stop her emotions.

Optimus rubbed the back of her head gently as he rocked her while she sobbed into his shoulder. He felt helpless on how to help her. He could not fend off the nightmares, and could not give her good dreams. He could only hold her and house her like he has been. And it was all that he could do. He knew she appreciated it, and she held onto him so tightly that it was like she feared that he would disappear from her arms. Luckily, that would not happen.