[Robots and Magic] New Memories, Old Enemies ✓

14. 𝘚𝘰 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵

After returning to the base, Sunset felt the weight of exhaustion settling deep in her bones. Every step was heavy, her mind clouded with lingering exasperation and guilt. She had barely caught her breath from the battle before the looming dread of the stolen geodes gnawed at her consciousness. She sank down onto one of the beds in the medical room, rubbing at her temple as though it might ease the storm brewing inside her mind. It didn't.

The sharp sound of approaching pedes, heavy and deliberate, made her halt. She knew who it was. His presence always seemed to announce itself. The massive Autobot leader stepped into the med-bay, his towering form framed by the doorway. The soft glow of his blue optics found her instantly. She heard him approach, "Sunset." he broke the silence and moved closer to her, lowering himself to one knee, "May I have a word with you, please?"

Her eyes lifted up to meet his. She let out a small, resigned sigh, already defensive, "I know what you're going to say but—"

"Then perhaps you should listen." he interrupted gently, his tone never harsh but carrying a quiet firmness that commanded her full attention. He placed one large servo on the ground beside him for balance, studying her closely, "I am deeply concerned for your well-being. Today's events were... difficult. Not just for the mission but for you."

Sunset's gaze shifted again to the floor, "It's not the first time something like this has happened..." she muttered, her own guilt gnawing at her words.

He remained silent as he considered her response. Then, he spoke, "It is my responsibility to worry about everyone on this team. And that includes you. Especially you."

She frowned, her frustration bubbling up again, "Optimus, I can handle myself." she insisted, her voice sharper than she intended, "I did what I had to do. I couldn't let Steeljaw—"

The Prime raised a servo, silencing her with a simple but deliberate gesture. The calmness inside him never wavered, though there was a trace of sadness there, "This is not a question of your capability." he said evenly, "I have seen your strength. Your bravery." he paused, the next sentence heavier, "But bravery without caution can be dangerous."

She bit her lip, already bracing herself for what she knew was coming.

"You acted recklessly today." Optimus continued, "You went into a mission without consulting me, without considering the danger. You placed yourself directly in harm's way. You must understand the gravity of your actions. You hold the last geode, the very thing our enemies are searching for."

His charge dropped her head even lower, guilt tightening like a fist around her chest. The weight of his disappointment was harder to face than any scolding or anger would have been, "I thought... I could handle it. I didn't want to put them in danger."

A small exvent left Optimus' intake as his massive frame moved with a care that belied his size, his servo resting down. There was no judgment in his movements, only an endless well of compassion and understanding, the kind that came from countless battles fought and burdens borne, "I know this responsibility feels overwhelming. I have carried similar burdens for as long as I can remember. But that is why I cannot allow you to bear this alone. You have people who care for you, who are willing to stand by your side."

Sunset's fists tightened in her lap, the strain visible in her trembling fingers. She blinked heatedly, trying to fight the sting of tears that threatened to spill, "But if I can't protect them—" her tone cracked, "Then maybe I shouldn't even—"

"Young one," he disturbed tenderly, the title wasn't condescending— it carried warmth that only made the lump in her throat harder to swallow, "You are not defined by what you perceive as failures. I care deeply for you. Not because of the geode you hold or the role you play in this team. But because of who you are."