Chapter Nine
Since returning to base, my appetite had mysteriously vanished. I wasn't really surprised, it tended to do that whenever I was stressed or upset. I could tell that Optimus was worried from the way he kept looking at me and not letting me out of his sight, but I couldn't convince him I was okay with whatever I said. He was helping Ratchet service the GroundBridge when Arcee and Jack returned through the small road that was opened by the secret entrance in the cliff. Jack dismounted and Arcee transformed behind him. I smiled at her, but I could feel that it didn't reach my eyes. She smiled kindly back and then looked at Optimus questioningly. Jack yawned and stretched, displaying newly developed pecks underneath his t-shirt. I looked away, feeling a bit awkward.
'Hey Sky, how are you?' Jack regarded me with a warm look from his baby blue eyes and I inadvertently took a step towards him. I shrugged in answer to his question. Out of the three, I was closest to Jack. Probably because he was only two years younger than me and I ironically saw him as an older brother despite him being younger than me. He seemed to notice my blue mood and said softly; 'do wanna go someplace private?' I nodded gratefully and he started to lead the way. I looked back at Optimus, giving him a small smile. He smiled back, and nodded to me. I knew he wouldn't come unless I asked him to, unless he thought my safety was at risk. Arcee went over to Optimus and Ratchet, but Jack and I didn't stay long enough to hear the start of their conversation. Jack led the way through the maze of abnormally wide and tall corridors to Arcee's private quarters. I had only been in her quarters once to let her know that Jack needed picking up from school after some trouble from the school bully, Vince. Looking around again, Arcee's 'furniture' amused me with the difference in scale. Her berth was about six foot off of the ground, and I could scramble up if I really wanted to. There was no way I could do that with Optimus's berth, the only way I could get onto it was if he put me on it himself. Jack lowered himself on the floor and I followed. He sat waiting, but not pushing me to talk. I was silent for a few moments before I started to speak.
'I saw someone from the past today. He used to be my boss in the diner I worked in, before I met Optimus. He was probably the only person I cared for in my life because he showed me kindness and compassion. I just bumped into him today by chance, and he was just..so angry. I understand that it's a lot to accept, but I've never seen that side of Charlie before. Optimus had to intervene. I thought he would at least come back here..but after I explained all that had happened, he just turned and walked away Jack.' I wiped furiously at a tear that had escaped, and before I knew it, Jack's arms were around me. I didn't resist, but just sobbed into him, letting all the frustration seep out of me. How long we sat there I don't know, but he let me ruin his shirt. He gently adjusted me so I was sitting up, and looked me in the eye.
'I've never seen you hurt like this Sky, but if he hurt you this much, then it tells me that you don't need someone like that in your life. I know it seems hard now, but time will make it easier. I promise. When my dad first left, I was so angry and I shut myself off to everyone around me. I shut my mother out, and just took all my blame out on the world. Now I realise that we are better off without my dad, and I am in fact happy with the way that things worked out. If my dad hadn't have left us, I wouldn't have needed to get a job to help mum and then I never would have met Arcee. I know it hurts now Sky, but I promise it will get easier with time. It's just a case of learning how to deal with it and having the right people around you. You're stronger than you think Sky.' I sniffed and smiled at Jack gratefully as he helped me to my feet. 'I think you need Optimus right now.' He gently led me back to the main communications room and back to Optimus. Jack walked over to Arcee and she smiled down at him. Optimus walked over to me and came down to my level, gazing at me with obvious concern present in his optics.
'Thank you for looking after her Jack.' Optimus said over my head before gently curling his large fingers around me and lifting me off of the ground. I sat quietly in his palm as he walked to our private quarters. He put me down on my bed, which was on top of a huge, Optimus sized metal storage container, which also doubled as Optimus's bed side table. He sat down on his berth, and like that we were pretty much at eye to optic level with each other. I rubbed my eyes, they were puffy and sore from crying onto Jack. My hysteria over Charlie had passed and I now felt a lot calmer. Optimus's steady demeanour also helped to keep my mood calm and constant. We sat in silence for a few moments before Optimus broke it.
'Sky. In these past eighteen months, I have watched you grow and mature into a beautiful young woman. You have the purest soul that it has ever been my pleasure to know. This is the first time I have seen you hurt this badly and in pains my Spark to see you hurt like this. I am here for you little one, and I will be whatever you need me to be.'
At this small speech, I felt my eyes well up with tears again. I said nothing but got off of my bed and held my arms out to him. He smiled and reached for me, holding me tenderly against his chest and I relished in the tender contact. Optimus held me so that I was level with his face and I leant lightly against his helm. He nuzzled me softly and before I knew it, he planted a cool metal kiss on my forehead. I drew back in surprise, my hand automatically going to my forehead. Optimus looked at me in alarm, fearing he had done the wrong thing. 'Sky, I'm sorry. I thought-'. I stopped him mid-sentence, standing in his palm and placing both hands over his mouth. He looked down at me in surprise, raising one eyebrow in that inquisitive manner he possessed in such abundance.
'Optimus. Please don't be sorry, I just wasn't expecting it. It was nice.' I took my hands away from his mouth and settled back down cross legged in his palm. His concern melted away immediately and he smiled gently at me. 'I'm sorry Optimus, you shouldn't have had to have seen that.' I looked down at my hands as I said this and felt his finger gently move my chin and tilt my face upwards so I was looking him directly in the optic.
'Sky. Never ever be sorry for displaying your true feelings in front of me. I made a promise to you that I would protect you physically and emotionally. I will do everything in my power to keep you safe and happy.' He shifted so that he was laying down, placing me on his chest with his left hand curled protectively around me. It was like this, in my favourite place with my favourite person in the universe, that I fell asleep.
Optimus's POV
Sky's not been asleep for much longer than half an hour before I am alerted to the sound of the door buzzer going off. So as not to disturb Sky, I answer it through the comm. Link.
'Prime. It's Agent Fowler, I need to talk to you about Sky's father and Charlie. Jack filled me in on what happened earlier.' I let Agent Fowler in and move up into a sitting position as he enters. I gently manoeuvre Sky into my left hand and she only stirs ever so slightly. I put her in her bed and pull the covers over her, ensuring she is warm and comfortable before turning my attention to Agent Fowler. I stand and walk over to my desk where Agent Fowler is waiting for me. I kneel down and off him my palm which he reluctantly accepts.
'My apologies Agent Fowler, it is the only way that we can converse comfortably.' I place my hand upon the desk and Agent Fowler steps off briskly. He settles awkwardly into Sky's worn armchair, placing his hands on his lap. He seems to not want to look me directly in the optic, for his eyes are darting in all different directions, not staying on one fixed point for long. His gaze finally settles on the sleeping form of Sky and there is a brief silence before he speaks.
'Prime. I have been to speak to Charlie and he has agreed to keep quiet about this afternoon's events. I have his cooperation in writing and he will face a hefty fine if he deviates from it. There's really no need to ever hear from him again. However, there is one more thing I need to talk to you about.'
This last statement earns him my full attention and I break my gaze away from Sky and look down at Agent Fowler. I nod and he continues. 'Sky's father is in prison. He is in prison under suspicion of murdering Sky. Prime, you and I both know that Sky's father is an unpredictable and violent man, but he cannot be imprisoned for something that he did not do.'
An unexpected well of anger surges within me, making my Spark pulse briefly but I quickly quell it and bring myself under control.
'Indeed Agent Fowler. But he cannot just go unpunished for all of the abuse that Sky suffered at his hands.' Agent Fowler nods and rubs the back of his neck, a trait I have noticed most humans do when they are stressed. I lightly scan him and his cortisol levels are indeed rising rapidly, as is his heart rate. 'Agent Fowler. Please tell me what is troubling you.' He scrunches his face up for a nano-click and then composes himself.
'Yes Prime. Clarence cannot just go unpunished…which is why the higher ups and myself have agreed that there is to be a trial. It will be held in our own private military court, considering the uhh..unique situation we have. The only thing is..Sky will have to testify against her father if he is to be charged.'
I sigh inwardly and cycle air through my vents.
'Very well. But she will not do it alone. I will be with her throughout the whole process.' Agent Fowler starts to protest, but I put a hand up to stop him. 'I will not have her go through such a traumatic experience alone Agent Fowler. I understand the logistical problems that accompany this, but I have a simple solution.' At this statement, I rise and focus all my energy on the holoform. A brief peculiar sensation washes over me and I am stood next to Agent Fowler upon my desk. Although Agent Fowler has seen my holoform before, he is still not used to the sight. Agent Fowler is tall by human standards, but I am taller than him, standing at 7 feet and 4 inches in human metric measurements.
'Sweet lady Liberty Prime! You're huge!' I merely nod at him and then deactivate my holoform.
'I will practice using my holoform and by the time we have to go to court, I will be able to maintain it. However, I will have my true form parked outside, if there is an attack I need to be able to protect her.' Agent Fowler nods and stands.
'I need to go now Prime, I'm running on fumes alone now.' I nod an offer Agent Fowler my hand once more and lower him to the ground. Once he is gone, I go back over to Sky and watch her twitch gently in her sleep.
Sky's POV (a dream)
I was slightly confused as to where I was. All I knew is that it was really cold, and Optimus was nowhere to be seen. I had called and called for him, but the only replies I received where the echoes of my own voice. Suddenly, another voice spoke, a regal deep voice that I did not recognise.
'At last. I have been waiting for you for a long time.'
A/N - Thank you again for taking the time to read this! ^^ I really appreciate it :)