It has been two days since they had arrived at the campsite. It was now evening on their second night, and they had spent the day walking along the trails around the campsite, and enjoying the nature itself. Saphira had spent a lot of time talking with everyone as they walked along the path. Especially with Sentinel as she spoke enthusiastically about different things about the world. Sentinel never once tried to interrupt her when she spoke, and he seemed to be genuinely happy that she was so enthusiastic about sharing things about this world with him. Even if what she was focused on was the forest and animals that were around them currently. As he saw how Optimus was thoroughly enjoying the nature surrounding them as well.

Ironhide and Sideswipe had just collected enough firewood to place into the fire pit and Saphira lit the wood with her lighter. She waited for the fire to burn stronger before she would even tried to cook anything. She did bring some potatoes, so she wrapped two in aluminium foil and she was lucky there was room to safely place the potatoes at the base of the pit to cook. As for the rest of the food, she mostly brought things that didn't need to be cold to stay fresh. She had some tin spaghetti that she ate while they all sat around the fire.

"And that is how I gave Optimus the Matrix in Egypt." Saphira smiled as she had just finished telling Sentinel the story on how she found the Matrix and brought Optimus back to life with it. "It is a memory that I don't think I will ever forget. I had so much hope and belief that it would work bringing him back, that I am sure that my love and determination was the reason why the Matrix repaired itself."

Sentinel was rubbing his chin as he listened to the story. Saphira sat next to Optimus, and she leaned against him happily. "Hmm…so that is the tail of hope you retrieved the Matrix…fascinating. And it all started on the fact you touched a piece of the All Spark. I suppose it has always been fate that you would be the one to save a Prime. That kind of makes you one too."

Saphira chuckled softly. "I am flattered you would put me in the same category as you and Optimus, but I really can't see it, if I am honest. I just did what I had to do. Just like I would any other time." Saphira turned her head and looked at Optimus. "But I hope that I never have to see you get killed again, Optimus. That still traumatized me."

Optimus leaned in and kissed her, gently brushing strands of hair from her face with his fingers. "I cannot make a promise like that, Saphira. I can only promise that I will not allow myself to drop my guard like I had, which resulted in my death." He kissed her again and she shuffled herself closer to him to press her body against his warm holoform. "I don't want to think about that moment all the time."

"I don't. But I do sometimes have nightmares where I am back in that forest, running and running, and I see you die by Megatron's hands. So it is not easy to get away from that memory at all, Optimus." She looked at the fire as Optimus held her tightly around the waist. "But at least it is now just a dream. Because I wake up, and you are still here."

"As it should be."

Sentinel observed Saphira and Optimus quietly. He had been watching how the two interacted over the afternoon, and he could see just how much Optimus adored and loved Saphira. And she also loved Optimus deeply. They seem to really mesh well together in terms of personality. Saphira had picked up a wildflower while they were walking along the trail, and to her surprise, a butterfly landed on it without fear. Sentinel had no idea what insect it was, but he watched Optimus manage to lift the butterfly onto his finger, and he said that the way he took care in not harming the butterfly was how he cared for Saphira. And she loved how he said it.

Sentinel has not really sorted out how he felt about Optimus having a human for a sparkmate. He was happy Optimus found someone to love, but he wasn't entirely sure about how he felt about a human being his sparkmate. Sentinel did see a lot of things about Saphira that made him understand why Optimus would have fallen for her, but she was still a human. And while it did not seem a sparkling has been born from them, Sentinel knew that it was possible that they could have one.

"Now that you know about how we defeated the Fallen, it must come as a surprise to you that the Fallen was still trying to destroy this planet after all these years. And the fact that Megatron was working for him." Sentinel glanced at Ironhide when the weapons specialist spoke to him. "I did not even know the pink still existed until then."

"I think the Fallen has been in contact with Megatron since the war began on Cybertron. Megatron, from what I understand, has had communications with beings that I don't know about. The Fallen was one of them. And I am certain there was one other…but I forget." Sentinel shrugged with a slight wave of his hand. "And I don't think it should worry us now. Megatron, it sounds, is currently hiding like a coward. So he's pretty much been weakened."

"I kind of wish you had killed him from that blast you gave to him, Optimus," Saphira said with a smirk, remembering the very moment that Optimus had used the cannons Jetfire had given him on Megatron. "I mean, you almost completely destroyed his body."

Optimus grinned with a slight shrug. "Maybe that is because he got in the way, Saphira. And mostly because I wanted to get you away from him safely, and you were within very close range so I had to keep the power a little weaker so I wouldn't accidentally hurt you." That makes sense. Saphira was clinging to Optimus's shoulder when he had blasted Megatron. "And the Fallen was a greater threat than Megatron."

"I guess that makes sense as to why Megatron is still alive. You prioritized your sparkmate over the death of your enemy." Sentinel smiled as he seemed to approve of that. "It seems you still carry on with my teachings, Optimus. I am pleased to hear that." He glanced down at the pit as he looked at the aluminium wrapped potatoes. "How long are those going to be cooking in there for, Saphira?"

"Thirty minutes to an hour roughly. It has been about twenty minutes, and I've only had the spaghetti for the moment." Saphira was still feeling hungry, so the potatoes were going to be very good when they were done. "Don't worry, I'll announce to everyone when they will be done so you know what I am doing when I am getting the potatoes out from the coals."

"Good to know." Sentinel glanced around at the trees with a smile. The tranquillity of this place has been really good for everyone. Even Sentinel has commented just how peaceful it is out here. "I am glad that we got to spend a lot of time out here, Saphira. It was a good idea to show me this part of your world."

"It was nothing. And there are so many places…OOH!" Saphira suddenly had a great idea. "Maybe we should find another place nearby to camp!" She turned to Optimus who simply smiled at the idea. "If Mearing allows it, we could go somewhere a little cooler. I think that will be a lot of fun too."

"I think we should not push the boundaries too much, Saphira. I don't think Mearing wants us to go further than the city itself, so we need to respect that." She sighed a little as she completely understood what Optimus meant. He rubbed her cheek gently with his thumb. "But maybe it will be something we do soon. We just have to be patient."

"I completely agree with Optimus, Saphira. I have enjoyed getting to know your world while spending time with you, and there is plenty of time to keep learning about it." Sentinel glanced back down at the fire again before looking back at her. "And I am kind of curious about something." She looked at the older autobot curiously. "How long have you been Optimus's sparkmate for?"

"A bit over a year now, so not very long. I am nineteen now, and I met Optimus a few years ago." Saphira couldn't believe it has not been very long since she has known Optimus. "Wow…a few years…" She glanced up at the sky with a smile. "You know, I still remember the night we met. When they came to this planet by some kind of asteroids…"

"They were pods, not asteroids," Ratchet corrected Saphira with a light chuckle. "Although, I can see why they looked like asteroids. The entry into this planet was very rough." He looked at Sentinel with a smirk. "You are very lucky you did not arrive to this planet that way. I do not recommend it."

Sentinel just grinned at Ratchet in amusement and looked at Saphira as the girl was still looking up at the sky, watching the stars. "Keep going, Saphira. I am curious about the night you met the autobots."

"Well…I did meet Bumblebee before them…though Bumblebee…" Saphira frowned and looked at the bot curiously. "How the hell did you figure out where I lived anyway, Bee? That's kind of always puzzled me."

"Uh…well…" Bee was immediately flustered and embarrassed by the question. "I don't want to upset you, but…when you posted the glasses on the internet, I was able to trace the upload back to you…and I followed you…" Bumblebee felt he was shrinking under the gaze of the other autobots. "I really think I should stop there."

Saphira, Ironhide, Sideswipe and Dino all laugh at Bee as his response was rather funny. But at least the question has been answered, so Saphira wouldn't have to ask it again. Optimus had an amused smile on his face as he was also amused by Bee's response. Bumblebee had been worried that Optimus would be mad at him, but he was very relieved when Optimus did not seem to care much, and that made him relax again.

"Anyway, the night that I met Optimus, well…" Saphira looked back up at the sky as she picture the night in her mind. "After Bumblebee had just fought with Barricade…" Barricade smirked a little as he remembered that night, even though he had been beaten by Bumblebee that night. "He managed to convince me that he was good and after that, he drove through the city and he had decided to get an upgrade from the classic camaro he was before."

Bumblebee chuckled a little. "Well…I have been driving around looking like that old car for a while. I had wanted to get an upgrade, so it was a perfect opportunity."

"It sure was." Saphira leaned her head on Optimus's shoulder as she kept staring at the sky. "And then the asteroids came, and Bee basically told me you were here. And what does he do? He takes me to an industrial area where I make a joke about it being the part in a movie where something jumps out and eat you." Bumblebee chuckled in amusement at Saphira. "But that is where I met Optimus. Between the large industrial buildings, with all the autobots driving towards us, I honestly…well…" She turned her head and looked at Optimus with a smile. "When you approached me, I was curious from the start. The fact you were alone made me think you were the leader. And I was right."

"I remember seeing you for the first time as I approached as well. At first, I thought I was seeing things because Elita's holoform looked like your natural appearance. But I knew right away that maybe I was not seeing things because Bumblebee had informed us that humans all have different appearances." He kissed Saphira gently and she smiled as she thoroughly enjoys the affection, he shows to her. "I suppose at the start I was attracted to you from your appearance, but I kept my feelings controlled as I knew that you were only a young human, and there it was best to remain friends."

"And here we are now. A few years later and I am your sparkmate. I would never change that fact for the world as all." She kissed him again before she shifted a little to rest her head on his chest. "I love you, Optimus."

Optimus rubbed her arm gently and kissed the side of her head. "I love you too, my sweet, little, gem…" Saphira blushed and grinned happily. "I too would never change that fact. And now…" Optimus leaned a little, looking down at the aluminium covered potatoes and grabbed the tongues to grab out the potatoes. "I believe these should be done by now."

"They smell done. But give it a little bit because they will be very hot. I don't want to burn my hands." Saphira watched as Optimus placed the potatoes onto a plate and sat the plate on the log so Saphira could have it when it was cool enough. "Now we have to think about what to do tomorrow, I guess."

"Well…um…if you don't mind, Saphira, I had wanted to spend sometime alone with my old mentor." She glanced up at Optimus in surprise and she saw Optimus smiling back at her. "It has been so many years since Sentinel and I have spoken, and I know you want to get to know Sentinel some more, Saphira. But he and I could use time alone to speak."

Saphira was not too surprised that Optimus was asking for that. Him wanting to spend time with his former mentor was rather normal in her mind. "I don't mind at all. Just make sure you inform Mearing of the plan, Optimus. I would rather not deal with her if she happens to turn her anger on me."

"She certainly has a lot to say when she has to," Ironhide commented with a frown. "A little too much. But at least she is not whiney and pathetic like Galloway was. I am so glad he's no longer around. He would still be a pain in the backside otherwise."

Saphira nodded in agreement. "Yeah…I am glad too. But he was working for the decepticons, so I guess we can't blame him completely." She let out a soft yawn as she was a little bit tired from all the hiking she had done today. "Well…I think I should eat those potatoes before going off to bed. I am tired from walking all day." Optimus grabbed the plate and touched the aluminium foils before opening them and watched the steam escape from the hot potatoes. "They smell good."

"They are still very hot, so I hope that won't burn you," Optimus said before he reached down to the bag resting on the log to grab out a fork for Saphira. "But they at least seem to be cooked properly."

Saphira nodded in agreement as she took the fork and began to eat the potatoes. They were very hot, but they weren't too hot that Saphira couldn't tolerate them. Plus, she made sure to cool down the pieces by blowing on them anyway. Saphira was feeling quite happy that the camping trip had gone very smoothly. Over the last few days, she spent time with Sentinel. He told her stories of his time on Cybertron, and the stories of how he taught Optimus during those years. It was extremely nice to hear those stories. He did not tell her what happened when he left Cybertron though, claiming it to be a very painful memory, so Saphira did not bring it up again.

Once she finished eating, Saphira crawled into her tent after saying her goodnight to everyone and slipped into the sleeping bag for the night. She was feeling very happy about the whole trip. Though after a few hours, she ended up waking up with the serious need to use the bathroom. She groaned as she knew that none of the autobots would have their holoforms around, but that was fine. She would be able to crouch next to a tree without them interrupting.

She unzipped the tent and stepped out with a yawn, jumping when she saw Sentinel's holoform laying on the grass and staring up at the sky. He had a sad, thought filled expression on his face before he turned his head and saw she was out of the tent. "What are you doing up at this hour? Shouldn't you be asleep, Saphira?"

Saphira smiled at him. "Normally, yes. But I need to pee, so I am just going to over to the bush over there…" She points over to the bush so Sentinel can see. "And I'll do my business so I can go back to bed. I don't want you to panic at all."

"I am not." Sentinel moved to sit up before heaving himself from the ground. "I have just been keeping to myself for the night. Watching the stars and listening to the animals around in the forest. It is so fascinating how the night still comes alive."

"Oh, yeah. There are lots of nocturnal animals." Saphira walked over to the bush, making sure Sentinel could not sure her legs before she slid her jeans off and crouch behind the bush, sighing with relief as she began relieving herself. "Is that the only reason why you are out here? It seems like you are thinking about something, Sentinel."

Sentinel did not respond to Saphira straight away. He was clearly still thinking as he let out a deep sigh. "I suppose it is not the only reason. The peacefulness that I am hearing around me seem to be helping me relax and calm my mind to allow me to think. And I have been thinking over many things."

Saphira found herself interested in what he was thinking, as it could be able many different things. "Well, what are you thinking about? Has it been something that has been troubling you over the last few days? Maybe I can help by listening to you."

"I am not sure if you can." Sentinel's uncertainty in the tone of his voice was a tad unsettling, but Saphira did not know if she should be worried. "But you have been very accepting of me being here, Saphira. And I am thankful that you have welcomed me with such open arms. It is very different to how your leaders have treated me so far."

"You are important to Optimus, and he spoke a lot of good things about you. So I wanted you to feel like you are part of the family. Because I see all the autobots as my family. A lot more than I can say about my biological family." Saphira finished relieving herself and she stood back up, pulling her panties and jeans back up. "I guess I haven't really told you about my parents…but that isn't very important."

"Optimus mentioned it to me that your parents disowned you." He looked towards the bush as she walked out from behind it and walked towards him, folding her arms and shivering from the cool, night air. "Can you confirm that is what happened?"

She nodded. "Yeah…they think I had done something bad. And even when they were told I was not being charged, they had decided to disown me. But truthfully…they were never emotionally there for me. I can't tell you the last time they ever hugged me." She sat down on the log beside Sentinel, feeling the warmth from fire pit as there was still some red coals giving off heat. "So I…I guess I did not know what love really was when I was a kid. When I was fourteen, I discovered street racing…and that's how I learned to drive cars and make money."

"I suppose the racing must have given you a reason to feel as though you belonged somewhere." She nodded as that was exactly what the races made her feel. Saphira knew it was somewhat unhealthy, because what she had done was illegal, but it was an escape from her life. "It is a shame that you did not have a good childhood. On Cybertron, many sparklings of the more recent generation were not able to have such a great time growing up either. Bumblebee is among that generation too."

"I guess I could have guessed that." Saphira took a deep breath and looked at Sentinel with a smile. "I guess you were thinking about the past, right? The war and the fact you lost it." The Prime looked away and nodded. "I am very sorry you woke up to find that you've lost your world, Sentinel. I don't think I will be able to understand that feeling. Losing a home is one thing, an entire world is another."

"Thank you, Saphira. You are very humble for someone as young as you are." He placed his hand on her shoulder gently as he smiled at her. "I too am sorry that our war came to this world. It wasn't what was supposed to happen…but it did…especially since something so ancient is here." She raised an eyebrow as she wondered what Sentinel meant by that. "I am glad that one of the first humans I have met, is you. I can see why Optimus loves you. I am still getting my head wrapped around that you are his sparkmate, but…I have said that more than once." She nodded in agreement as he definitely has. "But I can see why. You have such a lovely nature about you. You seem to be brave, gentle, humble and unconditional…something I was not expecting to come from a human."

"Aw, thanks…nobody's really said that." She placed her hand over his hand on her shoulder with a smile. "And I hope that…that you find a home here, Sentinel." The Prime glanced down before turning his head away and slipped his hand from her shoulder. "Sentinel, I know that you probably wish you can save Cybertron. I am not even sure how one would save a whole world from dying."

Sentinel grimaced a little and Saphira was able to notice that. "This world certainly has a lot of things to do and enjoy. You have introduced me to a world that is beautiful, and peaceful…I…but this is not home for me, Saphira. I am glad that you want me to see it as a home, just as Optimus does, but there is a way to repair Cybertron. I have been told how to save Cybertron."

By who? Megatron? Or someone else?

"And this world has an answer to that problem…one that I don't think you will quite understand." She frowned a little as she listened to Sentinel as he continued to speak. "However, I want you to know this, Saphira." He turned his head to look at her kindly. "I do not intend harm to come to you. I will ensure that."

She deepened her frown as she listened to him. "Um…what the hell do you mean by that, Sentinel? That is a little bit strange the way you worded that. It sounds like you have some kind of plan…I just hope it does not involve something bad. We have had enough of war on this planet."

"I am afraid it is not something you need to be concerned about, Saphira." Sentinel stood up from the log as she watched him in confusion. "You just need to know that my intentions on making things right is not personal towards you. And as you are Optimus's sparkmate, keeping you safe is my duty. So don't worry about what I need to do." Saphira wanted to ask more, but Sentinel's holoform faded and that left Saphira sitting on her own on the log.

Did he just admit he's planning something with Megatron? Or am I dreaming?

She pinched herself to make sure she was not dreaming. And when she realized she wasn't, she felt a sudden surge of nausea and she ran over to a nearby tree before she began to heave violently, coughing loudly as she emptied her stomach contents onto the ground. She certainly had not expected to get sick so suddenly. Though as she braced herself on the tree while she emptied her stomach, she felt a familiar, warm hand touch her back and she looked over her shoulder to see Optimus's holoform.

His worried expression said it all. "Are you okay?" He asked gently before she looked down to heave again. He rubbed her back and pulled her hair out of her face. "There you go, let it all out, Saphira." She was happy that he was here as she already felt a sense of comfort in his presence. "I hope it wasn't the potatoes or the spaghetti."

She shook her head. She grimaced as she rubbed her throat as it burned from regurgitating her stomach contents. "No…I don't think so…" She took deep breaths and she no longer felt like heaving. "I think I should sit again. I am fine."

Optimus allowed Saphira to lean on his as he walked with her back to the log for her to sit down before he sat beside her and took her hands into his. "What is wrong, Saphira? You have been getting sick randomly like this recently, and I am worried that something is wrong."

Saphira frowned a little, even though she knew that Optimus would likely sense whenever she has been getting sick. "It's fine, Optimus. I haven't been throwing my guts up everyday. I think I just…maybe it was one of the things I ate."

"Is that the reason for the other times you have been sick?" She shrugged and Optimus softened his expression, gazing at her with concern. "Saphira, I love you and I want you to know you can tell me what is wrong. This is not something you do regularly. If you were purging more often…say, if it was something you did since we met, I could overlook this. But I can't. Not while I know this is unnatural for you."

He rubbed her hands with his thumbs, and Saphira could see he was genuinely worried about her. She smiled at him reassuringly. "I am fine, Optimus. If I was sick more regularly, I would definitely have more reason to be worried. I just am going to say that we should leave the campground as soon as we can tomorrow morning. That way you can spend more time with Sentinel."

Optimus seemed very unconvinced. He was certain that something was different about Saphira, but she didn't know, or did not want to know. He sighed and leaned forward to kiss her gently. "Very well. I trust your word, Saphira. But do tell me if you do have some idea as to why you have been sick."

She nodded and promised that she would inform him. Optimus stayed with Saphira while she sat on the log for a bit longer before returning to her tent and drinking some water. He crawled into the tent with her and held her once she was in the sleeping bag, allowing her to enjoy the warmth from his holoform body. But as much as Optimus was comforting her, Saphira could not help but think back to what Sentinel had said to her. She really hoped he wouldn't go through with whatever plan he had for this planet. He seemed so nice over the last few days. She knew what she needed to do now, and she needed to rope in Barricade to help her. And possibly help from someone else too.