As Optimus drove back to the factory to meet up with the autobots, Saphira sat in the backseat quietly. She still did not know what the autobots have seen, and it seemed that Optimus was now focused on this possibility to return home. She understood the reasons why, but she felt very upset. She didn't want him to leave. She wanted him to stay here with her, but she was unlikely to convince him. Regardless, Saphira knew that she was happy for them, it just hurt a lot. She tried to not show it, because she didn't want to be made to feel selfish. Even though she kind of already felt selfish for not wanting them to leave.
"Are you okay?" She flinched in surprise as she had not expected Optimus to speak to her. "You aren't going to get sick again? I am terribly sorry for not thinking before. That was irresponsible of me." She shook her head as she doubted she would be sick, since she wasn't in the rain for very long. "Something seems to be on your mind. I am curious to know what it might be."
She shrugged a little, glancing towards the window. "I still don't know what you are seeing, Optimus. I could see nothing. So I am very confused. Especially since it has happened so suddenly, and the timing kind of seems a little strange."
"I guess I understand the coincidence that this has happened. But I assure you, we can see it. It must at a molecular level that humans cannot see." She frowned, as she still did not know. "There is a beam rising in the sky at this time. It seems to be a signal coming from a teleportation device. I do not know yet, but I recognize it due to the archives. Arcee will be able to confirm it."
Saphira looked at the window again, still wishing that she could see. "Well, that's really convenient." She let out a light huff as she looked away from the window, bringing up her knees while folding her arms. "At least no humans will be alerted to it, I suppose. But...the sudden appearance makes no sense."
"Unless that sculpture you saw has been uncovered." She didn't react straight away, but she turned her head to look at the dash curiously. "The beam appears to be coming from the island the museum is on. I assume something has happened, and someone has broken the sculpture."
Saphira had not thought of that, but that also was bad. "Oh...that actually makes sense. But if someone has uncovered it, that might also be bad. Getting it from the museum may not be easy. Especially since I already told you it would be impossible to get it."
"I agree that it is bad. And, unfortunately, we will have to explore options on obtaining the device, Saphira. It doesn't belong to the museum." Saphira had feared that would be thought of, but she knew she would be the one to do it. She was the only one who could get in and out without damaging the building. "Once we have all the information, we will form a plan to obtain it."
"And then what?"
"What do you mean?"
Saphira frowned and shrugged, looking away from the dash. "Well, you will have a device that can take you back home to Cybertron. Once you get it, what happens after? Do you leave once you get it?"
"Depending on the device, we would certainly look at leaving as soon as possible. We will still need to travel to Peru to retrieve Wheeljack, but after that, we will likely return home." At least he was honest. Saphira swallowed as she felt emotions rising, and she didn't want to show how much this was hurting her. "You will be allowed to keep that ring, Saphira." She glanced down at her hand and she was glad, but it would be her only connection to the autobots. "I want to remain in contact, so..."
"I get it. You need to return home to end a war. You don't have to tell me." Saphira noticed that Optimus seemed to be thinking too much about Cybertron again, and he hasn't really noticed how she was feeling. And that was hurting her too. "At least...it is almost spring..."
"Indeed. Spring signals a fresh start and new beginnings, and it will be the same for you. And I hope that it will be good for all of us." She just shrugged and looked at the items she had bought, thinking she wasted a lot of money on things she actually didn't need now. "Don't feel bad about all the stuff you bought, Saphira. It will be helpful to you, so I think it isn't a waste."
Since when did Optimus become oblivious? Ugh...this sucks...I am happy that they had a possible way to get home now, but I wish they wouldn't go straight away. Especially as he and I have only just started deepening our relationship.
Saphira didn't have anything else to really say to Optimus at this point. She wanted to focus on keeping herself from crying, as she knew that she would worry Optimus. And she didn't want him to feel guilty or to believe that she was selfish. Regardless, she felt the need to speak with Mirage. He was the only one she could talk to about certain things, since he understood humans a bit more than Optimus did. He's been a great listener ever since they met.
When Optimus finally arrived back at the factory, he let Saphira climb out of the cab before he would transform. Saphira glanced around at the other three autobots to see they seemed to be on alert and they all seemed happy. She didn't blame them for being happy. If this was indeed a way for them to get home, then logically, they should be happy.
"Too bad that beam interrupted your alone time with Optimus," Mirage said sarcastically as Saphira walked over to the stairs. She glanced at him without a smile, and Mirage noticed that something was on her mind. "Are you okay?" She shrugged and looked away from him before she continued to walk to the stairs and sit down silently. "Okay, you can tell me later. Something's clearly on your mind."
Saphira remained silent. She just shrugged and forced a smile to try and show she was okay, but Mirage wasn't buying it. He could see something was bothering her, and he wanted to know. But he wasn't going to push her, as he knew that it was best to wait. Saphira at least now had her answer regarding the sculpture, because the answer has ended up revealing itself, and she had no idea how to feel about it at the moment.
"Okay, so the energy surge we felt was in the four thousand yottahertz range, which in undetectable to humans," Arcee explained to them, which at least explained why Saphira could not see what was shooting in the sky. She watched Arcee press a button on the side of her head, which caused her optics to project an image of a crystal object with a protective case around it with alien writing on it. "I've reconstructed the source from the energy echoes, as you requested Optimus."
Optimus was staring at the image in disbelief, and Saphira did not know what it was. "I cannot believe it! It exists, and it is here!" Saphira glanced between the image and Optimus curiously, not knowing what is going through his mind. Only that this was something he considered unbelievable.
"What the hell am I looking at?" Bumblebee questioned with a shrug, looking at the hologram in confusion.
"The Transwarp Key." Okay, it certainly sounds like a teleportation device. "It was thought to be lost thousands of years ago." Maybe even further back, given the device was inside an old, tribal sculpture. "It was once used to open space-time portals to energon rich planets throughout the universe."
Mirage smile widened as he listened to Optimus. "You mean, energon rich planets like…"
"Cybertron…" Arcee stared in disbelief and looked at Optimus with a smile. "No wonder you said it was a way home, Optimus. You already knew what it was, just wanted some confirmation."
"After seven long years stranded on Earth, hunting decepticons aimlessly for a ship that does not exist, we finally have a way home." Saphira bit her lip and let tears fall as she listened to Optimus. She was happy for them, she really was, but she was upset that they would leave soon. She made sure to not make any noise, knowing that she would get their attention. "It is something I had not expected to happen for a long time."
Neither did I.
"Okay, so where is this t-t-tran…t-trun…" Saphira almost chuckled when Mirage spoke, as he clearly already forgot the name of the Transwarp Key.
"Transwarp Key?"
Mirage smiled at Arcee as the femme reminded him of the name. "Thank you, Arcee."
"Well, it's at the museum on Ellis Island. The same one where Saphira…" Arcee gestured to the girl, making Saphira flinch a little. "Dropped those tribal items off to get that reward."
"Oh, well that's kind of good, because at least our girl will be set up for a while," Mirage said enthusiastically, knowing full well that the money Saphira got from the museum would be put to good use.
"Let's blow it up and get the hell out of dodge!" Bumblebee said suddenly, and Saphira widened her eyes in surprise.
"No! We can't just go in blasting and steal it, Bee!" Arcee was surprised that the bot would even suggest such a thing. "The humans will hunt us down. What we need is a quiet way in. And the only way we really have is…well…" The femme turned towards the girl and gestured to her. "Saphira." Saphira sighed and Arcee noticed that Saphira wiped tears from her cheeks quickly, but she said nothing as she turned to face Optimus. "Though, we can't really force her to do it, since she would be at risk of going to a human prison if we ask her to do it."
"I am fully aware that Saphira is the only one who can get into that museum without needing to blast the walls to get to it." Optimus sighed as he knew what they would be asking. "But I agree that forcing her is not what we should do. If she wants to do it, she will say yes…"
"Plus, we need a way to even get her to the museum at this time of night. It will be closed and the guards will be keeping watch. Luckily, I have a way to get in." Mirage walked over to Saphira with a smile and looked at her. "I'll look hideous with my choice of outfit to get us in, but it is the only way we can into the museum. So…" He leaned down and placed his hands on his thighs. "What do you think, Saphira? Do you want to help us get this device?"
Saphira honestly didn't want to do it. But she did find the sculpture, and someone has broken it so it was something that the autobots needed. Saphira also knew helping them would mean they would be able to go home. She didn't want to be selfish about it, just because she was hurting over it. She knew that, and she took a deep breath. Mirage had an expression of understanding as he observed her, as he knew that she was thinking of many things. At least they were not pressuring her.
"I'll do it." Mirage smile widened as soon as she said that. Saphira swallowed and forced tears back. "I want you guys to be able to get home." She forced a smile as she looked at them before looking at Mirage. "When do we leave?"
"We should probably head off right now. That way we can get the device before morning. We have no idea what will happen if we wait, Saphira. The humans could easily move it and store it in a more secure facility that you would have no hope getting into." That made sense. Saphira stood up from the stairs and took a deep breath to compose herself. Mirage pumped his fist happily. "Good to see you are ready to go."
"We have no time to waste." Optimus transformed suddenly, and drove towards the exit. Saphira watched him quietly and pressed her lips together, still not sure on how she should feel. "Let's roll out."
"Alright, little lady, we had best get going." Mirage transformed and opened the door for Saphira. "I got a feeling this might be a long ride, so we better head off right now." Saphira shrugged as she stepped into the car and pulled her seatbelt on as Mirage closed the door and drove forward. Arcee and Bumblebee transform to follow as well. "Right…" Saphira flinched as Mirage's holoform formed in the driver seat and he suddenly reached over, making her frown in surprise as have placed something over the top of the ring. "Don't worry, this is just to stop the others from listening in while you and I have a one-on-one."
She looked at the ring as there was a small, round, silver disc that was stuck to it like a magnet. She didn't dare to remove it, as that meant that the others would listen. She sighed and looked at Mirage before tears fill her eyes. "I'm sorry, Mirage…but…" She sniffled loudly and looked down. "I…I am happy that you have a way to get home. Um…I am not upset about that. But I am upset at Optimus right now. He is now so focused on leaving, and…it feels like he doesn't care about me now."
"Ah, that's what is going on. Well…look, I completely and fully understand how you feel. I mean, you and Optimus have only just really started a deeper relationship with each other, so it is understandable that you want him to stick around." She nodded slowly and looked out the window as Mirage drove along the road. "But I want you to not feel like he doesn't care about you. I know that he still cares and loves you deeply. It might not feel like it at the moment, and I get that, I really do. But this has been sudden for all of us, Saphira. Optimus likely is feeling anxious about returning home, and it might seem like that he doesn't care."
Saphira understood what Mirage was saying. She listened to him intently, but that still didn't mean that it didn't hurt. "I guess…but…it seems like he wants to leave as soon as possible. I get it, but…"
"I know. And to be frank, we all want to leave as soon as possible too." Saphira grimaced and let out a light sob. "Aw, hey…" Mirage wrapped his arm around her shoulder to hug her gently. "There is no need for tears, Saphira. This planet has done what it was meant to for us. It has been our refuge, and sorry, but this hasn't all been golden for us." She knew that, but it still hurt. "And I hate to say it, but we still have a war back home. And…well…ending the war is more important than your relationship with us and Optimus. I am sorry to say it, but it is true."
Saphira knew that and understood that reason. But it still hurt. She wanted them to stay, and it was hard for her to even think about all this. "I know, Mirage. But…you guys are all I have." She looked at his optics as more tears fell from her eyes. "I have no one. I…I have family, no friends…not even a pet to keep me company." She sniffled and wrapped her arms around Mirage, sniffling and sobbing lightly. "I don't want to sound selfish…"
"Selfish? Nah!" Mirage shook his head confidently with a smile. "It is far from selfish to want us to remain here with you, Saphira. I assure you, that your feelings are valid. You have every right to express the hurt you are feeling right now." He rubbed her back gently as she sobbed into his shoulder. "I am sure you know this, but you can talk to us through the ring. I assume Optimus will let you keep it."
"But it isn't the same, Mirage." She sniffled loudly and shook her head. "I don't want a ring to communicate with you. I want you all to remain here with me. That is all I care about. Can't you stay for a while longer?" Mirage sighed gently. "I know it isn't up to you, but…we haven't even spent a whole twelve months together yet. Can't you grant me another twelve months?"
"I am afraid I can't promise that, Saphira. Only Optimus can." It was worth asking him anyway. "But I am afraid Optimus will say no. He loves you, and I am sure he will understand the turmoil you are feeling in your heart right now. But…I really am sorry this has come down. I bet you had a gut feeling this might turn into a way home for us." She nodded, because she did feel that way. "It isn't the end of the world. You still have your whole life ahead of you."
"Yeah…I don't know what I should do…"
"Well…you can finish school for starters…" Saphira looked at Mirage in surprise. "And you have the funds now to pay for college, and you will be okay. I believe you will succeed very well on this world, Saphira. In five years from now, I am going to expect you to tell me all about it." Saphira sniffled as she didn't know how he was so confident about her future. She didn't know what it would be like for her at all. "Saphira, I will always be your friend. I won't forget you."
"You won't?"
Mirage shook his head. "Never! After all, you are the only human who became my friend. And I am certainly not ever going to throw that away, Saphira. I care deeply about you. And it hurts my spark knowing you are hurting." She sniffled again and looked down. "Besides, I don't even know how this Transwarp Key thing even works. We might still stick around for a while longer, Saphira. It probably needs to be used with something else to work."
Saphira had not thought of that. Given that it was a key, and it obviously would need to go with something else to be activated. But she didn't know if their technology really would include that, given the Cybertronians were a lot more advanced than humans. "I suppose you are right. I am going to do my best to not drag everyone down. Because I really, really don't want you all to feel bad about leaving me alone. At least…we will be amicable. And I have no worries about my family or Arthur."
"Good." Mirage kept rubbing her back gently, knowing she was very upset. "But personally, I think you should tell the others how you feel anyway, Saphira. I think Arcee noticed, so she is going to want to know. And it is important that you tell Optimus. He should know how this is affecting you. After all, I am afraid, you and he may not become sparkmates." She felt more tears well in her eyes, because she did know that. "And…I know that is hard to hear. But as you both have only just started a deeper relationship, and the war is something we need to deal with back home, it is inevitable that being a bonded sparkmate may not happen. It would be too fast."
"Yeah…it would…maybe…" Saphira sniffled as she didn't like that she wouldn't be bonded to Optimus. But it was something she was going to have to live with, and she knew it. It still hurt her heart that it may not happen. "This hurts so much, Mirage." Mirage softened his expression. "I…I never expected this to happen. I really didn't." She sniffled loudly. "But it hurts. I knew someday you might go home, but never expected it to be this soon. I will miss you so much…even though I am hoping to get a few more days at least."
"None of us expected this to happen, Saphira. It seems that fate just has some twisted way of making sure things happen. And none of this is your fault. At the end of the day, if I didn't allow myself to be kept by a human, you never would have met us. Your life may not have been as affected as it has been at this point. I feel responsible for this, honestly." Saphira didn't think it was fair for him to blame himself, but she understood why Mirage would feel that way. "But there is nothing that can be done now. You are brave and humble for wanting to help us, Saphira."
"Well…there's not really another way to get it." Saphira sniffled as she leaned back, wiping more tears from her cheeks. "If there was, I might not be needed. You could use your holoforms, but you would be seen." She looked out the window as she leaned away from Mirage. "I am grateful that I have met you all. You have changed my perspective of the world I live in, and I will forever be grateful for that. I am just going to miss waking up everyday to Optimus."
"It will be okay, Saphira. Believe me." She did, but she was just not looking forward to it. "Maybe once we get this Transwarp Key, you and I should take a nice, long drive around the city. I am certain you won't mind spending a bit of time with me. Even if we just talk about random stuff, no matter how stupid it is. I am quite happy to spend the time with you, Saphira."
She considered the offer, but Saphira felt she would rather spend time with Optimus. She didn't want to be rude to him about it. Plus, Saphira was feeling quite tired at the moment, and she would certainly like to try and get some rest for tomorrow. "Thanks, Mirage. But I think I will just want to go to bed after. I need to try and get some sleep...as my mind is going to be all over the place for a while."
"Oh, right…I forgot the time. Ugh…well…" Mirage rubbed his chin thoughtfully before smiling again. "How about tomorrow morning? I know you will probably spend a bit of time with Optimus, and that it completely okay. But I think we will still have time to spend tomorrow before Stratosphere shows up and ruins the party."
"I will consider it."
"Ouch…" Mirage chuckled softly with a shrug. "But you know what? I completely understand, Saphira. This is a very big shock for all of us, and it is only fair that you are given time to process it. But please don't wait until we are about to leave to tell Optimus your feelings." She sniffled a little and kept her eyes looking out the window. "It is best that you are open and honest with him. He will not turn you away. Believe me, I am sure he will realize that he has caused more pain than he intended to you."
Telling him is not going to change the facts. I am sure telling him will make him feel bad, but they have to leave. They have a war, and that is more important to deal with than me.
Saphira did not know how tonight was even going to go as well. Getting to the museum was the easy part, getting inside and finding the key was going to be the hard part. She still did not know yet how Mirage was going to get Saphira into the museum grounds, as he had yet to tell her. She did assume he would change into a different vehicle form, but she had not yet been told what type of vehicle yet. But she would find that out soon enough.
Still, this whole situation really has been extremely hard on Saphira. She didn't want to keep the autobots from going home, that was something she certainly did not want to do. But knowing that they would be leaving soon really broke her heart. Especially regarding Optimus. She loved him so much, and she didn't want to lose him. But it is the way it was right now. And she was also losing the new family she has built with the autobots. She loves all of them. And she was going to miss them terribly. But there was nothing she could do.
She did her to gather her thoughts so she could focus on retrieving the key. She couldn't let the emotions cloud her judgement and stop her from doing what she needed to do. She was glad that she got to speak with Mirage. He was the only one she could rely on when it came to talking about different things, and he was super understanding. She was certainly going to miss having him around. But she pushed those thoughts to the side as best as she could so she could focus. She did not want to fail the autobots because of it.