Saphira watched Stratosphere descend from the sky and she hoped he would make a smoother landing than he had in New York. She would hate to see any of the beautiful flora here destroyed by him, as that would not be right. But while she was thinking that, she was also thinking of Bumblebee. She felt tears in her eyes as Optimus walked towards a clearing, and they watch as Stratosphere landed lightly on the ground and began to shut the engines down. Primal walked up beside Optimus as he watched curiously, and he could sense the grief coming from the autobots.

He looked at Saphira with a sympathetic, curious expression. "Is there a reason this autobot did not walk with us to the village?"

Saphira looked at the maximal and nodded. "Yeah. Stratosphere is quite a bit bigger, for one…" She looked back at the autobot as Stratosphere began to transform. "And he's carrying someone we lost recently. A good friend."

Primal watched as Stratosphere was careful while transforming, and his arms moved over his head, and the maximal saw the lifeless body of the yellow scout in the bot's hands. Saphira let out a light sob and Optimus hugged the girl as he approached Stratosphere. "You have my deep condolences for the loss of your friend."

"Thank you, Primal." Optimus held Saphira against him as the girl sobbed softly. "I just hope no further lives will be lost. Though I fear many more have perished, and I could have done something if I had not fled." Primal said nothing and turned to walk away, making his way over to Airazor, and Saphira caressed Optimus's cheek gently. Optimus gazed at Bee's body and sat beside him. "I am still hopeful to return to Cybertron. I believe we can still defeat Scourge, and protect the universe."

Saphira kissed his cheek gently and he glanced at the girl as his optics soften as he gazed at her. "I think whatever happens from now, Optimus, we will do what we can. It's crazy that I am even part of helping to save the entire universe. That's a heavy burden." He smiled and kissed her gently, and she shivered as feeling his metal lips on hers always stirred butterflies in her stomach. "I understand Primal's hesitancy though. He's lost a home, and he doesn't want to lose another. But defeating Scourge is the only to do that."

Optimus nodded and looked at Bumblebee again. He stared at the scout and he sighed deeply. "And unlike Primal, I was defensive when it came to humans. And I hurt you because of it."

"And you know that I completely understood why. Any human government would be quick to destroy you if they learned about you. So it makes sense." Optimus smiled a little before the smile faded quickly. "You can't keep going back to that, Optimus. I know what you did might feel wrong now, but I am not angry at you. What I believe you did was right at the time. Even if I was defenceless at the time, it makes no difference to me. I love you, and I want you to be happy. But it feels like you are trying to do the impossible sometimes." He looked at her in surprise. "Because Primal is right. You might have to make a choice…and I don't want to be one of those choices."

Mirage smirked as he listened to Saphira. "That means you want to be the only choice, right?" Saphira looked at him in surprise and shook her head. The young bot raised an eyebrow in surprise at that for a moment before he realized. "Oh…you don't want to be a choice at all…" Saphira said nothing as she listened to him and Optimus kissed her forehead gently. "That's brave."

Saphira took a deep breath. "Maybe…but…the way I see it…you have more important things in your life than me."

Arcee smiled at the girl, appreciating that she was willing to let them go and not want to be a choice, if things did get to that point. "We are just going to have to wait and see how things go, Saphira. I fear that things are going to get worse quickly before they get better." Saphira nodded in agreement and wiped tears from her eyes. "And you are right about the fact that saving the universe is a heavy burden. We only had one planet to worry about, now we have an entire universe to worry about."

Wheeljack nodded in agreement. "It is honestly so crazy. And I haven't even had enough time to get to know this mujer joven. I missed a lot by choosing to stay here over going over to New York with you all."

"I feel the same way, Wheeljack. This young lady seems to be very nice, and I have been halfway around the world and minding my own business." Stratosphere looked at Saphira with a curious expression. "I imagine you wouldn't want to hear stories from an old fool like me, but there isn't much time for that anyway." Saphira smirked with a light chuckle as she listened to the old bot. "But the most important thing I can say is I hope you can enjoy your young life as much as you can, Saphira. I was a fool and wasted mine, so I hope you don't waste yours."

Saphira appreciated his wise words, even though she wasn't even sure how to respond to that. "Thanks, Stratosphere. I am not sure how my twenties are going to go…but…we shall see. I'd love it if you were here for my twenty-first birthday. It is a big milestone for humans…but we will see how things go."

Optimus kissed her cheek gently and she turned her head to look into his optics. "I am glad to at least share being in a beautiful place with you." Saphira blushed immediately, though glanced at Bumblebee briefly. "It hurts my spark knowing Bumblebee cannot share it with us right now. He would probably tell me how much humans are his friends, just as they are Primal's friends."

"Yes, but these people didn't trust the maximals straight, Optimus. Primal would not be lying about that." Optimus did believe that, as humans are a lot smaller and the tribe was more primitive than the humans Optimus was used to. "In saying that, yes he would be saying that. But we won't know right now anyway." Saphira looked around for a moment, not sure what they should do now. "Hmm…what do you guys normally do for grief? Do you have a funeral?"

"In sense, yes." Optimus intakes heavily as he placed a hand on Bumblebee's shoulder. "I am not sure if I want to talk about it right now though, Saphira. But usually, the ceremonies were beautiful farewells to bots who have passed. We haven't really had ceremonies like that since the war. We've been forced to move on, and our grief gets twisted and mingled with the need to protect our world."

Saphira understood that fully. She kissed his cheek gently and wrapped her arms around his neck to hug him as best as she could. Optimus thoroughly appreciated it. He never thought he would ever accept the love and support of a human, but here he was right now. And he would not change that for anything. And hearing Saphira tell him that she didn't want to be a choice if he had to make a hard choice in the near future, it tugged at his spark. His desire to remain and be with her was growing, even though the yearning to go home remained strong. He didn't want to think of it right now.

"Optimus…" Saphira turned her head and Optimus looked towards Primal as the maximal addressed him politely. "Come, I want to show you something." Optimus glanced back at Bee for a moment before standing and gently moving Saphira to his shoulder, where Saphira settled happily, before Optimus noticed Primal walking closer and gesturing to Bee. "You should bring him. It will be a place where he can find peace."

Saphira was surprised and happy at the same time. Optimus seemed hesitant, but he gently picked the scout up from the ground and held him as he began to follow Primal. Saphira did not know where Primal would lead them to, but she guessed it would be a nice place. One of the tribal people followed Primal, though it seemed that Primal had told one of the humans to walk with him, and Saphira guessed it might be a place that the tribe knew of as well.

Optimus said nothing as he did not want to upset Primal, as he trusted Primal knew where they were going and he trusted the tribe. He glanced up at the sky as the light of the sun faded, leaving only the dim light of dusk around them. Saphira remained silent as Optimus followed Primal through the trees. She looked around curiously, and she noticed fireflies flying around as Optimus brushed by the trees and bushes.

She contained her surprise at seeing them, as the glow from the insects flew around from being disturbed. Optimus did not seem to notice them. He was focused on following Primal, and they soon reached the destination. Optimus seemed surprised by something as Primal stopped by a large boulder. Saphira did not think much of it, even though the man who walked with Primal began to light some stone cauldrons around the stone, and Saphira guessed this rock was important.

Optimus lowered Bee's body onto the rock gently, looking at the rock curiously before leaning back while resting on his knees. Primal watched sympathetically as Optimus placed his hand on the rock. "Your friend will find peace here."

When Optimus placed his hand on the rock, Saphira was surprised that it glowed blue. She thought she was dreaming for a moment, until Optimus spoke about it. "This is raw energon." He was very surprised to realize it, and Saphira was surprised too.

"The valley is rich with it." Optimus looked at Primal in surprise. "It unfortunately makes sense, since Unicron tends to prefer worlds rich in energon."

Saphira wondered if the energon was naturally occurring though, as autobots and maximals weren't native to this world. Optimus seemed hopeful though. "Could this revive Bee?"

Primal looked down at the scout sadly. "I'm sorry, but in this state, it is inert. It would take a great power to ignite it. Greater than anything we have here." Optimus looked at Bee as thought of it deeply, feeling the grief of knowing that there might not be any potential way to revive Bee. He glanced to the human as the man spoke to Primal in his language respectfully and bowed to them. "I see that you are surprised we entrust the key to them."

Optimus nodded, standing up and looking at Primal. "Yes, I am."

Primal smiled at him. "I've been amongst them for a long time not. While I agree, not all humans in this world are good. Even Saphira admits it openly." Saphira nodded with a smile. "However, I have learned that there is more to them than meets the eye." Saphira's smile widened and looked at Optimus as he listened to Primal. "You have learned that too with Saphira. They are worth saving." Primal glanced at Saphira as he noticed a few fireflies flying around the girl, making her almost giggle as she noticed them too. "She is worth saving, just as my own sparkmate is worth saving too."

Optimus turned his head and he noticed Saphira holding up her hand with a single firefly sitting in her palm. He wasn't expecting to see the tiny, glowing insect, but it then flew away and Saphira watched it happily. She looked back at him and was a little startled when she saw Optimus gazing at her, before she blushed, and her cheeks turned a deep red. Optimus smiled and nodded. "Yes…you are right, Primal. She is definitely worth saving."

Saphira rolled her eyes at him with a giggle. "Not just me, Prime." She kissed his cheek before gasping as more fireflies flew around her. She watched them and giggled as a few flew close to her face. "These fireflies really some to hang around. I've never seen them before, but they're so pretty." The man began to speak happily, and Saphira looked at him, feeling stupid for not understanding his language, and looked at Primal. "What is he saying?"

Primal chuckled lightly. "The tribe has a particular view of the fireflies of this forest. They symbolize the union of two people, as they find fireflies showing up during weddings and courtship ceremonies within the village. Seeing the fireflies flying around her and Optimus signifies this to the man, as my own sparkmate and I have had a similar experience. Though in a different location, under the moon light where a moonbow ring glowed gently in the sky."

"So your sparkmate met this tribe long ago?" Saphira questioned and Primal nodded affirmatively. "I must admit, the description of being underneath a full moon and a moonbow ring sounds beautiful…with fireflies flying around…but…" Saphira let out a light groan. "I don't feel beautiful right now." Optimus widened his optics in surprise, and was about to speak, when Saphira continued to speak. "I still feel sticky and sweaty, my hair is a mess and I really need to change my shoes, since they are soaked."

Primal began to laugh loudly as he listened to the girl, while Optimus was smirking at her complaint. "I see. Seems like the way you feel is common among female humans." Saphira chuckled and Primal began to speak to tribal man for a moment. And the man seemed to be happy before nodding and speaking excitedly to the maximal. Primal nodded and the man turned to run away. Primal looked at Saphira and Optimus. "The man has agreed to inform the tribe of your wish to be clean, Saphira. They know you do not understand them, and that is okay. But they are kind, and are willing to welcome you, since you arrived here with the autobots."

Saphira was surprised, but grateful at the same time. "That is really nice, Primal. I will feel so much better after a bath. I wasn't expecting it, but if the people are okay with it, I will go along with it." She looked back to see the torch the man was carrying disappearing in the distance. "We probably should head back to the village, Optimus. Otherwise, I would feel bad for making them wait."

"It might take a bit for them to set a bath up for you, but I agree, we should head back." Primal glanced at Bumblebee and looked back at Optimus. "There is nothing more you can do for your friend at this time. Enjoy the quietness of the night with Saphira."

Opimus gazed at Bee for another minute before he turned away and began to walk back towards the village. He knew there was nothing more to be done now. He was glad that Saphira would be able to get herself clean, even though she probably would have been okay with going back to the river. Optimus was not sure what Saphira was expecting, but that was okay. It was good that the village was welcoming to the girl, given she was an outsider. But the people there respected the autobots straight away, and having the human girl with them, they knew she was important to the bots.

As Optimus walked through the trees, he saw more fireflies flying around them quickly. He had not seen these insects before, and never even knew they existed. But they really looked like stars flying around them, and Saphira was thoroughly enjoying watching the glowing insects fly around them. Several of them flew around her specifically, and she didn't notice a few landing on her head for a moment. Optimus was amused by this, but also intrigued, because under the shadow of the trees, the glow of the insects seemed brighter and made Saphira look like she had a crown.

He could not help but find himself mesmerized. She cups her hands together as several of the insects landing on her wrists and palms before flying away. The moon was high in the sky and filtered through the leaves, giving a silver glowing to gaps between the trees. And Saphira didn't even notice Optimus staring at her as he made his way back towards the village. She was too focused on the insects and he was able to enjoy the beauty that he was seeing.

As they got closer to the village, he glanced up at the sky as they left the shade of the trees, and his optics gaze at the stars. His processor did think of Cybertron in that moment, knowing it was something he missed. But as they got closer to the village, some of the people began to shout happily towards the bots, and Optimus looked towards them to see they were gesturing for them to get closer.

Primal chuckled lightly as he walked by them. "You should get your new outfit ready, Saphira. The women of the village have a bath prepped and ready for you. They may help with braiding your hair once you are done, as they are preparing for their evening meal. They may let you join them."

"Thanks, Primal. I do have food, so I will be fine if they don't invite me." She looked at Optimus and noticed his gaze at her. She realized he seemed to be intrigued. "What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

Optimus's smile widened at her. "Because the fireflies seemed to enhance your beauty to me. A few landed on your head, and they looked a lot like a glowing crown." Saphira giggled as she blushed, though gently felt her hair to feel if the insects were still there. They were not, as they had flown away. "I've never seen or heard of the insects, but the definitely seem to be indicating something."

"They were flying around Primal too. They're insects…they don't know you and I are in love."

"Though I have come to understand that the nature of this planet seems to know when something is in the air," Primal spoke gently and Saphira just chuckled a little. "I remember rescuing multiple tribes from a large fire many years ago. It was the animals and insects that knew it first. I've learned to respect the fauna of this world because of it. Not just humans."

"Sure, but…fires, earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions are all different." Primal just responded with an amused smirk, and Saphira rolled her eyes. "Alright…you are right. I have found it pretty amazing…and…" Saphira blushed and brushed as strand of hair back shyly, turning her head to look at Optimus. "Romantic…but I will need a new outfit before we get to the village, Optimus."

Optimus hummed lightly in response, lifting his hand to Saphira so she could slide into his palm, and Optimus his chassis. He moved her inside and she quickly grabbed new underwear and a dress, though she held the dress against her chest to hide it a little, so Optimus would not see. With it being night, he could not tell what colour that the dress was, so it didn't really matter. But he was amused she would try to hide it as a surprise.

Optimus stopped near the village and lowered Saphira to the ground. Saphira was a tad nervous, as she would be able to communicate with the villagers, and several women gestured for her to come over to one of the huts. Saphira looked at Optimus with a smile before walking away. "I hope things won't get awkward with lack of communication."

"I will be standing nearby if things need to be translated, Saphira." Saphira was happy about that, and it made her relax a little bit. "As I said, they know you don't speak their language, and they cannot speak yours. But I am sure simple communication will work." She glanced at Primal and smiled at him as she was happy he would translate if needed.

As Saphira made her way into the small village before the ladies gently grab her by the arms to move her to the hut quickly. She was surprised, and they seemed to be excited too. She wasn't sure why, but when they were inside, they began to speak excitedly and pointed out the door towards both Primal and Optimus. And she realized these ladies were smitten about both, but they were also pointing to Mirage, who was sitting with Arcee and Wheeljack further away.

Ah, well at least they don't seem bothered by the fact Optimus and I are together…they did see Primal and his sparkmate together, so that makes sense.

The women probably thought Saphira was extremely lucky. Looking around, Saphira saw the wooden tub full of water with steam rising from it. Underneath the tub, there were rocks that had a lot of steam rising them them, and she guessed that they heat up the tubs with hot rocks. Luckily there was no fire, but Saphira knew that most tribes were masters of fire and were very innovative with their tools and items. Multiple candles lit the room, and there were numerous flowers in vases that kept a lovely aroma in the hut.

One of the women took the clothes in her hand and placed them on a table. Saphira was surprised and even more surprised when they gestured for her to remove her clothes. "Uh…" Saphira was not expecting that. But it seemed that the women were offering to bathe her. She felt awkward, mostly because she wasn't expecting a whole crowd of women in the hut. "Primal…is this normal? They want to bathe me…I can bathe myself."

Primal chuckled lightly as he listened to the girl. "That is how the tribe treats guests they deem to be highly regarded. It is considered honourable to them, because they believe you are Optimus's sparkmate. That makes you worthy of royal treatment. They wish no harm. They will ensure you are clean."

"Okay…thanks…I guess your sparkmate was treated this way…" Saphira took a deep breath and removed her clothes hesitantly, and the women were waiting patiently. Once she was naked, they took her clothes and brought them over to a tub and one began to clean them. "I am not used to this…AH!"

Saphira was startled as the women led her over to the tub and gestured for her to get in. Saphira was not used to this much attention, but she looked down at her bandage and removed it before even getting into the water. As she had not been able to clean it, there was a lot of dried blood around the wound. One of the women huffed and said something to the other women before Saphira yelped as she was forced to sit on a log seat suddenly.

She watched an older woman knelt down, lifting her ankle to inspect the injury. Saphira guessed they were going to treat it, and she crossed her arms across her chest to try and feel decent, because she was still feeling awkward. One of the women ran out of the hut suddenly, which made her flinch with worry for a moment, and the older woman checking the injury barked an order suddenly. Saphira did not understand, but watched one of the women fill a small bowl with the water from the tub and place it by the older woman's leg. She grabbed a dry cloth to soak it before lifting it and squeezing out the excess before she began to wipe her leg to clean the wound.

She was glad that the wound was being cleaned. Saphira did not know if they would apply anything to if before or after being bathed, but she would find that would in a moment. She was glad that the wound wasn't too deep though, so it would be easy to treat. When the wound was cleaned enough, the older woman inspected it for a moment, and the woman who had left the hut ran back in holding a clay container. The older woman said something before looking at Saphira gesturing to the tub.

Saphira at least got her answer about whether the wound would be treated or not, so she stood up and stepped in the tub. It was pleasantly warm, and Saphira sat down, but as she was about to relax, she saw the women were holding cloths and soap in their hands, and she didn't have time to think before they began to reach in and scrub her. Saphira wished she could tell them this was not necessary, and reminded herself that this was highly honourable to them, so she tried to enjoy it. But it was extremely awkward to her.

"Oh…I don't think they need to scrub everywhere…" Saphira jumped as she felt water being poured on her head and a nice, scented soap was being scrubbed into her hair. "Are you sure this is all necessary, Primal? I appreciate that this is their custom, but it's a little overwhelming."

"Do not despair, they will give you time to relax. I assure you." Saphira hoped that was the case, but she was still not sure how to feel about it. She probably would appreciate it much later, just not sure how to feel in the moment. Primal sounded amused though. "I am not sure what they are doing, but the women are quite excited. And they will apply ointment to that injury you have, so you need not worry about that."

"I figured that part out already." Saphira was at least glad that the women were not taking their time, but they were thorough in making sure she was clean.

And she jumped as her hair was drenched again as it was rinsed out before the woman who scrubbed her hair walked away. It took another few minutes before the older woman clapped her hands and waved at the others to leave the hut. They were all chatting excitedly, and they took the clothes they had cleaned away, and Saphira guessed they were going to hang them to dry, but she was glad they all left her alone.

She sighed in relief once she was left alone and Saphira could finally relax. She smiled as the warmth of the water around her was extremely pleasant. It was funny, because the forest was humid. But the night had cooled down a lot, so this was very nice. Saphira took deep breaths and smiled as she enjoyed sitting in the warm bath and felt her body to find her skin felt very smooth, soft and clean. The wound on her left did not sting from the soap that the women used, and that was good. Her hair felt very clean and soft, and the floral scent coming from the soap used to wash her hair was very pleasant.

She wasn't sure how they made their soap, but she knew all the ingredients were natural and was good for her. It definitely made her feel a lot better now that she was cleaned up. She relaxed in the tub for about ten minutes before the water began to feel less warm. She knew it was time to get out. And she wanted to spend time with Optimus tonight anyway, and her stomach growled angrily at her, so she needed to get out.

Just as she moved to get out, the older woman from before walked into the hut with several towels, holding them out ready for her. Saphira was surprised, but guessed the woman was coming to get her out, or she had insanely good intuition. Regardless, Saphira smiled at her as she stood up and stepped out before wrapping one of the towels around her. She was startled when the woman actually started to try her before gesturing for her to sit back on the chair.

Saphira sat on the chair and lifted her leg for the woman, as she knew that she was going to apply something to her injury. She continued to dry her hair as the woman opened the clay jay and dipped her fingers inside. She saw an off white, yellowish ointment in the woman's fingers and she gently began to apply it to her wound. Saphira flinched a little, as there was a little bit of stinging, but she did not complain and was happy that it would not get infected. That was her main concern.

When the woman was finished, she placed Saphira's foot on the ground and stood up to wash her hands. Saphira stood up and grabbed her panties to slip on quickly, and the woman walked over, looking at her clothes curiously, before handing Saphira her bra. She smiled and nodded to the woman, thanking her for giving them to her, and put her bra on first. The woman was intrigued by the bra, and she probably will try and replicate it.

Saphira then slipped on her dress, which was a green, sundress with pink, floral patterns on the skirt of the dress. As she tried to zip the back of her dress, the woman walked up behind her and gently zipped up her dress. She smiled and turned to the lady, nodding her thanks to her. The woman than began to say something to her and Saphira just smiled politely before speaking to Primal. "Um…what did the woman say, Primal?"

"She has thanked you for allowing them to bathe you for Optimus. She said that the chief has welcomed you to join in their evening meal. She said they caught an abundance of fish from the river, and they are grilling fruit and roots foraged from the forest." Saphira was happy to hear that, and flinched as a couple more women walked into the hut, holding a crown of cardinal flowers and a necklace of wisteria flowers. "They wish to braid your hair before the feast."

"I see they have made me their honoured guest with these flowers." Saphira jumped as she felt strong hands forcing her to sit back on the seat and the old woman began to braid her hair. The women who had entered the hut before placing the crown and necklace down before one grabbed another jar and opened it, and it looked like lotion. But when she began to rub it on her arms, she caught the strong, floral scent. "And perfume…"

"Indeed. Optimus has gone back to the body of your friend to pay his respects, so I will tell you what the women are doing." Saphira raised an eyebrow as she listened to Primal. "This is their courtship ceremony for you."

"Uh…what?" Saphira was shocked, but she began to blush and grinned when she realized. "Really?"

"Yes. The tribe is aware that we do not have ceremonies for our spark bonds, but this courtship ceremony is technically what they would consider a Sparkmate Ceremony for you and Optimus."

Saphira had absolutely not idea. She thought she would just be their guest, but this was just a surprise. "Was this your idea, Primal?"

Primal chuckled lightly at her question. "No, this is not something that I would suggest. The people here are not fools. They wanted to do it for you, as they know you will move on tomorrow. So this is the one and only time they will get to celebrate, since my sparkmate and I have been bonded for more than a hundred years. So this is a once in a lifetime experience for the generation in this tribe."

That made a lot more sense. No wonder why the women were so excited, and it made sense. Saphira wished Primal told her sooner, but she guessed he didn't due to Optimus being present. This would be a surprise for him. Saphira certainly did not mind participating in the evening meal, since the chief has allowed that for her, but to be given a ceremony for her love with Optimus was really unexpected. But she actually really liked it.

I cannot wait for Optimus to come back and see what is happening. I wonder how the tribe will involve him in this ceremony. I can't help but feel excited for tonight right now. Leave it to an ancient tribe to know how to put on an amazing ceremony. I expect some singing and dancing after dinner. Ooh…I am never going to forget tonight. I am so excited that I got goosebumps and my heart feels like it's going to burst from my chest.