Saphira felt inspired ever since she had seen the Lion King. She felt like she learned a lot, and there were many things that were said in the film that made her realize that she did not need to run from her past. Sure, the pain was not likely to fade away, but she could learn from the past and try to move forward. Facing the past, the fear of the past, was probably the hardest part. Saphira still felt like that life would be easier for the autobots if she just disappeared. They wouldn't have to keep an eye on her, and it would easier for them. But ever since the movie, she has decided that it was best to stop trying to push Mirage away. He and Bumblebee have been great to her, and they seem to care about her.

The food that they had brought to Saphira to eat ended up being eaten. This surprised the autobots. The day after she had seen Lion King, Saphira ended up eating a few of the chips, and chocolate. They had not expected Saphira to want to eat, but Mirage was happy. Each bite of the food she took felt like a small victory. After all, she was underweight, and she desperately needed food. But he knew junk food would not give her a lot of nutrients that she would need.

Which is why, a week after seeing the Lion King, Saphira had decided she would get a portable gas top. She didn't need a huge one, just a single one. And a long-neck lighter to go with. She did not know how Optimus would react, but it would be the only way for her to cook something. Though she still could not get perishable food. If she bought it, she would have to use it almost straight away. And as Optimus was stricter on keeping her close to them, asking to go to a café was probably a push, but McDonald's might be an option, since they could just use the drive through. But she didn't want to resort to fast food. It was unhealthy.

Plus, Saphira knew eating such processed food could make her sick, especially after not eating much for a long while. Though it was an option if she decided to go that route. So Saphira had to think about how she was going to convince Optimus about getting a portable gas top. She hoped he would agree, as he has tried to encourage her. In his own way. Optimus has been quite softer with her in the last week, and it was a surprise to her. He actually started to greet her in the mornings with good morning and he started to say good night as she got herself ready to sleep. It was a pleasant surprise, but Saphira did not know how long that would last.

She also had begun to draw again. Having seen the Lion King, she had decided to draw an image of the moment between Mufasa and Simba. With Mufasa telling Simba to remember who he is. She felt like it was one of the most beautiful things she has seen in a movie so far, and she was more than happy to recreate it in her own way. Currently, she was just sketching the image. She has not yet begun to colour anything in. Though she would once the sketch was done, and she was happy with proceeding with the colouring. Optimus had been watching her sketch while she would sit in the back of the cab, and he found it fascinating. And he was happy she felt inspired to draw. She seemed to be very good at it as well.

They also found an abandoned factory to have conversations in. Mirage found it by accident, and the whole factory complex appeared to be abandoned. And Saphira was happy, as it meant that she could actually stay here while the autobots drove around the city looking for Transit. She was mostly happy that the toilets here were working. But she still had to ask the autobots to take her to a public shower to use, as the factory had no shower or power, for that matter. So she wouldn't be able to use the fridge, which added to another reason why she could not use perishable food.

The one good thing about this factory is that it wasn't far from the river as well. It was several blocks from the wharf they had been using, and it wasn't right by the river, but Saphira was happy about it. She actually took the liberty of using the time when she is alone to walk over to the river to sit by it and sketch. It was a quiet, calm place for her to just sit and enjoy the weather. Though as it was cooling down, Saphira made sure she was sitting in the sun to soak up the heat from it. That was the downside to the factory. It was cold. She actually had told the autobots she didn't feel safe sleeping in the factory, so she was still sleeping within Optimus's cab. And Saphira was starting to get used to it to the point where she preferred to sleep within one of the autobot vehicle modes.

Saphira was currently standing on the path beside the river. Optimus, Mirage, Bumblebee and Arcee had left to patrol the city an hour ago, and she took the liberty of walking over here. She had left the key back in the factory, as she knew if she took it with her, they would track where she was. She had managed to make a makeshift easel with some of the material she found in the factory, mostly out of the work, and she had moved it here to use so she could draw on it. She breathed in the fresh air as she had brought her coloured pencils as she was happy with the image she had sketched, and she was ready to start colouring it in.

She knew she might spend a few days on this particular picture, but she did not mind. She was doing it as a way to keep herself relaxed and happy. After all, she didn't have anything else to do during the day. So for now, she would make a start on it. She would think about how she would speak to Optimus about getting a portable stove top. She knew he might not approve at first, but she hoped he would. Especially since he hasn't been as stern. Though he still has not called her by her name. Just human. He was clear in his dislike with humans.

The one thing that has happened recently though, Saphira bought a portable CD player the previous day, and made sure she had bought enough batteries to keep it running. And she bought a few CDs to listen to. She wasn't exactly a person who would go out of her way to get music, but she needed something to listen to, to help pass the time while she coloured in her picture. She began colouring in, and decided to play some music.

Hmm…Abba…Roxette…Starship…Michael Jackson…what should I play?

Saphira looked through her CD choices curiously before she decided on Roxette. She smiled to herself as she placed the CD into the player, closed the lid and placed it down, making sure the sound was up before the player began to play automatically. When the song began to play, Saphira quickly began to hum softly to the tune of the song and dance a little while she coloured in the sketch happily. She was feeling happy that she was listening to the song, and she began to sing along to it. She figured she might as well, since there was no one here.

'You pack your bag, you take control,
You're moving into my heart and into my soul,
Get out of my way, get out of my sight,
I won't be walking on thin ice to get through the night.

Hey, where's your work? What's your game?
I know your business but I don't know your name.'

Optimus drove through the large doors into the large factory building expecting to find Saphira sitting on the crate that she was sitting on an hour ago. However, he was shocked to find Saphira was not there. He saw her bag was still here, and so was the tracking and communication device. Optimus transformed and he was frowning, and he was starting to regret leaving Saphira alone. As he felt she had taken the opportunity and left. But as he was about to inform the others, Optimus paused as he heard the sound of music. He focused on where the music was coming from, and he determined it was not far away from the factory.

He turned towards a door leading towards the river, and he walked towards it. He wanted to be sure in case his processor was mistaken. Though when he reached the doorway, he looked out and he saw her. She was by the river with an easel set up and he could see she was colouring in her sketch. And she appeared to be listening to music. Optimus did not know she had something with her that could play music. He hummed, turning back to walk over to where she had her bag to pick up and take to Saphira directly.

Saphira herself was fully into singing and moving her body along to the song. She was fully unaware that Optimus had returned already, but she did not look back either. She was completely focused on her work while singing and dancing to the song. After all, it was a beautiful, clear sky today and she was enjoying the warmth of the sun. So she was really taking advantage of what the day had to offer, and she was enjoying it to the fullest.

'Hold on tight, you know she's a little bit dangerous.
She's got what it takes to make ends meet,
The eyes of a lover that hit like heat,
You know she's a little bit dangerous.

You turn around, so hot and dry.
You're hiding under a halo, your mouth is alive,
Get out of my way, get out of my sight.
I'm not attracted to go, go deeper tonight.

Hey, what's your word? What's your game?
I know your business but I don't know your name.'

Saphira giggled as she stepped away from the easel and walked around it while moving her hips as she sang along to the song. She was smiling as she looked at the water and could see the reflection of the sky, clouds and light of the sun on the water. It was just a beautiful day. Even though it would be winter soon, Saphira was happy to enjoy what autumn had to offer before the cold really sets in. That was going to be interesting.

'Hold on tight, you know she's a little bit dangerous.
She's got what it takes to make ends meet,
The eyes of a lover that hit like heat,
You know she's a little bit dangerous.
Oh, just a little bit dangerous.'

Saphira turned as she was able to dance some more to the song, only to realize who was standing behind her. "AAAHHH!" She shrieked as she stumbled back in surprise and quickly paused the song, taking deep breaths as she realized who it was. Optimus was standing there with his arms folded, and he was holding her bag. Saphira was relieved it was him, and not Transit. "You scared me, Optimus. I was just so deep in singing that song, I didn't hear you." His optics narrow slowly, and Saphira became worried. "Um…w-w-when did you get back, by the way? Uh…and how long have you been standing there?"

"Why? Were you planning on running once you were finished your little party?" Optimus asked bluntly, and she shook her head immediately. "Though I guess you would not run without your bag…" He glanced at her bag before looking back at Saphira with a deep frown. "But you left the tracking device behind. You are extremely lucky no public buses drive by this particular factory, or Transit might have found you, and we would not know it."

Saphira watched as he moved his hand to hold out the bag with the tracker in it. Saphira knew he was angry about it. "I…I'm sorry. I didn't think you would be back for another hour. I was going to go back into the factory once I did a little bit of colouring on that picture. And…"

"Since when would that be an excuse to leave something like that behind, human?" Optimus lowered himself to the ground, crouching as he frowned at her. "You had me believe for one moment that you had run. Coming back to the factory, I thought you were still inside the building. Not out here, singing and dancing to some song." Saphira somewhat felt like she was being scolded like a kid at the moment. She also felt worried that Optimus might tighten his protection on her. "While I see now that you did not go far, and you seemed to have found someway to entertain yourself. But don't leave the tracker behind. That must stay with you. That is not negotiable."

She nodded slowly as she understood. "Alright…I get it…" She relaxed as she rubbed her arm, knowing he was disappointed. "I am sorry…I did not mean to make you think I left, Optimus. I don't intend on going anywhere. You'd probably track me down anyway." She smiled a him as he just kept glaring at her. "Uh…so…I guess you want me to tag along with you for the rest of the day…right?"

Optimus nodded slowly. "Indeed. I do not know what you might decide to do if I left you alone right now, human." Saphira still thought it was silly. She had been left alone for an hour, she could have easily run from the factory while the autobots were away. "I knew I was right in returning to the factory after an hour. I had been curious to know if you truly would run off, at least I know you won't. But you will come with me."

This was one of the few times the autobots had left her alone at the factory. And Optimus did always seem to be the one to come back before the others. He still did not trust her, that was very evident. She accepted it and she smiled at him before grabbing her stuff. "Alright, I guess we can head off, whenever you want. I did actually want to ask you something." He tilts is head slightly as he was curious by her question. "I am not sure if you are fine with it, but I want to get a portable gas top." He widened his optics slightly as he did not know what it is. "It will just be a single one, so that way I can cook some food for myself."

Optimus was very surprised. "But you have refused to ingest any kind of food. What has made you change your mind?"

She shrugged. "Well…I suppose…the Lion King." He was even more confused. "You weren't there to see the movie, Optimus. You can already see that the picture I am creating is based off of the Lion King. I feel like I was inspired, and I taking some much needed advice that was given in the movie." Optimus said nothing as he was still curious. "The past can hurt, so you can either run from it or learn from it. In my case, I have to not just learn from it, but to show that I can be happy and that I am going to survive. I have to prove it to myself, that I can be happy. They do say that is the biggest victory you can ever have over people who have done you wrong."

Optimus had not heard a lot about the movie since Saphira, Bumblebee and Mirage had seen it. But they all seemed to really enjoy it. After all, when Bumblebee had brought Saphira to him after the movie, she was still crying. He had been surprised, but he was reassured that she had been crying over the movie. Optimus wasn't told much more about it, only that it was a really beautiful, emotional movie. He did not know it had a message in it.

He rubbed his index finger and thumb together thoughtfully before he responded. "I had no idea there was a good message in that movie. And seems like it could speak to us, given our circumstance." She nodded as she could definitely agree with him on that. "But as much as I would want to do what you do, human, we still have a planet that we might still have a chance to go back to."

Saphira knew that he was still wanting to get home, and she understood. "Honestly, if I knew if there was a possibility to help you find a way home, Optimus, I would do it. Aside from Transit, I don't think he is going to tell you."

"You would be right. He won't speak the truth willingly. They all have not." Optimus let out a deep sigh. "But as for your question about this cooker you want to buy, I think I can allow it." She smiled immediately at him. "However, you are going to have to figure out a way to ensure the food you buy to cook will not go to waste. I imagine just one human like you can only eat a certain amount of food."

"I am fully aware of that, thank you, Optimus." He hummed as he was satisfied with her answer before he leaned down suddenly. "Woah…" She was startled as he grabbed her suddenly and picked her up. "Uh, I was expecting you to transform…"

"It is a little strange to do that by the river here, plus no truck would be parked here." That was true, but this area of the city wasn't very busy, so Saphira assumed it would be okay. He walked towards the factory building as he kept a hold of her in a firm, but gentle grasp. "We are lucky that we have found another location. Hopefully we can find a better one."

"Eh, I probably would not hope for a better place than this. Though…" She looked at the factory and looked back at him. "I don't think I'll want to spend much time here when winter hits. Sometimes, New York gets a dusting of snow in winter, and that factory isn't able to hold in the warmth. So…uh…" She rubbed the back of her neck with a smile. "I'll certainly be sticking with you guys. You have a natural warmth that is nice, I hope you don't mind."

Optimus gazed at the factory as he had thought it would be fine. But he was aware humans weren't able to tolerate the cold as well as they could. And because of that, they would have to provide the additional shelter Saphira would need to be protected from the cold. "It would seem to be something we will have to provide for you, human." He walked into the factory and lowered her to the ground gently. "Though, on the bright side, the snow can sometimes stop the buses from travelling around the city. So it might give us an edge on finding Transit." He hands Saphira her bag, and she took it. "Just remember to not lose that."

"I won't." She smiled as he watched him step away and transform. She walked over to the truck as he opened the door for her and she climbed inside. "Are you going to take me to a shop now? I would rather get the cooker before it sets into night, and maybe I'll go and see if I can get some food as well. I think it would be good. I might even look at some coolers…maybe…"

Optimus did not fully care what Saphira decided to do, but he was taking her to get her food. "Whatever you choose to do, as long as it does not inconvenience us, I do not care." She was glad that she would not have any problem, as long as she was careful in what she buys. "Arcee, Bumblebee and Mirage will meet us by the store." She was a little surprised, but said nothing. "We can't be too careful, human. I am sure you should not be too surprised by that."

She wasn't really. She appreciated the fact that the autobots were willing to protect her, even if it would be considered a bit over the top with how they choose to protect her. "I appreciate it a lot, Optimus."

Once she was settled in the seat, Optimus drove out of the factory to head into town. "You did not have that little device that was playing music before. When did you get that?"

Saphira looked at the CD player and looked back at the dash. "Um, I bought it yesterday." She heard him grumble a little, and she realized what she said. "Oh, yeah…um…it was just a small store I bought it at. It wasn't huge or anything. So…"

"Human, if you wish to buy something, you must have Mirage or Bumblebee inform me so we can remain in close proximity to your location," Optimus said to the girl sternly. "It is for your own safety. I know both Mirage and Bumblebee think I am a bit too harsh, but I don't want to be responsible for something happening to you because we were too lazy. That would be ridiculously irresponsible."

Saphira felt a little bad that she had not told Mirage to do that. It was just in a spur of the moment. "Sorry…I should have thought of that." She looked out the window for a moment and looked back at Optimus's dash. "I am surprised you aren't asking why I didn't run."

Optimus was silent for a moment as she was right. He did want to know why she did not run. She had ample opportunity, and she did not take it. That did make him rather curious. "So why did you not leave?"

She smiled and looked out the window. "Well…I guess…sure, at lot has happened. You don't like humans, you don't trust me, and I am kind of in the way…but I guess I don't know what else to do. Plus, you guys have kind of opened my eyes to the universe. You aren't from Earth, and people have been so speculating for so long about whether there is life on other worlds or not." Her smile softened as she thought about it some more. "And I honestly don't think I want to have a normal life right now…you guys made it more interesting. And…I am wanting to try and be friends with Bee and Mirage. It's not easy, because of Arthur, but I want to try. At least we would still be friends from afar."

He listened to her response quietly, though he did not know if there was more to that. "Are those the only reasons you did not flee?"

She shook her head. "No…no…actually, you're kind of the reason." Optimus had no response to that, as he did not know what she meant. "Most people probably would hate you for how you have treated me so far. But you have already stated your dislike for me is not personal. And I get it. So I am not mad. You intrigue me more than the others, mostly because you're the leader…and there's so much story behind you, I am sure." She was not wrong, as Optimus had yet to tell her more about their past. "The way you care for your autobots is so much like a father figure. I never had a good father, so…I am surprised that I noticed. But the way you took your time last night to reassure Bumblebee when he told you that he was sad that he couldn't see his human friend…" Optimus was surprised she had overheard him. "Sorry, I woke up in the middle of the night from a nightmare, you might not have noticed. But I could hear him through the radio. He probably misses her because I am here, and he wishes she was here too."

Optimus was genuinely surprised that Saphira actually saw him as the reason why she chose not to leave. She saw how he treated the other autobots, and she seemed to have looked past the front he has put up to her. And he definitely did not notice she had a nightmare last night. He almost had nothing to say. "I am not sure why how I treat the other autobots is a reason for you to want to stay."

"Maybe…but…I want to help you if I can, Optimus. I know you don't trust me, and maybe you never will trust me, but I think it is something that I feel like I could do. Maybe not with Transit, but at least making you feel like that you aren't alone. You're an alien to my world, and I feel like it is my job to make sure you and your autobots are content." She knew it might not work the way she would think, but she still wanted to help. "So even if I can't help you get home, I can help in other ways. I mean, I don't have a home either now, but helping someone else, even when I got nothing, is just a choice I feel that is right."

Optimus did not know what more to say to this girl. He had no idea that this is what Saphira felt within her. He knew, from her diaries, that she did like him and had written about the observations she had of the autobots. But to hear her say she did want to help them feel like this could be their home if there was no way to return to Cybertron, it wasn't something he expected. He expected Saphira to feel resentment to him. But she did not seem to. After all, it was other humans who have done her wrong.

"I don't think I have expected those kind of words from you, human. I have been less than kind, and I am surprised you are forgiving." Optimus did not know how to look at it, but the fact she has stayed, and she was open with him made him think that trust was now more possible. She did not run, and she was more interested in being a friend to them and helping them. "Maybe there is more to you than meets the eye."

"Pfft, not really. I am not special. But I am also not cruel…I know what cruel is. So I don't want to give that back to anyone. Even to someone who is much bigger and stronger than I am." Saphira rubbed her hand along the door with a sigh. "Because while physical pain can be healed, words can't. And yeah, you have been harsh, but I don't see it as cruel. You were only protecting yourself and your autobots. So I know the difference very well."

Optimus went silent as he continued to drive through the city towards a shop where they would meet with Arcee, Bumblebee and Mirage. This girl really was not what Optimus had expected. She was very timid of them, she still is, but she's relaxed and she was saying things Optimus had not expected her to say. He had thought she would hate him eventually. But it seemed like she did not. Her priorities have shifted. He did not know if he should thank the movie she had seen recently, but whatever the case, Optimus's hard walls were softening. And now he could not help but start to see her differently. Which was surprising himself.

After arriving in the parking space of the lot, Saphira spotted the other three autobots closer to the entrance of the Walmart that Optimus had brought her to. She was happy to see them, and she made sure to have the tracker with her when she grabbed her bag and climbed down from the truck to make her way to the front door. She ignored the looks she received from people around her when they saw her getting out of a freightliner truck. They were clearly annoyed a truck was parked in the lot, but she knew she couldn't make Optimus leave.

As she walked by Bumblebee, smiling at him as she reached the path entrance in front of the door, she jumped when she heard Mirage through the communication device. "Watch your back, Saphira! Some angry man is stomping towards you."

Saphira gasped as she heard the footsteps, and the feeling of someone tapping her shoulder, which made her turn fearfully, only to widen her eyes as she saw who it was. She honestly never thought she would see him again. And she had no idea what he wanted. "Arthur?"