One Week Later…

A whole week! A whole week she has been held hostage by the decepticon. And Saphira was getting ready, really worried that Optimus will not find her or Transit. And Transit made it no secret that he was mocking her about it as well. Saphira hated it, and she had been made to sit in the small space at the back of the bus each day while Transit works and acts like a regular bus for passengers. And while Saphira sat there the whole day, she found herself occasionally being hit with a shock from Transit. He would do it randomly, and excuse it as wanting to keep her in line. But it was making her muscles ache, and she hated it.

But it also made her worried as she found it hard to stand and walk at the moment too. She guessed that the shock was affecting her muscles negatively, and it could be permanent if he kept doing it. Especially since he's decided to do it twice a day instead of one, which Saphira was not enjoying at all. It made it hard for her to even eat the little food she was given. Especially since she forced herself to take small bites so that it would not hurt her throat muscles too much.

While she is out of the cooling temperatures of the city, Saphira would prefer to be walking through the city in the temperatures than be sitting within the bus. Saphira also had to endure with Transit insisting that she used the public showers daily. She honestly hated it, as each time, his holoform would stand and watch her. It made her really lose her dignity, especially when he would compliment her appearance. And not in a nice way.

Saphira was staring at the ceiling of the space at the back of the bus. She was trying to think of things that might help her get away from Transit. He was watching her like a hawk. That made it harder for her to think of an escape route. All of her ideas so far would not work. And she didn't want to rely on the autobots to get away, even though they might be the only way to get away from him at the end of the day. Her ideas could land her in hotter water with Transit.

I hope one of you autobots find me soon. Arcee, Bumblebee, Mirage, Optimus…I know you guys are still looking for Transit. The only thing I've managed to memorize is the number plate he has. Transit doesn't seem to change it.

Saphira jumped as she felt the bus brake suddenly, and she guessed that might have been the driver braking suddenly, which didn't surprise her. It could have been Transit, but it was unlikely, since he is meant to be in disguise. Saphira was just a little irritated mostly. She wasn't hurt by it, but the sudden lurch forward was definitely very annoying to her. She heard a light chuckle by her ear, making her roll her eyes in irritation.

She didn't say anything though as she knew she could not control the actions of the driver. The one thing that did make her happy though was that Transit had given her a small window to look out of. He did this only when he noticed she was mostly falling asleep or was having a hard time because she was feeling claustrophobic, so he did that to avoid her causing issues for him and the humans he works with.

Saphira was looking out the window. It wasn't big enough for anyone to see her from the street, but it was something. She was trying to see if she could spot any of the autobots. She was resting her cheek on her hand as she watched the road go by, looking at every vehicle that the bus drives by. She didn't see any vehicle that looked similar to Arcee, Mirage, Bumblebee or Optimus yet. But she didn't actually know what she would do if she saw them. They may not actually see her.

Saphira relaxed while staring out the window, counting the cars they go by as a way to entertain herself. She really felt bored at the moment. The one thing that made her smile was the snow falling the night before. It has since melted, but it made her smile when she saw it. After all, Christmas was coming, and it was a good feeling. But she still hoped that the autobots would find her soon. She really wanted to get away from Transit.

And I don't know how I am going to repay them. Particularly Optimus. It seems that he has been through so much pain from the war he's been through, and I don't blame him at all. Now that I am away from all of them, I actually miss him the most. I am surprised that I don't miss Bumblebee as much as him. But…Optimus did help me when I stood on the edge of the water. He told me what I needed to hear. I can't help but feel…but feel…I'm not sure. Transit seems to believe Optimus has an interest in me. I doubt it, but…I am not sure how it would work either.

As she stared out the window, she kept looking around at all the cars as the bus rolled through the streets. Saphira was happy that she was facing towards the street and no the sidewalks, so if she did see any if the autobots there might be a chance that she could see her through the small window. It was a very slim chance, but it was highly possible. And she couldn't help but hold onto that hope. It was the only thing that she really, truly felt.

Minutes go by and the bus came to a stop at a set of lights, which was fine. All of a sudden, a freightliner rolled slowly beside the bus. Saphira blinked as she saw the cab was red, with a distinct, silver line and blue panels around the tow hitch. She knew this truck. Saphira could not help but shift to look at the window, and she saw that the truck was close enough for the side view mirror to see her. She stared at it, as she knew this was Optimus. He was here! He was right next to her right now! But Saphira didn't know how she would even get his attention.

"Good luck." Saphira flinched as she heard Transit's voice right by her ear, and turned her head, but she did not see his holoform. She guessed Transit had seen Optimus, and knew that Optimus may not see her. "That window of opportunity is so slim. It will be lucky if he even sees you, little thing."

Saphira frowned and looked back out the window, staring at the truck beside her with sad eyes. Tears filled them as she stared at the freightliner, knowing that Transit was right. Optimus would have a very slim chance in spotting her, and she had no way of alerting him that she was there. And she knew if she tried, Transit would stop her. And that made her very upset as she let tears fall from her eyes and she sniffled softly, wiping the tears from her cheeks. She really wanted to reach out to him.

Seeing him right next to me like this is honestly painful. I wish he could see me. I kind of hope he has his sensors on, as he might be able to detect Transit's signal.

Saphira looked back on all the times she spent with Optimus. From the time they met, to the moment before she went with Bumblebee to look at the Christmas lights. Saphira actually wished she had not gone, because she wouldn't be here now as Transit's captive. She would be with Optimus and the autobots preparing for Christmas. But she had no choice. She could only dream and imagine her time with them. With Optimus. She could not help but smile with her cheeks blushing lightly from the thoughts.

And in that exact moment, she saw Optimus's side view mirror turn, and she gasped in surprise. She stared until she saw her reflection in the mirror. The mirror kept turning before pausing and turning back to her as if he's seen her. Saphira felt a sense of relief, because Optimus had seen her. He's seen her! And now he knew what has happened to her. She just hoped that he would be able to save her from Transit soon.

And she soon felt the bus rolling forward and Optimus rolled as well, but he was slowing down and she guessed that he was going to do something. But they were in public. He couldn't do anything in front of humans, or all hell would break loose, and she knew it. The government and military will want to try and grab their hands on the autobots, and she did not want that to happen at all. Even for her sake, she would rather be with Transit than see something happen to the autobots because of their actions to save her.

Saphira kept her eye on Optimus until she could not see him, but she did observe him, and it looked like he might have gotten behind the bus. She hoped so. Saphira sighed and sniffled a little more as she knew that she had a little bit of a chance, but she also didn't want Transit to believe she knew something he didn't. She wanted to act like that Optimus was not up to something, so he would not get angry at her. She did hear Transit laughing by her ear, clearly mocking her.

I really hope Optimus saw me. I want to be in his arms…I'm safe with the autobots. And hopefully, we can have a good Christmas…maybe…

Saphira jumped as she saw lightning flashing in the sky, and looking up to see dark clouds rolling towards the city. She had not really looked up at the sky, and she couldn't help but smile a little. While it might be going to storm soon, it will certainly drop the temperature even further. While she was with Transit, she was at least warm. But that was really the only positive that she had in her situation, was the warmth around her.

But it is just general warmth. It isn't the same warmth I had when I would sleep within Optimus's cab. Even when I would sleep in the backseat of Mirage or Bumblebee…it wasn't the same…I don't know why. It probably is just a very stupid reason. Maybe…

Saphira suddenly began to visualize Optimus in her mind. And in a peculiar way, simply because she was thinking a little too hard. And now she found herself visualizing his body. Saphira closed her eyes as she thought about him. She was trying to not focus on his body, but she couldn't help it. His broad chassis, wide shoulders, strong, metal abdomen, thick legs…Saphira shuddered as she wanted to get those thoughts out of her mind. She wanted to think of the good things he has done for her, not what he looked like.

She thought back to the conversations she's had with him, regarding his past and her own story. Optimus has been through a lot, and so has she. She might not have experienced war, but she has still gone through so much pain. And it still stuck with her on how he handled speaking with her and getting her to back away from the ledge overlooking the water. He was so kind to her, and he really relaxed around her after that.

I wish that I got to finish those paintings. I am sure he would have loved them when I finished with them. But I guess I just have to wait until he saves me…if he has truly seen me…

Saphira could feel her cheeks blushing as thinking of Optimus this way was not something she has done before. And it was kind silly, but she also liked it at the same time. After all, she couldn't help but realize that Optimus was actually attractive. Especially when she really thought about it hard enough. She shook her head as she needed to not think about him that way, as this was not the time to do that. Especially with Transit watching.

She opened her eyes and looked at the sky as she watched more lightning flashing in the sky. Saphira rests she cheek on the window as she looked st the sky. She figured that there was nothing else to do but enjoy watching nature. After all, she didn't want to give away that Optimus might have seen her with Transit watching intently. But if Optimus us behind the bus, Transit might figure it out.

"Hmmph…" Saphira didn't react when she heard Transit as she continued to stare at the sky. She jumped when she felt his holoform's hands grabbing her shoulders and pulling her away from the window roughly and forced her to sit, making her hit the wall roughly and she grimaced so she felt a metal bar scraping her lower back. "I think you have seen enough of the outside. I can tell you seem to be thinking about something that interests you. Maybe it is Optimus, though I wouldn't be surprised. Tell me, how long have you known about the autobots?"

Saphira looked at the holoform in surprise. Transit was glaring at her angrily. "Uh, well…" Saphira had to think for a moment as she had not really thought about it. "I think…four months…I don't know officially…I am not sure the exact time…not sure why that…"

"Interesting." Transit rubbed his chin thoughtfully with a curious grin. Saphira did not know what he was thinking. "It must have taken Optimus only a couple months to realize he has something good…" She shuddered as she didn't like the way he spoke about her. "It's strange, but I am also not surprised."

Saphira didn't understand, as she didn't believe Optimus even looked at her that way. "Well…I don't think Optimus feels that way…so I think you are mistaken. I am not sure why you seem to think it, Transit. Them being concerned genuinely is not the same as him having feelings for me."

Transit leaned down to her slowly, and the way he did it, made her grimace and shiver because it was so intimidating, and she was uncomfortable. His optics narrow as he looked at her with scrutiny. "Are you certain he doesn't?" She nodded. "I am afraid I disagree with you. I believe that there is something there, even if it is not as deep, there is always something small. And it can turn into something more, I am sure you know that too."

Saphira knew that, but she doubted it. "Hopefully you won't be disappointed that you are wrong, Transit, because you could be wasting your time, but I guess you still have me as your hostage. So it's not all lost…"

"Correct. I can always count on the goodwill of the autobots to want to do the right thing, so I know they will come for you." Transit chuckled softly as she sighed and he grabbed her by the cheeks suddenly, making her grimace before the tips of his fingers scratch her skin and she felt the sting. "And I think you are trying to deny something that might be true. If I am wrong, it doesn't matter to me. It just brings me so much glee to believe that I might have a potential sparkmate with me. It wouldn't be the first time Optimus has lost someone he deeply cares about."

Saphira just frowned at him as she knew that no matter what, Transit was wanting to keep her hostage. "I guess you will just have to keep a hold of me. I doubt that Optimus saw me anyway…so…it might be months that you have to deal with me…"

Transit chuckled softly. "Nah, I reckon another month before I decide whether it's worth keeping you alive or not." She tensed instantly and widened her eyes as it seemed that Transit was really considering that. "I don't want to keep a human pet around for too long, that would bore me. But…I think I'll just make it a little easier for the autobots by then…just for a little fun."

Saphira had no idea what will happen now, as it seemed that Transit was already getting bored of keeping her around. That was not a good sign at all, and she knew it. Saphira shivered and Transit laughed at her, taking glee over the fact she knew her days were numbered. "Well…um…I guess I'll just stay low with you."

"Good girl." She grimaced when she felt Transit patting her head gently, making her feel extremely uncomfortable about it. "I'll bring you some food in a few hours…unless the storm decides to hit hard. Then you will just have to wait until tomorrow."

Saphira didn't respond. She has lost weight again since she had been brought here, and that was because Transit didn't give her food every day. She was lucky he gave her water, but he couldn't be bothered about getting her food each day. And she honestly didn't care too much, as Saphira wanted to go back to the autobots. She wanted to go back to Optimus, as she knew it was the only way for her to survive.

Transit's holoform faded away and she looked at the small window. She was hoping so much that Optimus would save her. She hoped he was right behind Transit, but she wasn't sure since she could not see Optimus. She sighed softly, watching the flash of light from the lightning flashing outside the bus. She actually wished she was standing outside right now, as there was nothing like standing outside just before a storm.

Meanwhile…

"Are you sure, Optimus? You've located and identified Transit?" Arcee asked in shock after Optimus had informed the autobots he had located Transit. "How were you able to make sure it was even him? Did you see the decepticon badge?"

"I am positive, Arcee," Optimus responded affirmatively to the femme. He was currently driving behind Transit. He had scanned the number plate that Transit had, and he was able to access the records and locate where the bus would be parked during the night. But that didn't stop him from following Transit. "I am right behind Transit as we speak. I know it is him, because I saw Saphira with him. He is holding her at the very back, and he had given her such a small window to look out of."

"That rusty, bucket, of bolts!" Mirage hissed angrily in response. "What now, Optimus? Now that you have found him, are you going to follow him all over the city. Transit will know you are following him if you do and that might not be so good for Saphira. He might do something none of us will like, and we would be responsible for what happens to her."

"I do not intend on following him through the whole city. At least, not right behind him." Optimus was no fool. He knew exactly what he should do. He didn't want Saphira to be harmed by Transit. "I know what Transit will be tonight, and I will take care of Transit alone. If I require assistance, I will call you three for help. But I believe it will be best for Transit to be confronted alone."

"Are you certain that is wise, Optimus?" Arcee questioned her leader curiously. "We all know you are more than capable of taking Transit on alone, but as Saphira is with Transit, he will likely attempt to blackmail you using her as the source. And, well, we all know that you know that Transit has assumed you and her have a deep bond."

"And we don't have one." Though Optimus has found himself staring at the unfinished pictures Saphira had been working on as knowing she cared this deeply about him was something he didn't fully understand. He knew that Saphira has been humble regarding the existence of the autobots, and she's learned a lot about their existence. But he had not realized that the times he and Saphira spent together had somehow brought about emotions. But Optimus has been thinking deeply about his own. "But that will not stop Transit."

"I am worried about what kind of things Transit would be telling Saphira too," Mirage said in a slow, sad tone. "I have no doubt he has mocked her about us trying to save her and such. He has probably even mocked her about you and her as well, Optimus. And we do not yet know if he has done anything physically to her…which I expect that he has…and hopefully it won't be anything that severe…."

Optimus had that worry too, now that he knew where Saphira was. He had thought Saphira was still roaming the city. It honestly would have been a lot better than finding out she had been taken by Transit. But he would have other concerns associated with needing to rescue her from him. After all, he did not know what Transit would do when he does confront him. He would ensure that Saphira will be safe in the end, but he didn't know what kind of cost there would be.

Optimus watched Transit turning a left and he was tempted to follow, but he did not. He worried about Saphira, in case Transit had noticed he had seen her, but it was unlikely. Transit has probably assumed that Optimus had not seen her, and was likely taunting Saphira about it. He really had to hold back every part of his body from transforming and attacking the bus. Especially as there were humans riding the bus not knowing they were travelling with a decepticon.

"Regardless of what he has done to her, Mirage, we must help her. It is our responsibility after you brought her among us." Optimus really hasn't gotten past the fact that Mirage had brought the girl into their fold. After all, if Mirage had not brought her, this wouldn't be happening. "As I will be the one to confront Transit tonight, I will ensure that she comes home. But we should be prepared to help her if she is injured."

"We are not doctors, and even if we were, we would not know a thing about the medical practices of humans," Mirage responded gently, knowing that they would certainly have to help if needed. "You know Ratchet would say that too if he were here. We will have to be prepared to take her to a hospital if needed. As much as it would be painful, we at least know she will get the care she needs."

Optimus knew that Mirage was right. They were not medics, nor were they expects in any of the medicinal practices humans go through to deal with injuries and illnesses. From what he has observed, humans tend to get sick a lot, and it made him wonder how strong their bodies were when it came to viruses. Though he knew it was likely different between each person, but that still didn't mean he would not question it.

"You are also right, Mirage. However, I do hope that she is physically unharmed. If she requires human attention, I will make sure that she gets to a hospital personally. Hopefully the human authorities will not get involved." That was a concern he had, but there was little that he could do about it. "At least everyone will know from now that Transit will pay tonight. I will force him to give the location of his ship, and relinquish his hold of Saphira."

"Just remember there might not be a ship to even find, Optimus," Arcee said to her commander kindly. "For all we know, he could easily be stuck on this planet with us. And you would only be getting mockery from him, and he would enjoy it."

As much as it pained him, Optimus knew that was true. But now that he knew where Transit was going to be that night, even if there is a storm that will be raging on a late, autumn night. And he intended on confronting him. All bets were off right now. Even if he did not get the location of his ship, if it exists, he would ensure that Saphira would be safe. And Optimus himself was still working out how he saw the girl, and whether or not he really did have some deeper feelings. If she had some to him, Optimus wasn't really sure how he would go about handling that. But it would have to be tactful and gentle. But right now, his processor was on confronting and dealing with Transit himself. One way or another, Transit will feel the brunt of his anger tonight.