Divided Souls - Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Nineteen

Sky

As the Nemesis descended toward the ground, I clung on to the now still energon claw and braced for the impact.  I trusted Alpha Trion would take care of the rest as I had honoured his request of disabling the ship.  It had been one of the most surreal experiences to date.  I watched the energy seep out of my hands and swirl towards the main generator.  On its way it twisted and changed shape, and I realised I could bend it to my very will.  I couldn’t quite grasp the magnitude of the power that was within me, and that fact frightened me.  I hugged myself to the claw and shut my eyes in preparation for the impact.  When it came, it was loud and rough.  The force of the ship colliding with the ground dislodged me from the claw and I rolled away from it, straight into some energon cubes.  I couldn’t help but cry out in pain as my ribs protested against my weight as I rolled over the floor.  I stuck out my good arm to support my weight, cradling my left arm against my abdomen.  My head was throbbing and my vision was starting to go hazy, the effect of the energy burst catching up with me.  The ship slid along the ground for what seemed like an eternity, before coming to a slow, lazy stop.  I struggled to my feet and walked toward a gaping hole in the side of the main engine room.  A cold wind blew in and made me shiver, causing goosebumps to rapidly appear on my arms.  I was surprised to see that the wind brought some snowflakes in with it and I walked over to the edge of the hole.  It had to be about fifteen feet off of the ground, but there was a thick layer of snow that would cushion my fall.  The wind blew my hair around my face, obstructing my vision briefly.  I was pulled from my contemplation of jumping by Megatron’s voice coming over the loudspeaker of the ship. 

‘Decepticons, find the human vermin!  Detect her heat signature and bring her to me, ALIVE.  If any of you harm her before I have the chance to, I will rip out your Spark chamber and feed it to the scraplets!’  At this, I needed no more persuasion to jump and I hurled myself off of the side, landing in the soft, cold snow.  It quickly saturated through my thin cardigan and dress, soaking me to the skin.  I heard the words ‘heat signature’ from within the bowels of the ship and decided to roll in the snow.  I wasn’t sure if it would help, but if I wasn’t hot then I hoped the Decepticons wouldn’t be able to detect my heat signature.  My teeth were already chattering as I started to pick my way away from the Decepticon ship.  I hoped that Optimus was somewhere near, I couldn’t imagine Alpha Trion causing the ship to land here in this desolate frozen landscape for no reason.  Something inside me told me to head straight on and slightly to the left.  I wasn’t one to question instinct, so I headed for the direction that felt the most right.  My arms and legs burned from the coldness of the snow but the cold also helped to numb the throbbing pain in my ribs.  I was alarmed to feel warmness in my hair and I put my hand to my head and when I took it away, my palm was covered in scarlet blood.  I ignored it and carried on walking, but ten minutes later the blood was streaming down from my hair onto my cheeks and into my eyes.  I stopped and took my sopping cardigan off, folded it once and then tied it tightly around my head in an attempt to stop the bleeding.  I kept the Nemesis to my right as I headed to the left.  I took in the surroundings as I walked.  There were ice cliffs on every side and as far as the eye could see.  The ice beneath me was thick enough to walk on and I could see little bubbles every now and then as I walked.  The snow was roughly shin deep and was hard to walk through.  With every step I took it felt like I was dragging lead weights behind me.  My vision started to go blurry and I rubbed my eyes as if I could rub away the blackness.  My heart and soul called out for Optimus, and for the first time since being taken by Knockout, I allowed myself to cry.  I cried for Lucy, my father and the kids.  Most of all I cried for Optimus.  I yearned to hear his gentle voice and feel his tender touch, holding me safely in his giant warm hands.  I fell to my knees in the snow and curled up into the foetal position to try and conserve the little heat that was left in my body.  I disengaged from the reality that surrounded me and retreated to the safety of my own thoughts and memories. 

***

Sky, a week after meeting Optimus and the Autobots

I woke up from the best night’s sleep I had had in a long time in my most favourite way; slowly and deliciously.  It was my first night in my new bed that Optimus had acquired for me yesterday.  It was a big double bed with a soft, comfy mattress.  My wrist was in the pale blue cast and was throbbing lightly, but not causing me unbearable pain.  My ride with Arcee yesterday had been amazing and exhilarating.  We had sped down the dirt road and I had relished the feeling of the wind on my face and in my hair.  I turned over to look for Optimus and he was across the room from me and seemed to be concentrating immensely hard on something.  I studied him whilst his back was to me, marvelling once more at his colossal size.  He had informed me that he was 32 feet tall, an amazing 27 feet taller than me.  I had asked him if carrying me around the base all the time bothered him, and he had responded with a chuckle and said my weight in his hand was so little that he barely even noticed it.  I had yet to see a proper demonstration of his strength, but only yesterday when we had been on top of the silo watching the sunset, he had stepped on a huge boulder and crushed it beneath his foot as if it was nothing more than a snail shell.  When I had looked at him with an awed expression on my face, his answering smile was sheepish and he looked embarrassed. 

‘This is why I have to carry you around the base Sky.  You are so small and fragile…I would never forgive myself if anything happened to you.’  Even though I had only known Optimus for a week, we had already developed a strong bond, and he was extremely protective of me, never leaving my side.  My throat thickened and my vision went glassy with the moisture that was suddenly present in my eyes.  I smiled at Optimus and hugged myself to his thumb. 

Bringing my mind back to the present, I hopped off of the bed and draped the dressing gown that Optimus had so kindly provided around my shoulders.  Optimus turned as I walked toward the edge of the platform that my bed was on, a platform that also doubled as Optimus’s ‘bedside table.’  He walked over with a broad smile upon his face and offered me his palm.  I smiled at his gentlemanly manner and sat down tentatively in his proffered palm, shuffling all the way back until I could wrap my good arm around his thumb.  He carried me over to the kitchen area and deposited me on the floor by the kitchen counter.  I saw for myself what he had been concentrating so immensely on and turned around to look at him with a huge smile on my face.  His own face was wary, his eyebrows raised in anticipation.  I looked at the sight before me and couldn’t help giggling. 

‘You made me breakfast?  That is so thoughtful, thank you Optimus.’  He shrugged and I noticed a very faint circle of blue appearing on both of his cheeks. 

‘You are most welcome Sky, whilst you were in recharge I took the liberty of searching the Internet for some nutritional information as I am worried that you haven’t been receiving the appropriate amount of nutrients since you have been in my care.  I do not want to be responsible for any nutritional or digestive disorders.  I learned that you should have three balanced meals a day, so I started your day with a breakfast high in carbohydrates and for lunch you can have something high in protein and energy.’  I smiled at this little speech, trying not to laugh.  I sat down at the little table that Optimus had provided and proceeded to eat what Optimus had prepared for me.  He clearly hadn’t researched portion sizes on the Internet, as the portion that lay before me was a whole loaf of wholemeal bread, complete with butter. 

‘I don’t think I will be able to manage this whole loaf Optimus, is that alright?’  My nature to question everything came out automatically from years of asking my father if it was okay to do something or not.  Optimus raised his eyebrows in surprise and reached for me.  He took me carefully in his enormous hands, bringing me close to his noble face. 

‘Sky, why did you ask me if it was okay?  Of course it is okay little one.  Why would you think otherwise?’  Optimus’s question disarmed me and I squirmed uncomfortably in his palm.  I looked down at my hands, twisting my fingers together until Optimus’s index finger gently tilted my face upwards so I was look him directly in the eye. 

‘I’m sorry, I’m just so used to seeking approval, I just ask automatically.’  My voice was barely above a whisper, my eyes filling with moisture as I spoke.  As the convulsions began to shake their way through my body, Optimus walked over to his berth and laid down on it, placing me on his chest.  He held me while I cried, his engines humming softly whilst he rubbed soothing circles into my back with his thumb.  He did not pressure me to speak, but offered me solid, silent comfort.  I curled myself into the shape of his hand, seeking the safety and security that he brought.  His fingers curled slowly around me, his index finger lingering softly on my cheek.  My emotions were intense after getting my stuff from Dad’s yesterday.  I kept replaying the scene in my mind, the sickening crunch of Agent Fowler’s nose as it erupted in a gush of scarlet blood, dad twisting my wrist the wrong way in his strong grasp, and then Optimus.  Optimus, who had taken me away from it all and become a beacon of safety.  Optimus, whom I had known for little over a week, but who I trusted more than I had ever trusted anyone, even Charlie.  My breathing slowed and calmed, and Optimus wiped the last of my tears away with the back of his other hand.  His face was full of worry and concern, his eyebrows raised.  I cleared my throat before I spoke.  ‘I am so sorry Optimus, you shouldn’t have had to see that.  I-‘  Optimus cut me off by placing one of his immense fingers over my lips. 

  ‘Sky.’  His deep voice managed to convey so much emotion and meaning into my name, it took my breath away.  ‘You have absolutely nothing to be sorry for.  What I see before me is a remarkably strong young woman who has had unspeakable things done to her and who just needed a moment to lean on someone else.  Never be sorry or ashamed for that Sky, you are far too precious to waste your feelings on such insecurities as those.’  Optimus’s words washed over me like the waves upon a beach as I struggled to comprehend them.  I smiled weakly and leant back into his fingers. 

‘Thank you Optimus, it means so much to hear that.  It’s just I’m so used to seeking everybody’s approval.  And when someone shows me true, undiluted kindness like you have…well, I’m not used it, and it’s all just so overwhelming.’  Optimus smiled and shifted so that his left arm was tucked underneath his head. 

‘I understand little one.  Let me promise you this; I will never let anyone hurt you ever again.  Not as long as I am here to protect you.  Now, would you like a coodle?’ I raised my eyebrows in confusion.  Optimus looked at me expectantly, smiling broadly. 

‘I’m sorry Optimus, what do you mean?’  My mood was lighter now and I struggled not to laugh as I asked what he meant.

‘I mean exactly what I say Sky.  Would you like a coodle?’  I didn’t answer but smiled at him earnestly. 

‘I honestly don’t know what you mean Optimus, I’m sorry.’  I was smiling as I spoke.  Optimus looked at me with a puzzled expression on his face.

‘I do not understand.  I learned on the Internet that humans embrace with other humans when they are upset or celebrating something.  It is commonly called a ‘coodle.’  The way he said it was so serious and indignant that I couldn’t help but burst out laughing. 

‘Oh Optimus, you are right.’  I said between bouts of laughter.  ‘But it’s not called a ‘coodle’ but it’s called a ‘cuddle.’  And yes please, I would love a cuddle.’  Optimus grinned at me widely and pulled me further up his chest. 

‘Come here little one.’  Optimus reached for me and his whole left hand moved to surround me so that I was cupped securely within it.  His thumb stroked my cheek softly whilst his index finger gently caressed my hair.  I leant into his tender touch, letting a small smile slide onto my face.  Optimus returned my smile and sighed contentedly. 

‘Optimus, this is a silly question, but do you breathe?’  Optimus chuckled and sat up slightly, holding me a little more securely so he wouldn’t jostle me too much. 

‘I can breathe Sky, but not in the same sense as humans do.  I filter air in and out of my vents so that the impurities within the atmosphere do not interfere with my internal cooling system.  I also require air from my surroundings to maintain my core engine temperature.  I only need to do this every half of a solar cycle though.’  I looked at him, taking in his words.

‘Half a solar cycle?’  Optimus smiled and shifted slightly underneath me. 

‘My apologies little one.  A solar cycle is a day, or twenty-four hours.  I have to cycle the air through my vents and filter out the impurities every twelve hours.’

‘Oh okay.  I like you say ‘solar cycle.’  It sounds so much better than ‘day.’  More poetic somehow.’  My stomach then decided that it would be appropriate to emit a thunderous rumble.  Optimus shook his head with a small smile on his face. 

‘I think it will take me some time to become accustomed to the strange noises that your internal assemblage makes.’  I laughed, remembering the first time my stomach had rumbled in front of Optimus and how he had thought I was ‘malfunctioning.’ ‘Come and eat your morning meal Sky.  I will keep you company whilst you eat.’  He set me down in the kitchen area and I sat back down at the small table and proceeded to eat my giant breakfast. 

***

Present Time

Despite my situation and surroundings, I found it within myself to smile at the memory.  My body had stopped shivering a while ago, and I was so tired.  I just wanted to sleep.  My vision was going slowly and the sounds around me grew slow and deep.  I found the energy to utter one last sentence before I gave in to sleep.

‘I love you, Optimus Prime.’

***

Optimus POV – Present Time

My Spark is protesting furiously as we make our way towards The Nemesis, where it has crash landed five clicks north of our current position.  My thermometer tells me it is currently -10°C; a relatively warm day for the Arctic.  We pick our way quickly through the snow, which comes just up to the sides of my feet; it is about two feet deep by human standards.  On Sky’s tiny 5’0” frame it is most likely to come up to her shins, which worries me.  When she was taken by Knockout she was still in the clothes that she had worn to court; a black dress, tights, heels and a small thin cardigan.  That apparel will not offer her adequate protection from the cold weather.  Her absence is physically impacting on me and I am surprised by that fact.  My Spark is pulsing furiously against my Spark chamber, demanding her presence.  Since becoming a Prime all those eons ago, I have become extremely adept at controlling my emotions.  I can emotionally detach myself from situations such as battle so as to safeguard the lives of my fellow soldiers.  I care deeply for all of my Autobots and would do anything for any one of them without question.  But Sky…our relationship is something I struggle to understand, and that concept is thoroughly alien to me.  Our relationship is not romantic, as my feelings for her are purely platonic.  Our bond is the strongest bond that I have ever had in my life with anyone, even my former mentor Alpha Trion.  I calibrate my scanners so they will pick up Sky’s heat signature as soon as she is within range.  I let part of my processor wander into the past and placate my Spark a little with memories of Sky.

Optimus POV – a week after meeting Sky (memory)

Sky’s breathing is slow and steady as she sleeps soundly.  Her broken wrist is dressed in a pale blue cast, resting on her abdomen.  Her black hair is spread out on the pillow and ripples around her.  She is so tiny, I cannot get over how tiny she is.  Her heart rate has slowed down now that she is in the state of sleep.  I call upon my memory banks for the incident that occurred earlier this afternoon.  When I rushed into her house and saw her father pressing her against the wall, the frantic thrum of her heart and the fear in her eyes.  It made me so angry.  Anger is an emotion that I have not had to deal with for many eons.  Anger left my Spark the day that Megatron became a Decepticon.

I am interrupted from my thoughts by a soft tap on my doors.

‘Yes?’ I inquire.

‘Optimus.  It’s Ratchet, I have come to evaluate Sky’s physical condition.’

‘Come in old friend, she is asleep but I am sure that you can scan her without waking her.’  Ratchet enters my quarters and nods in agreement.  He scans her and nods, clearly satisfied with his findings.

‘She is fine.  She just needs to sleep and rest.’  I nod and turn my gaze back to her.  ‘May I speak frankly Optimus?’  I turn and look at Ratchet in surprise.

‘Of course Ratchet, you do not need to ask if you wish to speak about matters that are pressing on your Spark.’  Ratchet hesitates before he speaks.

‘Are you sure taking her in is the best decision?  Humans are fragile Optimus…so easily breakable.  Just look at what happened today.’  I cycle air through my vents and turn to face Ratchet.

‘I appreciate your concern old friend, but she needs looking after.  She is only nineteen years of age and has already suffered so many hardships in her short life.  I wish to stop those hardships and serve as a confidant and friend to her.  I feel extremely protective of her, and I already know I will do whatever it takes to keep her safe.’ 

‘I realise that Optimus…but I don’t want you to get hurt.  I care for you, not only as my Prime and leader but also as a friend.  It isn’t that I don’t trust her, I do.  I sense an innate goodness within her.  But I will not question your judgement Optimus.  I have work to do.  Goodnight Optimus.’  I smile and watch him as he goes.  Ratchet has always been…the more cynical of my companions.  His concern often comes through in a brusque and gruff manner, but his Spark is ALWAYS in the right place.  I would trust Ratchet with my own Spark, and I know in time he will fully come to accept Sky into our little family.  She is already part of mine.

Optimus POV – Present Time

I stop the trail of data coming from my memory banks as my scanners detect Sky’s heat signature.  I engage my telescopic vision and zoom in on her position.  I pick up my pace and break into a run.  She has managed to get two clicks away from The Nemesis, but I can see vehicons patrolling in the background. 

‘Arcee, Bulkhead.  Engage the vehicons.  Bumblebee, flank my position.’  My Autobots do as they are bid and I hear Arcee’s light footsteps and Bulkhead’s heavy ones move away.  Bumblebee moves into position behind me and also breaks into a run in order to keep up with me.  ‘Bumblebee, we need to get there quickly.  She must have her temperature increased as soon as possible.’  Bumblebee beeps in response and we pick up our pace. We get to her quickly, and as I bend down to pick her up, I hear Bumblebee arm himself.  I pay no mind to the approaching vehicons, knowing that Bumblebee is more than able to deal with them.  Within two astro-clicks, they have been extinguished.  I cradle Sky to my chest and my Spark hums happily, content that she is in proximity once more.  Her dress is saturated with snow which has melted through to her skin.  A quick scan tells me she has three fractured ribs, a broken wrist and a hairline fracture on her skull.  She has wrapped her cardigan around her head, on which I detect the chemical scent of her blood.  I send heat to the hand she is in, warming her one degree at a time so that the blood does not rush back too quickly to her heart.

‘Ratchet, send a Groundbridge.  Sky needs urgent treatment.’  Less than a second later, the glowing green vortex appears, and I step through it.  Arcee and Bulkhead disengage with the other vehicons and follow my lead.  Bumblebee is the last to come through the Groundbridge.  Once we are back at base, Ratchet shuts off the Groundbridge and comes over to me, holding his hands out for Sky.  I carefully hand her over and Ratchet begins treatment.

‘Optimus, send for Nurse Darby.  I am going to need human assistance.’