Star Crossed Sparks (Knockout x Reader) Ch. 8

Optimus’ POV

The choice is mine?  I have to decide between the two bots who matter to me most, my sparkmate and my sparkling.  Looking down at my fallen daughter my spark ached, she made the ultimate sacrifice for the Autobot cause.  Sighing heavily, I laid (C/N)’s body back down then stood up to face Knockout.

“Knockout can you aid Ratchet in repairing (C/N)’s spark chamber?”

“I’ll do anything for her,” he answered sincerely.

“What?  You want to trust him Optimus?” Ratchet questioned.

“(C/N) and Bumblebee trust Knockout, he even risked his own life to try and get her off of the Nemesis.  To turn his back on the Decepticons to save an Autobot shows that he has a good spark.  Now you all please return to base…I have some business to take care of.”

I looked down at (C/N) once more before I turned around and walked over to where Aurora’s body lied.

“Optimus,” Arcee spoke.

“No Arcee,” Ratchet answered.  “Leave him be; Optimus needs this.  Raf, open a ground bridge please.”

The ground bridge opened and I turned back to see Knockout lift (C/N) into his servos, then walk through the ground bridge behind the others.  After the bridge closed I made haste to reach Aurora while turning off my comm link.  When I got closer, I noticed her optics were still online; since the dark energon left her system the revival stone was now working properly and began healing her.  Standing next to her she turned her helm to face me.

“O-Optimus…is that you?”

I kneeled down next to her.

“Yes Aurora it’s me.”

“D-did we win?”

She reached her hand up to place it on my right cheek and I covered it with my hand.  It felt nice to feel her touch again.  

“We successfully made the Decepticons retreat,” I leaned into her hand.  

“Just like before,” a small trail of energon leaked from the corner of her optic.  “W-where’s (C/N)?  Is she alright?”

Lowering my helm in sadness I dropped my hand that held hers then carefully brought Aurora close to my chassis.  Suddenly, I heard small sobs wrack through her body; the only thing I thought I could do was hold her tighter.

“So it’s true,” she cried.  “That was our sparkling…and I killed her!”

“No, you did not kill (C/N),” I tried to soothe her.  “She bravely made a sacrifice to get revenge on Megatron for you.  She faced him alone and injured, but she accepted her fate.”

Unknowingly, I myself was letting a few energon tears fall from my optics.  Reliving the moment of watching (C/N) die was a memory that I regret ever living through.  Now, I was comforting my sparkmate as she also mourned the loss of our sparkling.

“Optimus…how am I here?  How long has it been?”

“I was waiting for you to ask,” I pressed a long awaited kiss to her helm.  “It has been centuries since (C/N)’s birth, you have been offline for quite some time.  We came across a relic hidden on this planet that you gave to the Earthlings to protect.”

“The revival stone,” she touched her chassis.  “That’s what’s healing me, isn’t it?”

“Yes, however we lost it to the Decepticons and they used it along with dark energon to bring you back to life and control you.  Megatron ordered you to kill both me and (C/N).  In the midst of it all, (C/N) struck your spark chamber and the dark energon left you leaving only the revival stone that’s healing you now.”

“No, this isn’t right.  (C/N) was supposed to live!”

Aurora leaned into my chassis and cried painfully.  Her cries tugged at my spark, I never liked to see my sparkmate in pain, physically or mentally.  I made sure to keep my servos tight around her as she cried.  I had to be strong, no matter how hard this was I had to be strong not only for Aurora but for (C/N).

“Aurora—”

“I know what you’re going to say Optimus,” she interrupted.  “It’s okay.  If you hadn’t of made this choice I would have ripped out your spark to save her.”

“I’m sorry that it has come to this Aurora.”

“It’s what we signed up for right?  Especially me when I decided to leave (C/N) with Ratchet that day to go and help you.  You’ve taught our daughter well Optimus, she deserves another chance at life, for I have lived mine.”

I fell silent, it was going to be hard for me to release Aurora back to the All-Spark; as sad as it may be, it has to be done.  I loved Aurora so much, however I realize that I’ve experienced what it’s like to love and have a sparkmate.  (C/N) was, is, young and deserves to experience everything I’ve been lucky to experience.

“Optimus, can I see her one last time?”

“Anything you want.”

“I want to see her please, but I don’t want you to weep or feel as if you lost.”

“It’s hard to think that Aurora, I lost you and I’m going to lose you again.”

She moved to where both of her servos rested on my chassis and she stared at me face to face.  I touched my helm to hers reveling in the closeness we shared.  Time was running short, we both knew what had to be done before the revival stone fully is absorbed into her spark to the point where we could not extract it.

“Please Optimus, let me see (C/N) one last time and then I will go happily to reunite with the All-Spark.  I gave her life once, I will gladly do it again.”

“Thank you Aurora,” I said.  “I’m sorry that it has to be this way, I just can’t let (C/N) go.  Not only is she a part of me, she is a part of you that I’ve come to cherish as I do you.”

“You’ve been a good father Optimus.”

Aurora leaned up and placed her lips on mine.  Oh how I missed this, feeling her again and feeling the love we shared.  Not hesitating I kissed her back as well knowing that this was the last time I will ever get to be with my sparkmate.  I wanted her to know how much I love her and I will always love her.

Eventually we separated and I stood to my feet taking Aurora’s hand pulling her to her feet.  Never letting her hand go I connected my comm link.

“Ratchet, please open a ground bridge.”

“Yes Optimus,” he answered.

The ground bridge opened and we both walked through the bridge together.  We arrived at base hand in hand to see Ratchet and Knockout working on (C/N)’s spark chamber diligently while the others were standing near the main area with the children.

“Whoa,” Miko beamed.  “That’s (C/N)’s mom?!  Cool, I need a picture!”

“Miko, not the right time,” Jack stopped her.

“You’ve been working with the humans I see,” Aurora observed.

“Yes, it has proven to be an advantage,” I answer.

I led Aurora over to where Ratchet and Knockout were working on (C/N).  They have been able to salvage her spark chamber but it still needs some repair.  They both spared us a glance, but Ratchet was the one out of the two who stood up to really greet Aurora.

“It’s been a long time Ratchet.”

“That it has.  I’m sorry that this couldn’t be under better circumstances.”

“It’s alright,” Aurora looked to the berth.  “Could I see her please?”

“Sure,” he nodded while nudging Knockout.

“Ratchet could you please ready another berth for Aurora?” I ask.

“Yes, come on Knockout.  Let them be for a moment.”

Without a work, Knockout followed suit with Ratchet.  Aurora rounded the berth to where Ratchet was standing and I took Knockout’s place.  She touched her hand to (C/N)’s helm examining her.  A look of admiration crossed Aurora’s optics as she further examined our sparkling.

“She’s so grown up, it’s too bad that I had to miss her growing up.”

“Believe me, even Ratchet would tell you that she was a terror when she received her first blaster.”

“I can only imagine,” she chuckled.

“Optimus,” Ratchet called, “I’m sorry but, we are losing time.”

“I understand Ratchet,” Aurora answered before me.  

She leaned down and placed a kiss on (C/N)’s helm then approached the other berth where Ratchet and Knockout were on standby.  Before she sat down she quickly latched onto Ratchet hugging him.

“Um…”

“Thank you for being her mother in my place.”

“Uh, you’re welcome,” he bat her back, “wait mother?!”

Aurora pulled back laughing, “Come now Ratchet we all know that you are the more sensitive one.”

Knockout turned to the side to hide his mischievous laugh, but Aurora quipped her head towards him, reached out to grab his shoulder and yank him towards her.  They were now face to face.

“Now listen here because I’m only going to get to say this once.  Take care of (C/N) because if you don’t I will haunt you until the day you offline and trust me Optimus is the only one who knows how crazy I am.  So you will take care of my daughter and all will be well.  Do I make myself clear?”

“Crystal.”

“Good.”

Aurora released Knockout then settled herself on the berth.  Once she was set Knockout and Ratchet rolled her over beside (C/N).  Aurora reached out to touch (C/N)’s hand then opened up her spark chamber.

“I’m ready.”

Both Ratchet and Knockout took their positions but I set a spot for myself so I could hold Aurora’s hand.  She squeezed mine and held on as Ratchet and Knockout made the extraction.  Ratchet gave one more glance at Aurora then allowed Knockout to pull the revival stone.  The blue hue of Aurora’s eyes dulled and she was able to spare me one last glance before fully shutting her optic ridges as her hand falls limp in my own.  Even the second time, it was no less painful to watch her meet the All-Spark.

Knockout brought the stone around to (C/N) and Ratchet made haste to make sure that her spark was in position for the revival stone to be attached.  When Knockout laid the stone on (C/N)’s spark it began to glow brightly as it slowly restored the life in her spark.

“You keep making the repairs,” Ratchet ordered, “I’ll go and get some energon to replenish her.”

“Heard,” Knockout answered.

The stone ceased to glow but was still in the process of restoring her.  Knockout kept on working but broke the silence.

“It’s not my place, but do you want (C/N) to see Aurora when she awakens?”

I snapped out of my thoughts.  “I’m unsure.  But I think it’s best that (C/N) not see her mother like this.  I will bury her, if you’ll please inform me when (C/N) wakes.”

“Sure,” he nodded.  “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry for this.”

“Thank you, and this was worth it.  I’ve known what it’s like to have a sparkmate, and I believe that (C/N) deserves to know that too.”

He nodded at me with a ghost of a smile.  

“Thank you.”

I nodded to him, then picked up Aurora in both of my servos then carried her out of the base in silence.  

(C/N)’s POV

What is this?  Why do I feel heavy again?  There’s no light anymore and I feel warm.  Why don’t I see my mom, or Primus anywhere?

“(C/N), (C/N) can you hear me?”

“K-Knockout?”

*Wait did I just talk?*

I opened my eyes to see the dirt ceiling of the base above me, and a couple pairs of eyes looking down on me, one red one blue.

“(C/N)?”

“U-Uncle Ratchet?” I asked softly.

“Yes, it’s us,” he said.  “Thank Primus, you’re online again.”

“How?  What happened?”

“(C/N),” Ratchet fiddled with his thoughts for a moment, “it’s uh—”

“Optimus and Aurora made the decision to save you,” Knockout answered instead.  

“Thanks a lot Knockout,” Ratchet grumbled.

“Well you were taking too long, she needs to know.”

While they, calmly, bickered I felt my optics leak energon.  I couldn’t move completely yet, however I felt the sadness of not only losing my mother again so she could save me, but also how my father must feel right now.  Will he regret this decision?  Should he have just saved my mother instead of me?

“Uncle Ratchet?” I sniffed.

Both pairs of eyes fixed on me with concern sprawled on both of their faces.  Knockout then reached out to wipe the stray energon tears from my optics.

“Where’s Dad?”

“He’s taking care of your mother, he needs some time to himself,” Ratchet confirmed.

Slowly I tried to push myself up from the berth when Bumblebee came barreling for me and wrapped his servos around me in a desperate hug.

“(C/N) it’s really you!  I’m so happy you’re back!”

“H-hi Bee,” I pat his shoulder.  “Crushing…chamber!”

“Oh, sorry.”

“It’s alright.  Where are the others?” 

“Arcee and Bulkhead took the children home, it’s been a rough time for us all,” Ratchet again answered.

I sighed heavily then turned to Knockout.

“Could you please help me up and take me to my father?”

“Are you sure?” he asked.

I nodded my head and Knockout understood then helped me to my pedes supporting me fully.

“Be careful!” Ratchet scolded.  “You better not let anything happen to her we just repaired her!”

“I’ve got her, she’ll be alright.”

“Uhuh, sure,” Ratchet groaned.

Ignoring him Knockout carefully led me out of the base keeping me steady.

“You’re poor paint job,” I commented trying to strike up a conversation.

Knockout’ paint was almost nonexistent.  He was dented all over, massive abrasions throughout his frame, and his usual gleam was gone.

“You were more important…this time.”

“Aww, you wouldn’t risk another scratch?”

“No way, one scratch is enough.  This is murder to me.”

“Well, when I fully recover I’ll help repair and buff you out,” I smiled.

“I’ll hold you to that.”

We fully exited the base in time to see that the sun was beginning to set.

“Now where could he be?”

“He’s at the top of the cliff,” I said without looking up.

“Oh.”

Readjusting himself to pick me up bridal style, I felt a rush of energon flow to my faceplates as he began carrying me along the trail up to the cliff.

“You know, I could get used to this eventually.”

“I don’t really mind, especially since I’m getting a good workout from carrying you around.”

“Are you trying to say I’m heavy?!”

“I would never,” he smirked.

“You know I could easily add a few more scratches where you could never reach them,” I quirked.

“You wouldn’t.”

“I would.”

“Remind me again why I ever liked you.”

“I know that I was dead for a while but I specifically remember you telling me that you love—”

“Shh.”

We had reached the top of the cliff and my father was kneeling in front of freshly made grave and placing a few more rocks to symbolize a tombstone.  Knockout set me down on my pedes then whispered into my audio receptors.

“I’ll wait for you down the trail a bit.”

I nodded in response because I didn’t want to startle my father, I wanted to give him the moments he needed.  Knockout left quietly while I stood in the same spot watching my father just stare at the makeshift grave the setting sun shining off his armor.  Nearby, I noticed a rock that could fit in my hand, and I picked it up wondering when I should approach.

Time seemed to stand still in this moment of silence.  My father made no move to stand nor switch his position.  Stoic as he is, I could feel the pain radiate off of him and it hurt to know that I may have caused this in him.  Feeling my spark clench, I took a few shaky steps forward trying to be as quiet as I could regardless if I had a slight limp.  

I was a mere few feet away when I halted out of fear, this was much harder than I thought.  Taking a shaky breath, I took those final steps closer and placed the stone in my hand on the rocks he had place.  He turned his helm quickly to meet my worrisome optics.

“(C/N)…”

I stepped back lowering my helm and putting a servo on my other one almost hugging myself.

“You’re alive.”

“Mm-hm.”

Suddenly, I was pulled into his strong embrace without hesitation.  He hugged me closely enough to reassure me to wrap my arms around him as well.  A few energon tears leaked out of my optics unable to hold my emotions in check like I should.

“I’m sorry Dad.”

“No, don’t apologize for anything,” he said sternly.  “I’m so glad you’re alright.”

“But Mom—”

“Your mother and I swore to always protect you.  We both made the choice to save you, because you’re a symbol of what we shared.”

He pulled away to see me fully with his servos still on my shoulders.

“The greatest gift that Aurora could’ve given to me is you.  I know what you’re thinking, and nothing could’ve replaced you or your spirit.”

I sniffed while wiping my optics, “Thanks Dad.  I’m sorry it turned out how it did.”

“Don’t worry about it, you’re here now and safe.  I don’t ever want to lose you again.”

With shaky legs I jumped up to wrap my servos around his neck and hug him close.

“I love you Dad.”

Both of his servos wrapped around me.

“I love you too (C/N).”

We separated slightly and I turned to kneel down in respect in front of my mother’s grave.

“Thank you for everything.  I hope you can keep an eye on all of us.  After all you have the best view in the world from up here.”

“Come now, I believe there’s someone waiting for you.”

I nodded and stood up and followed my father down the trail to meet Knockout who was leaning against the rock wall.  I limped over to him and he wrapped his servo around my waist to aid me in walking the rest of the way down.

“So we’re good then?” I asked my Dad.

“For today.  You’ll have a lot of explaining to do tomorrow to both me and Ratchet about you and Knockout.”

“Great…” I groaned.

“They were going to find out sooner or later,” Knockout commented.  “Either by you or Bumblebee.”

“Bumblebee knew about this?” My father raised an optic ridge.

“Is it too late to go back to the All-Spark?”

“(C/N)!” they both exclaimed in unison.

“Just kidding.”