Thanks everyone! A slightly shorter update, please enjoy nevertheless! Note: "Grey Decepticon" is his Prime design, "Blue and Red Decepticon" is his IDW design, and "Black and Purple Decepticon" is the Armada design.
Ooh, good twist. Also well done on Starscream's introduction. Might have been sneak attacks, but he still seems far more competent than most who share his name.
I've only read the first few installments so far, but this is great. Props for the Armada-based Blurr!
As usual, another great update! The plot becomes more complex with every update, and you're great at giving characters a great personality.
man these are so short they leave me crying for more. excellent marketing strategy! Even better story
Thank you for reading, and all of your kind words. I would hate to leave batmanprime crying for too long, so I have found the time to make another update. I hope you enjoy this one too everyone!
Great job. We got another look into Optimus' mind, and it seems like the tam is coming around on him. Still, did he really expect anything different from Starscream?
Goodness. Not only have you tacked what I consider to be one of the hardest areas of writing (post-battle aka Medic scenes), but you also managed to make this one of the BEST updates to your story so far. Bravo!!
Thanks gentlemen. I pumped out another equally sized update, just for the two of you! Please note: further updates will be made in my next post, so that the first post doesn't get too long.
Every chapter is a twist! Really surprised Megatron doesn't lead your Decepticons, but I suppose it makes sense in an origin styled story as such. I'm really glad you'll be posting updates separately now; scrolling down was becoming a hassle.
It makes for exciting reading Rewind! Here's an ending without a twist, for a change. UPDATE 11: 25/2/2013 Megatronus led Optimus to a cavern formed by a group of spires that had grown close together in an arching shape. There, Megatronus lit a small Energon fire, and invited Optimus to join him by it. Optimus confessed all of the events of the past week to Megatronus, seeing no reason to distrust him. After all, he had just saved Optimus’s life and welcomed him to his home. When Optimus was done, Megatronus simply nodded, then asked Optimus what questions he had for him. “How long have you been out here?” Optimus asked quickly, as he was anxious to find out. “I lost count a long while ago.” Megatronus answered bitterly. “Why?” To Optimus, that was the only logical question to ask next. “Like you, I was exiled from my faction, and from my cause. However, since then the cause I left has changed considerably.” Megatronus replied. “It has become more about chaos and suffering than peace.” “You used to be a Decepticon, then?” The thought frightened Optimus, thinking that he might be sitting a couple metres from a psychopathic killer. “Yes. But you must understand that the Decepticons weren’t always like they are today. When I was part of their number, they strived for peace on Cybertron, not the deaths of every Autobot they can get their hands on.” Megatron explained. “We were once proud people, people of honour. But the leadership has changed all of that.” “I’ve never heard of who leads the Decepticons?” Optimus remarked, hoping for an explanation. “His name is Galvatron. He took the position by force, and has tarnished the Decepticons’ name ever since.” Megatron obliged. “Why did you come here, of all places? Why haven’t you left?” Optimus asked the questions that had been burning in his head. “For the same reason you did. No Transformer, Autobot or Decepticons, ventures into the Shards. It is surprisingly easy to live here, because of its plethora of wildlife and the occasional Energon reservoir.” Megatronus said in a way that almost sounded like he wanted Optimus to stay with him. “Now, I have a question for you, Optimus. What is your goal for your life now?” “I suppose the first thing on my list is to free the Autobot leadership of its corruption. Then, we might actually have a chance at winning this war.” Optimus said. “No offense!” He quickly added. Megatronus laughed pleasantly. “None taken, none taken. I’m sure you realize how difficult such a task would be. Even if you can do it, there’s only one real way to do so.” “What’s that?” “Have you heard of the Prime?” Megatronus leaned forward slightly, casting dancing shadows over his face. “No.” “Long ago, when War was unheard of and Cybertron was a peaceful paradise, a simple soldier-class Transformer took a stand against the government in the hopes of achieving more rights for his diminished class. But the government was corrupt, and denied his pleas. So, in his anger, the soldier started a war that would encompass the entire planet. After centuries of battle, the war was ended when an almost mystical being called Zeta Prime peacefully took over the Autobot leadership, and successfully bargained with the leader of the soldiers for their rights in exchange for peace. But not long after that, Zeta Prime disappeared, and the old hierarchy was renewed. It would take many years for the corruption to arrive as it had before, but now, I see that it has finally come.” Megatron explained as the fire danced between him and Optimus, who listened with great interest. “So the only way to stop the corruption, and the War, is to find the Prime?” Optimus deduced. “Yes. But Zeta Prime is long gone. Luckily for you, I know how he did it.” Megatron smirked, satisfied with himself. “Deep in Cybertron’s Core, past unimaginable horrors, there lies the beating spark of our world. Zeta received a mysterious and powerful item from the spark, called the Matrix of Leadership. It returned to the Core when Zeta died.” “So we can go down to the Core, get the Matrix back, and then we will have enough power to end this war?” Optimus said slowly. “Not we, Optimus. You.” Megatronus corrected. “I can see from the past several hours that you are the only one with the heart, and the courage, to do what is necessary to become the Prime. Will you accept this destiny?” “Yes.” Optimus accepted before he could properly think about it. “But I am not experienced nor skilled enough to make it into Cybertron’s Core alone…” “So I will train you. As long as it takes, we will stay here and perfect what skills you do have, and create new ones.” Megatronus offered. “Why are you helping me?” Optimus demanded. “Because I’ve seen enough War for fifty lifetimes. I’ve seen the horrors.” Megatronus drifted off as he spoke. Suddenly he regained focus. We begin at dawn.” UPDATE 12: 25/2/2013 In the years that followed that fateful day, Optimus and Megatronus grew closer than either had ever been with anyone before. They would often spend the whole day training in different areas of the Shards, comforted by the fact that they were the only ones in there, then sit around the fire at night and share stories. Megatronus was a far more interesting companion than Optimus was, as his age had gifted him with countless adventures to tell of. After a particularly taxing day spent sparring with swords they had crafted from fallen spires, Megatronus had told Optimus of his own first days in the Shards. “I had heard stories about this wild, and its description fitted my desires perfectly. I flew over it, then transformed and fell down into a clearing. I explored the area for several days and several nights before I finally found this place. I had countless cuts and gashes from the spikes and the occasional turbo-fox or cyber-hound attack. I lit a fire, and it instantly attracted all manners of flying creatures. They swarmed around me, and I was terrified. I soon realized, however, that they weren’t attacking me. They were greeting me. I haven’t seen those creatures since that day, perhaps because they know I am not a threat or because I scared them. To this day, it is still one of my most frightening and extraordinary experiences.” Megatronus told the story to an attentive Optimus. “If you flew here, why don’t you just fly away?” Optimus had asked. “And go where?” Megatronus had answered simply. A while after that, Optimus and Megatronus were engaged in a fierce sparring match in the same clearing that Megatronus had landed in all those years ago. Megatronus had gained the upper hand, but Optimus refused to back down. Megatronus swished his sword at Optimus’s hip, but his opponent dodged expertly then kicked his feet from underneath him. Optimus pointed his sword at Megatronus’s throat. “Yield.” Optimus had ordered. “This is quite familiar to you, isn’t it Optimus?” Megatronus had countered. Memories had flooded back to Optimus as he returned to the moment when he had had Starscream in the same position. He remembered how he had decided not to lower himself to the Decepticon’s level. The memory lead to the meeting with Ultra Magnus, and his vision changed to see the Autobot leader’s face staring at him with rage. Before Ultra Magnus could open his mouth to exile Optimus, Optimus himself was kicked down onto the hard metal ground, and he returned to the present, where Megatronus had Optimus’s throat between his two blades. “Never, never, let your opponent shake your focus.” Megatronus’s face had been deadly serious. “If you do, you will die. You cannot ever allow your emotions and whatever connection you may have to your opponent stay your hand. Trust me, Optimus.” “I understand, Megatronus.” Optimus had nodded solemnly. “Megatronus is starting to feel a little bit too long and formal, do you have any ideas for a shorter name?” Megatronus had asked as he pulled Optimus to his feet. “How about…Megatron?” Optimus suggested. “I like it. Megatron it is!” Megatron smiled and gestured to the path they had made when the training had first begun. “Come, let’s do some shooting!” That was largely how their afternoons were spent, shooting targets through the spires and spikes. One evening, when the sun was low in the sky and the stars were shining brighter than usual, Optimus and Megatron were walking back to their camp when a loud crash and a yell stopped them in their tracks. They both ducked immediately, then snuck forward. Ahead of them, a group of five Autobots were ransacking their camp. Megatron readied his swords, but Optimus stopped him, for he recognized them. It was Ironhide, Jetfire, Blurr, Red Alert and a large green and purple warrior he didn’t recognize. “Don’t worry, I know them. That’s my team!” Optimus whispered excitedly to Megatron. Megatron thought for a few moments. “Do you trust them?” “Second only to you.” “You will need as much help as you can get when you make the journey to the Core. You are ready, Optimus. Go with them, get to the Core, find the Matrix, and return balance to this planet.” Megatronus said quietly, but proudly. “You aren’t coming with me?” “You are my greatest friend, and my greatest student. But the time has come for mentor and apprentice to sever their bond. The time has come for you to claim your destiny. I only ask one thing of you before I leave.” “Name it.” Optimus choked. He had said goodbye to many friends, mostly when they all graduated from the Elite Guard Academy, but this was different. Optimus owed Megatron his life a million times over, and he was the best friend he had ever had. The reason he was what he was that day, with all his skills and knowledge, was because of Megatron. “No one can know about me.” Megatron sounded just like Optimus. He was evidently having trouble saying his goodbyes too. “Promise me that.” “I promise Megatron.” Optimus promised in a hushed voice. “Goodbye, my friend.” Megatron nodded and shook Optimus’s hand. Then, just like that, he had left. “Goodbye.” Optimus muttered painfully into the gloom. UPDATE 13: 28/2/2013 Once Optimus was sure that Megatron was gone, he left his cover with his hands behind his head and stepped into the light. Jetfire was the first to notice him, and quickly drew his weapon. The others reacted similarly, but Ironhide calmed them down. He walked over to Optimus and stared him in the eye. “It’s been a while, kid.” Ironhide remarked. “I’m no kid anymore, Ironhide.” Optimus replied, and it was true. In the years that he had spent with Megatron, he had grown faster, stronger and smarter. His voice had deepened, as all Transformers do when their voice processors age. When Optimus had last stood this close to Ironhide, they had been the same height, but now he towered over the older Autobot. It was an effect of the constant training, as his body would expand from the heat, then it would never get cold enough to shrink back properly. Ironhide smiled with the gruff but kind smile Optimus had always remembered, then offered his hand. Optimus slowly let his arms down from behind his head, then grasped Ironhide’s hand and shook it. He wished he could smile back, as he often wished since the mouth plate was installed, but he trusted his emotions to leak to his eyes and show Ironhide how delighted he was to see him. Ironhide let go and stood aside as Jetfire stepped forward and similarly shook Optimus’s hand. “It’s good to see you again, Optimus.” Jetfire looked like he really meant it, and Optimus felt the same way. Of the old team, Optimus had found Jetfire the most likeable and fun one. So he nodded and returned the comment. Next was Red Alert, who looked rather guilty. “I assume you found out about your lack of weapons quite quickly…” Red Alert guessed. Though he was right, Optimus extended his hand nevertheless. “What’s done is done, Red Alert, I would not be so cold, to hold you to orders you were given years ago.” Red Alert nodded awkwardly, then shook Optimus’s hand. He moved out of the way and the green and purple Autobot stepped forward. He grasped Optimus’s hand in both of his own, which was unnecessary given his great size. “My name is Scavenger. I’m an old friend of Blurr’s; he was the one that invited me into the team when Warpath left. I’ve heard great things about you from all of these Autobots, Optimus, I hope you live up to the expectations I’ve been given.” The Autobot was steely-faced, even more so than Blurr used to be. Scavenger stepped aside, and Blurr slowly approached Optimus. “It is…nice to see you again” were Blurr’s only words. He didn’t offer a handshake or a nod like the rest. He simply turned and retreated to the back as Ironhide moved forward. “For the record, he was the first one to volunteer when I proposed coming out here to find you.” Ironhide whispered to Optimus, then raised his voice to its normal volume. “We come here because we need your help, Optimus. No one else has the abilities necessary to do what is required.” “What might that be?” Optimus asked innocently. “On the outskirts of Iacon, the Decepticons have set up an outpost. This shouldn’t be a problem, but any attempt to take it out has been met with impregnable defense. One team was sent there, led by a young trainee of mine called Animus, but they never returned. We fear the worst, obviously.” Ironhide explained. “And you think that I can somehow take out this outpost when no one else can? Why is that?” Optimus was legitimately confused. “Unless you have somehow lost all of your skills, which I highly doubt given your appearance, you are the edge we need. Not just physical skills, however, but mental ones too. After everything that happened to you, in such a short period of time, you never once changed for the worst. You even denied Starscream, something very few Autobots can truthfully say. His deception and manipulation is legendary. It would be very handy given the rumours of the psychological terrors that occupy the outpost.” Ironhide answered. The last sentence should have been troubling, but Optimus somehow didn’t find it so. “So you want me to come with you to take down some unstoppable Decepticons, then return here? Or will I be an Autobot again? I thought Ultra Magnus said ‘with no chance of return’?” Optimus highly doubted that he was wrong, given the amount of times he’d relived his exile in his mind. “If you don’t die in the process, then Ultra Magnus has agreed to have you accepted back into the ranks. He has been decidedly more lenient lately, no one knows why though.” Red Alert told Optimus. “So will you help us?” “I’ve been here twelve years, Red Alert. Of course I will. When do we leave?” Optimus’s eyes lit up with a great fire. The Prime quest would have to wait, at least for now. “Immediately. The outpost is not far from the other edge of the Shards, so if we move quickly, we can get there before sundown.” Scavenger turned and started walking away, not waiting for an answer. Blurr followed beside Scavenger, while Jetfire and Ironhide brought up the rear. Optimus and Red Alert were in the middle of the company. “I can’t tell you how sorry I am.” Red Alert said quietly after their journey was well under way. “Don’t worry about it Red Alert, I found some new things anyway.” Optimus showed the Autobot the sword and axe he had fashioned himself from the spikes of the Shards. Red Alert was extremely impressed, and didn’t apologise again. “Red Alert, how did you lose your hand?” Optimus asked, remembering the conversation they had had in the med-bay before his exile. “It was half a century ago.” Red Alert began. He rubbed his left arm, which had a cannon instead of a drill like last time. “I used to be quite the warrior back then. I loved the thrill and violence of it all, and nothing satisfied me more than seeing the fear in a Decepticon’s eyes. But then my hand was cut off by none other than your old friend Starscream, and that all stopped. I realized that war was something to be prevented, not glorified. I look back at myself in absolute shame now. After that, I decided to become a field medic, and put my skills to better use than simply killing people. I could have easily been a Decepticon before then, but now I assure you I am 100% Autobot, proud and true. Now I value life instead of destroying it.” “Wow, Red Alert. That’s…that’s quite the story.” Optimus said quietly after a long pause. “I’m glad you did change for the better after that.” “So am I, Optimus, so am I.” Red Alert smiled slightly, but he didn’t look like he had fully returned from the past for the rest of the journey. The company of Autobots, and Optimus, kept walking through the Shards for several hours. They all received a great deal of cuts, particularly Scavenger, who was much larger than everyone save Jetfire, and Jetfire himself, who constantly complained about not being able to fly over the wild instead of going through it. But at last, nearly six hours after they had left the camp, they reached the edge of the clearing. Ahead of them, they could see a smoky haze, which Optimus remembered vividly, and the towering city of Iacon to the West. But much closer to them, barely visible through the smoke but undoubtedly there, was the outpost Ironhide had spoken of. It was a tall tower with several spikes jutting out of it and a fence that went around the perimeter. The company all transformed and drove as quietly, but quickly, as possible towards the tower. When they reached the fence (after several leaps over craters and gullies), they transformed and watched it for a while. There was no security along the fence, but that was more worrying to the Autobots as it showed that the Decepticons didn’t mind visitors. Blurr scouted around the fence, and came back fast enough that Optimus was certain he had used his speed ability. “There are five guards, but that’s all. I can take them out easily.” Blurr reported confidently. “Then let’s go, a quick game’s a good one.” Jetfire said happily. Everyone rushed forward, with Blurr taking point. Before the guards could react, Blurr had shot all of them straight through the head. Optimus could plainly see that he was using his speed, so he made a mental note to ask him about it if they survived. Though it had all seemed far too easy, Optimus let it go as he and the others approached the gateway. Everyone armed themselves, then Scavenger knocked the door down. Inside was total darkness. The Autobots activated their flashlights that were standardly built into all Transformers’ forearms, and scanned the room. Suddenly, as soon as Ironhide had entered the tower, a blast door closed shut, trapping everyone inside. “What’s going on? Can anyone hear me?” Jetfire’s panicked voice called out. “I can!” The rest replied. “What the hell is going on?” Blurr angrily demanded. No one had any idea, so there was no response. Just as suddenly as the door, everyone’s flashlights were simultaneously turned off by a specially designed EMP. The whole room was plunged into total and all-consuming darkness. Not even the in-built night vision Optimus had was any use. He couldn’t see a thing, and dared not move. The silence was eerie, as the others were thinking similarly to Optimus. After several minutes of the darkness, a sudden and terrifying hiss sent shivers down Optimus’s spine (he didn’t even know he could shiver). “Hello, my preciouses…” UPDATE 14: 1/3/2013 “We’ve been expecting some visitors ever since the last ones were so unfortunately spent.” The voice was horrifying, and the darkness made it even more like something out of a horror film. No one said a word, no one moved, they were all transfixed by the voice. The soft, but prominent, beating of giant metal wings broke the silence, but it was quiet enough that it felt like a sick lullaby. On and on the wings flapped, it almost sounded as if they were in time to a song. Then, suddenly, two frightening red eyes appeared right in front of Optimus and stared straight into his own. Below the eyes, a glowing red mouth opened and curled into a smile. Two sharp teeth on the bottom and top jaws were visible in the light. “Hush little Autobot, don’t say a word.” The mouth began to sing softly. “Mindwipe will buy you a mockingbird. And if that mockingbird don’t call, Mindwipe will buy you a great big hall. And if that great big hall isn’t filled, Mindwipe will make sure that you’re killed.” The mouth hissed and glowed brighter. Optimus was paralyzed in fear. Never before, and never again, would he feel such terror. He wondered where the others were, and the face must have seen him glance around. “Your friends are long gone, Optimus.” It whispered malevolently. “You are all alone, just you and me. Just you and dear old Mindwipe…” “No.” Optimus managed to say, and with that word, the fear lost its grip on him. “NO!” Optimus grabbed his sword from the sheath on his back and swung it at the face, but it dodged and disappeared into the darkness again. Though he couldn’t see anything, Optimus whirled around, scanning his surroundings for the Decepticon, or whatever it was. He spotted a small gleam of red light in what he presumed to be the roof, and immediately aimed his rifle (a gift from Megatron) at it. He fired, and the light moved just in time. Instead of hitting the Decepticon, Optimus must have done something to the wiring, and the lights flashed on. He was in the bottom floor of the tower, and it was, as the Decepticon had sung, a great big hall. The ceiling was high, and ahead of him a podium with stairs leading to it jutted out of the floor. A spiraling staircase ascended behind the podium. But Optimus cared not for that, and he frantically searched for his comrades, but the Decepticon was right again. They were gone. “What have you done with them?” Optimus roared in anger. “Put them in their place.” A cold and intelligent voice that sounded not unlike Megatron’s answered. Optimus searched for the speaker, and found him descending the stairs. He was tall, muscular, and green and orange. Some of his skeleton showed, and his head was shaped like a skull wearing a samurai helmet. His hollow eye sockets led to yellow eyes that were somehow just as frightening as the red ones Optimus had just seen. Overall, the Decepticon looked like he was wearing intricate armour, and the beautiful swords in the scabbards on his hips proved it. “I would advise giving a straight answer, soon.” Optimus yelled back, though he didn’t sound as threatening as the words promised. “You are just like the last that walked on this floor. Bold and daring, but only as a façade to hide your fear. You reek of fear, Optimus.” The Decepticon smiled, and his face contorted in a most fear-inducing way. “I would prefer not to have your Energon stain my nice clean floor as the last’s did, so I am offering you a choice.” The Decepticon’s words had got to him, but Optimus stayed strong. “Hurry and name it!” “Somewhat contradictory to what I just said, you are also very different to any Autobot I have come across before. I can see from the impatience in your eyes that you have heard this comment many times, and not just from your enemies, but your friends as well. Perhaps it is because we all see something in you that you yourself do not. But anyway, on to the point.” The Decepticon’s uncanny way of knowing exactly what Optimus was thinking was incredibly unnerving. “Whenever Mindwipe and I are visited by an Autobot team, I always offer their leader this choice, as a way of showing respect to them. Though I am a Decepticon, that does not at all mean I am without honour nor nobility. Many of us are like this, in particular our old commander. I have no love for the current Decepticon leadership, so I adore living out here, where I am my own master. But the choice I am offering you, if you will forgive my rambling,” (Optimus did not) “is this: you may face me in combat, and if you win you are free to leave, but your team must stay. If you lose, you die. The alternative to this is that you may be left to my partner Mindwipe, along with the rest of your team, and his methods are far more brutal than my own. One could quite easily describe them as sadistic. So, Optimus, what is your decision?” Optimus thought for a great deal before answering. Ironhide was the leader of the team, and he should be the one being offered a way to escape. Optimus immediately knew how so many Autobots had fallen victim to these Decepticons. They never got a chance to have it any other way. The choice itself was the most troubling thing of all. Even if he could defeat the Decepticon, which was highly unlikely given his appearance and demeanor, then he would still be leaving his team to die. The team that had got him out of exile. But no matter what he did, they would not get out of this. “I am not the leader of this team, and I must also ask this! Why do you not offer this choice to all whom you capture?” Optimus asked politely. “I have heard much about you, Optimus, and even if you aren’t the leader now, I have no doubt you soon will be. I do not offer this chance to any other, for they haven’t shown me any reason to.” The Decepticon answered simply. “But I have not either!” Optimus replied. “In addition to the stories and tales I have heard about you, you have also demonstrated one feat that I have seen no other perform. You defeated Mindwipe’s control. In order to do something like that, you would have to have incredibly strong character and willpower. So I offer you this choice, because you deserve it. Now make your decision, I will not accept any further questions.” The Decepticon explained. “I will fight, Decepticon, and mark my words, I will kill you.” UPDATES 15 & 16: 3/3/2013 The Decepticon laughed. It was not maniacal, but it had no warmth either. It was the laugh of someone who knew that he wouldn’t lose. “Very well. Since I know you, I think it would be suitable for me to introduce myself. My name is Bludgeon.” The Decepticon bowed. Bludgeon’s courtesy surprised Optimus, but in a way it made him more intimidating than the darkness. This was a foe who had honour, and nobility, but wouldn’t think twice about murdering Optimus whenever and however he could. “Since you seem to be in very decent shape already, I think it would be appropriate to get this over with as soon as possible. What say you?” Bludgeon asked, though it sounded more like a statement than a question. “Fine.” Optimus answered simply. “Very well. I wish you the utmost of luck, Optimus.” Bludgeon smirked and withdrew his sword. The sword was one of the most beautiful things Optimus had ever seen. It was crafted with the perfect balance of elegance and intimidation. The blade curved slightly, and it was as thin as paper. The handle had an elaborate hand guard, and was forged from gold that shone bright in the lights. Optimus could see himself clearly in the blade, despite being a couple dozen metres away. He almost felt ashamed as he withdrew his own sword. He lifted it, and realized that in its own way it was a bigger beauty than Bludgeon’s, for he was responsible for it. The blade was the sharpest Optimus had ever seen, just as the spikes of the Shards that it was made from. The handle was simple, but practical. In comparison, Bludgeon’s sword could be likened to an eagle, graceful and swift. Optimus’s was more like a bear, massive, fierce and powerful. Bludgeon and Optimus bowed to one another, as was the proper etiquette before a sword fight. They then both performed a short series of complicated movements (which Optimus had learnt from Megatron). Then they raised their swords, and charged into battle. Bludgeon made the first move, faking a sweep to the left then following with a jab to the right. But it was a move that Optimus had learned to defend against in the past twelve years, so he blocked the jab easily and kicked Bludgeon’s leg out. The Decepticon fell onto one knee, and in his shock Optimus cut Bludgeon’s left hand clean from its mount. Bludgeon’s eyes lit up with a frightening new rage, but Optimus was over the fear. It had long been replaced with rage. Bludgeon swung his sword and it grazed Optimus’s hip. The pain was surprising, but Optimus pushed past it and stepped back, readying to block another attack. Bludgeon suddenly let loose with a furious and lightning fast array of blows, which Optimus struggled to deflect. Finally, Bludgeon found a hole in his defenses and hit Optimus in the same spot as before, but this time it was straight on. The blade cleaved through Optimus’s armour, but stopped midway through his abdomen. Optimus hit Bludgeon between the eyes with his handle then kicked him away. Bludgeon’s sword was still wedged in his body, so Optimus agonizingly wrenched it out and threw it away. Bludgeon looked at Optimus in shock and amazement. “Impossible.” He muttered, unable to believe the Autobot’s resilience. Optimus held his sword tightly and advanced towards Bludgeon, who leaped up and pulled out two knives from hidden sheaths in his ankles. He flipped and landed behind Optimus, then threw the knives into his shoulders. They sunk into the joints, causing Optimus’s arms to go limp, and he immediately knew that they would be useless. The distraction had given Bludgeon a chance to regain his sword, and he looked smugly at Optimus, who simply stood still, ready for his death. “You put up a surprising fight, Autobot, but heroes never win in the end.” Bludgeon whispered as he raised his sword. Optimus closed his eyes. He thought of the life that he had had, with all of its ups and downs. Training to become a member of the Elite Guard, and finally becoming a commander. His disastrous first mission and his exile. But what stood out most in his mind, as he prepared himself for the Well of All Sparks, was everyone who had helped him along the way. Ironhide, Jetfire, and the rest of the team. Megatron. If it weren’t for Megatron than he would have never even stood a chance against Bludgeon, but instead he had managed to injure and stall him. Something that, judging from Bludgeon’s anger, had never happened before. Optimus’s last thoughts were of how, even though he would soon be dead, he had conquered the demons of the tower. He had done things that no other had. Perhaps that might mean he would be remembered positively. But by whom? Bludgeon yelled, and Optimus heard the clang of metal crashing onto the floor. He opened his eyes, and his jaw dropped. Bludgeon had never had the chance to make the killing blow. He was lying in a pool of Energon on the floor in front of him, with a furious expression fixed onto his face. A familiar looking sword jutted out of his torso. Optimus looked up to see the Transformer that had saved his lives more times than he could count. It was Megatron. “What are you doing here?” Optimus asked, completely overjoyed. “I followed you and the Autobots, and waited outside for a while before I heard the commotion. I flew to the top of the tower and came down while you were fighting. You saw the rest.” Megatron explained. He kicked Bludgeon’s corpse then retrieved his sword. “Come on, we need to find a way into the Core as soon as possible.” “But the rest of my team is missing! We have to find them!” Optimus pointed out. “Optimus, Mindwipe is more of a threat than Bludgeon ever could be.” Megatron answered solemnly. “If he has them, then there is nothing we can do.” “Well we have to try! They’re my friends, and I won’t leave them behind Megatron.” Optimus stubbornly raised his voice. “Friends, hmm?” Megatron suddenly looked very reproachful. “You grew up an Autobot, Optimus, so I’m not surprised you have this mindset, but that doesn’t mean I can’t talk some sense into you either. The Autobots, they abandoned you. I know those five didn’t, but the rest did, and now you’re considering going back to that? I had hoped that in the years we spent in the Shards, you would see how much better off you and I are with no faction, just ourselves! Look at what just happened! Imagine what could happen if we fight together! No force on Cybertron could stop us! We could find the Matrix and reunite this planet with no opposition! Think about it, Optimus!” Optimus did think about it. Everything Megatron said was true, and he trusted him no matter what, despite Megatron’s past as a Decepticon. But even so, he couldn’t abandon his friends. Not again. “I’m sorry, Megatron, but I’m not leaving without them.” Optimus finally said. “I hate to point out the obvious, but you have no use in your arms, you are bleeding profusely out of a gaping wound, and you still want to go up against one of the most dangerous Transformers on Cybertron?” Megatron remarked. “Yes. It may sound stupid, or naïve, but I cannot abandon my comrades. Not again, Megatron.” Optimus said grimly. “I warned you about letting your emotions get the better of you. What happened to Discbrake was unfortunate, but there was nothing you could have done. Just like now. Going down there would be nothing but suicide, and I will not allow my only friend in centuries get his mind disintegrated!” Megatron shouted. Optimus stopped in surprise. There was a huge amount of emotion in Megatron’s voice, more than he had ever heard. He could recognize the annoyance at Optimus’s stubborn attitude, the concern for Optimus’s well-being and even the anger at having to fight so hard. But what surprised, and shocked, Optimus the most, was the pain in Megatron’s voice. When he said the last sentence, he had really meant it. Optimus was Megatron’s only friend in centuries upon centuries. Maybe even ever. Optimus didn’t know what to do. “Would you be able to defeat Mindwipe?” Optimus asked tentatively. “No one person would ever have a chance. There would need to be at least two, so that he couldn’t use his telepathic powers.” Megatron commented. “Then fight him with me! He is a mental enemy, not a physical one, and together we can have the strength of will to end him!” Optimus suggested boldly. “Why am I considering this?” Megatron asked himself. “Fine, Optimus. But you stay behind me at all times, and never move close enough for him to touch you. Understand?” “I understand.” Optimus happily agreed. Megatron continued to grumble to himself, but he still picked up Optimus’s sword, put it into the sheath on his back for him, and then set off towards the staircase. Optimus followed closely as Megatron descended the stairs until they reached a heavy door at the very bottom. Megatron motioned for Optimus to stand back, then ripped the door off its hinges. Inside, there was a cell block with several rows of glowing pink Energon field cells. In the middle of the cell block, a lanky, bat-like creature held Ironhide by the neck against one of the Energon fields. He cackled maliciously as Ironhide screamed in pain. “Enough!” Megatron called out. The creature immediately stopped in its tracks and looked over at the disturbance. His red eyes lit up curiously and his mouth stretched into a grin. “You made it past Bludgeon! I’ve never seen such a thing before, but there’s a first time for everything I suppose. Speaking of which, where is he?” The creature cocked his head to his shoulder. “Bleeding in your hall, Mindwipe, where you will soon join him.” Megatron replied threateningly. His words legitimately intimidated Optimus, but Mindwipe was relishing it. “OOO, I don’t think so! I’m a much tougher foe than Bludgeon, darling, and I won’t go down so easily.” Mindwipe smugly stated with a proud point to himself. “Unfortunately, he’s right.” Megatron whispered to Optimus. “Go find the control panel for the Energon fields while I distract him. Shut them down, and your teammates will be freed.” “What about you?” Optimus muttered back. “I’ll find my own way out. Go!” Megatron shoved Optimus gently away from him, then turned back to Mindwipe. Optimus started running. He could hear Megatron and Mindwipe continuing to exchange taunts behind him. Then a loud crash alerted him to the fact they had begun a fight, and he had very little time left. He dashed around corners, between rows of cells, until finally he found the control panel. He tried to type on it, but remembered that his arms were still frozen. Furious, Optimus slammed his foot into the console, destroying it. All of the Energon fields in the cell block fizzed out. Optimus returned to where he had seen his team. They were limping out of their cells in confusion, but their puzzlement didn’t last long as they all spotted Optimus. “Optimus!” Jetfire yelled. He ran over to Optimus, who was struggling to stand, and lifted him up. “You got us out, allow me to return the favour. Who’s your friend?” “Someone who hates the Decepticons just as much as we do.” Optimus answered weakly, as it was all he could manage. Jetfire carried Optimus out of the cell block as the others followed (Ironhide carried by Scavenger). Mindwipe and Megatron were still engaged in a fierce battle, but Megatron looked to have the upper hand, so Optimus wasn’t worried. They ascended the staircase and left out of the main hall. Outside, everything was peaceful. The familiar sight of smoldering fires and rising smoke almost cheered up Optimus in a way, as Jetfire set him down against the tower wall. Red Alert hurried over and began inspecting his wounds. As he did so, Ironhide, supported by Scavenger, walked over and sat down beside Optimus. “I told you.” He grinned, however the pain made it seem more like a grimace. “But that other one…” “He’s an old friend, Ironhide. He saved me from Bludgeon, and we all owe him our lives.” Optimus said. “I owe him nothing.” Ironhide suddenly became very angry. “Nothing!” He grimaced again and laid back against the wall, clutching his side. He waved away Red Alert when he tried to go over from Optimus, then continued speaking in a much softer tone. “Do you know who that is, Optimus?” “He used to be a Decepticon, if that’s what you’re referring to. But he’s changed now, honestly.” Optimus tried to reassure Ironhide by showing some warmth in his eyes. It didn’t work. “Decepticons are master manipulators, and that one is no exception. Did he tell you his name?” Ironhide remained solemn. “His name is Megatronus.” Optimus said, confused. Ironhide flinched at the name. “He isn’t a Decepticon anymore, Optimus, because he was kicked out. The new leader, Galvatron, was the one who did it. But that,” Ironhide spat the word in disgust, “will never be anything apart from a liar and a murderer.” “What did he do that was so bad?” Optimus was starting to grow scared, but he was even more frightened because he already knew the answer, deep down. “Optimus.” Ironhide said slowly. “Megatronus created the Decepticons.”
I agree with Jackwheel. Assuming this is their origin of how they came to become enemies, I can't wait to see how their rivalry began. If it isn't, then I can't wait to be surprised with another cool twist. It's win-win.
Thanks guys, that's what I was going for! I'm really enjoying writing these, and I've had lots of time to do so recently, so I've got another update. I apologise if I'm closing parts of the story a bit too quickly, but I don't have the attention span nor time to write 5000+ words on one part.
