Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Unknown Location…

Optimus Prime let out a light groan, putting a servo on his helm before standing on his two pedes. He looked at his surroundings, finding that it was not the missile silo he had gotten used to in Jasper, Nevada.

Last thing he remembered was coming back to the base with Wheeljack and Bulkhead, the latter having suggested he take on an Earth based vehicle form after dealing with the newly arrived Dreadwing on Earth.

He looked around the room, seeing his Autobots in Bumblebee, Ratchet, Arcee and Bulkhead. They were still in stasis, much like he was mere moments before. He saw three others with the Autobot brand. One he did not recognize (though he noted the Elite Guard markings on the white and blue one with bits of red), but one he had meet before in Wheeljack and the third he knew very well.

‘Ultra Magnus? Alive!?’ Optimus asked in his processor, looking at the former Wrecker commander. He was thankful to see him alive, hoping that he may have found other Autobots and the Autobot he didn’t know was with him.

He recalled the battle between the Ark and the Nemesis War ship. So many fellow soldiers, comrades, friends, family… lost. While others were separated due to the instability of the Space bridge. Ultra Magnus had volunteered to stay behind to help any and all Autobots that couldn’t have made it to Iacon in time for the final evacuations. After recovering the remains of Decepticon drop ships, he used the engines along with the last remaining super luminal space drive, retrofitting his ship, the Iron Will, for space travel.

He also saw faces he believed were long dead.

‘Grimlock? Slug? Swoop? Snarl?’ He looked at the long believed to be dead Autobots, believing Grimlock and his team perished when they destabilized the Space Bridge portal off Cybertron. ‘Seems I was wrong on my assumption.’

He looked to the far side of the room, which he still did not know where exactly he was. Certainly not the Nemesis war ship, given how things looked. Nor the missile silo. Perhaps on Cybertron?

He did see the human children, along with Agent Fowler and Nurse Darby, all unconscious like he was in stasis as his fellow Cybertronians were at the moment, in a railing.

“Seems you are awake earlier than anticipated.” He looked to see a Cybertronian, one who did not recognize but was clearly ancient. Similar to Alpha Trion in that regard along with how held himself. “Then again, you have always been unique.”

“Who are you?” Optimus asked, polite yet an undertone of a weariness was evident in his voice.

The stranger chuckled, knowing how he felt. “Surprised you did not recognize one of your own. After all, you are our successor, young Prime. Carrying a relic only Prima had ever been allowed to carry by our creator.”

Optimus optics widened. “You are one of the thirteen?” At the Prime’s nod, the Autobot leader's mouth was agape in shock. “I… I thought they-you were all dead.”

The Ancient Prime grimaced. “Not exactly. It is a complicated tale that will take some time.”

“Then answer me this if you can. Why are we," He motioned to his Autobots and the humans "here?"

“I will explain but first, I wish to wait for the rest of our guests to wake up.”

Optimus knew this mech was not lying. He could feel it in his spark and the Matrix of Leadership hummed on sensing one of the original thirteen.

They then heard a low growl, turning to see the biggest mech in the room coming awake.

Grimlock.

Grimlock stared at him, recognizing the Prime instantly despite his frame being less bulky and war torn than when he last saw him.

“You…”

Optimus stood tall, unflinching at the promised violence in his voice. Even if conflicts and arguments with Grimlock had never gotten physical, that could very well change given how many centuries between them there have been.

And he was one of the few Mechs who could possibly best him and Megatron in single combat. 

“Hello, Grimlock. I am glad to see you alive.”

“And you still function.” Grimlock noted. “Unsurprising given how you weak you still are, Optimus. Running when you should fight.”

“Not every battle can be won through sheer force and aggression, Grimlock.” Optimus said in a calm, collected voice. “And by that time in the war… an assault on the Decepticons would have drained whatever Energon we had in reserves and left us in a world without any of our life blood. Defending the ark was our best and most logical choice.”

“Yet my team have survived just fine on Cybertron.” Grimlock argued.

“And what of those who couldn’t have? Who would have given out before they could any of the scraps of Energon left? Of those lost?” Optimus pointed out.

Grimlock paused, remaining awfully quiet.

“Your actions, Grimlock, destabilized the space bridge portal, forcing Metroplex to give up his Energon to fuel the Ark. Along with the various autobots who died in the race toward it between the Ark and the Decepticons’ warship, the Nemesis and those who scattered to the stars in the vortex.” Primus only knows how many of them still function.

The optimist in him wanted to believe they were all still alive but realistically, he knew the chances of that were slim to none. It was a grim reality he had come to terms despite how much hurt it, especially with...

'Don't.' A part of him cut that line of thought sharply. No one was not even close for that to happen.

Grimlock was surprised. “Who is Metroplex?”

“A city sized Metro Class Titan who only obeyed the worthy Primes.” Vector Prime revealed, his glossa curving into a small smile. “He was a good soul but never knew that all he did was enough.”

Optimus gave a slight grimace. No doubt it’s why he gave up his Energon. He had conversations with him about that and every single one of his Autobots during the Decepticons’ final siege of Iacon who exclaim as high as their vocal processors could that without him, they’d never have survived and felt immense gratitude towards him. That they valued him greatly and all he did was more than enough.

Grimlock looked away, guilt starting to eat him. He just wanted to stop the war! To find Energon to help give them some edge against the Decepticons.

He wanted to say sorry but well…

Pride was a hell of a thing.

A moment later, they heard the first groans from the others.

“Optimus?”

“Where the frag am I?”

“Wh… what is going on?”

“Ow, my audio receptors.”

“Where are we?”

“Scrap, I feel like a I’m pushing up lugnuts now.”

“When are you ever not?”

“Frag off, Snarl!”

“Hey, no fighting between us, remember? Or did you forget what happened last time.” Swoop got in between Slug and Snarl, who both relented after a moment.

“In a realm outside the normal flow of space and time.” The ancient prime spoke. “I am Vector Prime and you are all gathered here to watching something important that may decide the fate of not just the war between Autobots and Decepticons but also, the balance between life and death.”

“Even with the fleshlings?” Slug asked, scratching his helm as to why they were here.

“Yes.” Vector said, his tone brockering no room for argument.

“I believe introductions are in order.”  Ultra Magnus suggested.

“Why? We already know who we all are.” Bulkhead pointed out, scratching his helm. At the stern look, he straightened. “Commander Magnus, sir.”

“But we do not know the organics.” Ultra Magnus pointed out, giving them a glance, not knowing them thus, weary of their presence but did not act given how at ease everyone else was near them. 

“You don’t and clearly, neither does Smokey and the big scary ones but I do.” Wheeljack remarked flippantly, earning a reproachful glare from the former Elite Guard commander, which unphased the wrecker, who walked over to the young Japanese girl, holding out his fist, which she gave a light fist bump in return.

“Which meant you were all a bunch of loose cannons.” Ultra Magnus commented.

“Sounds like my kind of team.” Slug quipped, earning a smack to back of his helm from Swoop.

"Your team who abandoned their post, allowing Megatron to get through Iacon's defenses and attack the Ark, leading to countless Autobot deaths?" Ultra Magnus leveled them a flat look, earning shame faced expressions from the dinobots. 

“I’m sorry but who’s the one who botched the mission that got Roadbuster, Leadfoot, and Topsin killed?” Wheeljack shot back.

“You disregarded protocol.” Ultra Magnus pointed out. 

“Wreckers don’t do protocol.” Wheeljack grumbled.

“Perhaps if they did, they would still be here.” Ultra Magnus retorted.

Wheeljack simply glared at the former Elite Guard, who simply looked at the wrecker with a reproachful glare.

Optimus shot both of them a stern look, needing to have a conversation with both. Magnus on his at times far too stern command and Wheeljack on respecting the chain of command.

“And what of him?” Arcee inquired, looking at the Autobot she did not recognize.

“Smokescreen, sir.” Smokescreen said, standing upright in front of Optimus, saluting.

Optimus looked at the young bot, possibly around Team Prime's yellow scout's age if not younger. He once more noticed the Elite Guard markings.

“It would seem you received your training under the Elite Guard.” Optimus noted.

“Yeah. I got transferred to the Iacon Hall of Records, guarding Alpha Trion during what turned to be the finals day of the War.” Smokescreen revealed, shocking them all, especially those who had met Alpha Trion in Optimus, Ultra Magnus, Ratchet and even Grimlock.

“You served under the master archivist?” Optimus inquired in surprise.

“Eh, wasn’t thrilled at first. Watching the back of an old bot instead of kicking Con tailpipe.” Smokescreen’s fist collided with his open palm.

Grimlock chuckled. "I like him already." He ignored the looks he got in response.

"Same." Miko added, earning a chiding look from Bulkhead (even if he did partly agree with the young bot).

Smokescreen lowered his servos when he noticed the looks he got from some of the others, sheepish. “Sorry… But at the big A turned out to be a great teacher and a true friend. I mean, he was the one to petition Halogen and the High Council to make you a Prime.”

Optimus stared Smokescreen with a stoic expression then nodded, deciding then and there Smokescreen was trustworthy. For if his former mentor had been willing to share such information with the young bot, then he considered him a trusted ally.

He then continued the introductions.

“And they are the Lightning Strike Coalition force. Led by Grimlock and composed of him, Slug, Snarl, Swoop and Sludge.” He finished, motioning towards them.

“Actually, we call ourselves the Dinobots nowadays.” Swoop corrected. Optimus nodded, accepting the name change though he wondered why.

Optimus then looked around. “Where is Sludge?”

All four of the Dinobots bowed their heads.

“He didn’t even make it out of the caves after the Insecticons tore us apart.” Slug said quietly, earning looks of grief from them all.

Learning that another Autobot was no more when so few were left was never easy... even if it had happened centuries ago.

“We buried him in Iacon… with the other fallen Autobots.” Swoop added, Optimus nodding in acceptance. He deserved that much.

A moment passed in silence, mourning for Sludge.

“Special Agent William Fowler.” The former Army Ranger introduced himself, deciding to continue the introductions. “I’m the Autobots Liaison with the US Government on Earth.”

“The planet rich with energy Shockwave wanted the Decepticons to plunder?” Swoop asked, recalling seeing that in the view deck of the Space Bridge Tower.

Optimus nodded, Swoop taking that in stride.

“I feel like we’re missing some context.” Bulkhead whispered to Arcee and Bumblebee, who nodded in agreement.

“Nurse June Darby.” June was next. “This is my son, Jack.”

“Hi.” Jack said, looking awkward at those he didn’t know. “Nice to meet you all.”

“I’m Raf.” The young Hispanic boy said, just as awkward if not more so, unsure of what to make of these new autobots… especially the big scary ones, all of whom either roughly or taller than Optimus by a significant margin, especially their leader, who looked to be around 50 feet bare minimum.

“Miko.” The Japanese teenager said. She then looked at the new bots with keen interest.

“No.” Ratchet said promptly, knowing where her trail of thought was leading. “Not with these brutes."

Miko groaned at that.

"Brutes, really?" Swoop looked offended at the slight.

"Need I remind you what you did to the medical bay last time Red Alert treated you all?" The Autobot CMO raised an optic ridge, earning a sheepish look from them.

“Why are we here?” Optimus asked, giving the Prime of Time a questioning look.

“You must watch to understand, Optimus Prime. To fully grasp the situation. You must watch the future.”

Everyone looked stunned at that.

“The-the future?” Arcee voiced what they were all thinking.

“That’s not possible.” Ratchet scoffed in disbelief.

“Through Primus, many things considered impossible become possible.” Vector said simply.

“But why?” Optimus asked.

Vector’s face plate turned grim.

“To end this war amongst our people and bring them all as one to battle evil incarnate… Unicron.”

“I still think you’re feeding us a bunch of scrap.” Wheeljack remarked.

“I agree.” Grimlock added.

“No, he is not." That earned looks on him. "At least, about Unicron for the Chaos Bringer is very real and very much a threat.” Ratchet revealed to those who didn’t know, grim.

“He’s our planet, Earth, very core.” Raf added, earning wide optics.

“What!?” Smokescreen’ glossa was agape in shock.

Ultra Magnus was stunned, looking at Optimus, who gave him look that promised he'd explain everything later.

The Dinobots didn't know what to say.

"Shockwave sure knew how to pick them." Snarl said dryly.

“But Optimus sealed him in the Earth’s core.” Bulkhead pointed out. "How can he cause trouble?"

“You sealed his physical form… Unicron is a being that is far beyond what you think he is.” Vector Prime said ominously. “But… that along with everything else you need to know will be revealed in time. I do ask you say nothing until it has been addressed in the clips that I will be showing you to avoid potential infighting or grave worry that may hamper the viewing experience. Which I highly recommend you all pay good attention too.” Vector said. “Though in some cases, it will need to be discussed earlier.”

“Clips?” Smokescreen questioned.

“It’s the most apt way to show you and the humans simultaneously. Much like what the humans have in movie theaters though it’ll be more serialized in nature.” The Ancient mech informed them.

“So, we’ll be watching the future like a tv show? Jack asked.

“Precisely.” Vector nodded.

“Um, what’s a tv show?” Slug asked, scratching his helm.

“A form of entertainment meant to be viewed in broadcast over air, satellite, or cable. Similar to the Holo Dramas back on Cybertron.” Vector Prime explained. “To simplify, the original plan had been for you to watch much more but due to outside circumstances, my power has been heavily limited, and I can only show you important things but I will provide context when needed alongside my other host who will appear in due time. When we are done for the day, you will be allowed to stretch your limbs and discuss what you have watched before retiring for the day to sleep or recharge. Then we shall continue tomorrow.” Vector informed them. “The humans will be given the accommodations necessary such as clothes, bathrooms, food and beverages along with anything else they need. If there is something you wish, I will bring it over if you truly want it.”

“Will the footage shown be paused if we need to discuss an important revelation or piece of information?” Ultra Magnus asked swiftly, something they all were curious about.

The Prime of Time nodded. “Yes. I will pause and allow you to speak amongst yourself and if needed, note down anything particularly important.”

Ultra Magnus nodded, pleased with the answer.

“However, I will not tolerate any and all violent actions against one another. Glare all you want but do not attack unless you wish to face severe consequences.” The Ancient mech looked pointedly at those more battle lusted like the Dinobots and Wheeljack.

They all huffed but said nothing.

“Should you have any more questions, please ask them before we begin.” Vector said.

“Why are humans involved in this?” Optimus asked swiftly. “This is a matter for us Cybertronians if it involves Unicron. I understand he is the Earth’s core but they should be not be part of the battlefield.”

Vector internally cringed. If only he knew they would be merely one of many species thrown into a major conflict that would decide of every life across the vast Multiverse and perhaps even beyond that.

For Unicron didn’t care if they were Cybertronian or anything else such as a human, Demon, Mutant, Inhuman, Kree, Kryptonian, along with any of the thousands of different species that existed across the Multiverse. If it contained an Iota of life from the light, he wanted nothing more than extinguish it, to make it in his image.

Outwardly, he remained perfectly calm and composed. “They will be involved in the coming conflicts but more importantly, the connections made with your Autobots is a major factor as to why I have brought them here.”

Optimus nodded, understanding the reasoning yet not pleased with it.

“Guess it’s time we got comfortable.” Arcee said dryly.

Everyone sat down though some like Optimus sat close to the railing to keep an eye out on the humans.

A projector appeared in front of them, playing on the completely white sheet in front of them.

“Feels like I’m in a classroom watching one of those movies we sometimes watch in History or English class.” Miko remarked, Jack and Raf nodding in agreement.

Fowler recalled when a debrief used projectors to show battle plans, target profiles and more. Though they had started to move towards more digital.

“And now, the second host is here.” Vector announced, surprising them all.

“Wait, second host?” Bulkhead scratched his helm.

“Well, you obviously couldn’t have all done this without me.” A very familiar voice rung out, earning looks from those who knew him.

“Cliff?” Arcee asked in small voice, trying to not let hope shine to brightly in her spark.

Cliffjumper smiled at her as well at the others. “Hey guys.”

“Cliff! Come here you bucket of bolts!” Bulkhead rushed him, trapping the red scout in a bear hug.

Cliffjumper let out a grunt of slight pain yet still, his smile never left his faceplates. “Missed you Bulk’.”

The green wrecker released him, allowing him to hug Bumblebee, who held him tightly, beeping animatedly.

Cliffjumper chuckled. “I missed you too, Bee.” They separated as the red bot motioned to his partner. “Been keeping her out of trouble, eh?”

Bumblebee beeped in response.

Cliffjumpeer snorted. “True, hard to keep her out of trouble.”

“That’s rich coming from you.” Arcee retorted, servo on her hip.

“Hey, that’s rude.” Cliffjumper gave her a look of mock offense. He then looked up at Optimus. “Hey, Prime.”

Optimus smiled, putting a servo on his shoulder. “Despite the circumstances… I am glad to see you here, Cliffjumper.”

Cliffjumper then looked at the humans, waving at them.

“So… you’re Cliffjumper?” Miko asked.

“Yup, Miko.” Cliffjumper replied with a grin, earning looks of shock. “I know about you guys. Perks that come with my well… temporary resurrection.”

“Temporary?” Arcee echoed, looking solemn at that.

Cliffjumper nodded, sighing. “Yeah… sorry but they wanted me to be here to inform you guys of things that might make it easier to bare from a familiar face.”

“Which is why I’m also here.” Optimus whirled to see someone he knew far too well.

The Prime took a few steps towards him.

“Is it really you? Alpha Trion?”

Alpha Trion smiled at his former apprentice. “Indeed, my student.” He put a hand on his shoulder plate. “And I am most proud of the Bot you have become. Truly, you have earned the title of Prime more than any of us have.” He motioned to him and Vector. “Because of you, our race still lives on as well as the lineage of the Primes. And a Cybertronian more worthy me nor my fellow Primes we could not ask for.”

Optimus was stunned at the praise.

“I… thank you, Alpha Trion.”

“Of course.”

Ultra Magnus stared at him, glossa agape in shock before closing it.

“Sir, you’re looking… well.” He said, awkward.

Alpha Trion smiled. “Formalities are not needed amongst us, old friend.”

Ultra Magnus merely nodded, not verbally replying to that.

It was then a blur of white and blue tackled Alpha Trion in a hug, who merely laughed.

“Thank Primus you’re alive!” Smokescreen blinked, taking a few steps back, fearing he offended him.

The Master Archivist smiled, patted him on the shoulder. “It is good to see you too, Smokescreen.”

“So you’re Alpha Trion?” Grimlock looked at him, unimpressed. Especially for one of the supposed original 13 Primes.

“And you are Grimlock.” Alpha Trion said, his glance with a hint of weariness. He saw so much of Megatronus Prime, the Fallen, in him, it made cautious around him.

But it also gave him a bit of assurance as while Megatronus was a very flawed being and his actions with Solus were not to be taken lightly, he did try to make amends afterwards once Liege Maximo revealed his true colors.

The Prime then changed the topic back to the reason for them being here. “Now, let us begin. We have a long journey.” Vector Prime said, getting into a meditative lotus position before the video began to play as everyone sat down.

Transformers Prime Opening theme plays

Camera pans a highway in the night, a singular light illuminating the Autobots in their vehicle forms.

Bumblebee drives first then followed by Bulkhead then Ratchet and finally, Arcee with the camera showing Optimus Prime transforming.

The five Autobots all stood together in their biped forms, being illuminated by the moon.

It shines brightly, blinding the screen for a second.

It then changes to show the Autobot symbol on a computer screen in the Autobot’s base. It zooms out, showing Raf in a chair.

Raf gets off his chair, running towards the railing for a moment before jumping of it.

Bumblebee catches him in his servo before transforming, driving into the Breach.

Miko ran towards it just as Bulkhead rolled in the ground, transforming into his vehicle, drifting in a circle. His left car door was open as Miko jumped in, the door closing before driving into the Breach.

Jack ran towards the Breach as Arcee landed on the ground right behind him. She transformed into her motorcycle alt mode, the teenager jumping on it just as they drove into the Ground Bridge which then turned into a Breach.

In the breach, they caught glimpses of Earth-1’s Green Arrow, Superman, Flash, and Black Canary, Earth-21’s Superman, Earth-25’s Power Rangers SPD, Earth-38’s Supergirl and Batman Beyond, Earth-125's Gaang, Earth-192’s Justice League, Earth-207’s Ezio Auditore, Connor Kenway and Desmond Miles, Earth-2025's HUNTR/X, Earth-2309’s Dante, Earth-8096's Avengers, X-Men and Spider-Man, Earth-199999’s Avengers, Spider-Man, Daredevil and Wolverine and Earth-904913's Iron-Man

It then zoomed out of the Decepticon symbol on Megatron’s chest, who walked calmly as he aimed and fired his Fusion canon, Starscream and Shockwave flanking his left and right, firing their missiles and Astro Mag canon respectively, all in a barren wasteland.

Vehicon troopers fired upon the enemy.

Grimlock, in his T-Rex alt mode, bit down on the missiles with a fiery roar, exploding in his face before he and Optimus ran towards them, going through the fire, the former firing his left Ion Blaster.

Megatron met his charge, firing his fusion canon as a large Draconic cybertron flew at Grimlock, who met his fire blast with his own.

The two faction’s leaders fists then collided, causing a blinding light.

With that, the sequence ends the letters transforming for a moment before revealing a Title that said: “’Tales of the Multiverse’ Presents: Journey of a War’s End” and underneath it, read: “By HRWriter897”.