Transformers Nexus

Written by: Marik7410

Chapter 1

Orion Pax

A set of double doors swung open as heavy footsteps echoed out from within the building. A trail is about to take place. Two guards walked out the accused open in the open for the world to see.

"I am Optimus Prime. I am the leader of the Autobots. But to everyone else, I go by other titles..."

The crowd roared in disgust as the accused stood in the middle of the platform with his hands shackled. The accused slowly raised his gaze and peered at the sea of cybertronians who were ready to have his head.

"Hero…"

"Settle down!" a voice soothed. The speaker is Vector Prime, the keeper of time and space. Like his title, his appearance shows age as gears from within his body were peeking at certain spots on his body. His face shows age, wisdom and knowledge beyond his years. The stories his face can tell is numerous.

"Leader of Cybertron…"

"We are civilized beings, not the savage that occupied this planet before us," Vector Prime spoke. "We are here to judge the action of our brethren…"

"Enough!" a harsh voice spat.

"Savior…"

A dark figure walked onto the platform and stare at the accused. "Why are we delaying this?" he asked.

"Megatronus," Vector Prime scolded. "We have a system."

"And that system is failing dear brother," Megatronus said. Megatronus Prime, the warrior of darkness, acts as the counterbalance on Cybertron to control the peace and maintain balance on the planet. But at times, his rash thinking can be an annoyance.

"God…"

"Why are you defending him?" Megatronus asked. "He is guilty. He said it himself."

"But he wasn't sure," Vector Prime said.

"How sure can you be when you turn your back against everything we fought for?"

The crowd rallied with the dark one.

"Hope…"

"We shouldn't waste anymore time debating, on to the sentencing!" Megatronus shouted.

The crowd roared in agreement.

Vector Prime let out a heavy sigh. "Prima, you've heard the evidence, what is the verdict?" Vector Prime asked.

Prima stepped forward and looked at the accused. He faced the crowd and looked at every single one of them. His decision can decide whether Cybertron has a future or not. "I, Prima, leader of the Primes have pondered long and hard about this," he said. "Thus I have concluded to a verdict. This verdict is fair and has been discussed among the Primes. Regardless of the decision they've made, I can overturn it and speak for everyone. Unfortunately, I will not do such thing. Not this solar cycle. It is a near unanimous vote of 11-1. I'm sorry Vector Prime, but this crime cannot be overlooked. Will the accused state their designation to the public for the record?"

The accused stood tall with little pride he had left. "My designation is Optimus Prime, the Thirteenth Prime."

"Optimus Prime, for the action you've done against Cybertron, you are hereby guilty of treason," Prima declared.

"But of all of those titles, I've been called worse things as well but the one word I would never hear to describe me is…"

"You will forevermore be known as a traitor to Cybertron," Prima said. "Do you comply?"

"Yes," Optimus said.

"Megatronus, enact the punishment we've agreed on," Prima ordered.

Megatronus let out a small laugh. "To think, a Prime has fallen to the dark side," Megatronus said. "I think you should change your designation to 'The Fallen'."

"Oh the irony," Vector Prime muttered.

"What was that?" Megatronus asked.

"Nothing," Vector Prime smiled. "I'm just over thinking the situation."

Megatronus turned his attention to Optimus' with his red optics glowing with excitement. "I shall enjoy this," he oiled.

The sound of metal crunching broke the air as Optimus' scream was heard across the planet.

"On that day, I've lost the trust among my brothers for a crime I didn't commit. I wish to set the story straight. These are my entries of my life as a Prime before and after my arraignment. This is my story. This is the truth."

Iacon, Cybertron

Iacon, the largest city on Cybertron, is home to the Council Elders of who govern the laws of the planet. For eons, peace has had a strong grasp on the planet until injustice evolved and started to create chaos on the planet. The band of criminals didn't have a name and they operate in groups that obey their own set of rules with one goal in mind, take over Cybertron and reformat to its image. To combat the criminals, the Elders had decided to create a taskforce to keep the criminals in check and protect the planet. The taskforce is called Autobots. Their sole goal is to protect the innocent and wage war against evil. The taskforce is led by no other than Alpha Trion. Alpha Trion is one of the Thirteen Primes who fought alongside Primus to defeat Unicron when the universe was young. He was the one who suggested the idea to the Elders and they agreed to his idea. Due to Alpha Trion's actions, the civilians can continued on their lives on Cybertron without second guessing.

In the heart of the city, a fembot is seen walking down through the hustle and bustle of the everyday life. Her armor is bright silver with traces of pink along her shoulder, forearm, legs and chest. Her hands are small and her fingers are long and sleek. The sleekness of her fingers can give an impression that she has claws. She stepped lightly and quickly for she is part of the taskforce to fight the criminal. Her training made her aware of her surrounding and quick to respond to any situation. On this day is her day off and instead of hanging out with her friends or coworkers, her intention is to pay a special visit to a dear friend. She arrived at the City Hall where the Elders reside. The building also house many different departments that keep Cybertron functional. She is not planning on visiting either of them. Her goal is set on the Archive Room that is located off-site but one must enter through City Hall to get to it. She walked into the building and made her way to the elevator. She summoned the elevator and stood for a moment. "Wait, I can't let anyone know what I'm doing," she thought to herself. So instead, she took the stairs. She went down 15 flights of stairs to the base of the building. From there she walked 3 miles to a door that leads into the Archive Room. She opened the door and walked in. The Archive Room is massive. The walls were filled with entries that were recorded since the beginning of the dawn of creation. She scanned the room and noticed that no one was present. "He might be there today," she said to herself.

She walked 30 feet and saw an impression on the wall. She took out a device and attached it to the impression. She started up a program that decodes energy signature to match the identity of an authorized personal. There was a click and a hiss as she disconnected the device. A door was formed and opened to a stairwell that leads upwards to a secret room. The fembot climbed the stairs until she reached the top. She peered around and saw who she was looking for. A devious thought dropped into her mind as she slowly crept up to her friend. Her friend is large red and blue male bot with silver paint on his arms and legs. He may seem menacing but he is gentle and calm.

Just as the fembot about to make her move, her friend spoke, "Elita, you know you can't sneak up on me."

"Dang it Orion, why do have to take the fun out of everything," Elita complained.

"Because this is not how an Autobot carry themselves," Orion pointed out. "Besides, how did you get here?"

"I have my ways," Elita smiled as she sat next to Orion. "What you reading?"

"The entries the Primes have left behind," Orion said with joy in his voice.

"Last I check, you're an archivist not a historian. Your job is to create and sort numerous events that occur on this planet and preserve it for further generation."

"I know but sometimes the past is too interesting to resist."

"Your hobby," Elita shrugged. "Whose entry are you reading?"

"Prima, the first Prime and leader of the Thirteen," Orion present. "It's because of him; Cybertron is in the age of peace."

"Apparently his influence is slowly fading as darkness starts to consume the planet," Elita sighed.

"If it wasn't for Alpha Trion, who knows where Sentinel Prime could've taken Cybertron," Orion said. "Many joined Alpha Trion to protest Sentinel's decision to create a government where the weak perish and the strong lives."

"Too bad Alpha Trion didn't predict Megatronus Prime's influence to corrupt Sentinel's thoughts."

"No one is entirely good," Orion said. "Just as everyone is capable of good, they are capable to do great evil. Now speaking of evil, what is the purpose of your visit?"

Elita ignore the comment Orion gave. "I've gotten us tickets to the coliseum to see the conclusion of who will be the champion of Kaon."

"Not interested," Orion declined.

"Come on, Megatronus is fighting," Elita insisted. "Don't you want to support your friend?"

"I do but from the enclosure of this building."

"I'm paid for the tickets already and I got some great seats."

"Good for you."

Elita had enough. "Orion Pax, you will escort me to the coliseum and you will see the match!" Elita said sternly.

"But the archive…"

"I don't care! You will escort me, and that is FINAL!"

Orion sensed that he was losing the battle. He let out a heavy sigh as he placed Prima's entries on the shelf. "When?" Orion surrendered.

Elita' face lit up with excitement. "Right now!" Elita said as she pulled Orion out from the room.

Coliseum

Orion and Elita arrived at the coliseum arm in arm. Orion felt out of place as Elita snuggled up on Orion's arm. Orion scanned the area and saw diehard fans arguing about their respective fighter and who would win. Then he spotted gamblers lining up in front of the entrance to place their bets on the winner. "Are you sure we suppose to be here?" Orion wondered.

"Stop worrying," Elita giggled. "Everyone is here for a good time and so are we."

"Orion!" a deep coarse voice shouted.

Orion looked over his shoulder and he was immediately drawn into the arms of a titan. Large frame, silver heavy-plated armor, retractable sword on his right arm, his face is firm and menacing with red optics that showed years of battle in the coliseum. His smile is unappealing and show signs of deception but the words that flow from his mouth are true and wise.

"Megatronus," Orion smiled. "I didn't expect you to be mingling among the public."

"I didn't think that you will come," Megatronus said.

"I had to use my charm to lure him out of his hiding place," Elita said.

Megatronus let out a deep throaty chortle. "That's Orion for you, dedicated to his work but loyal to his friends."

"So Megatronus, do you know who are facing?" Orion pondered.

"That is a good question," Megatronus said. "My opponent is whoever survives the preliminary and finals."

"Well, I heard that your opponent is someone who is strong and fierce," Elita boasted.

"You're in the competition?" Orion wondered.

"Yeah right," Elita laughed. "I'll surrender immediately if I knew I had to fight Megatronus."

"I appreciate the gesture," Megatronus laughed. "But with someone of your stature, I might lose."

"Oh," Elita said. "Is that a challenge?"

"We'll see," Megatronus said as he entered the building. "I'll be looking for you in the stands."

"Good luck," Elita shouted.

Megatronus threw a thumbs up before vanishing inside.

"Do you imagine that a diplomat like him is champion of the ring?" Elita asked.

"I'll still don't believe that he is capable of maintain peace and triumphs in the ring but if this is how he likes to live, I won't stop him," Orion said.

Orion and Elita entered the building and grabbed their seat as they stared onto an immense battlefield. The crowd silenced as the announcer took the mic. "Alright, how is everyone during on this momentous solarcycle?" he asked.

The crowd roared in high marks.

"That is what I like to hear from this crowd," the announcer chuckled. "Okay, as you know that we are still looking for whoever can topple the current King of Kaon. Give it up for Megatronus!"

Half of the crowd roared in cheer as the other half jeered in dismay. It didn't matter for Megatronus as he walked on to the battlefield. He soaked in the attention the crowd was giving him. He scanned the stand and spotted his friends. They stood up and cheered their sparks to show their support. Megatronus raised his hands to quiet the crowd. "My fellow cybertronians, whether you are with me or against me, I appreciate your audience and support for this glorious sport we have. As a gladiator and as a diplomat, I hold no resentment for any of the fighter or the spectators who is here in the coliseum or watching from home. This is merely for entertainment. But if you feel that I don't deserve this title, I say send in your strongest fighter to take my title. I issue this challenge to whoever stands behind that door."

"Is this a threat from the king himself?" the announcer asked.

"It is and I dare for them to show themselves in front of me," Megatronus said.

"Well, it seems that the king is ready for this challenger. Is that crowd ready?"

The crowd roared in agreement. "Challenger, if you are ready, step forward!" the announcer said.

The door lifted from the ground as a blue and white fighter walked onto the arena. "Eh, he made it this far?!" Elita said in amazement.

"Isn't that your boss?" Orion wondered.

"Yeah, Lieutenant of the Autobots, Ultra Magnus, I didn't know that he entered."

"What a surprise to see the Lieutenant of the Autobots here in the ring," Megatronus said in amazement.

"It seems that you're disappointed for me being here," Magnus said.

"No, I'm shocked," Megatronus corrected. "But if you are here then that means you've earned it by besting everyone who stood in your way. And for that I bow to you."

"Flattery won't win the match," Magnus smiled.

"We'll see, isn't that right people?" The crowd roared in excitement. "They are excited to be here. I'm excited to see what kind of metal you have and I bet you're itching to see how a Lieutenant such as yourself can fair to a gladiator like me."

"Are you done?" Magnus wondered.

"Impatient?" Megatronus said. "Maybe you're capable of being a gladiator only if you impress me!"

"Fighters, before we begin, there are some rule change," the announcer spoke. "Unlike the previous match, weapons are allowed in the arena but only melee and swords are permitted. Guns are forbidden in the ring. If either opponent displays a gun, they will be disqualified. This is a fight to submission. A winner is determined if either fighter cannot continue, submits or perish. If the fighters agree to this terms, retreat to your corner and choose your weapon."

Magnus walked to his corner to where the weapons rest. He chose a long sword and a pair of daggers. Megatronus chose only an axe as his second choice of weapon. Equipped and ready for battle, the fighters met in the middle and shook hands in sign of good sportsmanship and took a few steps back. "BEGIN!" the announcer shouted.

A cannon was fired to signal the start of the match. The crowd cheered their fighters on as the fighter paced themselves to study their moves. Megatronus kept a calm demeanor with his axe on his back. He study Ultra Magnus' feet to spot any weakness or favorites to exploit it. Ultra Magnus, with the long sword on his back and daggers in his hands, his mind started to speculate about his opponent. "Megatronus is a mighty warrior and one mustn't make a mistake in his presence or surrender to the consequences," he thought to himself.

Ultra Magnus decided to make the move by rushing Megatronus. Megatronus grabbed his axe and smacked Ultra Magnus with the broad side. Ultra Magnus was thrown to the ground. Megatronus perched his axe on his shoulder as he waited for his opponent to rise to his feet. "You're a foolish one," Megatronus chuckled. "I thought that you're a warrior."

"I am," Magnus chuckled.

"Then why the brash move?"

"Just to measure you."

"Measure me?" Megatronus said in confusion.

Ultra Magnus quickly drew his daggers and charged towards Megatronus. Stunned, Megatronus allowed three strikes to the chest before he started to defend with his axe. Ultra Magnus went for a kick to the head. Megatronus caught his foot. Then Ultra Magnus went for a punch to the face. Megatronus used his other hand to block it. With a smile on his face, Ultra Magnus used Megatronus' arms as anchor as he lifted himself up and landed a boot to Megatronus' face. The blow made Megatronus release Ultra Magnus. Ultra Magnus raced in and landed a double kick to Megatronus' chest. Megatronus stumbled as he regained his balance. Ultra Magnus drew his long sword and charged in. Megatronus quickly recovered and revealed his blade that he had underneath his cannon. He used the blade and blocked Ultra Magnus' assault.

"You're armed?" Magnus said in awe.

"Always," Megatronus smiled and he pushed Ultra Magnus off.

In the stands, Elita was enjoying her little date with Orion. But her date was the last thing on her mind as she cheered on Ultra Magnus. Orion looked at Elita and saw the excitement she had on her face. He couldn't help but to stare at her. Elita felt the stare and turned her attention to Orion. "Is something wrong?" she asked.

"No," Orion smiled. "Everything is perfect."

"So, who are you rooting for?" Elita wondered.

"Megatronus."

"Why him?" Elita asked. "He will lose to Ultra Magnus. Ultra Magnus is the lieutenant of the Autobots. He is one of the strongest fighters on the planet. He can't lose. He has strength, speed, endurance and intelligent. What does Megatronus have?"

"The fight," Orion pointed.

Elita looked at the battlefield and saw Megatronus pinning Ultra Magnus with his foot with his blade pointed at his head. "FIXED!" Elita jeered. "The fight is fixed! Redo. Redo. Redo. Redo. Redo..."

"Elita," Orion called.

"What?"

"It's over."

"It can't be over. It just can't."

"How much?"

"My month's pay," Elita said in sorrow.

Outside the coliseum, Elita sulked as she counted the money she had left in her name. Orion walked next to Elita with a smile on his face. Elita looked over her shoulder and saw that smile. "Why are you smiling for?" she wondered.

"I just won my bet," Orion said.

"You? Gamble? Ha, it will be a cold day in Cybertron if Orion Pax gambles," Elita teased.

"I can gamble," Orion said.

"Yeah right," Elita laughed. "Let's get out of here. This place gets pretty dangerous in the late hours especially with thugs roaming around."

As the two were heading towards a station to head home, they heard an unusual sound. "What's that?" Orion wondered.

"Those sound like engines," Elita said.

"Engine?"

"Jet engines." Elita stood for a moment as she focused on the sound. As the sound got louder and louder, it begins to register in her memories. "DOWN!" she shouted.

Elita and Orion dropped to the ground just as 5 jets flew overhead. "What was that?" Orion wondered.

"Seekers," Elita said.

The jets flew up as they transformed into their robot mode and landed on the ground. Just like their jet form, their robot form is just a slim and sleek. The leader of the seeker stepped out from the center and made himself known. "Ah," he croaked. "If would've known that I'll be seeing Elita in a compromising position, I wouldn't believe it."

"Starscream," Elita hissed.

"Isn't he one of the most dangerous cybertronian there is?" Orion wondered.

Starscream smiled at the question.

"He wishes," Elita said. "He's just a petty criminal who doesn't know when to give up."

Starscream was flabbergasted. "I…you…I just…," he sputtered. "I have you known that I am Cybertron's number one criminal"

"No you're not," Elita corrected. "If you 'are' a dangerous criminal, you'll be locked at the Maximum Security at the South Pole."

"No matter," Starscream said. "Today will be the day where I, Starscream, will kill an Autobot and that Autobot will be you."

Elita drew her gun and donned on a serious face "Try it," she said.

"You do realize that you're greatly outnumbered and outgunned," Starscream smiled. "Last time we fought, you barely made out alive if it wasn't for Ultra Magnus who came to your aid, the Autobots will have a bounty on my head."

"He's right," Elita thought to herself. "I was lucky that Ultra Magnus was in the area. But now, I'm alone. Plus I have Orion who is defenseless. And to think I took the scenic route."

"Am I holding you back?" Orion asked.

"No," Elita answered. "You're my strength…"

"…and you're my biggest weakness," Elita thought to herself. "I have to get help."

"Orion," Elita called.

"Yes."

"Prepare to run."

"Why?"

"Because I said so. When I give the signal, we'll run out of here, got it?"

"Got it."

"What are you two muttering about?" Starscream wondered.

"This!" Elita replied. Elita fired two shots at the ground, two at the base of the building next to them, two in the middle then two more at the ceiling. The shots caused the walls to crack as slabs dropped from above. The rubble created a cloud of dust, creating a cover. Starscream pressed through the smoke and saw Elita and Orion taking off on foot. "Get them!" Starscream ordered.

The seekers changed to their jet form and took off after them. "This is Elita One requesting backup," she radioed. "I'm under attack by Starscream and his seekers. I have a civilian with me. Does anyone copy?"

"I heard you loud and clear." a smooth voice responded.

"Jazz?" Elita said in amazement.

"Were you expecting anyone else?"

"Can I expect backup?"

"Hound and Prowl are nearby."

"Thank you Jazz," Elita said in relief. "You're a lifesaver."

"Now about that date..."

"Bye Jazz," Elita said in a stern voice and ended the link.

"Are we getting any help?" Orion asked.

"We are," Elita assured. "Right now, we just got to survive long enough for that to happen."

The seekers flew past them and switched to robot mode. They transform their hand to pulse cannon and open fire. Orion dove for cover as Elita opened fire. Elita took multiple hits before seeking cover. She hid behind a building as she took the time to collect her thoughts. She checked her surrounding and noticed that Orion wasn't near her. "Orion?" she called. "Orion!?"

Elita did a quick scan of the area and spotted Orion Pax across the street hiding in the alley. Elita took one step out and she was fired upon. Elita retreated as she peers out to the street. The seekers were slowly walking the street with cannons ready. "Scrap," Elita hissed. "I'm pinned and Orion is in immediate danger. I guess I have no choice."

A hilt formed on Elita's back as she pulled on it out and an energon sword materialized. Her right hand transformed into an ion cannon. Two plates emerged from each side of her helmet as a battle mask was formed. From her mask, a pane of clear red glass rose up and covered her optics to create a data screen. "I hope he doesn't catch me," she groaned. Elita emerged from her hiding spot and charged straight for the seekers. Orion watched on as he saw Elita taking on the seekers on her own. "Elita, instead of running, you're fighting because of me," he said to himself. "If I had the ability to fight, I'll be at her side."

Dark clouds started to circle over here Orion is. Meanwhile in the council room, the elders noticed a strange phenomenon taking place in the center of ground. "This light, it cannot be," an elder said.

"It is too early."

"But what if it becomes active and leaves?"

"I suggest we will do whatever it takes to prevent him taking it. It is the will of the Primes and we will honor it."

"Optimus Prime cannot be revived."

Outside of Iacon

Starscream flew towards where his seekers were to witness the fall of his nemesis. When he arrived, he switched to robot mode and landed on the ground. He grinned with excitement as his seekers had Elita pinned to the ground with a cannon aimed at her head. "Well, well, the roles have been reversed," Starscream gloated. "How does it feel to kiss the ground with a boot on your head?"

"Scrap it," Elita hissed. "You haven't won yet."

"I believe I have," Starscream smiled. "Ooh, you have no idea how long I longed for this momentous day."

"Shall I end her?" a seeker asked.

"No, allow me," Starscream chuckled. "I need a reason to test me new weapon." Starscream's forearm changed into a cannon as the red barrel glowed with energy.

"Is that the Null Ray Cannon?" Elita asked.

"How observant," Starscream praised.

"That is a military grade weapon and it is highly illegal to possess one."

"And you won't be here to arrest me."

"STOP!" a voice commanded.

Starscream looked over his shoulder and saw that Orion Pax had a rebar in his hand, ready to strike. "Orion, you have to get away," Elita said.

"I won't leave without you," Orion said.

"Well, it seems my target has been changed," Starscream grinned. Starscream turned his aim towards Orion Pax. Elita was mortified. "NO!" she pleaded. "Kill me instead."

Orion was frozen in fear. He has never been in a fight and he definitely never a cannon pointed at him. He dropped rebar as he accepted his fate. "Orion, RUN!" Elita shouted.

Orion didn't respond. Instead he held his arm out toward Starscream and held it there. "Trying to scare me?" Starscream laughed. "Do that in the Allspark because that is where you are going."

Just before fired his cannon, he was shot in the arm. That shot damaged his cannon. "Who did that?" Starscream asked. "They will pay for damaging me."

"I did," a dark voice spoke.

Starscream turned his attention to the source and found an unlikely gladiator. "Megatronus?" Starscream gasped.

"Megatronus, help!" Elita called.

Steam bellowed from his fusion cannon as Megatronus had an annoyed look on his face. "Move away from them Starscream," Megatronus warned.

"Or what?" Starscream asked.

Megatronus didn't hesitate and fired his cannon once more.