Duality
Prologue
It always begins this way...
"People of Cybertron, honoured Council members, I beseech you. Please, hear my words."
...Half-heard words and half-told truths...
"Speak then, Prime. State your case. But be warned; your previous fear-mongering will not be tolerated."
...And reason giving way to fear. Thus was our world born...
"The Decepticons can not be trusted. They have given us no reason to believe that now, after two thousand mega-cycles, they actually want peace. I put it to this court that their request to return to Cybertron be denied, and that their exile be enforced as it has been for so long. I ask this Council, what have the Decepticons offered us that could sway you so easily? What can their new leader offer as proof that he truly wants reconciliation?"
...A world of pain, of fear...
"The Council will hear the speaker for Iacon City."
...Of death, and of hatred...
"This Council knows well what has been offered as proof of the Decepticon's intent. I have personally been negotiating with the Decepticon leader, at this Council's behest, and I have seen that they mean what they say. Peace is what they want; too long have they been apart from Cybertron, too long have they been without a home. All they want is a place to call home once more, and in return they have offered us more than just peace. They have offered us protection. A protection that, despite their no-doubt noble efforts, the Autobots have not been up to the task of providing."
...A hatred so utterly complete, that it shook the very foundations of the stars themselves.
"The Council thank you for your words... Lord Megatron."
You see, I was there. I saw it all.
I was there to see the beginning... the beginning of the end of everything we hold dear.
Author's Notes: The basis for this has been sitting around amongst my notes for some time now. This is a prequel for my story Transformers: Renaissance, the three parts of which can be found on my profile. There was a lot of backstory there, both for Optimus Prime's memories of the Great War, and for Artemis Prime and his reasons for venturing into the past. This will, hopefully, fill some of the gaps by telling those stories.
Any and all comments are welcome. Also, I would suggest that you read the Renaissance arc... it'll help make some of this make more sense, though it isn't strictly necessary, of course!
Disclaimer: Don't own it, never will. See my profile for full details.
Dedication: For Prime Revolver, my friend.