Blast from the Past

by The Archer Black

Series of one shots regarding events from chosen characters' past (most of them mentioned in my stories or the TV-show/comic books). Part of my BotB series. My stories are available exclusively on my official accounts on , dA, AO3, Tumblr.

6. Run to the Water

Blast From The Past.

"Another head aches, another heart breaks

I am so much older than I can take

And my affection, well it comes and goes

I need direction to perfection, no no no no

Help me out

Yeah, you know you got to help me out

Yeah, oh don't you put me on the back burner

You know you got to help me out

And when there's nowhere else to run

Is there room for one more son

These changes ain't changing me

The gold-hearted boy I used to be

(…)

Over and in, last call for sin

While everyone's lost, the battle is won

With all these things that I've done

All these things that I've done

If you can hold on

If you can hold on."– The Killers "All the things that I've done".

Warnings: Violence, explicit language, maybe some sex (but I'm not sure) – you know, the usual.

Timing: Post season 2 finale, in my very own Beauty of the Beast Prime timeline.

Rating: T to M (and possibly even MA).

Pairings: multiple.

Starring: Alpha Trion, Elita-1/Ariel, Optimus Prime/Orion Pax, Megatron (mentioned).

Disclaimer: Transformers Prime © Hasbro. Story's plot and OC's © me. There may be some OC's that aren't mine – they belong to their respective creators.

Run to the Water.

"Oh desert speak to my heart

oh woman of the earth

maker of children who weep for love

maker of this birth

'til your deepest secrets are known to me

I will not be moved

I will not be moved

(…)

run to the water

and find me there

burnt to the core but not broken

we'll cut through the madness

of these streets below the moon

these streets below the moon(…) – Live "Run to the Water"

oOo

Iacon, Hall of Records, shortly before the war.

Everyone in Hall of Records was observing only one event. All monitors and displayers were tuned only on one place: the Auditory where the Grand Council assembled to listen to a Gladiator named Megatron, and his Iaconian friend Orion Pax.

Alpha Trion, mentor and custodian of Orion Pax sat and silently watched the transmission. Next to him stood a lone, slim figure, his other charge, named Ariel, an intended consort of the next Prime.

"If this Megatron will make good impression on the Council and will be appointed a Prime Candidate, will I be bonded to him one day?" She asked in deep, cultured voice with perfect Iaconian accent.

"This is possible." Alpha Trion moved his sage optics at his femme charge. "It is also possible that Zeta will become Prime next, or that the Council will take my recommendation under consideration."

"I have seen Zeta, I meet Orion all the time, but I have never met this Megatron of Tarn. What is he like?"

"Like all Gladiators, only as witty as Orion and much larger." Alpha Trion vented heavily. The Session was delaying. "He's well educated, though he's autodidactic. And you will see him in a moment."

"I will also listen to him in a moment it seems." Ariel crooked her head slightly. "I am curious, though I'm not that fond of someone megalomaniacal enough to take such name."

"Dear child, perhaps I should recommend you instead of Orion." The old Librarian hummed silently with humour.

"Perhaps, Alpha Trion, but would they accept a femme as a Prime candidate?"

"A very accurate observation, my dear."

Ariel would say something more, but the session began. A moment later she saw Megatron for the first time. He was impressive, and he spoke boldly, but he spoke like a general of old days, like Galvatron of Protohex before one of his battles. She could tell that he spoke the truth but the Council was not impressed, they didn't like how he lost his calm. What was great on the Arena or on the streets, simply didn't work in the Auditory.

Then Orion Pax stepped in. She knew that Orion and Megatron were friends and that Orion promised to come to his friend aid if the need would arise. Orion began explaining where the whole problem was and why Megatron was so aggravated. His speech was stoic and that moved the council. Unfortunately, it showed that Orion was not only as good orator as Megatron, but one who could control his emotions better.

In the end it was giant ego and nerves that made Megatron too obdurate and a bit rude, and cost him the victory. Orion managed to keep his cool and it would be fine if not Megatron who took it personally. That was the end of friendship that could change Cybertron for the better. Ariel felt bad about it.

When the session was about to reach its conclusion Ratbat voiced his concerns, but the Speaker of the Council, an individual known as Halogen, named Orion Pax to be Prime Candidate. Ariel didn't miss silent hum of approval from Alpha Trion. And just before the transmission was over, she spotted one of the Senators who were allowed a seat on the gallery, A Tarnian noble and scientist named Shockwave to look straight into the camera that transmitted the session to Hall of Records. Shockwave seemed to be giving Alpha Trion a very serious look.

oOo

Iacon. Hall of Records. Shortly after election of Sentinel.

That was a sensation. Though those who knew that Proteus was up to something weren't surprised. Shockwave warned Alpha Trion to Proteus plans, but still the candidate came as a surprise.

"There it goes. I'm going to become the One." Ariel sighed and rested her chin in both servos. "And my dear spouse will be some doofus."

"Sentinel is not a doofus." Orion patted his old friend's back. "And you won't be bonding with him."

"How do you know that?"

"Simple. First of all Alpha Trion wouldn't allow you to be given to some Senator's pawn." Orion smirked. "And second of all, Sentinel already has Conjunx Endura."

"I feel bad for that Cybertronian, whoever they are." Ariel rolled her optics with disgust.

"I'm not. I've heard that they're a very good couple." Orion shrugged. The rumour had it that Sentinel and his mate were the rare case of love from the first sight.

oOo

Iacon. Shortly after Sentinel's demise.

Zeta Prime walked into large chamber where few mechs waited for him. One of them was Orion Pax, and another was high ranking Law Enforcer named Prowl. Zeta looked around and sat heavily on his chair. He changed since his nomination, underwent few upgrades in very short time and it was showing: he was now very large and extremely strong.

"I summoned you here to tell you that I intend to start things anew. If Megatron was right about something, it was that Cybertron needs changes. And I intend to make these changes. I am assembling New Senate in place of the old one, this one won't be a gathering of nobility but will have representatives of all castes and groups, it will reflect the society of Cybertron. I am closing the Institute and reform it into New Institute, one that will serve the society instead of serving fear. This also means ban of Empurata, I've seen too many victims of that barbarian custom, my former teacher among them and though Shockwave joined Decepticons, he did so as victim of Proteus. And among many other changes I am reforming the Law Enforcement, Police forces into New Police, one that will be friendly to citizens." Zeta was accenting every change with loud bang with his fist on the table. "And you, Orion Pax, will lead the New Police. You are still my official successor but I want you to lead the new Law Enforcement so people will see that the Cybertron is now different, more friendly but also ruled by hard law. I want Cybertron to become New Cybertron."

That meeting was short and it ended moments after Zeta finished his speech. Now the implementing his changes would begin. Things were changing but Orion Pax wasn't sure if he liked the changes. Especially that the more they changed the more things were the same or worse. There was something in Zeta that made everyone wary. Including Orion Pax, the new Chief of Police.

oOo

Ariel stood on one of high balconies of Hall of Records. It was large hall where Cybertronians could search for data that they had need for, a library in essence. At such a late time it was empty, but Ariel practically lived there as Alpha Trion's charge, so she had her own rooms in adjoining complex.

The femme was observing City of Iacon drowning in darkness as the Suns vanished behind horizon. The street lights twinkled in the evening shadows.

The silent steps of Orion Pax made her look behind to see the mech she knew her whole life even though they rarely spoke.

"Orion." She greeted him. "What brings you here?"

"I've been appointed as the new Police Force Chief… Which means that I won't be working here anymore." He admitted. "It looks like sparring matches with Megatron weren't just useless practice."

"It seems so. Have you told Trion?"

"Yes. He wasn't surprised and he said it will serve me well as I am next in line for the title." Orion seemed puzzled for a moment. "But I am not sure if I wish to become a Prime. I do not know if I would manage being a Prime."

"You'll do well. After the two previous Primes it would be hard to fail." Ariel waved her servo as to dismiss all doubts. "Though we're yet to find out how Zeta will do. I am still waiting for him to summon me and make the official introduction so the courtship may begin."

"He won't be summoning you." Orion said slightly absent-mindedly.

"What? How do you know?"

"You don't know?" Now the freshly appointed Chief of Police gave Ariel stunned look. "Of course! He never told you! He rarely spoke of his private matters. Zeta prefers carrier mechs, so if he'll ever get the One, it won't be a femme."

"How do you know about that?" Ariel quickly managed her shock.

"We talked before he became Prime. Zeta hasn't contacted Alpha Trion yet, that's why you weren't notified." Orion gave Ariel the warmest smile he could make. "Besides, he changed; I don't think you'd be happy to be his mate."

"What do you mean that he changed?" Ariel suddenly turned serious. "Did the upgrades go wrong?"

"No. The upgrades went well, though, he gained a lot of weight. You saw how he looks now, so you have the idea." Orion furrowed his opticbrows in deep thought. "I didn't mean his frame. His mind changed. He's so calculating now, he has this obsession of renaming everything 'New'. 'New Police', 'New Institute', 'New Senate'. It's like he's whole new person ever since he became Prime. I remember that he was smiling a lot. But now he never smiles. And he never takes his face mask off, not even Sentinel kept in on at all times, but Zeta, he behaves like his new armour is to shield him from the rest of Cybertron."

"Perhaps the new role is overwhelming for him? Maybe he needs time to adjust?" Ariel pondered out loud. "Maybe in few quartexes 1) he will relax?"

"Maybe he will." Orion sighed a heavy vent. He hoped that Ariel was right, Zeta was always amiable mech, but now there was the aura of rust, decay and death around him. The aura of pending doom.

oOo

Iacon, shortly after the war broke out.

Alpha Trion marched into the library and saw the newest Prime deep in lecture. Optimus Prime, formerly known as Orion Pax, was reading military textbooks and analyses of various military campaigns. A wise choice for someone who was to lead an army to war with much more experienced enemy. But Alpha Trion now had a matter of much higher importance than some old books and data files.

"Optimus. Leave the data pads. I have to speak to you." The old mech approached the Prime that not so long ago was his underling.

"Alpha Trion, I didn't expect you to come down here." Optimus rose from his seat, he still looked like he did as Orion Pax. "You know you could just summon me."

"No, Optimus, you are now a Prime, even if it is but a title." Alpha Trion allowed himself to rest on the opposite side of the table Optimus chose. "You are now the heir of Primus, the highest moral authority, and Commander in Chief or all military and paramilitary units. One does not summon a Prime, but rather asks for audience."

"Why haven't you asked for an audience then?" Optimus allowed himself slight smirk.

"It is not time for battle of wits, Optimus. I have consulted Dai Atlas about what I have found on Covenant of Primus and we reached important conclusion. We discussed it with the Council, and they agreed with us." Alpha Trion stared into Optimus optics. "You are to find Matrix of Leadership."

"Isn't Matrix but a myth?" Optimus opticbrows rose so high that they almost hid underneath his helmet.

"It's a Legend, not a Myth. And it is also Real." Alpha Trion leaned back in his chair. "Upon departing from Cybertron, Nova Prime left the Matrix behind but chose not to bestow it on Nominus along with the title of Prime, he hid it instead. However he did not say where he left it, he explained that it was meant to remain hidden until the need would arise for it to be found. Not everyone knew about it though."

"You mean that there were people who believed that Matrix is real and in possession of Primes?" Optimus seemed surprised.

"Yes. You may not realise that Proteus was one of them." Alpha Trion nodded. "He had Nominus assassinated upon learning that the Prime was not in possession of Matrix and thus was in no use for him. For only the Matrix bearer can channel its properties."

"But why would I look for the Matrix now? After all this time that we managed on our own, isn't its place in old tales?" Optimus decided not to question Alpha Trion's historical knowledge. If the old archivist claimed that Proteus murdered Nominus (which was now pretty much common knowledge) because he wanted the Matrix, then it was true. This in turn meant that enthronement of Sentinel was merely a 'plan B'.

"To become a true Prime. Not just by title and few upgrades, but by holding and becoming one with the most sacred artefact of Cybertronian Race." Alpha Trion explained. "After it will accept you it will remain linked to you and grand you the wisdom of Primes. Wisdom that your predecessors: Nominus Sentinel and Zeta lacked."

Optimus stared for a moment at his sage mentor, and perhaps the oldest friend. Then he looked at the data pads that lay before him. All this knowledge about military strategies that he had at his hand and needed to fight against Decepticons was nothing if he lacked knowledge of how to wisely rule and care over his people, not to repeat errors of Nominus, sparknessless of Sentinel and plain coldness of Zeta.

"I wish to be good leader, but you said that Matrix is to accept me. What if it won't? What if I do not qualify? What if I am just like Zeta or Sentinel?"

"It will. The time has come for it to be re-claimed; otherwise we wouldn't be talking about it now." Alpha Trion reached and patted Optimus' arm lightly. "And when that is done, all this…" Alpha Trion gestured at the data pads. "Won't be needed, you will know how to lead battles. How to win them and how to lose them. And you will know how to make wise choices."

"You know, Alpha Trion that I will go to find it. Even if it won't accept me, it may accept someone else, and then I will relinquish the title of a Prime happily to them." Optimus lowered his optics and smiled bitterly. "Autobots need a good leader, and they need a massive moral boost. We are losing badly. Most Cybertronians see us as continuators of the oppression they know from past, they don't trust us to want to make changes."

"Because there still are those who wish the old times to come back, supporters of old order, among our very ranks. But they will not dare to oppose a Matrix bearer. See, this is yet another reason for you to seek Matrix: the authority that will back up your own. But you need to hurry, Optimus, before it is too late."

"There is a time limit when Matrix can be found?" The new Prime straightened in his chair, utter surprise plain on his youthful face.

"No. But Megatron is looking for Matrix as well. He have send Soundwave to look for its signs. Luckily, as effective as Soundwave is, he is searching in the wrong area. Bless the fake reports Nova left." Alpha Trion nodded with sadness.

"What will Megatron do with Matrix?"

"He may use it. You see, as violent and angry as Megatron is, it is not said that Matrix would not accept him. If it would analyse his Spark and his mind, and found qualities needed to be good and effective leader, it would merge with him, grant him wisdom of Primes." Alpha Trion admitted. "Though in his current state it is unlikely, but even if he was rejected, he would prevent you from merging with the Matrix and that would already be his victory."

"I do not know if Matrix would accept Megatron. He is acrimonious now, but he wasn't like that before. After I was named Prime Candidate he saw it as betrayal, he is angry at me even though it wasn't my intention. I fear that this anger will consume him one day, and I wish that we could work together to make this planet a better place."

"I understand, and I agree with you. Megatron allowed his own anger and feeling of betrayal to overpower him. But it is not just you being named by Council the Prime Candidate. It is a lifetime of exploitation, treating as a tool, a mindless object unworthy of respect or any kind of sympathy that made him as bitter as he is today." Alpha Trion sighed and closed his optics. "This happened for a long time, and Megatron watched for his whole life as higher castes lived in luxury while Cybertronians like him were exploited, barely surviving. And it is our fault. I warned Nominus to not implement Caste Segregation, but he was a Functionist and listened to other Functionists. And this is what you get when you follow religious fanatics."

"Many have been mistreated by the system and I remember well how stiff the social norms were." Optimus nodded. "If only I could convince him that I didn't betray him and that we should work together."

"Maybe one day you will have a chance to. But for now, you need to assemble small team and go for a quest to find the Matrix." Alpha Trion returned to the topic at hand. "You can't take too many with you to not draw attention, but you need someone to watch your back. The journey will be dangerous."

"Do you know where to look?"

"Yes. Covenant of Primus revealed the location to me… or to be more exact, it revealed location of a road that will take you to a place where you may find the Matrix if you are worthy." Alpha Trion admitted.

"Covenant of Primus? Alpha Trion, it is just an ancient book."

"When you will be joined with Matrix you will understand better what exactly Covenant of Primus is. And you will be familiar with many more secrets that you are not allowed to now." Alpha Trion gave his former protégé a knowing look. "But for now, let me assure you, that the Covenant's indications are accurate."

"I trust you, Alpha Trion, you were never wrong in the past and I trust that you won't be in the future. It's just that I do not understand it all." Optimus hid his face in his hands. It was a lot to take in. "There is one thing I want to do before I will go."

"What is it?"

"You said that Ariel is mine to claim. I have talked to her and while she said that she always saw me more as a close friend than anything else, she agrees to become my One." Optimus carefully spoke. "Before I will go, I wish to make the Official Introduction."

"Why before leaving?"

"For two reasons. First of all, even if I won't make it and the Matrix will be claimed by someone else it does not bonds her to me, but it gives her opportunity to reject another Prime. I wish to give her such a possibility. And there is another reason, though I have not spoken to Ariel about it yet. After that we will be expected to go through the official courtship and we can make everyone think that we're undergoing upgrades to emerge for the re-introduction of the new One with our upgrades in place. It will fool Decepticons and cover my quest for Matrix."

"Clever, Optimus, I can see that you made a good use from the data pads you have here." Alpha Trion nodded with pleased rumble. "It is a good plan. Go and talk to Ariel, but I feel she will agree with you. Then you will go on the quest."

oOo

The Introduction was short and humble. Ariel was showed to the public as future consort of the Optimus Prime. She smiled, waved to the spectators and then it was over. Until then she wasn't a public persona and it was all new to her. The general public took her in well, immediately she became number one topic for everyone. And that included Decepticons as well. The most common approach was that she was pretty, well-educated and a good candidate, with additional note on Decepticon side that it was damn waste of such a perfect femme who could be much more than just be a consort (with a side note that as a Decepticon she would have better opportunities).

Ariel didn't listen to any of it. Instead she waited to see what the result of the search would be. Her union with Orion, now Optimus was arranged, but she knew that it still was for the best. At least Optimus she knew and liked. And he actually did ask her if she was fine with him.

oOo

Iacon, 2 Mega-cycles2) later.

Optimus Prime was back. It wasn't big news, only few Autobots knew that he was away in the first place. He only took two with himself: Bumblebee and Jetfire. And it was a while before they returned. But it was a triumphant return. Bumblebee and Jetfire seemed beaming with enthusiasm. And then came Optimus Prime, looking nothing like before. His form bulkier and slightly taller. His helmet different and with mouth plate. The Prime returned changed, his paint vivid as new and his optics shining softly but without the young vigour, these were optics of an old mech who saw too much. His face now serious, and without the smile he used to flash at people. Optimus Prime changed.

There still was plenty of time before he and his new One would have to show in public. There was still time for him to talk with everyone he needed to.

Optimus entered the office of Alpha Trion only to find his old mentor reading the Covenant of Primus.

The old archivist looked up and raised his opticbrows. "I just read that you entered my office." He said and tapped the massive book with single digit.

"I understand now, Alpha Trion." Optimus Prime spoke quietly. "I know who and what you are. And I know what this book is… "

"I could have read this in Covenant, but I prefer to hear it from you, Optimus." Alpha Trion closed the Covenant.

"You one of the original Thirteen…"

oOo

Ariel sat next to her window and observed the darkening skies. She found it relaxing. She liked to watch the lights of Icon after the dark, though lately due to energon shortage, the lights were fewer and fewer every time.

"I knew you have returned and was wondering when you would come." She said without looking at her guest. She heard his silent steps when he entered the chamber.

"I had to speak to Alpha Trion first." Optimus explained. "It was difficult conversation, but now I understand so much more."

"If you needed that, then it is good that you talked to him." She stood up and turned to see her future Conjunx Endura for the first time since his triumphant return.

"I also asked him how it works."

"You mean you don't know how to…"

"No. That I know." Optimus' eyes turned round for a moment. "I meant how it should work with Matrix on top of my Spark. Somehow Matrix does not hold such an information, it just claims that it happens."

"And?" Ariel smirked. This was interesting. A Prime, one with actual Matrix, and he still felt shy.

"He was kind enough to reassure me it is safe." Optimus sighed and looked at Ariel. "He said that the Matrix will upgrade you as it did me. So, you won't be Ariel anymore."

"That much I know." Ariel nodded. "Are you ready?"

"Whenever you are." Optimus confirmed. It would be awkward, it wasn't just some femme or carrier mech, it was his future Conjunx Endura who upon bonding would undergo transformation similar to one he just went through. And they were about to consume their… arranged relationship.

"It will be fine." Ariel smiled. She felt shy but there was no reason in stalling this. She could bond to him now or later, but in the end she would be his One. He was always good looking and decent mech. And she agreed to him already, because when all was said and done, she knew it was the best she could get: tall, handsome and kind.

oOo

Iacon. The official presentation of the new One.

The news about Optimus being in possession of Matrix reached everyone the previous evening and now entire Autobot faction was excited, while Decepticons were irritated at best and furious at worse.

Then the news of presentation of Prime's consort reached everyone causing even more excitement. Everyone without exception was curious.

It was Alpha Trion who led the ceremony. The crowds went instantly silent when they say him. He was old but still an imposing figure.

The ancient archivist wasted no time. "I present you Optimus Prime, the heir of Primes and bearer of Matrix. And his Conjunx Endura, Elita-1."

They walked slowly for everyone to see them, and when they stopped at their designated place everyone gathered roared and howled in applause. They both glistered on Cybetron twin suns. Optimus was large, massive and solid looking now – incarnation of stability with flashy red and blue colours. Elita in turn was chrome and metallic pink spirit of velocity with mischievous glint in her optics.

Next: Ratchet and Bumblebee.

First part takes place before "Shadowplay" and shortly before death of Nominus Prime. The rest after.

1) 1 Quartex = 1 Earth's month.

2) 1 Mega-cycle = 93 hours.