Sorry it took so long. My muse for this story decided to take a vacation! And then real life crap took over for a bit. Anyway, here's Optimus' father and his reaction to discovering some interesting things about the son he's so quick to push aside.
There was so much to do as Kilynx was busy in his study. He was grateful his two sons were out of the home and the place was quiet for allowing him to think without distractions. Even more grateful Areya didn't want to have another discussion about Optimus.
War was coming. Not this year or next few years. But it was coming. All the plans and preparations Kilynx did now would affect his part in the war when it happened. But first the army had to be strong enough before the war was to come. And he'd only just started selecting those worthy of the army..of his army.
"Kilynx, Shockwave is here to see you," Areya announced after knocking on his door.
"The door's unlocked," he said, not taking his optics off the monitor.
"Thank you, Areya," Shockwave smiled as he moved into the study.
"Can I get anything for the either of you?" she asked politely.
"No thank you," Kilynx said as he turned to face his most loyal and trusted friend.
Areya nodded then left, closing the door on her way.
"So what brings you here?" Kilynx asked, offering Shockwave an empty chair.
"I saw something very interesting today," he smiled, handing Kilynx a data-pad. "These are statistics for your son. He shows much potential and his far ahead of any other younglings his age."
Kilynx grabbed the data-pad and scanned over it.
"Highly intelligent, resourceful," he read off, a proud smile beginning to shine of his face. "Speed, strength and agility are well above the norm for his age. Even shows excellent leadership skills. How did you get these results? They're from the Youngling Trials."
"I saw the Trials as a place for potential recruits so I volunteered to work the event. I left as soon as the final event was over. They're doing the closing ceremonies now. But I had to show you these results as soon as I could."
"Well, with results like these I can't be too angry at Megatron for disobeying me," Kilynx smiled.
"You misunderstand my friend, those are Optimus' stats."
Kilynx laughed, "This has to be a mistake! Optimus is at his friend Bumblebee's house playing."
"Are you sure?" Shockwave asked with a smirk.
"He would never disobey me. He's too afraid to."
"Don't under estimate his desire to win over your affections, Kilynx. Besides, I saw him compete with my own optics when I realized he was there."
Kilynx's optics flared. He was angry for Optimus disobeying him. On the other hand, he couldn't entirely ignore what his optics were reading.
"Why do you push him aside as if he weren't your son?" Shockwave asked.
"Because Areya wanted to have another sparkling…I didn't. Optimus was hers from the moment his spark came to life. I gave her what she wanted and was done with it. Megatron was all that mattered to me."
"Kilynx, it would be an astronomical mistake to dismiss Optimus now. He is our future. When the war comes, he'll be the kind of mech we could use to help our cause. Besides, if you don't do something, I'm sure Sentinel Prime will. He seems to show a great deal of interest in Optimus."
"Yes, he would. Optimus quotes Prime's teachings much to my disgust," Kilynx grumbled.
"Optimus is your son," Shockwave said as he got to his feet. "He is still young. But it's up to you to do something. If you don't, your son could grow up to be our enemy."
Kilynx looked over the statistics again. He's processor just couldn't believe Optimus was capable of such accomplishments. He even showed much more promise than Megatron. And it was apparent, that even after what he said about Optimus, the little mech was still striving for his father's affections. Not so different than when Kilynx himself fought for his own father's approval. Perhaps, Optimus was more like him than he thought.
"Thank you, Shockwave. Did you find any other promising young mechs at the trials?"
"Yes, a few."
"Good, bring them to the sparring fields tomorrow afternoon. I want to see them for myself."
"Yes, my Lord. What of Optimus?"
"Perhaps it's not such a bad idea to have both of my sons at my side when the war does start. If these stats are as accurate as you say, then Optimus may one day follow in my footsteps and be a great leader," he smiled. "Besides, I will not allow Sentinel Prime to influence either of my sons into joining his army, no matter what."
"I understand. I'll leave you now and see you tomorrow."
"Until tomorrow."
Alone with his thoughts Kilynx pondered what to do. He couldn't ignore the facts. Nor could he allow his son to follow the path Sentinel Prime would desire for him. However, Optimus was to be punished severely for disobeying Kilynx. Discipline and striking fear into his subordinates, even his sons, was essential in controlling them. He learned that from his father.
Rising to his feet, Kilynx headed out of his study and moved down the hall to find Areya busy working in her study. He still found her beautiful even though they had grown distant. Perhaps, things could have been different if he'd been made Prime instead of Sentinel. Perhaps, she would still love him as she once used to.
Yes, he knew she didn't love him as much anymore. He wasn't blind or ignorant to what went on around him. He even knew who her lover was. The only reason why Kilynx did nothing about it was because he loved his brother, Praxis, and relied on him more than any mech in Cybertron. However, if it had been any other mech Kilynx wouldn't have hesitated to kill the mech for touching what rightfully belonged to him.
Still, the day would come when she was going to have to make a choice. And that choice was going go be Kilynx, not his brother.
"Areya, I found out something interesting," he started softly as he moved across the room.
"What is it?" she asked, turning to face him.
"It seems your son has lied to us and disobeyed me. Optimus is not at Bumblebee's as he told us."
"What?"
"He's been at the Youngling Trials all day. Shockwave saw him with his own optics."
Areya looked afraid. Of course, she would be. She loved Optimus more than life itself. Even more than Megatron, although she'd never admit to it.
"He is to be punished for lying and disobeying me. And you are not to interfere."
"Haven't you hurt him enough?"
My optics flared and I stood over her. She coward in her seat.
"He is my son too as you've pointed out on many occasions. My sons will not be liars. Nor will they ever disobey me again." He paused, gently lifting her chin up so he could look into her optics. He smiled warmly at her. "I will not lay a hand on him. I promise. He's to be confined to his room after school and his training. While in his room he will study. No playing whatsoever. I would like you there with me when he comes home."
Areya nodded up at him, looking somewhat relieved and a little bewilder by his actions. Together they left the study and waited in the living room for Optimus to return home. Kilynx had her sit while he stood with his arms folded across his chest. They didn't have to wait long.
Optimus came in through the front door. At first, his optics widened in shock upon seeing the angry look on his father's face. Then, to Kilynx's amazement the young mech straightened, shot him a defiant look and then marched across the room.
"Here, these are for you, father," he said confidently handing Kilynx the three trophies.
Kilynx read that one was for first place in the individual trials and the other for first place in the team trials. The third was probably the highest reward of all for only one youngling in the entire trials would receive it. Optimus' name was even imprinted on the trophy for best overall performance. All three trophies would make any parent proud.
"Do not think these will sway me," Kilynx growled down, making Optimus jump back in fear. "Yes, boy, be afraid. You lied to your mother and me. And worse, you disobeyed me. For both you are to be punished!"
He watched as Optimus dropped his head down, scrunching up his shoulders as if preparing to be hit.
"You will be confined to your room after school and after training," Kilynx told him. Optimus slowly lifted his head up, glancing from his mother to his father and looking rather confused. "For two weeks there will be no playing. Not with your brother or your little friend. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, father," he quickly replied, still looking unsure about the situation.
"Now go to your room," Kilynx ordered. He purposely waited until Optimus was nearly out of the room to call to him. "You did well at the trials…my son. Very well."
Kilynx observed how Optimus straightened up and held his head high. Try as he could, the young mech couldn't entirely contain his joy. For once, Kilynx did nothing to prevent it.
"Thank you, father," Optimus happily grinned.
Up next, unless my muse changes it's mind, we start to see the first signs from Megatron as his father begins paying more attention to Optimus.
