As events on Planet Klo continue to take place Optimus Prime has returned to Cybertron with the battleship Alpha along with its crewmates Flamewar, Swerve, Fixit and Captain Nemesis to look over part of a transmission the ship came across which appears to be from Megatron. The Decepticon Leader has been believed to have perished when a explosion of Dark Energon removed Earth's Solar System from existence. Now with help from Rewind they attempt to unscramble the recording to fully understand the message.
"Then Let it Begin, It is time for my homecoming" the sinister sound of Megatron's voice even made Optimus shiver a little as he, Nemesis and Alpha Trion listened and watched as Rewind was attempting to unscramble the start of the recording.
"If it is truely Megatron then how is he still alive? It was been nearly 25 years" said Optimus.
"Would'nt this also mean Earth might have survived?" asked Rewind.
"Look save the questions for later, soon I get my crew back and dump those humans at the next space port the better" grumbled Nemesis.
"Be mindful of you speak about my friends Nemesis" Optimus said sternly.
"At ease you two" said Alpha Trion, "right now we have more important things to deal with"
The two stared at each other and then looked back at Rewind as he looked as if he was making progress.
"Well you didn't get much Nemesis, but does tell us a few things" he said as he played back the full recording.
"Unfortunentely Knock-Out has escaped but I will have all Commanders on alert" reported Shockwave, "but this does comfirm the Super Space Bridges can be used"
"Then make preparations, make sure the loyalists are kept fully informed" ordered Megatron.
"At once Lord Megatron. Soon your return will bring us to complete victory" said Shockwave.
"Then Let it Begin, it is time for my homecoming" said Megatron.
The room was silent for a good long while, no one could believe at first what they were hearing.
"Super Space Bridges, those are only accessible via Metrotitans" said Optimus.
"Which means Megatron must be planning something using their technology" said Alpha Trion.
"Then maybe what Knock-Out told me and Prowl when we interrogated him is true" Optimus said as he went deep in thought.
"And that talk about loyalists. Sounds like Galvatron isn't Mr Popular after all" chuckled Nemesis as he turned to the door, "well its been fun guys, cya hopefully never"
As Nemesis was about to walk away Optimus grabbed him by the shoulder and punched him straight in the side of the face, Rewind at once chose to take cover behind Alpha Trion. Nemesis was soon back on his feet as he ran to strike Optimus back as the two began trading and countering blows.
"Stop it both of you!" shouted Alpha Trion, but neither were listening.
"I've had enough of this, truely the friend I knew is dead" growled Optimus.
"He died, the day you abandoned him!" shouted Nemesis.
"That isn't true" Optimus argued back as he kicked Nemesis away. Before Nemesis could retaliate the door slid open as Rodimus came running in, a look of panic on his face.
"Optimus, you told to let you know if she got any worse" he nearly shouted.
"What is he on about?" asked Nemesis as he looked at Optimus and Alpha Trion, both looked back at him with concern on their faces, Nemesis looked back at them confused. Before he could even argue he was taken to the infirmary where the Female Autobot Medic Minerva was tending for a patient while Windblade and Chromia stood by the bedside. Nemesis' usual loner and angry expression vanished in a second as he too ran to the bedside and fell to his knees.
"Elita" he said in horror, Elita-1 was lying on the medic bed, her body was dented and beaten with a wound in her chest. She was hooked up to life support and Energon was being pumped into her.
"Our ship was attacked by a Decepticon Squad while on patrol near Cybertron" explained Chromia, "the rest of our team have recovered and are resting. But Elita chose to stay on the ship as it crashed and steered it away from one of the nearby settlements. That wound was from when one of the ship's pipes stabbed her. She saved 500 Cybertronians that day"
Nemesis fell silent as his head dropped before looking angrily at Optimus.
"When did it happen?" he asked.
"I recieved a message three hours before we arrived on Cybertron" Optimus told him, "but I thought given your attitude you wouldn't care"
"How dare you" snarled Nemesis as he slowly rose to attack Optimus but was stopped as a hand grabbed his, he turned back to see Elita looking at him with a weak smile.
"Nemesis...you came back" she said, Nemesis at first didn't moved but then both his hands were holding her hand.
"Yes Elita, I had no idea this had happened to you. It seems some still think of me as a monster" he said looking at Optimus and Rodimus.
"You are no monster...there is a good person behind that...black. At least I can see you one last...time" said Elita.
"What are you talking about?" asked Nemesis, his optics looking right at Minerva for answers.
"Whilst I managed to repair her fully I'm afraid the damage was too severe, her spark is fading...I'm sorry" Minerva told him. Nemesis fell silent, he wanted to get angry but couldn't as his head dropped. Alpha Trion motioned everyone to leave them be, Windblade at once went to Optimus' side while Rodimus comforted Chromia as he led her out.
As they all left Nemesis looked up at Elita as she had fallen silent. He didn't know how to react, as he looked around the room he saw a machine, a Energy transfer machine used to allow Cybertronians to donate some of there own Power to help patients.
"I have nothing to live for" said Nemesis as he went over to the machine and looked at Elita, "but you do not deserve death"
Outside the room Chromia sat on a nearby chair as Rodimus placed a hand on her shoulder.
"I'll contact Ironhide as soon as he returns from his mission" he said with a smile.
"Thank you" said Chromia. Windblade meanwhile was wrapped round Optimus.
"She was a old friend of yours wasn't she?" she asked him.
"One of my oldest, bravest Cop I knew as well" said Optimus solemly.
"When you vanished with the Ark she was crucial in keeping the Autobots going on Cybertron alongside Magnus" said Alpha Trion, "I have already made sure she is remembered in the Archives, Till All Are..."
Before Alpha Trion could vanished the light began to flicker as what looked like a lightning storm was coming from inside Elita's Room.
"What the frag!?" Rodimus shouted over the noise as they ran in and stopped in horror. Nemesis was crying out in pain as he had wired the Transfer Machine to his own spark and also the other end to Elita's as her unconcious body convulsed and moved around the Spark Energy shot into her.
"Nemesis No, you'll both die!" Optimus called. Minerva rushed and pulled the plug at once as the machine died down and the light show ended. Nemesis stood as his body was smoking heavily and then his eyes dimmed as he fell down to the ground with a mighty crash. A few seconds after Elita shot up gasping, Windblade and Chromia at once rushing to her side as Minerva also moved to scan her.
"Elita, are you alright?" asked Chromia.
"I'm...I'm fine, I feel restored, what happened?" asked Elita, before anyone could answer she looked at Optimus and she nearly screamed as Nemesis lay there in Optimus' arms dead.
"This is Rodimus, I need the Protectobots here ASAP" Rodimus radioed.
"Nemesis" Optimus called as he shook Nemesis' body, "wake up Nemesis, don't you dare die on me, Come On Dion!"
Dion...yes that was my name, my name all those years ago, I feel myself drifting through nothingness, barely hearing Optimus called my name. Why does he care? He abandoned me after all, had me locked up, turned many of my friends against me as they falsely showed me pity. Even my own crew chose a human as a ally. I go now to the Well of Allsparks, most likely even there I will be despised. Still she will live, this is a good death.
"Very Morbid, aren't you?" a male voice spoke. Nemesis' optics came back online, around him was nothing but a area of golden clouds. He was on his feet and as he looked down a figure in a gold hooded cloak with their face hidden was looking at him.
"Where am I? This is the Well?" asked Nemesis.
"No, this is shall we say...a world between life and death. I cannot reveal my name to you yet, for now call me...Guide" the small person explained.
"Great a outer body experience, look I'd rather get to the Death part now please" Nemesis scoffed as he turned and walked away from Guide only to stop when Guide was in front of him again looking up at him.
"I'm afraid I cannot go" explained Guide, "you see he request a auidence with you"
"He who?" asked Nemesis.
Guide pointed upwards at one of the clouds high above them and stood staring into the distance was a golden caped Knight.
"Alright, lets go talk then" said Nemesis uninterested.
"I am afraid we cannot go to him yet, not until you confront it" said Guide.
"Confront what?" asked Nemesis.
"Your path which led this moment" said Guide.
"What are you..." Nemesis began to ask but stopped when the clouds faded away and he was on Cybertron in a alleyway somewhere. As he looked around he nearly fell over in surprise as Guide was now standing on his right shoulder.
"You are creeping me out" he said.
"Yes the big Black one bot army is creeped out by someone playing the old man of mystery persona" Guide said sarcastically.
"Shut up" said Nemesis as he walked down the alley and into the city itself as Cybertronians were going about their daily lives. Nemesis looked around but then noticed everyone was phasing through him.
"I know this place, its Iacon, before the war" Nemesis said in slight disbelief but then stopped in his tracks when he saw two bots in particular. One was coloured Red and Blue, the other was Dark Orange and Blue, they were walking out of Maccadams with some Energon Goodies.
"Alright Dion I'll admit it, I needed that for my lunch break" the Red and Blue robot said.
"See this is why we're partners Orion, your the no nonsense by the book, and I'm..." began Dion.
"The one who only uses his thinking circuits when we truely need to be on the job and spend the rest of the time nearly getting us in trouble" both Orion and Nemesis said at the same time.
"You know those two?" asked Guide.
"Yes" said Nemesis, "thats Optimus before his modifications, when he was Orion Pax, he was part of Iacon's division of the Cybertronian Police Force, it was there he met Dion when they trained together. They became best friends and were assigned together as Partners"
"And why is Dion so important?" asked Guide.
"Because...he was me" said Nemesis as he looked at Guide, "alright whats this about? They say your life flashes before your eyes but this is too detailed"
Guide said nothing as the scene changed again, they were in a office, Orion and Dion were stood to attention in front of a Cybertronian who even if they looked different had a very familiar face.
"Magnum" said Nemesis, "or as he later would be known, Ultra Magnus"
"He was your superior?" asked Guide.
"Doesn't the set up give it away?" asked Nemesis as the door behind slide open and a female Cybertronian in pink came running in and stood to attention next to Orion.
"Ariel" said Nemesis, now voice now sounding more peacful.
"AKA Elita-1 yes?" asked Guide, Nemesis merely nodded.
"Sorry I'm late sir" said Ariel.
"Its alright, I just heard about your arrest, good work" said Magnum, "alright we just got word that the situation in Kaon is worse then we thought, whilst Sentinel Prime continues with his efforts to quell the Gladiator Combat Ring and this 'Megatron' who hosts them we just got worda radical faction popped up"
"Radical Faction Sir?" Asked Orion.
"Yes, we believe they are small time but they are called Decepticons" explained Magnum, "they were located in Kaon but have snuck into Iacon carrying dangerous and illegal weapons. We don't know where they came from but at least 4 have been reported. Sentinel has already sent one of his best after them, a fellow officer named Prowl. He's tracked them down to the docklands. You three are to support him and capture these Decepticons"
"Alright, some actual action" Dion said excitedly.
"Just Keep your cool, remember we have a job to do" said Orion stenly.
But I didn't keep my cool, though the operation started out normal it didn't end that way. We met with Prowl who had found the warehouse the 4 were using, today they'd have been low level grunts but for me at the time they were big news. We started out as planned, Ariel took up a sniping posistion, she was always a crack shot, allowed her to report in to us what was going on. Prowl didn't know the area well so Orion led us in, always calm and always had a plan, no wonder he was considered one of the best.
We struck, these guys were well armed, but we managed to disarm them but then they made a run for it. Orion ordered us to hold back but I wanted them caught and I followed them to the roof of the warehouse. I had my blaster ready only to learn too late they were planning to self detonate themselves so as to not be caught. It was at that moment Orion threw me off the roof to protect me as they exploded.
"What happened after that?" asked Guide.
"Wait you can hear my thoughts?" asked Nemesis.
"This plain of existence is very sensitive at times, anyone with much on their mind can let their thoughts be projected" explained Guide.
"Thanks for warning me now" grumbled Nemesis.
"So?" asked Guide, "what next"
Orion was found heavily damaged and was put on life support under the care of Ratchet, Prowl meanwhile had discovered from a data slug he found in the wreckage that the Decepticons had a larger army under Megatron's command but was too late to save Sentinel Prime. Kaon fell to Decepticon control, and the other Police forces knew they had their work cut out. As members of the Kaon force joined other divisions I was left feeling guilt, I had gotten too eager and Orion paid the price. Ariel did her bit to comfort me, at the time she was Orion's girlfriend, think thats why I was also jealous of all he was a top cop and had the most beautiful Cybertronian I knew on his arm. How could she not hate me for what I did? I didn't know at the time Alpha Trion had also tended to Orion, so the day Orion Pax returned with a new body was a huge surprise.
Nearly every cop in the room was left speechless, Orion was now standing taller, looking stronger and had a mouth plate added, his very presence made some including Dion feel tiny.
"As of today" explained Magnum, "Orion Pax returns to active duty"
Ariel wasted no time as she ran into Orion's arms.
"Your alive, but you look so..."
"I know Ariel" said Orion, "I have to get used to it myself, especially this strange area in my chest area" he opened his chest compartment to reveal a oddly shaped stand inside before closing it and approaching Dion.
"I hear you wished to be transferred, I saw to it personally the request was denied" he explained.
"What? But Orion, I was the reason..." began Dion.
"No you weren't Dion, now stop thinking that way, these terrorists from Kaon threaten our streets, lets show them what two of Iacon's best can do" said Orion as he held out his hand which Dion took with a smile on his face.
Terrorists, thats all we thought they were in the early days, a nuisence which we could beat. We had no idea at the time Megatron was building up to create a Army so powerful and dangerous it would alter Cybertron forever. Orion and I were always somehow at the front of it, taking down weapon rings, tracking down Decepticon Supporters. When Nova Prime chose to set up his command station in Iacon we were excited, it felt like with a Prime here things would get better. But what we didn't expect was what we were drafted into.
Magnum stood before all of his officers as they gathered round to hear the news he had brought from his meeting with Nova Prime.
"This information isn't news, it isn't rumour, it is a order, a decree from a Prime. As of today every officer in every section of Cybertron is being drafted into a military force created by Zeta Prime to combat the Decepticons. As of today we are no longer Cops, the badges you wear are no longer badges, they are your symbol" Magnum announced, "today on behalf of Zeta Prime, I welcome you to the Autobots"
"You never were a fan of Zeta were you?" asked Guide.
"Hated him, he praised Orion non-stop but would always make the liks of me feel like nothing but expendable grunts" explained Nemesis, "he was full of himself, his ego inflated so much when he was made Prime, like he was invincible. Megatron soon changed that"
"Ahh yes, at the time your jealousy for Orion Pax had resurfaced, not just because of your feelings for Ariel but that out of the two of you he was made a Commander and you were part of his unit. In fact it was the day Zeta Fell in the Taking of Polyhex that you first felt hate for him yes?" asked Guide.
"Of course, he abandoned me, left me to die that day, like the expendable Grunt Zeta made me out to be" Nemesis said with hated in his words.
"But you didn't hear or see what happened that day did you?" asked Guide, Nemesis feel silent but then heard the sounds of battle, he was floating over looking at a bridge with a large chasm. To his left was Polyhex, one of the smaller cities of Cybertron as it felt the burning wrath of war. And to his right Guardian Robots and Autobots laying down cover fire as Orion, Magnum and Ironhide ran across the bridge with Megatron on the other side of the bridge ordering troops to follow and attack.
"We need to blow the bridge now!" Prowl shouted.
"Are you crazy? Our guys are still crossing!" Springer shouted back.
"If we don't the Decepticons will easily get their ground troops to Iacon. Blow it!" Prowl ordered.
"Its not responding, they must be jamming all frequncies in the area!" Sideswipe reported as he tried to detonate the explosives on the bottom across the bridge. As Orion's forces ran across Dion tripped over.
"Orion!" he called out as he tried to get back up.
"Dion!" Orion shouted as he turned to go get his friends, sadly at the same time Prowl took a shot at one of the explosives which set off a chain reaction, the bridge exploded and crumbled as Orion was knocked back and Dion felt the ground beneath him crumble. As the bridge fell apart Decepticons on it also began to fall, debris smashed Dion's optics and the explosion shorted out his audio recpetors. With whatever strength he had left Dion grabbed part of the bridge still attatched, he was in a state of panic.
"Orion! Orion help me! Don't leave me!" he called.
"Dion!" Orion called as he ran to the end of the ruined bridge with Megatron ordering Starscream to launch a air strike on the retreating Autobots. Orion was heavily damaged and weakily to try and save Dion.
"Orion! We have to go now!" shouted Ironhide as he pulled Orion back. The bridge was still crumbling to pieces.
"No! Dion!" Orion called out as the debris fell into the chasm, Dion taken with it.
Nemesis looked away, fists clenched.
"This is just a lie, your telling me he risked his life to try and save me?" he asked.
"This is the history, the truth you see Nemesis, even if you don't believe it" said Guide, "so, care to tell me what happened next?"
If what you say is true then after the failed rescue attempt I lay at the botton of the chasm, my feet were damaged, one arm lost, I thought this was the end, that Orion left me to die. I stewed with hatred and dreams of revenge, waiting for Death itself to take me. I don't what happened next, but I remember being picked up.
The scene chanaged again as Dion lay in the chasm surrounded by Debris and body part of Decepticons, then noises were heard as the Constructacons came through, looking for any survivors or for useful spare parts. With them was Shockwave as he scanned the area.
"Man how long has it been since that battle?" asked Hook.
"130 years exactly" answered Shockwave.
"Seems like yesterday" chuckled Scrapper when he stopped and looked down to see Dion, "hey this Autobot is still alive"
Scrapper picked Dion up and looked at him, Dion was still badly damaged but was speaking the same words again and again.
"Orion Pax, I will kill Orion Pax" he said.
"Well time to put him out of his misery" said Bonecrusher as he aimed his gun.
"No, hold your fire" said Shockwave, "this one speak Optimus' old name, data files shows this is the one called Dion, who once was Orion's partner in the Iacon Police Force. Yet he speaks with hatred"
"What you thinking Shockwave?" asked Scrapper.
"Bring him back to my lab,my new project has finally found a possible test subject" said Shockwave.
The scene changed once again to inside Shockwave's lab as hanging up around him were body parts of Autobots and Decepticons long since dead. He was altering them, modifying them, creating body parts that started to look similar to Optimus' before they were coloured in Black, Grey and Purple.
"While you were involved in this" explained Guide as he pointed to Dion's body on a surgery table still declaring revenge "Zeta had fallen to Megatron already at Polyhex and the Autobots were without a leader. Until Alpha Trion gave to Orion Pax a gift, the Matrix of Leadership. Through it Orion was reborn as Optimus Prime, awakened the Titan Metroplex and brought many news allies to the Autobot forces, civilians became soldiers, some even became legends"
"But it would not be another 500 more years till that day" said Nemesis, "and oh look another change"
"This is what you have created Shockwave, a Decepticon made to imitate Optimus Prime?" asked Megatron as he looked at the table with the Black Optimus lying on it, its chest open, spark chamber empty. With the two were Starscream and Shockwave.
"No Megatron, what I have created for you is a new soldier, for years I have studied Optimus and used what information I could obtain from my raid on Alpha Trion's lab to create this. What better way to strike fear into the Autobots then their own image of hope used against them" explained Shockwave.
"Yes, fear is a excellent choice, but without life it is but a empty shell" Megatron pointed out.
"That is where this comes in" said Shockwave holding up a spark, "this spark is that of Dion, a former Autobot who through access to his memory banks believed Orion Pax aka Optimus to have abandoned him, he now seeks revenge and swift death to his old friend"
"No, if Optimus is to die it is by my hands" said Megatron.
"This Fake Prime is nothing more then a stupid pet project Shockwave, destroy that Spark now and be done with it" said Starscream.
"As ever Starscream you fail to see the potential. It is time to see this through, if it proves unsafe I wil eliminate him on the spot" said Shockwave as he placed the spark into the spark chamber and closed the chest compartment before pressing the button to fill the body with Energy. It shook and convulsed before its eye ignited with a devilish purple and let out a mighty scream and pulled the energy cables from his body and stood up quickly. Standing there shaking, fists gripped, looking around at his location.
"Where, where am I?" asked Dion as he slowly calmed down.
"Kaon, my laboratory in Decepticon Headquarters" explained Shockwave, Dion looked and at once grabbed Shockwave, pinning him to the wall.
"Shockwave!" he yelled before seeing his relection in a nearby mirror and dropping the scientist and walking over, "what did you do to me!?"
"Saved your life" said Shockwave, Dion turned and saw Megatron, a rush of anger hit him as he ran to strike Megatron only to be backhanded away by him with ease.
"Your anger make you weak, if you cannot control it you are useless" Megatron warned him.
"Shut Up!" yelled Dion, "why would I listen to Decepticons?!"
"Because unlike your friend, we didn't leave you in that chasm" said Megatron, Dion slowly calmed down as he stood up slowly.
"Orion, he is no friend of mine, he saw as nothing but expendable" he said to Megatron, "but you, you are worse"
"Am I really Dion? You survived for so long on hatred alone, you are strong, powerful, and Shockwave has granted you a body to carry out your revenge. Think about it, imagine the look of horror on the face of the former Orion Pax when he is throttled to death a dark reflection of himself" Megatron said with a tone of persuasion.
"Former Orion Pax?" asked Dion.
"He is no longer going by that name" chuckled Starscream, "he is now Optimus Prime, Leader of the Autobots"
"He...is a Prime?" asked Dion as he fell silent before looking straight at Megatron again, "alright Megatron, I'll help fight the Autobots, but I want a new name"
"And you shall have it, what would you like?" asked Megatron.
"Nemesis" said Dion, his eyes glowed with evil intent, "Nemesis Prime"
It wasn't long until I was on the battlefield, to begin with I was part of small skirmishes and recon missions so I could get used to the new body. I dedicated every moment of free time to learning how to use this body on the battlefield without error. I trained nearly everyday, Megatron's Main base of Operations in Kaon was located in the Gladiator Arena, it was perfect to train. They would send me Autobot Soldiers who had been captured, the looks on their faces when they saw me I will never forget. In a way my killing them was act of mercy, I ended their lives quickly, Megatron would have done it slowly.
I had no idea at the time Optimus would not be my only greatest opponent, when I finally took to the battlefield the news of 'Nemesis Prime' became part of the list Decepticons no Autobot wanted to face. With the exception of a few, on many an occasion I was pitted against the Autobots greatest, The Dinobots, Ironhide, Omega Supreme and I even survived being crushed under the fist of Metroplex. My burning desire to kill Optimus kept me alive during repairs. But by the time my chance came to kill Optimus I was denied it by Megatron. He refused my request to join the crew of the Nemesis and ordered me to continue my work on Cybertron against those who stayed behind. On that day I swore that once Optimus died Megatron would be next.
So I stayed on Cybertron as one of Shockwave's elite commanders. I was place in command of the Combatacons. It was in these years I met the one Autobot who outside of Optimus became my greatest enemy,Ultra Magnus. I had no idea at the time he was Magnum, modified by Alpha Trion. Nor did it ever occur to me Ariel and Elita-1 were the same person. So I continued my fight, victory and defeat came in equal amounts, even as our planet became low on Energon I refused to give up.
Then the day came when Megatron made contact on Planet Earth. Before long we were being dispatched between two worlds in the fight for Energon. It was no longer us against the Autobots, now we faced their new allies, the Humans. Once again I thought new and old enemies, the Gestault Technology had now fallen into the hands of the Autobots and I was pitted against the likes of Defensor and Superion. But then the day came when I finally faced my greatest defeat.
"The Day Unicron returned to continue his war against Primus and Cybertron" said Guide.
"Yes" said Nemesis, "it was the early 21st century, we had all heard the legends of Unicron, but none of us had experienced it first hand". Looming behind the two was a Planet, gigantic, metallic and demonic as its claws gripped Cybertron and tried to devour it as Autobots and Decepticons alike fought back.
"No one has ever seen its fabled true form yes?" asked Guide.
"The form it had when it fought the 13? No, it stayed in planet form the entire time, what was seen in that portal the day Earth vanished is the nearest example" explained Nemesis.
"Your very talkative now aren't you?" askde Guide.
"Because none of it matters, nothing will change, this trip back in time will not change my fate, I chose to die today. The universe is better off" said Nemesis coldly.
"So you say" said Guide, "alright tell me what happened after the Matrix destroyed Unicron and it vanished from existence?"
Through the power of the Matrix Optimus was able to repel and destroy Unicron, sending it into some form of space beyond space. Banished forever, never to be seen again. He was weakened, tired, the battle took alot out of everyone. I tracked him down, I had been caught in the centre of it all. I had landed on Unicron, fought his defences and lost my left arm in the process. But using a escape pod on a destroyed shuttle I landed on Cybertron, a single shot left in my Blaster. That day I stood over him and took aim.
"Nemesis, what are you doing? The battle is over, The Decepticons are retreating" said Optimus.
"I care not anymore Optimus, for too long I have waited for this day" said Nemesis.
"Optimus" Magnus said over Prime's Com-Link, "Elita and I are near your location, keep him talking, we'll keep the Mic open"
"Why do you hate me so?" asked Optimus.
"You really have no idea, do you Partner?" asked Nemesis. Optimus looked into Nemesis' optic and he nearly froze in fear.
"No...it can't be, Dion?" asked Optimus.
"I gave up that name a long time ago, like you gave up yours Orion" said Nemesis.
"Dion please, what have they done to you?" asked Optimus.
"Its what you did to me" Nemesis snarled.
"The Bridge at Polyhex...No Dion, I tried to save you that day. But I was too late" said Optimus as Nemesis pistol whipped him to the ground.
"You'll say anything to save your own hide. You saw me as just a expendable lackey, Zeta taught you well" said Nemesis with hatred.
"Zeta was a false Prime, he died that day as we retreated. You must believe me, what happened still haunts me. But if your alive then we can..." began Optimus.
"NO MORE WORDS ORION!" Nemesis shouted as he squeezed the Trigger, "this is justice"
"NO!" yelled Elita as she flew off a ramp made from debris and transformed to tackle Nemesis to the ground and drop his gun. The two struggled as Nemesis got the upperhand and grabbed Elita by the throat.
"You want to go first Elita-1?! Fine, you can both die together!" yelled Nemesis.
"Dion...stop" gasped Elita, "its me"
Nemesis squeezed but then looked into her optics and his grip loosened as he let her goand she dropped to her knees.
"Ariel...your Elita-1?" Nemesis asked in shock. His hand reaching out to touch her but stopped in horror at what he had done. Elita moved forward and took his hand.
"Its me Dion, we're together again, Optimus never abandoned you, that day was one of the most darkest for him" she said softly, "you poor thing, the horrors you must have gone through"
"I...I..." Nemesis tried to speak but then heard footsteps behind him, Magnus was stood with his gun aimed.
"Its over Dion, surrender peacefully and we'll get you help" he said calmly.
Nemesis stared at Magnus as it became clear to him at last.
"Magnum...you are Magnus" he said, his voice turning to anger again, "all those battles, every blow we traded, every shot we fired, you were my opponent"
Nemesis pushed Elita aside as he grabbed his blaster and aimed it at Magnus.
"If I am denied Optimus I will be sure to end my rivalry with you Ultra Magnus!" he yelled as he pulled the trigger.
"NO!" yelled Optimus as with the last of his strength he tackled Nemesis in the back so the shot missed Magnus by inches. Magnus moved to gain some extra distance from it as he fired a stun shot straight into Nemesis'. Nemesis scramed in pain as he began to lose conciousness. He fell to his knees as he was about to land face first in the ground but was stopped as Elita caught and held him in her arms.
"Are you okay Optimus?" asked Magnus as he helped Optimus up, "Blaster just got communications fully back up. Scorponok is retreating into space with the surviving Decepticons"
"Let them leave for now. We must secure Cybertron and tend to the wounded. Have all available fliers search for survivors in the fleets wreckage" ordered Optimus as he slowly hobbled over to Elita.
"He's alive" she said looking at Nemesis.
"But has clearly gone through an experience he may never recover" said Optimus, "Elita, I never knew he was..."
"None of us did, just let me enjoy this moment, the four of us together again" said Elita.
Afterwards I was repaired and was among Decepticon prisonars kept in the maximum security prison once used by the Decepticons in Kaon. I requested solidary confinement and refused visitors. I decided that my path was clear, I was a Decepticon named Nemesis Prime, Dion was dead. And so thats what I chose to become, I began thinking and plotting of how I would eventually one day take control from Megatron. As years went past I had more time to plan. And eventually when I was being transferred to Garrus-9 my plans began, events unfolded but soon my goals were turned to ash again, this time at the hands of Megatron. Eventually I was pardoned under the orders of Optimus and Magnus. I was given amnesty so long as I did not attempt to rejoin or take over the Decepticons. I was through, I had no future on Cybertron, no place in the Decepticons, so I became Captain of the Alpha, led a team of fellow mismatched Cybertronians. We did nothing of importance, floating through space seemed like the best choice for a nobody like me. But it was ruined by a human, one human on a mining world we crash landed on, Arik Yamato.
"So now that you have seen things from more perspectives, how do you feel now?" asked Guide.
"Like this was a waste of time" said Nemesis as he was now staring at frozen images of his past, his battles, his key moments, even minor moments. "I was nothing and I die nothing, I gave my life for someone who deserved it more, expendable is what I truely am"
"Wow" said Guide, "you truely are a idiot"
"Why you puny little..." snarled Nemesis but then stopped as he was back in a another Cybertronian Police Station where Prowl was talking to Streetwise.
"You hear about that runaway Energon supply truck?" asked Prowl.
"Yeah, the one from Iacon, man if that had exploded most of the city would have been wrecked. Was'nt it that Orion Pax who managed to get aboard and stop it?" asked Streetwise.
"Yeah but you hear about his partner Dion, guy was a hero too, he was ahead of the truck trying to keep the roads clear but a older model Bot wasn't fast enough. Dion had mere secondsbut he managed to push the Civilian out of the way, poor guy got the truck's treads over his feet" Prowl explained.
"He alive?" asked Streetwise.
"Be in repairs for a few months but he'll live" said Prowl.
"Wow" laughed Streetwise, "maybe we should call that Cop Dion Prime"
I was in hospital for 3 months, The Get Well messages, the Energon Goodies, Orion and Ariel visited me everyday. I got my first medal for that, they had a party at Maccadams once I was fixed up.
The scene changed again, it was the workshop of Alpha Trion as Magnus was laid out on work station in his new White Body based on Optimus' design.
"And your sure I won't be ready in time for the mission to Polyhex? They could really use me out there?" he asked.
"I'm sorry Magnus but like Orion this will take time" said Alpha Trion as he went through his computer files, one file Magnus saw had a plan of another body similar to Optimus'.
"Whats Project Ginrai?" he asked.
"It is the name of the body I plan to give to your friend Dion" explained Alpha Trion, "it is a very unique form too, it will make him burn with powers that could melt the strongest steel"
"About time, he's been jealous of Orion for quite some time" chuckled Magnus, "still not used to my new name though"
"Well then this next part you will very surprised with" said Alpha Trion as he showed Magnus another blue print, "this will your body when it is complete, Ultra Magnus"
He had a body planned out for me, the body design wasn't just for Optimus and Magnus, each was unique. Magnus' allowed him to take on his full battle form, Optimus' so he could house the Matrix. Mine was...something to do with fire? He was going to modify me too so I could fight alongside them.
Another change as now Nemesis looked to see Orion in his modified body talking to Ariel.
"I'm sorry to tell you this before your mission to Polyhex Orion" she said sadly.
"You must follow your spark, I'm more worried you never told me sooner" said Orion.
"I know, but your new body shows that your path will lead you to do something greater, and it may change you, I can feel it. You will always be my friend, but over the last year I have..." Ariel fell silent.
"Is it Dion?" asked Orion.
"Yes" said Ariel, "but I havn't told him, and he already left with the scout party"
"Then when we return victorious or retreating I'll make sure to bring him back, then you can tell him in person. It will probably make him the happiest he has ever been" said Orion.
"Thank you Orion, bring the one I love back to me" said Ariel with a smile.
"She...she loved me" said Nemesis as his body began to shake.
"She underwent her modification to Elita to get revenge on the Decepticons in your name" said Guide.
"I...never knew any of this" said Nemesis as he fell to his hands and knees, "they cared for me, respected me, loved me, and I threw it back at them. I became a monster, what have I done?"
"Now" said Guide, "you are ready"
Nemesis looked up as Guide vanished, he was in the golden clouds again and in front of him looking out was the Golden Knight.
"Approach" said the Knight. Nemesis slowly got up as he walked forward.
"Who are you?" he asked.
The Knight slowly turned as his body seemed to shimmer and change as he walked forward now to Nemesis' surprise, in the body of Dion.
"Who am I?" the entity asked, "I am that which began Cybertron, which came before creation, I am the core, the life giver, the creator, start and finish, Alpha and Omega, brother to Unicron, Soul of Cybertron"
"Your...Primus?" asked Nemesis in surprise. The Entity nodded as Nemesis fell to one knee.
"Stand up" said Primus casually, "I have no need to see my children bow to me like a god"
"But I was a devoted follower" said Nemesis.
"Yes but you never told anyone, after all I was seen as fiction at this point" said Primus, "even Orion Pax when I first spoke to him when he held the Matrix couldn't believe it"
"But then where am I?" asked Nemesis.
"Like Guide said, a world between life and death where I like to visit, for centuries I have slumbered within Cybertron. The war caused my very soul, the Planet Core, to shut down for most of that time so I came here. Before you died saving Elita I brought your very essence here so you could understand it is not your time" explained Primus, "dark time lay ahead my child, and those who are true warriors will be needed. So I believe you deserve a second chance, you have seen the truth, do you accept it"
"I do" said Nemesis, "please Primus, I know now what drives me"
"And it is?" asked Primus.
"My friends, my crew, my beloved, also I need to return, I owe a human an apology" Nemesis said calmly.
"Then look behind you, and tell me what you see" asked Primus, Nemesis Prime slowly turned round, behind him was a mirror, in that mirrior was himself. As he looked down he saw his hands ignite with fire.
"I see" said Nemesis as he gripped his fists, "I see someone I don't need anymore"
And with all his might he shattered the mirror.
In the medical bay Elita was on her knees in tears as Chromia and Windblade comforted her. Fixit, Flamewar and Swerve had been summoned while Rodimus and the Protectobots kept the room clear of anyone wanting to learn more about the commotion.
"I am sorry" Optimus said to Alpha crew as they looked over their captain's body.
"He wasn't the easiest one to get along with" said Flamewar, "but he will be missed"
As silence fell over the room Nemesis' hand twitched as his eyes slowly lit up, his spark began to glow brighter and brighter. Everyone in the room slowly looked and began to back away in fear. Nemesis slowly began to rise up, growling and grunting as his body seemed to be breaking apart as red cracks appeared around his body which grew bigger and bigger. A strong wave of heat was emitting from his body as he clenched his fists and let out a mighty roar. The Black, Purple and Grey of his body seemed to almost exploded off as flame shot out but did not burn anything or anyone. However the med room doors flew off and nearly hit Hot Spot and Groove.
"What in the name of Metroplex's Optics?" asked Rodimus as he and the Protectobots looked in. Standing in the room was Nemesis, but he was different, his body was still the same but now it had the colours of Dark Red and a Firery Orange, his optics were a lighter shade of red and his fists were on fire. On his shoulders were two Autobot symbols. Slowly he calmed down as the flames died down and he stood, looking at his body and at everyone in the room.
"I didn't hurt anyone did?" he asked, his voice sounded calmer, wiser and kinder.
"Nemesis?" asked Optimus.
"That body, it cannot be" Alpha Trion said in amazement.
"Your design yes?" asked Nemesis, "and no Optimus, not anymore, this body much like yours gives me a new name. Call me, Ginrai"
"This is creepy, am I the only one finding it creepy?" asked Swerve.
"Boss, is that you?" asked Flamewar. Ginrai walked over and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"It is Flamewar, but I am different now to how you remember me" he said as his mouth plate pulled back to show him smiling, his crew mates looked concerned.
"But, is that you old friend?" asked Optimus, Ginrai turned and walked up to Optimus.
"If you don't believe I can name every case we cracked, every criminal we brought in, and when we were in training your nickname was..." he began.
"Its him" said Optimus, "only you could sound that confident and cocky"
"I'm finally back old friend" said Ginrai as he extended his hand, "and there is much we need to discuss"
Optimus did not hesitate as he took Ginrai's hand and shook it, almost as if he could feel the purity of his old friend's spark restored once again. Now Nemesis Prime, the hated filled Decepticon was no more.
"It can't be him" said Elita in shock, "but you died to save me"
"No Elita" said Ginrai as he walked up to her and gently lifted her onto her feet, "what I did saved both of us, through it I learnt that what I thought of my past was a lie and how much I meant to so many. And I love you too"
He smiled as Elita no longer was in denial, like Optimus she could tell the one she loved was truely back as she clung to him with a smile on her face as he kissed her forehead.
In private with Alpha Trion, Optimus, Rodimus and Elita the conversation turned to how Ginrai came to be as he told them of what he had seen.
"Primus himself? Truely this is a miracle" said Alpha Trion.
"But what did he mean by Dark Times ahead?" asked Optimus.
"I do not know, right now it seems I must first make right the mistakes of my past" said Ginrai, "even if I have this new body I will not be fully trusted"
"Well we may have a way around that" said Rodimus, "but you said you want to get to Klo ASAP"
"Klo? The rescue party went to Klo?" asked Alpha Trion.
"Yes, why do you ask?" asked Optimus.
"Because I sent a exploration team there on a urgent mission and they have not reported back. Something is not right if a Human ship was attacked on that planet" said Alpha Trion.
"Decepticons?" asked Elita.
"Given what I have learnt from the archives is on that Planet we maybe in terrible danger if they are involved" said Alpha Trion.
"Then we cannot wait, we need to go to Klo, Rodimus what is your idea?" asked Ginrai, Rodimus slid him over a data pad with his idea on as Ginrai read it with Elita.
"Its over the top" said Elita.
"And slightly dramatic" said Ginrai.
"So you approve then?" asked Optimus.
"Oh Frag yes" laughed Ginrai.
Within a few hours all of Cybertron was seeing a live feed of Optimus as he stood before a crowd of Iacon citizens. Behind him was Flamewar while Drift, Fixit and Swerve watched from the front of the crowds.
"My fellow Cybertronians" he announced, "as many of you know years ago several Decepticons were given amnesty for their part in the war. Some like Flamewar here and her brother Red Wing had chosen to leave the Decepticons in the early years to find new lives for themselves but could escape the effects the war had on them, on all of us"
Everyone around the planet began to mumble and ask what was going on.
"But there was another" said Optimus, "one who many of you saw as a monster, and you questioned my decision to grant him freedom. I of course talk of Nemesis Prime"
The crowds began to sound more angry that Flamewar was getting nervous.
"But I have must confess to you all, despite his amnesty Nemesis never changed" said Optimus as he showed behind them a recording of Nemesis Prime as he engaged with a fight with Optimus who had stopped him from killing Alpha Trion.
"How did they pull this off?" whispered Drift.
"Rodimus contacted Hound to use his holograms, Rewind was able to edit sounds and voices to match the scene, guy has over 4500 stored footage of Nemesis" Fixit quietly explained. The recording ended as Optimus punched a hole through Nemesis and pulled out his spark as the body fell to the floor and everyone cheered.
"I did not know if it was wise to tell you all this news. But after my battle we discovered something else, thanks to Chromedome we accessed Nemesis' memory core and discovered he had been holding as a hostage one of our own. A Autobot who is one of my closests friends named Dion, many of you may know that name as the one who was said to have died at Polyhex" Optimus continued, "well we found him, damaged but alive. And thanks to Alpha Trion I am able today to present to you the new Captain of the Battleship Alpha. Cybertron may I present the Former Dion, his name is now, Ginrai"
Ginrai stepped forward as everyone looked at him in amazement, with many stating obvious comparisons to Optimus and Magnus' first body.
"My fellow Cybertronians" Dion began, "over those centuries I was held captive I lost hope, I went to dark places, terrible places, I thought I was lost, that no one would miss me. So I nearly gave up, I nearly thought Nemesis had won. But then Optimus Prime, my eternally loyal friend found me"
As he looked at the crowds he clenched his fist as flames ignited.
"And I promise you, I will continue my duty as a Autobot and as the new Captain of the Alpha. Three of my crew are Autobots, Two are Decepticon and one seeked a life out of the shadows of Galvatron" Ginrai continued as he approcahed Flamewar.
"Flamewar, you have shown your wish to help others, to show that there are those who once wore the Decepticon badge that evil is not in your spark. Will you continue to serve the Alpha under my command now that Nemesis is no more?" he asked.
"I will" said Flamewar as she saluted him, "I will follow your command"
Then to her surprise Ginrai placed on her arm plates a pair of Autobot symbols, she looked at them and smiled before shaking Ginrai's hand.
"Then I welcome you Flamewar, to the Autobots" said Ginrai as he turned to the crowds and the cameras.
"Cybertron! Let the Decepticons know this day..." his fist raised up as the flames shot high into the sky, "we are ready to fight and bring peace once again!"
It was almost as if that day all of Cybertron cheered, that day they saw a former Decepticon swear a new alligance, and they saw hope in the form of a Lost Autobot reborn.
Within two hours Ginrai was back at the command seat of the Alpha, Fixit, Flamewar and Swerve were already onboard but now were joined by Rodimus, The Protectobots, Knock-Out and Elita-1. Also present was a largely built Blue Cybertronian with a Red Face stood next to Knock-Out
"Your cleared to launch, are you sure you want to go Rodimus?" asked Optimus.
"Appreciate the concern Optimus, but as a fellow Prime I can't stand by why my friends and comrades are in danger. I know you want me to join our fleets so I'll see to it once this is over" said Rodimus.
"Wait why are you here?" asked Flamewar to Knock-Out.
"Because not all of your friends know of whats going on, and Optimus insisted I tell them in person" grumbled Knock-Out as he looked at the large blue bot next to him, "Still they asked this former Decepticon named Breakout to keep a eye on me. Guess its not all bad"
"The information you gave us is of great help Knock-Out" said Ginrai.
"Elita, I wish you luck too" said Optimus.
"Thank you Optimus for granting me the transfer to the Alpha" Elita said as she bowed her head.
"I would'nt deny you this at all, Protectobots, once this mission is over ensure Alpha Trion's team is returned safely, you'll be needed back here at some point or another" Optimus ordered
"Till then Inferno and Pharma will have their hands full, we'll get them back Optimus dont worry" Hot Spot said confidentally.
"Then good luck my friends, Till All Are One" said Optimus.
"Till all are one, Alpha, Launch for Klo" Ginrai ordered as the ship took flight once again, now with a Autobot symbol proudly on its left hand side.
IN THE WORLD BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH
Primus had returned to the form of a knight as the golden clouds turned into a area of pure white, Guide stood next to him.
"And so another step to helping them in the dark times to come is taken" Guide said after a moment of silence.
"Yes" said Primus, "though why Ginrai did not mention us to them is understandable, maybe he knows others are not ready"
"Whatever the case hopefully soon all will become united" said Guide.
"Are you not ready yourself to return Old Friend? Many wish you to return" asked Primus. Guide slowly pulled back his hood, revealing his face.
"I am ready" said Shinn Asuka, "but the moment is not, my time will come Primus, but when it does Galvatron will know my fury"
Next Chapter: The Legacy of Ultra Magnus
