Title: Belief

Rating: K+

Continuity: Movieverse

Characters: Optimus Prime, Primus, Sam Witwicky

Disclaimer: Still don't own.

Prompt: 4. Fighting against the odds

February 16, 2013

"You'll never stop at one! I'll take you all on!"

His last challenge to Megatron echoed through his processor. Or whatever it was he had now. He knew his spark was no longer in his chassis.

"You fought bravely," a loud, echoing voice announced, and Optimus fought back a shiver. "You fought like a true Prime; against the odds for a cause you believe in."

The Prime whirled around, searching with (nonexistent?) optics for the one who had spoken. "Who are you?" he called.

"I am your creator, child. I am the one all sparks and souls return to in the end, the one who watches over and loves you all, even those who refuse me. Your kind call me Primus, for I was, am, and always will be the First. Others have different names for me."

Optimus Prime paused for a long moment, then forced an insubstantial body into a bow, kneeling down in the presence of the First.

"I have always watched you, my creation. You have proved yourself worthy of the title of Prime time and time again. My little Prime..."

The flame-covered mech blinked and let out a long, shuddering vent. Worthy? Primus thought him worthy? After everything he had done wrong?

"Yes. Worthy. You have stood by your friends and beliefs for your whole life. You have fought against insurmountable odds and survived, even emerged victoriously in some cases. You have made mistakes, but you have repented and learned from them. You are worthy."

"Thank you," he breathed, still kneeling. "Thank you."

He sensed Primus was smiling, though he could not see it, much less a frame for a smile to be shown on. "You are welcome, little one. You have served me well. However, my creation, I still need you. You serve a purpose no others can. I must send you back, and you must fight the odds again."

Optimus Prime stood, squaring his shoulders and lifting his chin, regarding the blackness that somehow radiated comfort and light while still being dark and nodded. "Yes. I will fight."

"Good," Primus said, and he felt His presence turning to another, someone at his side. "Samuel Witwicky," He said, and Optimus blinked as he turned to look.

The human was standing nervously at his feet, blinking rapidly, gaze darting about. His cloths were torn and dirty, and his right hand was bandaged with ragged strips of cloth. "Y- Yes?" he stuttered.

"I have watched you for a long time, Samuel, and have found you worthy. Worthy enough to know a secret; the Matrix cannot be found. It must be earned. You have proven yourself worthy to hold it and use it by giving your life for what you believe in.

"However, my child, you have given your life. You must decide if you wish to return to complete what must be done, or continue your journey onward."

Sam stared at the full emptiness around them, breath coming in short gasps. "What... what happens if I don't... 'return'?"

"That is not for you to know. You must decide for yourself."

Sam took a long, stuttering breath, flexing his hands at his sides. "I... People are depending on me. I have to go back."

Again, Primus smiled. "A true Prime indeed," He whispered, but the sound was just as clear as though He had shouted.

Sam faded, and Optimus looked back up into the light darkness. "I..." he started, then stopped. He had nothing to say.

The feel of a smile returned. "My creation. It is time for you to return. Your time to continue on has not yet come. Return, creation, and be the Prime I have named you."

Optimus jerked up, whole frame aching, chest burning. His vents roared to life for a moment, clearing out dust and dirt with a cough-like sound. A gasp at his side made him look down. Sam.

"Boy, you returned for me."

Sam said nothing. He simply smiled sadly and stepped back to stand at Mikaela's side.

Slowly, Optimus stood up, spark humming with joy and determination. Odds were against them – he knew that. But he was a Prime, in spark and processor and frame. Fighting for what he believed in, no matter the odds, was what he did.