TRANSFORMERS: PRIME

Where Destinies Lead

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*Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers. I write about them for my own fun and pleasure. I only own my OC that I created for this story.

Takes place sometime near the beginning of the second season.

Eons ago on the planet of Cybertron, a war in the struggle of good against evil erupted; soon consuming it of all beauty and life. Valiantly, the Autobots fought the vile clutches of the Decepticons, but eventually both sides are finally forced to abandon their war-torn home world. Under the guidance of their leader, Optimus Prime, many of Autobots escaped their planet's fate, though as a result, their vast numbers were "scattered among the stars". A small band of these bots landed on a small planet far from their origin – Earth. Alien to this new world, the Autobots use their transforming abilities to blend in, to hide from the eyes of humans who may not understand their kind yet. Here they discover new places, new beauty, and new allies. Together, they defend the Earth. Hidden to the eye, yet in plain sight. But the ever relentless Decepticon leader, Megatron, chases them across the galaxy to this small planet, ever bent on conquering it and its inhabitants and the destruction of his old adversary Optimus Prime.

As fate seems to intertwine the destinies of both Cybertronian and Earth together, the Autobots swear to protect this new world they must now call home.

For destinies often bring results one never expects. For both bot and human…

Intro

The Present…

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"Open the ground bridge," the baritone voice commed through.

Ratchet pulled the lever on the control panel and the bright iridescent green glow appeared in the silo tunnel. Seconds later a rumbling of engines sounded as four vehicles rolled through it one by one into the large main room of Autobot HQ.

Racing down from the second story platform in the massive entrance, Jack, Miko, and Rafael rushed to greet their returning friends. Each automatically going to their assigned guardian.

"Hey Arcee," Jack grinned as the blue motorcycle came to a screeching halt, being the first one in.

The motorcycle transformed and Arcee knelt in front of the boy. "Hey kiddo." She gave him a fist bump.

"Bulkhead!" Miko greeted in her energetic way as she raced up to the green military-type SUV coming to a park. "Did you smash any Decepticreep cans today?!"

The giant mech transformed into his bulky robot mode. "Sorry Miko. But all's quiet today." He chuckled again when the girl slumped with a pout. But her mood miraculously shifted as she straightened with hands on hips.

"Well, that doesn't mean we won't be crushing tin cans tomorrow!"

"You got it, Miko!"

Young Rafael trotted over to the third vehicle coming in. "Hey Bumblebee!"

The yellow Camaro with black racing stripes bleeped happily as seeing his small friend. He revved his engine and spun a donut around the boy before coming to a squealing halt. Rafael laughed as the Camaro turned into its bot self with an excited leap.

The rumble of a hefty engine approached as, lastly, a large red six-wheeled semi-truck came to a stop behind the others in a hiss of air breaks. Metal parts began moving, shifting and folding as the big-rig transformed, and, seconds later, the massive frame of the Autobot's leader, Optimus Prime, stood to his full height.

Ratchet closed the ground bridge. "Anything today?"

Optimus turned to the white and orange medic. "All is quiet. Megatron must be laying low for now."

"After that pounding we gave in in our last battle he's probably still pulling out his dents," Bulkhead grinned as he slammed a fist into his servo. Miko cheered then gave the wreaker a fist bump.

"I wouldn't be surprised if we didn't hear anything from their tailpipes for a while," Arcee grinned smugly with arms folded.

"Perhaps," Optimus said in his usual cautious tone. "But we must not allow ourselves to remain to become negligent. Megatron is known for doing the unexpected." His blue optics traveled over the team looking up with begging expressions. "But you have all done well at your duties these last few days and deserve some time to restore yourselves in any manner you wish."

Miko leapt into the air. "Woohoo! You know what that means?"

The yellow Autobot scout began wiggling somewhat like a dog as rapid bleeping came from his vocalizer guard.

"That's right, Bee," Rafael snickered. "It's the end of the week so that means–"

"Video game competition!" Miko finished in theatrical flair. She pointed two fingers, gun style, at Jack. "You ready to get my dust on your fenders?"

Jack laughed. "In your dreams!"

"Oh brother." Ratchet's slapped a servo against his faceplate. "This again?" It had become an ongoing thing for the bots and humans to play racing games, and things could get noisy. Not at all his cup of energon.

Jack shrugged. "Hey, its tradition. And it looks like it could rain soon so it's the perfect day for it."

The medic rolled his optics. "Whatever. I'll be over here doing something productive if anyone needs me." He treaded heavily over to his privet workspace in the back.

Optimus was already heading for the back hall that led to the berth rooms, maybe to recharge or go over supply records. Who knew? None of the team were really sure what the Prime did in his spare time, except that he would disappear somewhere quiet when the others were about to "get the party rollin'" as Miko called it.

"You guys get the game set up and going. We'll grab a quick recharge of energon and be right back," Arcee said and started with Bumblebee for another room.

"Don't start till we get back!" Bulkhead called back, walking backwards.

"We won't!" Miko answered giving a high thumbs-up then giggled as the round mech bumped into the wall, not seeing it behind him, before hurrying after the others. Rafael and Jack were already setting up the TV and game station on the platform where the kids had "their space". Rafael began pairing up the controllers.

"Where's your controller, Miko?"

"Oh! I left it in my bag near the entrance. Be right back!" Miko's black and pink pigtails bounced as she pranced down the steps to the main floor, spotted the pink backpack near the tunnel entrance, and happily trotted over. On her way back, pink controller in hand, her eye caught a glimmer of reflected light on the ground in front of her. Her natural wondering curiosity slammed on the breaks so hard she nearly passed whatever it was, skidding to a stop. She crouched down to inspect.

"Hmm. That's weird," she hummed as she picked it up.

It appeared to be a necklace with a small silver chain from which dangled two charms, one a four-leafed clover and the second a gold horseshoe.

Treasure in hand, Miko raced back up to the others. She held it up as it dangled from her fist. "Look at what I found!" she announced as though she's just discovered a diamond. Jack and Rafael gathered around. "It was just lying on the ground over there."

"Isn't it yours?" Rafael asked, as it was jewelry and Miko was one of the only girl humans around. Miko shook her head.

Jack scratched at his black hair. "Well I must say that's a bit … out of place here."

"Maybe it's your mom's?" Miko suggested.

"I don't remember ever seeing her wear one like that before. It's not really her style."

She snorted a laugh. "Well it's definitely not in bot size!" She unclasped it and hung it around her neck. "Well, I guess until I find out where it came from I might as well wear it. It does have lucky charms on it so maybe it'll give me an edge in our race." She quirked an eyebrow at Jack.

Jack laughed. "You'll need whole necklace FULL of those things to get any where's lucky enough to beat me!"

Rafael snickered behind a hand.

The video game was soon up and running and just as the bots returned. They stood at the edge of the platform so they could see the TV.

"Are we ready tooooo roooooock?!" Miko announced, flipping the switch to the boom box that started a heavy metal rock and roll track. She jumped onto the couch next to Jack and Rafael and snatched up her controller. "LET'S BUUUUURRNN RUBBEEEERRRR!" In a few moments the room echoed with hoops and howls from bots and human's mixed with heavy metal.

From his work table Ratchet was finding it hard to concentrate. He scowled heavily as he tried to work on a delicate piece of equipment. For some reason they seemed louder than usual, or maybe he was just in a grumpier mood today. After a wild howl made him cross a circuit for the eleventh time, the mech had had just about enough. He got up with a huff and stomped over.

He clapped his servos over both audio receptors with a grimace. "Can't you turn that blasted noise down?!" he shouted.

"Aww c'mon Ratchet!" Miko answered back, still focused on the TV screen, thumbs giving the controller toggles a workout. "It's not that bad!"

"Yeah, Ratch!" Bulkhead agreed. "It's what you call 'mood music'!" He whooped loud as Miko passed Jack bringing her into first.

"THAT I agree with!" the medic scowled. It was definitely putting him in a mood alright. "Could you at least tone it down a few decibels before our audio receptor all get–"

As Miko wiggled from her cross-legged seating, a stray bit of light reflected from something near her chest. This caught Ratchet's attention and for a second the medic went speechless.

"Miko … shut it off."

"Aww, c'mon Ratch–"

"SHUT IT OFF!"

All cheering ceased as eyes and optics turned in surprise at the outburst. Miko paused the game and shut the boom box off. "Jeesh, Ratch." She frowned. "There's no need to be such a party crasher."

Even Arcee appeared somewhat annoyed, arms folded. "Yeah. Wasn't that a bit harsh?"

Even Bumblebee got in a say as he frowned with servos on hips, bleeping something that didn't sound like a compliment.

Ratchet wasn't listening, an odd expression on his faceplate. "Where … did you get that?" He pointed.

All focus followed the servo. No one had noticed the piece of jewelry that hung around the girl's neck till now.

Miko tucked her chin in, eyes nearly crossing as she tried to look down at her chest. Then she remembered the necklace. "Oh this! I just found it on the floor. We figure Jack's mom must'a dropped it."

When she looked back up, the same stunned expression on the medic was now on each of the other bot's faceplates, all optics wide and staring.

Rafael looked from one to another, a suspicion that there was more to this then met the eye. "Is … something wrong?"

"It's … not Jack's mother's," Arcee spoke. Her voice was edged with the same somberness Jack had heard before whenever she mentioned Cliffjumper.

Miko let the charms rest in her palm so she could look at them. "Then whose is it?"

There was a moment of strange silence as the Autobots exchanged glances. Each seemed hesitant to speak.

"It is mine."

All turned in surprise at the voice to see Optimus towering in the hallway. With his usual commanding stride, he crossed the room to the platform.

Miko couldn't help but be amused as she snorted. "Don't get me wrong Boss Bot, but it's not exactly your style."

"It is …" the blue optics flickered back and forth a moment, "a remembrance."

An inexplicit yet noticeable sadness edged the baritone vocalizer. Even the Prime's usual confident air had a dampened feel, a slight downward curve to the straight mouth. Jack and Rafael exchanged confused glances.

"Ooo, a remembrance!" Miko's curiosity was beginning to mount. "Was it someone from a long time ago? I assume it was a 'she' right? What was her name? Who was she? And how did it end up on the floor?"

"Miko!" Jack hissed in a loud whisper.

"What?"

The bots looked to their leader, wondering what would answer. Optimus blinked twice before speaking, slow and precise.

"It … belonged to a friend of the past. It was a parting gift before she … was compelled to leave our company. I must have lost it when I transformed after our patrol this afternoon. I only noticed it missing a moment ago and was returning to search for it. Thank you for finding it."

Miko wasn't sure exactly what to make of all that. She was a bit disappointed there wasn't more info, but it was enough for now. Besides the red and blue mech wasn't much for telling tales anyway (she'd found that out a while ago). "Yeah, sure thing." She unclasped it and held it out. "Here you go. Glad I found it for you."

Optimus took the tiny chain between his index and thumb, it was a wonder the large digits could even hold such tininess at all. Without another word, the large mech turned and headed back. As soon as he was out of sight, Miko twirled around on her toes to the bots, eyes shining.

"So?" she prodded. "Who did the necklace belong to? Who was she? What was her name? C'mon guys, spill! There's definitely a story here!"

Jack and Rafael said nothing. They didn't really want to pry, but they too were curious.

Arcee jutted out a hip, a servo resting on it as she spoke. "She was … a friend. A human friend from a while ago. Before we met you."

"One of the first humans we ever made contact with soon after we arrived here," Bulkhead added, a somber edge to his voice.

Bumblebee beeped a few times.

Rafael interpreted the yellow mech for his friends. "Bee says her name was Lucky."

"Ah ha! That explains the charms! They were like her name!" the Japanese girl put together. "What was she like?"

A small smile graced the femme bot's faceplate. "I know you all would've liked her. She was a lot of fun."

Bulkhead gave a small chuckle. "Loved to be part of the action. She could kick bumpers with the best." Bumblebee bleeped in agreement.

"And yet she was kind and gentle," Ratchet rounded up. "Truly a special person."

Miko's eyes were sparkling. "Wow! She sounds totally cool! So why isn't she here now?"

As the words left her mouth, the bots countenances changed like flames being snuffed out by water. Miko's face quirked in confused concern when she saw the big green bot sag at the question.

Rafael finally spoke up. "Did … something happen to her?" He noticed Bumblebee's door wings droop slightly.

"She … left quite suddenly," Ratchet's obscure answer really not explaining what wasn't already known.

"Did she have to move away or something?" Miko asked.

"Something like that. It was unexpected."

Bulkhead's optics fell sadly to Arcee beside him. "Yeah. We never even got the chance to say goodbye."

"That's … so sad." Rafael looked from one to the other, never remembering the bots this downcast before.

"Where's she go?" Jack asked.

Ratchet's optics flickered away. "We're … not sure actually."

"Then maybe she'll come back someday," Miko chirped, trying to cheer up the bots with one of her quirky smiles.

The medic gave a deep vent. "I … highly doubt that. It was quite a long while ago."

The girl's slight figure drooped a bit, hugging her arms against herself. It was easy to see this damp mood was lowering her spirits.

Arcee came up, giving a smile. "We can hope so that she'll return someday though. After all, strange things happen around here, so who's to tell?" That seemed to do the trick as the bright smile began to return.

"Of course," Ratchet agreed, though the hesitancy was present. He gestured towards where the video game was still paused on the TV's screen. "You all just get back to your game and don't worry about it anymore."

Jack made a slight face, his heart not really into it anymore. Arcee saw and gave him a poke in the shoulder. "C'mon, Jack. You've gotta catch up to her. You're not going to let a girl beat you at your best game, are you?"

Again it worked. "No way!"

The kids were back on the couch in an instant, controllers in hands as the music again rocked the room. The bots resumed their cheering, though it was apparent they didn't seem to be as into it as they had been before. The whole incident had left things a bit dampened, but at least the kids were back to having a good time.

Ratchet returned to his work, but he only after he'd sat there for an hour without hardly accomplishing a thing did he finally let his tools drop with a vent. It was no use. His spark wasn't in it anymore. Even the loud music and cheering didn't affect him as before, simply a background noise he didn't care about anymore. He could still feel the somberness that had settled upon him as old memories were stirred within his processors.

He finally got to his treads and made his way to the hallway, passing the others. He could feel the bots making glances his way, but he avoided optic contact, silently instructing them to simply move on and leave it be. Which they did. He'd reached the door to his berth room before he realized he didn't even know exactly why he had come there. Maybe just to get away from little human eyes and inquisitive minds that ask questions. Maybe just for some peace from the noise that could be heard all the way down there. Deep in his spark, Ratchet knew those weren't the real reason. Leaving the door unopened, he made his way further down till he reached another. For many conflicting astro-seconds he stood, debating whether he really wanted to or not – or should.

Oh scrap, he growled mentally. Might as well. I can always call it a medically founded call. He lifted a servo and knocked. "Optimus?"

No sound from the other side.

He tried again, a little louder in case the mech was simply in recharge and hadn't heard. "Optimus?"

Still nothing. Not even a whisper of a mechanical whir. Preparing a speech of defense just in case, Ratchet pushed the mechanism that opened the door. It slid back with a swish and he entered the dim room. A quick glance showed it empty. Ratchet didn't realize until now just how little the Prime kept in his quarters, consisting of the berth and only a few crates that served as both personal storage and furniture and a desk, a few datapads scattered over top. Optic ridges furrowed slightly, index servo rubbing his chin as he began to mutter aloud to himself.

"Odd. He's not here. I'm sure I would've noticed had he gone into one of the other halls. Could he have gone out? No, ridiculous. It's probably raining by now and he wouldn't simply go out in weather like that. Unless …" The helm came up. He knew exactly where to look.

…

Optimus stood staring out into the rain. It fell like a wall just a few feet before him as he stayed just inside the tunnel entrance. Usually the base's entrance was camouflaged to look like part of the bluff, but at the moment it was opened. From here one could look across the open desert and bluffs towards where the sleepy town of Jasper lay. Without much of a wind, the mild rain fell nearly straight down over the Nevada desert. It wasn't often it rained here, but when it did the sandy ground was quick to quench its thirst.

Optimus had pulled one of his rarely displayed abilities when he had stealthily slipped by the others in the main bunker without being noticed. It might have surprised the other bots (as well as the humans) at just how quiet the large mech could actually be when he so desired. He had wanted to come to the entrance alone and unnoticed. Here it was peaceful; no chattering voices, no blaring electric guitar music, no bleeping of electronics or video games. Not that the large Cybertronian minded his small earth friends and their many noises that seemed to come with them; but it was nice to simply let the quiet blanket of peace envelop him now and again. A break from all responsibilities and thinking. Just to be. Only Ratchet knew of his visits to here when it rained like this.

Like so many glass beads from the blanket of gray above, the blue optics watched the large drops shimmer and glint as they fell to their journey's end. He listened to their soft pattering melody as each added to the continuous chorus. Not a drop touched him, but Optimus could still feel the moist coolness on the ever so slight breeze that blew in, caressing the metal frame. It had a pleasing effect on his circuits, like a calming sensation. Though the Cybertronian didn't breathe in the same way organics did, the freshness felt soothing, circulating through his chassis and warm chest gears. The mech took in another large intake of the clean air before letting it slowly vent out. Ever sharp audio receptors picked up the dull clunking of steel steps behind. He wasn't surprised. He'd already half expected the medic to make an appearance.

Silent, Ratchet came up to stand alongside the taller mech. Though no sign was given, he knew Optimus was full aware of his presence. The blue helm and optics remained turned up toward the dark sky and Ratchet could almost see the processors far away in thought. The silence continued on for many moments as he joined his friend in watching the rain. He hoped that Optimus would speak first, but the Autobot leader never even twitched a servo. He could've easily been mistaken for a metal statue. Ratchet observed the gray clouds.

"Looks like this could continue on a while."

The larger mech did not reply, only continued to gaze out.

Ratchet decided not to beat around the oil drum. There was only one topic on both their processors right now. "The children asked some questions after you left. I told them as little as possible," he informed in one of his softer tones.

"…"

"I managed to satisfy their curiosity. Hopefully it'll be enough to last. I made sure they didn't notice me come down here."

"…"

"I figured I'd find you here when you weren't in your quarters."

"…"

"It's … been quite a while now. But I still remember how you two would come here when it rained."

This time, a short hum came in acknowledgement.

The medic's gaze shifted upward. Sharp optics carefully studied the taller mech. He'd known Optimus for ages, even back on Cybertron before he'd become a Prime, and he knew all the signs when it came to mental or physical discomfort. The faceplates seemed "darker" then usual, as they usually appeared when something was weighing on his friend's mind. It was mental – as he suspected.

"Are you … alright?"

At first there was still nothing. Just when Ratchet was debating whether to say something more, the Prime raised a servo. The tips of his fingers came in contact with the wall of rain. Little rivers trickled down each digit and across his palm to drip to the floor far below. Optimus gave a deep vent. "Just … thinking," the deep baritone came heavily and slow.

The medic observed his friend who continued to somberly watch the water trickle down his servo. Maybe it was because he was pondering whether to push his friend into revealing more or just simply one of those things you don't have a reason for, but Ratchet's gaze happened to come down. Something caught his attention, swinging in the light breeze.

"I haven't seen that in a long time," the medic said quietly, deep solemn in his tone. "It took me a bit by surprise to see it again."

Optimus held up the human necklace that was still pinched in his fingers to look upon it. "It has been nearly three years since that day. I've … kept it with me since."

Ratchet felt the squeeze in his spark when he saw the deep grief in the usually stoic faceplates; even though the Prime tried to hide it. But he had also detected another undertone there. "Optimus," he started soft, his servos coming up beseechingly, "you can't blame yourself."

Optimus's optics closed, as if trying to block out something that was fighting to get in.

"What happened wasn't your fault. There were hard decisions to be made and promises to be kept. Lucky understood that."

The optics reopened. "Perhaps. Though I still feel there was more I could have done." As he spoke part of his left side began to transform and open up, revealing where the inside of his cab was kept when out of alt mode. In the exposed part, what would be part of the cab roof, folded out slightly.

"You did the only thing anyone could do – for the good of everyone."

"But the cost of that good was unjust. Even if what came of it was for the survival of all. How can any outcome be weighed against something as fragile as one life? Is not one as precious as the other? And lives such as hers are rare to find in this universe during these uncertain times. And I do not believe I shall ever be able to forgive my actions for allowing it to be taken so easily." Carefully, reverently, Optimus replaced the necklace where it had come lose from when he had transformed, fastened to the rearview mirror attached there. His large digits made it difficult but he got it back where it belonged, where it had been placed so long ago. The chain dangled down, charms swaying with every motion.

"But, Optimus, had it been you instead, would you have done any different?"

There was a moment of quiet. "Questions as such are irrelevant. For every one of us handle situations in our own subjective way." The necklace and its charms disappeared as his side again transformed back as it was before, tucking the precious memory safely inside. "Had it been you or I, the variations are too great to expect that the same outcome would have repeated in every scenario."

"Then let me put it this way. If securing the fate of the world depended on sacrificing the future or yourself, wouldn't you also choose that future?"

For the first time since the medic had joined him, the blue optics met those of his friend's. The gaze locked and held for many seconds filled with only the pattering of rain. Ratchet looked deep within those optics. He already knew the answer, he only wanted him to admit it. It took a moment of mental battling before the taller answered.

"Yes."

"As did she. It was her choice; and she made the right one. And deep down I think you know that."

Optimus's gaze flickered away, voice quiet. "She had already given so much. She never asked for any of what transpired, yet fate in its cruel way continued to demand that she only give more. And in the end – everything she had left. Sometimes …" a flicker of hesitation, "I wonder if it would have been best had we never met."

Ratchet's expression became firm, a bit reproachful. "Had you not met, those children and our comrades in there," he pointed back down the tunnel," our friends, wouldn't be laughing together in contentment and safety. None of this would be here. Optimus, if I know one thing, and I know a few, it is that you both were meant to meet. And never have I agreed more strongly with something, then I do with that destiny."

The large mech listened. No words were spoken, but the expression in the blue optics told volumes. The inner workings of the wide frame hummed ever so slightly as the broad shoulders lowered with a quiet vent.

Ratchet saw. An understanding servo laid on his friend's arm. "I know," he agreed quietly. "I miss her as well. We all do." A stubborn grump or not, there were times when that mech could read between even the thinnest of emotional lines. Optimus gave him half a smile in gratitude before his gaze returned to the rain once again.

Ratchet stepped back, clearing his throat pipes as they had for some reason become slightly constricted. "Well," a bit of the old gruffness returning, "I'll leave you and get back to my own work. Primus knows what that noisy bunch has done while there's no one responsible there to watch them." He turned, but paused after only two steps. "Optimus."

The blue helm turned.

"Do you think it's at all possible she could still be …" The last word hesitated.

Optimus inhaled deeply. "I strive to believe that there is hope."

"But … it's been so long."

"Hope is one of the foremost fundamentals in this universe that we must never let diminish in our sparks. For the day we surrender it … will truly be our darkest hour. Even though we do not know for certain of her true fate, I adhere to the hope that she is still out there somewhere, alive and well and shall return one day – and that she too clings to the same. But if that is never to be … then I hope at least that she leads a contented and fulfilled existence in her new life."

Ratchet thought about the Prime's words. "I … understand." Again he started away.

"Ratchet."

He paused again. The red and blue mech had again resumed his unmoving stance, back struts to the medic. "Thank you."

A light smile came to the medic. He didn't need to see the faceplates to understand how deep that gratitude ran. "Of course." This time he disappeared down the tunnel.

Silently, alone, Optimus watched the rain continue to fall.

…

It was late that night, after the children had been taken home by their guardians that Optimus returned to his berth room. The rain had stopped long before but he had continued to simply stand at the entrance and look out over the moonlit desert until the revving of engines told him his solitary time was up.

Upon entering, he stood in the middle of the cubical for many a long moments in quiet debate. Finally, he went to where a few crates were stacked in one corner. He took them all down until he got the very bottom one, tucked far behind out of sight, and opened it. After a bit of rummaging through the few keepsakes he allowed himself, he found what he was looking for. Setting himself on the edge of the berth, Optimus stared at the object in his servos; a Cybertronian data chip.

He didn't know which side he was on, the voice inside his processor telling him to use it, or the one begging to put it away, bury it and forget its existence. Whichever it was, he felt it was on the losing side as he found himself picking up a datapad that had been laying on a crate and inserting the chip. After putting in a rather complex passcode to get through the heavy encryption, one lone single file appeared. A digit hovered, then tapped it. The video began to play and a face appeared on the screen; young, pretty – unique. A female human's voice began to speak.

"/Hey Optimus. I, uh, know that when you see this a lot will have already happened. And I know there's going to be so many things you don't understand, so that's why I'm making this message. So I can try and explain why…/"

Optimus watched, knowing every word, every pause and inhale by heart. His blue optics gazed at the face, so different from what he had known, yet also the same. It pained his spark within.

"/And I just want to start off by saying … I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for what's about to happen. And …. for what I'm about to make you do. Or more accurately … what I've made you do …/"

Servos tightened on the datapad as another voice spoke in the hollow room. "No, Lucky. I … am sorry."

…

It was many hours later when Ratchet went to check on Optimus to find him lying on his berth in recharge. His ever sharp optics though were quick to notice the data chip and datapad on the crate next to the berth and the subtle aggrieved expression still present on the mech's faceplate.

Oh Optimus. Why must you torture yourself like this? the medic lamented inwardly. Without disturbing his friend, Ratchet quietly left the dim room, closing the door after him.

So there's the intro to my story. Next time: Part 1 - The Past, Chapter 1 – Adjusting Lives

I don't know when I'll get more chapters up but since this one was finished I figured I'd put it on. I'm working on another Transformers story at the moment but I fully intend on finishing this story. Hope it sparked your interest and I'll try to get more chapters up as soon as possible.

Check out my other stories in the meantime. :)