Transformers Until one

Chapter Two - Part Two

[Special News Report from Cybertron Central]

"Following the violent clash between the new 'Prime' and the rebel leader 'Megatron' during the official promotion ceremony for the Prime-led police force held at the central city square—

The security force rushed in to contain the situation and transported Sentinel Prime to the medical center immediately. But in the end... Sentinel succumbed to his injuries and passed away shortly thereafter.

News of the former High Leader's death spread across Cybertron within seconds. A wave of sorrow blanketed the world. Confusion reigned. No one understood how the long-standing peace could shatter in the blink of an eye.

Anger and distrust began to fester. Some blamed the government. Others looked suspiciously at the new 'Prime,' who had just received the Matrix of Leadership under questionable circumstances. Hope turned into doubt. Doubt became fear.

Now, Megatron is on the run. And the former officer, Orion Pax—the unrecognized new Prime—must rise to prove his courage... and the promise he made."

Alpha Trion switched off the live broadcast. The screen dimmed with Sentinel's last breath. He turned to see Orion, his head in his hands, trembling slightly under the unbearable weight of it all.

The old mentor walked over and sat beside him, gently placing a hand on his shoulder. His voice was steady, filled with concern.

"My son... are you holding up?"

Orion shook his head slowly, his eyes clouded with exhaustion and disorientation.

"No... I can't take this. It's too fast. I'm not ready..."

Alpha Trion softly rubbed his back, trying to console him. "Right now, I am no longer just your guardian. I'm the Prime's advisor. I'm here... for you, always."

Suddenly—

BANG!!

The door slammed open with a burst of pressurized air. A towering deep-blue figure stormed into the room, eyes blazing with fury, the red crest on his chest flickering like fire.

"You bastard! What right do you have to steal my destiny?!" he roared, lunging at Orion with overwhelming force.

Alpha Trion's optics widened as he threw his arms out to block him. "Wait! Ultra Magnus! Listen to me! Don't act on rage!"

The name struck Orion like a shockwave. He looked up, startled, at the towering mech.

"Ultra Magnus...? The intended successor to the Prime?"

The entire room tightened with raw tension, as if caught in a force field. Two would-be leaders now faced each other in the heart of a storm.

Ultra Magnus glared down at Orion, his gaze full of betrayal and barely-contained fury.

"I trained all my life for this. To be a Prime. To inherit the Matrix from Sentinel!" he thundered, his voice trembling with pain.

"And now... it ends up in the hands of some nobody! A low-ranking officer barely promoted a few clicks ago!"

This time, Orion stood his ground—

He clenched his fists and rose to his full height, still aching from the earlier battle but with steady eyes.

"I didn't ask for any of this... I didn't want Sentinel to die. And I certainly don't want to fight you."

"Your words mean nothing!" Magnus snarled, shoving Alpha Trion aside, sending the elder crashing down, and swung a fist at Orion.

THUD!! The punch landed squarely on Orion's face, slamming him against the wall with a crash.

Still, Orion didn't strike back. He slowly wiped the energon from the corner of his mouth and looked up at Magnus, eyes full of pain—and resolve.

"If this title means that much to you... then kill me," Orion said, voice low. "Because I won't let Cybertron break apart in a war between us."

Magnus faltered for just a moment. His hand trembled. Emotions clashed behind his optics before he growled in frustration.

"You're just lucky... But mark my words—I'll be watching your every click. Don't give me a reason to regret this."

Ultra Magnus stormed out, slamming the door behind him, leaving only the echo of his warning... and Orion still standing, bruised but unshaken.

Alpha Trion got back on his feet and slowly approached, eyes heavy with worry. "To be Prime... doesn't always mean to be loved," he said quietly.

Orion nodded faintly.
"I know now... I must prove to them I deserve this."

Inside the small, plain room, with only a dim light filtering through a holographic curtain, the space transformed into a sacred chamber. Once destined to be held before all of Cybertron, the ceremony now belonged to this quiet moment.

Orion remained seated, the Matrix glowing faintly beneath the transparent plate on his chest. Yet his spark felt weighed down, unsure if he was truly worthy.

Alpha Trion fell silent for a moment, then spoke softly.

"My son... do you know? When someone is chosen as Prime, there must be a formal rite of passage. But right now... the situation doesn't allow for such ceremony."

He stepped forward, gently placing a hand on Orion's head.

"So let me... perform the rite here and now... to affirm you."

Alpha Trion's voice was firm and reverent.

"From this moment forward, you are the new leader of Cybertron. I offer you my blessing..."

A pause, then his voice rang out with solemn power:

"Optimus Prime."

The Matrix flared with light for an instant, as if to acknowledge the declaration. A faint hum of cosmic energy whispered through the air.

Orion Pax—now Optimus Prime—lifted his gaze to meet Alpha Trion's. His voice was soft, but carried unwavering conviction.

"I swear by Primus, and before one of the Thirteen, I will protect this planet... no matter what comes."