Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The world was quiet. 

World? No. Universe. 

It was dark… but it wasn't. It felt… full, yet empty. 

The observer - Blinked. Or did it? It had form, yet did not. 

It was light. 

It was Primus.

An identity was exciting! They looked around, looking to see what else was there, as identities started to become known to it. Stars. Planets. Asteroids. It was in space. And it was beautiful.

They observed the universe, the identities forming around them. It was enamored. It observed, watched, as identities formed, and died. It learned, quickly, slowly - what was time, to light?  

Identities turned to lives , and life on planets felt right! It was all so tiny, so delicate and fragile, especially compared to the indestructibility it felt within itself. Plants, mushrooms, insects, bacterium and animals… it all felt precious, and necessitating… protecting. 

It watched the plants sprout from seeds, grow roots and unfurl leaves. He watched them grow, from tiny seedlings to mighty trees, grasses covering plains - he watched as bacteria became fish, and fish became reptiles, reptiles becoming mammals. Watching, it learned about life. 

Then it was struck by a sight - one of the planets, vanishing into darkness. It seemed… wrong. The planet had been beautiful, and had identities. Identities were precious. Lives were precious… worth protecting.

Primus then came to realize the darkness had an identity - and had one for as long as they had. It was a strange realization. Why had that identity escaped it's notice until now? So it observed, trying to understand why the darkness would devour a planet.

And it could not understand. Did it not feel the same urge as Primus, to protect these burgeoning lives? The reverence towards identity?

The darkness was moving towards a second planet - and Primus, acted.

-

He was Unicron . That was his first thought. 

The second, was that he was hungry. He needed…. Power. To be in front of… in control of what..?

The light that shone a distance away. 

Smaller lights formed, but the big one… the large one was so, so tempting. But it could not be approached. Not now. It was to bright, for Unicron to stand in closer proximity…

Which is why he needed power. Now he understood that hunger. To sustain against the light, he needed… power. 

But where could he attain it? He didn't understand, as he drifted, observing the light. 

It was… seemingly fascinated by the other… things that surrounded them. Smaller bits of light that were not as… overbearing…

No, they were…. Appetizing, Unicron realized. He touched one, curious. And then… empowered as the star was absorbed by him. He felt the light, the energy course through his form, leaving him… hungrier, for more. He touched another star, enjoying the rush. Another… then another. Unicron felt his form grow more solid, tendrils collapsing in, and he felt stronger. 

He touched one of the floating rocks. It did not shine, as the stars did, but the power it gave was so much more. 

He laughed, at the rush of power, and reached for a second. 

The being of light slammed into him, causing him to hiss and recoil. It was still overbearing. Not as much as before, but still, he could not stand the light. 

And so he attacked. Attempting to absorb it with wild swings. 

The light dodged, and pushed him away from his prize. 

Unicron snarled. 

Primus stared. 

-

Blow, for blow. Dodging, striking. 

Unicron would absorb anything he could reach, while Primus seemed to never falter in strength. With the absorptions came knowledge of fighting. 

Unicron shaped his darkness into weapons. 

Primus learned from observing, and adapting.

Unicron made a spear. Primus responded with a shield and axe.

They created a deadly dance across the cosmos, Primus defending as many worlds as he could, against Unicron's hunger. 

Never once did the two speak, yet they would know each other as fully as they knew themselves. 

Yet as millenia passed, Primus would feel himself starting to wane, as Unicron gained power. For while Primus did not hunger, it did not mean his energy was infinite. 

It would need to rest. 

-

Primus saw an opportunity. There were two asteroids they were approaching. Neither had identities other than rocks, astray from whatever collision has set them drifting through space. 

It would laugh, as a plan came to be.

He would not be the one to end the darkness that wished to consume all…

It's children, one day would. 

They neared the asteroids, and Primus…. Acted.

His light flared, brighter than ever before, causing Unicron to recoil.

It gave Prima the moment he needed to surround the darkness with light, pinning him to one of the asteroids, light continuing to flare.

Unicorn snarled, fighting back, darkness raking across the light in great slashes.

But it would not be enough. 

With a monumental effort, Primus imbued the asteroid with light, sealing Unicron inside of it, fusing the darkness with the rock.

And then he fell backwards, landing on the other, his light dimming to barely a glimmer of what it had been.

Yet his work was not done, before it could rest.

He pulled minerals from the asteroid, fusing, melting them in it's light.

He created the first Sentio Metallica.

And he divided it into fourteen portions - the last, the largest set back into the asteroid, as he shaped the other thirteen. Beings shaped after him, and several species it had studied before Unicron began his feast.

Grey, boxy, and unalive…

Until he put in each of them, a spark of his own light.

The first - Primus did not know what the others would be called, but the first…

“...You…. Are Prima.” Primus stated, giving the shell - no, the mech an identity. “You… are the first of your kind, the children of Primus.”

The mech, Prima, stared up at the being of light in awe.

“I must rest. But… you have a mission, with your siblings…. Create an army, and do what I could not. You must defeat Unicron, should he ever awaken.”

“Unicron..?” Prima's voice was gentle. That was good. 

Primus smiled. “He is my opposite. Of darkness, while I am light. For now, he is sealed in the asteroid across. But… soon, I will be sealed in this one we stand on, for the battle thus far has left me weakened. But this will become a planet, suitable for you, your siblings, and the identities you create to oppose Unicron.”

Primus closed his eyes. “You need not worry, for so long as you remain in harmony… all will be well.”

“And if we falter?”

“...I pray you do not.”

And Primus sank into the asteroid, fusing with the asteroid, and the Sentio Metallica. 

-

The asteroid shuddered

Prima jumped, looking around - his siblings were barely waking up. Primus didn't give them names, did he? 

Another quake shook the asteroid as Prima realized now was not the time to think. 

“Grab on to each other!” He ordered, hurriedly going over, making sure they would not be separated.

He was one of the smaller of their forms. Not the smallest - but still.

One of them - the largest, picked up the smallest and another onto his shoulders “What is happening?” his voice was harsh, metallic, his body taking on yellow-ieh colors, his body seemingly always in motion.

“I… I think the asteroid is turning into a planet??” Prima answered.

“...Yes. that seems… correct.” A second spoke, this one having larger lower body and more limbs. They? It? Took off a mask. “This mask shows me a gleaming planet of metal… and the words Primus shared with you, Prima.” 

“...Hey, what about the rest of us? Don't we get identities?” the smallest huffed

“Perhaps once we're not fighting for footing!” The second largest yelled, as the rock under him split apart, a metal mesh weaving outward. He was beat solid gray, with purple highlights.

“We should try to get on top of that mesh? Maybe?” The only one that seemed… rounder, spoke. Her? Voice was sweeter than the rest. “Especially based on what was said about a gleaming planet of metal, that's likely to be the surface!” she appeared to be taking on blacks, and golds in her coloration.

“I concur.” this one was near solid purple, with… a smooth voice. “It seems most wise.”

“Then let's stop talking and act!” The smallest huffed, jumping off the largest's shoulders, onto the mesh that was expanding. “C'mon, chop chop!” 

Prima nodded. “Let's go!” And he followed suit, with the other twelve. 

The mesh was far more stable than the rock, as the rock seemed to fragment, collapsing in on itself, into liquid metal, from which the mesh was weaving from.

Prima was mesmerized by the sight, as the metal glowed, twisting and shifting, forming plates and mesh, expanding, creating more of itself from seemingly nowhere.

It was incredible.

It still shuddered, but it did not threaten to break apart as in continued to expand, and unfortunately, he would not be able to admire the creation long as the mesh rapidly expanded, leaving them on a plain of metal. 

“So. Identities?” The smallest of his siblings questioned, and Prima couldn't help but chuckle. 

“Primus… did not tell me how to give identities…”

“So then we pick our own!” This one was green and black, with.. curled horns .. and a cape, it seemed, and a broad smile. “In that case, I shall be Liege, Liege Maximo! Doesn't it sound like a fitting name for one as regal as I?” 

“Very well, Liege Maximo.” Prima nodded. “...I will use what Primus called me. I am Prima.”

“...Primus is…. The light, that fused into the rock, yes?” The femne questioned. “I would like my identity to reflect the connection. He created us, yes? That is my understanding currently, at least. So… I will be Solas Prime.”

“That sounds… like a wonderful idea.” The one with the mask hummed. “And it suits the golden hue of your form. Meanwhile… my form is dark.”

“If I may, I would…. Compare it to a rock identified as an onyx on some worlds Primus has observed.” The purple mech mused.

“You know what he studied?” Liege questioned. 

“To some extent, we all should.” The purple hummed. “But I may have an easier time recalling it, perhaps?”

“That would make sense, if each of us have different abilities. He had said we must be in harmony.” Prima nodded.

“Then I will be Onyx Prime.” The masked one nodded. 

They continued, as the planet shook, and shifted, choosing identities and helping each other to choose. It was… comfortable, finding their identities with each other. 

Prima was happy with his siblings, arranged in a circle.

Megatronus Prime, Onyx Prime, Micronus Prime, Alpha Trion, Solas Prime, Amalgomous Prime, Liege Maximo, Alchemist Prime, Quintess Prime, Vector Prime, Nexus Prime, and Oryion Prime. 

Chapter Text

“Brother Prima, how does this form look? Quintess Prime approached him, a cart carrying a… egg-like body, five faces, and tentacles from it's lower body. It… sort of resembled her, though far clunkier.

“It… certainly looks like your creation, Sister Quintess.” Prima observed. “Why have you not gifted it an identity yet?”

“I do not think I should, until we are happy with the forms. After all, we must prepare warriors, shouldn't we? I'm unsure if this one has capability to fight.”

“I'm unsure if I have the capability to fight!” Prima couldn't help but chuckle. 

“There's also the concern of how the form would sustain. We have no issue - Father somehow continues to sustain us. But what of our creations? These identities deserve to not starve simply for being made before we could support them.”

Prima nodded. “I believe Oryion Prime, Alchemist Prime and Alpha Trion had been working on a solution?”

“Yes… though Liege Maximo has convinced them it would be unsafe to test their theories with my creations for the time being.”

“It does make sense, though.” Prima hummed. “If the theories prove wrong, it only brings harm to the identities.” 

“Yes .. though I doubt they would make such an error.” Quintess Prime sighed, taking a seat on the edge of the cart, her tentacles folding neatly under her, as she produced the glowing green stone she kept nestled safely close to her, staring for a few breems before returning it to safety.

It was something they had discovered not long after their planet - given the identity Cybertron, once the quakes of its reformatting had ceased - that each of them had a power, or item that was created by Primus. 

Prima himself had the ability to channel a sword of pure light, which he put effort in to practice each time it grew dark.

And Quintess Prime had named the rock the Emberstone, and knew - somehow - it would be able to give an identity to a construct.

“What of Amalgamous Prime's project?” Prima questioned.

“He would like to test it with us. I have declined his offer, however. I do not see how being able to change shape would be an advantage.”

“I am not surprised. Of all of us, your form is the most flexible as is, Sister Quintess.” Prima smiled, getting one in return.

“I suppose I shall leave you to… whatever it is you are working on.”

“Habitat for the identities. Or at least, plans for it.” 

“Hm, well… good luck, Brother Prima.” 

“To you as well, Sister Quintess.” 

She got off the cart, and took her creation away, leaving Prima humming, staring at his project.

Perhaps it was time for a break? It had been three light cycles since he checked on the others, after all.

He would set his plans aside as he would walk, to another cavern they had found on the mesh. That was the odd thing - though perhaps not so odd if one considered everything Primus had studied before creating them. Cybertron was very much modeled after a rocky planet, though made of metal and crystals. Plants, rivers, canyons and caves. It was…. Beautiful. Though, of course Prima knew no other sight. Perhaps he would see Amalgamous Prime first? He was the oldest by technicality of all his siblings. He may as well be the first to test it!

Amalgamous Prime had his back turned, but when he heard Prima, his head turned fully around, a wide smile forming. “Brother Prima! What a surprise.” He chuckled, in his multitude of voices. “What brings you here today?” 

“Sister Quintess said you'd like to test your creation on one of us first? I am here to volunteer.”

“Oh! Wonderful! ” Amalgamous Prime's grin grew bigger. That was slightly… unnerving, but, Amalgamous Prime's gift was the ability to freely change his appearance, so perhaps it would be something Prima would grow used to. 

Amalgomous picked something off the table - forged by Solas Prime as most items they had, were - and held it to Prima. It looked… like… “A gear?” He questioned.

“Ah, no, a cog! ” Amalgamous Prime laughed, pushing it closer. “If my theories are correct, it will confer some manner of my transformation abilities to you! And hopefully, the identities we create!”

“Are you required to make them?” Prima questioned, as he picked up the cog, looking it over.

“Maybe? Hopefully not! I've made plans here for simply creating them, following what I did for that one, so, perhaps if it works, you could try assembling one.”

Prima gave a small nod. “So how is it supposed to work, Brother Amalgamous?”

“Oh! Right. I think… I think it should go… in your frame, just below your spark. That… that feels correct.” He nodded to himself, watching Prima.

He sighed. “Very well. Let us see if this works then.” He slid open a panel - a sparkling white light flooding the area, as his Spark of Primus glimmered. There didn't appear to be space for the cig - at least, until it reacted. It began spinning on Prima's servos, before launching itself at his spark. He startled backwards, the panel slamming shut on reflex - though not before the bog made it in. Prima fell to his knees with a gasp, and silent scream, as he felt his body change, growing a bit larger, light spilling out from armor seems  a word supplied to his processor. Reformat .

Making him compatible with the cog, and it's abilities. He kneeled, venting hard, as Amalgamous Prime hurried over in clear concern for his brother. “Brother Prima! Are you alright?!”

“Y…yes.” Prima gave an affirmative, letting out another vent before sitting upright. “I believe it is safe to say that…. It works. Though perhaps we ensure they… are given to creations that are not yet alive , aside from our siblings. That was … quite intense.”

“It looked so!” Amalgamous Prime looked him over. “Maybe we should call for Brother Trion, to ensure you are fine.”

“Yes… yes, that sounds… like a sound idea.” Prima nodded, before flopping to lay on his back strut, and steady his venting. “....I think it should be called a Transformation Cog, Brother…”

“Do not strain yourself.” Amalgamous Prime chided, but hummed, even as he had a servo to his audial. “....But that does set it apart from less … magical cogs, doesn't it?” 

Prima chuckled at that, and shuttered his optics for a breem while they waited for Alpha Trion. 

It would not take long for the purple mech to arrive. “Brother Amalgamous, did we not want you testing this things could be dangerous?” He chided, as Prima sighed, keeping his optics closed.

“I believe I am fine, merely shocked from the intensity of the experience.”

“I was not speaking to you, Brother Prima, though it was rather reckless of you to test!”

“Brother Trion, please.” Amalgamous Prime huffed. “It's always Liege telling us to wait! To wait, wait and wait! How will we ever know something is safe until or unless we test!”

Prima hummed. True, perhaps they needed to take some risks to do the mission Primus had given them. But… still, caution was still necessary. 

“Do not argue brothers, please.” They heard Liege Maximo's silky voice purr, as he walked in. “Oh my, was our illustrious brother the subject of an experiment? And I wasn't invited to watch?”

“Not now, Brother Liege.” Amalgamous Prime huffed. “You're the one who turned down the offer.”

“Now now, I declined to be the test subject!” Liege replied. Prima sighed, opening his optics to see the Amalgomous had crossed two of his arms, while Liege was swooning in faux hurt. 

“Enough.” Prima sighed. “We are equals, remember? I am no leader of you. Brother Trion, are my vitals clear?”

“...From my observation, yes Brother Prima.” 

“Excellent! Then Brother Amalgamous' project is safe! Now, I imagine there are some things to test with this though, given now I'm supposed to have some ability to transform, thanks to the reformat, yes?”

“Oh! Yes, yes!” Amalgomous nodded. “Although I'm… not sure how to explain. It is… natural for me to do it without even thinking, after all.” 

Prima hummed. “Then be quiet - all of you - while I think.” 

Liege gasped, putting in an expression of hurt again, while Alpha Trion just gave a nod. Amalgomous leaned forward, watching. 

It would take a few breems, but Prima eventually felt something… shift, focused around the transformation cog. And then the rest of his body. Plates, joints, cables. Moving freely, changing positions, changing sizes. 

Eventually, he would lay there, an unrecognizable device. Unable to move on his own, he hummed. “This is … strange.”

“It certainly looks strange, Brother Prima.” Liege spoke first, going over to poke him. “What even are you?”

“I do not know.” Prima replied truthfully. 

“Well, let’s hopefully figure it out soon, brother Prima.” Alpha Trion sighed, rubbing his brow, and the testing would begin.

Chapter Text

The experiments yielded…. Very little. They discovered that Prima's alt mode could allow him to more accurately discern health than Alpha Trion's observations, and he had the ability to create some form of crystalline lattice - but it's uses, they knew not. At least, not then. 

As the light cycle wore on to dark, eventually Prima would feel the need to rest, transforming back to his root mode. “I am in need of recharge, brothers. Perhaps we resume this in the next light cycle?”

Alpha Trion gave a nod. “Yes, that is a wise idea, Brother Prima. I should return to Brothers Oryion and Alchemist, myself.”

Liege gave a hum. “Yes, taking our time is best. We must make sure everything is ready, shouldn't we? Hm… has anyone checked on Sister Solas and Brother Megatronus recently?”

“No, I was… thinking of sharing my project with them in the next few cycles.” Prima hummed. 

“Perhaps Megatronus would like to try a transformation cog as well…” Amalgomous mused. 

“Perhaps… later, Brother Amalgamous.” Liege cautioned. “As has been stated, it is late in the cycle! Insufficient charge is surely a method for mistakes.” 

“Bah! I am fine. It is Brother Prima who grew tired!” 

Prima chuckled. “I shall leave you to your discussions. I hope it is a pleasant dark-cycle for all of you.”

“Recharge well, brother Prima.” Alpha Trion gave a smile, seeing him off. 

Prima however, did not immediately return to the cavern he had claimed as his. Liege had brought up a point after all. He should visit the rest of his siblings before he went to recharge. Oryion and Alchemist would be the first - they were close by after all, and may as well before Alpha Trion returned to the laboratory they had been constructing. 

Really, it was impressive. Between the three, their processors had come up with fascinating equipment that Prima had no hopes of guessing the function of - especially so in the arrangements. Parts, he could pick out. Tubes, flasks, burners. Solas was immensely talented as well, being able to manufacture what they required and requested, no matter how complicated it would seem. Several of these flasks were filled with some combination of resources they had found on the surface. Prima felt assurance from his spark, from Primus that using these was intended. That it did not harm it, that everything could and would replenish.

It would be Alchemist Prime who noticed him first. “Brother Prima! Welcome!...Mech what happened, you look different.” 

“Prima's here??” Oryion perked up, earning a chuckle from Prima.

Oryion -while not the smallest - certainly appeared the youngest . In his mannerisms to his looks, everything about him projected innocence. All of the siblings had come to the agreement that it was adorable. Well, all except Oryion himself. Regardless, Prima smiled at them. “I came to check on how you were doing, since I inadvertently occupied Brother Trion with Brother Amalgamous' experiment…. Which is also what happened.” 

“Oh! So you actually tried something? What happened?” Oryion asked, running up.

“He created something… that we have decided to call a Transformation Cog. We are still trying to figure out what my alternative mode is supposed to be and do.” Prima ruffled Oryion's helm.

“Woah, so it lets you transform, like Amalgamous?” Oryion pushed his servo away with a huff.

“To an extent. I only have the one form I can change into.” 

“Hm, seems limited then.” Alchemist spoke. “But still… very impressive. As for how were doing… erring on the side of caution so no testing has been done yet, but we have managed to figure out ways to turn the blue crystals into liquid.”

“Oh! And there's different minerals we can combine with it that make it pink!” Oryion ran over to one of the tables to hold up a flask with a slightly glowy, pink liquid. “It uh. Doesn't seem very stable. If we keep it heated, it tends to combust rather quickly.”

“Most things tend to combust with enough heat.” Alchemist sighed. “Just, the resulting blue and pink are even less stable than most.”

“What do you propose it is?” Prima questioned. 

“Hopefully, a fuel source.” Alchemist nodded his head towards where he had - apparently - been refining a great deal of it. “If it turns out to be true, the crystal and liquid will be called energon.”

Prima gave a small nod. “Perhaps we should try some tomorrow…”

“But… Liege wants us to be sure there shouldn't be any adverse effects from ingesting it first.” Oryion sighed, shoulders sagging. “But that's the thing, we can't tell! Not yet, at least. There's just…. Nothing to test with!”

“Believe me, Brother Oryion.” Prima chuckled. “I am just as frustrated with the slow progress as you are. But… hm. Perhaps I am being reckless, but I would like to see Sister Quintess' creations animated. Wouldn't you?”

“Oh! Yes!” Oryion nodded. “That would be exhilarating!”

“So perhaps in the next light cycle, I shall sample some of this… energon, and measure the effects. A small benefit of Brother Amalgomous' experiment and my new alt mode, I am very aware of the functions and status of my internals.” 

Alchemist nodded. “Right. I'll spend the rest of this light cycle finishing refinement on some then, since it seems like as good of a reason to test as any. It has been at least a stellar cycle since we felt the last tremor…”

Prima nodded. “I shall see you once Amalgamous and I finish, then. Have a pleasant dark cycle, brothers… and do not forget to recharge.” 

“You two, Prima!” Oryion waved.

“As if Alpha Trion would let us forget!” Alchemist barked out a laugh. 

Prima left the cavern, glancing at the sky. 

One of the two stars close enough to illuminate the metallic planet had fully dipped below the horizon, while the second still hovered above it. There was still plenty of time in the light cycle to visit another - perhaps Solas and Megatronus? Yes, that seemed like a good option. He likely would not visit Micronis, Vector, Onyx, or Nexus that cycle. Admittedly, he likely would not visit Vector Prime unless the mech called for him. He had little to no interest in the experiments of the others, having realized a unique duty, especially with Onyx's mask having given him a hint. Other dimensions, other universes.That time, and space could be twisted, altered and shattered. It was his power, his responsibility to protect the time and space they occupied. And in doing so… only Prima could tell where Vector had hidden himself, due to the power of Primus in his spark. Unfortunately - and Prima had asked - that power did not give Vector the ability to see into other times and spaces. He could only see their own, at the time it was, with only vague senses from others. 

Onyx however… had stated that her mask allowed her to see into the hearts of all she looked at - and looking at Vector, had given her a splitting helmache, as so many hearts flowed through him . She had taken the mask off after doing so, and refrained from wearing it around any of the siblings. Prima understood - especially after having asked her to look at him out of curiosity a few cycles later. While it did not give her quite the helmache as Vector's heart had, it still had hurt, as she explained that Prima gave her windows into Primus, and all his wealth of knowledge. They assumed it would be the same for the rest of their siblings, and decided that ability… would best be used if any of the identities Primus had once observed and protected, found their way to the metallic planet. 

His peds carried him to Solas' forge while he was lost in thought. Her knowledge that Primus had imbued her spark with was incredible. Everything about shaping the physical - if one could explain what they wanted, she could and would make it. Megatronus had made the most use, followed by Solas herself, then Alchemist, Alpha Trion and Oryion. Truthfully, Megatronus' growing weapon collection was impressive. He and Micronis would often practice together - in fact, it would seem Solas had just finished a set of new weapons for them, and they were practicing with them outside her forge. Well, one more mecha to check on wasn't something Prima would complain about. He enjoyed seeing and spending time with his siblings, after all. 

“Hail brothers! Is sister Solas in the forge?” 

“As she always is!” Micronis replied, the distraction giving Megatronus an opportunity to catch the much smaller mech by surprise, knocking him out of the circle. 

“Oooow, no fair Megs!” Micronis huffed, now laying on his backstrut. 

“Our enemies will not fight fair.” Megatronus replied, straightening, allowing Prima to view the new weapon. A long handled hammer? It had a brutal elegance to it… but it did not seem to suit Megatronus.

“That is an interesting weapon, Brother Megatronus. But it does not seem to be made for you…” 

Megatronus' faceplate shifted colors, as he glanced aside. “I… intend to teach Sister Solas how to use it in combat. And to be an effective teacher, I must understand the weapon myself.”

“I see, I see!” Prima chuckled. That made sense. Picturing Solas with the hammer…. Yes, that hammer would suit her very well. “Perhaps you and I should have a spar, Brother Megatronus? It may help me adjust to the reformat I went through.”

“Reformat…?” Micronis questioned, sitting up to look at Prima. “Huh. Look at that. Ya do look different Prima.” 

“...Larger. More joints.” Megatronus observed. “Very well, Brother Prima. Either summon your weapon, or choose one from the rack, and we shall spar once you take position in the circle.”

Prima smiled, holding a servo out as he manifested the sword of light, stepping into the circle. For some reason - perhaps his added mass - made the weapon feel more balanced in his grip than it had before. 

It was a two handed bastard sword - large, and broad, and glowed with Primus' light. 

Megatronus chuckled, and raised the hammer. It's mass would make it hard to block, so it would be better to avoid the swings as much as possible. He had to be mindful of the circle, for stepping out of bounds would be an immediate loss. Falling to the ground was also a loss. 

The two warriors circled each other, watching and appraising each other's stance, fully focused. 

Megatronus struck first, swinging the hammer so that it swung down before up at Prima - he was surprised at it's speed. Was it not as heavy as it looked? He couldn't duck - he'd still be hit by the trajectory… 

He charged inwards instead. Reach was something both their weapons needed, but his sword held a slight advantage over the hammer if he could close the distance. Megatronus backpedaled, raising the hammer and changing his grip to block Prima's blade. 

The sword of light bit into the metal of the hammers handles, causing sparks to fly. Neither flinched away as the sparks skidded off their servos and chest plates. Prima had to yield the position first, else he would overbalance, as Megatronus had a firmer footing. 

Yet he did not give Megatronus a moment to adjust, rolling to the left - opposite the hammers head, as he brought the sword up to thrust under the handle. It didn't carry much force, but it didn't have to. Prima only needed to push Megatronus backwards - pressure. 

Once more, Megatronus backpedaled away from the point, shifting his grip down the handle, and swinging, forcing Prima back, a clang ringing out as the hammer met the ground. Perhaps it would be better to into the hammer head for a similar maneuver in future? 

Megatronus attempted to initiate a circle - Prima did not allow him, going to charge on again.

He had pushed Megatronus back, after all. If they circled, it was likely his brother would attack once they had changed places, and it was Prima closer to the edge of the makeshift arena. 

Megatonus smirked, holding the hammer up the block - And Prima fucked to the right, thrusting upwards, under the handle again, without the initial engagement. 

Megatronus backpedaled more, and went to retaliate when -

“Brother Prima wins!” Solas' voice rang clear as a bell. “Megatronus, your rear ped crossed the line.” 

Megatronus flushed, glancing down, as Prima disengaged with a chuckle. “Well played, Brother.” 

“Indeed, Brother Prima.” Megatronus sighed, before chuckling. “You must have been practicing. That is the first time you have bested me.”

“Perhaps it was due to the new weapon you were using. Unlike your usual spear, I had the advantage over the hammer.” 

“Possible. But still, it was a good match.” Megatronus nodded.

Solas came over. “And here I was worried when Brother Micronis rushed into the forge telling me if this spar. Were either injured?”

“Nothing but a few sparks from weapons clashing.” Prima assured her. 

“Mm, excellent.” Solas replied  “No need for me to do repairs on you two then. But I doubt a spar is why you came here, Brother Prima. Speak, what is on your mind?”

“Ah, I simply thought to visit you before I went to recharge. It has been a few cycles since we spoke, after all.”

Solas hummed. “And what of the project you had been working on?”

“The plans are coming along. I should have them to you within the deca-cycle.” 

“Mm. Very well then.” Solas nodded. “But if you were headed to recharge, I would not wish to keep you long. Charge well, Brother Prima.”

“And I hope you, and our brothers have a pleasant dark-cycle.” Prima smiled as he dismissed his sword. “I shall see all of you another time.”

Megatronus gave a nod, as Micronis waved Prima off. Out the corner of his optic, Prima saw Megatronus approach Solas to show her the handle and the damage the sword had done. 

With a chuckle, he returned to his own cavern.