Chapter Text
Long, long ago, Primus had sacrificed his own life force, transforming his body into a planet known as Cybertron to give a home to his creations. He’d created the first Transformers/Cybertronians as the Thirteen Primes and bestowed Zeta Prime with the Matrix of Leadership to lead the Primes and to face another alien race who dares to take over Cybertron and conquer it, they are known as the Quintessons. Zeta led his comrade Primes into battle against the Quintessons to protect Cybertron which turned into a war and it lasted for years. At some point, Primus had slowly created more Cybertronians as years went by to help his first creations, his children to take down the Quintessons. The Quintessons were slowly overrun by the Primes and the armies and were banished in one location where no one goes to. Most Primes did rule other cities while Zeta Prime soon became a leader in a city known as Iacon. The Primes decided to help Zeta in Iacon to set the order and politics, making Iacon the capital as it grew, along with other cities.
The Primes were treated like royalties and important figures yet the Primes in return made sure things were fair, safe and hopefully treated equally which is quite tricky and hard as most of the civilians are willing to continue to have their daily lives. However, it seems the Primes are slowly disappearing and I don’t mean leaving the planet physically. Almost all of the Primes were dying from an unknown Cybertronian disease yet some of them were still alive. First it was Quintus Prime then Alchemist Prime, Micronus Prime and Liege Maximo. Amalgamous Prime has sadly caught it as well and tries to survive while the rest are safe. The remaining Primes were wondering what to do as they still had to make sure the Quintessons won’t harm the others. If only a few survive or even if all are gone, it will be the downfall for all lives of Cybertron.
That is, something was going to happen that helped the Primes. At the meeting of the remaining Primes in the center of Iacon, they were all sitting in the court-like room as they discussed what to do now that four Primes are gone and Amalgamous is close to death. It was just Zeta Prime, Prima Prime, Megatronus Prime, Solus Prime, Alpha Trion, Nexus Prime, Onyx Prime and Vector Prime.
“We are in quite a predicament, my old friend.” Alpha Trion spoke, sighing while looking over at Zeta Prime.
“We were fortunate enough that Alchemist managed to finish a cure for us in time.” Prima said, frowning with sadness. “Unfortunately, it was too late for Alchemist and Amalgamous doesn’t have much time to stay online.”
Zeta has a grim look on his face plate. "How long does Amalgamous have...?"
“We can only estimate a solar-cycle.” Vector answered, tapping on the table. “Maybe even two solar-cycles if he’s lucky enough to survive that long.”
Onyx then slams their servos on the table, feeling frustrated. “Grr… We’ve already lost four of them and now Amalgamous won’t have that much long to live!” Onyx growled, closing their optics.
“There’s nothing we can do, Onyx.” Prima calmly told Onyx, also feeling sad that they’ll lose another comrade. “We can only hope Amalgamous might make it through this, but…”
“Amalgamous surviving is slim to none.” Megatronus sighed. “We were so close to knowing what the disease is called, but the data is gone and Alchemist never got a chance to tell us. But I’m sure it was the Quintessons who’d done this.” He clenches his servos tight into fists with anger.
Solus looks over at Megatronus with a solemn look on her face plate, “Megatronus…”
“You know, as much as I do agree with you and want to charge in to avenge our fallen brethren, we don’t have any proof if it was the Quintessons or not.” Nexus spoke, looking at Megatronus.
Solus looks over at Zeta Prime and asks, “Has the High Guards returned and told us about the status of the Quintessons?”
“They only said that the Quintessons are still on Cybertron and in the exact location yet they can’t get them to leave.” Zeta answered, glancing down at his servos and table. “The Quintessons refuse to leave…”
Vector huffs with annoyances, “Probably due to the mass of Energon here and we did sort of damage a few of their spaceships.” He shrugs, “So, who knows when they’ll leave.”
Alpha hums a bit, making Zeta glances at him. “What are you thinking, Alpha?” Zeta asked.
Alpha looked at everyone then said, “...I’m thinking about the future, Zeta. Considering how our friends had sadly passed away, it might happen to us one day. The Quintessons have fewer numbers than before, but the numbers will soon grow and there is so much we can do to protect everyone from them. I fear that one day, we’ll be destroyed if it’s now just us.”
“We can still handle them, Alpha!” Nexus exclaimed.
“But for how long?” Alpha questioned the combiner. “We need to think about finding someone to fill in the place of the passing Primes or taking our places in case we might want to retire.”
“Huh?!” Both Onyx and Nexus shouted, in shock.
“Are you crazy, Alpha?!” Nexus exclaimed, standing up from his seat while glaring at the knowledgeable Prime. “We’re Primes! We can’t just retire when we’re the only ones to handle the Quintessons and protect this planet!”
“But Alpha brings up a good point.” Solus responded, glancing aside. “At some point, we will need others to be strong as we are.”
Megatronus quietly argues back, “Solus, even if we did so, we can’t just stop and let anyone take our place. We’re the only ones who can overcome the overwhelming strength of those Quintessons.”
Both Prima and Vector glance at each other, wondering what’s the right choice.
Zeta then spoke out in a calm voice, “Everyone! Calm down…” They all soon went quiet then noticed the shine happening through the lines of his chestplate.
Prima widened his optics and quietly spoke, “...Is it Primus speaking to you?”
The shine is coming from the Matrix of Leadership that was given by Primus, the god of Cybertron. Zeta soon speaks, “...While I do agree that we’re the only ones to take on the Quintessons and protect this planet… At some point, we might not be able to withstand our enemies. Alpha Trion is right. We will need to find the successors and train those who want to help us to face Quintessons. In fact, Primus is willing to choose my successor of the Matrix of Leadership.”
“?!” All of the Primes in the room froze for a few seconds.
“So… Primus is going to choose one of the mechs or femmes to take your place?” Onyx slowly exclaimed. “But how though?!”
“Yeah! They’ll have to be worthy of the Matrix!” Nexus shouted. “And that’s not easy to choose!”
“I take it Primus has an idea?” Megatronus questioned Zeta, tapping one of his digits.
Zeta nodded. “Yes… Once I’m near one certain bot, the Matrix will shine, reacting to the next Prime. But… if we haven’t found my successor within a solar-cycle, I will choose one myself and I know who can take my place when that time comes.”
“And who would that be?” Alpha asked.
Unknown to them, outside of the meeting room, Sentinel, the chief advisor, was on the way to let Zeta know about the reports from the citizens of different cities and was about to enter until he overhears the discussion about choosing the successors for the Primes, especially taking Zeta’s place. He quietly listens in.
“I would like to pick Sentinel as the new wielder of the Matrix.” Zeta’s voice said. Sentinel widened his optics and decided to continue listening.
“What?! Him??” Vector responded, widening his optics with shockness. “Are you even sure about that choice, Zeta?”
“Yes, why him?” Solus asked, wondering about Zeta’s choice.
“He’s been with us longer than others, quite skilled with his weapon of his choice and we trust him on making decisions.” Zeta explained.
“You mean YOU trust him, Zeta.” Megatronus corrected him. While he knows Sentinel has known the Primes for a long time, there was something about that mech that Megatronus just can’t figure out yet. “I don’t think he’s the best candidate to wield the Matrix.”
“I’ll have to agree with Megatronus, Zeta Prime.” Onyx said, agreeing as well. “He always seems to stare at us with… not so good intentions.”
“I admit, it's a bit too fast for you to pick Sentinel without thinking about it.” Prima said, looking at Zeta. “However, I can see why you would choose him.”
“I admit picking Sentinel seems a bit rushed, but there’s no one in mind I want to be my successor.” Zeta replied. “I trust him.”
“Well, if you're sure about your choice.” Nexus shrugged.
Sentinel looked somewhat hurt by what the other Primes said about yet… to know he’ll be next in line made him a bit greedy. ‘If I do get chosen, I can become a Prime… controlling anything, doing anything I want… Having the glory and power.’ He thought, smirking with darkness. He then whispers to himself, rubbing his chin, “But I just need to keep this up…”
Sentinel then hears Alpha Trion saying, “For now, you should wait and keep an optic on him to see if he's truly worthy.”
“In addition, we should also find others and train them to get close to our strengths.” Solus told them. “Just in case.”
“I agree.” Prima responded, nodding. The other Primes soon also agree, knowing one day they’ll be gone or overrun by their enemies in the future.
Sentinel has been listening all the way through the conversation. Knowing that almost all of the Primes doesn’t approve of him of being a Prime nor being a wielder of the Matrix made him feel bitter yet hearing that Zeta has thought about picking the blue and gold mech. He thought about it and decided to keep up the act in order to gain the position. After all, the Matrix is just a powerful item and proof he’s a leader. At least, that’s what he’d thought.
However, about two vorns later ((A/N: That’s like a week, I think.)), on the surface near Iacon, a small yet brave group had traveled to do some research on a new Energon they found to study. One of them is a student of one of the Primes. Her name was Codexa, a student of Alpha Trion, a young archivist of Cybertron and apparently a mother/Carrier to a young sparkling. She’d had her partner; Conjunx Endura, but they were sadly killed before she could tell them she's carrying a sparkling. Despite that, she was happy with her red and blue sparkling, her own son. Everything seems fine on the surface until a small group of Quintessons locate them and decide to take what Energon they had found. That day outing turned out tragically for Codexa because the Quintessons had killed her when she was trying to protect her son. Her sparkling would’ve been offline for good, but thankfully Zeta Prime and Alpha Trion arrive on time to chase off the Quintessons, saving the remaining survivors and the almost 9 month old sparkling in time. Most of the survivors were injured by the sudden attack as the two Primes have soon learned that the sparkling is the son of deceased Codexa. Zeta Prime is in shock to learn Codexa is a carrier while Alpha Trion actually knew about it, holding the sparkling in his left arm.
After making sure the Quintessons aren't nearby and taking the remaining researchers to the Iacon's main medical center to get treated, the two Primes were trying to figure out what to do with the sparkling while being there.
Alpha Trion is still holding the small sparkling in left arm, holding him close to his chassis. “This young sparkling is very frightened by what happened to him.” Alpha Trion quietly said, softly looking down at the sparkling.
The sparkling seems to be awake, whimpering and making some chirp-like crying sounds with optics close.
“After what happened with those Quintessons and losing Codexa, it’s no wonder why he’s scared.” Zeta replied, glances at the sparking with condolence. “What are we going to do with the sparkling?”
“Without his parents, carrier or sire, to watch over him… He doesn’t have anyone to take him nor look after him. He’s an orphan now.” Alpha Trion sighed.
The sparkling soon begins to cry, trembling.
Alpha Trion gently rocks the sparkling, hoping to calm him down. “There, there little one… I know.” He softly said while looking a bit panicked.
Zeta notices it and holds his arms out to his old friend, “Here, let me calm down. I am quite good at handling sparklings.” He’d partly smiled. What he said is true because for some reason, sparklings often calms down when Zeta either holds them or near them, well sometimes.
Alpha rolls his optics at Zeta while he’d slightly shakes his helm, “Let’s not forget that one time with the pink sparkling.”
This made Zeta a bit embarrassed as he remembers when greeting one the mechs who had a pink sparkling and Zeta decided to look, the sparkling got scared. “Okay, okay. So, not ALL sparklings like me.” Zeta quietly muttered.
Alpha chuckled for a few seconds and gently gave the red and blue sparkling to Zeta. Zeta carefully held the sparkling with his arm since the Primes are a tad bigger than most Cybertronians. Then the sparkling slowly stops crying, opens his optics and looks up at Zeta. “...!”
Zeta softly smiles with comfort, looking down at the sparkling to show there’s nothing to be scared, “It’s okay now. You’re safe. We’ll do what we can to help you.”
The sparkling stares up at Zeta and then lightly places his tiny servo on Zeta’s star symbol on his chassis, slowly smiling up at Zeta. That’s when it happened. Zeta suddenly felt the Matrix shining bright within his chassis, feeling the warmth. Zeta wasn’t sure at first until he remembered something important two weeks before and his optics slowly widened.
Alpha notices the reaction on Zeta’s faceplate. “Zeta, what’s wrong?” He asked.
Zeta slowly looks at Alpha, quietly tells him, “I think… My Matrix… is reacting to the sparkling.”
Alpha stares at Zeta for a few nano-klicks until his optics soon widened as he quickly realized what this means. “This sparkling is… chosen by…?” He whispered as he looked at the sparkling, baffled.
Zeta nodded. “The Matrix has only reacted when the sparkling is near it… I would never have thought that…”
Alpha shushes Zeta, carefully glances around to make sure no one is listening in on them and then whispers to Zeta, “Quiet old friend… We need to discuss this with the others soon.”
Zeta nodded as the Matrix began to dim down the brightness within his chassis.
Moments later, after the remaining Primes, minus Vector since he's checking on Amalgamous, had gathered back in the meeting room…
“Wh-wh-WHAT?! This sparkling is the 14th Prime?!” Nexus shouted very loudly, pointing at the red and blue sparkling Zeta is still holding.
The sparkling begins to whimper with fright by Nexus’ sudden shouting.
Solus had smacked the back of Nexus' helm, exclaiming, “Stop that! You’re scaring him…”
Nexus groans a bit, rubbing his helm, "You didn’t have to hit that hard..."
Onyx is too busy focusing on the sparkling, gently rubbing the tiny helm with their digit. “There, there. No need to be scared, little one.” Onyx cooed at the sparkling, looking delight when the sparkling glances at them. “You are so tiny and cute~!”
"I wanna hold him next!" Prima partly whined, standing behind Zeta while looking at the sparkling.
Apparently, along with Zeta, both Prima and Onyx really love sparklings.
"Can you two be serious and stop acting like that..." Megatronus spoke, sighing at their behavior. Although, he secretly admits the sparkling is adorable yet he keeps that to himself.
“You can't blame them for behaving this way.” Alpha said to Megatronus. He's by Solus and Nexus. "It's been awhile since we'd seen a sparkling."
"Still though..." Solus begins to speak, folding her arms. "It's hard to believe this sparkling is the 14th Prime..."
Zeta then replies to her, “Well, not yet. It IS true he'll be my successor, but he is too young nor if we know he'll actually become a Prime. I'll have to teach him about being a Prime and being a leader.” He hears a tiny honking sound and looks down at the red and blue sparkling who is honking at him.
((A/N: Like a toy truck honk/beep sound.))
“It sounds like you're going to adopt him as your own.” Megatronus responded. “But what do you know about raising a sparkling? In fact, neither of us know a thing about raising one!”
“Exactly!” Nexus exclaimed. “I mean, no offense, Zeta. But I don't think we're capable of being like the Creators to this sparkling.”
“We should let someone else look after the sparkling until he's old enough to be taught and trained as a Prime.” Megatronus added.
Despite how Megatronus and Nexus are acting, they really care and worry about the sparkling. They just don't think that all of them can raise nor know anything about taking care of a sparkling.
“There’s a first time for everyone, though.” Solus pointed out, looking over at the sparkling.
Alpha then speaks to Megatronus and Nexus, “Besides, no matter how we'd tried, the young one doesn't want to be apart from Zeta. No one would take him nor could we find anyone who was part of Codexa's family. It was just her and her sparkling.”
“And the Sire is no longer with them.” Zeta added, feeling sorry for the sparkling. “In addition, Primus wants us to look after this one and raise him as our own.”
Both Megatronus and Nexus looked at each other with an unsure look.
Prima then speaks up, “Look! Yes, no one here knows how to raise a sparkling, but at least we're not by ourselves. We'll take turns watching this little guy while learning about raising a sparkling AND doing our duties as Primes.”
“I agree with Prima.” Solus said, nodding. “Besides, we could ask other creators to give us some pointers on how to make sure the sparkling will need something.”
The sparkling chirps as his tiny servos grasp Onyx's claw-like digit.
Onyx manages to contain their squealing, looking like they're smiling at the sparkling, “So adorable~! We're keeping him! Plus, I know a few things about how to care for a sparkling.”
“And I think Vector has some knowledge on raising a sparkling.” Prima added.
“And he seems to take a liking to us all.” Alpha said, glancing at Megatronus and Nexus. “Besides, I know you two have soft spots for sparklings.”
Megatronus looks away, embarrassed, “I don't know what you're talking about.”
“Uh, same.” Nexus muttered, pouting behind his face mask.
Solus and Alpha rolled their optics at them. Onyx then said, “Either way, Primus wants us to raise this little sparkling and to teach him about being a Prime. This must be fate.”
“It’s a tragic way for us to find this sparkling though.” Zeta softly sighed. “He’d lost his carrier that time... It might’ve scarred him.”
“Not everyone has a happy beginning, my old friend.” Alpha told Zeta. “Now is the time to make things better for our young friend here.” He walks over to Zeta and stops in front of him while Onyx steps aside, gazing at the sparkling with a soft and caring look. “It’ll be difficult for him, but we’ll help him get through. We’ll teach him what he’ll need to know while also making sure he’ll be happy.”
“What if he doesn’t want to be a Prime?” Nexus asked, having to think about any possibilities. “Even though Primus chose him, what if this sparkling, once he’s older, decided not to be a Prime or what if it'll be too much to him?”
“Primus works in mysterious ways.” Zeta replied, looking over at Nexus. “All we can do is trust in Primus and watch over this sparkling as our own.”
Prima then exclaims, “Ah! What should we tell Sentinel about this?!”
“I didn’t tell him about choosing a successor…” Zeta responded, glances aside. “I was going to, but I was worried that the responsibility would’ve been too much until the time is right. I’m glad I didn’t and yet...”
“Well, he could also still be chosen to be part of the Primes. Just not wielding the Matrix anymore.” Solus said, shrugging. “I’m deciding to train a few to take my place in case I’m gone.”
“That would be for the best.” Megatronus responded. “This way, the sparkling wouldn’t handle all this one his own… Although, I have no idea who would take my place.”
“Neither do I.” Nexus said. “But I guess I could train a few from the High Guards to protect the future Primes once we’ve found the successors.”
Prima nodded then said to Zeta, “In the meantime, we will help you raise this sweet little sparkling.” He lightly boops the sparkling’s nose.
((A/N: Well, ridge, I guess?))
The sparkling giggles, smiling.
“By the way, what is his designation?” Onyx asked.
“That’s a good question.” Zeta replied, not sure himself.
Alpha softly smiled. “I happen to know his designation. His carrier actually told me she was sparked at the time.” He’d told them.
With interest, Megatronus asks, “Really now? What is it?”
Before Alpha answers, Vector walks in. He sighs as he walks over to them all, "Sorry for being late. Amalgamous had been telling me about this prank they had set up for..." He halts to see the sparkling in Zeta’s arm. "...What's that sparkling doing here??"
"Late as usual, Vector..." Nexus huffed.
Before they knew it, Vector took the sparkling out from Zeta’s arm and held the sparkling up high in his servos, smiling at the sparkling, “What is our designation~? Just how old are you~?”
“??” The sparkling stares down at Vector, wondering who he is.
“Hey! Easy with the sparkling!” Megatronus shouted.
"That’s too high for him!" Onyx exclaimed with worries.
Zeta blinks at them then sighs as he slowly smiles, knowing the sparkling will be loved by all of them.
The next vorn, many civilians of Iacon were gathered around the one building of where the Primes usually makes their announcement, especially having monitors showing the broadcast in most parts of Iacon and others cities like Kaon and Vos, but we’ll get to one of the other cities later...
The mechs and femmes, all Cybertronians, were waiting for the Primes to make their announcement, wondering what is so important to hear. The remaining Primes have stepped outside and onto the huge balcony, seeing a huge crowd as they arrive by the rails. The crowd soon looks up to see the 8 remaining Primes while Zeta is holding something.
Zeta, who is standing in the middle between the other Primes, takes a few deep breaths to stay calm and begins his announcement loudly about Amalgamous Prime’s condition getting worse and how losing another Prime is indeed tragic times after losing the 4 Primes. He’d thank Alchemist Prime for creating an antidote in time to save the remaining yet they were too late to save Amalgamous Prime. However, Zeta soon added surprising news... Primus has chosen a sparkling as the new Prime and Zeta has chosen the 14th Prime as his successor of the Matrix of Leadership.
Hearing this about a new Prime truly surprised the Cybertronians. No one could predict this nor to learn that their God has chosen a new Prime after SO long. Many were uncertain or wonder if it’s such a good idea to choose any mech or femmes to be a Prime instead of creating a new Prime.
Prima soon spoke, explaining that they’ll raise and teach the sparkling as their own in order to be ready to become a Prime. The Primes will also train others in order to be prepared to face the Quintessons and possibly be picked to be the candidate Primes. The remaining Primes will still be around to teach and learn of being the potential future Primes. Prima soon looks at the sparkling in Zeta’s arm, saying this sparkling is the future 14th Prime chosen by Primus and possibly the future wielder of the Matrix.
Alpha Trion soon gently and carefully takes the sparkling from Zeta, holding the sparkling in his servos to support the helm then slowly lifts him up high, yelling out loud, "Arise... ORION PAX, the future 14th Prime!!"
"ORION PAX!!" The remaining Primes yelled out with pride and hope as the lights from the Energon shines bright onto Orion Pax.
The sparkling, Orion Pax, has his optics open with curious and trying see what’s happening.
This was a sign that their God, their creator, wants everyone to see the sparkling who will be the 14th Prime and the future leader of Iacon. The crowd soon started to chant and cheer the sparkling's name/designation out loud. Most were willing to accept Orion Pax as the next Prime as some were still uncertain yet willing to see if the sparkling is the right choice.
From inside the same building, a familiar blue and gold mech looked very angry as he stared at the monitor of the Primes showing Orion Pax as the future 14th Prime... not himself. Sentinel quietly huffs with anger as he stomps away from the monitor, not wanting to see his chance of becoming Prime has been taken.
"...This isn't over... I’ll get that Matrix..." Sentinel quietly murmured to himself, walking down the halls. "...Even if it means getting my servos dirty..."
Orion Pax doesn’t know it, but his new life will soon begin as he’ll face harsh challenges, facing foes and dealing with tragic times while hopefully gaining allies along the way. For now, he will be raised by Zeta Prime to be the next Prime. Unknown to them, in another city... someone, or some bot else will also be tangled with Orion’s fate. He is now a young sparkling as well, but he’ll soon encounter Orion as his future Lord Protector. But we’ll get to him next time.